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Makeup Brush Comparison: So Eco vs Real Techniques

I was sent some brushes by MakeupBrushes.co.uk to review and compare to some of the other brushes out there to see how they stand up. They were kind enough to send me the So Eco Eye Brush Kit* (£12.50) and a Real Techniques Bold Metals Angled Liner brush* (£9.00).

The So Eco Angled Eye Liner Brush (£5.00) is designed to give a defined look. This brush came as part of the Eye Brush Kit and I wanted to compare this to some of the Real Techniques brushes. The brush is made with a tapered handle to make applying your eyeliner even easier. So Eco brushes are made with the environment in mind, as they are 100% eco-friendly which come from ethically sourced and sustainable materials.

I chose the Bold Metals brush because I own a few others and was intrigued to see how it would perform as a small detailed brush as most of my other ones by them are face brushes. I'm personally not a fan of the handle of the Real Techniques one. Although its weighted to try and make it easier to apply, I find the extra weight does the opposite and especially when applying eyeliner is so precise, it makes me want to put it down and use another one. I much prefer the So Eco's design: it's simple, light and easy to use as you don't need to complicate something when a lot of people struggle with eyeliner.

The good thing about the Bold Metals brush is how narrow the brush head is which makes it easy to create a defined look. It's very easy to handle which is what you'd want when doing a detailed part of your makeup. The So Eco one has a slightly larger brush head, so if you aren't used to doing eyeliner, it would make it much easier to get the winged look with just one brush stroke. This would be ideal for a beginner doing eyeliner, which is also reflected in the price, being only £5 it's quite affordable.

I've included my other Real Techniques angled liner brush in this photo (please excuse the dent, it didn't take too kindly to being thrown around by the baggage handlers at the airport). As you can see it's a mix of the other two brushes, so it's like the design of the So Eco brush but a bit smaller. It just shows that liner brushes come in a variety of different sizes. I use the bottom brush in the picture above for powdering my eyebrows as it's the perfect size for filling them in. For eyeliner, I tend to mix up which brushes I use depending on the look I'm going for. Either of the brushes I reviewed today would work really well with gel eyeliner.

This is the complete So Eco Eye Brush Kit and I wanted to talk about how useful it will be. The set comes with a concealer brush, eye shading brush, angled eye liner, lash & brow comb and a spoolie. As you can see, they all come in a nice little travel wrap with their own little slot so they will stay safe when going away with you. It means you could have all of the brushes you need in one place. post signature

Winter Locks | Hairtrade Extensions Review

Hey Lovelies,

I have many previous hair posts already but this is the first time I've talked about extensions. I had my hair cut on 2nd January 2014 (not since, whoops) and since July 2013 have been growing out my bleach blonde hair to make it healthier. You may now be wondering, how have you managed to get extensions to match your ombréd thick hair? Well, the key to this is blending them in with your natural hair. I have these lovely Hairtade L&K 18" Clip in hair extensions £62.99* through etail pr to demonstrate how to get longer and thicker hair in the winter!

Testing out whether they are blending okay!

My straightened hair with a few annoying layers.

A good way to blend in hair extensions is to do a fishtail plait, as plaiting your hair naturally shows how your hair gets thinner at the ends. You can't tell where my hair stops and the extensions start. I pulled out the hair to make it even thicker and more natural looking. To secure, tie with a clear elastic bobble. This is perfect for Christmas shopping as your hair isn't in your face, but looks classy and wintery too.

Curling your hair is another way to create more texture and definition to your hair, whilst blending in your extensions. Since my hair is fairly short, I decided to only curl the ends where the blonde starts. This look just gives you the idea that I have a lot of layers. I clipped in all the hair first, then curled it, and finally spraying with a bit of hairspray. You can always separate the curls too to make your hair look thicker.

Another good idea is clipping in extensions and putting them in a doughnut ring to make a huge bun! That would also be great for shopping to keep your hair out of your eyes whilst trying to find that perfect gift for the awkward family member in your life.

What's your opinion on extensions?

"Say Something Nice, Or Say Nothing At All"

Hey Guys, I'm sure plenty of you have seen the recent, very negative article that I won't link to, about Zoe Sugg tonight. I wanted to put forward my opinions, since I have been tweeting a fair bit about it too.

(Source)

My nan always used to say to me as a child "Say something nice, or say nothing at all" which I've lived by through my entire life. We all snap when we're frustrated and I'm sure a lot of us have said things we don't mean, and apologised. But there's a huge difference by giving your opinion to one person, to writing an article about one individual, creating controversy, and the potential for a lot more negative comments.

