The Weekly Selection

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation  //  Hourglass Rouge Opaque Liquid Lipstick  //  Benefit They're Real Mascara //  By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder

Some weeks, I struggle to find a brand new selection of products that have made their way into my daily routine, as often I find that I am using the same things, bar one or two. But others, I have an absolute plethora of goodies I can't wait to share, and it depends largely on how much I've been beauty shopping of late, or in this case, whether I've recently had a birthday! This year, I was lucky enough to receive lots of beauty-related gifts in honour of the big day - a huge bundle of Benefit treats from the hubby, some long-coveted Space NK products from my mum, and a cheeky couple of items I treated myself to with some money I was kindly gifted by my grandfather.

This is one of those weeks where I feel genuinely excited about all of the products I've selected for this post, and I'm sure it's not difficult to see why.

I recently found myself in need of a new foundation, and during my birthday shopping trip I happened upon a Laura Mercier counter. The Silk Creme foundation (£34) has been on my to-try list since the year dot, but with there being a severe lack of counters in my city I've always had to keep it on the backburner until the opportunity arose. Yes, I know I could have bought it online, but when it comes to foundations I'm simply not willing to take the risk and play a guessing game with the shades. So, this time, I made a beeline for the lovely lady on the counter and she was happy to match me up. I went for the shade Beige Ivory, which turned out to be absolutely perfect ( none of the usual scenario where it looks great in store, but horrifically orange / Casper white once you get out into natural light). This foundation leaves me looking flawless and glowing with health, and is everything I had hoped it would be. Well worth the wait, I'd say, and I'm really pleased with my purchase.

The Benefit They're Real mascara (£19.50) is another product I had long put off trying, albeit for different reasons. I simply couldn't bring myself to fork out so much money for a mascara, especially when I was perfectly happy with my L'oreal Volume Million Lashes at half the price.  But when I cracked open a vintage tin packed with Benefit goodies on my birthday, I was more than happy to find this inside. Nevertheless, I wasn't convinced it would live up to the hype, and I must admit, I was wrong. This lengthens, separates and volumises all in one go, and never before have I tried a mascara that so fantastically defines my lower lashes. Suffice to say, I'm an absolute convert, and I'm dreading the day I reach the end of my tube as I know I'll be opening my purse.

Next are two products I had been dying to get my hands on for an absolute age, but every time I ventured onto the Space NK website I'd leave feeling sorry for myself, unable to bring myself to part with so many pennies for what is essentially a facial powder and a liquid lipstick. Luckily, birthdays are the perfect opportunity to be treated, and when someone else is kind enough to do so then it's only the excitement left to deal with.

The By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder (£42) has been the ultimate dream, but at over £40 for the pot, it's not a decision to be taken lightly when there are so many other powders on the market. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one earned me all the compliments I had imagined it might - not because I am fabulous, but because the product itself makes my skin look glowing and flawless. I dust this on over the top of my makeup for nights out, and it really finishes the look, leaving me feeling polished and ready to go.

Last up, it's the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick (£23), in the vibrant shade Riviera. A bright and punchy, very orange toned red, you apply with the doe foot applicator and leave to dry for a few seconds. This one stays put really well compared to some liquid lipsticks I've tried - Rimmel Apocalips, anyone?( I have, however, recently come across one with even more impressive staying power, which I'll be blogging about soon.) Riviera is an absolutely stunning shade and is perfect for summer. It doesn't leave my lips feeling dry or hydrated, and adds a gorgeous statement to the most pared down of makeup looks.

So all in all, a fabulous week of products. I absolutely adore all four of these, and they are bound to remain staples for a long time. 

Which products have you been loving this week? Have you splashed out on any real treats, and if so, did they live up to the hype?

xx