Zoeva Classic Brush Set

It wasn't long ago that I wrote about my favourite Real Techniques brushes and while I still love them, my sister bought me this gorgeous set of brushes from Zoeva for my birthday and I have to say it was love at first use.

The Zoeva Classic Brush Set contains 8 brushes for your face and eyes and comes in this rather sophisticated leather look clutch bag. It even has it's own dust bag that's how posh it is!

I think the brushes look super sophisticated with their black handles and I like that each brush says on it exactly what its for. The set contains the following: Luxe Highlighter Brush 105, Stippling Brush 125, Cream Cheek Brush 128, Soft Definer Brush 227, Concealer Buffer Brush 142, Crease Brush 228, Pencil Brush 230, and the Wing Liner Brush 317

I am impressed all round with these brushes but I have to say there are a few that stand out above the rest. First of all the stippling brush is amazing for applying foundation, I love the light and flawless finish it gives. the concealer buffer brush is absolutely perfect for getting concealer in every nook and cranny, its great for the around the nose area.I am also really enjoying the Lux Highlighter brush, this works perfectly with my Mac Soft and Gentle highlighter to give my cheeks the right amount of glow.

The Classic Brush set retails for £52.95 and while that does sound quite pricey it actually works out at just over £6 a brush which is a complete bargain. Zoeva also do a Rose Gold Collection and although I don't 'need' them they are beautiful and owning the classic set has just made me want them even more as I'm sure the quality is just as good.

What do you think? have you tried any brushes from Zoeva?

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My Most Used Real Techniques Brushes

Since starting my blog I have pretty much transformed the way that I apply my make up. To think I just used to apply my foundation with my fingers and eye shadows with those little spongy applicators is a bit horrifying, anyway let’s not think about those dark days and focus on what I use today.

Make up brushes can be expensive. I for one was shocked when I found that one single brush can cost at least £20 so when the Real Techniques Brushes came on the scene with great review after great review I knew these were the ones for me.  

First of all I love that they are colour coded, Yellow for complexion, Pink for finish, purple for eyes and White are the duo fibre range. They also state on them what they are for so no faffing around looking for your 578754 brush, maybe it’s just me but I just find numbers a bit off putting.

So here are my top picks:

Duo Fibre Face Brush: this feels so soft! I use this to apply my powder and set my foundation and concealer. I don’t like a heavy, cakey look so using this gives me the light coverage I require to matte my oily areas and still leaving a natural finish.

Buffing Brush: this is the most amazing brush to apply your foundation with. It effortlessly buffs your foundation evenly into the skin leaving no streaks. You are guaranteed a flawless finish with this.

Blush Brush: I've never had a brush that is shaped like this before and it seriously feels like it was made for my cheeks. I'm sure it does this for most people haha, but the angle is perfect for adding that rosy glow and is so easy to blend, it never seems to grab too much product.

Brow Brush: I used this as you would expect, to define my brows. I like how easy this brush makes it to get the desired precision looking brows.

I use these brushes on a daily basis and haven’t yet found the need to purchase higher end set.

Are you a fan of Real Techniques? What brushes do you to apply your make up?

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Tanya Burr Lipgloss: Afternoon Tea

I was a bit late to the Tanya Burr cosmetics party, not because I didn't want the products just because they were so hard to get my hands on! I finally found a Superdrug with a full selection and I must say I did get a little bit excited.

After much swatching I decided to go for ‘Afternoon Tea’ as it seems the perfect colour for everyday wear and looks lovely on a summer evening. I don’t like to wear too much of a bold lip at work as I think it can look a bit much so this is usually my go to shade.

I am so impressed with the quality; it’s not sticky at all which was a mega bonus for me, there nothing worse than your hair getting caught in your lip gloss! The colour pay off is gorgeous and it lasted on my lips a lot longer than expected.

I also took this on holiday with me and I can report it stood the test of the Mexico heat in the evenings.

Since being back from holiday I have also picked up ‘Picnic in the park’ and I'm sure it won’t be the last one I purchase.

I am so pleased for Tanya, this is definitely a product that I would be proud to release and I really hope she expands her cosmetic range.

What do you think? Have you tried Tanya Burr cosmetics?

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What's in my Travel Make Up Bag: Mexico Edition

 I love writing posts like this because it means my holiday is almost here! I actually really enjoy sorting through all of my favourite bits and deciding what to take with me and I find it really highlights the products I can’t bear to be without.

Skincare: Clinique was the first high end skincare brand I ever purchased but drifted away after giving into hype from Liz Earle and Emma Hardie, so I’m really excited to use these little miniature I got with a recent purchase.  Origins had to make an appearance the Drink up mask is my absolute fave and will be great for keeping my skin hydrated. I also went for the Ginzing eye cream to help me from looking jet lagged. I've depotted some of my Monu Cleansing balm to give my skin a good cleanse at the end of the day. Last of all is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir which I will be using throughout the day to refresh my skin.

