The Pinky Nude Lip | My Favourite Lip Combo!

Recently I noticed that compared to any other category in my makeup collection, I have a lot more lip products! On a day-to-day basis, I only really wear the same few so I decided I won't buy any more lip products until after Christmas. Who knows? It might save me a few pounds before Christmas, thus being able to spend more on gifts! It's been about a month, though I may have caved a little bit and bought the Glamour magazine- just for the free lipstick! When thinking about this, the idea came to me to do a post on one of my favourite lip combos- so that's what I shall be sharing with you today.

I love a pinky/nude lip on an everyday basis as I think they're so easy to pair with any makeup look and they wear away nicely without leaving that horrible ring stain. Now, I always go into Poundland for a browse as sometimes they have some great beauty products- whilst looking I saw this Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Rose Quartz. These lip liners retail at around £3 so I saved myself a couple of quid there, however I can't seem to find Rose Quartz online at Boots so I think they may have had a revamp and renamed it Indian Pink which looks a pretty similar colour, so bare that in mind if you're looking for it!

As you can see below this is a nudey pink colour with the slightest shimmer, however I can barely notice the shimmer unless it's in the light. I apologise, that was an awful description so hopefully it swatched gives you a better idea! I tend to use this by outlining my lips first and then put it all over the inside of my lips, this will act as a base for the lip gloss later. As I mentioned earlier, this lip liner fades evenly so you're left with a stain all over. However, this may need to be re-applied throughout the day depending on whether you're eating or drinking.

Left/Top- Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Rose Quartz
Right/Bottom- Fleur De Force Lip Gloss in Written In The Stars

To finish off the look I will go in with the Fleur De Force Lip Gloss in Written In The Stars. I was super excited for these to be released as they looked and sounded amazing when Fleur was showing them in her video. I had my eye on the berry toned one, ready for Autumn/Winter but I already have enough berry colours in my collection so instead I went for this instead. This is Written In The Stars, again is a pinky nude colour, very similar to the lip liner- just a tad lighter. On first swatch, I was really impressed by how incredibly pigmented these glosses are, they're not too sticky so are comfortable on the lips and they smell gorgeous! If scented lip products are your thing then you'd love these- vanillary goodness!

Usually i'd quickly pop on lip gloss without a mirror, however I find these are so pigmented that I could end up looking like Coco the Clown- so I make sure I've got a mirror handy when applying these. I love the high shine finish these lip glosses give and this combo makes me feel like I've got my sh*t together when really, I probably haven't...

How long does this combo last? I couldn't say exactly, I do find I have to reapply after eating/drinking for the full effect. If I just left it though, as I've mentioned a good few times before in this post- these fade evenly so I don't have to worry too much! I'm yet to find a lipstick/lip combo that lasts all day without the need to re-apply so if you've got any recommendations, please leave them below!

This is my go-to lip look for an everyday basis, though if i'm feeling I want to be extra Autumnal, I will apply a berry colour. This one is just a lot easier to maintain!

SHOP THE LOOK

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Rose Quartz, here- £3.24

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Indian Pink(similar), here- £2.99 

Fleur De Force Lip Gloss in Written In The Stars, here- £6.99

Apologies for not posting on Sunday, I was pretty busy so didn't have time or ideas on what to post. I'd be grateful if you left me with any suggestions to take me up to December. Also, let me know whether you've tried any of Fleur De Forces makeup line and what you think of it!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LIP COMBO?

♥   ♥   ♥

30 Beauty Questions | TAG

This week I've been quite busy so unfortunately I haven't had much time to think about or prepare a post for today. However, I didn't want to miss an upload day so I thought i'd take a look some beauty tags and I've chosen this one to share with you today. I'll try to make sure i'm on top form next week, so bare with me guys!

1. DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST MAKEUP ITEM?

I had to have a good think about this. I believe it was one of those makeup compacts with pink and blue eye shadows from Argos. I think I may still have it somewhere!

2. DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT MASCARA. HAVE YOU FOUND ONE THAT FITS YOUR SPECIFICATIONS? 

I really like long fluttery lashes, though the mascara must not be too wet nor too dry. I love the Benefit Roller Lash for this!

