Beauty Products Not Hyped About Enough

Nyx Love in Paris 'Merci Beaucoup' Eyeshadow Palette

The 'Merci Beaucoup' palette from Nyx is one of my all time favourite eyeshadow products from the "drugstore". The main reason why I love this palette is the colour range. You can create a great basic look or by pulling in some of the beautiful pinks, you can also have a pop of colour. The one drawback of this palette is that it doesn't last all day. If you want these shadows to last longer than 4-5  hours you will need to use a primer. With a primer they last for ages.

Maybelline Master Hi-Light Blush in 'Pink Rose'

The Master Hi-Light blush from Maybelline in 'Pink Rose' is a gorgeous pink blush that will suit many people. The blush itself is quite illuminating however there are no visible chunky glitters which makes this blush foolproof. You can build up the pigmentation of the blush easily and the added glow it gives is gorgeous and natural.

Revlon Powder Blush on 'Melon-Drama' 

'Melon-drama'  from Revlon is a pinky peach powder blush. 'Melon-drama' gives my face a really good dose of healthy colour without looking over the top. The blush is very buildable pigmentation wise and lasts quite well.

Multi-task Real Techniques Brush

Every man and his dog raves about the Real Techniques brushes and there are genuine reasons why: they are great quality, last for years, don't shed and do a lovely job at getting the make-up where you want it! The Multi-task brush is my favourite make-up brush because it applies blush really well and can also be used for powder. I have had this brush for a minimum of 2 years and it still looks brand new, no shedding at all. The only negative thing I have to say about the multi-task brush is that it comes in a kit. I wish I had more than one of these brushes but I don't necessarily want to buy the whole kit everytime I want one of these. It comes in the Travel Essentials kit with a foundation brush and a domed shadow brush. Both of those brushes are great and the domed shadow brush is my favourite eye brush so if you want a couple of great basic brushes buy the kit.

Maybelline Colorshow Crayon Kohl Eyeliner in 'Black'

I'm not an eye-liner expert and I don't wear it every day so keep that in mind whilst I tell you why I love this eyeliner from Maybelline. As I said, I have zero eyeliner skills but because this eyeliner is quite dry and similar to your typical pencil I can get a decent line that is quite thin. Once applied it doesn't smudge or transfer and it lasts well. If you are wanting to do something more than a basic line, you might not love this one but if you are an eyeliner beginner, I highly recommend this. Talking about recommendations...leave a comment below if you want to tell me about an eyeliner you think I might love!

Makeup Brush Collection

Today on the blog we are taking a peek at my makeup brush collection. I'll also be sure to point out my favourite brushes and what I typically use to do what. I am by no means knowledgeable about brushes so this post is going to be all about what I personally like and what I finds works best for me.

I have to confess that I don't use makeup brushes a lot. I typically use one brush a day - to apply blush. I prefer to apply foundation with my fingers and I usually apply my eyeshadow with the little applicators that come with eyeshadow palettes, or the applicators you buy from Essence (I'll talk more about these later). 

Multi Task Brush - Real Techniques 

This is by far my most used and favourite brush of all time. I typically use it to apply my blush. I also use it occasionally to powder my T Zone. Not that I use powder very often.

Essential Foundation Brush - Real Techniques

This is a brush I often turn to when I am experimenting with my make-up or playing around with a new product. I feel like it is a little bit small for applying foundation with? 

Foundation Brush - Real Techniques 

This is another brush I rarely use. Like the essential foundation brush it is really only when I am experimenting that this gets pulled out. I'm not saying these are bad brushes, I'm just lazy and prefer to use my fingers when applying foundation.

Duo-fibre Contour Brush - Real Techniques

Another brush I use for blush. As I mentioned before blush is my main reason for reaching for a brush.

Duo-fibre Face Brush - Real Techniques

This is the largest brush in my collection. I reach for this when I want to wear a pigmented blush and want to make sure I don't apply too much! I also use it for bronzer. A very nice brush indeed :)

Domed Shadow Brush - Real Techniques

This is a really nice, and always reliable, brush! When I've had a bit of a disaster and need to blend an eye shadow out, I reach for this brush. Or when I am experimenting with new eyeshadows. 

Duo-fibre Eye Brush - Real Techniques 

I don't use this brush very much to be honest. So I can't say if it is a good or bad brush...

Real Techniques - Pros

I love my brushes from Real Techniques:

• The brush name is on the handle of the brush - genius idea!
• Synthetic and 100% cruelty free.
• They are not too expensive. 
• They are very soft. 
• There is a brush for everything. 
• I don't look after my brushes particularly well but they last and wear really well. 
• The brushes are self-standing.
• Their sets come with really nice cases. 

Real Techniques - Cons

My main gripe?

• You cannot buy all of their brushes individually. A lot of their brushes can only be brought within sets, which obviously cost more. This is the reason why I have so many brushes that I don't use much, if at all, because there is one or two brushes in a set that I have wanted which means I have had to buy the entire set. 

Powder Brush - Essence

Powder and I don't get along very well however when I wear powder I do reach for this brush. Essence's brushes are good and don't cost much! Definitely a great option if you are a beginner. I also like taking my Essence brushes on holidays because if they get destroyed I can replace them easily.

Blush Brush - Essence

This was my first ever brush. As you can guess from the name...I used it to apply blush :) It is a really nice brush blush, with a nice shape and size.

Eyeshadow Applicators - Essence

I love these applicators for packing eyeshadows onto my lid. A packet of costs $2.65 and the packet is sectioned keeping each applicator separate from the the others and clean. I especially like the short handles as I find it easier to hold a short handle. I feel really clumsy with the longer handled applicators you occasionally get for free with drugstore palettes.

Phew! That was a long post...would love to know what your favourite brushes are and what you use them for :)