Make Up: I never really wear make up when I go to hot places but I do like to make an effort when we go out in the evening. Dr Jart is perfect for covering blemishes but also feels really light on the skin. The Collection concealer is great for under my eyes and any spots that may occur. I really love the Clarins Instant Smooth primer and I find I need to use less BB cream when I use this. I’m only taking the Urban Decay Naked Basics for my eyes as it’s so small and compact and I can use this for my brows as well as my eyes, the Bare minerals Primer will help keep this in place or just looks nice on its own. I’m taking my Rimmel stay matte powder to use over my T zone in the evening just to try and stop me from looking to sweaty! For blush I’m using Nars Deep Throat, I might not use this depending on how red my face gets (pale girl problems) but I at least want the option. For eyes just the L’oreal super liner and Max Factor Eye Brightening mascara, then finishing off with either the Maybelline Baby lips in Pink Punch or Tanya Burr Lip gloss in Afternoon tea, simple. For Brushes I have an array of Real Techniques brushes which I use every day. The core Collection came with the handy brush roll so perfect for travelling.

I’m packing all of this into my gorgeous Cath Kidston Travel bag, I have another like this but I found this on the Asos sale and I just couldn't resist the pattern.

So the essentials are all packed bring on the holiday!

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Currently Loving...

Clarins Instant Smooth Primer ♥ Maybelline Baby Lips ♥ Caudalie Beauty Elixir  ♥ L'oreal Super Liner ♥ Vitamin E Moisture Radiance Cream

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

There was so much hype around this product when it first came out and I find its still a product I go back to again and again. I love the scent, how it refreshes my skin and how it works perfect as a setting spray. I’m almost out again so payday on Friday needs to hurry up!

Clarins Instant Smooth Primer

This is by far the best primer that I have found for keeping my make up in place all day, but it is on the pricey side at £26 per tub. Lucky for me my sister didn't get on with this product so I have inherited a new tub. This leaves your skin feeling silky smooth, hides your pores and holds your make up in place perfectly. It’s just a shame it isn't more affordable!

Vitamin E Radiance Moisture Cream

This is another product I have gone back to. I'm trying to save for my holiday so I have had to hold of splurging on my favourite Origins moisturiser, and when I walked past this in Superdrug I instantly remembered how much I loved this. It only costs £2.99 which is a complete bargain and it just gives my skin a gorgeous dewy finish. I would pay a lot more for this and will definitely not be forgetting about this again!

L’oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim

If like me you are just not skilled at a cat flick then this is the product for you. It is pretty much just like a felt tip making it easy to hold and apply. The nib is very fine so its super easy to use just above your lash line, it doesn’t smudge and lasts all day so it’s a winner in my book.

Maybelline Baby Lips Pink Punch

I’m not really one to wear lipstick every day, sometimes I just find it a bit ott to wear in the office. I have been loving the Baby lips in Pink Punch as it really keeps my lips nice and soft while adding a gorgeous subtle pink tone, perfect for everyday wear. These are also only £2.99 and so convenient to just throw into your handbag.

The make up bag is by Charlotte Tilbury and I just love it. Its elegant but still fun and a great size for traveling.

What products have you been loving lately?

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Revlon Colourburst Lacquer Balm in Whimsical

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm. £7.99

As a big fan of the Revlon Lip Butters I was super excited to get my hands on one of the new Colorburst Lacquer Balm.

After a long swatching session I finally decided to go for the colour Whimsical, which is a deep pinky purple shade. I think I'm starting to learn what colours suit me most, I always lust over nude shades but I find they make me look a bit pale and washed out so for me pinks are definitely the way forward.

I opted for Whimsical as it is perfect for a night out but also not too scary to wear in the day time. The High shine finish is spot on and I find the colour easily buildable if I'm trying to create a bit more of a bold look.

The product applies easily and adds moisture to my lips as it contains shea, mango and cocoa butter; it also has a slight peppermint scent which I wasn't expecting but it does add a nice fresh feeling.

The matte balms are at the top of my list to try next!

Have you tried any of these?  What shade is your favourite?

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Urban Decay Naked Basics

Urban Decay Naked Basics

I feel like the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette was made for me.  Eye shadow is not something that I use daily as with work I like to try and keep my make up as natural looking as possible. Don’t get me wrong I own many a gorgeous eye shadow palette but sometimes I feel these can look a bit to OTT for daytime wear.

Cue the Naked Basics palette, a pocket sized version on the infamous Urban Decay Naked palettes but filled with 6 neutral matte shades. I love how small this palette is it’s so convenient for travel and the mirror inside is a great size.

As with all of my experiences with Urban Decay eye shadows the quality is second to none. The pigmentation is very strong and the colour true to pan, they also blend beautifully for that flawless finish.

My favourites include Venus and Faint. Venus is the most perfect highlighter colour which I love to use on my brow bone. This shade does have a slight shimmer to it so it’s also lovely for the inner corner of your eyes. Faint I have actually been using for my brows! The mid tone brown colour fills in my brows so they look defined yet still natural.