3. WHAT KIND OF COVERAGE DO YOU PREFER FROM FOUNDATION?

Medium. Something that can be worn as a natural everyday base but also can be built up to a high coverage when needed.

4. FAVOURITE HIGH END BRAND?

I haven't tried that many high end brands so it'd have to be Benefit.

5. WHAT COSMETICS BRANDS HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY BUT STILL HAVEN'T?

MAC, Urban Decay and Laura Mercier!

6. FAVOURITE DRUGSTORE BRAND?

This was a tough one! It was between Rimmel and L'Oreal. I'd have to say Rimmel as I've tried and loved a lot more products from them!

7. DO YOU WEAR FAKE EYELASHES?

I've only worn individuals once or twice and I loved them! I think I should try them out again, go all fancy for the festive season coming up! Any recommendations?

8. IS THERE ANY KIND OF MAKEUP YOU CANT LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT?

Mascara, I feel that I look more awake and slightly more done up with a quick flick of mascara!

9. WHAT IS YOUR MOST CHERISHED BEAUTY PRODUCT?

I imagine this would usually be a high end product that you love but I don't have any full-sized high end products! I'd have to say L'Oreal True Match Foundation, it has been a solid favourite for over a year now!

10. HOW OFTEN DO YOU SHOP FOR MAKEUP? DO YOU PICK IT UP HERE AND THERE OR GET LOTS OF GOODIES AT ONCE?

I've never actually gone into Boots and done a huge shop. Though, I think I should after Christmas and get a whole load of products for a new year. I pick it up here and there!

11. DO YOU HAVE A BEAUTY BUDGET OR DO YOU SPEND FREELY?

I don't necessarily have a budget, but I do try not to spend too much on beauty products- hence why the majority of them are drugstore!

12. DO YOU UTILISE COUPONS, REWARDS CARDS AND SALES WHEN YOU SHOP FOR COSMETICS?

I pop coupons in my purse and forget about them! I always use my Boots and Superdrug points card and always browse in the sale!

13. WHAT TYPE OF PRODUCT DO YOU BUY THE MOST OF?

Lipsticks, definitely. I've told my mum that I won't buy anymore until after Christmas. Let's see how long this lasts!

14. IS THERE A BRAND YOU ABSOLUTELY CANT STAND?

I had a good think about this and I don't think there is! Miss Sporty reminds me of the time when I used to use cheap makeup from magazines, it didn't look too great but that was probably my fault. But I don't hate Miss Sporty as I've heard they actually have some really affordable and great products.

15. DO YOU AVOID CERTAIN INGREDIENTS IN COSMETICS LIKE PARABENS OR SULFATES?

Of course it's always a bonus if products don't have these but it's rare that I look up the ingredients of products which is really bad. I'm sure i'm not though only one though!

16. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP FOR MAKEUP?

Boots and Superdrug. I used to love buying makeup from Frangrance Direct online though as they have super affordable makeup. I may just go have a browse now!

17. DO YOU LIKE TRYING NEW SKINCARE PRODUCTS OR DO YOU KEEP A CERTAIN ROUTINE?

I buy new skincare products quite often actually. I love trying new cleansers as i'm yet to find the perfect one for my skin. However, once I start using a product that I like- I do use it for a good while or until it's completely empty so I sort of stick to a routine.

18. FAVOURITE BATH AND BODY BRAND?

Soap and Glory. I've just been lusting over their amazing Christmas gift sets!

19. IF YOU COULD ONLY BUY FROM ONE BRAND, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

This may seem a little odd as I've never actually tried anything from them but MAC. MAC just about do everything beauty wise and so many people rave about it!

20. WHAT BRAND DO YOU THINK HAS THE BEST PACKAGING?

Benefits packaging is really pretty!

21. WHICH CELEBRITY ALWAYS HAS GREAT MAKEUP?

I actually have no idea for this one. I only keep upto date with a handful of celebs and I rarely look at their makeup which is odd seeing as I love makeup a lot!

22. DO YOU BELONG TO ANY ONLINE BEAUTY COMMUNITIES?

The Beauty Blogger community, I guess!

