Favourite Brushes

So I've got a new brush set up going on (innit dreamy?) and I figured I would walk you through some of my favourite brushes! The brands I mostly use are Sigma, Mac, and elf. But I'm definitely looking to get some from other brands so let me know which brushes you love!

I've been on a BeautyBlender kick for a loooong time, but recently I've been back into my Sigma F84 Angled Kabuki brush for foundation. Since school has started back I find it much quicker to just blend this all over my face at warp speed and wah lah! Foundation done. As far as powder brushes go, I generally use either the Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush for all over my face or the elf Blush Brush for more controlled application. For bronzer I love the Sigma F40 Large Angled Contour Brush and for highlight the elf Small Tapered Brush is absolutely perfect! I haven't actually contoured in a while (I'm lazy) but when I do, I use the MAC 109!

As far as eye brushes, I have an embarrassing amount. I probably use the MAC 217 the most, I own three oops. It's perfect for blending, but also small enough to do some tighter shading in the crease. I'm also a hug fan of the elf Flawless Concealer Brush for blending the outer edges on shadow as it's so fluffy! The Sigma E30 Pencil Brush is excellent for using on the lower lashline and more controlled application in the crease. A new love I've recently found is the MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush, this is SO amazing for applying shadows to the upper waterline and into the lashes as it's so narrow. For brows, nothing can beat the MAC 263 Small Angled Brush. It is super duper fine and you can get very precise, controlled lines with it while still looking natural.

Right, I think those are all of my absolute favourite brushes! Although looking at the elf site has me thinking I may need to pick some more up! Also, any brush brands I need to look at?
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August Favourites

This month, my favourites have mostly been products that I've already prattled on about in other posts, so I'm going to keep this a wee bit short (or try to). We all know by now that I'be been quite into a really simple look recently (although I've been going more hard in the paint this week, post to come soon) so here are the products I've been reaching for!

I've already done a post about the Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer here, but recently I've found that it mixes with slightly fuller coverage bases BEAUTIFULLY. My favourite combo has been with the Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet, can you say naturally beautiful skin? I mean this combo seriously looks like I've just got a bit of moisturizer on, it's fab. Speaking of moisturizer, I've been loving my good ol' Glossier Priming Moisturizer in the mornings as it's the perfect base for my makeup. It really plumps up the skin and makes it look healthy, and having started classes back up I definitely need that. I've also been loving the Fresh Beauty Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream at night as it's super light and skinks in quickly, but leaves my skin feeling really hydrated. It is hot as hades down in the south this time of year, so I'm having to give heavier night creams a miss. This is a trial size but I'm definitely going to pick up the full once I'm done!

Another love this month from Glossier is the Stretch Concealer. Rather than highlighting with concealer, I've been all about an even skin tone. So, I use this under my eyes as well as on any redness in my face. This formula is beautiful and really melts into the skin. I definitely need to set it under my eyes in this heat, but it's very comfortable to wear. As far as eyes go I've been keeping it light, swiping an easy shadow all over my lid. But for a bit of drama, I've been smudging the MAC Dipdown Fluidline into my upper lash line. This really defines the eyes without being too harsh! I finally found my beloved Glossier Generation G in 'Like' rattling around the bottom of my bookbag, and I haven't put it down since! The perfect my lips but better pink in a super-easy formula, love!

Lastly, I've been obsessed with my white walls. I painted them a little while ago and have posted some pictures on my Instagram, but I don't think I've put any up here. I also found this beaut of a mirror at Target (West Elm copy or nah?) and am in love!

What have you guys been loving this month? x 

Makeup Medley No. 2

I've been making a conscientious effort to reach for different products every day and not fall into another makeup rut, but there are a few things I've been using on a regular basis recently. So, I thought I'd do another Makeup Medley post!

I've had the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet for quite a while and go through phases of absolutely adoring it and never using it (not sure why as it's a lovely foundation). Recently, I've been mixing this in with lighter bases (ie tinted moisturizers) to add some more coverage whilst still looking super natural. I have a problem with concealers and literally own about six of the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in varying shades or the corrector version. Lately I've been using this under my eyes to really cover. It also works a treat on blemishes (I have one that I solely use for blemishes because ew, germs) since it's so creamy! The gorgeous NARS Isolde Duo is fairly new to my collection but with two beautiful warm golds, I've been finding it hard to use anything else.

I FINALLY found my Glossier Generation G in Like, I was really on the verge of ordering another one. It's a gorgeous my lips but better sheer pink and this formula is dreamy. In a turn of events, I've actually been wearing colour on my nails (shocking!). Obviously, I'm all about Essie, see my recent post. I've been alternating between Shall We Chalet? and Saltwater Happy. Both are beauts and super easy to apply, but for some reason Shall We Chalet? is a bitch to get off. Not because it stains or anything, but the pigment gets all over your fingers! It's so weird, it like slides off the nail onto your skin. I don't really know how to describe it, but worth the hassle for such a pretty red!

That's what I've been reaching for lately, what have you been using? Anything I need to save my pennies for?
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My Essie Collection

I reorganized my nail polish drawer the other day and realized I have several Essie polishes. Oops. It's one of my favourite formulas, so I thought I would share my collection with you guys! I also have a pretty long wishlist stacking up, so I'm always adding on! I love these because the brush size is just perfect, and they're generally really pigmented and require only two coats. I'm also a big fan of their nail treatments and such too, I have a separate post on those here. Into the colours!

Fill the Gap: A ridge filling base coat with keratin to help strengthen nails (love!)

Millionails: Nail strengthener with iron and amino acids (I wrote about this one in the post, it works like a charm!)

Birthday Suit: Described as a delicate nude, I think it leans more pink and is very, very sheer.

Wrap Me Up: This one is a cashmere matte in a nude-pink colour, I usually wear this with a shiny top coat.

Fiji: The classic baby pink, the only one I struggle with in terms of formula.

Topless & Barefoot: My absolute faaaave, I've bought this several times. A gorgeous soft beigey pink.

Ladylike: Another favourite, this one is a 'soft' mauve.

Chinchilly: So I really love greigey colours, this one is a 'granite' grey. Very chic.

Turquoise & Caicos: This is one of the first I ever bought, and probably needs replacing. A beautiful greeny-blue aqua.

Da Bush: This is one of those funky colours that's so ugly it's pretty, a pale creamy green that's apparently called 'celadon' (sounds like a dinosaur to me).

Vested Interest: I thought this might be an ugly-pretty when I bought it but it's actually just a BEAUTIFUL greyish-teal. Like, so beautiful I might tear up. Dramatic, but people always always ask me what this is.

Find Me an Oasis: Probably my favourite non-neutral, a super pale pale icy blue. The formula of this is an absolute dream which is rare for a colour like this (trust me, I've tried them all).

Saltwater Happy: Another gorg blue, this one is more of a pale cornflower blue.

Coat Azure: I've clearly developed a taste for blue nails, this is a very pretty medium blue with silver shimmer.

Truth or Flare: This is called a 'vintage blue denim,' it's grey undertone does make it look fairly denim-y!

Grow Stronger: Another lovely treatment, this one dried very glossy.

Fishnet Stockings: A dark cream red (but not super dark).

Shall We Chalet?: A brighter, classic red. Looks a bit darker on the nails.

Toggle to the Top: Magical sparkles that look like crushed rubies and garnets.

Those are all of my Essie babes! I did chuck quite a few because they were getting really old, what are your favourites so that I can replace them? Hehe

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