January Favourites

I recently decided, in a bid to save money, that I would start investing in my makeup; so less charging around Boots splurging £30 on makeup every other week, and more buying the occasional high-end product. I figured this would help me save some money, but if I’m honest, I’m spending exactly the same amount (maybe more) with less products to show for it! Still, I can’t deny I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my makeup; there are obviously many exceptions, but 9 times out of 10, price reflects quality.

I’ve picked up (read: spent too much money on) lots of amazing new pieces in January, many of which quickly became staples in my makeup bag. Somehow, it’s already the time of the month when I share my favourites with you!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown

I bought these first two products as a reward for getting a first in my first module at uni! Considering I genuinely thought I’d messed up it completely, I felt this deserved a particularly big reward.

First, I got the Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade. I’ve really been wanting to up my eyebrow game, and they have never looked better than when I use this! I apply it with my new Zoeva 322 Brow Line brush, and my brows look so crisp and sharp; I don’t know how I lived without it. I only have one negative. I was nervous about buying a shade that was too warm/too light as I like my eyebrows strong and cool toned. Even after analysing hundreds of pictures on the Anastasia Beverly Hills Instagram page checking the shades, I bought Dark Brown, which is just slightly too dark. It doesn’t look awful, its just not quite right. I spent £15 on it though, so it’ll have to do until I can justify buying a new one! I still love it, and I’d like to try their Brow Wiz and Brow Definer too!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette

One of my best friends bought me the original Naked palette for my 18th birthday, and it’s my absolute favourite eyeshadow palette. Well, it was. The shadows are such gorgeous colours and amazing quality, so I’ve had my heart set on picking up another Naked palette for a while. I decided on Naked 2, as I preferred the taupe and bronze shades to the rose-gold tones of Naked 3. I’m so happy with it, the shades are perfect for me and I’ve been trying out new combinations everyday since I got it!

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Medium

I’ve been wanting to buy this powder for a while, but the customer service in MAC is so crap that it took until my third visit to a shop for someone to give me some help me choosing my shade! I normally would’ve given up, but I had my heart set on this powder and I’m sick of using ones that are the wrong colour. I’ve got my foundation shade down to a T, but I always screw it up with too dark powder. Anyway, Medium is the perfect shade for me, and I’ve not looked back since buying this powder. It’s light, so it sets and keeps my foundation in place all day without looking cakey and overly-made-up. I’ll definitely be repurchasing this as soon as I run out!

Soap & Glory Supercat Liquid Eyeliner Pen

Despite using it for years, I’ve fallen out of love with my Rimmel Exaggerate liquid eyeliner. It keeps drying up on me, and it’s hard to get the perfect wing with the applicator. A quick google threw up this Glamour article, which recommend 21 highstreet and high end liquid eyeliners. I decided on Soap & Glory’s Supercat Liquid Eyeliner Pen, as I know a couple of my friends use it and it was only £6.

I’m not joking, this pen has revolutionised my eyeliner. With just a simple change of eyeliner, my wings look a million times better, and it lasts forever. It survived a night out, and was still reasonably in tact when I came to take my makeup off at 4pm the next day! We had a good run, Rimmel, but you’ve been replaced.

Real Techniques Bold Metals 101 Powder Brush

After a couple of months of saving, I literally had about £50 of Boots points. Although I currently use a Real Technqiues Powder Brush, which has served me well for years, I’ve been on the look out for a new one. I love the two brushes I already have from their Bold Metals collection, and I was debating getting this gorgeous gold one until I suddenly realised I could get it for free!

It’s a fab brush. I’ve only had it a couple of days but I couldn’t not feature it in my January favourites. It’s a little lighter than their original powder brush, which I prefer. It’s also brilliant for applying some light sweeps of bronzer. Thanks, Boots, you’re the best!

Zoeva 104 Buffer Brush

I bought this brush along with my Zoeva Complete Eye Set, and I’ve used it everyday since. Sometimes I use it to apply my foundation, but I usually use it to buff my concealer and foundation in after I’ve applied them. It’s so good, my skin looks flawless and my blemishes are just blended away. I’ll definitely be investing in some more Zoeva brushes soon!

What are some products you’ve been loving this January?

Panda Eyes xx

*This is the first post featuring photos I’ve taken in my uni halls – which is a lot harder than I thought it would be! My photos aren’t quite up to scratch yet, but I’m working on it. Bear with me on this one.