23. 5 FAVOURITE BEAUTY GURUS

*Trawls through YouTube Subscriptions*
Amelia Liana
Fleur De Force
Laura Black
Miss Budget Beauty
Vivianna Does Makeup
one more, maybe?
Lily Pebbles

24. DO YOU LIKE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS LIKE LIP AND CHEEK STAINS?

They're handy, yes! I don't really use lip and cheek stains. I do use an eye shadow on my eyes and as a highlight though!

25. ARE YOU CLUMSY WHEN PUTTING MAKEUP ON?

I'm not the best, I do try though! I have had countless eye makeup disasters which I've had to frantically wipe away and do my standard everyday neutral look!

26. DO YOU USE A MAKEUP BASE/PRIMER FOR THE EYES?

I usually use the remains on my fingers of my face primer and just pat it into my lids. Some people use their concealer too, don't they?

27. HOW MANY HAIR PRODUCTS DO YOU USE ON A TYPICAL DAY?

If i'm washing my hair, 4(shampoo, conditioner, serum and heat protector). If not then 2(heat protector and dry shampoo).

28. WHAT DO YOU APPLY FIRST? CONCEALER OR FOUNDATION?

I used to apply concealer first but I was technically rubbing it off when applying foundation so now, it's always foundation first!

29. DO YOU EVER CONSIDER TAKING MAKEUP CLASSES?

Always! I'd love to learn how to professionally apply makeup. However, there are only a couple near me which either don't have very good reviews or are super expensive!

30. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MAKEUP?
I love how much makeup can change the way you look by enhancing your best features. Makeup also changes the way you feel about yourself, you can feel so much more confident and put together with makeup. I love to experiment with makeup, is it sad to say that makeup brings me joy?

I really enjoy reading tags so I hope this one hasn't been too boring!
I'm not going to tag anyone in particular as I know it can be difficult to keep on top of tags you've been tagged to complete. Feel free to do this tag if you please, let me know if you do it and i'll definitely go and check it out!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO THIS WEEK?

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My Makeup Collection | 2015

I'm sure like many others, I love to be nosey! I love makeup too, so one of my favourite kind of posts to read and videos to watch are makeup collections! Seeing as I didn't post earlier in the week, I thought i'd make it up to you(sorta) and let you rummage around my makeup collection. In comparison to other beauty bloggers and vloggers, personally I don't think I have that much. However, it is more than enough to get by but i'll still continue to buy more.

 I decided to focus on the makeup that I wear most often that sits on my dressing table, however if you read til the end you'll be able to have a quick look at the rest of my makeup in my drawers.

I store my makeup in this lovely white storage shelf from a shop called Store Twenty One which I bought last year, however if you search 'white desk organiser' you will find similar, here and here. 

At the top of my storage, there are three back sections where I keep a few of my favourite bases(L'Oreal True Match: review here, Rimmel Match Perfection and the L'Oreal Glam Bronze Eau de Soleil), some tools and lipsticks- would you like to see a lipstick collection? Then in front is a little ledge where I store some small moisturisers/bases.

There is also a large drawer at the bottom which is where I store the rest of my most used makeup from primers, to mascaras and lipsticks. I must admit, there isn't an order in here and it's never usually this neat- once used, I tend to just throw it back in as i'm on a tight schedule most mornings.

Here I've got stacked the MUA Pressed Powder which I use for bronzing, a Sleek Blush in Rose Gold, the Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Concealer and finally on top is a Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Pink Gold.

To the side I've got a couple of Avon Colour Trend lipsticks, Rimmel Fix and Perfect Primer which I am scraping the bottle of, Benefit Porefessional Primer, an Avon Pressed Powder and then on top is some foundation which I decanted to take away with me. (Note to self: use up!)

Then onto the eyes section of the drawer. The mascaras I have in here are Maybelline One By One, Collection Lengthening Mascara and Benefit Roller Lash. 

I also have a couple of brow products which are Soap and Glory Brow Archery in Brownie Points and the Maybelline Brow Drama Setting Gel.

Here is another concealer which is the much loved Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer and finally I have the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yogurt.

I keep my most used palettes in this pink pot, they're W7 In The Buff which is a dupe of Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette, you can see a review here. I also have the MUA Heaven and Earth Palette, such pretty nudes, browns and a few coppery shades.

