Real Techniques Brush Kit

Real Techniques Core Collection brush set - £21.99

I'm so glad that I have discovered these makeup brushes, they are literally my holy grail of makeup brushes. Well, especially the Buffing Brush (the largest). After asking on Twitter about a new foundation brush, a hell of a lot of people tweeted me back all saying the same thing; "Get the Real Techniques Buffing Brush". I figured that with the amount of girls all saying the same thing, it must be an amazing brush. Even better than the Sigma F80 so they all said.

The kit also comes complete with a case for storage. I was going to store them on my dressing table in my glass jars, but with their orange packaging, they just didn't go with my Dressing Room decor, so I keep them packed away neatly in this carrier case.

The Buffing Brush applies my liquid foundation so well, even better than my previous standard foundation brush by Sigma. The brush itself allows a buffing application, rather than streaky. This allows the foundation to blend into your jawline and neck much better without that tell tale tide line.

Here I am with my foundation applied with the Real Techniques brush, I love it! Well worth investing in!

What foundation brushes do you use? Have you ever tried the Real Techniques range?

Topshop Sunbeam Highlighter

Topshop Sunbeam Highlighter - £10


When it comes to shimmery makeup, I'm such a magpie. Being drawn in by anything that sparkles in the light. Whilst in Topshop testing out a few different products and becoming covered in stains from swatches, I noticed the Topshop Sunbeam Highlighter. I'm fairly new to highlighters, but as soon as I'd swatched this, my whole hands and arms ended up doused in glittery gold dust. No matter how much I willed to wipe away the dazzling glitter flecks, they remained put. Even in my messy twinkly state, I did think to myself that it must be a long lasting product (when applied correctly) as no matter how much I scrubbed, the glitter wouldn't budge.

What are your favourite highlighters? What have you tried and tested? What don't you rate?

Chanel Soleil Tan Bronze Universal

I was most pleased to awaken Valentines morning to a little white Chanel gift bag placed neatly on the fireplace. Intrigued as to what was inside, I stepped over and had a peek. My lovely Boyfriend had bought me the Chanel Universal Bronzer - which I had actually been banging on about for ages that I wanted to purchase it at some point and try it out.

Chanel Universal Bronzer - £29.50

I'm sure many of you have seen quite a few blog posts floating around on the blogsphere about the holy grail that is Bronze Universal. I know it has changed it's name, now currently to ' Soleil Tan De Chanel', but I find 'Universal bronzer' much less of a mouthful. Plus, I can see myself absolutely butchering the French accent if I even so much as attempted to pronounce the new name.

I am still yet to try this product, and can't bring myself to spoil the pretty little swirl. The makeup artist on the Chanel counter has done a swatch test on my hand before in store using a normal kabuki brush to apply, so I have a good idea of the finish it gives, but I am yet to try it myself. The formula is that of a mousse consistency making it easy to blend yet build able for a more intense bronze finish.

Have you ever tried this product? What are your thoughts?

My Unwanted Beauty Box: February

Who remembers my blog post about my New Years Resolution? For those of you who haven't already read what I've been trying to achieve for my Beauty New Year Resolution, you can do so by visiting here.

Basically, in a nut shell, I come to terms with the fact that I have a substantial amount of beauty items; varying from all different makeup, skincare, haircare, you name it. I have my favourite products which I always repurchase and use up pretty quickly. However, this being the case, I'm always neglecting other less used products. I have bundles which end up being shoved to the back of the drawer untouched.

This in mind, last month I put together an 'Unwanted Beauty box'. I did this by sorting out all my less used (if at all) products and putting them all together in a little box vowing to use them for an entire month to try and use up the contents. Here's how I've been getting on a month down the line..


Here is what I put in the box on 1st January 2012;

Quite a decent amount of items as you can see. If you would like to see the full low down on which products I put in there and why, you can do so here.

And here is what I now have remaining in the box after a months worth of use;

Items used up:

MAC NC35 foundation, MAC Cremecup lipstick, all of my Loreal shampoos, Bodyshop Body butter, Urban Decay eye primer, Deodorant, Pixie face primer, MAC eye makeup remover, Spa Magik salt brushing, Colbert eye cream and Rimmel eyeliner.

