Real Techniques Release The Expert Face Brush

RealTechniques.com

You better believe it guys, Samantha Chapman's Real Techniques brushes now include a Buffing Brush alternative that can be purchased on its own.  Hooray!

I've heard no end of complaints from bloggers (and my mum) who wanted the Buffing Brush but weren't prepared to pay for the Core Collection - although the Expert Face Brush is currently retailing at £9.99 + p&p from Love-Makeup.co.uk, and I'm not sure if Boots are stocking it yet as it's not on their website.

Considering that the Core Collection retails at £21.99 (I purchased mine from Boots) for four brushes, £9.99 for one doesn't boast the same value for money.  However, if I'd had the option of the Expert Face Brush when I was purchasing, I would've probably gotten the single brush since I don't use the whole set.  If you are swayed towards the Core Collection, I must say that the case is brilliant!  I have it open with my essential daily brushes lined up and ready to go!

I'm sure loads of you (mum, you're included!) will be incredibly excited about this brush - Sam Chapman has said herself it's just like the Buffing Brush on her latest Youtube video.  And you only have to search RT Buffing Brush online to see how much (justified) hype surrounds it - personally I use it every single day.  I don't know how I managed without it.  Hopefully Boots will be stocking it soon and you can all get your hands on it without having the buy online!

xx

The Essential Make-Up Brushes

(L-R)

QVS Powder Brush - £5.48

e.l.f. Eye Shadow Brush - £1.50

e.l.f. Blushing, Bronzing and Blending Brush - £1.50

Real Techniques Contour Brush (Core Collection) - £21.99

e.l.f. Eyeliner Brush - £1.50

Real Techniques Buffing Brush (Core Collection)

Make-up brushes certainly require a lot of trial and error.  These are the brushes I reach for every single day, without fail.  On Monday I travelled back up to Manchester for the Easter break from uni, and it wasn't even a question to me which brushes I would be packing!

The most important ones are the RT Buffing Brush, e.l.f. Eyeliner Brush, e.l.f. Blusher Brush (although it needs replacing now!) and the RT Contour Brush.  The Real Techniques brushes are really fantastic; dense, firm enough to hold their shape, soft enough to glide over the skin, and the aluminium casing makes them light to handle too.  Plus, when washed they dry really quickly, which is an added bonus!

The e.l.f. brushes are great for the price - in particular the Eyeliner Brush is so firm that I use it to apply eyebrow wax (but fear it's way too firm for my eyelids), and it's the best brush that I've tried for the job.  The Blusher Brush is definitely on its last legs, but the angle of the bristles make both cream and powder blushes easy to apply, but I think I'm going to hunt for a denser brush next - although I certainly won't find a replacement for £1.50!

The QVS and e.l.f. Eyeshadow brushes I use a little bit less, but for setting powder or applying shadow, I find each brush is perfect for the job.  The QVS brush is huge, but I find that means powder is applied lightly and dusted on, rather than caked.  It very occasionally sheds, but it's not really been much of an issue, certainly not for the price anyway!  The e.l.f. Eyeshadow Brush is the perfect shape for my eyelid, is soft and dense enough to pick up a good amount of product, making the job easier.  It's tapered too, so I find it easy for eyelid crease blending.

I'm a firm believer that good quality products don't have to come with a price tag that makes you feel a little bit sick!  Some high street (priced) brushes are perfect for the job, don't shed and wash well - what more could you ask for?

xx

Sunday Round Up #1

As a close to the week I'll be running the Sunday Round Up.  I know for some, Sunday is the beginning of the week, but for me, it's always the end; I was brought up a Christian, and therefore Sunday's the day of rest!  (Although, no mistaking, I'm not really very religious...)

As part of the Sunday Round Up, I present my Sunday face.  I bought a few new products yesterday on a manic shopping trip to the city.  I always feel I can't browse when I'm with my boyfriend.  He gets really tetchy, so I ended up grabbing and buying LOADS.  I regretted it after, but I used most of them today and I'm pushing the money spending regret to one side and welcoming the new make-up love.  As you can see, I'm sporting quite a fresh-faced look today; I'm trying out a new foundation.

On my cheeks I'm wearing Topshop 'Head Over Heels' which it seems has returned to the make-up stand after the disappearance.  Exciting, I know.  Peachy/pink, creamy goodness!  I also purchased the Real Techniques Core Collection from Boots which I love.  So that'll probably be making an appearance on my blog sometime soon too.

This week has seen me burn a gigantic hole in my bank account, yet I'm still lusting after some black chelsea boots.  It's also seen the dramatic end to TOWIE, a decidedly warm and sunny end to February and a busy week reading for me!  Although I should probably get back to researching Daniel Defoe; so much to do, so little time!

xx