Favourite Makeup Brushes

We all have them, brushes that we couldn't live without, couldn't dream of doing our makeup without. So I thought I'd share with you my favourite brushes I use for my full face makeup routine.

The LineUp.

Face Brushes.

RT(Real Techniques) Buffing Brush, MAC 182, RT Pointed Foundation Brush, MAC 168, MAC 129SE, RT Contour Brush.

RT Buffing Brush.

This brush I use for my foundation. The bristles are synthetic & densely packed so it's firm yet extremely soft. Also another plus note of being synthetic means the brush dries quicker than a real haired brush, which is handy if you use your foundation brush everyday. I first dab the foundation over my face then work it into my skin using circular motions. I find it really works the foundation into the skin, making it look flawless & not caked on. Before I used to use my MAC 187 & I really liked that but now I feel like it doesn't work as well.

MAC 182.

This I like to use to apply my powder lightly over my foundation where I need it. I also like to use this clean over the foundation I applied, just to further buff it into the skin for that extra flawless finish.

RT Pointed Foundation Brush.

I use this brush for my under eye cream/concealer. Because of the size & shape I find it makes it easy to do that area nicely & quickly.

MAC 168.

This is one of my favourite blusher brushes. I feel like I have smaller cheeks so using a large brush seems to distribute product on too much of my face. This brush being angled allows me to control application & place the perfect amount. This is also a good brush for contouring & highlighting.

MAC 129SE.

When a girl has too much blush, she definitely needs enough blusher brushes! This one I like to use with my pigmented Nars blushes as it helps to diffuse the colours.

RT Contour Brush.

This brush is pretty much a multi-tasking brush for me. I Iove using this as a blush brush, again for the reason that the head being relatively small, allows precision application on my cheeks. I love using this brush with pigmented blushes especially when I'm going for that pop of colour look. Also I use it for its intended purpose of contouring because it works well at that. And finally I find it awesome for highlighting too. It's just an amazing brush. They should definitely think about selling these separately as I would definitely repurchase it.

Eye & Lip Brushes.

MAC 239, MAC 217, MAC 226, MAC 266, MAC 219, Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush & RT Detailer Brush.

MAC 239.

This is a good eyeshadow brush for when you want to pack on the colour. The bristles are firm yet soft. I find the size of the head to be a good size for general application of eyeshadow.

MAC 217.

This brush gets a lot of love on the Blogosphere & on YouTube. Known as the queen of blending brushes & I would have to agree. It's got just enough density & softness, making it perfect for blending without the effort. It's also perfect for applying a light wash of colour on the lids. I definitely recommend trying this brush out & owning at least one. There are dupes out there, for a cheaper alternative I hear the Sigma one is good but have not tried it out personally.

MAC 226.

This is a contoured crease brush. I like using this to apply my crease colour on my lids. I prefer using this to the 217 because of the contoured head & having smaller lids, it applies more defined whereas the 217 with a larger fluffier head would apply on too much of my eyelid. I would recommend this brush for those with smaller eyelid space that like using crease colours & doing cut-crease looks.

MAC 266.

This is an angled liner brush. When I initially purchase this brush back in the day being a novice, I found it extremely difficult to line my eyes with this brush. I was using it with MAC Fluidline but could never get my eyes the same. With practice though, I have managed to master a technique that works for me. Also through trail & error I have found I like using this brush when I want to use eyeshadow on my lash line. If you struggle with applying gel eye liner, my tip would be to trace in the line first with an eyeshadow and then then go over with the gel. This way if you make a mistake, it's easier to hide the eyeshadow line as apposed to one drawn on with gel liner.

MAC 219.

This is another brush I regretted purchasing when I first bought it. I just felt like it didn't really have a purpose for me & found myself hardly ever reaching for it. But as my skill level increased & my interests in different complex looks grew I really started to love this brush. I think it's great for adding detailed colour into a look or it's great for smudging colours onto the lower lash line. It's also perfect for inner corner highlighting. Another tip for transforming a natural look into a more sultry/smoky look would be to add a black kohl pencil to the top lash line, then using the 219 smudge the kohl into the lid colour. It instantly changes the look.

Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush.

 

As I mentioned before I used to have a hard time lining my eyes, especially when using my 266 brush. I had researched a lot of the different alternatives out there for liner brushes (MAC 209, MAC 210, Smashbox etc.) but decided to go with this one which came in a set with 2 gel eyeliners, the brush & a sample sized mascara. (the Bobbi Brown gel liner is AMAZING by the way!). I can honestly say using this brush made applying eyeliner so easy & effortless.

 

RT Detailer Brush.

I think this brush is perfect as a lip brush. I use it to apply lipsticks & glosses. Its the perfect size for the lips & good for when you want to blend different lip colours together. (which I'm really into at the moment). It's also a perfect size for inner corner highlighting & brow bone highlighting.

 

So that was a roundup of my favourite brush picks. I love using them for my makeup routine & if I am going anywhere that I know I'll be applying makeup on anyone else, these are the selection of brushes I like to take.

