Real Techniques Brushes

If the fact that they make awesome YouTube videos and make up tutorials wasn't enough to make you get behind the girls from Pixiwoo then this certainly will. As many of you will already know, sisters Sam and Nic have launched their own range of make up brushes, Real Techniques. These can be picked up from drugstores all around the UK and range in price from £6.99 for a single brush to £20.99 for a set. What I love about these brushes is the flawless finish they create on whatever part of your face you use them on. The pretty pink, purple and gold handles help distinguish if you are using a flawless base brush, and enhanced eyes brush or a perfect finish brush...and they also look pretty cool too. The hand cut synthetic bristles make them super easy to clean and make them so multi-functional. Each brush can be used for so many different products and I even use my eye shadow brush for concealer sometimes! I am a strong believer that using brushes, and good quality brushes at that, can make  huge difference to the over all look and finish of your makeup. I'm not a fan of using my hands, even though they do apparently make the best tools.  I have never used brushes that were such good quality, such a good price and so readily available. If you're in the market for some amazing brushes then don't wait to start building your collection, go and buy some now!! I will certainly be purchasing the new duo-fibre range this weekend. 

B.X

Blush Brush

Stippling Brush

Shading Brush

Foundation Brush

Buffing Brush

Expert Face Brush

Contour Brush

Essie Collection

Now, I have a bad habit. A disgusting habit of biting my nails and it's something I've been struggling with for most of my life. Ok, dramatics over but, seriously, I have never been that into painting my nails because I've never wanted to show them off due to how raggedy they normally are. However, when Essie hit our stores last year I was so drawn in by the amazing colours and cute little white capped lids that I actually ventured into nail painting territory.

At £7.99 each, these are a steal for such salon quality formulas and eye popping colour range...not to mention the sassy colour names. I love the diffusion line that is in Boots now because the brushes are absolute one stroke wonders so there are no streaks. I don't think I even realised until writing this post how many I had, or should I specify..how many reds I had...I know, I know all those reds look the same, whoops!

Since I now consider myself a bit of a nail pro these days I've even featured the Rapid Dry Top Coat because it's amazing!! No more do I sit waiting for my claws to dry, all the while knowing I'm going to have to attempt to put a coat on. No more do I try and open a door and chip away all of my glorious hard work. Now I have this top coat I actually have the motivation to go whole hog with my mini-mani and do all the proper things which I was always too lazy to do before. So without making you wait longer than it would take these polishes to start cracking and flaking (because they're so long lasting) here is my Essie collection. Enjoy.

B.x 

Skin Care Routine

My skin type is pretty average. Combination skin with an oily t-zone and some dry patches around my nose, pretty standard I think. I'm quite lucky to not get too many break outs, I've never really been a spotty kid and I think that's partially down to my obsession with skin care. I think in terms a beauty products if you're going to spend money on anything high end, go with skin care and foundation. If you don't have a good base that's when everything else goes to shit. This isn't a review post, just a quick glimpse into my tried and tested routine.

B. x

Step 1.  La Roche-Posay Micellaire Solution makeup remover.

Step 2. Alpha H cleanser

Step 3. Liz Earle Skin Tonic

Step 4. La Roche-Posay Effeclar Duo Serum

Step 5. REN Vita Mineral Moisturiser

Only at Night: Alpha H Liquid Gold Night Cream

Every Other Day or Night: Alpha H Liquid Gold Glycolic Acid Exfoliator

One a Week: Origins Drink Up Intensive Face Mask

Once a Week: Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Clay Mask

New Year, New Hobby

Well, long time no see/type/anything. After realising that it was nearly a year since I had done my last blogpost I was slightly horrified. It's been a busy but amazing 2013 for me.. a well needed year of figuring out lifeness. The blog took a bit of break for a while so I could concentrate on on finishing my degree, travelling for the summer, moving back home, geting a car and finding a job and I can happily say that I have been fortunate and lucky enough to do all of those things this year. Also now I'm not a student anymore and am in the scary working world I have money yayyy!! Anyway, intro aside, this Christmas after realising my family thinks I lead a dull and sedentary life style (despite my best efforts with the gym) they brought me a professional camera.. HOORAH!! A HOBBY!! With this in mind I thought it was the perfect time to kick start the new year and my new and improved blog. Long gone are the days of Instagram edited blog pictures and now are the days of decent quality and maybe even a sneaky YouTube video or two. With the dawn of my new photography obsession I thought I would share with you some of my recent snaps. Be kind, I'm a novice (I secretly think I'm pretty good)

...Oh, did I mention I live in, what is apparently, the most beautiful place ever!? No editing here folks.

B. x

   

                                                                    

eBay finds!

 I am an avid user of eBay. I think if I can find the most coveted high street pieces for half the price then why not. I know a lot of people who have had varying eBay experiences but I've only had one joker who decided to rip me off...who was swiftly dealt with haha. Anyway, the top (originally from Topshop) and the necklace were one off pieces that people were trying to get rid of but the rest of the sellers are linked here: Knock-Off Michael Kors, Knock-Off Casio and Knock-Off Jeffery Campbell Litas. The above knuckle ring have run out of stock but there are loads all over eBay.

Yes I'm aware most of this things are fake versions of more expensive brands but I'm neither here nor there on that front. Happy hunting.

What are some things you have found?

Kukee Above Knuckle Ring

 I have been very fortunate to get my hands...or fingers...on the gorgeous above the knuckle ring from Kukee. I first saw it advertised on their Instagram and knew I had to have it...luckily I whizzed over to their site and grabbed it before it was gone. Above the knuckle rings have been everywhere this year but have only just started to filter down to the high street so they're readily available. For me that's a bit of a pain because they seem to jack up the price. Kukee however was selling this baby for £1.50! It's simple and elegant but that 'double ring' look gives it a little edge on the standard rings out there. Personally I would wear this with no other rings because it's that classy statement with goes so well with so many different outfits. Well done Kukee, me and my new ring salut you.

Go and check out their website, linked above, to snap up some of their amazing pieces. Fashion forward at more than affordable prices.