Real Techniques | Core Collection

Real Techniques Core Collection - £21.99 (Link here)

Hey there dolls, I hope you're all well now were approaching the weekend! If you'd have asked me a year ago what my favourite make up brushes were, I honestly wouldn't have had a clue. But a year on, I can safely say that Real Techniques are by far the best I've come across in terms of price and quality, and I've built up quite the collection. One thing I had on my wishlist for what seemed like forever was the infamous 'Core Collection' brush set, and I finally bit the bullet and popped one into my basket at Boots two weeks ago. Since then I've been using them religiously everyday and I have no idea what I done without them, they really are amazing. I always think that using good quality brushes makes the world of difference to the appearance of my make up, and Real Techniques is a brand that never fails to impress me. I recently posted about my favourite tools by them (read the post here), but after discovering the Core Collection, I can safely say I've added a couple more to my favourites.

The Core Collection contains four brushes and a stand alone panoramic case - for a mere £21.99 it works out at just over £5.00 for each brush which is an abolute steal. All of the brushes are part of the base collection, colour coded by the gold toned alluminium handle and the label/name on the side. I love the look and feel of all the brushes from Real Techniques, they're so sleek and I think the colour coding system (gold for base, pink for finishing and purple for eyes) is such a nice touch. It's a bonus that all of the brushes are 100% cruelty free, synthetic and stand up to maintain storage space. The brushes in the Core Collection aren't available for individual sale, however I think you could easily get use out of each brush. The brushes included are;

• Detailer Brush - 'Precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long lasting shape and definition'. Out of the four brushes, I haven't found that I reach for this as often. I like to blend my concealer using my usual foundation brush, but could see this being great for applying a darker lipstick if you were after a really defined lip.

• Pointed Foundation Brush - 'Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage'. I'm pretty happy with my 'Expert Face Brush' for my foundation, however I've got some use out of this and I quite like it. It applies my Rimmel Wake Me Up with ease and gets into eye sockets and hard to reach areas but I won't be completely parting ways with my other trusty brush.

• Buffing Brush - 'Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation'. This is the one item everyone gets most excited about! I'm yet to get into the mineral foundation hype, but when I do, this will be my go-to brush for application. The flat top makes it so easy to cover a larger area, and as the bristles are longer and wider than the Expert Face Brush, it's alot more flexible to work with.

• Contour Brush - 'Delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish'. This for me was the one I got most excited about, I love a bit of contour! It's a very similar shape to the Blush Brush, only smaller making it a breeze to really get in to the hollows of my cheeks.

Once again, Real Techniques hasn't disappointed me in the slightest. I think the Core Collection is a great investment to my make-up brush collection, although I'm now on the lookout for nicer ways to store them. They all wash like a dream too, and don't malt like some high end brushes (ahem, MAC I'm looking at you). I'm considering buying the starter set for eyes, so if any of you lovely ladies have any reviews on it pretty please let me know in the comments. Have you tried the Real Techniques Core Collection?

Real Techniques | My Favourite Brushes

Left to Right: Powder Brush, Blush Brush, Expert Face Brush, Stippling Brush

Hey Dolls! Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you'd have heard of the legendary Real Techniques brushes that are sold in Boots and most recently Superdrug. These are so popular among the beauty blogging community and it's clear to see why as they're so great. I've built quite the collection over the last few months and thought that I'd share my favourites with you as I'd just cleaned them. Hoorah for freshly washed brushes!

The Powder Brush - I suffer with combination skin, so tend to get quite oily around my T-Zone. This makes me that bit more powder happy than other people but this brush works so well for me as it doesn't leave me looking chalky or patchy. I love the size of it, it coats my face with ease and picks up enough product at one time for me to work with not to mention it is ridiculously soft and feels unbelievable against the skin.

The Blush Brush - I may shock a few of you girls here, but I don't wear blusher. I never have and unless I find one I really like I probably never will. I'm much more of a bronzer type of girl and switched from my kabuki brush to this beauty. It's a relatively new purchase but it's been a staple when it comes to my foundation routine and applying bronzer. 

The Expert Face Brush - Out of my entire brush collection this is definitely my favourite! It's the newest addition to my little brush family and I'm completely head over heels in love with it! I recently bought the infamous Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation (which I'll definitely be reviewing in full sometime soon!) and it applies to the skin using this like a dream. It doesn't leave brush strokes and glides easily to cover problem areas so is perfect for more heavy foundations. 

