(Not so) Basic Essentials: Brushes (part 2)

This is the follow up post for all the ladies who LOVE makeup and are beyond the needs of someone who requires a basic brush set. This is for the ladies who glam it up with the WORKS. Think ALL OF THE contour, highlight, ALL OF THE COLOURS!!!


Face brushes:
* A powder brush:
This is a necessity for those who either do a lot of powdering or bronzing. You want something quite large so blending (especially for bronzing) is seamless. You don't want harsh lines, just the jealousy of those who think you've just gone on holiday!

* A fan brush:
For those who highlight, everyone needs one. It is perfect for all places. Cheekbones, down the nose, the cupids bow, above the eyebrow. You especially need this brush if you own The Balm's Mary Lou-Manizer. Any other brush is too much for Mary-Lou, that baby is INTENSE!! 

* A contour brush:
This is really for those who are really into their contouring (obviously). There are many choices and preferences out there so I think this is a trial for yourself thing. I've heard mixed reviews on the NARS Ita brush. Some like a fluffy, large angled brush. I have the MAC 109, however, I'm not much of a contourer unless I've got the time or a special occasion.
TOP TIP: Highlight first as this will naturally shadow you so you know the right place to apply your contour.

* A concealer brush:
This is just perfect for those who LOVE their bold lips. This is the perfect tool for cleaning up those lip mistakes that sometimes happen, or to clean up the edges on your brows. I personally don't actually use a concealer brush for under eyes as I find they don't blend out under eye concealer nicely. 

Eye brushes:
* A larger shader brush: 
I like to have a back up shader brush that is larger for any additional work I might wanna do involving packing on colour. 

* A small, synthetic shader brush:
This is perfect for creamy products like paint pots, or any stickier bases for priming the eyelids, and still keeping it all compact on the lid. My fave is the MAC 242. 

* A smudger brush:
This is a great brush for detail work and highlighting the inner corner and brow bone. 

BONUS JUST FOR FUN BRUSH:
* A mascara fan brush:
Save money on coloured mascaras by investing in one of these. You can use these with gel eyeliners to create a fun mascara (which are notorious for drying up quickly). 

Brush lines I Recommend:
MAC
Available: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: from $37AUD

Zoeva
Available: beautybay.com
RRP: from $11.30AUD
Zoeva also do really affordable sets of brushes too, if you're looking to get a few at once.

Bdellium Tools
Available: bdelliumtools.com
RRP: from $9USD
Bdellium also do affordable sets of brushes. They also come in cool colours like pink, purple, yellow and green. 


Disclaimer: To be clear, all of these are "nice to haves", of course no one actually NEEDS anything more than the basics. Take from this what you will, but they are still very handy brushes to have, and brushes I reach for daily/ semi-daily. 

Red powder/ makeup brush photo created and taken by Love Lanner - lovelanner.com

Lash Lash Lashes!

Lashes can really make an eye look that extra bit wow, and totally change everything about your eyes. Some like natural, some dramatic, some on occasion and some every day. I'm here to show you my fave lashes and some tips on making the most of your eye look with lashes.

I personally only wear lashes for a special occasion, or if I'm going out at night and really want to glam up. I also don't believe is spending a lot on lashes either if I'm being honest. There are so many awesome brands and styles that look just as great, for under $10. Maybe if it was an uber special occasion (like your wedding), then I totally get that, but these lashes that are $30 odd for one pair? That's crazy! Haha.

My favourite lashes:

Minx 2.0 (I've sadly run out)

Flirt (I've just used these and can't find them. The reason I need to buy a lash case haha)

Socialeyes ~
I absolutely adore these lashes. When I first received them, I was very intimidated, they are most definitely the longest lashes I've ever worked with, however, these are also the lightest lashes in the world (maybe exaggerated, I haven't tried all the lashes in the world). Other than getting used to the length, it feels like you're wearing nothing!
Tease 2.0 ~ a nice half lash ~ $4.95
Minx 2.0 ~ a beautiful spiky, thick criss cross style ~ $6.95
Playing Coy ~ a mix of long and short lashes in between ~ $4.95
Flirt ~ a natural lash, similar to Ardell 105s ~ $5.95
Ravishing ~ a spiky, slight criss cross style, that's a medium density but not as full as the Manicare lashes ~ $6.95
Available: SocialEyes.com.au

