Tools of the Trade: Makeup Brush Cleaners…

If I’m painfully honest cleaning makeup brushes is probably one of my biggest pet hates about being a makeup junkie. The thought of having to spend half an hour lathering, washing and rinsing just fills me with dread – there’s so much more important things I could be doing, such as procrastinating on YouTube *sigh*

However to ensure my tools stay free of any bacterial buildup & unwelcome beauty bugs it’s a necessary evil, and one I should probably embrace a whole lot more than I do – after all, what’s more satisfying than a pot full of fluffy clean makeup brushes?! Needless to say I’m always on the hunt for intriguing little gadgets that claim to be the epitome of greatness. Particularly when it comes to saving time and hassle in getting those fibres squeaky clean.

So if you’re on the hunt for some brush cleaning paraphernalia pull up a pew & check out this lot…

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Real Techniques Brush Cleaning Palette

Crafted from performance-grade silicone, and designed ergonomically to fit comfortably over your hand, the palette’s raised surface helps sweep away makeup, oil and impurities from between the bristles, allowing your brushes to deliver truer, more consistent colour upon next use. Cleans brushes 55% better.*

*Tested using Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette and Brush Cleansing gel versus hand-cleaning with water.

Current retail price: £12.99 @ Look Fantastic

*Click Here* to check it out on the web-store

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BrushPearl Automatic Brush Cleaner 

BrushPearl™ is the world’s first tool that automatically cleans and freshens your make up and cosmetic brushes with the use of ultrasonic technology and BrushPearl™ Cleanser.  BrushPearl™ works by sending sound waves through the water and cleanser which efficiently vibrates dirt and grime off the brushes.  It is a very effective cleaning tool which leaves your brushes properly clean.  FINALLY, a quick AND easy solution for the dreaded task of cleaning your brushes!

Current retail price: $99.99 @ BrushPearl 

*Click Here* to check it out on the web-store

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Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat

With suction cups to adhere to the bottom of your sink (or any smooth surface), this multi-textured ‘Express’ mat makes brush cleaning a breeze (it’s 32% smaller than the original – ideal for small or unique sinks, as well as travel). Quick and convenient, the seven patented textures help your cleansing product to access the ‘roots’ of even densely packed foundation brushes – dissolving every speck of product build-up so your tools are left spotless (and sterile). Made from robust silicone, the mat is hygienic (it won’t harbor bacteria), and is easily stored.

Current retail price: £20 @ Cult Beauty

*Click Here* to check it out on the web-store

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StylPro Makeup Brush Cleaner & Drier

Regular cleaning of makeup brushes is critical to avoid the build up of bacteria, which can cause spots, skin abscesses, infections and cold sores. The beauty of the StylPro is that it’s really simple to use. You just attach any makeup brush using one of eight collars, before dunking it for 10 seconds, spinning for another 10 seconds and then drying for five to 10 seconds. That’s your makeup brush completely clean and dry in less time than it takes to choose a shade of lipstick!

Current retail price: £49.99 @ StylPro

*Click Here* to check it out on the web-store

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Makeup Revolution Ultra Pro Cleanse Brush Tool

This unique Brush cleaning tool is perfect for cleaning your brushes in an easy and effective way. Make sure you pick a Brush Shampoo which effectively cleans and helps maintain makeup brushes and sponges.

Current retail price: £4.99 @ Superdrug

*Click Here* to check it out on the web-store

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Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove

With two ‘thumbs’ for comfort and two, multi-textured surfaces to spot- or deep-clean all your brushes, Sigma Beauty’s 2X Sigma Spa Cleaning Glove makes brush cleaning a breeze. Quick and convenient, the different textures help your cleansing product to access the ‘roots’ of even densely packed foundation brushes – dissolving every speck of product build up so your tools are left spotless (and sterile). Made from robust silicone, the glove is hygienic (it won’t harbour bacteria), and is easily stored. It’s a must-have for any die-hard make up maven.