As well as these items, I've also managed to use up lots of sample sized products I received from Glossybox. It's great to know that I've been using products up without wasting them and/or my money.

The products remaining in the box

The remaining products in the box I have managed to use up quite a lot of product but I still have a lot to get through.

As you can see, I've used up a lot in the remaining few.

I've decided to remake up another Unwanted Beauty Box for February to help me get through even more products.

February's Unwanted Beauty Box;

Whats in there? & the reasons they're there?

Coca Cola Cherry lip balm
Although it's yummy, it just makes me lips really red looking which I'm not a fan of. I'll be using this every night before bed.

Elf Tickled Pink
Yes, its making a reappearance in bid to hit pan!

Soap&Glory Face Clarity cleanser
I do really like this, but I have so many cleansers which I prefer so I want to use this up before using my favourites.

Bodyshop lipgloss
I'm sure this is half empty now. I will get through it, I will, I will!

Lady Million body lotion
This is lovely, but it wouldn't be something I repurchase.

Elf eyeshadow duo
Being the happy owner of the Naked Palette, all my other eye shadows become neglected.

First Aid beauty body lotion
I'm going to keep this in my handbag as my to go hand cream.

Oilatum face repair
So many Bloggers rave about this product, but for me it gets neglected as it is rather heavy for my skin and I prefer to use other moisturisers.


So there you have it! I'm challenging myself again. What is in your Unwanted beauty Box this month? Are you setting yourself this challenge?

Battle of the Foundations

Calling all beauty bloggers! I am beckoning you over for your much needed help and advice.

I have recently discovered to my absolute horror, that my all time favourite foundation; Chanel Mat Lumiere has been discontinued. *Cue drastic music* 

That's right, my old ye faithful is no longer available to buy, and to make matters worse, I'm literally on my last drops. *Cue temper tantrum*

After finally getting over the initial woe of the idea that Chanel Mat Lumiere will never touch my face again, I came to realisation that a new foundation was in order. Now, I know what you're all thinking - MAC. Yes, MAC is amazing, and I do love Studio Fix fluid. But, there is just something which just doesn't compare to my previous Chanel. I don't really think fix fluid photographs well on my skin and it a little too matte for my liking. I love the full coverage, but I also enjoy a slight dewy glow to my skin without looking like a shiny grease monkey.

A mission was in order: Mission Foundation Search/Chanel replacement.

I set off to my local department store and made a bee line for the brands I'd never tried out before; Bobbi Brown, Dior and Clarins.

The beauty assistants were very helpful in helping me find a new foundation which could be a good Mat Lumiere replacement. I feel a pay rise in order for them. As they were all extremely helpful and I didn't feel I was being pushed into buying something I didn't want. They also all really took the time and effort to help me decide and test the products.

I came away with the samples above:- Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturising Foundation (shade natural 4), Clarins Everlasting Foundation (Shade Chestnut) and Dior Skin Forever (shade 032).


Here is what each foundation looks like when applied to my skin..

My overall impressions.

Clarins = Smells lovely. Great colour match. Bit too light coverage for my liking. Photographs OK, but I look a little pasty.

Dior = Easy to blend. Full coverage. Can look cakey. Photographs well without making me look like a ghost. Smells OK.

Bobbi Brown = Full coverage. Difficult to blend. Looks far too yellow on my skin. Cool tones. Has great staying power.


Now here is where you guys come in. Which foundation do you think suits me best? Are there any you prefer or have tried? cast your votes now!

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Soft & Gentle

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish - Soft & Gentle (£20.50)

This is my latest purchase from MAC, the MSF in Soft & Gentle. I've been after a highlighter for a while now, and after using MSF Natural quite a lot (and seeing that it lasts ages!) I decided to invest in this little treasure. Sparkly huh?

I apply it along my cheek bones, down my nose and on my collar bones to add a nice little extra shimmer on nights out. I'm not really a fan of a matte-finish face, but I do also like to look oil free. When using a matte foundation, this product can be the perfect little bit of icing on the cake to make your skin have a healthy looking glow.

I'll now leave you with some pretty photos...

I also love the look of the Mineralized Blushers, but have yet to purchase one. What are your favourite highlighters?