Ardell in 105 and 120 ~ 
105 ~ extremely natural and blend very easily with your natural lashes.
120 Demi ~ good curvature for a more natural look along the lash line but nice and dense.
Available: Priceline, Madamemadeline.com
RRP: $9.99 from Priceline. $3.50USD from Madame Madeline (good for bulk lash purchase as everything's cheap, but postage is around $15AUD, they do have very fast shipping and ship to many countries).

Manicare Glam Eyes in Alessandra ~ 
Something a little more dramatic, full and a mix between natural, wispy and criss cross. Perfect for a glam, night look.
Available: Priceline
RRP: $11.99

House of Lashes in Ice Queen ~ 

I bought these as I've heard good things about HOL and I thought these were really cute (you all know my love of glitter and these are limited edition!).
Available: Houseoflashes.com
RRP: $7USD


Lash accessories:

Socialeyes lash glue ~
This is perfect as its a wand style vs something like Duo, which I find messier. Also, completely vegan and latex free!
Available: SocialEyes.com.au
RRP: $6.50

Eyelash case ~
Perfect for those who wear falsies very regularly without losing them.
Available: House of lashes
RRP: $6USD

Top Tips for Lash application:

~ If you're new to lashes, half lashes are a great way to start and get a feel for wearing them, without starting in the deep end, so to speak, and feeling overwhelmed or like you're not "doing/applying them right".

~ If you're a little more "progressed" and want to try full strip lashes, a great way to get the hang of them, without having them stick up in your inner corner, is to cut your full strip into 3 sections, once you've first adjusted the right length to your eye. This way the lash is more controlled and you can take your time before the glue dries. 

~ Lashes with thin/ clear lash bands are much easier to start with and feel lighter on the eye too. 

~ When applying any lashes, make sure that you don't accidentally start the end of the lash band past your lash line on the outside (preferably  it should be 1-2mm inwards), as it can make your eye look "dragged down" vs open and flattering. 

~ Individual lashes do require a stronger glue, and once applied you should wait for them to fall off. Don't pick them off as this can ruin your natural lashes. 

MAC Techniques: Trend 2015

On Thursday the 19th, I attended a MAC Techniques workshop. I haven't attended ones for YEARS, so it was nice to go to one and learn something new. The Technique class I went to was "Trend", which is based on the recent Melbourne Fashion Week trends and what we'll be seeing, and doing in the new season.

These are the top tips we learned for taking our makeup into Autumn:

* Natural but pretty makeup is key this season. Less drama. Less harsh lines. 

* Skin is returning to a velvety powdered finish ~ however, this is only through the t-zone. The cheeks are still taking on a glowy, more dewy finish.
* Contouring is still in, but rather than a straight line, its focus is much more angular, think 135° angle vs 100°

* Brows are still remaining defined, however, it's with less harsh lines/ more natural. Using a MAC 239 brush is perfect to create these brows. 

* Bold eyeliner is still in, however, it's being paired with minimal lashes ~ nothing dramatic here!

* Or in reverse: Massive, thick, voluminous lashes with little, to no liner. 

* Burgundy is the next big thing in colour! 

Other great tips I learned:

* Highlight before you contour. This will naturally shadow you, so you know exactly where you should contour! 

* Try fluidline as an eyeshadow base. like duh right? I can't believe I have never thought about doing that. 

* Try a MSF with some fix plus as a nice sheen over eyeshadow, or as a highlight. 

* A nice combo: A cream colour base with strobe cream sponged on over the top as a cheek highlight.


After the demonstrations, the MAC artists made themselves available to answer our questions or queries about the products that were used or any techniques people may have wanted to master. It was a really good night, and I'm appreciative that I had been invited to it (not that you have to exclusively be invited, a work colleague had asked If I wanted to go). 