Current retail price: £30 @ Cult Beauty

*Click Here* to check it out on the web-store

Have you tried any of the above brush cleanser tools? Do you have any top tips on cleansing your makeup brushes? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by for a quick chatter

Cheerio Chums…

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The Make-Up Menu: Peach Sherbet

After last Fridays post, The Must-Have Eye-Shadow Trio, quite a few of you lovely ladies were rather intrigued about the pigmentation & quality of these affordable mini compacts. Not being one to turn down an opportunity to get dolled up (and as I’m rocking the warm peach sherbet tones right now) what better excuse to create a quick look for this weeks Make-Up Menu? Heck, you might even take some inspiration by re-creating this warm summery look over the weekend too. Why not!

Okay, so here’s the menu gals…

Nivea Intense Moisturising Day Cream – I use a small amount of this intense moisturising cream before applying any cosmetics to my skin as it helps keeps my face hydrated and make-up lasting longer. Don’t forget to leave it absorb into the skin before layering on Foundation etc!

Boots No 7 Beautifully Matte – My current go-to foundation. This literally knocks the spots clean off all others I’ve tried over this last few months… yep, I’ve finally found ‘The One’ gals! *wipes away tears of joy* Affordable, flawless & long lasting. Perfection in a pump.

Soap & Glory Kickass Concealer – Not by any means a full coverage concealer, however what it does do is very lightly cover blemishes and adds a little dewiness to the complexion. Initially I wasn’t entirely sure if I’d repurchase it again but now I’m really beginning to like it a lot!

Rimmel Sun Shimmer Bronzer – My ultimate bronzer. Wanna find out more about it? Then *click here* to feast your eyes upon my recent review.

Soap & Glory Peach Party – There’s always that one item in your make-up collection that you use sparingly because it’s just so darn beautiful & you don’t want it to end… and that’s exactly how I feel about this blush. If you’re on the lookout for something to add a soft peachy glow to your cheeks then look no further, it’s beautiful.

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MUA Eye-shadow primer – Keeping it in the MUA family today ladies. I’ll admit I’ve read mixed reviews about this eye-shadow primer but I have to say it’s doing an outstanding job for me; great for an everyday pocket-savvy primer.

MUA Under-eye Concealer – A new addition to my collection (after hunting high & low for the L’Oreal Lumi wand without success) Once again MUA have *really* impressed me… this noticeably brightens up my under eye area & helps luminate my cheek bones for a bright & dewy look.

MUA Chocolate Box – What a gorgeous trio of warm Indian Summer type colours. Peaches, earth tones, golds, red, brows & purples all seem to emulate seamlessly from these three stunning shades once blended.

Max Factor Mascara – So far it’s impressive, I’m keeping my lashes firmly crossed that the formula doesn’t clump too early. The result to date has been long luscious lashes, the brush seems a little clumsier yet it really gets into those lash roots.

Soap & Glory Archery Pencil – Known as the dupe for Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz. I am SO impressed with this handy little roll up pencil. No sharpening required, just quick & easy brows ‘on fleek’ ladies 😉

Rimmel Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner –  My go to liquid liner for those hard to master cat flicks. The brush is incredibly precise & the formula is the perfect creamy consistency for jet black coverage.

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Rimmel London 077 Asia – I’ve literally been in love with this shade from the first time it glided over my lips at the tender age of 13! Almost 20 years later & it’s still one of my all time favourite Rimmel lippies. Rich, creamy & long lasting – what’s not to love?

Tanya Burr, Picnic In The Park – Such a pretty pink that adds the perfect layer of blush-tinted gloss to any pout. Long lasting & not overly sticky, I’ll definitely be checking out some more of her range gloss range! Have you got a favourite?

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Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – A complete game changer when it comes to applying makeup. If you’re craving an airbrushed finish then look no further, this little egg shaped sponge is photoshop for your foundation. Yes, it really is!

Real Techiques Cheek Brush – One of my favourite blushes, especially for contouring the hollow of my cheek bones with a skimming of bronzer or adding a pop of blush to the apples. So versatile!

Barry M Shadow Brush – Such a handy little shadow companion for adding the darker shades on the outer crease to give some depth and definition.

