Real Techniques Brushes | Core Collection

 

Now, I am no make-up artist, far, far from it so if you're looking for an experts opinion on these brushes you've come to the wrong place.  I have never been massively in to brushes - I know, sounds crazy right? I've always had a few knocking about but I have always been a rub my foundation in with my fingers kinda gal.  I know, I know, some of you will think I'm crazy and it's not like I didn't read all the stuff about how using make-up brushes really does transform your make up, I read it, I just ignored it.  Until now. 

 

 

I decided to go with Real Techniques Core Collection & Starter Set (more on the starter set in my next post).  The reason I chose these was 3 fold

1. I love Pixiwoo (those girls rock!)

2. They have rave reviews all over the internet

3. They're relatively inexpensive

 

I've been using them in my morning make up routine for the past month now so I thought I let you in to my thoughts about each brush and the set as a whole.

 

First off, I kinda like the packaging.  I know I'm gonna eventually take them out and place them in a container on my dressing table (when I finally get one!) but for now they live in the handy little casing.  You can fold them over so the brushes are hidden away or there's a little toggle that you pull and you can stand the brushes up (like I have in the photo) 

 

The brushes are all made with taklon bristles which is a synthetic fiber.  They all feel very soft and are 100% cruelty free.  The handle is made from aluminium which makes them very light and the end of them is flat which means they can stand up on your dressing table (if you have one *insert sad face here for my non existent dressing table*)

 

I am absolutely in love with this collection as a whole and I have to admit it, you people that have ranted and raved at me for years that I really should invest in make up brushes were right (dang you, I so hate it when I'm wrong).  It's made such a difference to my make up routine and it is now my goal to collect every single one of the Real Techniques brushes.

 

Contour Brush | use with bronzer to define the cheekbone, contour the crease above the eyes, for highlighter

A truly fantastic brush for contouring cheekbones which I've used every day since purchasing it.  It's a really good size and fits perfectly in the hollows of my cheek.

Buffing Brush | Use for cream to powder foundation or a mineral foundation.  It can also be used to apply bronzer, blush and highlighter.

This is my absolute favourite brush from the set.  Literally, I don't know how I did my foundation without it and another one I've used it every single day without fail.  I've been using it to buff liquid foundation on my face and blending it out.  It does a really good job of evening out the foundation, leaving a really natural, non caked look.  I find it quite a dense brush and because of this density I've struggled using it with bronzer or blush.  Having said that it is good to use if you want a highly pigmented look.

Detailer Brush | Precision cut for concealer, under eye concealer or to define lips with lipstick.

This is a teeny tiny brush. I've found it most useful for spot concealing such as in the corners of my eyes or round the sides of my nose where I can get some redness.  I find it too small for using concealer under the eyes as it's too time consuming and I ain't got time in the mornings to be messing around! I have recently been experimenting with it for highlighting my inner eye with shadow and also putting shadow on my lower lash line. 

Pointed Foundation Brush | for liquid foundation and under eye concealer

I have found this brush is way too small for my liking to use with liquid foundation so I've been using it to blend out concealer under the eye.  It's actually my least favourite brush from the set.  I just don't work well with this style of brush.  I found that by using a slight dabbing technique I achieved quite a good result although I have to say it's just not my style.  If you like this style of brush than this would definitely be good for you as it's very soft and flexible.

 

Overall, these brushes are fantastic.  They are very reasonably priced for the quality and have defiantly helped me in my make up application. 

If, like me, you're not hugely confident in using make up brushes you can head over to Real Techniques Channel where Samantha has tutorials on how to use each brush. 

Have you used the Real Techniques brushes? What do you think of this set?  Any other RT recommendations for me to try out?

Like this post?

Maybelline Electro Baby Lips

I was browsing the stands in my local drugstore last week and as I passed the Maybelline section I saw these neon bad boys glaring back at me. I mean really, I couldn't miss them, they're so bright and they really intrigued me. So, as any good beauty blogger does I popped them in my basket without a second thought, excited to try them out when I got home.  They were of course the Mayelline Baby Lips Electro Lip Balm.

I picked up 3 of the shades (they were on 3 for 2) and I just love the names. I really think names are important when making a make-up product because as well as the shade of a product, the name is important to me too. Please say I'm not weird and you think like that too? The colours I got were Strike A Rose (pink), Berry Bomb (purple) and Oh! Orange! (errrr orange). 