If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of these master classes, I highly recommend it. You also get nibbles and drinks to snack on throughout the session and a cute little "study book". There are different types of master classes, like beginner classes, glamour, trends etc. 

Technique classes are $120 but is completely redeemable in products.
Each class runs for 2 hours. 

Call your local MAC store to find out more, or when the next class is. 

Review: Makeup Store glitter liquid liner

We all know how much I love I love glitter. I don't care how it comes, I want it! I'm very much a Weka in that way (FYI: a Weka is a New Zealand wood hen that LOVES shiny things, not dissimilar to a magpie, but they're a brown, ground bird). 

However, I'm also pretty lazy in that I do not like making my own glitter liner, I'd rather just buy a tube than mess around with something so pedantic as glitter, and trying to create a smooth line. 

That's where this baby comes in. The Makeup Store glitter liner. Ahhh, it's pretty majestical.
The liner I'll be reviewing for you today is Chocolux. A really pretty chocolate browny bronzey, shade. You can already tell I'm into it huh?!

The brush is nice and thin with medium density, so you can manoeuvre it around nice and easily but it doesn't kind of "flick/ flop" around like soft, flimsy brushes do. When I looked at the brush when I pulled it out of the tube, I didn't think it would deposit much glitter but I was definitely wrong. It coats the perfect amount. Not too thick (you know when you get those ball like chunks on some?) or too sparse. Sure you can go in for seconds to create a thicker line if thats your style, but it definitely isn't necessary. 

L-R: MAC Pinkphonic, Girl Groove, Makeup Store Chocolux
1 swipe vs layered.  

The brush is also nice and smooth and doesn't drag along your lash line, so even if you're in a hurry, you can master this with ease. So even if you can't be bothered, you can still inject a touch of glam into your look. 

It dries quickly, so it doesn't transfer to your lid if you sneeze or something by accident. Which is super handy. 

It wears very well, although I have only tried this as it's intended purpose as an eyeliner. I never experience any fallout and it lasts well throughout an entire day (10-12 hours) without any transference or sliding due to lid oiliness (although I tend to only get oily in my actual crease). I don't find that any flakes off during the day and it doesn't feel overly crunchy or crusty on my lashline either. 

Removing the liner is also a breeze and you don't have to fiercely scrub at your eyes to remove it. I just use my Garnier Micellar cleansing water to remove my eye makeup. 

Size comparison to a MAC glitter liner. 

I highly recommend this liner if you like your glitter liners. I have several from MAC from long, past years and this is definitely my fave and my recommendation for a glitter liner. I definitely want to grab a few more, namely Showstopper (silver), Lux (green) and Dancing Queen (cobolt blue). I cannot think of a single thing I don't like about the liner at all. Maybe more colours could be cool, like an orange or bright pink? Either way I'm sold and then some! 

Purchased from: Beautybay.com or you can email Makeup Store directly at enquiries@makeupstore.com.au
RRP: $35

Colour Pop Swatches: Updated with NEW shades

I am LOVING this brand!!

You can see my review on the eyeshadows below, but I thought I'd share swatches of the rest of the shades I got recently, including a couple of lippie stix and 1 lippie liner. These products are so fun, cheap and are long wearing! 

These are all one swipe swatched. I do find these quite hard to photograph (but then I'm shit so that doesn't say much haha).
P.S I think I forgot to mention they smell like vanilla! Yum!

Girly: (reminds me of MAC Pink Opal pigment, which is discontinued)
Tea Party: 
So Quiche: (my fave!)

Erotic:
Animal:
Sour: 

Ibiza: (is actually more turquoise than is coming up!)
Kimono:
Shameless: (see those beautiful multi-coloured sparkles!!)

Brills: 

Pitch: (matte)
Bunny: (pearlized)
Bullchic: (matte)






Get these shades and MANY more at Colourpop.com

Super Shock Eyeshadows: $5USD
Lippie Stix: $5USD
Lippie Liner: $5USD
Super Shock Cheek: $8USD

First Impressions/ empties: V2

Another round up of some first impressions/ mini reviews of products I've recently bought, tried or been given samples of!