To the side I keep my brushes in a floral mug, if you'd like to see my most used brushes you can see my posts on them here and here. In front I have this little dish from H&M Home with pretty lashes on. Here I store anything and everything, a couple of autumnal nail varnishes, kirby grips, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, a necklace and my watch!

The rest of my makeup and beauty products are kept in another few drawers in my room. 

I split my makeup into sections, you know most people buy Muji storage? I use takeaway tubs, haha! They worked a treat. Here I have a selection of bases, eye products, eye shadow palettes and singles and finally a bunch of lip products!

I hope you enjoyed rummaging through my makeup collection. I must admit this didn't turn out as I would've hoped, not everyone has a sleek white dressing table- mine is covered in marks from makeup which is why I decided to photograph the majority of my collection on the floor, I hope you don't mind!

HOW DO YOU STORE YOUR MAKEUP?

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The Autumn TAG | Hello Autumn!

I love Autumn, I think it may be my favourite season. Seeing as it's starting to creep in, I'm talking cold, damp mornings, crunchy leaves and rainy evenings. I thought what better way to note my first Autumn post this year than with an Autumn TAG- I wasn't tagged to do this but I love participating in TAGs every now and then!

Favourite thing about Autumn?

It's got go be cosy nights in with the fire on, whilst binge watching films or catching up on TV programmes. Let's be honest, TV is usually better come Autumn/Winter!

Favourite drink?

I'm guessing this means the seasonal drinks at Starbucks and Costa. I'm not a huge fan of spices, so the Pumpkin Spice Latte is not for me! I love tea, I don't drink as much in the summer so I make the most of it during Autumn and Winter!

Favourite scent/candle?

As I've mentioned, I don't like spices much- the taste and smell. I do love vanilla based candles though as they're so warming and comforting. I don't do sickly sweet neither, so it'd have to be Sunlight on Snow by Yankee Candle- fresh but comforting!

Best lipstick?

As I'm writing this, I'm currently testing the very much raved about Rimmel 107. I shall update you on my thoughts, I'm sure. I love dark and Berry toned lips around this time of year, my go-to shades are usually the Maybelline Colour Drama Velevet Lip Pencil in Berry Much or MUA Matte Lipstick in Wild Berry.

Go-to moisturiser?

In terms of day moisturisers, I love the Garnier Moisture Match range. I usually opt for the mattifying one for oily skin but my skins a little dry at the moment so I may pick up another in the range. For the night, I love the Origins Night-A-Mins but I only have a deluxe sample of that so I've been using it sparingly- I must pick up the full size at some point!

Go-to colours for the eyes?

I rarely steer away from neutral colours on my eyes, usually I go for mattes in the day time and shimmery for a night look. I do like to add more copper tones during the Autumn, I think they make my blue eyes pop too!

Favourite music or band/singer to listen to?

I don't think my music taste changes much throughout the year, I love Olly Murs, Ed Sheeran and just pop in general.

Favourtie outfit to wear?

Autumn/Winter is all about jumpers, jeans, chunky knit tights, ankle boots and huge blanket-like scarves!

Autumn treat?

I'm not really sure what this means, does it mean in terms of food?

I love homemade soups, especially my Mum's Lentil and Vegetable soup, with crunchy bread- yum!

Favourite place to be?

As I mentioned earlier, I love being cosied up in a blanket on the sofa with the fire on but I also love Bonfire Night! It's nice to just wrap up warm and go out for the evening with your friends and family to watch the amazing firework displays and  make your way through a toffee apple before you start to feel a little bit sick!

I wasn't tagged by anyone to do this, but I will tag a few as I'd love to hear your favourite things about Autumn.

I TAG:

Jess from Hey It Is Jess

Nicole from Thrifty Vintage Fashion

and

Geraldine from Geraldine's Wonderful World

Look forward to seeing your answers girls!

See you Sunday with a haul!

