Friday 27 August 2010

Sigma Flat Top Kabuki F80 Review


After returning home from a terrible driving lesson a few days ago I found the postman had finished his rounds and laying on the table were a few bits of junk mail, bank statements.. and a thick yellow envelope.

I'd been awaiting my Sigma brush
for a few days and ripped it open in excitement! Inside everything was carefully packaged in tissue paper, a drawstring bag, plastic covers to keep the brush safe and there was also a little note from the people over at Sigma.

On to the review:


Now although I was sent this brush for reviewing purposes I have always given my honest opinion on products so these are my thoughts...

Now the brush that popped into my mind when I saw this was the Mac Duo Fibre brushes, in particular the Mac
130 which is denser than the larger sizes but the hairs are still a bit flimsy and it is verrrry small. It works but it's nothing special for £27, it takes a long time to stipple the product onto your face then buff in as the top of the brush is so small. I also find that when I use it for foundation (which is the main purpose) the bristles stick together making application slightly streaky.. :(Then we have the Sigma Flat Top Kabuki F80. [Top in the first photo, Left in the second]
First off.. this brush is soo soft! It's synthetic hair so it's nice and easy to wash, I just dip my brush into brush cleaner and swirl it round in my hand until it runs clean then leave to dry naturally. The brushes are packed very densely (as shown above) and it's all round bigger and better in general.. plus the fact it's cheaper! The brush retails for $16.00 so for us in the UK that would be around £10.30 plus First Class International Shipping (+ £3.20) or Express Mail (+£18.70). I got mine posted through First Class International and it took 9 days to arrive, from the states that's pretty decent!

It's cut down my foundation application time because you can cover much larger areas, the brush blends the product well and maybe because it really buffs my foundation right into the skin my make-up also seemed to last longer. Overall it's a very sturdy well made brush, super soft and dense, easy to wash and I haven't had a problem with shedding hairs or anything. It's also less than half the price of a Mac Brush. So I think we have a winner, winner, winner!


Below is a link to the Sigma Makeup Website so you can have a closer look at the brush yourself, read up on a few other reviews if you want and have a look at the other brushes they offer. :)


Click Here For Sigma Makeup Brushes

x Have you guys tried any Sigma Brushes? x

Wednesday 25 August 2010

Haul Time!

So today was payday and that means shopping in town, probably spent a little too much as I was meant to save for college and driving lessons but oh well here's what I got...
Cream Shirt with bow detail at the top.
£22.99 - New Look
Re-Purchased Maybelline Voluptuous Mascara
£7.99 - Very Black
New Look Skinny Jeans
£25.00
I usually hate their jeans but these fit perfectly!
Big Shouldar Bag
£32.00
Accessorize
Black Ballet Pumps
£10.00
Nothing special, use them for work and they're my trusty 'learning to drive' shoes haha
Dorothy Perkins Vest Tops
3 for £12 nothing special again but they're really soft and body hugging.

Then finally the Sigma Flat Top Kabuki Brush I'd been waiting for arrived.
Review to come soon!

Monday 23 August 2010

Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Make-Up


I was having a little browse round some shops the other day and this caught my eye.. I had a little play about with the tester bottle and was amazed that it came out white and then changed colour (I know, simple things please simple minds) but I brought it anyway.

The packaging reads: 'Covers imperfections and evens skin's appearance. Patented ingrediants made with innotive micro-color beads adjust to you exact skin tone upon application. To Use: Apply with fingertips and blend until white formula transforms to match your exact skin tone.'

It only comes in 4 shades and retails for £9.99 for 30ml, the bottle is a squeezy tube with a twist cap which is a terrible idea. I hate whoever thought of the packaging because they obviously didn't test it out. The product itself is very runny and the tiniest squeeze forces it out all over the bottle, it leaks and never stays clean so this is definately a no no for just chucking in your bag.

