Real Techniques Core Collection

I finally got my hands on the Real Techniques Core Collection. I mainly wanted this for the Buffing Brush and the Contour Brush, but don't worry I wont neglect the other brushes. At the moment I am using the Expert Face Brush for my Foundation/BB Cream, but I needed a brush with a flatter top.

This is a great starter kit for any newbies entering the make up world.
The Buffing brush can be used for your base - (Foundation, BB Cream, CC Cream)
The Contour can be used for either contouring, highlighting or highlighting under the eyes
The Pointed Foundation Brush can fit perfectly under the eyes to apply concealer
The Detailer brush can be used to conceal spots or can even be used to apply lipstick.

Quick tip, buy the Core Collection or any Real Technique brushes from Amazon. Forget your student discount at Superdrug or the buy 1 get second half price at Boots. Go to Amazon, they sell the same thing but for much cheaper. I got £8.00 off the Core Collection. I have no regrets. Just means I can save my money or buy more brushes ;)

- kristalovesx -

Wash those dirty Makeup Brushes

Time to wash those makeup brushes. If you don't then some problems may happen

- It could be the main problem for break outs on your face.
- The colour pay-off of eyeshadows, blushes and foundation may not come out as nice as it would if the brush was on the cleaner side.
- Bacteria can transfer from makeup to brush to face, it's better to wash away and start afresh.
You don't have to necessary wash your brushes after every single use but you can spot clean, which means you can use your makeup wipes and just swirl your brush onto that. You won't get a thorough clean like with the shampoo but it will eliminate most of the product in the brush.
Let me show you how I wash my brushes. I wash my brushes every two weeks as I find doing it every week it just a bore. I prefer to wash my brushes in the kitchen because there's more room.

I've tried using Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Baby Shampoo but I found it clogged my brushes. I just stick to my trusty Johnson's Baby Shampoo. It's gentle and does the job well, it smells nice too.

First I wet my brushes in lukewarm - warm water just to get the bristles wet and ready for the wash! Make sure you have the brushes face down so no water goes into the base of the brush.

I then put a blob of shampoo on the palm of my hand and swish the brush around until all the product has been taken out. It usually takes me two blobs of shampoo just to ensure that the brushes are clean.

To dry them I hang them upside down on the Real Technique cases or I put them on a flannel over the counter. This ensures all the water is dried up from bristles and doesn't travel down to the base of the brush as this can loosen up the glue.

I find that putting a reminder on my phone helps me know when I should wash my brushes. I always tend to forget. Have you guys used anything else to wash your brushes? Any recommendations?

- kristalovesx -

What I got for my 19th birthday

This post is up so late. I've just been busy with university things but let's forget that, onto the post! It was my birthday on the 31st of March and I got a few little pressies from my friends and families. I thought I should show you guys.

Nina Ricci L'Eau - A sweet light perfume. Perfect for the start for spring time. 

"A fresh, fruity and floral fragrance. The freshness of frosted neroli, with also the softness and femininity of apple blossom, the sensuality of gardenia, and full bodied white musk... The breeze of youth, bright, light and sensual."

Barry M’s Gelly Polish - This polish is in the shade Huckleberry, which is part of their new shades for the Gelly collection. A lovely pale blue which kinda reminds me of easter eggs.

Topshop’s  Nail Polish- Now this polish is a lovely off white shade, it almost has a tint of brown which gives it’s off white colour. It's called Exposed. Oooo sexyyy aha. I am almost surprised at the amazing quality of this polish. Two thin shades dried so quickly and was so opaque. Amazing.

MAC’s Diva - Oh my god. I’ve been waiting so long for this lipstick. I had saved up for this to buy at the end of the month, but my favourite person in the whole world surprised me with it as a present. I am in love with this lipstick, it’s a deep red brown toned lipstick. It has a matte finish and works well with my complexion. Can’t wait to wear this on nights out.

Real Techniques Duo Fibre Brushes - I love these so much. My old brushes were just a set from Costco I think, and when I washed them for the first time the hairs started to falling out. I was left with hair all over my face when I applied my powder or contour powder. So getting this for my birthday was very lucky. Muhaha. So happy with this, my favourite would have to be the powder brush, it glides onto my face very well and just makes applying powder a little bit special.

February Favourites '14

It's March. It's nearly my birthday! Woooo. Right onto the favourites.

So my favourite foundation this month has actually been a BB Cream. I bought the wrong shade I bought a shade lighter. But it actually blends out evenly and gives a glow to the skin. Retails for £12.00 at The Body Shop.

Favourite power to set my face with is the Sleek's Suede Effect in the Shade 02. It has an almost velvety feel to the touch and creates a matte finish when setting your face. You can get this at Superdrug for £6.99.

Next on the list is my favourite eye product and this month's favourite is the Maybelline's Colour Tattoo in the shade On and On Bronze. I love using this as an inner eye highlight when having my usual winged eyeliner. It also works as a great base when doing any eye shadow combo, it's kind of an alternative to primers. Superdrug are currently doing a 3 for 2 on all Maybelline product so snatch yours for £4.99.

My favourite lip product is the Hoola lipgloss by Benefit. I've currently got the sample size which means I have to use it sparingly. It's a gorgeous shimmery nude which is perfect on a lazy day. You can get the full size on Benefit's website for £14.50. A little tip for you guys, if you are a student you can get 10% off Benefit cosmetics if you sign up to Uni-Days. ;)

Favourite brush at the moment is the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush which I have been using for my concealer under my eyes. The brush is fluffy and soft and doesn't drag the skin around, which is a plus! This brush is part of the Real Techniques set which you can get at Boots for £21.99.

Hair product timeeeee. I have no hope in getting volume in my fringe, back combing does not help at all. So I have resorted to back combing spray, which works better than dry shampoo believe it or not. I just spray it inbetween my fringe and ruffle my hair to distribute the product. and BOOM. Voluminous hair. It's on offer at Superdrug, 2 for £5, but usually sells for £3.79.

And last and not least my favourite scent. It has to be Next's Milan. This fragrance is fruity, with a floral heart and a woody base, perfect for entering spring time. It just smells so feminine without being too overpowering. I couldn't find the 100ml online but I could find the 50ml. The 50ml retails for £8.

What are your favourites this month?

- kristalovesx -