April Favourites

Whilst flicking back through my recent blog posts, it dawned on me that I haven't actually written a monthly favourites post in nearly a year. So with April passing by in a flash (& in a bid to win back some blogging points) I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share a few of the items I've been loving this month.

The first item that I've been loving this month is the romantic novel by author Jojo Moyes; Me Before You. The story follows main character Lou Clark as she leaves her comfortable - & a little boring - life behind to work with Will Traynor, a successful businessman left with devastating injuries following a motorcycle accident. This is a heartbreakingly beautiful story that left me hanging on every word - however, be sure to keep the tissues near by.. it's definitely a tear jerker!

Throughout April I've also found myself taking a break from my usual perfume's & reaching for Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. With notes of Mandarin, Jasmine & Freesia I've found that the floral scent make this a perfect perfume to wear as we head into Spring.

When it came to beauty throughout April I've found myself reaching for two items more than others. The first to make my favourites is the Real Techniques Powder Brush. With it's large, soft bristles & described as providing "smooth, high-definition results" I find this perfect for application of both  pressed & loose powders. The second beauty item that I've been loving this month is a cult favourite within the beauty world - Benefit's They're Real mascara. As someone who doesn't tend to wear false eyelashes, I genuinely find this to be the next best thing. Not only does it add curl & volume but it really does last throughout the day (perfect for day to night wear).

Last but not least is an item that I couldn't leave off my favourites list this month - the Invisibobble. Not only is this product gentle on the hair by helping to reduce split ends, it also eliminates the annoying "kink" that comes from using regular hair-bands. Something that is perfect for anyone who has long and/or thick hair like me.

I personally love reading monthly favourite posts, so hope you've enjoyed a little insight into a few of the items I've been loving throughout April. If there are any products that I've missed, be sure to let me know in the comments - I'm always on the look out for a new favourite item.

xxx

A Little Real Techniques Haul

After recently testing the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (read the full review here) I couldn't resist treating myself to a few more items from the collection. So - after spending at least half an hour browsing - I finally decided on three more brushes to test for myself.

The first brush I chose comes from the collections Flawless/Base collection. Thanks to its soft & light bristles the angled Foundation Brush claims to slowly build coverage to create a high definition & "pixel perfect" effect. If there's one thing I struggle with when applying foundation, it's covering the small & hard-to-reach areas.. So I'm very excited to see if this helps & allows me to finally achieve that perfect base.

Next is a brush that comes from the Finish/Perfected collection.. the Retractable Lip Brush. Described as a brush that "applies colour smoothly & expertly" around the contours & lines of the lip, this is a brush for perfect lipstick application. With an "ultra-firm" & "tapered tip" I'm hoping this will help create that gorgeous highly-defined lip that I often find myself lusting after.. Bonus - the retractable feature makes this perfect for travel.

The third & final brush is another from the Base/Flawless collection - the Real Techniques Powder Brush. According to the website, this brush is perfect for an even application of both mineral foundations & powder. The thing that really stands out to me about this brush is the size of the bristles themselves - something that should allow for applying powders without leaving skin feeling "cakey".

Like all Real Techniques brushes - each of the above is coloured a metallic shade which looks stunning sat on my dressing table. I'll be testing these for myself over the next few weeks - so watch this space for a review or two.

Have you tried any of the above brushes?

If so, what are your thoughts?

xxx

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

When the Beauty Blender first became increasingly popular I'll admit that I just couldn't understand the hype.. why would I want to use a sponge (something that reminded me of hopelessly applying foundation at the age of 15) when I could use one of my lovely brushes?

These feelings stuck with me until around a month ago when I spotted the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, innocently displayed near the check-outs of my local Superdrug.  In the split second before approaching the till I thought oh, what the heck... dropped the sponge into my basked & wondered off to pay.. *Yes, I do live life on the edge..*

Whilst un-boxing I'll admit that I was a little uncertain.. was this going to become my next holy grail item.. or would I simply end up throwing this in my draw - never to see the light of day again? However after trialling the sponge for around month now, I'm happy to say that I'm actually very impressed.

Whilst advertised as being an "all-round" product - meaning it can be used for powders & liquids alike - I personally prefer to use this for both foundation (using either the flat or rounded edge) & concealer (using the pointed tip to precisely cover any blemishes). I also imagine it would be great for blending liquid/stick bronzers & blushes, such as the Make-up revolution Blush Sticks (click here to read a full review).

