I've recently come back from two weeks in the US. I spent 6 days in Denver for a work conference and then 5 days in Portland. I was meant to go to Vegas but the worst snow storm in 20 years hit Portland, leaving me stranded there as the airport closed and having to fly home early via Dallas.
Travel woes aside, i love beauty shopping while in the US, they have so much more choice and brands that i turn into a child in a sweet shop. Want to see what i got?
Blushers
Becca Skin Perfector® Luminous Blush in Foxglove
Luminous Blush has a buttery texture that applies and blends seamlessly - blurring beautifully to create a 'soft focus' finish. Shimmery without a trace of glitter, this lends light to dulled skin without appearing artificial. Foxglove is a lavender-pink orchid
Clinique Cheek Pop in Black Honey
the blush is easily blendable and virtually powderless. Every skin tone can achieve a subtle, natural, rosy glow. Black honey is a medium-dark pinky plum.
This shade seems to be a US exclusive. Available at Sephora.
Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Blush in Guava
I really wanted the Nars Impudique blush and i went to several places looking for it, but everywhere was sold out and i was gutted, so i started looking for a dupe and found Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Blush. The innovative hybrid texture applies like a powder but feels like a cream, creating translucent, vibrant color for a flirty, natural-looking flush. Guava is a A Warm Pink with a Luminous finish.
Perfume
Alexander McQueen Perfume
I technically didn't buy this in the US as i don't think it is available there, i got it at Duty Free in Heathrow but i was in holiday mode by that point. McQueen fragrance, a vintage spirit with a stunningly modern architecture. A unique scent made from the precious essence of three night blooming flowers; Sambac Jasmine for its power, Tuberose for its sensuality and Ylang Ylang for its mystery. Available all over the UK.
Aerin Amber Musk Perfume
A warm, inviting scent you want to wrap yourself in - like a soft cozy blanket on a cold snowy night. Amber Musk blends sensual florals, distinctive amber and creamy musk. Ambrox makes a velvety first impression, contrasted by a succulent burst of Coconut Water and the femininity of Rose Centifolia Absolute. Like the glow of amber flames, lingering Benzoin and Musk infuse the fragrance with warmth. I got this as part of a mini's set in Nordstorm. Avaiable in the UK at Selfridges.
Aerin Waterlily Sun perfume
Delicate, yet alluring, this bright and dewy scent features intense notes of waterlily and softly exotic jasmine sambac warmed by sweetly inviting musk. The second mini in the set, also available at Selfridges.
Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury Hot lips in Electric Poppy
I was feeling a bit frivolous in Nordstorm and i had been considering this lipstick for a while, just hadn't got to London to get it. Electric Poppy is a bright, medium-dark reddish fuchsia with warmer tones and a matte finish.
Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Matte Lipstick in Candy Cane
Too Faced had a really good January discount offering 40% so i ordered and got it sent to my hotel. I saw this while i was in LA but didn't buy it and regretted it.
Create some mistletoe magic with Melted Matte in our new exclusive shade, Candy Cane. It's the perfect holiday red you'll want to wear all season long, plus it smells like peppermint mocha! Candy Cane is a deep fuchsia-red with warmer undertones and a matte finish.
Available from Too Faced which ships to the UK.
Too Faced La Creme in Jelly Bean
Indulge lips with luxurious colour and super moisturisers including white lotus flower and power peptides. Jelly Bean is a A Cool Fuchsia with a Luminous finish.
Too Faced 'Melted Metal' lipstick in Jelly
The Melted Metal formula is supposed to be "liquified metallic lipstick in a tube" that' comfortably coats lips in bursts of rich, glazed, metallic colour that melts on. Jelly is a deepened, purple-berry with fuchsia and violet shimmer and micro-shimmer.
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Catfight
Revolution Lipstick, a classic, creamy formula you'll love wearing-with the signature Urban Decay pigment-rich color you rave. This is rich, buttery lipstick at its best-intense pigment plus creamy shine. Catfight is a warmfuchsia with a luminous finish that is now discontinued. I got it at Nordstorm rack for $10.
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation
This was voted as one of the best foundations of the year by Tempalia so i wanted to see what the fuss about. I tried it in Sephora and it gave good coverage while feeling lovely on my skin. I went back a few days later to buy it. I got shade fair light neutral.
What it is formulated to do: Deliver the ultimate in hydration-boosting coverage with tarte's 12-hour water foundation. The concentrated, full-coverage fluid formula features 20 percent water to quench dry skin as it covers and masks any redness, dark spots, and uneven skintone while softening the look of pores and fine lines
Available at QVC (but in a very limited amount of shades).
Skin Care
Sephora Collection Cleansing & Exfoliating Wipes
These came really highly recommended so i thought i would give them a try and they are fantastic. I have the Purifying & Detoxifying which Purify and detoxify with charcoal, which draws out impurities and pollutants like a magnet.
The exfoliating side is pretty industrial but it really does clean your skin,. I will be stocking up on these next time i hit Sophora.
Sephora Collection Sleeping Mask
I always grab a few of these when i go to Sephora as they are a lovely little treat for my skin. This time i got the Avocado Mask which offers intense nutrition to the skin while relieving sensitive zones. I find i can get two uses out of one pot.