My New Years Eve Look

The original plan was to set up my camera tripod and take what could be classed as some decent outfit photos. Alas, here I behold plan B. I was in a mega, mega rush after getting ready and only just managed to snap a quick few arms length shots for you.

DiorSKIN Forever - shade 032

MAC bronzer - Refined Golden

MAC MSF - Soft & Gentle

Elf blush - Candid Coral

eBay false lashes

MAC eye kohl - Smoulder

Urban Decay naked palette shadows

Me Me Me lipgloss - Ultimate Red



Dress - Motel at Topshop £32

What did you all get up to for New Years Eve? Myself and the girls hit town for the day session and then went back to our local to meet all of the lads around 9pm for the rest of the night. We had so much fun! Happy New Year everyone! All the best for 2012!

Blood Bitten Lips

Blazer: River Island  |  Grey Tee: All Saints  |  Jeans: Primark  |  Necklace: Primark

I've been searching for a nice red lipstick for a while now. After being bewildered with choice in Superdrug, I ended up buying three red lipsticks on a whim; Revlon - Revlon Red, MUA - Shade 13 and the one I'm sporting in these photos Me Me Me - Ultimate Red.

I actually fell in love with this colour after seeing Towie's Lydia bright sporting the exact same lipstick. It's really wearable for day or evening wear. I was worried about the colour clashing with my hair, but I actually think it goes quite nicely. Red lipstick is usually renowned for smudging, but I was happy to see that my lovely blood bitten lipstick managed to stay put all night without a touch up!

   

What is your favourite red lipstick?

Face of the Night

Face:

Liquid foundation = Chanel Mat Lumiere - Naturel 50
Setting powder = MAC MSF Natural - Medium Plus
Bronzer = Bourjouis Chocolate bronzer - 52
Blusher = MAC Blushbaby

Eyes:

Eyebrows = HD Brows eyebrows kit
Liquid eyeliner = Rimmel
Mascara = Maybelline Colossol
Eye liner = MAC eye kohl - Smoulder
False lashes = Eylure Girls Aloud Nicola Roberts (original)

Lips:

Lipstick = MAC Hue
Lipliner = MAC In Synch


I decided to ditch the eyeshadow on this particular night. The main reason being; because I didn't actually have enough time to start titivating myself. I opted for some fluttery falsies, complete with thick liquid eyeliner (a'la Lauren Conrad). My lovely friend, Maxine, also introduced me to this particular lip liner. Never in my life have I used lip liner, and now that I have used it, it's safe to say I shall never be going back. It really defines your lips and creates a fuller pout. However, lip liner can be dangerous! Make sure that you find one to suit your lipstick, as you can end up looking like a drag queen!

The Perfect Peachy Pout

Being a beauty blogger, it's somewhat of a popular addiction when it comes to indulging in the latest lipstick.

There are many lipstick junkies amongst us bloggers - myself included! With a drawer full of nudes, pinks, corals and reds, I have been on the look out for the 'Perfect Peachy Pout' (as I have rightly named the title of this post).

Whilst in Newcastle on a recent Bloggers meet up, us girlies perused around the makeup counters like a pride of Lionesses prowling around their next prey. In bid to stumble across the Peach lipstick I have designed purely in my own mind. Every girl does it, right? Dreams up the perfect shade in their thoughts? Well, I most certainly do.

I finally caught sight of the YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick range, thank you to my lovely friend, Helen, who brought this beauty to my attention;

YSL Rouge Volupte - Peach Faubourg #30


This is the first, and probably only YSL lipstick I will invest in. Purely because of the whopping price of £22. Don't get me wrong - I love the colour and felt this was the reason I could justify spending this amount. I also think treating yourself every now and again is a good thing. But, I do think it is a hefty price for a lipstick alone.

I must say, my first YSL experience has been a very good one. Not only is the packaging and product amazing, and very expensive looking, the lipstick itself is fragranced with a melon scent. Pure delicious!

What do you girls think? Do you enjoy indulging in the more higher end brands? Or do you find them a waste of money? Or like me, do you occasionally like to treat yourself and have a healthy mix of higher and lower end brands?

I'd also love to also hear of any perfect peachy colours you've come across. One of my favourites is also MACs Shy Girl. A really lovely milky coral shade.