Makeup Brush Chat

I'll use any excuse to post a picture of freshly washed makeup brushes. It's such a big task, forever on my to do list, that when it finally gets done I go crazy with the camera so I can look back and remember that one day they were like new. Its quite sad really, but anyone who uses makeup brushes will understand the struggle. I don't use any kind of specialist brush cleaning products (if you do and would recommend it, let me know) but instead I just use hot water and the mini shampoo or soaps you get from hotels. In my opinion, as long as they lather up and are rinsed thoroughly, they do the job totally fine. The only downside is my hand is really wrinkled after spending more than half an hour under running water.
It was quite a few years ago now that I saw the idea of using old candle jars as brush holders and I've been doing it ever since. These are the perfect size and make finding the brush I want much easier than if I were to search around the bottom of a makeup bag. 
The brushes I'm really loving at the moment are my MAC 217 blending brush, my RT eyeliner brush and my RT expert face brush.You have probably heard enough about the cult 217 brush to know that its super soft and one of the best brushes for blending out there. I only have one MAC makeup brush and I'm so glad that I went for this one. I'm a RT loyal overall though, as you can see from the photo. I've never used angled brushes and they've always been neglected in my collection. However, I've found a love for the eyeliner brush since I started filling my eyebrows in with eyeshadow. Its really precise, dense and picks up just the right amount of product. I've also been using the RT expert face brush a lot lately for applying both foundation and concealer. It blends both products so easily into the skin and has a really high density too. I'd say its as near to a sponge as a brush is going to get while maintaining precision. Its an ideal size for applying base products too. Some of my RT brushes I've had for upwards of 3 years and still they never shed a single hair. I've also got to give a special mention to my rose gold eyelash curlers which came in a Ted Baker set. They're so pretty!
What's your favourite makeup brush?

Sleek Face Form Palette in 'Light'

I stumbled upon these pictures in my 'To Post' folder from around a year ago and I can't believe the length of time I have been using the Sleek Face Form Palette without writing a rave review about it. I had read lots of great things about Sleek palettes before taking the plunge and buying one of my own. Coming in at £9.99, its more than I would usually spend on 1 high street makeup item so I had to do that thing where I go into Boots, look, swatch, and leave at least 3 times before I actually bought it. I am so glad I did though because I haven't stopped using it since. 

The packaging is really simple - a wipe clean black- and the palette contains a large mirror which is ideal for when you are applying on the go. I realised my initial hesitation at the cost was unnecessary as you're getting 3 full sized products: a blush, a highlight and bronzer/ contour for £10. Each shade is great quality and applies easily. The swatches actually don't do their pigmentation justice. 

The blush is a lovely rose pink and its gold shimmer acts as a highlighter in itself.  The highlight is a very pale pink/ white but not chalky in the slightest. The highlight is actually my least used of the three as I prefer a more gold based highlighter and my favourite is the MAC MSF in Soft & Gentle. However, the absolute stand out of the palette, and probably worth the £9.99 itself is the contour shade. I went through many drugstore bronzers trying to find one that would work as a contour but they were all too orange, shimmery or difficult to blend. This matte brown works excellently with my skin tone as a contour shade and I apply it with the Real Techniques Contour Brush (reviewed here). 

This is definitely the best cheek & contour palette I have found so far. I am still quite far from hitting pan on the blush and highlight so I might see if I can purchase the contour shade individually as I just couldn't go without it. 

What is your favourite Sleek product?

Makeup Revolution Iconic 2 Palette

I can't quite believe that I'm typing this but I think my MUA eyeshadow palettes have finally been knocked off their podium of my most unbeatable and most used eyeshadows. Elf couldn't do it, Accessorize couldn't do it, even the Naked Palette couldn't. Who is the new kid on the block you might ask? Well, it probably won't be new to many of you because I was very behind when it came to jumping on the Makeup Revolution bandwagon. 

