Real Techniques

Probably a few months ago now, I was stuck on which brushes to by. I walked round and round the aisles of Boots in the hope that I would find a set of brushes that were affordably priced yet good quality. I came back empty handed. A more recent update, and I've now found the gem I was looking for- the Real Techniques Brushes. I found out about them via Sam Chapman of Pixiwoo, who created the line of brushes with the same criteria as me. 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - £9.99 - I am yet to purchase the full set of Face Brushes from RT (The Core Collection) so when I saw this single brush, I picked it up. Although a tenner may initially seem pricey for it, the quality is great, and in MAC for example, you'd easily pay double that. None of the brushes are at all scratchy, and they are all synthetic which means they are ideal for use with cream shadows, blushes, and more. 

Real Techniques Shading Brush - £7.99 - This was another single brush, and again, well worth the money. It blends, shades, and softens harsh edges. In general, its great, and can be used for eyes or even concealer. The brushes all have a colour scheme with the Face Brushes being Yellow, the Powder/Stippling/Setting brushes being Pink and the eye brushes being Purple. 

El

Beauty Wishlist #1

Although I do love makeup, I (unfortunately!) cannot spend all of me money on it-*sighs*. But there is a solution! The beauty wishlist...

The Clarins Eye Makeup Remover has been mentioned a couple of times on the blog. I first go a small sample for Christmas, which I used very generously (and therefore ran out fairly quickly-oops!). After hearing Alix from I Covet Thee and Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup talk about it, I remembered my love for it, but for £18, I don't think I can buy it when there are so many cheaper-admittedly not as good!- alternatives.  

Another recommendation from Anna of VDM, the Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint Minis (£15 for 4 diddy ones) are a more recent addition to the list. However, as they would be an online buy from Cult Beauty, getting the right shade match would be a toughie. I do love a good Tinted Moisturizer though!

Sticking with the low-coverage base theme, Dr Jart's Water Fuse BB Cream is an interesting one. Unlike other products of the same family, this only comes in a 'one shade fits all' option, and as my Boots doesn't stock it, it won't be in my shopping basket any time soon.

Nail Polish had been on my radar recently, so when these babies from Illamasqua first came out, I was all for the Speckled Nail Polish look. Supposedly limited edition, I better get my hands on one soon, but for nearly £15, is it worth it for one nail polish?

I often find that my lips are dry or flakey, and I don't really have any good lip balms. The Korres Lip Butters first caught my attention whilst browsing the Feel Unique website, and at £8, I think I can spare the cash.


Another much-raved about product (thanks again Anna!) is the L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara. Again, not stocked in Boots, but fairly affordable, I think I'll have to hunt this one down!

Believe it or not, I don't own any Mac products. None, not a single eyeshadow, lipstick or anything else. But I've often heard Tanya Burr talk about the Coffee and Teddy eye pencils, both a brown colour. I think that lighter alternative to black liner really soften a look, but as my nearest Mac is quite far away, I may have to wait awhile for this one.

And last, but certainly not least, Estee Lauder's Stay On Shadow Paints. I don't really have a preference in colour, but I have seen a gorgeous pinky one that I unfortunately don't know the name of! However, they are nearer to 20 pounds than to a price I'm willing to pay.