I've been experiencing some problem lips in the past week or so and they've become quite dry and flaky (nice, I know) so I figured these products would be good to add a little tint to my lips during the day yet still give some moisture to try and get my lips back in good condition.

According to studies these produce smoother, more hydrated and better looking lips and I have to say I think I agree. I've been using various different shades on my lips over the past week and my lips have definaetly improved. They feel really moisturising when you apply them to the lip and give a lovely hint of colour.

The colours kinda scared me at first but they look really lovely on the lips. They're a really nice alternative to the heavy autumn plummy lip I have been wearing. Oh and the flavour! I love having a flavour or scent to my lip balms and the flavours on these are subtle and not too artificial.  Oh! Orange! tastes like, what else? oranges, Berry Bomb is a grapey, berry taste and Strike A Rose is a kind of sweet taste.

Overall, I'm really glad I picked these up. They're a great bargain buy if you need a quick fix for your lips and don't want to spend a ton of money. They will definaetly stay in my handbag for the next few weeks and I'll continue to reach for them to give my lips a moisture and a hint of colour when I'm having a no or little make-up day.

What's your favourite bargain product to wear on your lips?

Sleek Eyeshadow Palettes | My New Bargain Heroes

I've ooo'ed and ahh'ed over many a Sleek eye shadow palette in my time but for some reason never bought one. I've read a ton of good stuff about them and they look amazing.

I'm a girl who loves a bargain and these palettes really hit the spot at only £7.99 for 12 colours so I eventually decided to give in and purchase two to see if they live up to all the hype I've heard.  The palettes I chose were the Sunset Palette and the Ultra Mattes V2 Darks Palette.

Sunset Palette

I'm in love with this palette.  I've only had a little play around with it so far but I adore the reds.  There's great pigmentation in all the colours and I find they blend beautifully. Check out those swatches - aren't they amazing? All the colours have a beautiful shimmer and I can definitely see myself using all of them. 

Ultra Matte V2 Darks Palette

I wasn't sure how much of a fan of matte eyeshadow I was... I've always tended to stick to shimmery shadows. With that in mind I thought I'd try out the ultra mattes dark palette in a bid to try new things and become more adventurous with my make-up. Oh my goodness, I've been missing out! These colours are so intense and pigmented. I think the range of colours for this time of year in particular are really fantastic. There's a great mix of lights and darks and I can't wait to play around with these more.

My first impression of these Sleek eyeshadow palettes is nothing but positive.  I wore them yesterday and they definaetly seem to have great staying power - I applied my makeup at about 10am and they were still going strong way into the evening. I think they may have just become my new bargain heroes. How many other palettes do they do?... I think I need them all.

Have you got the Sleek palettes? 

What do you think of them?

Any recommendations as to which one I should get next? I see Superdrug have a new Limited Edition Birthday Palette to celebrate their 50th birthday.  Hmmm I might just have to get that one...

Benefit Advent Calendar 2014 | Candy Coated Countdown

The Benefit Advent Calendar is back in style this year. Last year it was a complete sell out and a hugely in demand item.  So in demand that I think the big, wide, interweb couldn't cope and us demanding beauty babes almost broke the Benefit website trying to get our hands on it.

This years offering is delightfully named 'Candy Coated Countdown' and it's decorated in a cute sweet shop theme.

SPOILER ALERT Look away now if you don't want to know what's inside

Some of what you'll receive are

That Gal Primer
The POREfessional
Benetint
Chachatint
High Beam Complexion Enhancer
Posietint
Stay Flawless Primer
BADgal Lash Mascara
Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in A-Lister & Fauxmance
Watt's Up! Highlighter
Ooh La Lift
Total Moisture Facial Cream
It's Potent Eye Cream
Fakeup Concealer
They're Real
Stay Don't Stray Primer

 

 

I love Benefit so I reckon I'm definitely gonna put it on my list of calendars I want this Christmas.  The calendar costs £60, which is a great deal considering the value of products is £109.53. You can order it here from Benefit from 16th October. 

 

Will you be getting this? 

 

 

Benefit Majorette Blush Review

Last week I finally got my hands on Benefit Majorette Cream to Powder Blush. Squeals in excitement* It's a product I've been wanting to try since I found out about it and oh my, it didn't disappoint.

