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Beauty

A New Foundation Brush

5/28/2014

For the past two or three years there's only been one tool for me when it comes to foundation application, and I'm willing to bet my stash of lipsticks that the Real Techniques Buffing Brush has become the go to for base in most peoples make up routines as well. That being said, after watching Anna (my biggest enabler!) apply her foundation perfectly in a few quick sweeps with the Louise Young LY34 Super Foundation Brush, it got me got me thinking about trying something new for a change.

While the Real Techniques Buffer is a flat topped kabuki style, the Super Foundation Brush is almost like a rounded version of an original standard flat foundation brush. It's a whole lot bigger too making for probably the quickest application I've ever managed and while it may not be the best for actual buffing, the slightly tapered end gets in all the nooks and crannies while covering larger areas like the cheeks and forehead in a few quick sweeps.

The jury's still out on this one, but I've found myself reaching for the Louise Young brush everyday since it's purchase two weeks ago which may just be the longest time I've ever gone without the use of my trusty Real Techniques Buffer. For now it sits sadly gathering dust in my brush holder, but we'll see how long this one can stay on the top spot!


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Lifestyle

This Week: A Trip to Bournemouth

5/25/2014



Last weekend Darren and I packed up our overnight bags (or entire suitcase for me) and headed down to Bournemouth to celebrate our anniversary. We stayed in a hotel right on the sea front and were lucky enough to be there for probably the hottest day of the year, or it at least felt that way in my jeans and black top - I will never learn to dress weather appropriately. We took a walk along the pier, hit up the 2p machines in the Arcade and I was even treated to something special from, yup you've guessed it - Space NK. I decided to bring the camera along too and managed to vlog a few snippets of the weekend - flashbacks of Vlogmas anyone!?


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Beauty

By Terry Ombre Blackstar: A Highstreet Dupe

5/23/2014

Those that tuned in to Sunday's Space NK Haul will already be well aware that I had a bit of a spontaneous splurge on a few products which, although undeniably beautiful, made me wince slightly when it came to handing over my bank card at the till. One of my favourites from the bunch was the By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Blonde Opal, the most beautiful eye product I've come across in a long time. Luxurious gold packaging teamed with a creamy, blendable shadow stick that wont budge once applied and can be used for a multitude of purposes - think a wash of colour, a brow bone highlight, in the tear duct .. I could go on and on.

I have, however, come across an almost identical product which hails from the slightly more reasonable priced isles of Boots. The No7 Stay Perfect Shade and Define pencils come in a similar range of colours and the quality and lasting power match up almost exactly. In particular the shade Glistening Ray is a perfect dupe for Blond Opal, albeit with just a tiny bit more shimmer that becomes unnoticeable once applied. Theres also some great shades in the line, Coffee Bean - a warm chocolate brown has become a particular favourite for lining and Cool Mink - a subtle taupe makes for a great base colour.

Although they may not be housed in quite the same beautiful gold tube, I'm willing to overlook that at a quarter of the price, making them a great way to try out the convenience of cream shadow sticks without breaking the bank!
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Beauty

Chanel vs. Chanel

5/21/2014

The announcement of any new Chanel launch is something to get excited about, but when it comes to a foundation release then things get a whole lot more noteworthy. Some people have a thing for lipsticks, some love blushers but for me it's foundation that I can't get enough of. I guess it all comes down to the search for perfect flawless skin and despite discovering many favourites throughout my make up wearing years, I can't help but always wonder if there's something better out there just waiting to be tested.

Two days after it's release I popped down to my nearest counter and picked up a bottle of Chanel's newest addition to the face base range; Perfection Lumière Velvet. The packaging I loved, the coverage was great and easily buildable but there was something about the finish that didn't sit quite right on my skin. The name 'velvet' really does sum it up as although not completely matte it definitely has a smooth powdered finish once set.

Chanel Vitalumière Aqua on the other hand has been a staple in my foundation wardrobe for a long, long time. It's one of those failsafes that can always be relied on when I'm in a bit of a make up rut and one that I still think it reigns supreme as Chanel's best formula ever (possibly with the exception of the long discontinued Matte Lumière whose loss I'm still grieving), with a similar amount of coverage as the Perfection Lumière Velvet but with an injection of moisture it gives just the right ammont of radiant glow.

Some days I've been favouring Perfection Lumière Velvet, particularly during oily skinned moments, and others it's the Vitalumière Aqua that's been the obvious choice. I've even been mixing the two together for the best of both worlds and a dewey but long lasting finish. Ultimately it comes down to skin type and I see Perfection Lumiere Velvet being a big hit in the Summer when my skin goes into it's regular heat induce panic, whereas on the occasionally dry complexion day Vitalumière Aqua is much better suited. I don't think the debate between the two is quite over yet but as foundations go, there's no denying that they're both stand outs in my (probably far too large) collection.


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By Terry

A Splurge at Space NK

5/19/2014

I definitely must have been feeling a little spendy on my latest jaunt into Space NK and I think use of the word 'splurge' is quite justifiable here. There's just something about that place, from the brands they stock to that sweet little black bag you make your way out the door with, I can't help but want to buy everything in sight - shall we rename this post 'An Ode to Space NK'?. Here's a round up of my latest purchases..
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Beauty

Liz Earle Spring/Summer Collection

5/06/2014



Spring/Summer collections are popping up everywhere at the moment and I really couldn't be happier. S/S make up is probably my favourite of all the seasons - from bronzed fresh skin to pinks and pastels, I love it all. Liz Earle have brought a simple but beautiful three piece collection to the table, consisting of two nail polishes and a bronzer. I feel as if these nail colours were quite possibly made for me as they're both shades I've been desperate to find in polish form for a long time. Moonlight* is a soft cool grey that although may look plain in the bottle, gives a wonderfully chic finish and goes with just about anything, and Awakening* - which may just be the perfect peach, adds a fun pop of colour that sits just between a pastel and bright.

The stand out for me though is the Radiant Glow Bronzer* - a name which I think sums this product up completely. I love it when bronzers come with a selection of shades, letting me swirl my brush all over or into different sections depending on how much of a glow I'm after, and the colours which lean ever so slightly on the reddish side sit perfectly without becoming too orange or dark. I'm not usually into shimmer when it comes to my skin either (save for highlighter which I will always reach for) but the glitterless 'sheen' this gives is just beautiful and it's become my complexion warmer of choice recently.
* Gifted PR Samples

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