Life, camera problems (as in there are no pics on the camera because I didn’t take any), broken nails, dry cuticles, killer flu and being outrageously busy have all prevented me from continuing with my dupe posts this week, so I spare you the horror that is my swatching hand for a few more days and we will return you to regular programming next week. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t write up some inane dribble a totally kick ass post, right?

I am on a no buy at the moment, because in a mere 10 weeks I will be heading off to London with the wonderful Nixxy of Nixxy’s Nails for 2 weeks of shopping, fun, shopping, food and shopping. But for someone with absolutely terrible resolve like me, a no-buy will at best translate to a low buy. I have been pretty good. Even though I do love to shop – I am somewhat of a bargain shopper and I do tend to get a hefty bang for my buck, which I believe I have done this week.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer & Foundation

I wanted to try a new foundation & concealer, and after a spot of research I decided to give Bourjois Healthy Mix a try. I have been using Revlon Photo Ready, and while I like it, it tends to have a bit of an annoying sparkle when photogtraphed, so I guess it’s not really photo ready after all. The Bourjois duo would have set me back $60 had I headed into Priceline to pick it up, I got both of these for a grand total of $29 (inc shipping) with a little bit of eBay bargain hunting.

Nail Fetish Nail Polish

How gorgeous does this colour look? I picked it up on eBay for $1.00! The colour is called Storm, and I can’t wait to wear it. I would love to track down more of the Nail Fetish line, but I have to admit I am a little afraid to google “Nail Fetish”. You never know what might appear.

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm – 03 Red

I also caved and bought one of the Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balms in Red. I fell in love with them when I first saw them months ago, and I do want to pick up the pink and coral too, but for now I will behave. Hopefully they will still be around when I want to pick them up later.

I placed a small Cheap Smells order as well (it was a tad larger, but MsNixxy helped me reduce it down) and picked up Freeze 24/7 Plump Lips Icestick in Brrr..Berry (down from 27.50 to £2.50), L’Oreal Glam Shine Diamante Gloss in Ruby Carat, Aura Cosmetics Fruity Blush in Peach Fizz, Maybelline Mineral Powder Blush in Topaz Rose and Clarins Rouge Appeal Lipstick in Rouge Cerise. Total spent? £13.88. Pretty darn amazing. I can’t rate Cheap Smells high enough. I have ordered from there before and it all arrived safely and quickly. Best place to shop for cut price cosmetics.