Lamora Blender Brush – Blends everything together seamlessly. Check out my post on this set of bargain beauty brushes, such a great affordable find!

Superdrug Retractable Lip Brush –  Essential for smoothing out your lippy and creating a sharp lined effect edge.

Eyelash Curlers – Nothing fancy about this little pair… does a great job at curling the lashes prior to mascara application. Simples.

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There you have it ladies, this week’s Make-Up Menu based around Peach Sherbet tones. I’m such a huge fan of these warm peachy-pink & earthy colours, they never fail to brighten up my pale complexion. Have you tried any of the products above? What’s your favourite make-up look at the moment?

Cheerio Chums…

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The Must Have Eye-Shadow Trio’s…

 

Happy Friday Chums…

You gals should all know by know how darn excited I get when I stumble upon an incredible little beauty buy, however when a find turns out to be as gorgeous as these 3 Eye-Shadow trio sets from MUA then it’s time to shout about it from the roof tops! So if you’re on a mission to lavish your lids in a wash of colour for a price tag that’s just as impressive as the pigmentation then look no further ladies – I’ve found your lids a trio of hotties 😉

Here they are in full glory….

At a mere £2.50 each I simple had to pick up 3 of these gorgeous little compacts from my local Superdrug store – however if you’d prefer to take the lazy daisy approach by ordering directly from the comfort of your own arm chair you can do so by *clicking here* for Superdrug or *click here* to be transported directly to the MUA store where you can fill your virtual basket with as many goodies as your heart desires… well, we all deserve a little treat now & again eh ladies? 😉

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Pink Sorbet

For those who love to dress their lids with a pigmented hint of shimmery pink then Pink Sorbet trio is absolutely stunning. Although they all come with a teeny tiny applicator (which I personally never avail off) both my Real Techniques brushes & Lamora Eye brush set blend these soft hues perfectly. Here’s a little swatch of them on the skin for you to swoon over. Aren’t they beeeeeeautiful?

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Chocolate Box

Dipping into the more richer tones I absolutely adore the shades of this particular mini compact. If you fancy bedazzling your eyes in a wash of warm Indian summer style colours then I’m pretty sure you’ll love this bronzed effect beauty. Take a peek at the swatch below – I’m in love!

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Innocence

Of course no shadow collection would be complete without a collection of rustic gold tones. Pretty much perfect for any eye colour I’m literally swooning over these stunning shades that will add a pop of warmth & glamour to your peepers. How beautiful is the colour pay off in the swatch below, I’m beyond impressed.

So there you have it ladies – my trio of MUA eye-shadows that are ideal for every day use or for glamming up your eyes on a dazzling night out.

What one’s your favourite? Have you tried anything from this range yet of shadows yet? What’s your thoughts on MUA? Whatever your opinions I’d love to read them in the comments below so do be sure to stop by for a quick chatter!

Ps: If you fancy taking a peek at a few other beauty bargains for under a fiver then check out this weeks post on July’s pocket friendly finds by *clicking here* 

Wishing y’all an awesome weekend chums…

 

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Weekend Make-Up Menu…

One of the MANY things I love about the weekend is the ability to get ready at my own pace. Saturday morning is my time to pamper, preen and play with the new makeup purchases I’ve treated myself to over the previous week… this Saturday was no exception! With no alarm in ear shot, I padded down stairs at 9:30 am (an utter treat than the usual 5 am start), re-fuelled on poached eggs & sipped on a cup of sweet tea before heading back to the boudoir for a looooong hot shower & rummage through my makeup collection! Here’s the menu ladies…

Fresh & Prep

 

Simple Micellar Water: My freshly showered face may be squeaky clean but a quick wipe with this removes any left over residue. It’s also super kind to my very sensitive skin & packed full of great nourishing vitamins.

Olay Toner: This is undoubtedly my favourite skincare product of all time. It pulls a multitude of grimy sins deep from the pores and leaves your face feeling sparkly clean & toned… not to mention the aaaahhmazing scent.

