New In from Real Techniques

Hey everyone! How are you all doing? I had the prettiest dress arrive in the post today... I ordered it last weekend but hadn't realised the order didn't go through properly thanks to a mistake on the billing address, woops! So yesterday I went on ASOS to reorder it and much to my disappointment it was out of stock, and determined to not give up I spent four hours refreshing the page hoping for a size 12 until I FINALLY GOT ONE. Haaaaalllllelujah!!! Although another bit of clumsiness came when it arrived this morning... The postman woke me up at about half past eight, and we keep our house alarm on at nights, so when I jumped out of bed I forgot to turn it off, and whilst signing for the parcel, with eyes I couldn't open, the house alarm was blaring very loudly, thankfully he didn't laugh at me and was more than sympathetic and accepted the dot and squiggle I left on his "signature machine."

And five hours later I'm onto the post...

Like half of the female population (maybe a little over-exaggeration) I have fallen in love with the makeup brushes by Real Techniques. So when I found out about the news that they were bringing out a limited edition duo-fibre collection I let out a little squeal. With them having appeared in other countries before the UK, every time I saw pictures on Instagram or blog posts I sat in envy wanting them to be mine, anyway, jealousy aside, me and my Nan went to Ikea last week and I "just nipped" (never a good sign) into Boots whilst I was there. When I saw these I was like a kid in a candy shop and ran over to buy them, skipping down the aisles with my brand new Chanel lipstick in a carrier bag by my side... My poor Nan was probably left feeling embarrassed by my excitement over lipsticks and makeup brushes...

And apologies in advance for the icky brushes, I forgot to clean them and wanted to take advantage of the natural sunlight before it disappeared, so I decided against brush cleaning...

 

I don't think Real Techniques as a brand needs an introduction does it? Well, anyway, Real Techniques is a makeup brush brand designed by the makeup guru Samantha Chapman, one half of Pixiwoo. The collection includes three brushes, a face, contour and eye brush and all are duo-fibre. The design is different to the usual RT brushes, and I'm not sure what I prefer, I like the simplicity and minimalistic design of these, but the metallic colours of the permanent collection are to die for. Also, unlike the other collections by Real Techniques these don't come with the little case/stand, but currently having two of them left unused, I don't think I mind about this.

I cannot comment on the face brush properly, as I don't apply powder on my face, other than under my eyes to set my concealer. Although, I tested it by applying Nars Laguna bronzer, on the high points of my face and it did look more natural than normal

The winners of this collection for me are the contour and the eye brush. To use the eye brush to its maximum potential, you apply your shadow to the white bristles only, and to get a defined crease, you apply it in the similar wind-screen wiper motion that you would usually and the black bristles will do the blending for you. Fool-proof blending for pros and beginners.

The contour is absolutely perfect for, guess what? Guess what it is super good at doing? Did you guess? Did you? Did you? (Currently seeing Dory in Finding Nemo... Maybe it's time to shut up.) YUH-HUH, it's brilliant for contouring!! Thanks to its more oval rather than circular shape, you can turn the brush on its side for the different parts of your face, and whether you're using contour colour or highlighter. To make the most of this, I tend to use the slimmer side for adding a contour to my cheek, and then turn it the other way around to blend it out to avoid the "stripey" effect which comes from not blending properly.

So yeah, these brushes are pretty damn wonderful! And if you're starting a kit, I'd recommend this
and the core collection to get you started. These brushes are especially foolproof for beginners, especially the eye brush. Go and get some whilst you can, because these are amazing!!

Hope you've all enjoyed my review and are having a brilliant weekend. Lots of love.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration.

Those of you that know me will know I'm never seen without a bottle of water by my side, and for as long as I can remember I have been reaping the benefits of drinking water. Despite the obvious, it keeps you hydrated, and makes your skin look good, water has also been linked to joint and muscle health, regulating kidney and bowel functions as well as weight loss and an increased metabolism. But today I'm not talking about internal benefits of water, I'm talking about the external, with a little review on the Avene Thermal Spring Water I picked up a few days ago.

The label states that this helps to give "Instant relief to the skin wherever it feels tight and uncomfortable." It can be used for sunburn, after anti-acne treatments, nappy rash, minor irritations, razor burn, for setting/cleansing make-up, It's cooling properties are amazing for after outdoor activity, in summer months or for re-hydration while travelling. With it coming in various sizes (the one pictured being a 50ml) there are sizes for every occasion, and I fully intend on buying a full-size one for using post-cleanse, and a couple travel size ones for having in my travel bag, handbag and one by the side of my bed during "summer" - That term being used very loosely provided I live in the doom and gloom of the UK.

