Collective Haul // April 2014

It's haul time again! Whenever I go on school holidays I tend to execute some major spending sprees, then vow to go on a ban 'til the next holidays (which succeeds mainly because I don't have the opportunity to go shopping). Regardless, here is what I've bought mainly in April, though also between now and my last haul in January. 

Nail stuff first as usual! 

Maybelline Color Show Brocades in Knitted Gold

The Brocades collection released fairly recently and I'd seen some swatches online of them and they looked so pretty but I was really only keen on this shade. I'm so glad I snagged it when I did (in Woolies of all places and it was the last one) because whenever I check out the Maybelline stand, this shade is sold out. My previous post was a NOTD featuring it so check it out if you'd like to see some swatches!

Illamasqua Speckle

Man oh man, as usual I had my eyeball out for those bargains. Illamasqua is one of the few high end brands that I actually notice clearancing their stock (I guess others send them to outlet/corporate stores and the like), so I made sure to check out their counter. Sure enough, they had all their speckle nail polishes for $5! FIVE DOLLARS! I was so excited, but managed to limit myself to just one. I wore it over the Easter break as I thought it was perfect for the occasion!

Sportsgirl Pink Icing

I can't seem to go a haul without a Sportsgirl nail polish can I? This is one I had my eye on for a while, but as usual I waited until it was on clearance. They had their 30% off further reduced so it came down to $3-ish. I'll have a NOTD up, but it's a good 'un. They have a white version out right now.

 Essence Blush Up! in 10 Heat Wave

Do you see this?! IT'S AN OMBRE BLUSH. FROM ESSENCE. AMAZE. Literally when I saw it, I couldn't make faster grabby hands. Ombre blushes are seriously fascinating, and this is reminiscent of that one from MAC and that one from Estee Lauder (you know the ones I'm talking about...maybe). Nonetheless the shade is totally up my street, and y'all know I love Essence blushes. It was on the more expensive side of Essence ($6.95) but still super affordable!

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Libido

Yup - that crazy bright red blush right there? I bought it *sheepish face*. This, like the nail polish, was on clearance - for half price ($14). Initially I scoffed at it like, "pfft I would never wear that!" and went home to promptly read some reviews of it because I couldn't get my mind off of it. Every single review was glowing. GLOWING I tell you. So I went back the next week and bought it! I'm guessing they are discontinuing this particular shade because it's probably not selling very well? I'll have a review up of it soon but trust me, it's not as scary as it looks (and might I add, a lot more orange).

Bourjois Color Boost Glossy Lipstick in Peach on the Beach

FINALLY! Gawd it feels like an eternity that I have been wanting this product! Every time I went into Priceline, this shade was sold out - even the tester had been used to it's last! I must be the last person ever to finally get this. I was so over it that I paid the rather high price of $15. I'm just glad to have it and gosh darn hope that it lives up to my expectations!

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms in Audacious and Complex

I've already reviewed these here - and I like 'em. I bought the pair for buy one get one free from Priceline.

Sportsgirl Pucker Up lip crayon in Fruit Tingle

This pencil was on sale for quite cheap (around $3) so I picked it up because I love the colour! However, it appears slightly sallow on me, and makes my teeth look a lil' yellow. I probably could have gone without it (who am I kidding? I could have done without all of this), but I'm sure I'll get some use out of it!

L'oreal Colour Riche Moisture Matte lipstick in Cherry Crush

I've also already done a review on this here, in short - it's amazing. Can you tell I was having a bit of a matte lip moment?

Benefit They're Real! Mascara

I got this mini in their mascara swap where you trade in an old mascara of any size or brand to get a free mini. It's still going on until May! I'm super excited to try out this crazy popular formula but won't open it until I finish my current mascara.

Skincare bits!

Puretopia Refresh & Balance Facial Mist & Toner

I picked this up on account of Sarah's good words about it, and my need for a new morning time toner. It was also on sale at Priceline for around $10 which pushed me over the edge to purchase it!

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion

I was in pretty desperate need of a new spot treatment as I'm coming near the end of my Lush Grease Lightning which I really wasn't a fan of anyway. I was completely stumped as to what to buy, and ended up going with this one as it's basically the be all end all of spot treatments, and one of the only to solely target cystic acne - which the majority of my pimples are. I decided not to faff with the cheaper ones and just go for the top! I've already tried a sample and I was quite satisfied with the results!

Lush Ultrabland facial cleanser

I decided to pick this guy up as I'm actually speeding through my current cleanser and I wanted to get a new cleanser before the end of the holidays. I've heard some pretty great things about this one, and the Lush girl talked it up HEAPS. I also really wanted to try a Balm Cleanser, if this can be classified as one. It was quite expensive at $17.95 for the 45g tub, so hopefully I don't use it up too quickly.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I stumbled across this lil' tub at David Jones on clearance for $11! I was mad excited as recently I've been hearing raves about the brand, and though I hadn't heard a ton about this particular product (just that Meghan really likes them), it sounded like I would really like them. I'll have a full review up on it but they are basically toning pads that help exfoliate and brighten the skin! Just what I need amirite?

L'oreal Elvive Total Repair 5 hair mask

I was in need of a new hair mask as I've basically finished my current one. I'm not too fussy when it comes to hair masks and basically take whatever I can get. I have heard really good things about the L'oreal ones so I bought this one despite not reading any reviews or it not being on sale. Hopefully it works out!

Smart Skin Moisturising Facial Cleansing Wipes

Needed new face wipes and I decided to switch to these as I was starting to find the Beauty Care Co ones to be a tad dry. I'm quite liking these - they're very moist and remove most of my makeup. They're the same price ($2) and can be bought at Woolworths.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Miracle Complexion Sponge and Travel Essentials set (not pictured)

I made an iHerb order with my sister and bought a few Real Techniques goodies I've been wanting for a while. I've already reviewed the travel trio, and other reviews are in the works. I haven't included the sponge or the other brushes because they're quite dirty at the moment!

Beauty Care Co Makeup Remover Pads

I purchased these guys because they're still the cheapest I've found! $2 for 200.

I now have a few jewellery picks that I bought, and thought hey why not feature them?

Lovisa two gold necklaces and gold rings

Lovisa was having 3 for 2 and I wanted to pick up some things - I was mainly inspired by a few pieces some of my fave UK youtubers have been wearing. I thought these pieces were pretty nice, and I've actually gotten a ton of wear out of them these past holidays!

Sportsgirl Star sign necklace

This guy was on sale for only $2 and it was the last Taurus one left! I really like how dainty it is and just thought it was a cute necklace.

Phew! That was a long post - as basically all of my haul posts are! I hope you enjoyed reading about what I've been blowing my money on!