Fad and Fantasy

It's been many months since I compiled a wishlist, and I've been feeling the itch lately to do another one. Reading back on my past wishlists provides a really powerful snapshot of how my cosmetic interests have developed over the past year and a half (mainly, how my makeup collection has ballooned to unacceptable levels). I find making and reflecting on wishlists to be a great way of filtering what was merely a fad and what material desires have withstood the test of time. The exercise also encourages you to both justify any potential purchases while putting off acquiring them as you mull over whether or not to give into temptation.

1. Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Linen
I so do not need this (like everything on this list), but I don't know, there's just something about a hyped up base that makes me unreservedly keen for a slice of the action. Said by fellow bloggers to be a lighter version of the also hyped Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation, I have hopeful visions of this ticking all the boxes in terms of colour match, coverage, finish, staying power, application and oil control. I still haven't found my absolute holy grail light-to-medium coverage foundation with a semi-matte finish (not too dewy, but not completely matte) capable of lasting the whole day without melting off, caking or excessively transferring. Too much to ask? Probably. But one can still dream.

2. Chanel Vitalumière Aqua in B20
Basically the same story as the Jouer, but this has been on my wishlist for ages. I was planning to buy it from the US last year, but it just never happened. I kept postponing it until the last moment, and when I finally was ready to hand over the cash, my shade was sold out. I'm really curious how this will perform on my skin, as I've read fairly mixed reviews. It's one of those bases that is so talked about, often raved about, that I feel like I'm missing out having never tried it. Not sure if I should be concerned that alcohol is really high up on the ingredients list though.

3. Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne
I've never owned anything by Jo Malone due to the crazy prices (a 30ml cologne is $90 here, or $170 for 100ml), but this one along with Orange Blossom were my favourites when I tested the fragrances out at David Jones. I'm partial to fruity and floral scents, and Blackberry & Bay is fruity without being too synthetic and sugary or reminiscent of tropical juice. It's one of those soft, simple, uplifting but comforting smells that you could wear on its own or layer with other perfumes. The bottle alone makes me wish it were on my dressing table.

4. Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner
Forgive me for being such a cliché for including this — it had to be done. Highly recommended by Caroline Hirons, this is the only product I've genuinely come close to buying several times in the past few weeks. I've bookmarked it on Adore Beauty (perpetually sold out) and check StrawberryNET in a religious fashion. It is back in stock for now, but for how long remains to be seen. I recently bought the Alpha-H Anti Ageing Discovery Collection off BeautyBay, so I'm convincing myself I don't need this toner as I have enough products with AHAs to last me at least the next few months.

5. REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask
Another skin care product that has received a lot of attention, but one that I probably won't be getting any time soon purely because of the price. I ain't forking out over $60 for an exfoliating mask. (Though I wouldn't think twice about spending that much on dinner, drinks and dessert on a night out.) Of course I'd be interested in a product that claims to deliver glowy, brightened, renewed skin, but I'll just have to rely on my existing skin care to (hopefully) get me there. I've yet to try anything from REN, but their Starter Kit for normal skin, containing a 15ml sample of this mask, seems to be an ideal introduction to the brand.

6. Dior Diorskin Poudre Shimmer in Amber Diamond
This powder highlighter has been on my wishlist since the dawn of time. Well, at least since March last year. I deeply regret not buying it off StrawberryNET when I had the chance as it's now no longer available. Sometimes I just get it wrong when deciding when I should exercise restraint, and when I should just give in. I don't think I've ever read a negative review of this product, which only intensifies how much I wish it were sitting among my collection of highlighters right now.

7. Origins GinZing Energy-boosting moisturiser
A favourite of Alix, I've tried a dollop of this on my hand a couple of times at Kit, and I've really enjoyed the cooling sensation and citrus scent. The texture sits somewhere between a cream and a gel — it feels light and non-greasy, but still lush and hydrating. I momentarily placed this in my cart the other day, but rationalised that I should use up my current Trilogy cream first. At $44 for 50ml (and cheaper online), it's still on the pricey side, but slightly more attainable than other offerings from Origins.

8. SUQQU Cheek Brush
This one's firmly in daydreaming territory, at an eye-popping £85 (or $AUD141) from Selfridges. Please send professional help should I actually consider purchasing this. Seeing it being used in practically every single Lisa Eldridge video (her "kitten paw" brush) doesn't help subside the wanting, but the price tag sure does.

9. Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base
I'm going through a major bronzer phase despite it being the middle of winter (or perhaps because of it), and I've finally come around to wanting this cream bronzer, about two years after everyone else. I've read the texture is superb to work with and it has multiple uses (contouring, all over bronzer, underneath foundation), making it versatile and seemingly a whole lotta fun to experiment with. I particularly loved this post from Laura demonstrating the ways she uses her Soleil Tan de Chanel. You get a huge amount of product (30g) which goes a long way in redeeming the hefty initial spend.