Thursday, 31 July 2014

Dainty jewellery

Today I thought I would share with you a few of my recent jewellery loves. I’m an avid jewellery collector so have been adding to my already huge collection. I’ve noticed that 925 silver is best as it doesn’t tarnish that easily. And the style I go for is usually anything dainty as it is easy to wear and perfect for layering and stacking.

So for starters..
Fashionology had a sale on recently and after seeing Barbara and Sammi’s glowing reviews I just had to place an order. These 2 Above Knuckle rings were around £8 each, (half price I think). Barbara has been wearing hers for quite a while and they haven’t tarnished; this is usually the problem with cheaper jewellery so It made sense to pay more and buy these as they’re 925 silver. I love them, they look so delicate yet grungy - perfect. I have been wearing them for a few weeks now and they still look brand new; no green marks! 


A jewellery brand I recently came across was Jewellery Box who only recently launched. This is the same good quality silver so I was excited to receive these, they are also really affordable. I have been wearing the cute Swallow necklace and the Heart charm Bead bracelet since they arrived. I tend to layer them both with other jewellery - I really like that look. I’m loving the layered necklace trend in particular, I think it’s a great way to dress up plain outfits. I chose the Mother of Pearl ring also as I don’t own anything like it, it will be perfect worn with smart or more dressy evening outfits as its quite a statement ring.

Both brands made an effort with packaging which is a win! Gift boxed items will always have a safe place to be stored in, it also makes gifting easier as you don’t need to package it yourself. I love when companies make an effort with boxes and ribbons!

Have you got any favourite jewellery brands? What do you think of layering and stacking jewellery?

Saturday, 26 July 2014

Real Techniques makeup brushes: Sam’s Picks Collection

I have been after a new set of makeup brushes for quite a while now so of course I spent ages looking through blog posts to find peoples favourites and must haves. Real Techniques is a brand that is always spoken about in the beauty world and until very recently I was potentially the only blogger who did not own any. 

A few weeks ago I reviewed my first set of Real Techniques brushes here and wasn’t impressed, (it was the mini trio) but recently I had a voucher to spend so after reading all of your comments on that post saying how the normal sized brushes were better I thought I would opt for these.

I thought the Sam’s picks Collection would be the best option for me just because it kind of contains everything I will need. Also five of the six brushes are already available, but the essential crease brush is exclusive to the set. 

real techniques brushes sam chapman essential picks collection stippling buffing eye lip multi task best blog review top


Real Techniques - Sam’s picks collection (£29.99 free del)
 

(from left to right) 




Multi task brush
- This brush is for powder, blushers and bronzer but I have mostly been using it for blusher and bronzer. This brush is the fluffiest brush I have ever come across, it is so soft but still quite dense. It applies an even layer of powder onto the skin and when used with a powder it blends it out perfectly.

Setting brush - This brush is used for setting makeup with powder. I use it for applying translucent powder under the eyes as well as dabbing it into my favourite highlighter to apply to the tops of cheekbones. The brush itself is super soft and fluffy once again.

Buffing brush - Ideal for powder and mineral foundation. This brush was one of the most recommended in my the comments section of the post mentioned above. This Summer I’ve opted for a tinted moisturiser for days I want coverage but usually mineral foundation is for me. This brush is firm and dense, it picks up just the right amount of powder and applies the best natural finish to the skin, it buffs out powder foundation to perfection.

Pointed foundation brush - The suggested use with this brush is with liquid foundation. This brush however is the only one I found to be a bit meh. It is dense but very thin and flat, I also don’t understand why it is pointed as opposed to the normal curved foundation brushes. I personally haven’t used this brush as much but would probably say size wise it might be more suitable for concealer. I prefer to use my hands for foundation and concealer application.

Essential crease brush - Suitable for contouring the eyes. This brush is a set exclusive. The brush is super soft and tapered, it is perfect for blending out crease work. I have also been using it to apply highlighter under the eyebrow.

Fine liner brush - For precise lines whilst using cream or liquid eyeliner. I have been using the same liquid eyeliner for years (re buying obvs, not the same one - that would be gross) so trying out another way to apply eyeliner was a bit daunting for me. The first time I utilised this fine brush I instantly thought it was a winner. I have used this with liquid and gel liners and both have worked fine. It creates thin and thick lines and is pretty easy to use as the handle has a grip on it.

The brushes are synthetic and I have washed them twice already and they haven’t shed. The are definitely good quality and well worth the price.

Overall I am very happy with the set. I have tossed away the majority of my old brushes and have just been using these and have found they are enough for daily use. I’m glad I didn’t give up on the brand after my last experience because these brushes definitely live up to hype that has been created around the blogging world!

Have you tried any Real Techniques brushes before? Any more I should try out?

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Makeup Revolution Blush & Contour palette - Hot Spice




Makeup Revolution, Blush & Contour palette - Hot Spice (£6)

I love palettes, in particularly blush ones. I just find I am more likely to try out different shades rather than stick to the same colour had it come in its own little pot. And also they are perfect for travel. 
Makeup Revolution is definitely making a name for itself in the beauty world. This is definitely the brand that everyone has to try something from. I can assure you you will slowly start building a collection of all their goodies because they are so affordable. I have reviewed a few of their items before, here and was given the opportunity to review some more.

The Blush & Contour palette consists of 8 different shades; 2 matte, 4 shimmer and 2 marble. This palette in Hot Spice is more peach compared to the other palette they sell in Sugar and Spice which has a lot of pink in it. The colours in this palette are gorgeous, and apply so nicely to the skin. They vary in peach/orange shades. They are blendable and very pigmented, you only need the smallest amount. I like mixing up the colours too to create new shades. The lighter marble powder is perfect as a highlighter for the cheekbones and on the arch of the eyebrow, it has little gold shimmer running through it too. I don’t think I can pick a favourite because I have actually been using them all! I can see myself buying the pink version now too!

The only negative I’d have to say is one of the matte colours is quite chalky when you apply your brush on it so just a light dab would suffice as they are very pigmented anyway. Also I personally couldn’t use any of these colours as a contour but if you have really fair skin maybe you could.
Overall I am super impressed with this lovely palette. This would be great for traveling with as the lid has a huge mirror on it. For the price, £6, you can’t really go wrong!

Have you tried anything from Makeup Revolution? Thoughts on this palette?


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