My Top 7 Makeup Brushes

Hello beauties, happy Sunday! Being a beauty junkie, I have too many makeup brushes in my collection. But I know, because we aren't all shopaholics, that is not the case for everyone. Today I thought I would share my most essential makeup brushes.

Real Techniques Powder Brush

This is my favourite brush that I own! I often wear a mineral powder as my base and this big fluffy brush allows super easy and quick application. What I like most is the large surface that this brush covers and the density that allows good coverage. Anyone with small facial features might not like this brush due to its large surface. It retails for AU$27.99 at Priceline but you can find Real Techniques brushes cheaper at iHerb.com.

Zoeva 104 Buffer

A dense buffing brush is ideal for blending in liquid foundation. It ensures even application and no harsh lines. I have bought all my Zoeva brush from Luxola.com (direct link here).

Zoeva 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek

This curved brush works great to apply blush onto the apples of your cheeks but the shape fits perfectly into the hollows of your cheeks, making it ideal for applying bronzer too (direct link here).

Real Techniques Contour Brush (bought as part of the Core Collection Set)

This brush is sold in the 'Your Base Flawless Core Collection' containing four brushes and retailing for $AU47.50 at Priceline (once again, can be found cheaper at iHerb). I do not use this brush for contouring, but rather to apply concealer under my eyes. The domed shape fits perfectly in the inner corner between my eye and nose and works well to blend the concealer.

Zoeva 226 Smudger & Zoeva 227 Soft Definer

These two eyeshadow brushes can get you through various makeup looks. The Zoeva 226 Smudger (direct link here) has very short, stiff bristles and works best for packing eyeshadow onto the lid, it works especially well with pigments or shadows containing glitter. The Zoeva 227 Soft Definer (direct link here) is the brush I use for blending shadow through the crease. It has just the right consistency to evenly apply the eyeshadow but still blend well.

There are many more great brushes and tools for applying makeup but these are just a few of my essentials. Let me know if you own any of these brushes and what your most-used makeup brush is?

Collective Haul & First Impressions

Despite my best efforts to save money, I purchased some beauty products last month of which I will be sharing my first impressions with you today. I also bought a few Hourglass products, but I want to save those for another post.

I made my first iHerb order and although I have been wary about ordering from them, everything went fine and I received my package within a week. The first beauty items which were included in my order are two Real Techniques brushes. I really wanted a makeup brush that I can keep in my handbag to touch up my base throughout the day and the Retractable Kabuki Brush is perfect for that. It is a super compact, angled kabuki brush that comes with a lid to keep the brush shape. I think this brush is a definite essential for makeup touch up's on the go and could be really handy for frequent travellers. I also purchased the Real Techniques Blush Brush as I wanted to try a different shape for applying blush. I do like this brush but it is nothing special. Randomly I also picked up an ELF Eye Shadow because it was too cheap to resist. I initially thought the shade Saddle would be a good crease colour, but I actually prefer the 'brown with a golden sheen' shade on my lid.

I was browsing Feelunique when they had a discount code and decided to finally try the Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush. I then impulsively bought the Watercolour Creme Bronzer too. The fluid blusher is in the shade Cherub; a peony-pink shade that I think would suit most people. This blusher is unlike any other due to its super watery formula. You have to shake it vigorously before squeezing a drop or two onto the back of your hand, which you can then apply with your fingers or a brush. Personally I prefer using a stippling blush as I found using my hand makes me apply the blush way too sheer. Once it has set it gives your cheeks a beautiful sheen of colour. For $28 you get 15ml of product that will no doubt last a very long time. The second product is a cream bronzer that comes in two colours, I got the lighest, Riviera. I am slightly disappointed with the packaging of the product. This bronzer is SUPER tiny (the same size as my ELF eyeshadow), $30 for 3.5g of product is not good value. Further the bronzer did not come in a box and neither was it sealed at all. The product itself is beautiful though, it is super creamy and applies really well (I use my fingers). It is a warm bronze (but not too orange) that works well as a bronzer or contour. The website also suggests you can mix it with your base product to add a tan-look to your face, but I am yet to try that.

I have clearly been loving blush & bronzer this month! The Balm recently had 30% off at David Jones and as a staff member I get an extra discount. Naturally, I could not resist that deal. I have a confession, I've never been much of a highlight fan. I feel like my face always ends up looking like a disco ball. With the discount I decided I had to try the very much raved about, The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer. This is a shimmery (but not glittery), champagne highlighter. Combined with the ELF fan brush (that I also got from iHerb) it applies really well and provides a beautiful glow. I have been searching for an 'Autumn' blush and though The Balm Instain Powder Blush in Pinstripe would be perfect. I adore the colour, a plum with (once again) a gold undertone. The problem I have had is that this product does not seem to last on my skin at all. I don't know whether maybe it doesn't work well with my base (a tinted moisturiser) because it is meant to be a long wearing, staining powder.

On first impression I was pleased with all these new purchases. They were products I wouldn't usually buy. For now, other than the Hourglass products I have purchased, I am trying not to buy any makeup until my Melbourne trip late-June… let's see if I can stick to that resolution.

May Beauty Favourites

HOLY BEJIEBIES! We are half-way through 2013. Felt like it was just Christmas time.

I have been staring at my computer all day doing my design assignment and I am ready to go to bed. But first, my May favourites.

 1. Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

I recently purchased this moisturiser after using a sample, and it has become my holy grail moisturiser. I have been meaning to do an in-depth review of this moisturiser. Please comment if you would like a review or have any specific questions.















2. Original Carmex lip balm

This is my life-saver during the winter (aka dry and flaky lips) months. I love the medical, VICKS-like smell. And I prefer this applicator to tubs where you have to use your fingers.






3. Real Techniques Contour brush

My favourite brush to use this month has been the Real Techniques contour brush. I haven't been using it for contour though - because of the tapered end, this brush works great to blend concealer under the eyes. It also works well in the creases around the nose.















4. Rimmel Lipstick 16
This has been my current go to lipstick. The colour is easy to wear and I think the pink compliments green eyes really well. It is not the longest lasting lipstick, but it is easy to apply on the go.

5. Mimco pouch with rose gold detail

Random favourite of the month is this Mimco purse. It was a gift from my boyfriend last Christmas and I have been using everyday this month. It holds my my necessary cards, carmex and car keys.Plus it compliments my rose gold Micheal Kors.











6. Random rings

Everything has been so hectic during May, therefore I loved these simple rings. They just add a little something. I think they were from Lovisa a few months back.












7. Kerastase Nectar Thermique

Love love love this stuff. This sample has lasted me all through May and there is still some left! Its a hair serum/heat protector that smells amazing and leaves hair feeling super soft. Does anyone know where I can purchase this in Australia?