The Stippling Brush - This was my first ever Real Techniques brush! I've said in the past I don't like BB Creams as they don't do anything for my skin, but on lazy days I'll wear tinted moisturiser instead of foundation. This brush applies it so well, and I also apply my primer using this brush too. I must admit this doesn't wash as well as my other brushes do, I have no idea why but it's still lovely to use!

Monthly Favourites | February

Hey there lovely ladies! Can you believe we're now in the third month of 2013? That's crazy! Time flies when you're having fun, and I've had a pretty busy month. The highlight of my February was the Professional Beauty exhibition (read my post here) and getting news through that I'll be spending a month in Australia with family at the end of the year which I'm of course super excited about. At the end of each month I love reading what everyone's been loving and also share with you lovely lot what have been my favourite products from the last 30 days (or 28 as were in February!).

Probably my favourite purchase of the year so far was the Urban Decay Naked Palette (read my review here). I still can't believe it took me so long to take the plunge, but it is most definitely my favourite make-up product out of my entire collection. The colours are so versatile and wearable for both day and night and ideal to create the perfect smokey eye. I don't want to bang on too long about this little beauty, so I'll move swiftly onwards. I also got my hands on the Solar Powder bronzer from Soap and Glory, which has meant I can save my MAC 'Give Me Sun' bronzer for special occasions or when I want to glam my face up a bit more than usual. It is a half matte and half shimmer block so leaves the skin with a gorgeous dewy finish on the cheekbones without being orange or going patchy throughout the day. I've also been obsessing over my newest Victoria's Secret lipstick. They've only just introduced these in-store and were previously only sold online, so I took advantage of the situation when I was last there and picked up several shades, my favourite being 'True'. It has a much lighter colour pay off than what it appears as, and the finish is amazing. It's so moisturising - think a MAC Cremesheen mixed with a lip butter and you get the idea.  I couldn't possibly have a monthly favourites post without mentioning some sort of Soap and Glory product! It just so happens that this month I've been loving two of their bath and skincare products, the 'Rich and Foamous' body wash and the 'Feel Good Factor' facial moisturiser. I have a huge thing for almond, vanilla and shea butter scents, and the body wash has all of these combined. I may review this product in full sometime soon, but until then all you need to know is this - it's amazing! I'm not a massive fan of the Sugar Crush products as I don't particularly like the scent, but this is a great alternative. The 'Feel Good Factor' is a lovely consistency, but don't worry I haven't parted ways with my 'For Daily Youth' moisturiser. I mix the two together to get the best of both worlds. Something I've been lusting over for as long as I can remember is the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. This thing is a lifesaver! Out of all of my brushes, this is definitely my favourite. It applies foundation so easily without leaving brush lines, not to mention it washes like a dream too. No more malting brushes! I have an upcoming 'Favourite Make Up Brushes' post, so make sure you check back if you're interested.

What have been your favourite products in February?

My Very Late Favourite Products Of 2012

Hello! So I'm only two weeks bleedin' late with this post .. but better late than never I suppose? I wasn't planning on doing this post at all but I had a horrible case of writers block so thought why the hell not! I don't know about you but these posts have been my favourite to read these past two weeks. I'm loving seeing what other bloggers have tagged as their favourite products from the past year, and even more so that I have a few of the same! I personally think that 2012 was a great year for beauty and hair products, who can forget the launch of the 'holy-grail' Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation or the launch of the Charles Worthington Hair Shine home kit? So, without further ado, here is the low down of the products that I have loved throughout the last year...

Bath & Body

Batiste Dry Shampoo in 'Lace'

Who doesn't love dry shampoo? It's the most convenient thing since sliced bread and just a quick spritz leaves my hair looking freshly washed. I love this one from Batiste as it smells gorgeous and doesn't leave your hair with a horrible consistency. 

St Moriz Instant Tanning Mousse in Dark

This is by far my holy-grail tan of choice at home and I wouldn't even dream of using anything else now. I've been using it for as long as I can remember and because I have olive toned skin, it doesn't leave me looking orange or patchy. Winning. 

Possibility Shower Gel in 'Raspberry Pavlova'

I love shower smellies! I particularly love the Possibility range too as it's so cheap but the scents are to die for. Amongst my favourites are raspberry pavlova (above), pink champagne and vanilla creme brulee. Beautiful.