For £4 in the Makeup Revolution Iconic 2 palette you get 12 gorgeous neutral colours: a mix of matte and shimmer. It ranges from pearly nudes to classic shimmery browns to golds to muted grey. This palette is my only go to at the moment where previously I would use 2/3 at once. The colours are so pigmented but there is very little fall down during application. They blend out really well and harmonise with each other really nicely. You can achieve so many different looks with this from simple daytime to dramatic smoky for night. I find this palette to work best over the top of Maybelline's Color Tattoo in On and On Bronze to lock the shades in place. 

I can't believe how long it took me to buy one of these palettes considering the storm they've caused in the blogging world. The amount of comments on blogs I've written saying 'I've still to try this' or 'I must give this a go'! For £4 it is definitely worth it- even if like me you already have eyeshadow palettes coming out of your ears. My MUA palettes aren't completely forgotten about and will no doubt make a return when the initial infatuation with MakeupRev dulls, but even then, this palette is a strong contender for HG and will definitely be a repurchase. 

False Eyelashes: Tips & Tricks

False Eyelashes: The Foolproof Guide

Back when I stumbled across the beauty blogging community, applying false eyelashes was something that completely eluded me. After years of reviews, tutorials and general chit chat, I'm a lot more skilled and thought I'd share what I've learned in the hope that someone similar to my 2012-self can be aided. Of course I'm not a makeup artist or any kind of expert, these are just the things that make my life a bit easier. 

It's Worth The Hype!

Even those who have been living under a rock in the beauty blogging world (ahem- me) have wanted to get their hands on the much coveted MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick- a matte nude shade made famous by Kylie Jenner's signature makeup look. I often talk myself out of buying hyped up makeup- usually because its too expensive or because I worry I'll be disappointed. I have scrolled through endless photographs of swatches and picked this up at every MAC counter I've passed over the last year but I've never actually taken the plunge and bought it. Last week though I was so pleased to receive it for my birthday (ah!).
I absolutely love a nude lip and I have used this every day since I bought it. It is very close to my actual lip colour and is a perfect mix of beige and subtle pink tones. It applies completely matte and stays put for much longer than anything else I usually wear (a good few hours at least). Usually I find matte lipsticks drying but this isn't in the slightest. It also has the staple MAC lipstick vanilla scent. I'm so excited to try different makeup looks with this, wear it with liner and mix it with lip creams and other shades. It will be my go-to for the foreseeable and is absolutely worth the hype surrounding it.
What's your favourite cult product?

Bare Minerals Original SPF 15 Foundation

My skin hasn't been as clear as it is at the moment since before the hormones kicked in like 5 years ago. It has been getting better gradually over the last year because of a combination of things: drinking more water, seeing the doctor, improving my skincare routine etc but the cherry on the cake of late has been swapping my Rimmel foundation for Bare Minerals.
I always had the belief that good skin mostly came from the inside and therefore gave little thought to what makeup I used and how it might be adversely affecting it. I bought the Bare Minerals Get Started Complexion Kit on somewhat of a whim when I was in Brighton. I had wanted to try it for a good while and there's no better time to treat yourself than when you're away. I was colour matched to Fairly Light which the girl said was just between my own skin colour and the colour of my current foundation. The foundation itself was £26 and the kit was £34 since there was a promotion on in Debenhams so there was no question- getting 5 extra products for an extra £9 wasn't something I was going to turn down. 
In the kit you get: Prime Time Foundation Primer, Original SPF 15 Foundation, Matte SPF 15 Foundation, Warmth All-Over Face Color, Mineral Veil Finishing Powder and the Face Brush for application. I haven't yet given each one of these a proper test run although when I did try them I found that with the bronzer, less is definitely more. I plan to write a more detailed review of the primer alongside some others I've been trying lately.
The Original Foundation is the star of the kit. I didn't think I would ever consider using a powder foundation because it just seems like it wouldn't offer any coverage but I was completely wrong. After applying primer and concealer, I tap about half a pea size amount of product into the lid, swirl and tap the brush and then buff it into my skin. The girl at the counter explained this to me but there are also videos on the Bare Minerals website which demonstrate. It doesn't need blended and is invisible on the skin but provides good coverage. What's more, because its mineral, it allows the skin to breathe which in my opinion is the reason my skin is so great at the moment. I then use Rimmel Powder over the top - out of habit more than anything. It lasts a good few hours but definitely needs a primer and setting to see it through the whole day (especially if you're out and about/ working). As a powder, this is very buildable and you can just apply until you're happy with the amount of coverage. On a day to day basis, 1/2 layers is enough for me - especially since my skin is improving so rapidly with use.
Admittedly, this foundation does cost a lot more than my Rimmel Lasting Finish which I've used for years. While I'll still be keeping a bottle of that to hand, Bare Minerals is well worth the price. Not only does it work well as a foundation, it actually improves the skin. I only wish I'd started using it sooner.

