Haul: London 2012

I mentioned buying a Dior Addict Lipstick at Westfield London, 578 Diorkiss, but I actually got two more on the way home. We had to travel by ferries from England to Norway, and naturally I found my way into the tax-free. The selection was pretty boring, but I found two reds I really liked. 745 New Look, a gorgeous fire engine red - and 864 Couture, which I'd describe as a deep coral red. Both these lipsticks look a little different on me than on Karla Sugar's swatches, but you get the idea! I realize that these three lipsticks look pretty much identical in the photo, but when swatched the difference is evident.

745 New Look · 864 Couture · 578 Diorkiss

As always I wasn't planning on spending any money in the tax-free, but the persuasive woman managed to talk me into trying a blush from Clarins: Blush Prodige in 05 Rose Wood. I'm not a big fan of Clarins, a brand I associate with old ladies, so I normally walk straight past their aisle. I did however LOVE the gorgeous glow and subtleness this blush gave my face! Although I must say.. someone should teach these ladies a thing or two about hygiene. She picked up a dusty (!) blush brush from a shelf, applied the blush and put it back on the shelf. She also tried convincing me that I should switch my HydraQuench for some anti-aging moisturizer, and I was almost offended. Whenever I start getting wrinkles I'll wear them with pride, believe you me.

05 Rose Wood

Even though I've expressed my feelings towards the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine lipstick several times earlier, drying and uncomfortable to wear, I must be caught in some weird haze. I purchased 63 Rebelle and 44 Sari d'Eau when I was in Paris last summer, expecting to love them to death. I didn't, although both colors are truly amazing. For some reason I got one more of these Chanel Rouge Coco Shines, namely 54 Boy. Picking a color like this is completely unlike me, as I usually steer away from the subtle neutral lip colors. But oh, the power of Internet hype! I really wanted to love them - and who knows, I might grow to love them!

Amira told me about the infamous 133 Erika F. from Lancôme before going to London, and it immediately ended up on my list. I had a few more on there, but after swatching them in-store I didn't feel like they were unique enough to splurge on. 133 Erika F. is a bit glittery, I'm not sure whether or not I like that part, but the color is amazing and quite unique! If you like this hard-to-describe color, a weird mix of taupe, gray and khaki depending on your skin tone, then check it out next time you have the chance. It's somewhat similar to Stila Diamond Lil, but at the same time different.

133 Erika F. · 54 Boy

I figured I'd post a picture of these cute Rimmel Glam'Eyes HD palettes that I picked up on my first day in London. I don't know anything about the quality, I got them simply because I liked the design - and the names: 001 Black Cab and 008 True Union Jack! Sucker much? At least I acknowledge it. I might have picked up all of them if it hadn't been for the price tag of £6 a piece. For some odd reason 001 Black Cab doesn't have the embossed crown in the middle, but they are both purchased at Boots. They are available from ASOS at £6.50 a piece, and free international shipping!

008 True Union Jack · 001 Black Cab

I know I already told you about this, but I did manage to get my hands on the Urban Decay NAKED 2 palette as well when I visited Debenhams at Westfield London. I was also quite surprised when I discovered a whole display of the 15th Anniversary palette, which sells for too much moolah on eBay. If I hadn't already owned it, I would have been totally ecstatic with my find! Anyway, NAKED 2 had to follow me home, and it's the one thing I got from Urban Decay. I felt pretty good with myself, showing a little self-control at least. Did I need NAKED 2? No. Not at all, ..but there are some gorgeous colors in there! Addict.

NAKED 2

Last, but by no means least, I added two more colors to my rapidly growing collection of Dior Vernis: 694 Forget-Me-Not and 504 Waterlily. They weren't even on my list, but after finding the very limited 401 St. Tropez in Paris I always take an extra look. Just in case. 504 Waterlily was calling me, and it's even prettier in real life than I had ever imagined! The shimmer makes it really special, and the color is perfect for spring and summer. 694 Forget-Me-Not quickly followed its sister into my bag - you know, ..purple. And even rose scented! These are limited edition, and you should act fast if you want one, or both.

694 Forget-Me-Not · 504 Waterlily

With this I conclude my London haul, and now it's time to start planning, and saving up for, our next trip to Britain. I hope it won't be long! It's been an amazing start to 2012, and I'm absolutely positive this year will turn out nothing less than great!

Photos © Shamini Thevarajah '12