Lush Lip Scrub: Does exactly what it says on the tin teeny jar. This yummy tasting scrub is great for removing a nasty build-up of dead skin… leaving your lips feeling pucker perfect!

W7 Lip Bomb: Considering I’m a self confessed balm-addict I always have a multitude of products to reach for but NONE as moisturising and long lasting as this little egg of excellence. Seemingly a dupe for the EOS range I’d highly recommend you try this gals – your lips with love you for it!

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Face

 

No 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation: Saturday was my first day using this foundation which is specifically designed for full coverage on oily complexions. I’m pretty new to the party when it comes to trying the No 7 range so I’ll keep you all posted on how it transpires with a future updated review ladies… so far so good 😉

Real Techniques Stippling Brush: Okay so it’s not an actually product but this pretty little wonder-brush deserves a gracious shout out. If you’re desperate for an airbrushed finish this will more than happily accommodate. It’s an essential for any make-up maven!

Rimmel Sunkissed Bronzer: Not only do I adore swirling my Real Techniques blusher brush in the GINORMOUS casing, the pay off of this bronzer is beautiful. It’s not too harsh for my pale skin and is totally buildable for a warm and dazzling glow.

Bourjois Cream Blush in Rose Tender: This simply adds a subtle pop of pink on the apples of my cheeks giving a fresh and dewy finish to the look. I LOVE IT!

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Eyes

Barry M Shape & Define Brow Kit: This gorgeous little brow kit recently featured in my monthly favourites *click here to watch* and since investing a mere £5 on it from Superdrug I’ve been blown away by the difference it’s made to my brow-scape. It shapes, defines and darkens any patchy areas leaving your brows looking HD ready!

Urban Decay NAKED 3 Palette: C’mon, who doesn’t adore this amazing selection of rose tinted shadows?! Okay, it may be a tad on the pricey side (rrp £38) but it’s well worth the investment. Oh, and don’t forget to enter my Giveaway comp where you could win your choice of NAKED palette *click here* for more info!

Rimmel Glam Eyes: I love this liquid liner however the tiny little applicator really does take a major steady hand to master! Considering I was all out of my usual fav (MUA Liquid Liner) I have to say I’m a total Rimmel convert.

Model & Co Mascara: The latest copy of Glamour Mag is out ladies & not only is it a special price issue (a mere £1) but it also comes with a complimentary choice of either Eye Liner, Mascara or Lip Gloss from Model Co cosmetics. The mascara won hands down and I have to say (for a freebie) it’s really rather impressive! Whad’ya think ladies?

Eyelash Curlers: Even though my lashes REFUSE point blankly to hold a curl 99% of the time, it still doesn’t stop me from incorporating my curlers as part of my eye décor routine. Okay so they aren’t the most lavish set however I’m holding out for a set of Shu Uemura’s *sigh*

Urban Decay Primer: Considering my NAKED 3 palette was purchased at Christmas I’m aghast there’s any product in the complimentary primer pods left… you need so little of the stuff it lasts for ages! Today I’m wearing ‘SIN’, a shimmery formula that will keep the shadow blend looking fresh & totally crease free.

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Lips

 

Tanya Burr Lip Gloss in Picnic In The Park: Seeing as most of today’s look focuses around the eyes I though I’d keep the lips simple with a wash of Tanya’s gorgeous gloss in this soft nude-pink tone.

W7 Lip Bomb: Before I apply any gloss I usually add a little swipe of this balm, I find it helps the longevity of the gloss and enhances the overall look!

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Taa-daa

 

Yep, the weekend transformation is complete – now to enjoy the rest of the day. Shopping anyone?

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Do you look forward to a Weekend ritual? Have you used any of the products above? Whatever your thoughts do feel free to leave them in the comments below… we do love a juicy beauty chatter here on Confetti & Curves! Happy Monday chums 🙂

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PS: HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE CONFETTI & CURVES GIVEAWAY YET? *CLICK HERE* TO FIND OUT HOW YOU COULD WIN AN URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE OF YOUR CHOICE!

