Haul | Illamasqua, Nars and Drustore Makeup

I was clearly feeling a little spendy these past few weeks. Recently I thought you know what... 'You only live once, buy the makeup!' which is kinda true so it's ok I spent ridiculous amounts in such a short space of time. (I'll keep telling myself that)

Lets kick things off with my favorite out of them all... one word, Nars.




Nars Dual-Intensity Shadow in Himalia 
Holy Macaroni, can we all just please take a moment to appreciate this mesmerizing creation by Nars...... First of all the packaging?! My mind is blown by this shadow which is why I paid £21 for it, yup I can't believe it either, it may sound crazy but it's worth every single penny. You can use these Dual Intensity shadows wet or dry, using it wet will make the shadows intensity sky high and using the shadow dry will give you a fantastic wash of colour on the lids.The texture is buttery soft and they blend seamlessly. There are 12 different shades which are all to die for. Himalia just called my name and I had to grab it. Just. no. words.

£21 each at any Nars counter or online here

Left | Dry            Right | Wet

Illamasqua Matte Veil
Illamasqua is known for many products and one of them is the Hydra Veil primer which I have never tried but it's a Kit Essential to everyone! Since I have oily skin I didn't think a primer with Hydra (Hydration) in the name would be for me. When they came out with a new primer, the same but called Matte Veil I had to get it! I have no idea quite why it took me so long. With this primer you can create a long-lasting, shine-free base with the intensely mattifying formula. Matte Veil primes the skin whilst producing a matte finish. I have used it a few times and I am really loving it, it honestly does make your skin matte and my skin can get quite oily, I didn't have to touch up once throughout the day which is amazing. Definitely give this a try if you have oily skin and need help on how to keep your skin matte for a long day.

£30 at any Illamasqua counter or online here

Illamasqua Translucent Loose Powder

Also from Illamasqua I purchased the Translucent loose powder I've heard a lot about this powder so I thought i'd give it a whirl. This powder is finely milled, soft and light which means it locks in your make-up flawlessly, holding it in place. With it being finely milled it's not heavy on the skin so it doesn't create a cakey look. I've been using it for the past week and I am loving it, this paired with Matte Veil is as matte as you can get your skin, both products work wonders.

 £24 at any Illamasqua counter or online here

Rimmel Apocalips Matte Lip Lacquer 

I'm really loving all things matte recently, I didn't quite realise until now how much I was. The new release by Rimmel caught my eye, a follow up on the original Apocalips but in a matte formula. I loved the originals but these new formulas are to die for. I swatched each one in store and ended up getting the red shade called Burning Lava, It was just the perfect red shade so I had to. When you apply them on your lips they are so extremely pigmented you only need one coat and it is so intense, although its a matte lacquer it isn't drying, it feels really creamy which is amazing. Fantastic release from Rimmel, in love! The swatch you see below is one swipe of colour, amazing.

£6.49 at any store that stocks Rimmel or online here

Rimmel Brow This Way Styling Gel

I've never used a product for the eyebrows like this, I just use a shadow and i'm good to go. But this new release from Rimmel got me thinking. It's a supposed dupe for Benefit Gimme Brow which is £17.50, quite pricey in my eyes. With this Rimmel gel being only £4 I thought I'd get one and see how it goes. It's a smudge-proof, fade-proof brow gel which you brush on with the attached mascara like wand to give your brows life. I mean I like this product, it's nice. I can't compare to the Benefit one since I haven't used it. I still prefer my normal way of doing brows but if you like Benefit gimme brow and trying to find a cheaper alternative, give this a try and see if it's as good for a fraction of the price (let me know too).

£4 at any store that stocks Rimmel or online here

Have you tried any of these products, 

What do you think of them?