When Something Is So Pretty it Makes You Want To Cry...

This is hands down the best spontaneous purchase I have made in a long time. I just walked past it in Selfridges and although I admired its beauty...I walked on. However, one of the lovely ladies at the Bobbi Brown counter grabbed me and said I must try it. 

Usually i'm pretty good at saying no, but the moment I saw that sheen, I was done. 

Here we have the Bobbi Brown Highlighter in Pink Glow. 

I have never owned a BB highlighter before...in fact now I think of it, I think everything I own from her is matte. GOOD GOD this woman does glow well. 

The moment the light hit my cheeks, I saw this beautiful, ethereal yet refined glow.

Do not be fooled by the name, this is not 'Pink' - we aren't talking Benefits High Beam, this is more of a beige with a hint of pink/peach. There is no overwhelming colour to this, it is just very sheeny. 

If highlighters are your thing- I really think you should check this out. 

The texture is incredibly smooth yet it does not kick up any excess powder. It is very dense in the pan so one would assume it's dry- but it's not. 

My preferred method of application is with a fan brush on the high points of my face. Pink Glow is very buildable so it's up to you to create as much glow as you like.

I have applied this with my Bobbi Brown Sheer Powder brush but for my tastes it came off a little too strong. 

If applied heavily, this can look quite metallic. It still looks wonderful, but for me it is a little too much- especially in the day time. 

The swatches really don't do this justice- I'm still trying to get used to the lighting in my new flat. 

This is a firm favourite in my make up collection and I have worn it constantly since I picked it up. 

I have fair/medium skin with warm undertones and this really suits me. If you are a touch darker though, there is a bronzier shade which may be better suited.  

Bottom Line : I am in love. You need this. 

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Bobbi Brown Artstick in Rose Brown

This is such a gorgeous mauvy/brown/pink that I think pretty much everyone can pull off.

It's 90s without being too harsh. 

As much as I love the colour, I don't reach for this as much as I would like is the application can be a little messy. 

Due to it being a pencil- unless it is freshy sharpened, it can be quite easy to stray out of the lines, so its not super ideal to apply in a rush. 

I know there are a lot of crayon like lip products out there, but I find the BB one to be a little chunkier than the rest.

If I am worried about mess, I firstly line my lips with Macs Soar Lip Liner - it's a very good match. 

Bottom Line : This is a comfortable, fairly long lasting lipstick, in a colour I adore.

I just wish Bobbi did this colour in her origninal lipstick range- I much prefer that sort of application! 

The justification for these sort of crayons is that 'they are a lip liner and lipstick in one'...really? My lip liners are a hell of a lot skinnier than that. 

I won't be picking up anymore of the Art sticks as I prefer the application of regular lipsticks, but I will try to use this more often. 

What do you guys think of the Arts sticks? Am I just being overly critical?

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Shopping my Stash : Bobbi Brown Berry Blush

This little blush has been somewhat neglected over the past few months. Its just been sat gathering dust so I thought it was time to dig it out and make a point of using it again. 

The name doesn't lie folks, this is a berry shade- it's very intense and incredibly pigmented as well and I think that's why I haven't been reaching for it. 

However, 95% of my blush stash is of a peachy pink nature so I felt it was time to dig this little guy out as it has Autumn written all over it.

This is the most pigmented blush I own- without fail. It's quite intimidating actually. For those with deeper skin tones, this will look beautiful on you and I doubt you will have the same application issues as I do.
Even if I lightly sweep my finger across the surface of the blush, I am left with a fully opaque berry mark on my finger and you cannot simply brush it off.
The swatch below was only one or two swipes off the surface and my oh my, it does not wipe off. I couldn't just rub it off, I had to whack out the micellars.
If I am in a rush, this is too finicky to do in a hurry, but if I take my time, this is so beautiful.
I tend to use my Bobbi Brown Sheer Powder brush (which I am not mad keen on, but it serves it's purpose well here) and I very, VERY carefully dot my brush into the powder and tap off the excess on my hand. Even if you can't see any product on the brush, just trust me, it is there.