♥   ♥   ♥

Mask of Magnaminty | Lush Skincare Review

I heard lots about this mask and after having a breakout, my skin was in desperate need of a good treatment. I decided to purchase this mask whilst I was shopping in Exeter, we do have Lush in my hometown I just rarely pop in as it's a little out the way. I don't tend to purchase much from Lush anyway as I don't enjoy baths which is a shame, also the products are fresh so they don't tend to last as long, therefore I found a lot would go  to waste in my case. I believe the Mask of Magnaminty is the only self-preserving mask that Lush do, I picked this up in August and it should stay fresh til late November which is great and it shouldn't go to waste. 

This mask is aimed at more oily and blemish prone skin as it aims to clean, calm and clear. However I feel that this is quite gentle and nourishing so it could work for those with dry or sensitive skin too! 

On first application I noticed the lovely fresh minty scent, as the name would suggest. I found that this mask doesn't tend to go hard like most of the other masks I've used in the past, so I tend to leave it on for a little longer and my skin has no problems with that! Although, I did hear that the fresh Mask of Magnaminty has a considerably thicker consistency, so if you like thicker, heavier masks- that might be a better option for you. I think I much prefer this as it will last a lot longer, therefore it's better value for money. 

The mask is quite gritty as it contains evening primrose seeds and aduki beans which help to exfoliate the skin when applying and removing. Although the grains are quite large, they're gentle on the skin which would also be great for dry skin sufferers to remove any flaking skin. 

To remove the mask I usually soak a face towel in warm water and wipe it from the skin. Once removed I could definitely notice how clean, soft and smooth my face felt. I couldn't help but feel my face afterwards as it felt amazing! In terms of how it made my skin look, I haven't noticed drastic changes but any spots I did have were less angry and I believe my skin has been a lot calmer since I started using this.

For that matter, I would definitely repurchase this as it's so affordable and convenient as it's self-preserving because like most people, I only use a mask once a week. Also, it tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream. Yes, I know you're not supposed to eat it but I couldn't resist licking the tiny bit that happened to get onto my lips when applying. I noticed on the pot it also says, if you bring back five pots or tubes to recycle, you get a free fresh face mask- I'm definitely up for that!

The Mask of Magnaminty comes in at £5.50 for 125g which is quite a considerable amount, however you can also pick up the larger size of 315g for £9.75 which you might want if you're planning to use it as a body scrub also!

Have you tried this? If not, what is your favourite face mask?

♥   ♥   ♥

BUDGET BEAUTY | BACK TO SCHOOL!

As back to school is looming, I thought I'd join in with the Back To School blog posts and videos. Although I am not going back to school, college or uni this year, I still thought I would share with you some affordable pieces from the drugstore that you could wear to school when in a rush.










First up is this Botanics Beauty Balm. This has no colour to it like a lot of the others you will find in Boots or Superdrug but this is quick and easy to use when you're in a rush, it's laminating to make you look lit from within and awake. This would've been right up my street when I was in school as I found foundation was just too much of a hassle.








As I've mentioned foundation can be too much of a faff early morning when you're in a rush. So instead, the concealer will be giving the coverage you may need for pesky blemishes or those dark bags under your eyes from staying up too late. I love both these concealers as they're both high coverage so will cover pretty much anything on your face. The Collection Lasting Perfection concealer is probably easier to use as you can dab it straight on and it blends quickly, however you'll have to work at the Seventeen Phwoarr Paint a little more as it's a cream concealer. As I said I love both and they're both around the £4-5 mark, so you could use whichever you prefer.








Again, as we skipped foundation, I would use a bronzer to warm the face up a little more. This is actually an MUA Pressed Powder bought in a few shades darker than my skin tone to be used as a bronzer so it is actually matte. This will not only set your makeup in place but will give you a little more colour to avoid looking like a zombie, you know as you've probably just rolled out of bed 15 mins before school starts. 




Another product you could use to make you look more alive is blush. I've chosen the Sleek Blush in Rose Gold which is a gorgeous coral shade with flecks of shimmer. With a light hand this will give a lovely flush and also add radiance to the face seeing as it has a light shimmer running through.








Next is mascara. When I was at school and I couldn't be bothered to do the rest of my makeup, I'd give my lashes a quick flick of mascara to make me look much more awake and put together. Again, I've chosen two here. The Maybelline One By One is in Brownish Black which will look more natural for school. The Collection Lengthening Mascara is a little more affordable but both are amazing for creating length and I love fluttery lashes as they look so natural and pretty.