Much unlike previous water sprays and other setting sprays, this does apply in a fine mist, not in a "fine mist" which actually leaves you looking more like a wet dog, than one of the models in a skincare advertisement. So far I've used this on my irritated after shaving/sunbathing legs, and as a cooling mist on my face, and for both purposes I have found it soothing, calming and super easy to use (by this, I don't mean I'm an absolute simpleton, but don't you feel that some sprays aren't easy to direct because they have a mind of their own? Is it just me?)

If you weren't already convinced by Avene's Water, check out this video on their site, it's so interesting the history of this, and you'll be surprised and just how long this little beauty has been around for!

Bye Bye, Beauty.

I personally, absolutely love "empties" posts, I think they show a brilliant insight into how good, or how bad a product is. If something is dreadful, it probably won't ever be an empty tube, but if something is amazing, it'll get severely mutilated with a pair of kitchen scissors to get the last teeny little drop from the bottom. And for those who aren't aware of the "empties" concept, it is where over an amount of time, you keep the empty packets of the things you've used up, and comment on what you think of them when you've can determine just how good they really are.

My apologies for the dreadful photography in this post too, I'm in the middle of "having a clear out" making a mess and only have a little area under my window where I can see the floor. And with it being under my window the light isn't the best. But all of a sudden all my products seem to be running out, so I thought I best get all of these out of the way and in the recycling bin.

Skincare 

REN Radiance Perfection Serum- Although I love the scent of this, and its sister product, the Glycolactic mask I just wasn't hooked by this product. I didn't see any improvements or radiance coming from this product, and if I went a day without using it, my skin didn't look dull or feel any different. It does apply like a dream, and feels so lightweight on the skin, but unfortunately these are it's only redeeming qualities. Would I repurchase? No, I've tried better, and I own better.

Origins GinZing Eye Cream-Yes, more Origins... This cream seemed to have lasted an absolute lifetime! I liked it, but not as much as everyone else seems to do. It's illuminating properties are great for days when you want to wear no makeup, but I don't think it offers as much moisture as it could. Would I repurchase? In all honesty, I'm not sure. I'm quite loving the Kiehls eye cream which has circulated into my routine, but if for some reason I started to dislike that, I think I would repurchase this. But I'm not in a rush to replace this. 

Origins Brighter by Nature- For an Origins moisturiser, I thought this one was a little "meh" it seemed quite heavy on the skin, despite its texture being light, and it tended to leave my skin feeling a little tacky. And as for its claim of being brightening, I didn't notice this at all. Would I repurchase? No, this is definitely more suited to day-time and you all know that GinZing is now my one true love. 

La Roche Posay Micellar Solution- You all know my love for micellar water, I won't waffle for too long. This thoroughly removes makeup easily, and leaves zero residue on the skin. Would I repurchase? YES. Completely 110% I'll repurchase this product, and I already have a backup! 

Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me- This is the first time EVER that I have finished a lip balm. So I guess it's quite the monumental moment for me. But I love this product so much. Would I repurchase? Definitely, my Aunty actually brought me two back from when she went to Vegas so I should be stocked up for a while.

Bodycare

Soap and Glory Clean, Girls Body Wash- A delightful smell, and the lovely moisturising and quick lathering wash that you expect from the much-loved Soap and Glory. I'd go as far as saying this is my favourite wash by them as a brand. Would I repurchase? In the future, yes... But as I have so many various bottles scattered across every inch of my bedroom, I don't think I need any yet!! 

Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion- I got this as part of one of those gift sets, the ones with miniatures that costs the same price as the product itself so you think "well I may aswell if it's free" but then it gets stuck at the back of a drawer and not touched. Anyway, I found this and thought I'd give it a quick go, much to my surprise, I loved it! It had a pleasant, subtle scent and soaked in quick enough for me to not freeze whilst running around semi-naked waiting for it to soak in. Would I repurchase? As with the above, when some of my current products have run down, I'll repurchase, definitely! 