I've personally been bullied before, by multiple people and it's horrible. I'd never wish it upon anyone. So for someone to describe that someone's username made their "stomach churn" is just a dramatic and cruel thing to say. And that's just in the opening sentence. For me, Zoe is a role model, despite what this author thinks, and is a huge inspiration to females all over the world. She's helped people cope with mental illnesses, and taught me a thing or two about how to do a fishtail braid.

I won't go on about how immoral it is to slate everything about a person, because we all know it's wrong, even to the extent where trolling and cyberbullying are being put into law. I'm a huge believer in Karma and positive vibes, without sounding like a "hippie" and the blogging community support over this controversial topic, and several others is so heart warming.

Openly telling someone how you feel in the hope it relieves others is such a courageous thing to do, considering there is still such a stigma over mental health. I am not open about my feelings all over the internet, but watching Zoe's videos about anxiety help me and I'm pretty sure they help others.

I'm so proud of her and plenty of other bloggers/vloggers who are doing well for themselves, as the work we all put into this as a "hobby" or even a career is time consuming, with a huge need for motivation and dedication. We don't need the irony of someone promoting "feminism" by publicly hating on another woman. But we can all stick together in the hope that blogging will be more of a respected hobby and career in the future.

Apologies if this touches a nerve, but I believe children should look up to her and every other positive blogger out there, as it shows how much hard work outside education can help benefit your life, develop your writing and photography skills, and go towards extra experience on your CV.

100 Questions No One Asks Tag

Hey Lovelies,
I've seen this tag floating around the blogisphere and thought I'd give it a go! I love doing tag posts and reading other blogger's ones, as I'm a bit nosey and love to see what other people answer! Anyway, on with the questions:

THE QUESTIONS:
1. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? Closed! I have a creative mind and tend to over-think things!

2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels? I don't tend to. I did in Center Parcs as the bottles were so cute!

3. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? The bedsheet is tucked in but the duvet is untucked. I'm a wriggler.

4. Have you stolen a street sign before? No.

5. Do you like to use post-it notes? I do! I prefer writing in a pad though.

6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? Yeah I have such a bad habit of doing this.

7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? Big bear! I'd want to cuddle it.

8. Do you have freckles? On my nose and a few under my eyes. Not very noticeable.

9. Do you always smile for pictures? As opposed to what? Of course I do.

10. What is your biggest pet peeve? Ooo a tricky one. Either people being rude with lack of manners, or being really unhygienic.

11. Do you ever count your steps when you walk? Nope.

12. Have you peed in the woods? Yes. Camping trip necessity!

13. Have you ever pooped in the woods? Probably as a child.

14. Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing? I dance when I'm cooking and sing myself haha. Dread to think what people think when they look through the kitchen window.

15. Do you chew your pens and pencils? No not really.

16. How many people have you slept with this week? I have a boyfriend.
17. What size is your bed? Double.

18. What is your song of the week? It's my birthday. Imma spend my money. I turn 21 on Sunday so it's allowed.

19. Is it OK for guys to wear pink? Yes but in moderation. I personally don't like it on my boyfriend and nor does he, but there is nothing wrong with anyone wearing it.

20. Do you still watch cartoons? I do with my little sister.

21. What is your least favorite movie? I don't think I have one.
22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? By a tree or somewhere special.
23. What do you drink with dinner? Depends on the occasion. At home, water. Over dinner, wine or something like Amaretto and coke. If just a casual dinner then Diet Coke or Fanta.

24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Tomato sauce.

25. What is your favorite food? Curry or Sweet and Sour Chicken.

26. What movies could you watch over and over again and still love? Les Miserables. All day every day.

27. Last person you kissed/kissed you? My boyfriend Andy.

28. Were you ever a boy/girl scout? I was both a Brownie and a Girl Guide haha.

29. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine? Never.

30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? Probably quite a while ago.

31. Can you change the oil on a car? No.

32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket? I can't drive.

33. Ever ran out of gas? No, can't drive.

34. What’s your favorite kind of sandwich? Chicken or tuna.

35. Best thing to eat for breakfast? Pancakes!

36. What is your usual bedtime? Between 11-1.

37. Are you lazy? Of course.

38. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? A vampire usually.

39. What is your Chinese astrological sign? Rooster. Apparently I am very observant, accurate, precise with observation and a keen "sixth sense".
40. How many languages can you speak? English and a bit of Spanish.

41. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? I don't! I pick magazines up based on the cover and sometimes a freebie. Okay a lot of the time a freebie.

42. Which are better: legos or lincoln logs? Wtf are lincoln logs? Legos all the way.

43. Are you stubborn? A bit.

44. Who is better: Leno or Letterman? No opinion...

45. Ever watch soap operas? Nope.

46. Are you afraid of heights? Nope.

47. Do you sing in the car? Yes. It annoys Andy that I sing in a taxi too, quote "as it's in a confined space" hahaha.

48. Do you sing in the shower? Sometimes.

49. Do you dance in the car? Yes! I have no shame.

50. Ever used a gun? No.

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? When I was about 14. Want to see a cringy photo?

