GAGA ABOUT BEAUTY: LIPSTICKS BY KIKO

If you haven't heard me rave on about this yet (and if you have apologies in advance), but there is now a KIKO in Leeds. Wahoo! 

I absolutely love the brand and think it doesn't get nearly half the credit it deserves. My favourite must-have item by them is the Gel Effect Top Coat, I prefer it to Seche Vite and that is saying something. Although previously you could'nt get hold of this outside of London, I now have one on my very doorstep and have managed to squeeze in two trips to the store already in the last week, where I grabbed these two lipsticks. Oopsy!

First up was a berry shade from the new Ace Of Diamonds range, which I knew I had to get hold of once Anna recommended it. And it is every bit as fab as she claims. The colour is your classic autumn berry, with a satin finish. It's so creamy when applied it can be done in one swipe, but then dries down to something with real staying power. I have only had to reapply after around four hours, and then a stain was still left so the reapplication was not a must. At £8.90 it's also not bad for such good quality. I've heard a lot of people calling Kiko 'drugstore', but I find it to be as just good quality as high end. 

(exotic shine lipstick in 03, ace of diamonds lipstick in 27)

Next up I also purchased a discounted lipstick from their summer range, which I have an eyeliner from and loved. I heard a lot about the Exotic Shine Lipticks, so when I saw they were on sale I picked up a bright orange-coral-red which is a fail-safe colour for me. Although I don't usually go for non-matte finishes, this sits somewhere between balm and lipstick which really makes it work. If you were excited but then disapointed with Benefit's balm releases this is probably what you were hoping for. I think it was around £4 in the sale.

These two are absolute winners in my eyes and once again have left me wanting more from Kiko. I warn you now, the store has so many shades and formulas you might feel a little overwhelmed at first, but it's well worth swatching to your hearts content and reading a few reviews because once you buy, you will be hooked. 

I'd love some more recommendations so please comment below with anything I should pick up (or shouldn't for that matter)!

Charlotte x

beautiful london

As you'll probably know last week I took a little weekend trip to London to visit my best friend, and we had a perfect few days exploring, drinking Prosecco, eating amazing foods (see this post) and most importantly shopping!

It seems in the last six months I've been turned into the typical blogger, and ended up getting on the train with a shopping list as long as my arm of things you can only get in London, or not many places. Of course I picked up a few more accessible things on my trip too.

My first stop was Selfridges. I managed to make it from Kings Cross to Hammersmith via the Selfridges Beauty Hall in just over an hour, woman on a mission, so much that a lady actually said to me 'You seem to know what you've come for'. I did. I picked up a copy of Allure Magazine, something I've been dying to read for ageeees now. I mean, a magazine only about beauty, hello! I also picked up some Muji drawers, pictured above, which I have been playing with and rearanging ever since.

Next stop was Inglot, a store I've been dreaming about since first hearing about it. I'm a sucker for a pallette, so being able to walk around and put pretty much any combination of products together was like heaven to me. I picked up a gorgeous matte blush and three brown-grey shades of shadow, as well as fluffy applicator brush which reminded me of my beloved Mac 239. At £27.50, the pallette was much cheaper than Mac's similar offering and just as impressive quality, if not more. I can't wait to try more of their products next time I'm down there, I especially liked the look of the eye pigments. 

Then we headed to Kiko, another pro brand that is only available in London, but one I've heard really good things about. Unlike Inglot I had no idea what I wanted in here, but after a long chat with the really helpful assistant and picking up about a hundred different things, I walked away with a really glossy gel-effect top coat, which I really am loving, and a super-long eye pencil in a creamy dark brown which stays put once applied. Love it!

Another trip to Selfridges with more time to browse and I finally managed to get my hands on the Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Bag I've been lusting after for a long time. I've attempted to buy this before, but it always seem out of stock. Well now it's mine. I also like to pretend that the CT actually stands for me instead, ha!

I then headed to the less exclusive Mac, which we all know I buy from regularly, and picked up a blush in Gingerley, a beautiful matte bronzy shade that blends seamlessly with a sculpted look to add a subtle colour pop, and also the cult Soft and Gentle highlighter because I just had to try it. I also rather impulsively purchased Fix+, something I've heard mixed reviews of and just wanted to try. I wish I'd only bought the travel size now though, I'm not all that impressed, mainly because it sprays in random directions, and simply doesn't match up to Urban Decay's All Nighter which I really love. Finally, I picked up a silver palette from the Pro Store for my mum, really quite pointless as you can use the back of your hand but I know she saw them used in store and liked the idea, so I picked it up as part of a belated Mother's Day gift. It's the thought that counts eh?

My Inglot Pallete *heart eyes emoji*

And that completes my London beauty haul. I didn't do too bad I don't think, and managed to restrain myself from buying any lipsticks! Virtual pats on the back welcome. 

Have you had any hauls lately? What do you think of my purchases? Have you tried any of these products or have any recommendations for my next trip?

Love Charlotte

xxx