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream- Single handedly (okay, great pun, but unintentional) the best hand cream I have ever tried. And like the Baby Lips, this is the first time I've finished a hand cream too, I tend to just fall out with the ones which leave you feeling greasy and with overwhelming scents. The scent of this reminds me a little of baby products, which I don't like but its immediate moisture and it's ability to make yucky hands look worthy of a million pound diamond ring make the scent less of an issue. Would I repurchase? As soon as this finished I was scouring the internet for the cheapest tube (Debenhams- 10% off)  to have it arrive two days later. And let me tell you, those two days were PAINFUL.

Haircare 

Toni and Guy Finishing Shine Spray- This seems to have been discontinued as I cannot find it anywhere. I bought it a couple years back and reintroduced myself to it, to remember why I loved this lightweight shine spray so much. Would I repurchase? Sadly, I can't. Sob....

Avon Moroccanoil Hair Mask- With my Aunty being a Rep for Avon I got this before anyone else did, and yes, I probably should have reviewed it then, but hey... turns out I'm a little slow. (nothing new...) But for its price (I paid £1.50 but Avon prices are forever fluctuating) this hair mask is pretty damn incredible! It's a very thick consistency, like most masks, and after 3 minutes of this being on your hair, and rinsed off in cold water, flyaways are non-existant, frizz is eliminated and sleek locks to envy Mila Kunis will be yours. Would I repurchase? Totally, it's a genuine bargain and makes the greatest companion to Moroccanoil. 

Fragrance

Ted Baker XO EDT- The name "XO" makes me cringe, but as you can see, it had pretty much rubbed off the bottle, and I'd be lying if I said I'd purchased this, I kind of, pinched borrowed it from a relative. It's a lovely scent, sensual and timeless, encased in a gorgeous bottle, but like most EDT doesn't have a strong staying power. I'd compare this to more of a body-spray than a perfume. Would I repurchase? Probably not, I have better perfumes at the moment which I'd choose over this. Although I'd recommend this for younger girls, or a gift for someone who you don't know very well.

Valentina Acqua Floreale EDT (Sample)- I'm pretty sure I put this in a wishlist post a while back. This is the most incredible scent, and lasts so much longer than the typical eau de toilette. I absolutely adore it, not to mention the gorgeous bottle of the full-size version. Would I repurchase? Totally. Not quite yet as I do have quite a few perfumes, but this is so lovely I will get a bottle at some point.

Miscellaneous

Avon Nail Experts Conditioning Cuticle Pen- Currently on a health kick for my nails, and cuticle oil isn't new for me, but I used to use it as and when I needed it, now, I've decided on a every day and night routine. This one has a brush applicator, similar to that in Touche Eclat, enabling you to apply the oil easily and not get a greasy oil all over your finger tips. I quite like this oil, and I'd go as far as saying it's my favourite I've used so far. It has a beautiful lavender scent, which when you apply just before bed is very relaxing and soothing soon as your head hits the pillow. Would I repurchase? Yes, I would. I very much prefer the applicator to other oils even if it doesn't hold as much product as some others.

Eye Candy Lash XLR8- This popped up in my first favourites post a couple months back but hasn't been mentioned since. I thought that once I stopped using it I might end up with dead-looking, sparse brows, but how wrong I was. They seem to be even fuller since I've stopped using this. How this has happened, I don't know... Would I repurchase? Seeing as it didn't actually do anything for my brows, no.

Bassetts on the go Vitamins (Maintain)- As you can see there's two packets of these, so they're definite repurchases for me, but I'm unsure on how you "review" a vitamin... These taste good, there you go... Would I repurchase? I do, everytime I'm about to run out. These must be something like my 8th tubes now.

Hope you've all enjoyed this post. And with the thought of GFC soon becoming obsolete, make sure you click that Bloglovin button in the sidebar, I don't want to lose a single one of you lovely lot!

Lots of love.

How Did it Get Late so Soon? - Nighttime Skincare Routine (And extras)

Much unlike my morning skincare routine (post here), my nighttime is much more complex (yes, THAT serious!)

I start off by removing all my makeup with whatever Micellar water I have on the go at that moment. I'm currently working my way through a bottle of Bioderma, which may I add.. I love! Then I apply a little La Roche Posay below my cheek bones (down to my jaw), across my chin and I rub whatever is left on my fingers across my nose. At this point I usually do everything else that I have to do before bed, brush my teeth, hair, put my pyjamas on and apply a body moisturiser. This gives time for the effaclar duo to soak in a little before the next step in my routine. 

