As you've probably seen on my blog, I've got myself a few 'not so ordinary' brushes, like the tear drop and oval ones. As per, when I was in Primark, I had a wonder to the makeup section, just to have a little browse and see if there was anything new. Of course, I stumbled across this brush and instantly wanted to try it out and have another one feature on the blog. Upon first glance, I have no idea what you'd call this shape, maybe the curvy brush? I guess that's most fitting but I was a little sceptical that this is going to work with foundation, mainly because of it's shape but, I was willing to test it out and see what magic it can actually do.

So, it comes in a pretty standard box, similar packaging to the oval brushes I reviewed a few months ago. On the back, it just lists the product name in different languages, the warning message (to keep out of reach of children) in different languages also and a list of their addresses. Pretty standard stuff. You've got a nice clear view of the brush in the packaging so you shouldn't have any surprises when you open it up and it's not what you thought or it's broken.


Moving onto the brush itself. Once you get it out of the packaging, and have a feel of the brush, the handle is plastic but seeing as it was £4 from Primark, I kind of expected it, not considering it a bad thing at all. The bristles are synthetic, meaning that they do feel, again, like plastic and almost greasy feeling but again, it's not a bad thing, it's just the cheaper brush bristles that some companies will use. I will say however, the bristles look good though, nice gradient on them and when I pull my fingers through them, they didn't have any sort of resistance, which is good. Now, for the big test, how it applies my makeup.

So, below is a picture of my face before applying foundation. I only have primer on at this point, not even concealer and just filled in my brows. Also, none of the images have been edited.



I wanted to show results from when I put my foundation on and then when I added my concealer so I took some photos to see the results.


So, how did it perform? I noticed that with my foundation, it left it quite streaky from the bristles. I also found that I had to add another pump of foundation onto my hand to finish it off, when normally 1/2 pumps is enough. But once I started to buff it out a bit more, it looked better. So really, it just required a bit more effort than my usual brushes. For concealer, I put it under my eyes and to cover some blemishes. It doesn't look like there is much difference between having foundation only against foundation and concealer. It helped cover up some of the blemishes on my forehead and covered up the one just above my nose, but not completely covered it. I will say, because of the shape of the brush, it made applying everything work quite well.

After doing that test, it's not a bad brush. It didn't break or bristles came off when applying my makeup. It's just,you have to put a bit more force into it to make it look okay on your skin, so you are kind of expecting that sort of result for £4. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to go and bin it because of it. It does have a unique shape, which may work well with other things like blush and contour, which I may try as another test. Would you want to see that?

Do you own this brush? What has been your experience with it? Let me know!
Look after yourself,


This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own and honest!

I went into Primark recently to have a look around, especially now that their summer stuff is out but something that caught my eye was the Pure Glow Highlighting Palette. I have a small amount of highlighters and because I wanted to grow my collection, I thought this would be a perfect one, on the basis that it's good. And it includes 4 different shades so, why not?


Let's start off with the packaging. It's covered with a marble print and rose gold letter detailing. That's already a winner. It has a magnet within the packaging on the lid so that it can close nice and tight. When you lift up the lid, there are the highlighters in all their glory with more rose gold packaging. It's just so dreamy to look at.


Moving onto the highlighters themselves. In the palette, starting with the top row, there is a light, pearly white shade called Desert and a shimmery, golden sandy colour called Glimmer. On the bottom row, there is this beautiful peachy matte shade called Eden and lastly, there is Firefly, a shimmery light brown/gold colour. Looking at them, Glimmer and Firefly are very similar to look at but you can see that there is a slight difference in the shades when you see them in a good light. Overall, they are some really nice colours. So far, so good!


Now for the exciting part, and the bit you are probably looking forward to the most, the swatches! Not going to lie, but I was so impressed with the pigmentation of these. Just, look at that shine! Although these are a powder formula, they are surprisingly soft to touch and don't crumble or anything. They glide onto the finger and skin so smoothly and you don't even have to press hard to get product. The lightest touch gives you plenty of highlighter.