For an every-day look - I personally think the best way to use the Complexion Sponge is damp. However instead of rinsing under water, I prefer to spray a few pumps of the MUA Setting Spray across the surface of the sponge. I've found this combination really helps to ensure my make-up is well blended & remains in place throughout the day.

The only downside to this product would be the recommendation of replacing every 1 - 3 months. Something that could become pretty expensive in the long run.. However I'm sure with good care & regular cleaning the sponge would last a lot longer.

Whilst I was pretty sceptical about using the Miracle Complexion Sponge at first, I can happily say that any doubt has now vanished. Whilst I will still use my brushes, the Miracle Complexion Sponge has definitely won a place within my favourite beauty items.

If you're interested in picking up this product for yourself, it currently retails at £5.99 & can be picked at Feel Unique, Boots & Superdrug.

Have you tried the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge?

If so, what are your thoughts?

xxx

January Sales Wishlist - Part One

Now that Christmas has officially come to an end *sobs* only one thing can cheer me up.. January Sales. There's nothing I love more than finding a good bargain, especially if that bargain is on an item I've been lusting over for months.

Of course actually attending sales in person is not for me (you won't find me queuing outside Next at 5 am on boxing day) BUT I do love to sit at my laptop from the comfort of my own home (preferably in pyjamas, with chocolate & a good Disney film on the telly) ready to find a good bargain from my favourite online stores.

As there are quite a few items on my wish list this year,  I have decided to put together a two part "mini-series" detailing all the items that have managed to find their way onto my "Sale Wishlist".

Welcome to part one - all things beauty! 

1. Benefit's "You're So Party" Gift Set - Boots - £26.33 reduced from £39.50 [x]

2. Urban Decay "Smoky Eye Palette" - Feel Unique - £34.20 reduced from £38.00 [x]

3. Clarisonic Mia 2, Keith Haring Special Edition - Feel Unique - £100.00 reduced from £125.00 [x]

4. Liz Earle "Sparkling Skin Duo" Set - Boots - £18.66 reduced from £28.00 [x]

5. Colour Crush Festive Lipstick in shade "Coral Blush" - The Body Shop - £5.00 reduced from £10.00 [x]

6. Real Techniques Bold Metals Essentials kit with Bag - Boots - £25.00 reduced from £64.00 [x]

Above are a mix of products that I have tried/tested & fallen in love with - Liz Earle being a holy grail product of mine - along with new items that I've had my eye for a while now. These include Urban Decay's "Smoky eye" palette & the Clarisonic facial brush, both of which have received great reviews within the blogging world. I also found the sets from Benefit & Real Techniques to be of amazing value when the original price & products themselves are considered. 

I hope you liked the first post within my little January Sales series - Part two will feature all things Fashion/Home-ware. 

Have you tried any of the above products?

What are your thoughts?

xxx

Your Eye's Enhanced | Real Techniques

As much as I love make-up, I hadn't got around to investing in many brushes until very recently. This was mainly due to the fact that I simply didn't know where to start. With so many brushes to chose from - & not wanting to feel like I'd ultimately wasted money - I couldn't decided which would be the best for me.

So after doing many hours of research & review reading, I finally decided to treat myself to the Real Techniques "Your Eye's Enhanced" starter set... which - since mentioning in my recent haul post - I couldn't wait to write a review on.

Currently retailing at £21.99 the set contains 5 brushes (which roughly works out at around £4 each). This includes; a Brow Brush for easily defining eye-brows, a Deluxe Crease Brush which is oversized for simple contouring, a Fine Liner Brush for applying cream or liquid eye-liner, an Accent Brush for adding detail/highlighting & a Base Shadow Brush which is used for easily applying a base layer of shadow. 

As with most new products, I try not to get my hopes up too high before testing them out as there's nothing worse than being left disappointed. Luckily this wasn't the case here & I'm happy to say that as soon as I tested these brushes I was instantly impressed.

The gorgeous metallic purple looks gorgeous sat on my dressing table, the bristles feel beautifully soft against the skin & - most importantly - they make applying/blending eye-make up effortlessly simple. What more could you ask for from a brush set?!

For anyone who's a little stuck trying to decide which brushes to invest in, I personally couldn't recommend this set enough.

Have you tried the "Your Eye's Enchanted" Set?
What are your thoughts?
xxx

A Little Haul

The majority of my shopping sprees tend to begin with the silly decision to wander into a shop just for "a quick look".. Of course then before I know it I've added a number items to my basket & my bank account is letting out a cry of sorrow.

