My First Pay Day Haul

I'm really sorry because I feel like I've been going on about this for ages, but in case you missed it, I recently started my first 'proper' job since graduating university last summer.

Collective Boots Beauty Haul

Another haul post. I know, I know, but with all the sales and promotions it was just too hard to resist! My only excuse is that it didn't all happen at once, some were gifts and my makeup bag was in need of a refresh.

Boots Haircare Haul

January isn't typically known as a good month for shopping, and after such a lovely Christmas with so many beautiful gifts I haven't felt the need to either. However if there's one thing that needs constant care and maintenance it's my hair...

A little TK Maxx Haul - Real Techniques, Orly, Models Own

Continuing with yesterday's bargain-hunter theme, I thought I'd share my recent beauty finds from TK Maxx.

Beauty Haul in Barcelona - Kiko and Sephora

This summer, after graduating from university, my friends and I decided we deserved a holiday. It was a last minute affair, I'm not quite sure how we decided on Barcelona but I'm very glad we did! Not only was it a fantastic chance to go sightseeing, drink some sangria, chill out on the beach, drink some sangria, and eat ALL the tapas (washed down with sangria!) but it was also a great place to shop, and I did my best to squeeze a bit of that in too. The background to these photographs is a sundress I bought in the Pull&Bear sale for less than 8€ - bargain!

First off, we arrived at Las Ramblas and were sitting down for breakfast al fresco, when I spotted a black and white sign more exciting than any big yellow M! So whilst my friends were enjoying their coffees I snuck off to Sephora and gazed round at all the glittering stands before I set my sights on the Formula X display. There were a lot of beautiful and unusual polishes, unfortunately the price was not so pleasant (14.90€) so I restricted myself to just the one. I eventually decided on this gorgeous red shimmering number called Solar Flare.

Sephora Formula X Nail Colour in Solar Flare*

Of course I couldn't go to Barcelona and not stumble upon a Kiko shop. I know there are a few of these shops dotted around England now but I'm yet to see one near me, so this was my first visit. At the front of the shop was a display featuring their summer collection, Life in Rio. I picked up the Sun Lovers Blush compact in 03 Brazilian Pink, described by Kiko as a "multicolour blush with an adaptable finish". One side is a soft, cool-toned pink (my go-to shade) whilst the other is a marbled peach and yellow combo. The packaging is also really pretty, the compact feels nice and chunky and features a decent mirror.

Kiko Limited Edition Sun Lovers Blush in Brazilian Pink

Kiko Limited Edition Sun Lovers Blush in Brazilian Pink

Next I found myself browsing the lipstick stand. Apparently I'm on a mission to start a nude lipstick collection, having previously stuck to bright pinks. I opted for one of their Luscious Cream lipsticks in the shade 500 Shell Rose. Yes the formula felt lovely and creamy, yes the colour is a flattering peachy nude, but can we just talk about the packaging? Look at that holographic tube! I'm no lipstick expert, but this is definitely the most exciting stick of lippie I've ever seen, even the bullet is engraved with the Kiko logo. I know you shouldn't judge a product by its packaging but I love it so much, and can't believe it was so inexpensive.

Kiko Luscious Cream Lipstick in 500 - Shell Rose

Kiko Luscious Cream Lipstick in 500 - Shell Rose

Kiko Luscious Cream Lipstick in 500 - Shell Rose

Finally, the nail polish. I'd heard a lot of good things about Kiko nail polish and had been given a couple as gifts but I was very excited to see their vast range of colours for myself. I love the idea of giving customers sticky tape to test the polishes (I didn't want to ruin my holiday manicure!) and it helped me narrow down my selection to these three pretty creme colours; 279 - Yellow, 385 - Pastel Blue and 338 - Light Lavender.

Kiko Nail Laquer (L-R): 279 Yellow, 385 Pastel Blue, 338 Light Lavender

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*Last time I checked, Sephora will not ship nail polishes to the UK, so I'm afraid the only way to get hold of these is to travel :(

• Sephora Fomula X Nail Colour - $12.50
• Kiko Sun Lovers Blush - £14.90 £10.40
• Kiko Luscious Cream Lipstick - £6.90
• Kiko Nail Laquers - £3.90 each