On a positive note it comes out white with little beads through it and when rubbed in changes colour which
does match my skintone when I have on fake tan and without it. So therefore I'm convinced it does what it says on the tube. The finish is really light and radiant but not recommended for anyone who is looking for medium to full converage because you wont get it with this. For anyone that prefers a sheer coverage and when your having a 'I dont want to really wear make-up' day this is ideal as its nice and light and fresh on the skin. I think I probably would re-purchase although I don't think this is a necessity just something nice to chuck on if you don't want a heavy foundation. It also has an SPF of 15 which is always a plus and you can go straight ahead and use your fingers I wouldn't suggest a brush unless you mix it up on your hand first :)

Saturday 21 August 2010

Mini Blog Sale :)

I'm not sure if any of these will interest you all but feel free to have a browse!
Payment via paypal.
Delivery will be added on to prices but shouldn't be too expensive, few pound in most cases.
Leave me a comment if anything catches your eye with what you want. :)
Mac Studio Fix Fluid in NC30SOLD
Used 2 pumps. Too dark :(
£7.50
Mac Blush in 'Pink Swoon'SOLD
Used only a few times.
£5.50

Friday 20 August 2010

most used brushes


These are the tools that I use everyday to apply my make-up.. they're looking a bit worse for wear as I was a bit lazy and didn't wash them haha but you get the idea!

Revlon Blush Brush; reallllly super soft brush!

Model Co Eyeliner Brush; bits pants needs replacing.

Powder Brush; when everyone went through the 'Lauren Luke' youtube phase I brought a brush set from her and this is the only one I've managed to keep hold of. Really soft and distributes powder evenly.

Mac 130; Apart from the painful £27.50 price tag this brush is my favourite and does everything from cream to liquid foundation, cream blush and concealor.

Bourjous Kabuki Brush; Lots of people don't like this but it was only £5 mine's pretty soft and the hairs are really densely packed so it's perfect for blending out blush or applying a highlight sheerly over it.

Sponge; Pretty straightforward! I still love sponges to apply foundation.

Andddd an old mascara wand I washed clean and use to tame the brows.

What do you guys use.. ???

Spend Vs. Splurge: Body Butters


Body Shop Body Butter in Almond.
'With Almond Oil to moisturise. Normal/Dry Skin'
Comes in a variety of scents.
£12.50 for a 250ml tub.
Thicker consistency than most moisturisers but melts into skin when rubbed in.
Ever so slightly greasy finish.
Makes skin amazingly soft and supple!
Easily found worldworld, available online.
Offers allow you to buy 2 for £15 with a saving of £10






Superdrug Coca Butter Body Butter
'Created with lucious natural cocoa butter, renowned for its skin conditioning benefits'
Less scents available but still enough variety to cater for everyone.
£3.65 for 200ml.
Quite thick in consistency but rubs into skin easily.
Doesn't leave a greasy finish. Dries quickly.
The scent lingers.
Amazing also but not as moisturising as Body Shop Butters.


All in all there's not a lot of difference between the two apart from the price tag. If you're on a budget then without a doubt pop down to Superdrug and get yourself one of their own brand Body Butters but if you've got the cash to spare nothing can beat the Body Shops Body Butters!
xx

Thursday 19 August 2010

Mac Mineralize Blush in 'Dainty'

I purchased Dainty blush a few months back and didn't take a fancy to it at first so it just got shoved to the back of my make-up draws. The other day when having a jumble through I found it and fell in lovvvve.

On the Mac website the blush is described as 'light yellow pink with gold pearl' in daylight it looks like a light pearlescent pink with gold flecks of shimmer through it.. beaut!

It costs £17.00 which is a bit painful for a blush but it's really pigmented so can be used with a light hand and last you ages.

Wednesday 18 August 2010

St.Moriz Tanning Mousse


I'm sure the majority of you dedicated beauty bloggers have most definately heard of St.Moriz but I thought I'd do a post on it anyway.

I get it off the internet at £2.99 a bottle + postage. Which is amazing considering a bottle of St.Tropez or Fake Bake can set you back £25.00.

St.Moriz Self Tanning Mousse


PRO'S:
  • Dark, even tan in one application.
  • The price!
  • Colour guide to see where you're applying.
  • Doesn't smell awful, the scent reminds me of baby products like talcum powder.
  • Quick to apply.
  • Easy to build up an intense tan.
  • Easy to find online.

CON's:
  • Takes a little while to dry on my skin.
  • Starts to fade on me after 3 days so I have to reapply.