Christmas Presents!

I've absolutely loved reading everyone's 'What I Got For Christmas' posts. I hadn't planned on doing one of my own so I put some of my presents away before I took pictures. However, I did photograph the beauty related presents in the off-chance that I'd blog about them. I am so thankful for each and every present. I see a lot of pamper nights in the near future with all these lovely bath and body products. Special thanks to Melanie for the amazing gift (second picture) which I managed to keep until Christmas day (sheer will power!) I am beyond excited to try the Wet n Wild palette. I hope you all had a great Christmas.

Veil Cover Cream- A Miracle Worker?

It has been a few months since I got my hands on the Veil Cover Cream Demonstration Kit* and the reason this review has been so long in the making is that I've never tried a product like it so had to learn how best to use it and really put it to the test. The kit contains 20 different shades of the cover cream and a translucent setting powder. If you've never heard of Veil before- you need only Google it and proceed to sit in awe at the before and after shots.

The shades I found to work best for my skin tone were natural medium and medium, although I did delve into some of the scarier shades like yellow and green for colour correction. I was pleasantly surprised with the sample size of each shade because you need only the tiniest amount of product per application so I can see even the Demonstration Kit lasting a really long time. The product has an unusual texture- its solid in the pot but turns into a thick cream on fingertips. The heavy duty consistency means that it camouflages imperfections but also blends extremely well into the skin really nicely and feels light. Other products such as blush also apply well on top. It smells slightly waxy but its not unpleasant or off-putting.
Veil Cover Cream is a product that falls out of the typical makeup categories. It is neither a foundation or a concealer; it can work as both simultaneously and either or. I've used it on top of my foundation in place of my usual Collection concealer and it did the job nicely. For best effects though, I think Veil Cover Cream should be applied as as a complete base in itself. Most effective application is with fingertips in a patting manner and then blending the edges with a really soft brush such as the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. 
Before I go on to sing this product's praises finish-wise, I'll give a quick run down of a couple of negatives I encountered. Firstly, I didn't get on too well with the translucent powder because it is loose and I had trouble getting the right amount on my brush. I instead opted for my Rimmel translucent pressed powder and that mattified perfectly well. Secondly, I didn't think it was as good at covering fresh blemishes as it was in covering marks and scarring. 
With regard to finish, this product really surpassed my expectations. While the scarring I have is mildish and now mostly confined to one cheek, I regard this cream as an absolute miracle worker in covering my red marks. Not only does it last the whole day, but it doesn't become greasy or crease around the eyelids; quite a feat for my skin. The versatility of this product is just so impressive: it can be used for an all out flawless makeup look, a quick fix for popping to the shops, a crazy Halloween look or, according to their website, tattoo covering. This is the most airbrush-esque, camouflaging product I've ever come across. If you have any kind of old acne scars or discolouration I would 100% recommend you try this. 
*This item was kindly sent to me for consideration for review. All opinions are my own.

