If you're still clinging on to the festive spirit, then you're in luck as I have only just got around to writing this post! These were all purchases from a recent trip to Amsterdam, which was absolutely beautiful and made even more so by the Festival of Light currently taking place across the city.

The main purchase was from the MAC Nutcracker Holiday collection - I went for the Red Retro Matte Kit. I was at first hesitant as I haven't seen many glowing reviews of the Nutcracker sets and even less of the Retro Matte Liquid Lipsticks since they launched. I was drawn in by the stunning purple and gold make up case and I was not disappointed with the contents.

The matte lipstick is a limited edition shade called Nutcracker Rouge - a light red with pink undertones. This isn't the most flattering shade on me but is long wearing and the classic matte formula you would expect from MAC.

The liquid lipstick is from the permanent collection and is the shade Fashion Legacy. Gorgeous true red shade - this has been my most worn red of the festive season. A lot of people find these too drying - I didn't have this problem, at least no more so than Kat Von D's liquid lipsticks and I actually found this to be more long wearing. I wore this for my Christmas party, which was essentially 12 hours of eating and drinking, and I only needed a couple of little touch ups on the centre of my lips. No crumbles or smears. Love this one.

The biggest surprise was the Upward Lash Mascara - I thought this would be a bit of a filler item but I have to say, I think this is my favourite mascara. I can't remember a product I have been so impressed with - this has been a game changer for me. It gives a great balance of length and volume and is really effortless to work with. Why do people never talk about MAC mascaras? I feel a bit cheated that I didn't know about this sooner!

Benefit Ka-Brow 4, CT Very Victoria, MAC Nutcracker Rouge, MAC Fashion Legacy

I also picked up a Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in the light brown nude, Very Victoria. The packaging is pretty and has a real Hollywood glamour feel to it. I love the squared shape as it gives you a really defined edge to work with. It's creamy and feels hydrating - I just wouldn't call it matte. If you're a liquid lipstick devotee and are used to seeing your lips resemble a crushed velvet dress from the 1990s then this may not be your bag. It just doesn't have the pigment or the impact of a true matte lipstick. Yes, I'm sure it is better for my lips but if a product promises matte, I expect to have Instagramably suede lips.

Lastly, Ka-Brow! Not a Harry Potter spell but a brow pomade from Benefit. My first delve in to the world of pomades and an impressive one at that. Very easy to use, smooth and budge-proof. I have shade 4, which is a good ash brown but definitely on the dark side. There doesn't appear to be a mid-brown shade - shades 1, 2 and 3 are all light blondes or taupes with 4, 5 and 6 all dark brunette to ebony. Thankfully I can just about get away with shade 4 despite not (currently) having dark hair. The little brush you get is surprisingly good and I find this product much faster to achieve a bold and defined brow than a pencil or powder.

So, I definitely feel I have enriched my make up collection and I'm sure I'll be doing even more 'enriching' in the sales. Wishing you all a happy and adventure-filled 2017!