Obviously, once you've blended them out, they aren't going to be that striking and bright but even when they have been blended, they are still pretty pigmented, especially Glimmer and Firefly.

Overall, this palette is simply amazing for £5 (yes, you read that right). The range of colours are so pigmented, the packaging is gorgeous and it's a bargain highlighter palette. I personally don't think I'd be able to use Glimmer or Firefly much as a highlighter but I'm sure I'd be able to find other uses for it (maybe eyeshadow?). I'm really happy that Primark have got a whole beauty range because you can find some great things so don't skip it if you go to a store. Well done Primark.

Do you own this palette? Do you own any other highlights from Primark?

Look after yourself,


This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own and honest!

Two years ago (where has that time gone) I wrote about 'What's in my Makeup Bag', showing you what I was using. Well, many moons have passed and I must say that there have been some significant changes and thought it would be fun to see how much it has changed in the past two years. Although some items won't technically fit in my Makeup Bag, they do travel with me as part of it. So here goes, the 2017 edition of what's in my Makeup Bag.

As you can see the Makeup Bag itself has not changed because I just love it so much. As mentioned before, I got this from Primark. I purchased it long before I did the original post so it's very unlikely that you'll be able to find this, although I'm sure you can find similar elsewhere.


Before I apply my makeup, I use the Babyskin Instant Pore Eraser, to prime my face. However, for Christmas, I got a MAC Prep + Prime, which I've started using occasionally so I keep both on me. I have upped my game a little bit in terms of the foundation that I now use. If you've not read the post before, I used to use the Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation but after I walked into a Space.NK stored, they used NARS on me. That's it, I switched over. I roughly started to use the NARS foundation 6 months after that post and I still have the same one. I use my Real Techniques Foundation brush to apply this and it gives me really good coverage. I only started using the Collection concealer because of the amounts of people who were raving about it, so that was another switch. Similar to foundation, I use the Real Techniques Concealer brush or occasionally, I'll use the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. Something that hasn't changed, I still have kept with my Rimmel Powder. I know the packaging doesn't look appealing and I've hit the pan but it is how it is. Still going strong though. I normally use the Real Techniques Powder Brush. I absolutely love my Real Technique brushes. Don't know what I would do without them.


I love Makeup Revolution's palettes, whether it's eyeshadow, contour or blush but they are becoming quite popular in my collection. Not that I use them everytime, I love these two. First, it's the blush palette called Sugar and Spice. I only bought this late last year but I'm so glad I did. There are lovely variations of blush colours and you can easily use the shimmy ones as a highlighter. Such amazing pigmentation and can blend fairly easily. Love it. I also use the the Ultra Cream Contour Palette. Again, only purchased very recently, you can see that it's had some usage (sorry for not cleaning that for the pictures). I'm still fairly new to contouring but the cream formula is really easy to use. Once again, I use brushes from Real Techniques, using the Blush Brush for blush and the Sculpting Brush for contour.


Moving onto eyes, I actually use quite minimal stuff. As you can see, I don't have any eyeshadow pictured. I don't normally opt for eyeshadow if I'm putting together a quick makeup look and normally use them for events/special outings. Don't get me wrong, I love eyeshadow and all the looks you can create, I just don't normally go for it for everyday looks. Anyway, let's focus on what I do use. At the top, where all of the detailing has smudged off is the Soap & Glory Archery Brow Pencil, which I've had for quite a while now. I got quite a light colour as I didn't want to have really dark brows against my pale skin but I really love using this. For mascara, I love and use the widely-popular Maybelline Lash Sensational. It's so incredible, making my lashes so long and curly. In terms of eyeliner, I primarily use the Avon Glimmerstick Diamonds. I've used Avon's eyeliner for quite a few years now and I never get bored of them. Not that I use it everytime, I also have the Barry M Liquid Eyeliner. This is so good to get a fierce wing, just need a bit more practice.


For lips, my absolute favourite is Mehr from MAC. This is quite a subtle colour that it doesn't overpower a pretty basic look but you can tell that you're wearing it. Previously, I used the Rimmel London Kate Moss lipsticks, which I still own. I'm just really into this shade so much. Like eyeshadow, I do normally change up the lipstick if there is a special event/occasion, but this is the standard one on most basic occasions.


