Collage Consumption

Every now and then, I get the urge to make a wishlist. There's just something so therapeutic and satisfying about compiling a visual representation of my current material wants. Adult scrapbooking, you could call it. It's also fascinating to look back on past wishlists and see how my tastes have developed from 3 years ago, what items I ended up purchasing, which products I still want but don't have (Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita palette, I'm looking at you) and things that were just passing fancies. The usefulness of wishlists lies in how they make concrete the products you really want and would be willing to splurge on, distinct from stuff that just happens to be on sale, or buying for the sake of being bored and wanting to splash some cash. Bringing to mind your current wishlist is a means of insuring against impulse shopping, minimising waste and regret, and ensuring considered purchasing decisions.

1. Tom Ford Private Blend Café Rose Eau de Parfum
I casually sniffed this the other day and it was instant infatuation. Boozy sweet, seductive and expensive. One slight problem: a 50ml bottle is $295. There's just no way I could justify that, especially since there are more affordable rose perfumes out there (Jo Malone Red Roses comes to mind). I'm also eyeing the limited edition Ecoya Rose Blush and Cedarwood candle exclusive to David Jones to satisfy my rose kick. On the topic of Ecoya, their scrumptious Guava & Lychee Sorbet candle is also eminently covetable.

2. Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush
I've watched a few videos where Tanya Burr used the Face Blender to apply her foundation (usually NARS Sheer Glow). Since switching to my Real Techniques Multi Task Brush from the Buffing Brush to apply my base, I'm now convinced of the advantages of a softer, fluffy, rounded brush over a more dense, flat top kabuki-style one. I don't need this, but it's basically a fancier version of the Multi Task Brush that I'm sure I'd reach for on a near-daily basis.

3. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork
This is one of those more utilitarian products I have a gut feeling I need in my life. I have one Paint Pot in Rubenesque which is the wrong colour for me, but I can't fault the creamy and smooth texture. While I have lots of metallic and shimmery cream shadows housed in pots (favourites include Maybelline Bad to the Bronze, Face of Australia Bronze Sphinx and Essence Pas des Copper), I'm missing a mid-tone, neutral, matte option. I'm counting on Groundwork to be an ever-reliable staple that I can hastily apply as a wash over the lid for fuss-free but polished definition.

4. Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream
I've yet to really find "the one" when it comes to a holy grail moisturiser, but on that front, I'm keen to experiment and eternally optimistic. Although I've cautioned myself against buying more skin care until I use up my existing tubes and bottles (along with makeup, candles, soaps/shower gels, makeup brushes and pretty much everything that interests me shopping-wise), this moisturiser is top of my list when I do allow myself to buy, or cave and break my "ban". Caroline Hirons-approved, it sounds gentle, non-irritating, beautifully hydrating and soothing on the skin.

5. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Grey Pearl
After my little Caviar Stick swatchfest recently, Grey Pearl stood out to me as a must-have for defining the lower lash line. And thankfully, it's not bronze! The last thing I need is yet another addition to the multitude of nearly indistinguishable bronze eyeliners I have. Rather, it's a beautifully hazy purplish grey that reminds me of the kind of colour I most love wearing on my nails (see Nails Inc. Porchester Square, Sportsgirl Storm). I find taupes/greys to be more understated and sophisticated on the lower lash line than darker bronze or copper shades that "pop" more but can lack subtlety for the daytime.

6. Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Set
This was something I stumbled upon a couple of weeks ago and felt immediately compelled to buy. I mean, just look at it. Look at that shiny rose gold perfection and those gorgeously shaped, fluffy, versatile brushes that I know I'd use with love and care. Don't tell me money can't buy happiness. Even the pouch looks well made and stylish. Though it's not cheap at about $100, for 8 brushes, it works out to be pretty good value. I don't know all that much about Zoeva, but the general impression I have is affordable quality. The only thing that's stopping me from adding to cart and entering my credit card details is my attempt at adhering to my no-buy list (see point 4). Do. Not. Need. More. Brushes.

7. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square
Revlon Matte Lipstick in Strawberry Suede is my favourite red lipstick and this is the closest thing I've found to it. I've tried the tester a couple of times at Mecca Cosmetica and each time, I come away fully convinced Red Square will be mine one day. It's not a matter of if, only when. I rarely wear and arguably don't even like reds, but I love this one. It's the only kind of red I can pull off and perks up my whole face.

8. Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Eau de Parfum
When perfume God Luca Turin (co-author of the ingenious Perfumes: The A-Z Guide) gives a newly released perfume 5 stars in his "Message in a Bottle" column for Style.com Arabia, you bet I will hunt it down and I will sniff it and I will want it. This perfume is heady, enveloping, soapy, powdery, musky, creamy, warm and feminine, especially when left to meld with one's skin. I don't know when I became partial to expensive-smelling, refined, big soapy fragrances, but I can't seem to get enough.

9. L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil
A cult product from the brand, I feel like I've been reading about this shower oil on blogs for an eternity. I'm convinced that if I did buy it, I won't be disappointed. I'm fascinated by the concept of an oil that foams up when it's applied to the skin. Everything about it, from the ingredients, packaging, scent and the way that I imagine it would feel on the skin, promises an indulgent shower experience.