Monday 27 February 2012

Elf blending brush


The Elf professional blending eye brush is a small, synthetic, domed fluffy brush with a completely round ferrule meaning the hair of the brush is movable, flexible and perfect for its main purpose - a whole lotta blending.
I use it primarily for crease/ contouring and general blending out as it's the perfect size and density for it. However I've also used it for blending concealer both under the eye and on the odd blemish.
I haven't noticed any shedding but I am yet to wash it. So far the shape has stayed beautifully even after some heavy duty smokey eyes.
I've been clicking round the blogosphere and I’d say it's somewhere in between the MAC 217 and 226. I am by no way suggesting this is anywhere near the same quality/ league of brush as those of MAC but I am very pleasantly surprised with the quality of such a cheap brush and would definitely recommend this brush if you're on a budget. (Or like me, you just don’t feel the need to splash out on a brush of that price)
I've heard a few criticisms of elf's lack of consistency with their products; such as them varying in quality, shape, size, etc... I have yet to experience this, or any problems with elf's products but I would keep it in mind when purchasing. There does seem to be a slight variant between the size/ length of the bristles but it is so slight I doubt you would find it that noticeable or a major difference in how the brush works.
I’ve found this a really great multifunctional brush, I currently have two, but I can see me picking up many more in the future (and at £1.50, why the hell not?) There is also a blending brush in the elf mineral range which I'd love to try out as I’m sure it’ll come in just as useful.
This was purchased along with a few others, as my first brushes from elf and as far as I’m concerned, I think the pros outweigh the cons and if in doubt - consult the price tag!

Hope this has been helpful/ interesting for you chicks :)

21

I've been meaning to pop this up all week, just been busy busy busy! Last Sunday was my big sister's 21st birthday so I thought I'd show you a few snaps a took. You might not be interested but I thought they were quite pretty :)

Thursday 23 February 2012

Spring Wishlist 002

New look crochet top, River Island retro shades, New look chain moccasin, New look indigo superskinny jeans, River Island straw trilby (mens), Zara plaited leather shopper, Topshop peace studs

It's feeling very much like spring today so thought I'd pop up a wishlist :) Bit boring really, just a few things I want to pick up.
I’ve been so very busy the last week or so and have missed my bloggery! I've got a review, some photos and my February favourites to post when I get a chance! Hope you're all well and enjoying the sunshine beauts! x

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Pink Cloud

Natural Collection Blush: £1.99

I would say Pink Cloud is a matte true pink, perfect for everyday as it barely requires any blending - perfect for applying in a rush or on the go. It's a really soft, silky texture but it could come across chalky if too much product is picked up or applied. It's not hugely pigmented but a surprising amount is picked up on brushes, just enough to give a lovely fresh flush to the cheeks. I found it lasts a reasonable amount of time (good few hours), but I have normal/ combination skin so don't usually find that blushes slide anyway. The packaging for me is decent for the price. It doesn't feel too flimsy and is just the right size for popping in your makeup bag.
As someone who most days, skips the blush, I personally just don't feel the need to splash out on high end blushes. However, I definitely plan to pick up more shades as they are so affordable and do have some really lovely shades.

Happy Valentine’s Day my lovelies! :) x

Monday 13 February 2012

Elf brush haul


Long time no blog, beauts! So a week or so ago, elf had a free shipping code, I jumped on the opportunity as I've been meaning to order a few brushes from them for agesss. Along with the free shipping, you received a 'free goodie bag' if you spent over a tenner (not a problem elf, not at all). Anyho, I thought I'd show you what I picked up and my first impressions. I intend to review brushes individually once I've had a chance to use them and develop a bit more of an opinion, so look out for that!

First off, the infamous Studio Powder Brush! I've been meaning to pick it up for ages because of the raving reviews all over the place. I'm surprised at how well made it is. It's quite heavy duty and feels pretty good quality. Super soft, super dense, super nice :)

The Blending Eye Brush is perhaps my favourite from the haul. I picked up two as I'm always in need of a blending brush and can never find a clean one. Also thought it would be good for concealer. They're really soft and fluffy, perfect for the job in hand.