I've accidentally wandered into a few shops recently so thought this would be the perfect excuse to put together a little haul post.. (see bank account, I obviously needed these items for my blog..).

Chelsea Boots -  Dorothy Perkins - £25.00 [x]

Real Techniques Eye Make-up Brush Kit - £20.99 [x]
(currently on offer for £14.99)

Block Heels - New Look - £24.99 [x]

VO5 Ultimate Hold Hair Spray - £3.49 [x]

With the excuse that I needed some new "winter shoes", I picked the chunky heels from New Look (perfect for chillier nights out where peep toes just won't do) & burgundy Chelsea boots from Dorothy Perkins. I can't wait to wear both pairs with a cute autumn outfit.. something along the lines of a skater dress, super-cosy tights and a faux fur jacket. 

Next - although not a winter purchase - I've had my eye these Real Techniques eye brushes for a while now. So when Superdrug had them on sale for £14.99 I couldn't resist picking them up. 

My final purchase was a bottle of VO5's Ultimate Hold hair spray.. I find this perfect for holding my hair in place throughout they day without any dry/stickyness that can come with other hair sprays. 

Have you tried any of these items?

If so, what are your thoughts?

xxx

Weekend Getaway: Make-up Essentials

If there's one thing I'm awful at, it's packing lightly. Even if I'm popping away over night, I will always be the one who brings a tonne of items that simply aren't needed *Yes, it's spa break.. but I'd really better pack my trainers.. just to be on the safe side...*. 

Unfortunately I also struggle to pack lightly when it comes to my make-up bag.. How can anyone be expected to decide in advance which lipsticks to wear or which foundation will be best?

However after a few weekend trips visiting family/friends (& finally realising that I just cannot carry the majority of make-up at all times) I've finally managed to narrow down my choices to - what I think - are the essentials for a few days away.

Moisturiser:

Olay Essentials Complete Care Day Fluid [x]
Base:

Rimmel Lasting Perfection 25 Hour Nude Foundation [x]

Real Techniques Stippling Brush [x]

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer [x]

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder [x]

New Look Kabuki Brush [x]

Bronzer: 

Rimmel Natural Bronzer [x]

Front Cover Cheek Brush [x]

(I can't seem to find this brush online so have linked one similar)

Mascara: 

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara [x]

Eyebrows: 

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil [x]

Lips: 

The Body Shop - Born Lippy Lip Balm [x]

Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipstick in shade 08 [x]

Make-up Revolution Lipstick in shade "Rebel With Cause" [x]

As you can see, I've kept the main base of my choices pretty neutral. This way the products - such as foundation, mascara & bronzer - can easily be used for both day & evening looks. I've also included one neutral day-time lipstick (Rimmel & Kate Moss in shade 08) along with Make-up Revolution's "Rebel With Cause - a deep purple shade - to add a little extra something for any evenings out. 

Obviously if I was going away for longer than a few days I'd include more items - a red/pink lipstick & an eye-shadow pallet for example - but I find this to be the perfect combination of products for a few days away.

What are your make-up essentials for a few days away?

Review - Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Earlier this week I decided to treat myself to a new foundation brush. After browsing around the internet and reading a few reviews I decided on the Real Techniques Stippling Brush which retails on feel unique for £10.99. 

The brush is described as:

"This dual-fibre brush is the trade secret for creating airbrushed, high-definition results with all types of make-up:

- look pixel-perfect even in harsh light
- ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free
- self-standing for easy storage
- extended aluminium handle is light and easy to use"

As soon as this arrived this morning I was so excited and, as I hadn't done my make-up yet, decided to try it out straight away. 

I found there were many advantages of using this brush. These include the white tips to the bristles, which makes it easier to know when they're clean; the super soft feeling of the brush, which felt lovely against my skin; the flat base which makes it possible to stand up (no more messy foundation on your dressing table - yay) and the lovely pink colour of the handle. 

According to the Real Techniques website when using the brush instead of sweeping on foundation like you would normally, you buff it on in circular motions. This eliminates any streaks and ensures the make-up is properly blended. I usually use a  Beauty Blender to apply foundation but definitely think this provides much better results. 

Overall I would definitely recommend this make-up brush. I was so happy with the results and I've been looking to purchase the Retractable Kabuki Brush for bronzer and contouring. 

If you're interested in purchasing the Real Techniques you can get it from the Feel unique website or by clicking here. 

xxx