Monday 26 August 2013

An unexpected use for the Real Techniques Contour Brush

I have been cursed with skin that is dryer than the Sahara, and as a result I always seek out foundations and skincare that claim to be super moisturising. The downside to these products, however, is that my eye makeup often slides southward during the day, and as I have no plans to become the next Alice Cooper this is obviously a problem.


Earlier this year I'd bought the Real Techniques Core Collection, and as I don't use bronzer I had been at somewhat of a loss as to what I could use the contouring brush for. I hadn't even taken it out of the case, so when I packed my brushes before my holiday earlier this month it ended up coming along by default, and that's when I first used it to apply powder under my eyes. I seriously haven't looked back since - the shape is perfect for applying powder exactly where you want it and it just picks up the right amount of powder so you don't look super-caked.

Unfortunately it has made me look at other brushes I had dismissed as useful...this could get expensive!

Monday 19 August 2013

What's my face worth...with a twist

This is an interesting take on the What's Your Face Worth tag...what's it worth vs how much you actually paid for it..

Base
Diorskin Eclat Satin: I was lucky enough to find a genuine bottle of this on ebay for £9.50. I have recently discovered that it has been discontinued but you can still get it from places like Feel Unique for £31 (which I believe was the price you would have paid in Debenhams etc).

Accessorize Sweetcheeks Cream Blush 1 Rose: I bought this recently in Superdrug, using £2 worth of Points, leaving me with a balance of £1.95 to pay

No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder: I rarely use powder except for under my eyes to stop the dreaded mascara smudges so I'm ashamed to admit that I've had this for so long I can't remember what I paid for it. The Boots website states £11.50 which sounds about right so I'll stick with that.



Eyes
Le Volume de Chanel: I got a free sample of this from Stylist magazine, RRP is £24

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner: This was on offer recently (buy one get one half price) so this worked out at £3.14

Rimmel Glam'Eyes Trio eye shadow: I use the darkest shade in this trio on my eyebrows. I'm not sure exactly what I paid for it (e.g. if it was on offer or a part payment with points) so I'll just list the full price of £6.49
  



Lips
Revlon Lip Butter: Repurchase along with the eyeliner, I paid the full price of £7.99




Brushes
I've been using two of the Real Techniques Core Collection recently, I bought them from Amazon using a £15 gift voucher that I had which brought the price down to £5.99 from £20.99




Totals
So there we have it, to replace my daily makeup right now would cost £112.21, however bargain hunter that I am I managed to get it for less than half price at £46.56. Not bad eh?

Tuesday 13 August 2013

High End Wishlist

High End Wishlist

I know what you're thinking...what's a wishlist like this doing on a budget beauty blog? Well, a girl can dream can't she? Especially when going through duty free...

Top Row
Urban Decay Naked Basics
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow
Middle Row
Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup
Nars Sheer Glow
Le Blanc de Chanel
Benefit High Beam
Bottom Row
The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer
Lancome Hypnose Star Eyes Palette
Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder




Saturday 10 August 2013

London Calling...

This post should have gone up last week before I went on holiday, but unfortunately time and my laptop conspired against me and I didn’t quite manage it. But we’re only halfway through the summer and lots of you are still going on holiday so here’s what I took to London with me...

Boring Practicals
Wet wipes and body spray, for on-the-go freshening up (came in handy in 31 degree heat!), anti histamines which also came in handy when I came out in a wicked heat rash, painkillers, tissues and savlon (no idea why, I just chucked it in on the off chance).



Shower Essentials
Mini Aussie shampoo and conditioner – I’ve had these for a few years and just top them up from my big bottle whenever I go away as hotel toiletries never seem to do the trick!
St Ives exfoliator – this was a free sample from the Boots website and is the perfect size for travelling.
Mitchum deodorant – if you’re spending the day traipsing round tourist attractions in the middle of summer you’re gonna need something heavy duty to keep you feeling (and smelling) fresh.
Johnson’s baby softwash – what??? I like having baby soft skin!
Venus Spa Breeze razor and spare blade – these are the handiest things for travelling, no need to pack an separate bulky bottle of shaving gel, and this razor is so quick and easy to use that your pins are fuzz free in no time – a must on holiday.




Sunshine Sundries
Sunglasses – a bargain £7 from Tescos. I normally find it really hard to find sunglasses that fit my pea-head, but these were perfect :D
Ambre Solaire Factor 30 suncream – Big enough to see me through a few days away, and small enough to carry around with me. Unfortunately I still managed to get a bit burnt, but it was 31 degrees after all!
Boots Soltan after sun – I actually bought this over there, after the aforementioned burning incident. I love Soltan products, they do exactly what they say on the tin without breaking the bank.



Skincare
I received a gift set at Christmas full of miniatures of the exact skincare products that I use (someone did their research!) From l-r: No7 Cleanse & Care Eye Makeup Remover, No7 Soft & Soothed Cleanser, No7 Soft & Soothed Toner, Nivea Daily Essentials Light Moisturising Day Cream


Haircare
Shower comb – to gently ease out any tangles while conditioning, clip for sectioning during blow drying/straightening, Aussie Take the Heat leave-in spray, Boots Essentials hairspray, Body Shop mini hairbrush


Brush Roll
L-r: No7 Crease Brush, (rather old) No7 Eyeshadow Brush, Elf Blending Eye Brush, Real Techniques Contour Brush, Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Detailer Brush, Real Techniques Buffing Brush