My Favourite Eye-look Tutorial with Urban Decay NAKED 3…

 

Hey beauty buddies…

With the roaring success of last Mondays Makeup Menu post (thank y’all!) I thought I’d share a favourite look using one of my most cherished eye shadow palettes – the Urban Decay Naked 3. I am literally uhhhbsessed with the beautiful blush tones of this palette, simply because they work so darn well with my regularly insipid skin tone – in fact they work fab with virtually every complexion. If you already own one (congratulations you lucky little ducky!) or are tempted to treat yourself to a Naked 3 palette then you might wanna try out this simple but oh-so-pretty eye look. I’ve linked all the products just in case you fancy a quick nosey via their official web-stores too; aren’t I a thoughtful blogger?! 😉 Sitting comfy? Then let’s get started…

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Step 1 – Prep & Prime

 

So to begin I’m using a teeny tiny dab of Urban Decay Sin Primer. I find this gives a beautiful soft shimmer which really helps to make the pigmentation of the eye shadow stand out & of course leaves layered up lids looking crease free & fresh all day long!

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Step 2 – The Brows

 

My next step is to tame the brows using a spoolie brush, filling in any blank spaces with an eyebrow pencil and smoothing out with a Real Techniques eye liner brush. I find this elongates the brows and gives a natural but semi groomed appearance. It’s so darn easy to overdo it with the brows so remember to tread carefully, the Rupaul look doesn’t bode well for a lot of us!

Next I take a tiny bit of strange on my Urban Decay brush and lightly highlight just under the brows to give a nice sharp look that helps to define my brow line.

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Step 3 – Blend It Out

Taking a Real Techniques base brush from my Nic’s Picks collection, I line along the eye crease with the colour ‘Limit’. Blend, blend, blend and when you think you’re done… blend it out some more!

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Step 4 – Lift The Lid

 

Next I pack the lid with ‘Burnout’ which is a beautiful blush pink with a just hint of shimmer. You may need to reapply at a later stage to help brighten up the lid & really make the colour pop… so load up your brush and get packing ladies!

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Step 5 – Outer Corner & Under Eye

Taking my Real Techniques base brush I use a little bit of ‘Nooner’ to blend into the outer crease. This beautiful matte shadow gives an incredible burst of definition to the outer edges and really begins to create some depth and shape. Again it’s reeeeeally important to get your blend on girls to ensure no harsh lines & that everything mulls beautifully into a gorgeous soft ombre effect. I also pop a little bit of ‘Nooner’ under my lower lash line – this is completely optional, so if you don’t fancy creating a slightly smokier look then feel free to give the under lash a miss.

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Step 6 – Touch the Tears

 

Lastly using my Urban Decay basic brush I dab a tiny amount of strange around the tear ducks and out crease/lash line. I find this just brightens the corner of the eyes, making them appear bigger, brighter and beautifully blended.

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Step 7 – Flick & Finish

 

With all my looks I love to finish it off with a small winged lash line using MUA Liquid Liner (I find the applicator the easiest of all to use). I then curl the lashes to give a little bit of lift & add a generous helping of Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara which creates a clump free, long & fluttery look.

Voila, the finished result in 7 simple steps…

 

 (…albeit looking a tad startled!!)

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So there we have it girls, my go to look using a range of muted tones from the gorgeous Urban Decay Naked 3. Do you have this palette? What’s your go to colours? Have you something similar or is it on your current wish-list? Whatever your thoughts do stop by & let me know in the comments below, hope you’re all having a fabulous May Day jolly holi 🙂

Cheerio chums…

The Makeup Menu…

Having promised a number of blog buddies that I would partake in a review or FOTD post featuring ‘thee’ Chanel lippy… yes, the one I won a few weeks back through Anne’s exciting give-away! I thought it would be a bit more aptly suited to just go the whole hog and do a full on a-la-carte Makeup Menu. Are you sitting comfy ladies? Then let’s started…

FACE:

 

