Review | Real Techniques Stippling Brush

The Real Techniques make up brushes have been orbiting the blogging world for a while now, and ever since the lovely Samantha Chapman from Pixiwoo released them, I've wanted to get my hands on them. Before my spending ban, I popped into Boots and took advantage of their 3 for 2 offer. I bought just the one brush, but now I know I will head back for more once my spending ban is up.

I decided to purchase the Stippling brush after seeing it featured on many blogs and Youtube videos. The brush is a perfect all rounder, and can be used with liquid foundations, powder foundations, cream blushers, highlighters and setting powders.

So far I've just used it for liquid foundation and a setting powder. I found that my foundation went much further so I used less foundation and got the same coverage. It blended in so well, and looked flawless and natural, but still allowing me to have good coverage. I love it so much, it has taken over my old holy grail foundation brush from Sigma. I prefer to use a larger brush for powder, but it still provided good coverage.

 

Not only does the brush do an amazing job, it is also made of synthetic hairs and therefore 100% cruelty free. I'm actively trying to make sure that the products I purchase from now on are cruelty free (although it's quite a struggle as you never know what is and what isn't!)

I couldn't recommend the collection more, I'll definitely be getting more than one next time! The Real Techniques brushes are available in Boots.

This Week #4

Blogging // Me // Best flavour crisps // My comfy Jack Wills trackies // Organised beauty shelf // Isle of Wight

 

 

- I almost forgot to blog this as it just doesn't feel like a Sunday to me. I think it's because I worked Thursday to Sunday this week. I went to the Isle of Wight for three of those days and although it was a very long journey, I actually really like it there. I'm definitely going to go back, but for a visit rather than to work!

 

- I did a lot of spring cleaning and organising this week (you can see the before of my beauty table on Instagram - my name is ditzyglamour) and it feels good to have things tidy. I've also been ebaying again too.

 

- I'm so excited for Off Their Rockers tonight. It's one of a few shows that can make me laugh at loud lately. Anyone else loving it?

 

x

Jess's Guide To: The Perfect Foundation

I'm planning to start a little series on making the most out of your make up and getting it just right for you. I'm not an expert, and most of my advice will come from things I've been taught, things I've read, and things I've found out through practice. I hope you'll find at least one thing useful. Today I'm writing about finding the perfect foundation, but I hope to do the rest soon (let me know in the comments which make up 'area' you struggle with the most)

Choosing the right formula

Decide what type of base you want depending on what coverage you want and what skin type you have. It does differ for each person, but here's a rough guide to each skin type.

Oily/combination skin

An oil free foundation will absorb excess oil and give you light/medium coverage. Alternatively, you could use a powder compact or mineral powders. If you want full coverage, I'd suggest using a liquid/cream foundation and a powder on top. Mineral foundation won't block your pores, but no matter which foundation you use, always be sure to remove all of it after as you don't want it to stay on your skin.

Normal skin

If you want light coverage, then a tinted moisturiser or BB cream would be ideal (especially if you're skin is clear). If you want a bit more coverage, then a liquid foundation is ideal.

Dry skin

Again you could use a tinted moisturiser or a liquid foundation. You could also use a tinted face balm if you have very dry skin. If you have dry skin, use a moisturising foundation.

// There is no reason why you can use a different foundation to what is generally recommended for you. I have oily/combination skin but I use liquid foundations. However, I set them with a powder as I find this works best for me. Play around with make up, get makeovers done, so you can find what's best for you and your skin. //

Choosing the right colour

For me, there is nothing worse than having the wrong colour. However, it's so easy to make the mistake. There's plenty of things you can do to make sure you get the right colour.

- Test the foundation on your jawline, never your hand. The foundation should disappear into your skin when blended. If you can see it, it's not right.

- Try two or three shades next to each other. You might find two shades are very similar but one is more pink-toned and one more yellow.

- Test in natural light. Go to a window or outside for a better look. A second opinion is also useful!

Application

It's up to you which tools you use. A brush is best for fuller coverage. I don't think sponges are that great, as most of the foundation disappears into the sponge. You can also use your fingers as the heat from your fingers helps it blend in.

- Always moisturise first. Even if you have oily skin (use an oil free moisturiser). A primer will also help foundation to set and last longer, but it's not a necessity.

- Apply foundation to problem areas first. I find that using a small amount at a time and building up slowly is much better than just slapping it on.

- Blend, blend, blend. Take the foundation right to your hairline, on your ears, and blend into your neck so there's no line.

Help!

- Too shiny? Use a powder on top.

- Too yellow? Use a lighter foundation

- Doesn't match your neck? Use a bronzer on your neck (not too much!) It looks more natural to make your neck darker than it is to make your face lighter.

- Feel free to leave any problems/questions below and I'll do my best to answer.

// Quick tip: If a foundation has SPF in it, do not wear it if you are having photos taken with flash. You will come up very white! (Talking from experience!) //

This Week #3

// My diary // A quick OOTD // Sunshine // Hot chocolate // New shoes // Aiden hard at work // Ice cream with sprinkles // Cup of tea and the marathon // Heading to work in the sunshine //

 

- What lovely weather we've had this week. It feels like summer is definitely on it's way but I'm not sure how long it will last. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of the sunshine. I need to be more inventive with my photos though as I keep forgetting to take them!