If mattes are your thing or you are looking for something a little bit friendlier for everyday wear then I cannot recommend this enough.

Do you have this palette? What eye shadow do you reach for on a daily basis?

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Benefit Bad Gal Mascara

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara

I received the Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara for Christmas, I've been meaning to write this review for a while and I think the reason I kept putting it off is because I had hoped that I would come to love it.

I’m going to get straight to the point and say I’m a bit disappointed with this product, not to be a negative Nelly but with brands like Benefit I always have really high hoped but unfortunately this mascara has left me a little underwhelmed.

First of all I find the brush way too big, far too much product comes out when you full the brush but yet I still find it quite difficult to transfer onto my eye lashes. When I finally get my desired look I actually think my lashes look flirty and fluttery, I think the photo here shows them off quite nicely. However this doesn't last I find that within a couple of hours the product has rubbed off under my eyes leaving me all panda like! Not a good look when going for coffee with the girls.

There is really no comparison between this and Benefits ‘They’re Real’ mascara, the quality is miles apart.

Bad Gal Lash retails for £17.50 and to be honest there are mascaras on the high street that do a better job especially if you are looking for volume.

Sorry Benefit this one is just not for me.

Have you tried this? What’s your favourite mascara?

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My Current Eveyday Make Up

If you had asked me 6 months ago what my everyday make up routine was I would have found it really hard to pick out the products. Reading so many blog posts and watching you tube videos I would always run out and buy the latest hyped up super products that I obviously needed in my life.

As you may or may not be aware since starting my current job my blog has been slightly neglected and hasn't had as much as my time as it deserves, this also means I haven’t had as much time to read other peoples.

As rubbish as I have been this has actually had a positive effect on my bank account and has made me realise which products I really love and keep going back to every day.

To start I prime with the Bourjois Happy Light primer, this is a product I'm really glad I jumped on the bandwagon for. I first purchased DrJart BB cream for my holiday last year as I wanted something lighter with a good spf, since purchasing this I've not looked back. I love how my skin can still breathe yet have a nice dewy finish. I apply this with my trusty buffing brush.

I'm still loving the Collection lasting perfection concealer, even though I hate the way the writing rubs off the packaging I will still continue to repurchase this. To finish my face I will apply the Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder in translucent with my Real Techniques big Duo Fibre Race brush. I then like to set my make up with the Caudalie Beauty Elixir.

I like to keep my eyes simple so usually no eye shadow, the L'oreal Super Liner in black, the Bare Minerals waterproof eyeliner for my waterline and the Benefit Bad Gal mascara for my lashes. Job done.

Cheeks is the beautiful Nars blush in Deep Throat, despite the outrageous name the product itself is beautifully subtle but easily buildable.

And last but not least for my lips I use Mac Hue.

So there we go, my current everyday face. If you do know any products that I am missing in my life please leave your recommendations in the comments!

Do you use any of these products?

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Smooch Purple Haze

Purple Haze Eye Duo*

When it comes to eye shadows I'm usually a neutrals kind of girl but sometimes a hint of sparkle in the pan is all it take to win me over.

Smooch isn't a brand I'm too familiar so I was really excited to try this. The first thing I noticed which I'm sure everyone else did looking at the pictures is the very Nars-esque packaging, It's pretty much exactly the same, even down to the textured matte finish.

Purple Haze is a lovely duo of metallic mauves. Purple isn't really my go to but I this duo is subtle enough to create a gorgeous smokey eye without looking too bold. The lighter colour is my favourite as I think it makes a great highlighter for the, it also looks great in the inner corner of your eyes. The pigmentation is good, I tend to use my Bare minerals Prime Time Primer as base and this holds the shadow in place as long as I need it.

Overall, I am impressed and I am interested to see what other colours they have to offer yes I'm talking neutrals again. I've tried to have a stalk on their website but it currently says 'coming soon' so I will need to keep my eyes peeled.

Have you tried anything from Smooch yet?

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Mac Rebel Lipstick

Rebel

I can't tell you how long this has been on my wishlist for, and thanks to a little Christmas money I decided this was the perfect time to purchase. When I got to the Mac counter a quick swatch on my hand completely sold it to me.

Rebel by Mac is a gorgeous vampy plum colour, which really adds a bit of edge to an everyday look, without going a bit too 'Goth' (god I haven't used that work in years but it felt appropriate!). I used to be so scared of wearing a dark lipstick but after lots of swatching and experimenting I actually think these dark burgundy colours suit my skin tone. In fact, this lipstick is one of those that will look perfect on the majority of skintones.

This lipstick has a satin finish which I really like, it applies easily, and has great staying power, I like the fact it isn't completely matte, the satin sheen finishes it off beautifully. It's very pigmented so I tend to apply it quite gently and build on it. Rebel has quickly become my go to lipstick for a night out and will be my first choice up right up until summer.

This is only my second Mac lipstick and it has definitely left me wanting more what colours do you recommend? I'd like a cute everyday pink colour.

Whats your favourite Mac lipstick?

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