Before I jump right in… as most of you know, I’m a huge fan of Olay products so my face was sparkly clean thanks to Olay Facial Scrub, Olay refreshing toner and a little swipe of Dove Pro-Age moisturising cream. I’ve tried various primers and nothing seems to work as well on my face as the Dove prior to foundation application – so throwing all caution to the wind (and defying the laws of the Beauty Kingdom) I’m rebelling and sticking to a lotion that’s not even designed to serve the purpose I’m using it for *tut tut*

*L’Oreal Infallible Foundation in 125 Natural Rose *

This is a VERY recent purchase but OH MY GEE WHIZZ it’s bloomin’ marvellous. This is a gorgeous everyday foundation that works perfectly for me. If you like a flawless full coverage that doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin then look no further chums, and it smells absolutely diiiiiiivine. Think a floral tutti fruity if you will *Ahhhh*

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*Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent*

I’ll admit I’ve never been a fan of pressed powders or even an overall matte look when it comes to makeup, I much more prefer that natural sheen rather than wanting to dull it down. However on days that I’m either filming a video or going out and want my makeup to last the duration this powder gives a lovely soft finish without tampering with the tone or completely omitting the dewy glow if applied lightly enough.

 Special thanks to the lovely Katie over at Plus Beauty for recommending it!

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*Rimmel Sun kissed Bronzer*

After receiving this from the fab folks at Direct Cosmetics to try, I have to say I’ve found a makeup staple that I couldn’t be without. It gives a beautiful warm glow that is completely buildable without any signs of streakiness or patchiness that can sometimes be problematic as the day wears on. Considering my skin is super pale it never looks over done, too harsh or un-natural.

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EYE’S

 

*Urban Decay Primer Potion*

 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: without a doubt the best eyeshadow primer available. It does the job perfectly and never fails to keep the shadow firmly in place without any sign of creasing or fading. Love it!

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*Urban Decay Naked Palette*

I wanted to keep this eye look a little more subtle than usual as the lips would undoubtedly be the focal point. I used Sin all over the eye lid, Sidecar in the outer crease and finally a tiny flick of Toasted to accentuate the outer crease. Voila, job done.

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*MUA Eye Liner*

 I’ve tried and tested quite a few of the drug store offerings but can honestly say this is one of my favourites, not just due to the formula but because of the shape of the handle and stiffness of the applicator point. It makes a really fiddly job so much easier!

*Seventeen HD Falsifeye Mascara*

Being a bit of a mascara tart *oooh err missus* I seem to breeze from wand to wand quite aimlessly these days however I do believe I’ve found my all time drug store fav with this one. It adds length, defines and leaves them looking a little more fluttery than overly false. Exactly the look I love.

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LIPS

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in 444 Gabrielle – Words cannot describe how excited I’ve been to try this, even if it does pain me to have to dishevel the pristine new-ness by using it *sob* Never before have my lips felt such luxury. It’s beautifully creamy, glides on effortlessly and lasts for hours on end. It may be a high-end lippy with a price tag to match but it’s worth EVERY penny… then again it’s Chanel, of course it’s worth it!

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The Tools

Of Course what Makeup Menu would be complete without a shout-out to the gadgets and gizmo’s that make the magic happen right?

*From left to right*

Real Techniques Stippling Brush / RT’s Blush Brush / Superdrug Loose Powder Brush / RT’s Base Shadow Brush / RT’s Angled Shadow Brush / Naked Basics Double Ended Brush / RT’s Eyeliner Brush / Basic Eye Curlers / Superdrug Retractable Lip Brush

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Overall Result,

First thing I notice is how airbrushed the L’Oreal Infallible foundation looks, I’m personally putting this down to the combination of a foundation that really does work in balance with my skin’s natural tone and the Real Techniques Stippling Brush which does such a professional job of blending so beautifully.

As for the lips, the Chanel Coco Rouge (444 Gabrielle) is one of the first red tones I’ve actually felt 100% confident about wearing. The richness of the lipstick delivers a luxurious feel and indulgent look that is identifiably more high-end. There’s no distinct taste, it’s lightweight to wear, sleek on the lips, moisturising, yet stays completely put without any messiness or movement. Okay, at £26 from Boots it does require a little more investment but it really is worth every single penny. I’m now a Channel convert when it comes to finding the perfect pout!