The Real Techniques Brushes came in a set called the core collection from Boots. I would definitely recommend them if you are just starting out or even if you have brushes but want to try something new.

I would also recommend the MAC 239 & 217 as a must. For blush I would recommend the MAC 168 or the 129 depending on wether you would like a brush suited to smaller cheeks or larger respectively. If I were choosing for myself, I would choose the 168. A) because I have smaller cheeks, & B) because it can be used for contour & highlighting as well.

Lastly I would definitely recommend the Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush if you like to do winged liner looks.

 

What are your favourite brushes? & which would you most recommend?

 

Lots of Love XOXO

 

Latest in Beauty- Skin Care Stars Box Unboxing

So the Postman came with a package today & I'm going to unbox it with you. :)

Ooh what could it be?... (hints may be found in the title).

Without the outer bag.

Without the cardboard surround.

Without the lid.

Say hello to the LiB Skin Care Stars Box (SCSB).

First impressions- Wow! That's a lot of product.

This is the SCSB that Latest in Beauty put together with YOU Magazine, as their latest themed box that was available from this Sunday for £8.95 plus shipping. Last I checked the box had sold out on their website.

Latest in Beauty is another beauty box service that is notably different as there is no subscriptions & you get to see the products before you place an order with them. Which they pride themselves on & I think that is commendable. What they might lack in packaging prettiness on the outside, they certain make up for inside in terms of sheer product quantity/quality.

In the SCSB I received

• L'occitane Angelica Hydration Cream- 15ml sample (£29 for 50ml).
• Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water- 190ml full size (£6.40).
• Melvita Youthful Skin Cream- 15ml sample (£32 for 50ml),
• Balance Me Moisture-Rich Face Cream 10ml sample (£6 for 10ml or £24 for 50ml).
• Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 30ml sample (£34 for 200ml).
• Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 4ml sample (£36 for 30ml).

Anyone want the Maths?..((29/50)x15)= £8.70 + £6.40 + ((32/50)x15)= £9.60 + £6 + ((34/200)x30)= £5.10 + ((36/30)x4)= £4.80

= £40.60 (I'm hoping my calculations are correct, please forgive me if not).

L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream.

I wasn't sure if I would like this product before I received it, but I am plesantly surprised. I love the consistency, it is light almost whipped gel/cream texture. The scent is a fresh clean scent. I tried it out on the back of my hand & it felt smooth and not at all heavy. I can't wait to properly try this out.

Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water.

I am looking forward to trying next time I have some makeup on. I never tried any of the cleansing waters before but have heard good things abouts ones such as the Bioderma one & so I have high hopes for this one. Will update you on how I get on.

Melvita Youthful Skin Cream.

Because my skin is quite youthful as it is, I don't think I will be using this product but have passed it on to my mum. Although I did test it on my hand & I don't know if my sample is a dud but it smelt quite funny (as in, really really bad), definitely not pleasing at all, so I'm kinda reluctant to let my mum use it...

Balance Me Moisture-Rich Face Cream.

I have dry & sensitive skin so was excited to try this. Once I got my hands on it, I applied it straight to my face. So far it seems to be holding up well, but time will tell. Also this seems to have a scent which I'm not 100% keen on but it's not too strong for my über sensitive nose.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.

Another product I am looking forward to try. I do like a good scrub despite having dry skin, without scrubbing I feel as though my skin gets dull & just doesn't feel 'clean'.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

This is what I was most excited to try out. I've seen some good reviews on this product & some say that it's better than Estée Lauder's more expensive version. I did try a drop on the back of my hand (yes I have one amazingly moisturised hand) the scent does have a strong lavender hit but once on the skin was bearable. I'm going to have to see how I feel about the scent once it's on my face, but I'm glad it's a night thing not day because I wouldn't like it if it were on my face all day long.

Overall I am happy with the contents of this box & I'm going to have fun trying out these products. I definitely think this box was worth purchasing & will be interested in Latest in Beauty's next themed box.

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of this box?

Lots of Love XOXO

 

What's in My Makeup Bag (Travel Essentials)

Me being me, always seem to pack way more than is necessary. Less is definitely NOT more in my case. So on my last break away, I tried to be a little more refined (ahem..) in what I took with me. I feel like I did well this time. I used most of the products & I feel like I had a good selection with me.

Shall we see what I took?..

**Sneak peek.**

Makeup Essentials...

Top Half: Aveeno Hand Cream, MAC Fleet Fast Blush (swatches & review), MAC Modern Mandarin Blush, HD Brows Grow Baby Grow (review here), Bourjois Volumizer Mascara, Garnier Roll-On Anti Dark Circles, Real Techniques Brush Holder with MAC 266, Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush, MAC 219, MAC 239, MAC 217, MAC 129 SE, MAC 226, Real Techniques Foundation Brush, MAC 182, RT Contour Brush, MAC 168, MAC Eyelash Curlers, RT Detailer Brush & RT Buffer Brush.

