For the past two or three years there's only been one tool for me when it comes to foundation application, and I'm willing to bet my stash of lipsticks that the Real Techniques Buffing Brush has become the go to for base in most peoples make up routines as well. That being said, after watching Anna (my biggest enabler!) apply her foundation perfectly in a few quick sweeps with the Louise Young LY34 Super Foundation Brush, it got me got me thinking about trying something new for a change.

While the Real Techniques Buffer is a flat topped kabuki style, the Super Foundation Brush is almost like a rounded version of an original standard flat foundation brush. It's a whole lot bigger too making for probably the quickest application I've ever managed and while it may not be the best for actual buffing, the slightly tapered end gets in all the nooks and crannies while covering larger areas like the cheeks and forehead in a few quick sweeps.

The jury's still out on this one, but I've found myself reaching for the Louise Young brush everyday since it's purchase two weeks ago which may just be the longest time I've ever gone without the use of my trusty Real Techniques Buffer. For now it sits sadly gathering dust in my brush holder, but we'll see how long this one can stay on the top spot!

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• May 28, 2014

A New Foundation Brush

For the past two or three years there's only been one tool for me when it comes to foundation application, and I'm willing to bet my stash of lipsticks that the Real Techniques Buffing Brush has become the go to for base in most peoples make up routines as well. That being said, after watching Anna (my biggest enabler!) apply her foundation perfectly in a few quick sweeps with the Louise Young LY34 Super Foundation Brush, it got me got me thinking about trying something new for a change.

While the Real Techniques Buffer is a flat topped kabuki style, the Super Foundation Brush is almost like a rounded version of an original standard flat foundation brush. It's a whole lot bigger too making for probably the quickest application I've ever managed and while it may not be the best for actual buffing, the slightly tapered end gets in all the nooks and crannies while covering larger areas like the cheeks and forehead in a few quick sweeps.

The jury's still out on this one, but I've found myself reaching for the Louise Young brush everyday since it's purchase two weeks ago which may just be the longest time I've ever gone without the use of my trusty Real Techniques Buffer. For now it sits sadly gathering dust in my brush holder, but we'll see how long this one can stay on the top spot!

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Last weekend Darren and I packed up our overnight bags (or entire suitcase for me) and headed down to Bournemouth to celebrate our anniversary. We stayed in a hotel right on the sea front and were lucky enough to be there for probably the hottest day of the year, or it at least felt that way in my jeans and black top - I will never learn to dress weather appropriately. We took a walk along the pier, hit up the 2p machines in the Arcade and I was even treated to something special from, yup you've guessed it - Space NK. I decided to bring the camera along too and managed to vlog a few snippets of the weekend - flashbacks of Vlogmas anyone!?

• May 25, 2014

This Week: A Trip to Bournemouth

Last weekend Darren and I packed up our overnight bags (or entire suitcase for me) and headed down to Bournemouth to celebrate our anniversary. We stayed in a hotel right on the sea front and were lucky enough to be there for probably the hottest day of the year, or it at least felt that way in my jeans and black top - I will never learn to dress weather appropriately. We took a walk along the pier, hit up the 2p machines in the Arcade and I was even treated to something special from, yup you've guessed it - Space NK. I decided to bring the camera along too and managed to vlog a few snippets of the weekend - flashbacks of Vlogmas anyone!?

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Those that tuned in to Sunday's Space NK Haul will already be well aware that I had a bit of a spontaneous splurge on a few products which, although undeniably beautiful, made me wince slightly when it came to handing over my bank card at the till. One of my favourites from the bunch was the By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Blonde Opal, the most beautiful eye product I've come across in a long time. Luxurious gold packaging teamed with a creamy, blendable shadow stick that wont budge once applied and can be used for a multitude of purposes - think a wash of colour, a brow bone highlight, in the tear duct .. I could go on and on.

• May 23, 2014

By Terry Ombre Blackstar: A Highstreet Dupe

Those that tuned in to Sunday's Space NK Haul will already be well aware that I had a bit of a spontaneous splurge on a few products which, although undeniably beautiful, made me wince slightly when it came to handing over my bank card at the till. One of my favourites from the bunch was the By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Blonde Opal, the most beautiful eye product I've come across in a long time. Luxurious gold packaging teamed with a creamy, blendable shadow stick that wont budge once applied and can be used for a multitude of purposes - think a wash of colour, a brow bone highlight, in the tear duct .. I could go on and on.