Cheerio chums…

Face Of The Day…

Hey Beauty Buddies…

Something dawned on me yesterday morning as I was preparing to rummage through my make-up bag… I haven’t tackled a FOTD post! *gasp* So being less than an arms-length away from my trusty camera I thought it would be fun to run you through one of my daily make-up looks.

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After cleansing and moisturising I start of by prepping my tired and grey complexion with the Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer. My go to foundation is Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 HR Foundation (to read my recent review *click here*) followed by a dab of the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer over any patchy or red areas. Lastly, I add a tiny amount of the Urban Decay Primer Potion to ensure my eyeshadow will last as long as possible without any creasing or fading. If you haven’t tried this primer you must – it’s beyond amazing and will last a lifetime!

Sidecar: Across lid

Sin: Inner crease

Toasted: Outer crease/above lid

Hustle: Outer corner crease

Considering I’m a shadow obsessive, my eyes always take the longest in my routine – everything else just seems so quick to apply in comparison. Today I’m using one of my favourite palettes Urban Decay NAKED, followed by MUA liquid liner and two coats of Rimmel Scandal Eyes Mascara.

 

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As most of you know I’m paler than pale so to avoid looking like an extra from Twilight it’s essential I wash over my cheeks with a skimming of bronzer. Recently I’ve been using the MUA bronzer, which I has undoubtedly been one of my most used purchases this year. To apply I always reach for my Real Techniques Cheek Brush from the Nic’s Picks set. It’s by FAR the best brush I’ve ever used for evening applying powder. It controls the product so nicely, feels incredibly soft on the skin and puts everything right where you want it: on your face in an orderly manner!

 

Lastly it’s time to add a little pout with a small coating of MUA Bare (shade 14) I’ve really grown to adore this shade, however it took me a little while getting used to going so light. Usually I’ll add a base of Revlon Crème Gloss in Wine Anytime before applying, just to add a little extra note of pink!

 

Finally… Taa Daa

And there we have it, a fresh face ready to tackle the rest of the day ahead thank to a multitude of my favourite make-up must haves.

Hope you all had a great weekend! As always thanks for reading and don’t forget to say a quick hello in the comments below… see you all tomorrow with an exciting Behind The Blog post! *Yaaay*

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Cheerio Chums…

 

DIY Make-up Brush Holder

Happy Monday Lovelies,

I’ve been rolling up my sleeves this weekend and getting a little crafty – of course for those of you who know me, you’ll know I’m a fan of plundering through my craft drawers for inspiration on what nifty little DIY project to tackle next. However this one is a little more useful than normal, you see for Christmas my (incredibly thoughtful) hubby treated me to a gorgeous set of Nic’s Picks Real Techniques Make-up Brushes… that I must admit I fell in-love with the moment they skimmed my foundation clad complexion. So considering my brush collection is beginning to flourish, it became clear last week in one of my infamous ‘mid morning grumps’ that I needed a new home in which to display my bristly beauties – cue the DIY Make-up brusher holder.

You sitting comfy? Okay, let’s get to it:

What you’ll need:

 

An empty Jar

Washi Tape

Glass beads (optional)

Ribbon/trim (optional)

Scissors

A steady hand (not so optional!)

Here’s how to do it: 

• As luck would have it, I’d just used up a large mango candle a few weeks ago and kept the jar knowing it would come in rather handy for something at a later stage. Thankfully the wax was ridiculously easy to remove by scooping it out, however if a few little traces remain on the inside of the jar simply rinse out with hot water (don’t use boiling water or you could crack the glass) Voila, one clean & very naked brush holder…

 

• If the jar has a glass seam to it then make that your starting point! Turn the jar upside down and place one end of the Washi tape on the seam, then gently & steadily run the tape along the jar until you have one complete layer. Once you’ve reached the same seam you started at, cut the tape neatly with scissors and affix.

 

• Keep repeating with various coloured layers, the more the merrier in my humble opinion!