Benefit The Bronze Of Champions

I think every beauty blogger/ makeup lover is partial to a bit of Benefit. From their unique packaging to their quirky names and overall quality, they’re definitely a popular high end brand. Their beauty kits are an especially big hit- and for good reason. You get to try out a selection of minis for the price you would pay for one full size product. And in all fairness- the minis aren’t even that mini- you more than enough to give the product a good test run.

 ‘The Bronze ofChampions’ Total Bronze kit for eyes, lips and cheeks contains some of Benefits best love products: Hoola Bronzing Powder (with brush); Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Hoola; Watt’s Up! Highlighter; Creaseless Cream Shadow in Bikini-tini; Longwear Powder Shadow in Thanks a Latte; and They’re Real! Beyond Mascara.

The products come in a handy little box (magnetic- so it can stand upright on a shelf without things falling out), some ‘Tips and Tricks’ cards and even a large mirror (which I have actually just this second discovered- I’ve been missing out all this time!)  This also means that the kit is perfect for travelling.

Watt’s Up is one of the standout products of this kit. It is so creamy and silky. It has become my second favourite highlighter (after MAC MSF in Soft & Gentle). The only gripe I have is that if you apply a little too much, it visibly ‘sits’ on the skin rather than sinking in.

Hoola bronzer is another ultimate favourite of mine. I might cry when this runs out. Its the best product I’ve found for contour. You can apply it really subtly or go all out. The Hoola lip gloss isn’t such a winner. It is nice enough but not being a fan of lip glosses, I wasn’t blown away.  It also doesn't give much colour pay off on my lips because they’re quite a deep pink. It does smell really good though.

I never had much drive to try Benefit eye shadows as there isn’t a ton of hype surrounding them so I was very pleasantly surprised with Bikini-tini and Thanks a Latte (loving the names also). The cream eye shadow is a beautiful base which definitely prevents creasing (major thumbs up from me and my oily eyelids). It is similar in colour to Watt’s Up but lighter and pinker and the formula isn’t as dense but can be built up. The powder eye shadow is also impressive: well pigmented, has a beautiful gold base shimmer and a long wear time.

Finally, They’re Real Mascara-which I posted a rave review of last year but have since had mixed feelings towards. Yes, it volumizes, lengthens and frames the eyes exceptionally well but on me, it smudges and is such a pain to remove. I’ve found Lancome Bi-facil or Bioderma are the only things that can get it off without residue/ too much hassle.

I’ve done a little FOTD to show you what the products look like on. On the left I’m just wearing my usual base and on the right I’ve used all the products from the kit.

While I don’t solely rely on all these products on a day to day basis, they’re certainly lovely and the kit gives good value for money. It has allowed me to discover brilliant products I wouldn’t have otherwise tried and the quality of each product is of a high standard.

Have you tried any of these? Which Benefit Kit would you recommend I try next?

Most Used Makeup Brushes

Hey Everyone!
Today, with my makeup brushes freshly washed (a task which had become way overdue), I thought I'd talk a bit about which ones I use most frequently and what for. I don't see many, if any, of these kinds of posts around but I would be really interested to read other peoples as often makeup brushes can be used for a variety of applications outside of what they're designed for. 
I have 3 main brands of make up brushes that I use: Real Techniques (love these!), Elf and Scarlett & Crimson (bought in the Boots January sale a couple of years ago). I've yet to invest in any high end makeup brushes: I've had my eye on MAC ones for ages but to be honest I'm scared they won't live up to their price and I'll be disappointed. 