To finish this all up, I use the NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray, so that everything stays into place. I didn't have this in the last post. It's something that I only got last year and it's definitely something that I'd recommend people to buy if they don't own some sort of setting spray. It really does help keep your makeup intact and doesn't make my face feel too wet from it. So glad I invested into this.

There you go. That is the 2017 update of What's in my Makeup Bag. It has amazed me how things have changed, not just in terms of the contents of my bag but how my writing and photography has changed since the original post. But that's what Blogging is about, developing and becoming a better creator.

Do you use any of these products? Is there anything you'd recommend?

Look after yourself,


This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own and honest!

I've seen many people rave about the Artis oval brushes for a while, but I couldn't justify spending £60 + on one of their brushes. I longed for a drugstore brand to bring something out but when Primark had upped their game and added an oval brush to their collection, I was so pleased. I would often go to my local Primark store and they never had it in stock, whether it be because they didn't actually sell it or it was just sold out all the time, and I never saw it. I started to give up looking but only visited Primark once a month. Then I saw that Makeup Revolution had released a range of oval brushes, I jumped straight to the Superdrug website. I saw that they were all out of stock but managed to swoop some a few days later. I opted to go and collect from the nearest store, the next day. I literally couldn't wait to get home to open them up. I purchased the Precision Contour set and unknowingly, bought two of the Oval Face brush (there was already one in the set).

Price:
This brush is slightly more expensive, retailing at £9.99 from Superdrug. They also sell a set of three brushes (this and two smaller brushes) which retails at £19.99, so can be worth buying the set if you are looking to use different brushes for different things (foundation, blush, contour etc.)


Durability:
Just like I did with the Primark brush, I had to feel what the brush was like to hold. Differing from the Primark brush, the bristles (even though there are more due to its size) felt like they had more room to move, where you could lightly pull your finger through them with ease. Unlike the Primark one, it appeared that the bristles on the outside were more angled. When I applied pressure to it, there was a bit of give, and it began to bend slightly just under the head of the brush. Due to this brush only bending slightly when under pressure, application of foundation/powder sound be rather easy going on the brush itself.

Effectiveness:
Once again, I applied my regular foundation to test the the effectiveness of the brush.

I would say that this brush has done slightly better in terms of the coverage. Although you can still see some blemishes, they aren't as visible. I didn't have to keep topping the brush up with foundation, putting it on my brush initially was enough for full coverage! As expected, the brush felt very soft on my face and it applied foundation really nicely.

Summary:
If you want to spend a bit more money on brushes, then I would recommend these. It does work out at better value for you to get the set of the brushes, as you will get more for your money. Although they seem to have been built a little better, I would still recommend that you just place some support on the neck of the brush, as I would be gutted if it broke.

Overall score:
9/10

So out of the two brushes, I personally prefer the Makeup Revolution one. It did feel nicer, it applied my foundation better and seems to be a little stronger. As stated before, the Primark one is a good alternative and I'm sure it does work for other people. I will still keep it in my collection and I'm quite positive that I will be able to find another use for it, but should anything happen to the Makeup Revolution brush, then Primark will do the job just fine.

Do you own any of these brushes? What do you think?

Look after yourself,


This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own and honest!

I gotta say, I'm a Primark fan. I know many people dislike it for many different reasons, but I love it! I haven't had a big Primark spend for a while and during March, I found myself going there on tw0 different occasions. I'd buy pieces on my first trip but then would think about something I didn't buy, so then I'd go back to purchase it but pick up additional items and do the same thing again. Any excuse for me to go back is what it seems like. In light of this, I thought I'd share with you on what I purchased from Primark during the month of March.

The first thing I picked up was this simple red top, with a scallop hem and flower detailing. I feel that I could easily wear this in both smart and casual attire so thought, why not, it's pretty. I got this for £5.


