American Beauty

It's so close to holiday time I can ALMOST taste it.. in 48hours we'll be at the airport so today we're putting the finishing touches to our rough itinerary (I always have one but since we're taking the kids it's a little less rigid this trip) and I'm making my final shopping list and thought I'd put out this post to see if you guys have any last minute recommendations .. Of course In return I will be sharing some of my own gems I've discovered over the years..LORAC Pro PaletteIt's a standard oldie but goodie, I know but REALLY.. Lorac eyeshadows are LUSH! Once upon a time nothing could beat Urban Decay for me but these days if I'm reaching for something 'nice' over my more affordable palettes this is IT! I'd be tempted by more matte formulas from the brand.. they're just buttery!Tarte Amazonian Clay BlushA great selection of super blendable shades in packaging that, get this.. corresponds to the colour of the PRODUCT. So simple but beyond useful if you have more than a couple of blushers from one brand in your collection! The only issue with these is that I've found they can dry out over time.. not ideal for this collector!Josie Maran Coconut Watercolour Cheek GeleeA product I've had for about 2 years but only used last month for the first time. It literally sat in its box that entire time because I assumed it would be really difficult to apply/wear but for the purpose of this post (which is why it's pristine in the above picture) I bust it out and I'm SO glad I did cause I'll be picking up another while I'm in New York! It's a bit like a tinted cheek balm, so easy to blend out and really subtle.. I totally get the hype.. there was about 2 years ago.Maybelline Age Rewind BrightenerWe can still get the original of this, I believe but the Brightener version I've only ever seen in the states. I picked it up thinking I was repurchasing the regular light concealer and still haven't used this up in the 3 years I've had it (don't tell the makeup expiry police) but it's a great pick me up on those days when I haven't had as much sleep as I'd like.Kat Von D Tattoo LinerThis is love hate.. I LOVE how easy it is to apply and the quick cat eye I can create with it.. but I HATE the formula! It's not black enough, it transfers and it just DOESN'T last. So many people rave about this but I believe there is another version so I'll be looking that up on my trip to see if maybe I picked up the wrong one. I really wish the liquid itself was better because or that the nib was something i could dip in to something else because it feels like such a waste of an almost good thing.Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid LipstickThese are EXCELLENT! I have 4 now but am still looking for a couple of elusive shades I've been unable to track down. TIP: apply a very thing layer for the most long wearing, comfortable finish! only gripe with this one is that the wand is so long I find it really awkward to apply which often leads to less than perfect lines.Fresh Soy Face CleanserI was given this in a free gift from Sephora, TIP: if you're visiting sign up for a beauty card and enter your birthday as that day or soon after to receive a free gift! It was ACTUALLY my birthday but they didn't check and a friend I was with did the same thing and got the gift, SCORE! I loved the cleanser and was later sent a full size to trial by the brand in the UK which led to a wave of both nostalgia and good skin! It's my favourite 'second cleanse' after removing my makeup with something balmy and it's been stolen by both by husband and my daughter on more than on occasion. Gentle but effective.Fresh Brown Sugar FragranceAs previously mentioned the brand is now in the UK but it's much easier to get hold of in the US and still cheaper.. even with the current exchange rate *sobs*. My favourite thing from Fresh is still their Brown Sugar fragrance, it's fresh and citrusy while actually smelling of SUGAR. It's definitely not for everyone.. I know this because friends have told me but I can't get enough and reminds me of holidays!! Yum!That's just a handful of items I could lay my hands on to mention but once I'm back with a bunch of new stuff I might just have to write up a part two. Fresh has a store in the UK now, Kat Von D is coming very soon and Tarte dabbles with sales on QVC but there's still so much they have over there that I wish was more readily available here. What's on your current American beauty lust list?