From left to right: Real Techniques Stippling Brush: This is my HG makeup brush (if that is a thing). I've used it everyday since I bought it and I find it is best to apply foundation although also works well for cream blush. I think it might be time to buy a new one though as because the bristles are so dense and I use it so often, it is stained and doesn't wash up as well as the others. Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush: I'm not at all into this kind of brush for foundation as I think its hopeless at blending, especially from the face to the neck, but recently I've been using it to apply concealer and it works a treat. Its just the right size and shape. S&C Powder Brush: While this brush does tend to shed the odd hair, it applies bronzer and blush really nicely and picks up just the right amount of product. Its also really soft after a wash. Real Techniques Contour Brush: This is one of the brushes I use as it is supposed to be used: for contouring the hollows of the cheeks and hairline etc. It works perfectly with Benefit Hoola bronzer and again is the perfect size and shape. It also applies highlighter really well. Real Techniques Buffing Brush: It took me a while to get to grips with this brush: I used it for a while for foundation but found it didn't provide as good coverage as the stippling brush. I also used it for powder but it was just too dense. I've settled using it as a base blender- taking away any harsh lines, and I think this is how it works best. Elf Professional Bronzing Brush: I don't think the angle of this brush makes it the best for bronzing but it is great for blush, or as I use it, for highlight. It applies my MAC MSF beautifully and really quickly.  Elf Professional Eyelash & Brow Wand: I use this for running through my brows before I fill them in to take away any foundation or concealer that are sitting from base application. This is also a really handy tool for plucking my eyebrows. S&C Sponge Brush and Blender Brush: I'm improvising with the names of the S&C brushes because they don't actually have any. I have 3 eye brushes that I use religiously: these two and the next. I know most people hate sponge eyeshadow brushes but I find them really easy to use and they don't waste any product. I use the blender brush continuously as I apply each shade which I find to increase the lasting power of the eyeshadow. Elf Professional Lip Defining Brush: I've never been one to use lip brushes, and since this is pretty soft and fluffy, I use it to apply darker eyeshadows to the crease, outer corner and lower lashline. Its a really good size and density for each of these jobs. Powder Brush: I've had this for so long that the brand name has actually rubbed off but its pretty much a standard, super soft powder brush that applies powder liberally. Elf Professional Eyeshadow Brush & Wilko Eyeshadow Brush: I don't use these brushes very frequently but they've been included because they're in my makeup brush holder. These aren't as good as the eyeshadow brushes I've already mentioned, but are alright to apply a bit of matte brown to the crease on top of my Maybelline Color Tattoo. 
I didn't realise I would go into quite so much detail in this post- well done if you got through it! I like that most makeup brushes will last a good few years as long as you look after them. I was recently treated to the Real Techniques Starter Set (eye brushes) for my birthday. I've had my eye on them for the longest time but its taking me a while to integrate them into my everyday routine. When I'm more familiar I'll maybe do a full review.
What are your favourite makeup brushes? Which ones should I try?

Autumn Fashion & Makeup Haul

I'll admit it: the prospect of starting uni as well as my excitement for autumn and poring over high street shops' websites for hours finally got to me and I went on a bit of a blow out. You might look at this and think 'you were quite restrained' or, you might be on the 'omg you got all this on one shopping trip?!' camp. For me, this is way more than I'd usually haul but in my opinion, its justified by the above reasons and by the fact it was mostly paid for by the tips I'd been saving for months. 

Apologies for the less-than-great picture quality. I thought it was better to hang what I could up so you could see it better. My camera also decided to run out of charge so today's snaps are 50% camera, 50% iPhone- eugh.

Superdrug: Sleek Palette £9.99 / MUA Palette £4 Boots: Natural Collection 2 for £3.50 New Look: Coat £44.99 (£49.99 without student discount) Primark: Pink Jumper £8 / Grey Charcoal Cardigan £12 / Grey Charcoal Shoes £4 / Grey Gold Scarf £4 / Black Chiffon Blouse £8 / Super High Waist Skinny Jeans £10
Its safe to say that I am so excited to wear all of this and be all cosy for the approaching season. I had an absolute rush of happiness the other day when I first noticed the leaves on the ground (probably also fuelled by the shopping buzz).
I should probably get off to sleep now and try and rid myself of what I think is freshers flu. In all honesty I thought it was a myth/ I would definitely be immune since I'm living at home but general tiredness and a throat which feels sliced have gotten the better of me. 
If you'd like to see any Freshers/ starting uni themed posts be sure to let me know. I currently have a stationery one in the pipeline. Also leave a comment telling me what you've been hauling lately.