I then carefully and strategically, apply it to the apples of my cheeks in slow, small circular motions, blending outwards. It's not one of those blushes where you can swirl and go- you have to take your time.
If I do not apply in this way, I end up with bright red cheeks that aren't going anywhere. Once I have over applied, blending becomes redundant as this colour does not shift.
However, when I do it right-  it's beautiful. You know that look when you have been walking around outside on a cold day and your cheeks have that real genuine pink/red tone to them? This blush creates that, so when it is done well, it just gives such an English rose appearance to the skin.
It is matte as well so I think it would work beautifully as an eye shadow. I also think it was made in order to be paired with this Charlotte Tilbury lipstick.
I will make a conscious effort to use this more regularly from now on. It's too pretty to be left to collect dust.

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My Top Ten Brushes

When I went away last week, I tried my hardest to scale my brushes down, so this post is half favourite brushes and half the brushes I take away with me. I have to say after taking pictures, I realized that there are a couple that on the whole I prefer (which I have written below) but these are the ones I take away with me as a lot of them are multipurpose. 

Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face : This is a great little multi-tasker so I always take this away with me. On the whole I prefer applying foundation with my fingers but some formulas do need a brush to help buff them in.
This brush is very soft, travel sized and is my favourite brush for blending foundation in seamlessly in no time.
I also use it to blend in cream products whether that be bronzer/blusher, but especially my Smashbox Contour Sticks  as not only does it work them in well, but it is small enough to blend in a contour without smearing it all over my face.

Real Techniques Setting Brush : I use this for concealer- again not all the time because I think with some concealer formulas you really need the warmth of your fingers to help blend in, but with my Urban Decay Concealer, when I do my upside triangles, this does a great job of blending without wiping away the coverage I have created or disturbing my foundation underneath. I need to pick up another one of these, its fab. 

Charlotte Tilbury Blush Brush : This is my favourite Blush Brush when it comes to working with sheerer blushes. Its the only brush I use for my Nars and Clinique blushes as they are not as crazy pigmented, so this helps to pick up that extra bit of product as the bristles are fairly dense. It's fairly soft as well, which is a bonus.

Charlotte Tilbury Powder and Sculpt Brush : This brush is great for contouring and highlighting (although it can pick up too much highlight so I have to tap off the excess), but I use it mostly to set the concealer under my eyes. To be honest, I often use it for everything, including blusher (If my CT blusher brush is dirty) as it is so small and tapered than you can get a really precise application. This is a real workhorse so I think it would fit most peoples needs. 

I have to say though if we are solely talking powder contour, then my Mac 168 is my absolute favourite as it really carves out the cheek bones whilst diffusing the edges, making everything look natural. 

I would have included that here, but I couldn't justify taking another brush away me when this brush is so multi functional. 

 Real Techniques Duo Fibre Brush : This is my favourite brush of all time. If I were only allowed to keep one face brush- this would be it.
It is soft, never picks up too much product, has many uses, washes like a dream, dries V quickly and manages to bounce back every time I squish it in my make up bag.
I use this for a fine dusting of powder, whether that be under my eyes or all over. You will never get a heavy, powdery look with this brush.
This works brilliantly at applying and diffusing bronzer- the brush is tapered so I can turn the brush on the side to blend out powder contour as well.
Even though this brush is larger, I use it for my more pigmented and creamy blushes as well, for example my Charlotte Tilbury blushes. It just makes them look so seamless on the skin.
This brush is very affordable - it comes in a three set which is priced at £23.99.
I don't use the other brushes a whole lot, but it is worth picking up for this brush alone.

Smashbox Fan Brush : I use this with my powder highlights- my super pigmented ones anyway, such as The Balms Mary Lou- Manizer and Kevyn Aucoins Starlight.

I don't want to look metallic or glittery and this fan brush picks up just enough product and applies a very light layer to the skin with precision. 

Mac 217 : I'm sure you all knew this little brush would make an appearance! If I am after a wash of colour all over the lid, this brush comes in handy, but it is my favourite crease brush for blending out powder eye shadows as somehow it helps me create that almost feline eye. I use it flat to deposit the colour in the crease and then I tun it on the side to blend out and it helps to diffuse my eye shadow upwards and outwards.

