beautyblog Archives - Page 3 of 3

Lex 20th July 2013

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I have never bought in to the idea that you need to use tons of brushes for make up. I always found it easier and quicker to just use my fingers to apply and blend. But I heard rave reviews about the Real Techniques brushes and wanted to see if they lived up to it.

Holy. Moly.

I am in love. These brushes are one of the best things I have ever bought and considering the size of my beauty collection I think that’s saying something.

These brushes are perfect for applying foundation but can also be used for blush as well. The domed brush means you can get into corners and blend your foundation really well. The brush is unlike anything I’ve ever used as it is so firm with lots of densely packed bristles but it is so incredibly soft that, even on my sensitive skin, it’s not aggravating or harsh.

The brush is very thirsty and tends to drink foundation meaning that you use a lot more than you usually would, so I use it to apply my primer first as this helps to stop it absorbing so much of your base.

The finish using this brush is truly brilliant – the brush helps you to buff the foundation into your skin creating a flawless, almost airbrushed finish. I was also wrong about the lasting power – applying with a brush does help it to stay in place longer.

I am eating humble pie here – I won’t ever go back to applying with my fingers. I’ve also found that applying with a brush means my face doesn’t get as hot – sometimes my rosacea flares up when I’m applying make up and I’m now thinking it might be because I’m transferring heat from my hands to my face.

You can se the whole Real Techniques range HERE.

Lex

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Lex 7th April 2013

Soap and Glory Glow All Out

I have been looking for a highlighter powder for a while but none had caught my eye. Then I saw this gorgeous beast, Soap and Glory Glow All Out, in Boots.

Described as ‘luminizing radiance face powder’, this is a light rose pink colour with a lovely golden shimmer. It also comes in a really cute compact that you wouldn’t feel embarrassed getting out in public to touch up your make up.

The photos show the powder applied after foundation and before blusher. My rosacea was playing up a bit today so I took the second to last photo once it had calmed down to show you the true colour. I feel like this makes me skin glow without looking over the top – no one wants to look like a disco ball at work!

I got this in Boots for £11 which is a bargain as I think it will last ages – you can buy it HERE.

Lex

Soap & Glory Glow All Out

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Lex 27th March 2013

Dainty Doll It’s My Party Lipstick

Dainty Doll It's My Party Lipstick

Dainty Doll It’s my Party Lipstick

Dainty Doll is a cosmetics brand started by Nicola Roberts (yes, the one from Girls Aloud). She has red hair with very pale skin and became fed up of trying out cosmetics that didn’t go light enough or suit her colouring. So she made her own brand. Pretty bad ass really!

I didn’t have high hopes for this lipstick, I don’t know why but the Girls Aloud connection put me off a bit…but I was so wrong. This lipstick is GORGEOUS. It is slightly matte so you have to moisturise your lips well with balm beforehand but it means that it is long-lasting. I quite like the semi-matte look, but if you don’t you can pop a bit of gloss over the top.

The lipstick looks like such a bright coral in the tube but applies to be a bit more subtle – it still catches the eye but doesn’t blind you!

2016 update: Dainty Doll as a brand no longer exists, which I think is sad as there aren’t many cosmetics brands who focus solely on very pale skin tones. Perhaps it will reappear in future.

Lex

Dainty Doll It's My Party Lipstick

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Lex 24th March 2013

Soap & Glory Archery and One Heck Of A Blot

I love Soap & Glory as a brand (their Breakfast Scrub will change your life, no hyperbole) but I had never tried their make up. And now I seriously feel like I’ve been missing out.

Archery is a double-ended eyebrow shaper. One end has a fine ink brush that you use for filling in brows and giving them a bit of colour, while the other end is a waxy pencil that tames brows and gives them a more dramatic colour change. On most days I just use the pen as it’s more subtle for work and I am thrilled with it. It looks natural and doesn’t budge all day. I got ‘Love Is Blonde’ which is a great match for me.

One Heck Of A Blot is a mattifying powder, which is apparently one powder for all skin tones. I apply it in the morning after I’ve applied all my other make up and – miraculously – my face is still intact at the end of the day. I reapply at lunch time if I need to, but on the whole it keeps me matte all day.

You can buy Archery HERE and One Heck Of A Blot HERE.

I am a total Soap & Glory make up convert!

Lex

Soap & Glory Archery and One Heck Of A Blot