 

- I went to Bournemouth this week for a training course but sadly didn't take any pictures. It is such a lovely area though and I'm definitely going to go back in the summer and visit the beach! Next week I'm off to the Isle of Wight so I promise I'll get some photos!

 

- My thoughts are with everyone who was injured in the Boston marathon. It was so sad to see the whole story unfold on the news. <3

 

x

 

 

30 Ways To Save £1

As you may or may not know, today marks the 30th anniversary of the £1 coin, and Moneysupermarket.com have asked me to share 30 ways that I would save £1 (or maybe even more). Now most of you may have read my other money saving blog (which I sadly deleted as I wanted to focus on this one) but money saving is still a big part of my life, as I'm currently saving up for a house!

I've decided to make it more appealing to my blog readers and by including tips that I think you will all like and use - so I'm going to split it into sections - shopping, beauty and fashion! (plus a few others you may not know)

Shopping

1. Sign up to cashback sites such as Quidco and Topcashback. You'll get money back when you shop online (and sometimes in store). Most shops are on there so it's worth checking!

2. Always write a list, so you know exactly what you're getting and don't buy more of what you don't need.

3. Bulk buy when items are discounted, especially items like deoderant and cotton wool which you'll always need.

4. Take cash when you shop and leave your card at home. That gives you a limit and you can't go over.

Beauty

5. Cut bottles and tubes open. When you think you've finished it, you probably haven't!

6. Make your own hand scrub using sugar and oil.

7. Put mascara in a cup of warm water to loosen it and get more out of it.

8. Store nail polish in the fridge so it lasts longer.

9. Make your own facemasks instead of buying from the shop. (There are lots of recipes online!)

Fashion

10. If your trousers are too short, cut them into shorts.

11. Wear shoes on opposite days so it gives them time to repair and they'll last much longer.

12. Search for clothes in charity shops - you'll get good finds!

Other

13. Switch saving accounts after introductory offers are up.

14. Turn your heating down by just one degree (you'll save £100s per year)

15. Make your own gifts for friends and family (Pinterest will help you!)

16. Make your own lunch/coffee each day instead of purchasing (even just trying this for one week will help you see how much you can save from doing this)

17. Leave your car at home and walk for just one journey a week can save you money!

18. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.

19. Visit all toothpaste websites and get free samples of toothpaste (They all do them!)

20. Check all insurance quotes to make sure you're getting the best one.

21. Set a budget, and reduce it every 3 months/6 months (even by just £1!)

22. Set up a direct debit to your savings account on payday (even just £1)

23. Don't throw away odd socks - use them as dusters.

24. Keep bananas seperate from other fruits as this stops them going off so quick.

25. Cook extra when making dinner and freeze it for those lazy days (stops you buying a takeaway)

26. Turn lights off if you aren't in the room.

27. Make your own! Anything from cakes, biscuits, bread etc.

28. Grow your own vegetables and herbs.

29. Instead of buying gifts, offer to provide a service instead (e.g. free babysitter for the night)

30. Have a clear out and sell on ebay or at car boot sales!

What tips do you have that I haven't mentioned? Let me know in the comments. Or even feel free to do this blog post yourself - the details are here.

*sponsored post

Wishlist | John Lewis (Home)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

 

John Lewis is a shop I have really fallen in love with recently. Their decor is beautiful and everytime I go into their store I find myself in their home section dreaming away my money. Luckily for us, we have £100 of vouchers which we won't spend until we actually move in somewhere, but I have a list worth much more than that of what I'd love to get. I really want to make our house a home. I'm pretty sure it won't be the biggest house, but we will make it ours and I think John Lewis will really help create that.

 

What other shops have nice home things in? Next, Ikea and Debenhams are all on my list. I'll probably do wishlists for those shops too.

 



Review | Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover

Having just started growing my nails and being able to paint them, I was excited to try the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover. It drives me mad removing nail polish normally and I always tend to get bits of cotton wool stuck everywhere. Just me?

The Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover requires no cotton wool - you simply just dip your finger into the sponge, twist, and remove. To be honest, I didn't think it would be that good as surely it wouldn't be that easy to remove nail polish?

I was wrong. This product is a life saver. It was very easy to use, and most of the nail polish came off with just one twist. The photo belows shows this, but the rest came off after a second twist. There was no scrubbing needed, and it didn't leave any wet residue on my fingers either.

// please excuse my horrible nails - I'm still trying to grow them! //

 

The polish remover has a red fruit and vanilla fragrance, which you can't smell in the pot, however you can smell it on your fingers after - which was quite nice.

This is perfect for travelling with as I always have a fear of nail polish remover going everywhere, and I would definitely recommend it. My only worry is how long will it last, so if you've had it for a while do let me know!

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover costs £4.99 and is available at Boots and Superdrug.