Mac 239 : This is my favourite brush for packing shadow onto the lid, it is fairly stiff and not as fluffy as the 217 so you can get a precise, dense application of shadow.

Liz Earle Blend and Contour Brush : I absolutely adore this brush. I use for a sheer wash of colour all over the lid but it is my favourite brush for blending out cream eye shadow. For a full review, click here.

Real Techniques Accent Brush : This is such a robust little brush I always take it with me. I use it to add my inner corner highlight and to clear up the mascara smudges on my eye lids as it is so tiny it applies the product exactly where I need it.

I also use it to smoke out my lower lash line.  I do prefer using my Mac pencil brush for that purpose as it is larger, but as this performs several functions, I took this instead. 

What are you're favourite brushes? 

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June Make Up Favorites

Hello Everyone! 

I am so sorry it's been so long since my last post, I have been crazy busy BUT we will resume the normal schedule of Mon- Fri at 7am GMT.

I have a lot of posts coming up.

SO onto the favorites- there is a lot I have been loving in the month of June - a good mixture of make up and skin care, so I am splitting them into two sections as otherwise this post would take a month to read.

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara : This is actually a repurchase for me.

I find mascara as a whole probably the most disappointing product you can get as they are laden with claim after claim of false lashes, huge volume, can be seen from space and to be honest nine times out of ten they do not deliver.

A lot of mascaras do nothing for my lashes but make them dark. This Mascara no no no. This is a good one. On the whole I love Max Factor mascaras and I do genuinely feel that they do some of the best out there.

 This mascara gives me length AND volume. Volume is what I want. I love this- it also wont break the bank so if you're in the market, give this guy a go.

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in 'Camel' : I have just been obsessed with this since I got it! It is the ultimate warm eye shadow and just brings such life to your eyes. If you want to read a full rave review, click here.

Clarins Ombre Eye Shadow in 'Aquatic Rose' : This has been another love of mine since I bought it. It's a beautiful pale rose gold that just makes you look fresh and awake. This is a limited summer release so pick it up quick if you're interested! I do also have Aquatic Grey which is a beauty, but Rose has been used a lot more. 

For a full review click here.

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in 'Bitch Perfect' : At this time of year I tend to opt for a lighter, more low maintenance lip colour and this CT lipstick Bitch Perfect fits the bill.

When it's hot and you're sweating, you really don't want to be smearing dark burgundy all over your chin. 

With Bitch Perfect I find that the colour suits all make up looks, makes you look effortlessly polished and it is fairly moisturizing but hugs the lips nicely so it stays put. Also it fades evenly. I'm so into low maintenance right now. Bitch Perfect for the win. 

Clinique Cheek Pop in 'Heather Pop' : The formula of these cheek pops is out of this world. I love the luminous rosey glow of this blush, for full details click here.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in 'Misty Rock' : The formula of this isn't as perfect as I would like it to be- if I layer it up it can crease/flake like crazy so I have to make sure I apply it correctly but the shade is just sheer total and utter perfection. I can't think of any one of any colouring that would't suit it. It's a pretty taupy/purply/pink colour with a gorgeous shimmer running through. 

A full review is on its way. 

Mac Cream Colour Base in 'Hush' : I love a good cream highlighter. Done properly it is the most natural looking glow that you can get- Hush is no exception.

 I first starting coveting this whilst watching the Pixiwoo Sisters- Nic always looks so glowy and this is often the highlight she uses. Who doesn't love a peachy glow. Again, a full review is on its way.

Essie Peach Side Babe : This literally jumped out at me in Boots last week. It is part of the new Essie Summer collection, so I am assuming that means limited? If so, I am defintely picking up another one. I just don't want anything else on my nails. This is a beautiful almost neon orange based coral with a cream finish. It makes my hands look so tanned.

This also has really good lasting power, I can't be dealing with polish that chips after 5 mins- I have had this on for a few days now and we are still looking good.

 Literally in love. Get it. 

What are your recent favourites? Anything I need to add to the wish list?

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If Warm Shadows Are Your Thing...

