The Duty Free Picks

Whilst going on holiday is always exciting, the early morning wake up calls (hello 3am) and 3-hour-long waits at the stale-aired airports are a little less so (although, retrospectively, it's all part of the fun and romance of it). So they've strategically placed the best-loved shops right under your nose to tempt you... well done, consumerism. This time it got the better of me and I caved, coming out with a few beauts in the process.

The first port of call was, of course, MAC. I had been meaning to pick up a Fix+ but they were only selling the Mineralise Charged Water, which the saleswoman promised is even better. With the benefits of Fix+ with a mineralised base to soften and hydrate the skin at the same time, how could I say no? So far I have been loving it. The suggestion is to layer it in between your toner and moisturiser (is it makeup or skincare?!) but I like to use it over my makeup as a setting spray (my skincare regime is pretty solid and I'm a little OCD about it, but thanks). It does add a nice, very subtle glow to my skin and is great at keeping makeup in place. So far no slippage... even in the t-zone!

I couldn't slip out without buying a cheeky duty-free lipstick now could I? I went in totally blind, not knowing which I wanted and searched a whole bunch onto the back of my hand. I kept being drawn back to the same shade and the way it complimented my skintone and so bought Fanfare. It's such a great pinky nude with warm undertones and a beautiful creamy finish. Needless to say I wore it all holiday.

I was also very generously treated by my lovely boyfriend to something I have had my eye on for... well, ages. The YSL Touché Éclat highlighter. This has been reviewed and raved about by pretty much all beauty gurus, bloggers, and YouTubers and after all the hype it still seems to be a firm favourite of everybody's. I love the chic minimalism of French makeup and I feel this is the ideal under-eye brightener and subtle highlighter to achieve that look. It lifts and brightens whilst looking natural and giving a healthy glow (NOT shimmer) that reminds me of the way the skin looks just after applying a moisturiser. I'm in love. 

Let me know if you've tried any of these products and tell me what you think! Will you be adding anything to your summer holiday duty-free shopping list?