After I picked up the top, I turned my head to the left and I was caught by this really pretty kimono waistcoat. I don't have anything like this and with Summer coming up, I thought this would be a nice addition to any outfit. It's white with some tassels at the bottom, which can cause issues if I wear this near my cats. This was £12, which I thought was reasonable.
The next thing I placed in the bag was this cute pastel lilac jumper. I don't own anything in this colour and seeing as Spring is here, I thought it would add a pop of colour to my wardrobe. Jumpers being jumpers, it can easily fray, so stay away from anything pointy. This was priced at £8, which isn't too bad in my opinion.

Next up is this really cute heart necklace. The thing I like about this is, is that it's not a pendant, so you don't go losing it around your neck. It's in a fixed place, where it should be. I picked it up because it had a heart on it and it was only £1.50, which is a bargain.
Another necklace here. This is a double curved necklace. I don't really know how to describe it but you can see in the picture what it looks like. I don't have any like this. I normally go for small necklaces so this is different for me but thought it looked nice. I bagged this one for £2.50.

Right behind me were a wall of sunglasses to which I picked up this black pair. I don't have any in this type. I normally have the Wayfarer style ones but wanted something different to wear this summer and thankfully, they don't fit horribly on my face. These were priced at £2, which I couldn't turn down.



When I ended my first trip, I couldn't stop thinking about these biscuit pyjama bottoms. When I initially saw them, I wasn't 100% sure about getting them but after a day or two, I had to go back and get them. I mean, come on. They are biscuit printed pyjama bottoms. Why wouldn't you want them? They are comfy and lightweight so I don't find myself getting hot or anything in them, now that the weather is getting slightly nicer. I got these bad boys for £5. Best £5 ever spent.

In the store I shop in, the nightwear is close to the homeware, so I wanted to have a little snoop around, see if there was anything I could buy.

Yep, I did it. I bought the Flamingo bedding. What I like about Primark's bedding is they have fun designs and have it on both sides. Incase I felt that the pink was a bit too much, I can turn it over for the opposing colours (and vice versa). For £9, I couldn't say no to a Flamingo (see what I did there?)... Moving on.
Because I bought the bedding, my brain decided that it would make sense I get the flamingo cushion to go with it. Although it's a different shade of pink, it still goes nicely with the bedding. I would imagine this is used more as a decorative piece but I slept on it once, and it's actually rather comfortable. Glad I got this and it's only £4, which is super-duper.


As I was heading back to the women's section, I stumbled across these cute lace trimmed socks. I originally thought they were dots, but they are actually bits of cotton on the socks so they did feel a bit weird when I first started walking around in them but they've all been squished on the bottom now, so it's all good. These were only £1.50 so, in they went.

Next item is this grey roll neck poncho. I'm liking ponchos at the moment, as I got one for my birthday, so I thought I'd add another. The only downside to this is that it has separate armholes, so I can't put them under the material, like you would with a blanket. But apart from that, it's snuggly, soft and was only £5. I believe this was in the sale and can't remember original price, sorry.


When I went to the jewellery section, I grabbed this pack of 6 bracelets. They all have some sort of pendant on them (heart shaped mainly, which made me want to get them), but the top 4 have the letters L O V E on them, respectively, which was cute. Although they are priced at £2 as per the sticker, I noticed on the receipt they are down as £1. Not sure if that's a pricing error or it's genuine, but they are cute.

Something else that caught my eye was this pretty greeny-turquoisy blouse, with a white flower pattern. Like the red one, I could easily wear this as part of a smart of casual outfit and it's not a colour I posses much of and at £4 again, I didn't turn this down.


Before I headed to the checkout, I wanted to see if they had these specific jogging bottoms, as I don't really have any that I can just wear around the house. Luckily, they did have what I was looking for and didn't hesitate and grabbing some. Like the pyjama bottoms, they are lightweight material and super comfy to wear. These were only £4.90, although I'm sure they were priced differently on the label.

And there you have it. Those were purchases from Primark during March. I hope you enjoyed reading this post.

If you bought anything from Primark, what were your favourite pieces? Did we buy any of the same things? Post your answers in the comments below.

Look after yourself,


This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own and honest!