In Year 10 and 11 was when I started to do my eyebrows, and boy were they horrific. I wish I left them alone and just used something like this Maybelline Brow Drama to give them a little colour, set them in place and make my whole look more put together. This is around to £5 mark but instead you could use a clear mascara, although it won't add any colour it will set them in place all day and you can pick them up for about £2. 








To complete the look I'd opt for this Babylips in Pink Punch. I didn't understand the hype when these were raved about a few years back, but I think these would be ideal for school as they're moisturising and add a little colour to the lips. 




I forgot to take a picture of the complete look but this is super natural so I'm sure you'll be able to get away with it if you're not supposed to wear makeup to school. This only took me about five minutes so would be ideal for those mornings you've overslept and are rushing for school- we've all been there!




WHAT ARE YOUR SCHOOL BEAUTY ESSENTIALS?




♥   ♥   ♥

What's In My Makeup Bag? | TRAVEL EDITION 2015

As you may know from my previous post, I'm currently on holiday in the South of England- in South Devon to be precise. As I am travelling, I tried to downsize my makeup as I didn't want to be lugging too much away with me. So today, I'm going to show you the contents of my travel makeup bag which will show you some of the bits I had to take away with me as I couldn't be without them. Also, just a side-note I will be taking brushes with me but I haven't included them in this post, you can see my most used face and eye brushes here and here- I shall be taking those with me.

1. Benefit Porefessional Primer

I must admit when I first tested this I didn't love it, I wasn't a huge fan of the silicone texture so it went to the back of my makeup storage. I gave it a go again and I love it- it doesn't reduce the size of my pores by a huge amount but it definitely makes my makeup stay on a lot longer. This will be great as i'm likely to have my makeup on early morning through to the evening!

2. L'Oreal True Match Foundation

This has pretty much been the only foundation I use for a good year now, you can see a review here. It's a light liquid formula with a medium coverage which is buildable, this is also the perfect match for my pale skin. It has a satin finish and although i'd prefer a dewier finish for the summer, that can easily be achieved by mixing with my moisturiser for a more natural glowy finish.

3. Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Concealer

Recently I've been choosing this over the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer as this covers my dark circles like no other. This is also great for covering blemishes but must set using powder, I keep my powder in my bag for on the go touch ups which is why it wont be mentioned here. This will be great while travelling to cover those dark circles due to lack of sleep and early mornings.

4. MUA Pressed Powder in Shade 4

I don't use this to set my makeup, I use this to bronze up my pale skin and also sometimes use it to contour. This is only £1 so you can't go wrong really! I'm super pale so this will be great for faking a sun kissed glow when the weather is likely to be a little miserable. I'm writing this in advance so fingers crossed for nice weather!

5. Sleek Blush in Rose Gold

This is currently the only blush I own, I mean I have a load of other cheap ones but this is my go-to! It's a dupe of NARS Orgasm and is a beautiful shimmery coral. This helps to put colour back into my face and the shimmer also works as a highlight- a perfect two-in-one product!

6. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yogurt

I was going to take my Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Pink Gold but I use that quite a lot and this often gets neglected so I thought i'd take this in a hope that i'd start to use it. This is a gorgeous copper, slightly pink shade and looks so pretty as a base for eye shadows.

7. W7 In the Buff Eye Shadow Palette
This is a dupe for the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette which is why I bought it as I didn't want to splash out nearly £40 on a palette I may not use that often. I've also done a review on this palette here, I absolutely love it which is why I chose to bring it away with me despite being much larger and less travel friendly than my other palettes. I love this for the few matte shades, they're my go-to!

8. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
Love this mascara! It seems to be a running theme here but I've also done a review on this mascara, here. I mostly review products I love just so I can rave about them, hence why i'm bringing them all with me. This separates my lashes and lifts them, making them so fluttery which is perfect for everyday wear which is why it's coming with me.

