Why is it always the week you vow to yourself that you're on a makeup spending ban for the entire month that your local drugstore goes "SOZ GURL HERE'S A 40% OFF SALE".

Yes.

That happened.

And yes...I couldn't hold myself back.

So here is a haul so I can pass it off as "buying products for blog content" rather than the fact that I have zero self control when it comes to sales.

1. Rimmel - Lasting Finish foundation in the shade "Ivory"
I didn't exactly need a new foundation but I wanted to try this one due to the positive reviews. I don't exactly own any foundations that claim to last for 25 hours so I kinda wanted to test out the longevity compared to my old favourites like Nars sheer glow and Mac mineralize.

2. Maybelline - Lash Sensational Mascara
Took this as a good opportunity to re-purchase my favourite mascara. It has featured in various posts like my 2015 favourites and favourite mascaras.

3. Australis - Velourlips Matte Lip Cream in "Hon-o-loo-loo"
I reviewed the shade Pa-ree a few months ago (here), and because I liked it so much I thought I may try out a new shade. Unfortunately, for some reason, this particular shade goes crackly on my lips. Will try exfoliating them to the max but so far I aint loving it.

4. Maybelline - Color Tattoo in "Chocolate Suede" 
Okay, BUT SINCE WHEN DID PRICELINE STOCK CHOCOLATE SUEDE?! After seeing this on one of KathleenLights videos I have been lusting over it ever since. It's a beautiful shimmery chocolate colour which is verrrry similar to Urban Decays "Busted".

5&6. Essence lipliners in 'Satin mauve' and 'Wish me a rose'
Essence lipliners are the equivalent of a small chocolate bar. Ridiculously cheap. They came to be $1.20 so I picked up the two shades left. If you haven't given them a go - just try them. They're great bang for buck.

This is what happens when you leave makeup in your dogs reach hahaha. Luckily I was able to pry the lipliner out of his mouth!

Now I don't know about you but on days when I need (..well, want) extra volume to my lashes I usually will opt to use two mascaras. I haven't actually seen many other bloggers write about this so I am thinking it may be this untold rule that you must never use two mascaras. Will I be banned from the blogging world after writing this? I'll take the risk.

My current mascara routine is basically just coating my lashes in layers of the Maybelline Falsies. This is probably my favourite mascara ever because it curls, separates and lengthens my lashes without doing the dreaded spider legs affect. Sometimes though..I just want more volume. This is when I will opt to use another mascara which will add more volume to my lashes.

They're Real! by Benefit



This mascara has quite a buzz about it. To be completely honest: i'm not a fan of this mascara on its own. I need a mascara that curls and lengthens and I found that this just didn't do it. I put away this mascara for ages until one day I decided I could try it to add more volume to my pre-existing mascara. And voom! It added loads of volume while not looking clumpy. It is a little on the pricier side ($38) so there are definitely cheaper plumping mascaras out there. But hey, if you have the cash to spend then i'd definitely recommend trying this out!

Hypnose Drama by Lancome



The first time I used this mascara was in grade 10 and it was a little tester my mum got with her other Lancome products. I loved it, used it all up and forgot about it. It wasn't until I saw it in a gift pack (this time FULL SIZED) that I decided I wanted it. This really should be a product with more buzz because it is just so great. Definitely adds a whole lot of volume to ze lashes.

The Colossal: Go extreme! by Maybelline



Out of all the mascaras that are best for volumising the lashes: this is the winner! Just look at those bristles. I find I don't like this mascara on its own because it isn't an easy shape to get into all the lashes and doesn't exactly curl..but for volume..it is amazing. I got this mascara "just to try" a couple of weeks ago but I will buy this once it's dried up because it gives great volume.


Anyway those are my best mascaras that just add thickness to those lashes. (Side note - totally don't want to count all the times I said "lashes" in this post as I know I have used it A LOT. But what other word am I meant to use? Eyeball hairs? That just sounds gross.)

Would love to know if anyone else uses any of these. Also if you use more than one mascara on a regular basis? And what are your "go to" mascaras for volume?

Holly x