Before brow products were even heard of on my face.

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? Some can be.

53. Is Christmas stressful? No!

54. Ever eat a pierogi? Nope.

55. Favorite type of fruit pie? Apple Crumble, no cinnamon.

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? Ballerina, Police Officer, Baker.

57. Do you believe in ghosts? Can't comment. Unsure but would never say no.

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? Yes, not very often though.

59. Do you take a vitamin daily? No. Too lazy.

60. Do you wear slippers? Yes.

61. Do you wear a bath robe? Every day!

62. What do you wear to bed? Small pjs/underwear.

63. What was your first concert? Avril Lavigne! I was in primary school.

64. Walmart, Target, or Kmart? I'm English so we don't have those...

65. Nike or Adidas? Nike.

66. Cheetos or Fritos? What's a Frito? I've had Cheetos before and they were okay I guess.

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? Peanuts. More specifically, honey roasted.

68. Ever hear of the group Tres Bien? Nope.

69. Ever take dance lessons? Yes I used to do Ballet, Tap and Street Dancing.

70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? I can just picture Andy being a tour guide for like a mountain range or something haha!

71. Can you curl your tongue? Yes.

72. Ever won a spelling bee? Never entered one.

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? Yes, when Andy told me he'd bought me Les Mis tickets.

74. Own any record albums? Nope. Used to though.

75. Own a record player? No, but I did when I was little.
76. Do you regularly burn incense? No. I love lighting my Yankee Candles.

77. Ever been in love? Yes.

78. Who would you like to see in concert? Bastille and Iggy Azalea.

79. What was the last concert you saw? Fall Out Boy with The Pretty Reckless.

80. Hot tea or cold tea? Hot.

81. Tea or coffee? Tea.

82. Sugar cookies or snickerdoodles? Cookies definitely.

83. Can you swim well? No, I have issues with the whole breathing thing.

84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? I don't think I've tried it..

85. Are you patient? I'd say I am yes.

86. DJ or band at a wedding? Live band! Makes me so happy just thinking of it.

87. Ever won a contest? I have! From the age of like 3 or something.

88. Have you ever had plastic surgery? Nope.

89. Which are better: black or green olives? I don't like olives.

90. Can you knit or crochet? Nope. I can sew though?

91. Best room for a fireplace? Living room.

92. Do you want to get married? Definitely. Have you not seen my Pinterest?

93. If married, how long have you been married? I'm not.

94. Who was your high school crush? When I was like 15 I fancied Robert Pattinson from Twilight haha.

95. Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way? No of course not! I'm an adult not a toddler.

96. Do you have kids? I don't.

97. Do you want kids? I want 4. Being a bit optimistic here.

98. What is your favorite color? Blue, any shade.

99. Do you miss anyone right now? I miss all my family as I'm like 200 odd miles away from them.

100. Who are you going to tag to do this video next? Any blogger reading this!
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Mac Crew Highlighter Review

Hello Lovelies,

This post has already published on April's blog but since I am a busy bee this weekend (see previous post) I thought it would be nice to post my review here too!

A product I have been loving throughout September has to be MAC's Crew Highlight. I never thought I'd be investing in a product like this, as coming from a huge lipstick lover I'd usually be swayed elsewhere. When I saw it on offer online, I had to snap it up.

Once swatching it, from the mixture of shades and textures it didn't look like a highlighter, a lot more like a blusher. It has three main colours to it, a warm peach, a soft pink and a hint of lilac, and once mixed together make the most gorgeous pink, quite similar to my Benefit Hervana blusher. Once applied, you can see in the light how it gives you the most subtle shimmer, perfect for me. It most definitely makes me look like I've had a lovely night's sleep, a rarity!

I apply the highlight on my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose and under my eyebrows for the nicest effect. It is a buildable product though, with such a pale pink hint to it, you could wear it just as a blush if you'd wish to do so. I though't I'd be the type of girl looking for a real silver-typed highlighter, but when it comes to it, the hint of pink definitely appeals more to me, being a blonde.

I've been applying this my swirling my Real Techniques Blusher Brush in the highlight, mixing all the tons to create one colour, but you can definitely use a smaller brush to pick out which part of the highlighter you wish to apply, which in all honesty is like a dream for me. I tend to bulk buy beauty products and leave them sitting in a drawer if I get bored, who doesn't? The reasoning behind buying this was to give me more flexibility of what toned highlight I'd want, and this does the job.

If you're looking for brighter makeup, this a product built for you. It does come across quite chalky when you swatch it, but once blended in it really is lovely.