Soap & Glory 'The Righteous Butter'

I couldn't have a product favourites without a bit of Soap and Glory! This is a more classic product, and I love it. It smells unbelievable and if you got your hands on the Best Of All gift set, then you would have received this monster of a tub.

Soap & Glory 'Hand Food' Mini

This remains firmly in my handbag throughout the Winter, and the full size product stands proudly on my bedside table. If you haven't tried this beaut, please do. It smells unbelievable and leaves my mitts ridiculously soft and hydrated.

Make Up & Skincare

Real Techniques Stippling & Powder Brushes

I was late jumping onto the Real Techniques bandwagon but I'm so glad that I did! They really do deliver high definition results, and I can't believe I hadn't used them earlier. They are so soft and wash really easily too.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in 200 'Soft Beige'

Again, this is one of the most hyped products of 2012. I absolutely love this foundation and it is what I wear on a daily basis. It does what it says on the tin and brightens skin and in turn makes you look more awake which is great. 

Sleek Face Form Contour and Blush Palette 

I reviewed this product in full a month or so ago and since then I have been loving it. It defines my cheekbones and the sides of my nose to perfection and the highlighter compliments my skin tone under my brow bone so nicely without it looking to ashy. 

MUA Undressed Palette

Again, I reviewed this product in full a while back and the colours are a great dupe for Urban Decays infamous Naked palette without the hefty £36.00 price tag. I was super impressed with the pigmentation of these too and they blend so nicely together for a perfect smokey eye.

MAC 'Shygirl' Cremesheen Lipstick

I found a great dupe for this lipstick (NYX 'Pumpkin Pie') but you just can't beat the formula of a MAC lipstick. This is perfect for an everyday lip, and the nude colour means it's not too 'out there' either. 

Revlon PhotoReady Primer

Ahh, a good old controversial product. You either love this or hate it, but I rediscovered my love for it and would go as far to say I prefer it to MAC's Prep and Prime. It mattifies my skin brilliantly and when I set foundation using a sheer loose powder my skin looks flawless. 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant 

I don't know one Glossybox subscriber who didn't love this in Novembers box! I have used this in the past and I love it. The only bad thing I can think of this is the smell, it hasn't got the most pleasant smell to it but it works wonders and leaves my skin so smooth.

Soap & Glory 'Dr Spot'

This stuff is one of my all time favourite products! Of course nothing beats a good old Sudocream facial overnight, but a dab of this calms down angry spots and speeds up the healing process of the nasty buggers. 

So that's a round up of my favourite products of the past year, even though I'm a whole two weeks late! What have been your favourite products been? Is there anything I mentioned above that you have also loved?

January Wishlist

Hello :) Hope you're all great and you're well into your New Years resolutions (read my post here on all of my resolutions). One of mine was to loose a total of two stone within the year and I already have an update for you which I can hardly believe myself. Within one week of my diet and exercise regime I have lost seven pounds, the equivalent to half a stone. I really cannot believe it and I weighed myself three times just to be sure! I was thinking of doing a full post on my diet and fitness as at this time of year it's very fitting, so if you're interested then let me know by commenting below. In the meantime, darker evenings mean no time to take decent blog photos with decent lighting, so I've put together a list of things I'm currently lusting over!

1. Muji Acrylic Storage Drawers

I'm probably one of the last bloggers to have purchased these! Well, it certainly feels like it. I am beyond excited for mine to arrive so I can organise all of my make-up bits and I've also ordered the matching acrylic pen pot to store all of my make-up brushes next to the drawers. 

2. Lush Cupcake Face Mask

Another popular item among the blogging community! I've used this in the past and I absolutely loved it, of course the smell was amazing. I really love a bit of pamper time and this would be perfect to apply when I sit back in a bath of bubbles to relax.

3. Soap & Glory Hocus Pocus 

I won't ramble on about how much I'm loving S&G products at the moment, but to complete my skincare collection I need this lotion! It's sold out in the smaller Boots near my house so I'm off to the larger one tomorrow to pick one up. I've used this in the past and loved it!

4. Leopard Print Tangle Teezer

I've committed the ultimate crime and lost my beloved pink tangle teezer! Majorly gutted. But on the bright side, it gives me an excuse to go and buy a brand new one but instead of pink I've been eyeing up this cute leopard print one.