I don't know why it has taken me so long to pick this up....

This is the Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Camel.

Camel is a very warm brown with orange/yellow undertones that is matte and unbelievably pigmented whilst being one of the smoothest creamiest eye shadows I own. 

It does kick up a bit of powder when you swirl your brush round, but that is a common factor of being a matte powder (however, Charlotte Tilbury somehow manages to avoid that in her mattes....it must be witchcraft) but even though there is excess powder, there is zero fall out upon application, so I'm really not bothered.

I have worn this almost daily since I got it and I am beyond obsessed...I have received quite a few compliments on it as well which is always a plus!

This shade is so multi purpose as it works very well in crease to warm up other eye shadows, but I have been wearing it alone, all over the lid and blended out.

I love it that much I just want as much on as possible.

  I am only wearing Camel in these pictures. 

I love warm eye shadows and this has to be the ultimate warm brown.

If warm colours are your thing, this will be so up your street - check it out!

Look at that pigment!

If you are looking for a warm shade, especially in these Summer months as all our make up tends to transition from cool to warm - Bobbi Browns Camel is your guy.

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A glimpse of what is coming up....

Hello Everyone.

Just a quick little post here to show you what will be up on the blog soon!

I was feeling quite spendy in town on Saturday, so I picked up a few bits and bobs.

I have yet to try the new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze on my cheeks, but I swatched it in SpaceNK and holy crap it is stunning.

Here's hoping it looks as beautiful on the face otherwise I have made a very expensive mistake! 

 I have played with the Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colour in Fuchsia Mauve- what a stunning colour!

You can see I have two little Elemis samples - the Papaya Enzyme Peel and the Pro- Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, I picked them up in this months Marie Claire- definitely track a MC down if you can, I have only used these two a couple of times but so far so good.

All in all there are some beautiful things here so if you are interested, keep checking in as they will all be reviewed fully on the blog very soon! 

Have a good week everyone, 

XXX

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Quick, Prettyfying Make Up

Is prettyfying a word? For the sake of this blog post, we'll just say it is.

If you're reading this, I'm guessing you're also a lover of all things beauty.

I love the creativity, the new products or rocking a kinda weird kooky look and making it wearable, but there are times when I just want to use products that are more 'prettyfying'.

You know, just adds to your natural beauty- I find these products make me look healthy and natural, in a quick and easy way.

Lets start in order of application:

Dior Glow Maximizer : Like name like nature. I don't use this all the time, but when I do, I use it all over my face like a primer and it adds such luminosity.

When you see it swatched it literally looks like a liquid highlighter- which it can be used as, but under make up it just brightens up my face. 

Lovely.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua : I have already talked about this product so I wont bang on, but it is one of my favorite bases- light, natural, glowy but not overly so and it feels very comfortable on the skin.

No caking, no sitting in pores, its beaut.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer : This is probably the best concealer I have, read a full review here.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder : I'm so glad I managed to take a picture of this as I've just hit pan. 

I was never into powders up until trying this.

I have dry skin so the idea of setting my make up with powder just feels kinda gross to me...but I thought I would invest in a high end powder and I really like it! I use this every day to set my concealer under my eyes and to be honest ever since I started doing that I cant fathom that I didn't before.

It mattifies the slight sheen from my concealer so hence makes it look like I have added a hint more coverage. I use it down the side of my nose and it does mattify were shine isn't wanted, but it is never cakey. 

It is very important to add this step here as I am using a lot of glowy products, so this is needed to take any of the shine away from unflattering areas, for example the nose/forehead etc.

Benefit Brow-Zing : As you can see- I have hit pan here! As I have used it daily for over a year, I think I am doing pretty well. The little brushes are very useful, I use the angled brush for the wax and then with the flat brush add the powder- you end up with lovely, natural looking brows.

I need quite a bit of brow help so I never go without this.

I cannot stand blocky/harsh eyebrows- this does not produce them.

Benefit Gimme Brown : I use this everyday to set my brows, read a full review here

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curlers : Because I have the worlds straightest lashes.

Nars Eyeliner in Via Veneto : I use black eyeliner EVERYDAY- it is a non negotiable.