That's all for now!

MAC Hot Gossip Review

Hey lovelies,

You may have seen that in June I was in London for a few days for a little trip! I never got round to posting my final installment in the series but I thought I show what I cheekily managed to pick up in Covent Garden - my first MAC Lipstick!

After spending wayyyyyyyy to long swatching different lipsticks, lusting after Heroine and Lady Danger, I decided to go for a more pink-nude toned lipstick that I know I will get a lot of use out of, I can buy more adventurous colours once I know I love MAC lipsticks, which I now do.

I had already used this (sorry, my bad!) but the original photos I had taken really didn't show how lovely this lipstick looks. I swatched over 20 lipsticks in the MAC store and decided to go for a pinky-nude. There was no point in me reviewing a really bold colour for my first lipstick as I wanted to see how much I actually loved the finish. There is a bit of shimmer to it, but in the most flattering way.

I think another good MAC nude toned lipstick would be Creme Cup which I had my eye on too, but I had a spending limit (as it was a mini trip to London) so I couldn't go overboard. I don't think my boyfriend would have appreciated even more time in the MAC store too!

Sorry for my poor photo taking skills, but this photo was taken once I had gotten home. I don't usually look this tanned. I love that it is a cream sheen lipstick, as if my lips are a tiny bit dry, I won't panic about how they look, compared to buying a matte lipstick. I luckily picked this up before MAC raised their prices to £15.50 per lipstick.

I did notice that it didn't last all day, but unless you buy a lip stain, they don't tend to. I know some people will be disappointed that I didn't opt for a signature red or a bold coral colour like Lady Danger but I think it is so important to invest in a lipstick for a natural or "no makeup makeup" look.

I think it is a lovely colour but for how long it lasts and I love investing in more expensive products as it is worth it for the quality. I now have my eye on Rebel for my next one!

Is there a particular shade or finish of MAC lipsticks that you love?

Love,

Makeup and Special Effects: Harry Potter Studio Tour P2

Hey guys,

Hopefully you will have seen my Part 1 post on Costume Design already, so here is the next installment from my trip to the Warner Bros Studio Tour of Harry Potter!

I absolutely loved looking at the makeup and special effects side of the films and was incredibly surprised to see the types of makeup they used for the films.

As you can see, they used products like MAC (a lot), Bed Head, L'oreal, Simple, they used makeup brushes and sponges, false eyelashes; you name it. This will only be a small fraction of the makeup that they used but I was particularly surprised to see how many Mac products they used, such as different shades of BB cream, blushers, bronzers etc.

You don't even think about what makeup is used in a film as they tend to make the characters in Harry Potter look very natural, which just proves how good the MUA's are.

I felt so naive in thinking that all the characters had their own hair for the films! There were so many wigs! Obviously actors like Alan Rickman don't have wavy black hair for Snape, but the team behind Harry Potter make every character so perfect, you actually believe they all really look like that.

Obviously for the goblins in the films have masks made, but there is a lot more involved than just a mask, they have to make a mold of the actor's head, paint the mould, add individual hairs etc.

As I said before, they use Simple products and makeup brushes and sponges of different shapes and sizes which you wouldn't always anticipate on how many items you would need to perfect the makeup and special effects elements of it.

It was interesting to see how they paint the moulds too, making them look so realistic!

I hope you've enjoyed the most random element to Harry Potter; I didn't anticipate seeing all the makeup and that they used products that we use too!

Love,

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner Review

Hey lovelies,

I recently bought the ___ magazine and saw they had a free Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Navy or Black. I picked up the black one, as my current eyeliner isn't loving me, I thought I'd give this one a try!

I was quite pleased that I only spent £2 ish for the magazine and the eyeliner alone costs around £12. Considering you usually only get mini versions of products in magazines, I was really pleased that this was a full sized eyeliner.

It goes on really smooth as it is a felt tip type eyeliner, which has it's pros and cons. I've had felt liners before and they can dry out really quickly, but I don't think this will try out from looking at the seal on the pen.

I tried this on my hand in a thick and thin line, and also on my eyes.

Sometimes liner is a bit funny on me; if my skin is a bit more oily it doesn't last as long as it should, but this worked wonders on me. It lasted all day on my hand, being a bit drier and didn't crack despite me moving my hand.

On my eyes is lasted from 10am until I wiped it off around 10pm and had faded little bit, but was better than any other felt liner I've used.

I saw a bit of a disagreement about this product on twitter amongst other bloggers, but I personally love it and wish I had bought multiple copies!

Overall, I would definitely purchase this if the pen doesn't dry out like all the others I've tried previously, but it lasted very well on my eyelids.

Let me know if you've tried it, and if the navy one is just as good!

Love,