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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Orla Kiely Washbag

I've only recently posted about my travel make up bag but thanks to the power of twitter I won this gorgeous wash bag from Orla Kiely and just had to share it with you. My boyfriend has also arranged a suprised few days away for my birthday tomorrow so it's the perfect time to use it.

The pattern is gorgeous, it almost has a 70's vibe to it. It's also really spacious the main compartment is huge with 3 smaller zipped sections. The best bit is that it has a hook in built making it perfect to hang on a bathroom door, or draw keeping everything in reach and still organised.

Looking into Orla Kiely a bit more they do some seriously gorgeous house hold things. I fell in love with one of the bed spreads but unfortunately they are a bit out of my price range. A girl can dream though!

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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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Holiday Hero's: Mexico Editon

So not to state the obvious but Mexico is HOT, like really hot and some days I was pretty sure I was melting but that’s ok because it was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to. I’m in the middle of going through all of my photos to put into posts but in the mean time I have put together a list of the products that saved me while I was out there.

Origins Drink Up Over Night Mask – God I love this product it’s the most amazing thing for keeping your skin hydrated and in the Mexico heat it was definitely needed, I used this every night before I went to sleep and my skin definitely thanked me for it.

Aussie is usually my go to hair brand for holidays and the fact that they make their 3 Minute Miracle conditioners in miniature is genius. You leave the conditioner on your hair for 3 minutes after washing and it leaves your hair feeling soft and healthy, which is just what you need after a day in the pool or the sea.

Aftersun is usually a tricky one for me as sometimes they break my skin out in rashes. I’m all for being protected but when it makes your skin horrible and blotchy it’s not really the sexy beach look I am for. I picked up the Soltan intensely moisturising after sun from Boots as it said it contained shea butter and almond oil and it works like body butter. This was an absolute life saver of a product it smells amazing and really soaked into the skin reducing the burn and leaving my skin super soft. I will definitely be grabbing a pot of this on all of my future holidays.

I know deodorant isn't the most glamorous of products but the fact is we all need it. I went for the Sure Maximum Protection which is quite expensive for a deodorant coming in at about £5 but it was honestly worth every penny as it lasted all day, I would have spread this all over my forehead if it was possible because it really did reduce the amount of sweat (nice) and kept me fresh.

I used the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel every morning to give my skin that little extra boost. As it’s a gel its not too heavy but still manages to get deep into my skin and prepare it for the day.

Last of all is the DrJart Waterfuse BB Cream. I try and wear as little make up on holiday as possible, 1 to let my skin breath and 2 because the majority of it just melts off. In the evenings however I do like to make an effort and this is the best thing that I have found which gives coverage, hiding all the burnt red bits but is still light and lets your skin breath.

What products are your saviours on holiday? Will you be taking any of these with you this year?

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In-flight Essentials

Caudalie Beauty Elixir ♥ Origins Drink Up Mask ♥ Collection Concealer ♥ Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip Balm ♥ Origins Ginzing Eye Cream

When you go on holiday the actual flying part really is a love / hate thing especially when you are going long haul, you’re so excited to get there but 9 hours in one seat with no leg room isn’t exactly relaxing. I like to try and make my flight as enjoyable as possible so a little pamper session is as luxurious as it gets.

I don’t tend to wear makeup when I fly as its usually ridiculous a clock in the morning and ain’t nobody got time for that but if the eye bags are huge a bit of concealer always does the trick.

I start by sweeping a face wipe across my face, I know a lot of people would shudder at the thought of face wipes but they are pretty much made for flights and I wouldn’t travel without them.

On to the good stuff, I start with a generous spritz of Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I still love the scent of this I find it really soothing and it helps me to relax. I apply this all the way through the flight when I feel my skin needs refreshing.

Next up I will apply the Origins Drink Up Mask. I feel like I talk about this all the time at the minute but it really does live up to the hype, it sinks into the skin and instantly hydrates it. Not to mention this also smells gorgeous.

Another one of my favourite products of the moment is the Origins Ginzing eye Cream, I dot this around my under eye area to brighten it up and hide how tired I am.

For my lips I went for my holiday hero which is the Palmers Cocoa Butter lip balm which just gives me amazingly soft lips. My lips always chap when the weather suddenly changes so I will always have this with me when I go away.

Last up is the trusty Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer which I tend to apply just before we land to try and hide the ‘I've just spent 9 hours on a plane bags’.

Do you have an in flight routine? What do you use to keep your skin hydrated?

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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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Charlie Says...