 

 

• Once your layers are complete it’s time to add your finishing touches… I opted for some purple ribbon a butterfly & a button. Remember it’s your jar so you can be as creative or innovative as you like!

 

 

• If you’d prefer your brushes to stand up-right you can add some little glass beads – just make sure they’re smooth enough to not scratch or mark the handles of your brushes, otherwise you can leave it empty just like I did!

 

 

So there you have it beauty buddies, a cute little home to hold your favourite cosmetic brushes that’s easy peasy to make in less than ten minutes! What do you think? Is this something you’d try? As always do say hi and let me know how you store your beauty brushes in the comments below!

Cheerio chums…

Christmas with the Rees’s

Hello lovelies,

Firstly, I trust you’ve all had an amazing Christmas? It’s certainly been a fun filled one here – apart from being held ransom by a viral infection *blurrrgh*  Yep, it would just be my luck to catch something on the one day of the festive season where you hope to be germ free. Yesterday was spent wrapped up in my duvet beside a small mountain of grotty tissues *yukkk*, cough meds and bottles of fizzy red grape Shloer to keep my sugar levels at a all time high. Thankfully it’s paid off as today I’m feeling a tad more human… still, I’m hoping to get fully recovered for New Years Eve celebrations *fingers firmly crossed*

Anyways onto the exciting stuff… did Santa bring you all you hoped for? I have to admit I done exceedingly well thanks to my incredibly thoughtful hubby, and of course Christmas day was a roaring success with everyone full to the brim on turkey, stuffing, roast veg & lashings of my sisters amazing Pavlova… possibly the best dessert I’ve ever tasted, all thanks to Leah’s creative culinary skills 😉

So, for any of you who may be eager to know what goodies I ripped opened on Christmas morning I thought I’d show you my favourite picks… I’m beyond excited to get using them all!

1. Owl cookie jar – my ‘Secret Santa’ knows me soooo well!

2. Hand carved Giraffes – along with owls they’re my fav little home addiction & these are super cute! Thanks mum 🙂

3. Juice Blender – finally I can make my very own fruity concoctions *yummm*

4. Falsies – because I’m always bleating on about giving them a go!

5. Miranda Tote from Accessorise – my hubby has SUCH a good memory. I adore this gorgeous bag *swoon*

6. NAKED palette – needs no introduction. Love at first sight *sighs*

7. Owl Jumper from Evans – I had my eye on the cutie for quite a while… beyond cute & oh so cosy too.

8. Miss Dior – another little surprise from hubby who took a guess at the perfume counter and won hands down!

9. Thorntons Chocolates – a huge box for me to much my way through well into 2015 *nom nom*

10. Real Techniques Brush Set – Nic picks, perfect for face & eyes… exactly what I need them for *woo hoo*

11. NAKED 3 palette – ‘Are you SERIOUS?!?!? AHHHHH’ was all I could muster… I know, I’m a lucky gal!

12. Owl Tea light holder – because it’s beautiful & every home should have one 😉 Thank you Ray.

13. A bottle of something bubbly to help calm the excitement – thank you Curtis & Demi, I couldn’t fit the giant chocolate Santa in guys! 🙂

Oh, and a gorgeous new camcorder to capture lots more happy memories with – didn’t I do rather blooming well? I certainly think so! Here’s a few more piccies to help sum up the festivities…

The Rees Family Christmas Tree… in all it’s glory!

The Fireplace all set up for Santa’s arrival

Hat shopping with my supposed selfie-shy sister

Emma trying on her fuzzy head wear!

Girls day out… on our way to meet Santa

The man himself… with a very happy Emma!

A few treats for the special guests arriving! 

A new pink bike and sofa full of pressies… woo hoo! 

So there you have it,  just a few of the snaps I managed to capture over the last few weeks. Unfortunately I was so busy making dins, drinking grape juice and chatting way too merrily that I forgot to take pictures *aarrgh* but it was such a great day. Thanks so much to our amazing family members who made it extra special… you really are an awesome bunch!

Hope you all had a fun filled Christmas too – and hopefully virus free *sniff sniff*

As always thanks for reading chums…