9. Soap and Glory Brow Archery in Brownie Points

I know there are two called Brow Archery, but this is the double ended one with a pencil at one end and a almost felt tip pen at the other end. I love the pen side for outlining my brows and filling them in with little hair like strokes. The pencil end is also great but I must be much more light-handed with it other wise it's a little too dark for me. My brows stay on all day with this, hence why I will be bringing it with me!

10. Lip Balm, Lip Liner and Lipsticks

Ok, I haven't downsized too well on this section, I just love lipsticks.

I've gone for the Nivea Hydro Care Lip Balm with SPF 15, purely because it has SPF in and I don't want to burn my lips- ouch! I've only chosen one liner as it's pretty much the only one I use, this is the Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Rose Quartz which looks beautiful alone but also pairs nicely with a couple of the lipsticks I've chosen. And finally for lipsticks I've chosen two of the Avon Color Trend Lip Stix in Foxy Fuchsia and Reddy To Go, a Natural Collection Moisture Shine Lipstick in Rosebud- my go-to and finally an MUA Lipstick in the shade Bare. 

And there you have it, I've tried to downsize a lot but I know i'm taking more than I need. If it fits in my makeup bag then why not eh? I'll be back on Wednesday with a Q&A and TAG so keep your eyes peeled for that, especially if you left me a question on Instagram. If you'd like to keep up with me and see what i'm up to whilst on holiday i'm @xtracesofmythoughts on Instagram. Would love to see you there!

WHAT MAKEUP PRODUCTS CAN'T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?

♥   ♥   ♥

Most Used Eye Brushes | Real Techniques, ELF and eBay sets!

As promised I said i'd follow up my previous post on my most used face brushes, but before I go into that I thought i'd let you know that I've done a guest post over on Erin's blog, here. Erin has recently just started blogging again and decided to add a new feature to a blog where every now and then people she know's from online or through blogging write something, whatever they'd like. I wrote 5 Things Things That Make Me Happy, so please go check that out and the rest of Erin's blog!

Anyway, here I am again talking about my most used eye brushes, although I have a lot more eye brushes than face brushes there are a select few I reach for every time I do my eye makeup. 

1. Lydia Professional Pink Flat Brush.

As you can see this is a small flat brush and I use this to pack on the base of my eye shadow. This holds the eye shadow well and i'm able to apply it with no fall out, however that could just be down to the eye shadow i'm using- who knows! I picked this brush up in a set from Amazon, here and they're so pretty- I've not had any problems with them so far, plus they come with a pink case that is very handy for travelling!

2. Large Pencil Brush.

Again, this was part of a set of 4 from eBay, here. I cant fault the brushes that came in this set, despite them being a little bigger than I thought they're such great quality and the bristles are so soft. It's perfect for applying eye shadow in the crease as it fits in nicely and if you keep working at the eye shadow it blends in nicely.

3. ELF Blending Brush.

I had heard good things about the ELF brushes and I really needed a blending brush so I picked up this to try. At first I was a bit disappointed with the quality, the bristles fell out easily and especially when washed. I stopped using it for a while and decided to try it again and I've not had that problem, perhaps there were a few odd bristles that just wasn't glued in properly? It's holding up well now and blends my eye shadow well, it's also really soft so it's perfect for blending! If this one isn't clean, i'll use one of the blending brushes from the eBay set I mentioned previously- although it's a bit big, it does the job!

4. Real Techniques Detailer Brush.

I've just realised that the majority of these brushes are from a set, however most of the sets are so affordable from eBay or Amazon. This brush is from the Real Techniques Core Collection and I use it for applying eye shadow to the lower lash line as it's so small and fits perfectly under the lashes!

5. Spooley Brush.

This isn't really a brush, well it sort of is as it has tiny bristles. This again was part of a set from eBay, here. The quality of this brush isn't that great but the rest of the brushes are so I can't fault them, plus I use this every day so it's had quite a lot of use, therefore it was worth it! I comb through my eyebrows with this before and after applying my brow pencil, it tidies them up when I've just rolled out of bed and after applying brow product to ensure it's spread evenly. 

And there you have it,  a quick run through of my favourite eye brushes. Each of these brushes/sets are great however if you're on a tighter budget then i'm sure you can find similar with all of these types of brushes in.


What are your favourite makeup brushes?
Please let me know in the comments!

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