Current Beauty Wishlist

Having submerged myself back in the blogging community, it was only a matter of time before the length of my wishlist started to increase. This, combined with the fact I'm trying to save money, has meant that I've began to crave major makeup shopping (and a winning lottery ticket). I've been obsessed with Real Techniques makeup brushes for such a long time now and my absolute favourite, the stippling brush, should definitely be duplicated in my collection. Really, that's the only item of the following I can actually justify buying as my makeup collection is a little excessive already. I definitely don't need any more, but that doesn't stop me wanting it.

YSL Shocking Mascara

NARS At First Sight Eye & Cheek Palette

Sleek Face Form in Light

Lush BIG Shampoo

The Body Shop Honey Bronzer

MAC Lipstick Kelly Yum Yum

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick

RT Stippling Brush

RT Blush Brush

Have you tried any of these products? What are your current makeup covets?

Ellie Goulding Love

I do this all the time. Someone, usually a celebrity, comes onto my radar and something about them inspires me or sparks my interest. I then try to find out everything about them. I want to know their favourite products, how they got to where they are now, where their clothes are from. Heck my obsession with Caroline Flack a couple of years ago got to the point that I bought a dress just because she wore the same one on Xtra Factor (albeit the dress was very pretty- she does have amazing style). Anyway, I aspire to the person almost to the point of stalkerism until the phase slowly mellows out. 

Right now I just love Ellie Goulding.

It began seeing her perform live at T in the Park. She was a real stand out and I definitely didn't expect her to be as good as she was. I loved how much energy she put into her set. I then began to think how I actually liked a lot of her songs too. I then read this months issue of Glamour magazine which she is on the cover of. I was sold. I love her hair, her figure, her clothes. Whats more she seems lovely, mellow and down to earth. 

Now, I'm fully aware that I look nothing like her. That fact didn't stop me wanting to take inspiration from her makeup look in Glamour and try to recreate something similar. Never would I usually use pink eyeshadow and pencil liner on my top lashline. I am fully committed to my earthy tones and black liquid eyeliner. Surprisingly though, I found that stepping out of my usual makeup comfort zone was a great idea. I loved the eyeshadow! It took quite a while to do as I was cautious of looking like I had pink eye or like I was on my way to a rave but it actually turned out really well.

I've not went into detail about the products I used but if you're interested just leave a comment and I'll let you know.

What do you think of my attempt? Do you like Ellie Goulding?

Maybelline Color Tattoo Review

Hey Everyone!
With so much hype surrounding the Maybelline Color Tattoos, a few months ago I gave in and picked up the shade On and On Bronze. It took me a few weeks to really get into this product: I think it takes quite a lot of practice/ playing around to get the hang of how to use it. After a good while of everyday wear, I feel equipped enough to write a review (probably the hundredth you've seen, but here's my tuppence anyhoo).
The packaging is sturdy and practical. It is quite simplistic: not the prettiest product on a dresser but I guess its whats on the inside that matters. To apply, I use my ring or pinky finger and apply by small dabs on the eyelid. Only a little product is needed because the formula is so creamy. What is most striking about this product is the richness of the colour. The photograph really conveys its depth, shimmer and pigmentation. Its super buildable, so is perfect for if you're looking for a light base or a more intense look. I usually wear just this with a tiny bit of MUA matte eyeshadow in shade 19 (a dark brown) blended into the crease. The lasting power is better than standard drugstore powder eyeshadows, though it definitely does not last 24 hours (at least on my oily eyelids) and will sometimes crease after about 5/6 hours. It is not at all a pain to remove though- just a sweep of my Garnier Micellar Water does the trick. I think this product will last for a long time but I will probably repurchase when it does run out. I'd also like to try other shades.