Sunshine and foundation brushes

I find it almost hard to believe that it is just the beginning of April, especially when I'm sat outside in my garden, wearing practically next to nothing, and I have lovely warm sun rays beaming down onto me. This isn't normal English weather, not that I am complaining though, because I have had a really enjoyable week, even studying is 'fun' when you are sat out in the sun, and I'm more than convinced that the sun brings you happiness.

Anyway... for over a year, I have been applying my foundation with a flat No. 7 brush, and with my Clinique even better foundation, I found that this method worked perfectly fine, however more recently I decided to switch up my foundation a little, and I have now begun using the MAC pro longwear in shade NC20, the consistency I find in comparison to the Clinique is alot thicker and more matte. This is where my problem started, by simply applying the MAC foundation to my face with a flat brush, I found it just wasn't spreading evenly, and was very thick on my face. What did I do?

Well I went and bought a new amazing brush, and I'm not just saying it is amazing, I actually think it is, I love it, and it leaves my skin looking flawless.

This is the real techniques brush, created by Samantha Chapman, who actually has a really good youtube called pixiwoo which she creates make-up tutorials with her sister, they are really good, so go check them out. Any way, I bought this stippling brush, purely because I saw it in boots and it is alot cheaper than any of the MAC brushes (I like to save money). You can buy them online from real techniques, or a range of other stores which are listed on their website at www.realtechniques.com 

This brush has a perfect base, so you can actually stand it up, which is fantastic to ensure the bristles(the bristles are taklon, so they are super soft, and they are also 100% synthetic, meaning they are cruelty free) don't get squashed and for hygienic reasons as well.
The box it comes in quotes that "Creates airbrushed, high definition results with all types of make up" And that's exactly what it does, it makes blending your foundation into the skin, so easy and effortless, and you are able to build up your foundation, without getting that cakey feeling.
Until I tried this brush, I had no idea how much difference a type of brush could make when applying your foundation, but I can safely say that I wouldn't be able to live without my stippling brush now.

Real techniques, by Samantha Chapman

Does anyone else use this stippling brush? If so, how do you find it?

♥ Jess

A scent of cinnamon

I am a huge fan of candles, I think alot of people are really. The scent it leaves and watching the flame is so relaxing, or is that just me?
There is a particular brand which I have been accustomed to, and lets say, very obsessed with. That is, the Yankee Candle. My mum originally bought one for the house a few Christmases ago, and since then I have fallen in love with them, I am forever burning one in my bedroom, I think it gives a really warm and welcoming feel to any room.

I cannot get enough of this scent, seriously.

I'm going to be sad when this particular one burns out, because they aren't always very cheap. Where I live is a card store, but because it is a factory outlet all items are sold at least 50% cheaper than the high street stores, so I was very lucky to find they stock Yankee candles. I was a happy Jess.

♥  Jess

Minimalistic

As I am an A -level student in my second year, I am always fairly busy, I come home to study and don't have much time for myself. Not to mention the mornings, I'm a fairly early riser, but trying to get up for college is just a no go, my body clock tries to keep me in bed as long as possible... what does this mean?

It means that I am rushing around like a crazy girl in the mornings, I never learn, Mum always tells me I ought to prepare everything I need the night before, but I get sidetracked, obviously reading all your wonderful blogs. 

Due to my lack of early morning organisation my make up routine is very ermm lacking, there is no time for beautiful eyes, I just make myself look presentable. 

MAC Pro longwear foundation
Mac pro longwear concealer 

Cocoa butter Vasaline

Number 7 brow pencil in Brown

Rimmel lash accelerator Mascara
Rimmel soft kohl eye pencil in black

Natural collection blush (need to find something far better)

And that is my usual college day make up, something quick and easy, but more importantly something that I feel gives me enough coverage to feel comfortable with, as I get awful dark circles around my eyes, which I'm yet to find a product that really helps with this. 

Jess x

Inexpensive nail polish?

As many of you are already aware, nail varnish can be very pricey, especially those in the more interesting or beautiful colours. I have an awful habit of painting my nails every 2-3 days, although that isn't something I'd advise because it can really damage the enamel on your nails. (Make sure if you do apply colour to your nails, you use a base coat first - I use Sally Hansen as hard as nails)

I've been searching the high street for an inexpensive nail polish for a while, and I came across one from Collection 2000, which I happened to find in Morrisons, but I believe Collection 2000 is in Superdrug and boots as well.

32 BMX Bandit

 

Collection 2000 and I believe it was £1.75

I think this gives a nice blue tone to your nails, its just the right colour for me, not to over powering.

However, on the downside, because of the cheap quality of the product, I have noticed it doesn't really stay on for very long, and is easily chipped, which is a shame, because this colour is almost identical to some of the more expensive brands on the market, but I do feel you don't get much out of this product. Never the less I shall use it again. I don't like to waste anything :)