Bottom Half: Nars Paramaribo Eyeshadow Duo, Nars Sin Blush, Nars Deep Throat Blush, MAC MSF Natural in Medium, Estée Lauder Sensuous Nude EDP, NYX Taupe Eyeshadow, Dior Shimmer Powder in Amber Diamond, MAC Engraved Eye Pencil, Bobbi Brown Black Ink Gel Eyeliner, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Stromboli & Urban Decay Naked Palette.

 

 

 

 

You might be thinking that something's missing?.. no?.. That would be the lip products. I find it easier to carry them in a separate smaller makeup bag that I carry in my handbag. Making them more accesible because they are the products I usually need to reapply when out & about whereas the rest of my makeup tends to stay in place & doesn't require touch ups.

I use this pouch for my lip products. It is from a past MAC Tartan Tale Collection. Aye Bonnie Lass..

Inside: Carmex Classic in a Tube, MAC Marquise D Lipstick, MAC Mellow Mood Lipstick, MAC Icescape Lipglass, Burts Bees Lip Balm in Honey, Zovirax, Nars Greek Holiday Lipgloss & finally a non lip product that I carry, travel size Estée Lauder Sensuous Nude Eau De Parum.

 

Be honest, how do you think I did? & what are your makeup travel essentials?

 

Lots of Love XOXO

 

Latest in Beauty Box Skin Care Stars Box

Latest in Beauty, is another beauty service that allows you to try sample sized beauty products. This one is a little different to the likes of GlossyBox because you get to see the samples on offer & choose which ones you would like to purchase or not, as the case may be. Check out their website for more info.


Now the reason for my post is that every once in a while, they have special themed boxes, that contain nice sized samples for £8.95 usually plus p&p & the boxes value ranges into about £40 give or take.

Because these are amazing deals they tend to sell like hot cakes. Latest in Beauty has teamed up with You Magazine & are offering a Skin care Stars Limited Edition Box from today & to get them you need to follow this link & then follow the instructions. Also there is a coupon code in the You Magazine with the Sunday Times. If you want one make sure you buy it fast because I don't see it lasting long.

 

Lots of Love XOXO

GlossyBox June 2012

On Tuesday I received my GlossyBox for the month of June. If you would like to know more about what GlossyBox is, check out my previous GlossyBox post.

So who would like to see what I got in my box this month..?

This months box is beauty themed.

Back to GlossyBox's original inner packaging.

Are you ready?...

Here we go...

...

Ta-da, my June GlossyBox contents.

This month I recieved

• GlossyBox- Exclusiv Pro Beauty Brush
• MeMeMe- Sensuous Nail Gloss (5ml sample)
• BM Beauty- Summer Warmth Bronzer (1g sample)
• Caudalie- Eau Fraiche in Zest De Vigne (10ml sample)
• Vichy- Dermablend Ultra Corrective Foundation Cream Stick (6g sample)

GlossyBox- Pro Exclusiv Beauty Brush.

There seems to be quite a bit of hate going around for this brush. I think that it's not a bad brush at all & a handy addition to my brush collection. The bristles are quite soft & densely packed. Mine doesn't seem to be falling apart as other have mentioned. I think the size & design is good. What I really like is the size of the brush head. I would use this primarily as a blusher brush because I find I have smaller cheeks & some blusher brush heads are slightly too big for my preference. This one is a perfect size. I tested this with the bronzer and it worked fine.

MAC 168, GlossyBox Pro Beauty Brush, MAC 129SE.

MeMeMe- Sensuous Nail Gloss.

This nail gloss is a opaque peach colour. It really does have a very high shine finish. The first coat does go on slightly streaky, but I think 3 coats gives a nice even & opaque finish. I always walk past the MeMeMe section at my local Superdrug, but after trying this I went in & tried a few products out. They had some nice boxed blushes that seemed pretty good. Maybe next time they might come home with me...

This is 3 coats of the Sensuous Nail Gloss.

BM Beauty- Summer Warmth Bronzer.

This bronzer is a beautiful, shimmery gold with peachy undertones. It is perfect for the summer & will look gorgeous on slightly tanned, tanned & darker skin tones. Some of the lighter beauties were a bit upset that it was too dark for their skin tones, but I think this would also be a very beautiful eyeshadow. I also heard that it could be mixed into foundation, so maybe that's something to try...

A little goes a long way. My tip for application would be, to dip desired brush into product (getting a tiny amount onto tip) then swirl in the lid & then tap off any excess & swipe onto apples & cheekbones. Hey presto, one bronzed beauty!

Caudalie- Eau Fraiche in Zest De Vigne.

This is a very lemony fragrance. If you love the scent of real lemons, this is definitely for you. I prefer more girly sweet fragrances so not quite for me. This is a very nice size for a sample, great handbag size.

Vichy- Dermablend Ultra Corrective Foundation Cream Stick.

This sample has 6 different foundation shades in it. The foundation is a heavy coverage, which I don't necessarily need but I would like to try this on my under eye circles. I swatched one of the shades on the back of my hand & the texture seems nice. It feels 'light' (& not cakey) once buffed in & doesn't have any scent.

I am a little confused with the colour descriptions but I guess I will have a play & do some trail & error.

 

Hope you enjoyed seeing what I got in my box.

 

Lots Of Love XOXO