ANOTHER makeup/cosmetics post? I know, everyone. Please just bear with me. We’ve reached dangerously low temperatures here in New England (and are currently dipping into the negatives with the wind chill,) which has left me mostly bundled up indoors over the past few days. I’m hoping to brave outside this coming weekend to venture out of the city and take some photos without getting frost bite- and maybe do a little baking in-between- but right now I am all about staying in close proximity to heaters at all times.

When I haven’t been sprinting between my place, my car, and my office in a desperate attempt to avoid the frigid chill- I took a little time to stop at Sephora the other day to pick up some face wash, moisturizer, and eye shadow primer I had recently run out of. I had a little extra cash put aside for splurging purposes, and with it being a new year- I thought I’d treat myself and pick up a couple of extra things, too. It’s been a while since I’ve done a proper haul post- so here’s what I got to start me off for 2015!

Clinique’s Liquid Facial Soap (Extra Mild Formula): My skin tends to get a little more dry in the colder months, and I’ve found that my usual facial soaps- which contain blemish and blackhead fighting ingredients- can often leave my face feeling uncomfortably tight and looking patchy or flaky. I’ve switched over to this extra mild, milky cleanser- which gently melts away makeup and dirt from my pores and leaves my skin feeling comfortable and soft.

Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion # 2: After I use my soap, I go in with this mild toner on a cotton ball to remove any excess oil or bacteria I may have missed during cleansing and gently exfoliate and polish my skin- evening out my overall tone and texture while ridding the surface of my face of any dry patches.

Clinique’s Dramatically Different Gel: When moisturizing my skin, even in the winter, I like to stick to oil-free gels (since I’m still prone to the occasional breakout.) This lightweight moisturizer has been my go-to for years now. It keeps my skin hydrated, smooth, and clear for hours.

Clinique’s ‘Moisture Surge’ Extended Thirst Relief Gel: To add a boost of hydration to my Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel- especially in these Arctic Tundra-like temperatures, I slather on a little of this pink, soothing, oil-free moisturizer on top. It sinks in so easily and quickly and makes my skin feel AMAZING. I swear by this stuff- and highly recommend it for all skin types!

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: I like to have more of a full-coverage foundation in the Winter, but I’m switching things up a little in 2015 and that includes my usual makeup look. I picked up this NARS base, which has a buildable coverage- and I’ve been really liking it so far. It doesn’t have the matte finish I’ve grown used to, but my skin looks luminous and natural- and it feels like I’m not wearing anything at all- which is a big perk.

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder: Because I’ve switched up my foundation, I thought it was important to switch up my setting powder, too. It didn’t seem practical to continue using a loose, matte powder when my liquid base is now a more sheer finish. I like this Laura Mercier one- which holds my makeup in place all day long but lets my skin breathe and doesn’t make me look like I have a ton of product on my face.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Original): This was one of the products I had initially gone into Sephora to replenish. I use this primer nearly every day. It’s the only thing that keeps my eye makeup (shadows, liners, etc.) from creasing, flaking, or fading. It’s another product I swear by!

Sephora Pantone Universe Marsala Metalshine Liquid Liner: 2015’s ‘Color of the Year’ is Marsala, a really lovely wine shade that looks good on everyone and can be mixed and matched in a variety of ways. I am gradually working my way into the color, being careful not to overdo it since my hair is currently a very similar hue- and decided on this liquid liner to give my eyes a bold, metallic pop. The formula is easy to apply, stays in place, and color is lovely against my pale skin and blue eyes. It’s unlike any other eyeliner I’ve ever used. I love it!

Formula X for Sephora – Base Coat: I’ve heard so many good things about Sephora’s Formula X collections in recent weeks, and finally decided to try them for myself. When it comes to my manicures, chipping is a big concern for me (I do a lot of typing- both at work and when I’m blogging,) so I picked up a bottle of this “sticky” base coat, which is supposed to hold nail polish in place for longer than competitive brands and through the toughest of trials fingernails face throughout the day.

Formula X for Sephora – “Provocative”: I typically wear darker colors in the Winter on my lips, eyes, and nails- but, again- 2015 is all about change and trying new things. I’ve been feeling powder blue shades as of late, and fell in love with this pretty pastel as soon as I laid eyes on it. It just screams “icy Winter air” to me and I’m not quite sure why- but I had to have it.

Formula X for Sephora – “Pedal to the Metal”: Apart from light blues, I’ve also been incorporating touches of deep violets into my wardrobe and makeup here and there. This metallic purple, as eye-catching and as lovely as “Provocative,” was another must-have for me. I think I’ll be alternating between these two for the next couple of months.

*Birthday Bonus!* NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil & Satin Lip Pencil: My birthday is in January, and as an added bonus to my purchase- Sephora gave me these two free NARS lip pencils to celebrate! I like that one is a more subtle nude (perfect for work,) and the other is a bolder, deeper red (perfect for the weekends, of course-) and I can’t wait to try them both!

So now, with my skincare, makeup, and nail polish refreshed and stocked to get me through the rest of the Winter (hopefully,) I won’t need to splurge again for a few months…

… Although I probably will, and soon- since I was tempted by a lot of other stuff that caught my eye while I was shopping!