Spring beauty buys

One thing I've done with my extra cash since going back to work full time is to buy all the beauty products and cosmetics I couldn't afford when my pay was cut down by a third.

The other reason I've been buy lots of beauty products is that, now that there is a wee bit more daylight in the mornings, I feel a invigorated and want to get into a spring vibe. It's too cold to wear spring/summer clothing, but I can give my medicine cabinet a good spring cleaning.

My favourite beauty outlets are Space NK (of course - it's the Net-a-Porter of beauty, and now even better with their N.centive programme), Cult Beauty (a recent discovery for me) and Zuneta.

Space NK

I'll always have a special fondness for Space NK because there's an actual, physical shop in Glasgow. And now the N.centive programme is very exciting to me, as ever since I started buying more and more products there, I've lamented the impact it's had on my Boots Advantage Card balance. I signed up when the programme started last year, and now have a free full sized Kiss Mix (one of my favourite lip balms - a birthday gift from Space NK) and a £10 voucher to show for it.

My favourite products:

Caudelie Vinosource quenching creme sorbet
Why? Because it's skin quenching but light, with a great texture.Kiehl's ultimate strength hand salve
Why? Because it lasts - your hands are soft, even after you wash them.Zuneta

Zuneta is truly making the most of online shopping by providing instructional videos on every product page. This is fantastic because it's like having your own beauty expert explain how to use the product you're considering. I'm not a natural when it comes to using make-up (I started very late, and still don't wear it much) so I find this feature very useful.

My favourite products:

INA Crystals white gold radiant skin tonic
Why? Because it's refreshing and smells lovelyBecca sheer lip tint in Alina
Why? Because it's a perfect balance of striking colour with subtle sheernessCult Beauty

As the name suggests, Cult Beauty specialises in hit beauty products, some of which you can't find anywhere else. One great feature of the site is the fact that product descriptions include reasons for their cult status. One thing I don't like about online shopping is when there isn't enough info to go with the product. When I can't use all my senses when browsing, I need more information to convince me. Cult Beauty has it covered.

My favourite products:

KaplanMD lip 20 moisture therapy with SPF in Sheer Nude Shine
Why? Because the tingly moisturising feeling is totally addictive
Lucas' papaw ointment
Why? Because you can put it anywhere for any skin complaint