I buy a lot of make-up. It’s my “thing”. Some folks get their retail kicks from a fancy new bag, multiple pairs of shoes or the latest celebrity-was-seen-in designer garb, and although I do invest in all of the aforementioned on occasion, my most frequent purchase is lipstick. And blusher. And mascara. And um….eyeliner.

I warrant my excessive perusal of cosmetics counters by telling myself that even if I buy something every single week (which is highly likely) the total monthly outlay is only equivalent to say… a high street pair of ankle boots (top end high street admittedly but still high street.)

Ahem. Are you detecting an obvious requirement for justification?

Yep. As much as I get a (cheap) thrill from every click of a brand new shiny powder compact, I also get a pang of the over-indulging guilts. Especially when a product turns out to be particularly naff.

I figured that now we have Rock My Style I can utilise my subconscious yet uncontrollable urge to own one hundred and fifty seven shades of champagne gold eyeshadow as RESEARCH.

Yay for me.

I’ll be sharing my latest items on a monthly-ish basis. But only the good ones. Obviously. (Or maybe not so obviously, should I share the stuff that’s incredibly disappointing too?) it is after all, only my opinion, what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another and all that.

Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus £18.00

I’ll admit, I find extra bits like primers a faff. I only use them for special occasions/when I have that bit of extra time to get ready. My sister swears by this stuff and as her lashes always look amazing, decided I should endeavour to follow suit.

This does indeed make your lashes thicker and more “feathery” (I personally like this look, not everybody does) and unlike other similar products I have tried, doesn’t leave big white globs. I let it dry before applying mascara, this also seems to help hold a “curl”

Estee Lauder is available at John Lewis

Bumble & Bumble Pret A Powder £23.00

Hair powder and dry shampoo…I LOVE them for that lived-in textured effect. The thing is I’m more often than not allergic to them, my scalp and eyes become incredibly itchy.

This one however is thus far A-ok. And it’s non-gunky. It’s kind of fresh and lovely and makes your locks all bouffy* and bouncy and just-stepped-out-of-a-very-trendy-salon ish. Yes it’s a gasp worthy £23 but it’s worth it.

You can buy Bumble & Bumble at Boots.

Clinique Cheek Pop Blush £16.50

I’m a marketeers dream. Any make-up that makes claims to have excellent pigment always catches my attention. This blusher makes precisely that claim and luckily it lives up to it. I like that the pot is small for portability yet there is a reasonable amount of product for your pennies.

I bought the shade “plum” which is a bright pink with mauve undertones (which I require to counter act the yellow undertones of my skin that can sometimes turn perfectly nice cheek enhancers a weird shade of muddy orange) and does indeed make your complexion “pop”. It doesn’t fade, blotch or oxidise either – winner.

Clinique is available at John Lewis.

No.7 Instant Radiance Highlighter £9.95

Much like primers I put highlighters in the same category, i.e. not an every-day essential. Although whenever I swipe some on my brow bone, the inner corners of my peepers and the very top point of my cheekbones and notice the immediate brightening power, I wonder why I don’t use it more often.

I bought this chunky stick on a whim with one of those £5 off vouchers that seem to be doled out every single time I shop at Boots. I’m so glad I did though, this is easy to use, the perfect size for keeping in your handbag and non glittery. It has golden undertones rather than pink which I personally prefer.

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy Lipstick £24.00

I would describe this lipstick as a cream with an almost opaque coverage – which I love. The finish is satin and very sophisticated, it makes your lips a very nice shape (if that makes sense.)

There are a whole bunch of colours in the range but my favourite is “desirable”, a gorgeous pinky beige with the slightest hint of coral to stop it looking blah.

Estee Lauder is available at John Lewis as before.

So fellow make-up junkies, what have you bought this month?