Seeing, Not Having

I really need to go on a spending ban. I was supposed to go on a spending ban after my overseas trip, but failed spectacularly (I've since purchased Illamasqua Zygomatic, and two nail polishes and a bronzer that are in the mail). I'm finding that as my cosmetic obsession broadens, my wishlists are in turn getting longer and more out of hand. I enjoying making these collages though — it's almost therapeutic. Even just looking at everything is a treat for the eyes and takes the edge off wanting to go out and spend.

1. Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Odyssey
I've seen this pop up on blogs everywhere (most recently Sandra and Sophia). The absolute last thing I need (apart from more pink lipstick) is more neutral eyeshadow, but the packaging and that gold shade are beautiful on a whole new level. I believe this palette will retail for $50 in Australia. Maybe I'll splurge as a Christmas present to myself ... not that I deserve it.

2. Clarisonic Mia
I was this close to buying this while in the US, but hesitated for some reason. Naturally, now that I'm back home, it's been a fixture on my mind. I feel like this might be a more justifiable purchase than more makeup, because at least there's no expiry date, and it's supposed to improve the condition of my skin, something makeup is probably doing the opposite of. But at the same time, skin care just doesn't get me buzzed the way makeup and nail polish does, so my interest isn't an overwhelming, "must have it now" urge.

3. Sigma Mrs. Bunny Essential Kit
If money were no object, this would be mine. But I really don't see myself forking out $109 (not including shipping) for a brush set, no matter how tempting, especially with my first (and only) experience with Sigma's shipping being disappointing. I actually hardly ever use my Sigma F82 or F84, but I do remember being really impressed by the quality and density of the brushes when I first opened them up. I really want to try Sigma's eye brushes and the F40, which are included in this set.

4. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
I'm delving more into the world of serums, and this one by Kiehl's looks like an attractive option. The price is much kinder than Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, though it doesn't garner the rave reviews I've read about ANR. I don't know, do these things really work? Only one way to find out.

5. Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Colour in Smoke
I'm such a sucker for cream products, and I've yet to explore the novelty of having a cream eyeshadow in a stick. This product would've never even been brought to my attention had I not seen my friend bring it out of her purse on a night out. I asked her what eyeshadow she was wearing and she showed me this Stila crayon. I tried it on my lower lashline while we were at the restaurant (as you do), and loved it. I was this close to buying it with my latest Beauty Bay nail polish order, but somehow managed to find unbelievable restraint in removing it from my cart (along with the In the Light palette).

6. OPI polishes in GoldenEye and The Living Daylights (part of the James Bond Skyfall collection)
I think I'm going to have to resort to the Australian retail price of these ($19.95), but that's how much I want these two. I've been meaning to get myself to a David Jones or some nail salon, but just haven't found the time. Why couldn't these have been released when I was in the US? GoldenEye is stunning and I can't miss the only glitter polish of the collection.

7. Morrocanoil Treatment
I've heard about this product for the longest time, but never paid much attention until recently. Hair is the one thing I basically do nothing with, and my locks are finally paying the price for a prolonged period of neglect. The ends particularly are really dry and dull. I'm hoping this might restore them to some level of glossiness and strength.

8. Benefit Sun Beam
How I wish I lived in the UK so I could nab a 4ml bottle of this with InStyle. My small bottle of High Beam (included in the Go TropiCORAL Lip & Cheek Kit) has exceeded my expectations, so now I have my sights on Sun Beam for the summer. I prefer peachy/bronze highlighters to yellow/gold or pearlescent pinks, so Sun Beam seems more up my alley. The texture of these highlighters are so smooth and blend in effortlessly into the skin, and a small amount goes a long way.

9. YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Peach Passion
This particular lipstick has been on my wishlist since before I even became all that interested in makeup. I was fully prepared to buy one in the US, but for whatever reason, never found the opportunity to. Peach Passion was either sold out when I wanted buy it (e.g. at duty free), or I passed on it when it was available, thinking I'd buy it later. The gorgeous lipstick bullet is about 80% of the appeal, while Peach Passion seems to be the shade I'd be happiest with.

10. NARS Joie de Vivre Oversized Anniversary Cheek Palette
Seriously, where can I buy this that isn't Ebay at some ridiculously hiked up price? I would willingly pay the retail US price for it to be in my possession. It's unavailable on the Nordstrom website and I've more or less given up hope that it'll ever be mine. After buying my first NARS blush, I feel the desire to accumulate more NARS blushes brewing...

11. Chanel Illusion d’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Illusoire
I've still yet to own anything Chanel, but this and Vitalumiere Aqua are my picks. I've wanted this for months, but the price has always put me off, especially for something so shimmery and potentially unsuitable for daytime wear. I've yet to come across an affordable alternative in a similar shade to Illusoire, so this may be a treat to myself should I manage to stick to a spending ban until at least Christmas.