5. Real Techniques Powder Brush

Another Real Techniques brush I need to add to my collection! I use powder everyday to set my foundation so it makes sense to invest in a good brush a lot of bloggers swear by. I'm in love with my stippling brush so hope this is just as good.

6. MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Powder

I may shock a few of you here, but I've never tried a skin finish product from MAC! I rely on my trusty Rimmel 'Stay Matte' powder but am always open to try new things, hence I'm off to pick this beauty up on the weekend!

What is on your wishlist for this month?

Christmas Wishlist

Hi everyone, I'm getting so excited knowing Christmas is under a week away! I originally planned to do a Soap and Glory post tonight but by the time I got home it was far too dark to take blog worthy photos. Sob. I know it's a little late to start posting 'Wishlist' posts but I thought I'd show you a few of the things I've asked for and am hoping to receive under the tree.

1. YSL  Rouge Volupte Perle 107 Impetuous Beige 

I was recently reading Fisi over at 'Oh Snap Babes' post about this gorgeous YSL shade and I just love it! I absolutely adore these lipsticks their formulas are so thick and creamy and the pigmentation is to die for. I love this shade as it's not too out there and is a nice nude pink which I'm partial to.

2. Thierry Mugler Alien Eau De Parfum 

Anyone who knows me personally will know that this is my signature scent. People often tell me they know I'm in the room once they catch a sniff of its gorgeous smell. It's a much loved fragrance and lasts all day, and as I'm starting to run out of my current bottle I desperately need a replacement! 

3. Real Techniques Core Collection

I know a few of you may be shocked but I only own one Real Techniques brush! I own the infamous stippling brush (read my review here) and it is by far my most used brush. I can only imagine how great the core collection is as a few bloggers have said in the past so I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the core collection. 

4. Boohoo Gold Sequin Sleeve Khaki Jacket

Not one of my friends isn't lusting after this jacket! I absolutely love it and I haven't ordered one sooner because I'm crossing my fingers to have my own on Christmas Day. It may not be the most practical of jackets but put a bit of sequin with some khaki and I'm on board. I've seen Millie Mackintosh and Katie Price wearing it too which makes it that little bit more lustable!

5. New Look Bubblegum Pink Onesie

Okay I have a little bit of a confession to make ... I now have a collection of NINE onesies. I know it sounds bad but I live in mine. I'm not a slob, honest, but as soon as I get home I look forward to pulling my onesie on. This one is a little pricey at £70 but the quality is amazing and it's a piece you can keep forever. 

6. Soap & Glory Best Of All Gift Set 

I don't think I've seen one beauty blogger who hasn't either a) bought this b) asked for this or c) lusted after this. The fact it's currently on offer at Boots and I know of some people who have gone out and bought two for themselves. I for one am so excited to get my hands on this and have a good old pamper!

What have you asked for Christmas?

♥

Review: Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Hello Ladies! How are we all? Just a quick post to tell you about a fabulous new product I bought. I know I'm a little extremely late to jump on the Real Techniques bandwagon, but the perks of being a beauty blogger mean you hear about great make up products and you're bathroom cabinet gets full to the brim within a few weeks. I came across rave reviews of the stippling brush on several blogs, and being an eager beaver, I picked one up from Boots on my lunch break. The website says that 'This dual-fiber brush is the trade secret for creating airbrushed, high-definition results with all types of makeup.' and I completely agree. 

What's Great About It?

♥ I absolutely love the look of it. The pink aluminium handle and the matte black end of the brush is so simple but to me it looks great.

♥ The bristles are 100% cruelty free which of course is a massive bonus, and are taklon and all hand cut.

♥ The white fibres at the top of the brush remain white and foundation doesn't stain easily which cuts back on having to wash the brush as often as other face brushes. 

♥ The brush is great for it's price of just £11.99

♥ It's so versatile as it can be used with foundations, bronzers, highlighters and primers.

♥ It promises high definition results and I completely agree with the fact it also promises an airbrush finish.

♥ The soft bristles glide easily against the skin which makes application of foundation a dream.

♥ The brush stands up on its own which is great if like me you struggle for storage space.

If you haven't already invested in a stippling brush, make this one be it. It's great quality and above all really does make a difference to the look of your make-up. For only £11.99 you can't go wrong.

Have you tried the Real Techniques stippling brush? What are your thoughts?

♥