I don't really know what made me pick the Defining Eye Brush... I just thought it looked quite useful, I'll probably use it for blending out eyeliner on the upper lash line, contouring or for taking eye shadow under the eye.

The Eye Shadow Brush is pretty self explanatory, but I was a little disappointed when it came out of the packaging in two pieces... I guess I could contact elf, but for the sake of £1.50, I think I’ll just crack out the superglue.

I picked up the Concealer Brush to use as a lip brush and it's perfect. A little smaller than I was expecting but will be great for creating the perfect red lips.

Then for the freebies...

The Travel Mirror... I'm not going to lie, I think this is horrendously tacky, never would of picked it and it will most likely end up in the bin. But it was technically free, you can't have everything can you?

Shimmer Pencil 7607 Twinkle Teal. Again, I wouldn't have picked it but it might come in handy one day.

I was über surprised by the polishes I was sent. I'll admit, I was expecting the reject polishes no one buys and elf want to get rid of, but I actually love these shades and would have picked them out myself. (1573 Twinkle, 1570 Metal Madness)

The delivery time was pretty good to say I didn't pay anything for it. (I think it was about 4 working days.) And the best thing about elf? I got all this for £11.

Sunday 5 February 2012

My Sunday in a nutshell

Hey sweets, hope you're all well! Haven't done a rambly sort of post in a while... Don't know if you enjoy reading them, but I enjoy writing them. I like looking back at what I've done previous weeks/ months. So m'loves, bit of an update for you...

001 Haven't been blogging as frequently the past few weeks due to lack of energy, this freezing weather's been draining meeee.
002 I've been also been snowed under this weekend (metaphorically and literally) I've had so much 6th form work to do and I'm currently snowed in! Even as I type tiny flakes are starting to fall again - At least I'm nice and cosy!
003 It's making me really look forward to summer though; I'm planning to go to Benicassim festival if I manage to get some tickets. Have any of you been?
004 My beloved scooter is currently in for repairs so I've had to take two long bus rides to get to classes. Still, It's given me reason to update my iPod - Birdy's album is beaut, I've also been loving quite a few Drake songs.
005 I've also been looking for a new job as I'm not that happy where I am and feel it's time for a change. I'm so fed up of filling out applications, it's scrambling my brain!
006 Also started tweeting constantly so follow if you fancy a giggle at my expense :)

What have you all been up to this weekend? Have you had much snow? Oh and for those of you that are interested I finished my latest canvas around 2am Tuesday mornin'

Friday 3 February 2012

January Favourites

Gosh chicks, I haven't blogged in almost a week! I don't think I posted a December favs, so this is a bit of a combination of the past two months :)


I found this christmas cookie Yankee Candle in the midst of the house of frazer sale. I wanted the medium sized one but they were all sold out, still, I think I only payed about £4 for this. It's a lovely, buttery, vanilla scent... I'd have it burning 24/7 but I don't want it to run out!

Revlon black cherry is such a gorgeous wintery, vampy shade I've been wearing it consistently. Swatches and review here.

With the arctic temperature's we've been having recently, my hands have been really dry and chapped. I received this in a gift set at Christmas and it's been a complete saviour! It's really, really moisturising, you only need a tiny amount, it disappears so fast (leaving your hands baby soft!) and is not greasy at all. I also feel like it does noticeably strengthen my nails too.

My mum used Olay beauty fluid while I was growing up so I find the smell really comforting. Emotional attachment aside, it's an amazing product and I can see why it's been around for so long. It's really light and absorbs really quickly meaning it's a great base for makeup. Regardless of its lightweight nature it's still insanely moisturing but again, not too greasy, just right!

My apologies for yet another Vaseline favourite! But seriously, crème brûlée + Vaseline = pure genius.

What have you being loving this month?