This is my lovely pasty au natural hand.


Then below we have the day after a St.Moriz tanning session...

Monday 16 August 2010

Tanning Routine


Step 1: Exfoliate:
I always have a good old soak in the bath before I scrub so my fake tan comes off easily. I use exfoliating gloves that you can pick up from Superdrug for £2.99 and some Imperial Leather Foam Burst Shower Gel because it lathers up, smells really good and leaves my skin really soft.

Step 2: Moisturize:
I use the Body Shop Body Butter in Almond on my ankles, feet, hands, wrists, knees and elbows because it's a really rich moisturiser and stops me from getting dark knees and elbows!

Step 3: Tan:
I use rubber gloves (pack of 5 pairs, £3.00 St.Tropez) and a tanning mit which was around £3 this combination means I get a streak free application, it's quick, easy and I don't get orange hands which is always a plus. I'm currently using St.Moriz which retails for £2.99.. you've all heard of it! It gives me a really nice dark colour, doesn't smell awful in the morning however does fade on me after 3 days so I have to reapply!

What do you guys use for your tanning routine... ???
xxx

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Maybelline Stilletto Voluptuous Mascara


I've mentioned this mascara in my blog before but I thought it deserved a post purely dedicated to it.. I introduce to you Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous.

I believe this retails for around £8 and I have been thoroughly impressed. It makes my lashes crazy long and seperates them at the same time while adding volume.. In some ways it reminds me of Benefit Bad Gal Masara but with a wetter formula that doesn't dry up so quickly.

The brush itself is curved round which makes application easy as you can follow the curve of the eye especially on the bottom lashes. The pictures above were taken after 2 coats on the top lashes, 1 coat on the bottom and I never curl my eyelashes!

I love this!!!!! x

Monday 9 August 2010

NOTD no.17 Lasting Finish in 'Mint Choc Chip'




















Eeek. Hello fatty fingers!
The nail varnish is gorgeous though and so much prettier in real life!
£2.99, available in Boots.
Needs 2 coats to look flawless but lasts me a good 4/5 days chip free.
x

Sunday 8 August 2010

Celeb Make-Up Crush

I doubt I'm the only one who is completely envious of Kim Kardashians make-up.. She's got:
  • Thick lucious long lashes
  • Perfectly groomed brows
  • Creamy, radiant, flawless skin
  • Lightly flushed cheeks that compliments her skintone
  • Plump glossy nude lips
  • Perfectly sculpted cheekbones
Luckily for us her make-up artist has started his own blog and given the details on what he uses on Kimmys skin and lips! Yay!

Cheeks – Make Up Forever HD Foundation, NARS blush in desire on the apples of cheeks. Smashbox bronzer in Suntan Matte on the hollow’s of the cheeks and framing the face, softly. For the glow on the cheekbones, Stila illuminating powder in Gold.

Lips – MAC creme d’ Nude lipstick. Make Up For Ever lip pencil in #50.

Now I know if I rush out and buy all these products I wont end up looking anything like Kim Kardashian but a girl can wish hey?!

Saturday 7 August 2010

Products I regret buying: Foundations


FOUNDATIONS:

Dream Matte Mousse:
I picked this up a few months back after forgetting how much I dislike it, it's cakey, thick and shows up any dry patches.

Revlon ColorStay:
Everyone seems to love this but me! It dries reallllly quickly, smells like paint, the bottle never seems to stay clean, hard to blend, looks orange on me, very drying.. the list could go on!

Neutrogena Glow Sheers:
Meant to be a tinted moisturiser but it offers no coverage whatsoever and just leaves you looking shiny like suncream does, plus it's incredibly orange!

Benefit Playstick:
Purchased this in New York last year (Sephora is AMAZING!!!) and I got it in Hide and Seek which is far too yellow based for me it's pretty full coverage but doesn't seem to blend for me it just smudges round your face and looks cakey.

LEFT: Dream matte mousse in Sand
BOTTOM RIGHT: Revlon ColorStay in Tan
RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE: Benefit Playstick in Hide and Seek
RIGHT, TOP: Neutrogena Glow Sheers in Light