For a starter the packaging is so incredibly adorable. It has a wonderful vintage feel.  I think you have to get your hands on it to truly appreciate it's charm.  The blush is housed in a circular, plastic compact which flips open to reveal a full size mirror and a domed blush with a pretty sunburst design.



On a sidenote, check out all those brown leaves that have already fallen.

Back to the blush... I'm relatively new to cream to powder blush. My regular blush at the moment is Mac powder blush but I have to say cream to powders are becoming my new favourites.  This cream to powder formulation is really nice.  It glides easily over the skin and allows you to blend before setting.  The colour is simply delicious - a coral, fleshy tone which really lifts your complexion.  I haven't worn a coral blush before but I'm in love with the shade.  To apply I used my two first fingers to swirl around the pot (the pattern disappeared, something that always kinda makes me sad) and then patted and blended it on to my cheekbones.  The colour looks even more delightful on the cheeks than it does in the pot and adds a beautiful, healthy glow to the cheeks.

  

Did I mention the smell? Oh my, how could I have forgotten to mention the smell.  It's amazing! A delicate hint of peach and pomegranate. Mmmm good enough to eat.

At £23.50 it's quite pricey but you would expect that kind of price from a premium make up brand like Benefit.

You can buy the blush here

BEAUTY | Soap & Glory Bits

 

I have a major love of Soap & Glory.  So when I was in Boots and saw it was on offer at buy 1 get one half price I knew I had to buy some more.

I decided to limit myself to 2 make up products and 2 body products and oh my the choice was hard.

The body products I choose were Sugar Crush Body Wash and Sugar Crush Body Scrub. I haven't tried either before and thought the smell of them was really interesting.

The body wash is scented with lime which has a really zesty, fresh scent which I really love.

 

I bought the body scrub as I've recently come back from my holidays so my legs are starting to get quite scaly. Is that gross? Do you get scaly legs after a holiday in the sun? Please say you do!

I figured I'd use the body scrub and the body wash on alternate days in my morning shower in the hope of getting my legs back to looking like a lady as opposed to a scaly lizard. 

The make up products I chose were Solar Powder, which is, of course, a classic and a new one for me, Sexy Mother Blusher.

There are 3 shades of the blusher. I went for Berry Jamm which is a vivid pink. The blush is in a chubby pencil form which I actually have never tried before, I've always gone for powder blushers.

The blush is extremely creamy and highly pigmented. I applied straight from the stick to my cheeks and blended with a blusher brush.  It blends beautifully and my cheeks had a wonderful, natural looking flush of colour. 

I've worn this a few times now and I'm becoming slightly obsessed (I might have to try the other 2 colours).  I love that it's slightly dewy but also slightly matte. Does that even make sense? It lasts all day and is easily removed at night. I love that you can apply it lightly for a natural look or you can apply it heavier if you'd like. I would definitely recommend these if you haven't tried them already.

 

And finally onto Solar Powder. I just love this product. One of the reasons I love it is because my initials are SG and, well, there's an SG on the powder when it's new. I feel I have personalised make up just for me. Is that sad? 

The Solar Powder is a two-toned bronzer, one lighter and one darker so you can either mix them together for an all over glow or use the darker shade to contour and the lighter shade for a subtle bronze. It isn't at all orangey which I find with some bronzers. I use this when I want a less intense bronzer.


What's your favourite Soap & Glory product?


 

Glossybox | July 2014 | Stars And Stripes

Hola Sparkly1s

Is there any better feeling than knowing you have a fabulous parcel on the way and then the doorbell goes? I almost do a little squeal of excitement.  I have a lot of parcels delivered and pretty much class all the various delivery drivers as my friends.

I decided about a week ago I wanted to add to all the parcels I receive and subscribe to GlossyBox. If you don't know, GlossyBox is a monthly subscription beauty box that's delivered to your door each month with various make-up and beauty products. My first parcel arrived today! I almost grabbed it off the postman as he fumbled around with his letters and his little techy machine thing.

I eagerly opened up my parcel to be greeted by an adorable little stars and stripes box filled with 5 beauty products.

 

The products I received are:

Bellapierre Mineral Lipstick in Ruby £20

Absolute Perfecting Eyeshadow Primer $4.99

Color Club Glossy Seal Nail Polish $8

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara £19.50

Carmex Lip Balm £2.69

 

Carmex is a product I used to use all the time. Now I'm talking years ago, like when I was 14 or something. You couldn't get it in the UK back then and I'm not sure who, but someone used to bring them back for me when they went on holiday. I'm not sure why I stopped using it but I'm pleased to have received this product and it's gone straight into my handbag.  It's fantastic for soothing dry and chapped lips and with menthol, camphor and beeswax lips are protected all year round.