I then apply the same serum as I use in the morning, Dr Weil x Origins Skin Tone perfecting serum. I do the same as in my morning routine now, by applying my eye cream prior to my moisturiser. The current nighttime moisturiser of choice is Starting Over by Origins, which I must say, I'm not too keen on, but I'll be switching this out my routine when I've finished the pot. I just want to comment on also, that YES this is an anti-aging moisturiser, and YES, I'm only 18, but the clue is in the name it is "ANTI-aging" it is a preventative, not a cure. I'm only commenting on this because does anyone feel there is a bizarre stigma surrounding people using anti-aging products from a young age?! It's not at all like I'm having botox, its a moisturiser, which more than likely, has nothing which will help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles anyway.

I then apply a generous amount of lip balm depending on whatever I have handy (Burt's Bees, Nuxe Reve de Miel or Blistex Relief cream is my lips are in bad condition). I'm currently using Nuxe's balm, as provided its heavier, waxier texture, it isn't one that I use often in the day. This is all after using Lush's Bubblegum lip scrub to remove any dry or flaky skin (much needed after a day of wearing a matte MAC lipstick...)

The skincare extras I tend to use when I need them, or on a weekly basis are Glamglow Supermud, Origins Drink Up intensive and REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. These have all been mentioned several times on my blog, so I won't go into a lot of depth surrounding them. but I love them all equally for different purposes.

Hope you've enjoyed my mini-series of skincare routine posts. If any of you have skincare routine posts, I'd love to see them, I always love a good nosey at skincare regimes. 

How do you like your eggs in a morning? - Morning Skincare Routine

I thought I'd share my skincare routines with you guys, in a similar way I did my makeup collection, in parts so that you don't become too bored with my constant rambles. I came across this video last week from Into The Gloss, and felt completely inspired to take care of my skin, with her heavenly non-made-up beauty I thought, "Pretty please can I look THAT radiant without makeup?" She's incredible, it's only a few minutes long, give it a watch, I promise it'll change your opinions on skincare. For now, onto my skincare... Hope you enjoy.

And in case you cannot tell... I love Origins!

For reference: My skintype is normal. I have zero skin conditions, but hate my dark circles. 


I haven't found my holy grail cleanser yet, but I have quite the assortment. I have a couple tubes of Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish but for a quicker cleanse, I've been loving Origins Checks and Balances. Although I love this product, it's essential that moisturiser is applied straight after cleansing, as it tends to leave skin feeling a little dry and stripped of moisture otherwise. (For this reason, I wouldn't recommend this to those with dry skin.)

My next step is to use a small amount of Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic, it makes my skin feel hydrated, and I find it to be cooling and fresh on the skin. An unnecessary step, but one I enjoy, especially in the summer months, all the same. Toners have almost become obsolete haven't they? I mean, even when they were a step we all had in our skincare regime, did any of us really know what they were doing? I know now that it was to remove any excess cleanser, but if you're using a good cleanser, it won't leave any residue on your face anyway.

After this I reach for Dr Weil x Origins Skin Tone Correcting Serum and apply this all over my face sparingly. This product brightens and resurfaces my skin and is also an absolute dream to apply and glides on perfectly. Not to mention that it's candy-like scent makes you feel like you've been transported to Willy Wonka's factory. Then in with the eye cream, I'm currently using Origins Plantscription eye cream, which is actually a dinky little sample, but eye cream lasts so long anyway, I'm not complaining! I like this product, much more than the dreadful Nip and Fab one I tried. No one wants wrinkles, do they? So I apply my eye cream with my ring finger (the weakest) and dab along the socket to avoid any premature wrinkles (you wouldn't think I was about to turn 19 from the way I'm talking would you...)

After eye cream, it's time for moisturiser. I won't waffle on for too long, as I think most of you will have seen (this post) on my holy grail; Origins GinZing moisturiser. After that I pick one of my many lip balms to apply, and I tend to reach for a lighter one in the morning. At the moment, I've been using Burt's Bees pomegranate balm in the morning, its leaves the lips feeling soft and replenished, without leaving a thick coating on the lips.

My skin is usually at this point, ready for LAYERS UPON LAYERS of makeup. Ha... Just kidding.

Hope you've enjoyed this post... My night-time routine will be coming up soon!