Currently Lusting Over #1

Hey guys! So as you've probably seen, I've been away from blogging for over a week now - I know, I'm terrible - but I've been chasing deadlines and everything just got a bit too hectic. However..I'm back now! So more posts to ensue..Check this space!

Following my themed-blog post ideas, I thought I'd also start a 'What I'm Currently Lusting Over' weekly blog post. This includes beauty, skincare, and haircare products, as well as any other trends or blogs/websites I'm generally just loving! Let me know what you think so far!

I'm dying to try these Barry M gelly polishes (RRP £3.99). I've seen them on so many blogs, yet for some reason, I still haven't purchased them! My favourite colours would have to be Green Berry, Blood Orange, Lychee, and Blueberry. Gel nail polishes are supposed to last really well, and the finishes are meant to provide loads of shine - As if there's a topcoat already built in. Dr. Jart's Water Fuse Beauty Balm (£18.00) is another product I've seen mentioned literally everywhere. It's meant to glide onto the skin really well, providing loads of moisture whilst controlling excess sebum production in your skin to make it less oily. Apparently it's also sweat-resistant, which is always a plus since the warmer weather is (soon!) approaching. All I've heard are great reviews on this product, so once I get the £££'s required, I'm definitely splurging! Darphin is another brand that seems to not be on the top lists of beauty bloggers, but still doesn't get any negative reviews (As so I've seen thus far!). I've been looking into alternative ways of cleansing my face, and cleansing balms seem to be quite popular. Their Rosewood Cleansing Balm (RRP £30.00) looks utterly divine, so if I'm able to somehow get ahold of it, expect a review! I've never tried any products by Liz Earle before, but I do know that their skincare items do get a lot of great praise. I'd really like to try their Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (RRP £14.75). I'm also very, very anxious to try Boots' No.7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush (RRP £24.95), since it's supposedly a very decent Clarisonic dupe. I most definitely cannot afford a Clarasonic brush, as much as I'd like one..and although Boots' dupe isn't necessarily waterproof or as 'precise' - Clarisonic's version times each section of your face that you cleanse, in order to achieve maximum deep cleansing; Boots' brand doesn't - it definitely stands up to its pricey predecessor. I'm all about indulgence, and candles + bubble baths are the perfect end to any stressful day. Again, this may not be a product that I try immediately, but Diptyque's candles look and smell lovely, as well as get a lot of praise (especially in the bloggersphere!) Baies (RRP £20.00/40.00) and Figuier (RRP £20.00/40.00) seem to be the winners so far..What are your favourites?

I've also been on the lookout for another great hair product that will give great volume for thick hair..Any suggestions?

Any beauty/skincare/haircare brands that I should be in the know about/check out? Have you tried any of these products before?

Boots Haul

So yesterday I went on a mini Boots haul, picking up some much-needed items as well as a few goodies! I was lucky enough that when I walked in, Biotherm had been doing some sort of promotion, so I was handed a bunch of free samples! Also, have as anyone else noticed that Boots have started their own magazine? It's free for those who have a membership card, otherwise it's still just £1! I had a read of it, and I have to say that for a drugstore magazine, it's quite good, with some very good tips and tutorials (Also a free sample of Rimmel's BB Cream)! I love anything free, especially if it's beauty-related, so this was great.

Boots Botanicals All Bright Hydrating Day Cream, 50ml. £3.49

I'm a huge fan of Boots' Botanics skincare range. Their products have always worked well on my skin without any irritation or complaints. This is from their 'All Bright' collection, which is made with Hibiscus flower to aid in brightening and evening out the skin. This particular day cream moisturizer is for normal to dry skin. It has a fresh, nicely floral scent to it and the finish is very creamy and smooth - I find it perfect for the wintertime, since my normal-combination skin tends to get a bit drier than usual during this season. 

Maybelline Master Shape Brow Pencil in Soft Brown, £2.99

I was in need of a new eyebrow pencil, so as I was scouring different products, I came across this. The Master Shape Brow Pencil from Maybelline is a new product in their range, currently selling as buy one get one half price, so I thought that I couldn't go wrong. It comes in two shades, a light shade, for blondes, and a darker shade for brunettes. I was a bit skeptical when I tried this product, as it's very much like an actual crayon - Waxy in texture - But paired up with some of my trusty HD Brows eyebrow powder, I think it works well enough for me. I also love that it has a spool-y wand at the other end - I wish more high-street branded eyebrow pencils had these attached to them! They're perfect for combing the colour into your brows, so that the finished product looks more natural, rather than just caked on.

Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Face Mask, £1

Montagne Jeunesse Virgin Olive Oil Face Mask, £1

I love, love love love, these masks. I think they're one of the best, most affordable things you could buy in a drugstore for your skin and to help you relax. They come in a variety of types/fragrances/finishes for different skin types/issues, and they're only £1! I buy at least one of these almost every (if not every other) weekend to help pamper myself and feel relaxed. I'm a face mask junkie, and own loads of different ones from different brands, ranging in prices from low to high, but I've got to say that if you are unable to afford 'big name' masks, why not go for these? They do the same things, if not more. Think about it - You could buy that high-end face mask for £££'s, or you could buy 20 of these face masks, all of which are different, and you don't have to commit to just one of them. I find that I can get two uses out of each packet, which adds to my love for them. The chocolate mask is one of my favourites, since it literally smells (and feels, when you apply it!) like chocolate frosting on your face. I've never tried the olive oil one, but I'll let you know how it goes, if you're interested!

And here are my Biotherm samples! I can't wait to try all of them. I haven't heard much about the brand before, so it will be nice to be able to discover a bit more about them, as well as what they're products are like, since I know that they are a bit pricey to start out with.

What are your favourite products to buy on drugstore hauls? Let me know your thoughts!