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The announcement of any new Chanel launch is something to get excited about, but when it comes to a foundation release then things get a whole lot more noteworthy. Some people have a thing for lipsticks, some love blushers but for me it's foundation that I can't get enough of.

• May 21, 2014

Chanel vs. Chanel

The announcement of any new Chanel launch is something to get excited about, but when it comes to a foundation release then things get a whole lot more noteworthy. Some people have a thing for lipsticks, some love blushers but for me it's foundation that I can't get enough of.

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I definitely must have been feeling a little spendy on my latest jaunt into Space NK and I think use of the word 'splurge' is quite justifiable here. There's just something about that place, from the brands they stock to that sweet little black bag you make your way out the door with, I can't help but want to buy everything in sight - shall we rename this post 'An Ode to Space NK'?. Here's a round up of my latest purchases..

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• May 19, 2014

A Splurge at Space NK

I definitely must have been feeling a little spendy on my latest jaunt into Space NK and I think use of the word 'splurge' is quite justifiable here. There's just something about that place, from the brands they stock to that sweet little black bag you make your way out the door with, I can't help but want to buy everything in sight - shall we rename this post 'An Ode to Space NK'?. Here's a round up of my latest purchases..

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Spring/Summer collections are popping up everywhere at the moment and I really couldn't be happier. S/S make up is probably my favourite of all the seasons - from bronzed fresh skin to pinks and pastels, I love it all. Liz Earle have brought a simple but beautiful three piece collection to the table, consisting of two nail polishes and a bronzer. I feel as if these nail colours were quite possibly made for me as they're both shades I've been desperate to find in polish form for a long time. Moonlight* is a soft cool grey that although may look plain in the bottle, gives a wonderfully chic finish and goes with just about anything, and Awakening* - which may just be the perfect peach, adds a fun pop of colour that sits just between a pastel and bright.

The stand out for me though is the Radiant Glow Bronzer* - a name which I think sums this product up completely. I love it when bronzers come with a selection of shades, letting me swirl my brush all over or into different sections depending on how much of a glow I'm after, and the colours which lean ever so slightly on the reddish side sit perfectly without becoming too orange or dark. I'm not usually into shimmer when it comes to my skin either (save for highlighter which I will always reach for) but the glitterless 'sheen' this gives is just beautiful and it's become my complexion warmer of choice recently.

* Gifted PR Samples

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• May 06, 2014

Liz Earle Spring/Summer Collection

Spring/Summer collections are popping up everywhere at the moment and I really couldn't be happier. S/S make up is probably my favourite of all the seasons - from bronzed fresh skin to pinks and pastels, I love it all. Liz Earle have brought a simple but beautiful three piece collection to the table, consisting of two nail polishes and a bronzer. I feel as if these nail colours were quite possibly made for me as they're both shades I've been desperate to find in polish form for a long time. Moonlight* is a soft cool grey that although may look plain in the bottle, gives a wonderfully chic finish and goes with just about anything, and Awakening* - which may just be the perfect peach, adds a fun pop of colour that sits just between a pastel and bright.

The stand out for me though is the Radiant Glow Bronzer* - a name which I think sums this product up completely. I love it when bronzers come with a selection of shades, letting me swirl my brush all over or into different sections depending on how much of a glow I'm after, and the colours which lean ever so slightly on the reddish side sit perfectly without becoming too orange or dark. I'm not usually into shimmer when it comes to my skin either (save for highlighter which I will always reach for) but the glitterless 'sheen' this gives is just beautiful and it's become my complexion warmer of choice recently.

* Gifted PR Samples

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Since this weekend has so far, fingers crossed, been sunny all the way through we decided to make the most of it yesterday with a trip around the country side. First port of call though, of course, was breakfast which we were ready for sometime around Midday - I've become a pro at lying in on a Saturday. We nipped into Lily's Tea and Coffee House in Wickham Square and if you're from the South I'd highly recommend a visit. From the decor to the plates they serve on everything is beautiful and the locally sourced food is so delicious I couldn't even whip my camera out in time before we'd eaten it all.

• May 04, 2014

This Week: Lily's & Leather Jackets

Since this weekend has so far, fingers crossed, been sunny all the way through we decided to make the most of it yesterday with a trip around the country side. First port of call though, of course, was breakfast which we were ready for sometime around Midday - I've become a pro at lying in on a Saturday. We nipped into Lily's Tea and Coffee House in Wickham Square and if you're from the South I'd highly recommend a visit. From the decor to the plates they serve on everything is beautiful and the locally sourced food is so delicious I couldn't even whip my camera out in time before we'd eaten it all.

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