However, I only use it to tightline- if you don't know what that means, I just line my upper water line.

After I've curled my lashes so the curlers don't rub it off, I just add this and it helps to thicken up my super fine lashes. If you haven't tried before- it may feel weird, but give it a go. I guarantee you will be amazed by how much more defined your eyes look, in the most subtle way.

Also- if you want to wear make up at school and you aren't allowed/your male  and you want to wear a bit of make up but not have it look obvious- try this as well.

This Nars one is quite new to me, a full review is on its way.

Benefit They're Real : You can see I'm having a bit of a Benefit moment!

Read the full review here. 

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon : When I'm trying to do pretty in a hurry I use this after my mascara. Why you ask?

Because I'm messy.

Pretty much everytime I use mascara I end up with a little bit of smudging just behind my lashes- not like eye liner, no just a smudge and it really annoys me.

I often can't be bothered to wipe it off as that can make the matter worse, so I swipe the tiniest, lightest line behind my eyelashes and then blend with a finger.

It hides the smudge and leaves me with subtle, shimmery bronze lids.

For a swatch, click here. 

L-R: Mary Lou-Manizer, Pink Coral, Dior Glow Maximiser, Clarins Lip Perfector 

Bobbi Brown Pink Coral Blush : Read a full review here

The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer : Use this with caution! This is very easy to over do, but I like to use a fan brush and sweep this beautiful champagne highlighter on the tops of my cheekbones, round of sides of my eyebrows in a C-shape and the cupids bow.

If you use a light hand you will look gorgeous and glowy- and you have already helped yourself out by using a matte blush so things don't get OTT.

This product is so damn smooth and buttery I just kept touching it when I first got it.

It is a stunner, but be careful otherwise it will look incredibly obvious.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Balm Perfector in Rose: I'm sorry you can barely see the swatch on my arm- it is a very transparent colour that just adds the slightest hint of pink.

I love lipsticks- but can take time to apply/can be high maintenance. I LOVE lip liners as well but when I just don't have time or patience I put a bit of this on and it makes my lips look moisturized and just healthy.

I think I might prefer the lip gloss version but I am yet to make up my mind on that...

It's just a nice hint of pink that you can apply as you're leaving the house.

This may seem like a lot of steps but trust me- I can do this pretty quickly!

Do you have any tips on hour to be pretty in a hurry?

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The Blush That Made Me Fall In Love With Blush

Hello everyone! I hope you've all had a lovely weekend.

I thought I would kick off this Mondays post with a product that, no joke, I have been hunting for, for OVER a year.

Yep.
18 months by now actually.

Blush is easily one of my favorite products- I love how it perks up the complexion, and there is just something classic and timeless about it. 

However, even though my love for blush has been at an all time high for over a year, it was actually the last product I got into...I've always loved eye make up/ lipstick, but I was slow on the blush train. 

Until I tried this.

Enter Bobbi Browns Pink Coral. 

It has now been renamed Pretty Coral - the numbers are the same, both are No.31- I ordered Pink Coral off Debenhams and then it arrived and was called Pretty Coral. After nearly having a tantrum, I realized the numbers are the same.

Phew.

This is a fresh, pink coral matte blush- which is VERY unusual in my collection...I'm not sure I own any true matte blushers so this is an even more welcome addition.

Due to it being matte, you can choose whether or not to add highlight and when you do it's up to you where you choose to place it.

I think the reason I fell so hard for this was because it was the first time I'd properly worn a blush and thought wow...I look so healthy. It was just the right amount of subtle pink and I finally got what all the fuss was about.

However, after I tried this on, they were out of stock and (shock horror) it was limited edition. I have been on the hunt ever since, so the moment I saw it on Debenhams I grabbed it without even thinking.

I am so happy I finally own this blush, and honestly, I will treasure it.

The formula isn't perfect, it is quite powdery when you swirl our brush in it (although this is just often the case with mattes) and it requires more blending then some of my other blushes, but it still performs just as beautifully as it did when I first discovered it. 

I've been quite loving having a matte shade, it means I can apply my super sheeny highlighters without the fear that it might get a little space age. 

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