Haul / Beauty Swap

Few weeks before Christmas, my sister came over to the UK, so we arranged for a beauty swap; they are basically items that we were not using anymore/didn't suit us so we donated them to the other one.

I think I got some pretty good items here:

Helena Rubinstein Color Clone Subli-Mat Foundation in 22 Rose' Apricot - I've been wanting to try this foundation for a while and it didn't disappoint! It feels like silk on the skin and it transforms into powder, once blended; I think this is perfect for warmer countries (I will definitely invest in a bottle to use when I'm in Italy), because it does stay matte and perfect for many hours and it has an SPF12, too. It's such a shame that Helena Rubinstein is discontinued in UK, I think it's amazing quality make up and often snubbed when people do holiday hauls; I heartily recommend to check this brand, next time you're in Sephora - the mascaras and velvet lipsticks are my favourites.

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill in 10 Airy Jade - She has 3/4 of these and she let me choose one; I picked this frosty silver with blue undertones because I don't have anything similar in my collection; the consistency is dreamy and I've been looking forward to try one of these for a while. It's also beautiful just in the inner corner, paired with a deeper blue.

Shiseido Hydro Powder Eye Shadow in H13 Clover Dew - The prettiest mint colour for eyes. I think it can look really nice as a simple wash of colour in Spring, without looking outdated. The formula feels very creamy to the touch but transforms into powder, on application; I'm impressed! I was definitely expecting more creasing but they are actually true to their claim.

L'Oreal Color Infallible in 026 Golden Mahogany -  I was so excited about this colour! I'm not sure if this was ever released in UK, but I've been looking for this shade since I saw it on a Canadian youtube channel, over a year ago; then, my sister spotted it at a jumbo sale and got it for me! :)

Kiko Fierce Spirit Sun Bronzing Blush in 103 Mariachi Pink - This blusher is perfection! You get a blush, highlighter and bronzer in one and the 3 colours combined are the most stunning and flattering shade. I'd actually been 'borrowing' it during the summer, so she finally gave it to me since I love it so much… awww… :) 

If you get the chance to try any Pupa Make Up, definitely invest in these Multiplay Triple-Purpose Eye Pencil. They come in every possible colour of the rainbow, they are super soft to work with and long lasting. I have no. 22 (Silver) and no. 24 (Green), which I've been in love with forever; I like to use them on the lower lashline to brighten up the eyes.

Kiko Eye Pencil in 102 is another pretty lilac shade - not as soft as the Pupa pencils but still a decent eye product, especially for the price. 

Finally, you may have already spotted the Essence Happy Holidays Nail Sweets in action, here & here. I had fun using them and they are quick to apply too; they come with glue - similar to false lashes - and I have to say that they lasted longer than expected on the nails. 

Any particular product that caught your eye? :)