 

 

This is a full size Bellapierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick, which is a cult American favourite. It is formulated with natural waxes and has vitamin C and E in it. I got the shade 'Ruby' which I initially wasn't very pleased about as I don't tend to wear red lipsticks. But after testing it out I changed my mind. I'm trying to vary my make-up at the moment as I'm in a complete rut so this is the ideal opportunity. 

The swatch is a deep red with orangey undertones. It has a really creamy, soft texture and is extremely pigmented. I'm really quite pleased with this one and am looking forward to wearing it.

 

Again, this nail varnish was one I was initially slightly disappointed with but it has grown on me.  It is a full size Color Club in the shade Glossy Seal which has been especially formulated for the July Glossybox. After looking into this brand online I discovered they are made with non-toxic, cruelty free ingredients, which is a big plus point for me. 

I tried this one on my toes as I'd just painted my hands and I was quite pleased with the colour. It's something very different from what I have in my collection so I'm pleased to add it in.

 

This is another full size product - the Absolute New York Perfecting Eyeshadow Primer. I have a confession to make. I have never used an eyeshadow primer in my life so I'm really looking forward to trying this one out

 

 

This Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara is something I've been wanting to try for a while now  so I was thrilled when I spotted this little baby. Apparently it has lengthening, curling, volumising and conditioning properties - and who doesn't want that in a mascara?

 

 

Do you subscribe to GlossyBox? What did you get in yours?  If you don't subscribe does this lot make you want to?

 

 

Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner Review

I'm not a massive wearer of eyeliner but I went to Boots the other day as I had decided I wanted a liner.  I'd chosen a Maybelline one and as I was walking to the till I stopped to browse the Benefit counter.  If you know me, you'll know I'm more of a bargain make-up girl than high end stuff but I always enjoy looking at the more expensive stuff.

As I was looking at the Benefit counter a lovely make up / sales lady named Tasha came up and asked if I needed any help.  Now, I'm normally the type of person who would say 'no, no, I'm just browsing, thanks,' but this time I didn't, I found myself replying 'well I'm just looking at getting an eyeliner.' That was all she needed, 'hop up on the chair,' she said and I was instantly at her mercy.  I'd heard about the They're Real Push-Up Liner through blogs and other beauty websites so when she started explaining about it I was instantly impressed.

At £18.50 it's certainly not cheap.  So, is it worth the hype? And the cost? I bought it and been testing it out the last few days and I'm pleased to say, in my opinion, absolutely yes.

If you're not familiar with the product it has been billed as a game-changer that's been 5 years in development.  The first ever lash hugging gel liner in a pen.  It has an Accuflex tip which they claim is soft which an angled tip to draw an easy line, pushes lashes aside so it can get right in close to the lashline and has a wide base for a stable application.

I picked up some little tips from Tasha on the Benefit counter that I think might help you to get great results:

1. Rest your arm or elbow on a table for support to give you more control.
2. Glide the Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner on the back of your hand before you start to get the gel coming out.
3. You will probably need two clicks.
4. Be quick. As it's a gel it dries really quickly so this could lead to flaking (which is not a good eyeliner look) if you have to go over an area more than once.
5. Go right to the base of your lashes.

Like I said, I'm no eyeliner expert and I did have to practise quite a lot with this before getting it right but I love the look of it.  Some tips that I discovered whilst using it are:

1. Don't go over already applied eyeliner. Oh my goodness how I wish I had taken a photo of the first time I tried to apply this myself! It was flaky. It was lumpy. It was just everything wrong with eyeliner.
2. Remember that this is a gel liner. It's drier than a liquid liner.
3. Have some bloody good make up remover! Once this stuff is on it ain't coming off without a fight. I am yet to find a makeup remover that is good at removing this so if you know one please share it in the comments.
4. A little tip that I picked up from a friend is to keep the little orange plug that comes in the end so you can replace after each use.  It can dry out really quickly so make sure the pen lid is tightly put back on each time.
5. Practise, practise, practise.

Have you tried the liner? I'd love to hear your opinions on it.