Face: DrJart BB Cream, Collection lasting perfection Concealer, Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed powder, Nars Deep throat

Eyes: Naked Basics Faint on eyebrows, L’oreal super liner, Max Factor Eye Brightening Mascara

Lips: Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch

It’s been a while since I've done a chatty post so I think it’s time for a good old catch up.

♥ This is the makeup I've been rocking almost event day. I seemed to have slipped back into just using the same products all the time especially when I need to get up for work in the morning, no time for experimenting unfortunately!

♥ It’s now just less than 4 weeks until my holiday to Mexico! It feels like forever a go that we booked it but it’s finally almost here! I am so excited, there is still a bit of shopping to do before I go, a Primark trip is definitely in order. I'm just really looking forward to getting away and relaxing. Make sure you follow my Instagram as I'm sure I will be posting lots of pictures (or unfollow if it will make you too jealous haha.)

♥ The girls and I have booked a last minute day trip to Paris next week, I feel like a right jet setter! We get to have lunch in the Eiffel Tower so I’m super excited and it will be nice to have some girly time.

♥ Fitness wise I am doing really well and have lost 2 inches from around my waist. I've gotten rid of the scales and am just going on how I feel, if you follow me on twitter you might be a bit fed up of all my fitness posts but it really has helped me keep motivated and I'm a bit less nervous about my bikini now.

♥ I know I've been a bit slow on the old blog posts at the minute but I've been enjoying sometime away from my laptop and doing getting outside especially now the weather is getting nicer. I can’t wait for summer and I’m hoping to do some more outdoor lifestyle posts.

What have you been up to lately?

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Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Pastels

Barry M Rose Hip and Sugar Apple £3.99 Each

You know spring is in the air when the pastel polishes come out! I couldn’t walk past the Barry M stand without picking these too up.

Rose Hip is a super girly pink but has a more sophisticated look to it rather than a bubble gum look. I like to wear this to work as its pretty nut not too over the top.

Sugar Apple was just a must, I’m a sucker for a mint green and this just has spring written all over it.

As much as I love these I find you need a bit of patience to apply them, with Rose Hip Especially I found the polish seemed to gather around the edge my nails but with a bit of time and two coats the end look is gorgeous.

You like?

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Ren Skincare Treats

Mayflower t-Zone Control Cleansing Gel

Clarimatte Clarifying Toner

What a surprise another skincare post, what can I say it is my biggest weakness!

Ren has been on my radar for a while and due to the majority of my products running out at the same time I thought it was the perfect time to invest.

I needed a cleanser for the mornings; I usually find cleansing balms a bit too much for the morning so tend to go for gels as I find them lighter. I decided on the Mayflower t-Zone Control Cleansing Gel as this is aimed at skin prone to an oily T-zone so perfect for me. This cleanser claims to Removes dirt and dissolves excess sebum, unclogs pores and reduces the appearance of pore size. This ticks all of the boxes for me, its simple and controls my oil.

The Ren Clarimatte Clarifying Toner has had a lot of hype in the beauty world so it felt right that I hopped on the bandwagon. I like this, it didn't knock my socks off but as far as toners go it does leave my skin feeling lovely and if Caroline Hirons says its good then its good. Also I have found this on the Marks and Spencer's website for £12 rather than the usual £18! If that isn't a reason to try it then I don’t know what is.

Are you a fan of Ren? 

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Monu Essential Care Cleansing Balm

Monu Essential Care Cleansing Balm*

If you read my blog often then you will know that I am a big fan of cleansing balms. Since discovering beauty blogs my skincare routine is something that has had a huge over haul and if I was to recommend a splurge to anyone then a cleansing balm would be it.

The Monu Essential Care Cleansing Balm is the latest cleanser to be added to my collection. Monu wasn't a brand I was too familiar with but after a browse on their website and reading about their beliefs and using natural ingredients I was impressed.

First of all the balm comes in a hefty 150 gram tub which is 50 grams more than my usual balms. The packaging is simple and plastic but I like the clean white look.

It contains Apricot Kernel Oil Bergamot Essential Oil, Blackcurrant Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Jasmine Essential Oil, Rose Essential Oil and Sweet Almond Oil. Needless to say this creates a gorgeous aroma which is quite spa like.

The consistency is a lot more runny than the balms I am used to and also feels a little grainy, but once applied to my skin it melts in, removing all my make up and giving my skin the deep clean that it needs after a hard days work. I have been using this every night for the last month and I love how soft and healthy looking it leaves my skin.

The Monu Essential Care Cleansing Balm retails at £39.95 which may seem pricey but as I said earlier you do get an additional 50 grams worth of product compared to other balms so I think it is complete value for money.

Have you tried any Monu products? What’s your favourite cleanser?

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