A recent Sunday stroll around the shops led to an unexpected small splurge in Space NK - why I ever think I can enter that store and leave empty handed i'll never know. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders have been around for quite a while now, though after initially finding them sold out everywhere, the urge to own one eventually died out. That was until I came across them again recently and after a bit of swatching (okay, okay, a good 20 minutes was spend deliberating) I left as the proud owner of my very own Hourglass powder. I wasn't sure if this powder could live up to the endless hype that appeared after it's release but, I have to admit that it is quite possibly the nicest pressed powder I've ever come across. I chose Ethereal Light as an all over setting powder that would perfect and mattify the skin without looking at all heavy or 'cakey' - and that's pretty much what I got. The finely milled powder is so lightweight it's virtually undetectable, yet it also manages to keep shine at bay without dulling the skin. 

I also couldn't resist picking up the Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Lotus Pink. I have a bit of a soft spot for blush (probably something to do with it being pink and pretty), so when I spotted this pink toned coral, I just couldn't leave the store without it. The texture is gorgeous and it contains just the right amount of pigment to make application easy and almost fool proof, even if your a bit heavy handed! There is a slight layer of shimmer running though it but once on the skin it translates into more of a healthy glow. I've been obsessed with it since I brought it home, so it's no surprise that it's been gracing my cheeks daily.

The Diptyque fragrance in Philosykos is actually something I purchased back in December from the online sale. I'd been eyeing this up for a while, so when I spotted it at half price (I believe it's because it's in the old square bottle) I didn't hesitate for even a second before adding it to my basket and processing my order. I'm pretty fussy when it comes to perfume, but I love everything about this one. It's quite light and fresh, yet strong enough to linger on the skin for hours. There's also no residual 'perfumey' smell left over once the main scent has worn off  like many other perfumes I've tried.. or am I the only one who notices that?!

Are you a fan of Space NK? What have you been buying recently?

♡

It's probably not surprising that upon hearing news of the release of the newest Naked addition, an uncontrollable desire to complete the trilogy was awoken... and here we are, Naked 3 palette in tow. (Actually, it must be noted that my desire was so strong it must have rubbed off on Richard, who marched himself down to the Urban Decay counter the day of it's release to surprise me with the final installment when I got home from work - he's a good egg!)

I have to admit that at first I was slightly skeptical to whether I would be buying virtually the same palette; after all, between the Naked 1 and 2 they've got the neutral colour spectrum covered right? Well, it appears not. Naked 3 offers a much more pink toned array of shades that are different enough from the previous two palettes without drifting too far off the neutral spectrum. As i'm a huge fan of rose gold i'm loving shades in this palette; buzz, liar, factory and mugshot in particular have been getting a lot of use lately. Limit and Nooner are also a great combination for when i'm in the mood for a matte finish.

As with all the Urban Decay palettes, the quality does not disappoint, both the packaging and eye shadow texture is pretty impressive, making the £37 price point rather respectable. So I guess the real dilemma is whether or not you need it? Well, that depends upon your definition of need...

♡

Just before Christmas I decided to treat myself to an early (self bought) present. Using the hefty amount of Boots advantage card points I had accumulated throughout the year, I surcame to temptation and purchased the much coveted Chanel Charming Ombres Matelassées de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette (well actually I like to think of it as 'free' but ya' know). After falling victim to Lisa Eldridge's Video featuring the said palette, and the bombardment of blog posts that soon followed, I simply couldn't resist.

Not only is this palette absolutely stunning, but the neutral offering is perfect for everyday wear. After finally building up the courage to ruin the beautiful quilted pattern and actually use the shadows (trust me, this took a while), i'm pleased to report that the quality and consistency is just as pleasing as the aesthetics. The three center shades in particular have been getting a lot of love lately, though all the colours are completely wearable (something I usually find to be a rare occurrence). I can't deny that this is one of my all time favorite palettes.

Unfortunately, as a limited edition product these now seem pretty hard to come by, though I think there might still be some floating around on counters.

Do you have a favourite eyeshadow palette at the moment?

♡

As much as I'm a firm believer that every new day offers a chance for a new start, I can't deny that the arrival of a new year is undoubtedly the perfect opportunity to make some changes and set some goals. Though 2013 has been a good year for me, i'm really excited for 2014. It feels like this year holds so many opportunities and I just can't wait to get started.

Amongst the usual 'get fit and healthy' resolutions (after all, it really wouldn't be new year without them...), I've also set myself a few other goals for 2014. Most importantly, I want to put aside fear, doubt and worry and really start living life to its full potential. Moving into my own little apartment and finally finding the confidence to take and pass my driving test are two of the biggest changes i'm hoping for this year. 

After a bit of a break from blogging over the Christmas period, I've realised how much I really do enjoy blogging. As much as i'd love to promise daily posts, realistically, with a full time job in tow, that's probably not going to happen! However, i'm determined to make sure regular posts (at least 2-3 a week) are a common occurrence on laurathroughthelens in 2014. 

Thank you to everyone who has been visiting and reading my blog in 2013. I don't say it enough, but I really am grateful for all the support and comments I receive, it means the world to me.

Happy New Year ♡