Stila Coming Clean Revitalising cleanser: (sample)
I loved this from the first go at this. It's freshly scented and feels like a good clean without feeling like you're stripping the skin. It's not tightening and feels quite light. You also only need a small amount to lather. The only thing i dislike is the fact I don't believe you can get this in Australia. 
Re-purchase: Yes, if I can get my hands on it. 

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Mist: (full size)
I really tried to love this. I'm always looking for a good, deep, fast developing tan. Well, this is definitely deep, fast... well, that's where my problem lies. When you apply it (I use the Bondi Sands mitt to go with the tan), it dries faster than I have time to rub it in, leaving lines on my skin. Now, my skin is exfoliated and moisturised. I only do one limb at a time (well lower half leg, upper half leg, you get my point...), it dries TOO FAST. I'm pretty experienced with tanning myself but I just don't get this one. I definitely still love Vani-T tans as my fave. After using this, I really don't get the hype. This is definitely not for novices!
Re-purchase: Nope. I wanna try Loving Tan next. If that is sub-par, I'm back to Vani-T haha.

GHD Heat Protectant spray: (full size)
I LOVE this, but it's definitely a splurge buy. It's no better or worse than the Tresemme spray, which my partner likes. They're the only 2 that I have tried, but I got the Lee Stafford one today as part of the Priceline hair goodie bag they came out with. The smell is inoffensive and subtle, no strong overtones of anything, just like a hair product scent. I also like the sleek stylish bottle because yup, I'm a sucker for packaging (and may or may not have been the reason I bought it *shifty eyes*).
Re-purchase: Yes, once I'm out of Lee Stafford Heat Protectant spray.

Batiste "Cherry" Dry Shampoo: (full size)
This is delish! I love that fake cherry smell, so this was right up my alley. I've tried a few different dry shampoos, and this is my favourite and I keep coming back to it (the brand and the scent). The scent is definitely fake but not overpowering or super sickly. The product itself is fantastic, works very well and slightly volumises as well as take that greasy look away. I feel like you can't spray "too much" and it doesn't "clump" up in your hair like some can. It also doesn't leave a residue on your fingers, again, like some can. I highly recommend you try one of the Batiste dry shampoos. They have loads of different ones to try, like this cherry scented one, tropical (coconut and pineapple I believe), wild, ones with colour (like for brunettes so you don't get that white cast). There is literally no reason you shouldn't at least give this product a try (they also have minis if you feel like you can't commit to a full sized can).
Re-purchase: Yes. Yes. Yes.

Glam Glow Power Mud Dual Cleanse treatment: (sample)
Eh, I used this a few times, and I'm not wowed by it. I didn't see much of a difference at all. I did like the fact it was a mud mask that when you add water, it turns into a cleanser, but I'm a sucker for novelty things like that. I don't see the hype, or maybe the hype is on the black one maybe? I'm not sure. It didn't make my skin any drier, oilier, tight, red etc etc. No change on my skin. For as expensive as this is, I would definitely obtain a sample of this before purchasing full price to see what it does for your skin. I do have really good skin so maybe that's also why. I guess the jury's still out on this one for me!
Re-purchase: No.

Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara: (sample)
I got this as a sample with my dearly beloved "Everything Nice" xmas palette. I think this is a pretty nice mascara. Not the best I've had (we'll leave that spot for Lancome's Hypnose), and certainly not the worst. It doesn't bode well for lower lashes as the brush is quite thick and dispenses a lot of product on the brush from the tube, which is probably the only thing I dislike about it. It doesn't curl my lashes, but does give them volume and coats them nicely without looking too spidery, again, due to how thick the mascara is, so it's a good balance. My lashes are difficult to work this, so something with curl probably would be better but eh, this does the job for now. The formula is perfect too. Not watery, not dry, so if either of those things do concern you, this is worth a check, as it's nicely balanced in the middle.
Re-purchase: Probably not, only because I have other loves that are around the same price. 


If you have any requests, then please let me know and I'll give it a go!