The brushes

Over the years of my makeup hoarding it is only inevitable that I have also grown quite a brush collection. Whilst I perhaps should have titled this post my 'Real Techniques and Mac favourites' there are in fact a few others that feature. So, without further ado, here are a few of my brush essentials. 

From left to right (second picture) we have what I call the 'face gamers.' An old and, sadly, discontinued favourite is the Jemma Kidd Flat Top Foundation Brush. Whilst this was initially an applicator for foundation I have since used this for cream blush. The flat top makes it easy to pick up the product whilst the soft bristles make it really nice to blend in. If you're in search I think there are a few about on Ebay. Next is my recent favourite Real Techniques Bold Metals Tapered Blush Brush. As you will have read in a previous post this is one of my favourite brushes. Whilst these are a little pricey I believe they are worth it! Then it is the trusty Mac 168. Known as the 'large contouring brush' I use this for bronzer. Its angled head makes it so easy to do this step. Lastly we have the Real Techniques Blush Brush. This brush is always in my makeup bag. When I'm not fussed with bronzer its just such an easy, big brush to help slap on the blush. 

Then its all about my eye brushes. I never read much about the Body Shop brushes but their Blending Brush is a great friend when it comes to eyeshadow blending. The quality of the bristles is much different to the likes of the Mac blending brush but it is equally as good, if not better, at blending. Again, a Real Techniques Bold Metals Pointed Crease Brush.  Finally the Mac 217, do I even need to say anything?! This brush is holy grail in a beauty bloggers bag and I own 2. You know, one for applying and one for blending…definitely essential. 

What are your favourite brushes?

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Weekly Loving #1

We all know my favourite kinda post is a favourite's post. So, as inspired by ghostparties, I've decided now to do a weekly favourites post. This will probably consist mostly of makeup and will force me to try the hidden parts of my makeup storage.

I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I'm in love with the new Real Techniques brushes. Whilst some people are complaining about the price these really feel like professional high quality brushes. They blend so well, feel sophisticated to hold and are so soft on the skin. The tapered face blush makes me smile every time I hold it!

For the past two weeks now I've been loving an old favourite - Estée Lauder's Pure Colour Lipstick in the shade Crystal Nude. This is my 'my lips but better shade.' It is a lovely natural colour but has such a nice shine to it. If you're a MAC Patisserie fan then I would definitely recommend this - it's much creamier!

I was given the Body Shop Almond Hand and Nail butter for christmas however, after leaving it at home, this was the first time I was able to try. From first dip I was seriously impressed. It was so nourishing and gave instant results even my boyfriend wanted to try! For its price it seriously deserves a  round of applause.

I finally got round to purchasing the Soap and Glory Solar Powder. Divided in two it has a dark and light shade of bronze. I've been swirling my brush around and been creating some Nars-laguna-esque bronze. So far, this is one of the best drugstore bronzers I've tried.

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Cleansing Oils

It's time for a skincare talk: a cleansing oils 101. If you're not aware of the importance of double cleansing then perhaps I should direct you to this video here. Caroline Hirons, dermatologist skin expert will explain it all.

My biggest change in skincare routine, since watching that video has been to introduce a cleansing oil before my main cleanser. If you think about how much we layer on our skin, spf's included then a two step cleanse is essential to ensure all that dirt is removed.

I realise I've on many occasion raved about the Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil. Oh my, this stuff is ahamazing. And it makes the process of removing making thoroughly enjoyable in my opinion. I would seriously recommend this if you've never used an oil before and want to dip your toes in the water at trying.

A second oil that I've met is the Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil. Whilst smelling like orange squash this stuff, obviously, removes all traces of makeup, but also provides a radiance enhancer which is always a bonus in my books. Whilst the formula isn't as silky to touch as the Body Shop, I would still rate it a 9/10, which is pretty impressive if I do say so myself. 

What are your favourite makeup-removing products?

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The silky cleanse

I think I owe you all an apology for not telling you about my love for this product sooner. 

When the knowledge of double cleansing first came about I couldn't get over the price of some of the oils bloggers were using. I know I can be known to spend a bit but I'm not going to spend £28 on a product just to take my makeup off! So when I heard about the wonders of the Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil I quickly set off to purchase.

I had previously used the Camomile Eye Makeup Remover, which does a blooming good job (see my post here), so I was no surprise that the silky cleansing oil was going to come out on top too. It really does what it says on the bottle. It feels so silky and comfortable to massage in to the skin and does a fantastic job of removing all my makeup and leaving my skin feeling soft and clean. I use this as stage number one before going in with a second cleanser.  The only negative thing I can say is it's not the easiest thing to travel with...if they ever make a portable version I will be very grateful. 

As you can see I have been loving using this oil and think I will have to go out soon and purchase another! Are there any other Body Shop skincare products you think I should try?

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Body Shop Camomile Eye make-up remover

With my oily eyelids waterproof mascara is a necessity.  An odd feature I know, but if waterproof wasn't applied I would look like I was going for a halloween/mascara run down look everyday. Now, nobody wants to see that look do they! 

As a girl with expensive taste the Clarins make-up remover has been on my wish list for sometime. Why? Because my cheap simple remover, which claims to remove waterproof mascara does not work. I am left constantly rubbing my eye with a drenched cotton pad of remover and nothing is budging....However, this was my old routine.

 I heard a rumour out there that the Body Shop's Camomile make-up remover does the same job as Clarins and at half the price. I was, obviously, sold and went out straight away to purchase this needed item. I am pleased to announce that this boy does the trick. It is a dream to use. Simply shake to activate, squeeze a bit on a cotton pad, place over the eye for about 5 seconds and Voilà: all my eye make-up, yes my tough to remover waterproof eye make-up is gone!! Safe to say I have since removed the Clarins number from my wish list and replaced it with my replen of this. 

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