Barry M: Gelly Hi Shine

Let me start off by saying I absolutely love Barry M nail varnishes. They are cheap, affordable and come in an array of different colours and finishes. With textured, matte, silk, confetti, glitter, magnetic, croc and even chameleon colour changing varnish effects, there isn't really anything this brand doesn't have covered when it comes to nails.

I have been eyeing up this gorgeous blue colour for a while now and comes in Gelly Hi Shine which is supposed to provide 'an extra glossy finish'.

The colour is Damson (GNP 27)

This bright and cheerful colour is perfect for the summer.

The only slight negative but nothing major, is that I would still apply a top coat to give a shinier, smoother, more polished look as it wasn't quite as 'glossy' a finish as I would have liked. Then again I would probably want to use a top coat anyway, even if it was just to make more chip resistant and have them last a little longer.

Do you have a favourite Barry M nail effect or colour this summer? Let me know.

xxx

Real Techniques Make-Up Brushes

I spent most of my make-up wearing life applying products with sponges and my fingers, until I came across an article stating that it isn't always the product that is important but what you use to apply the make-up that makes all the difference (I personally don't buy this 100% but  it did make me think). Since then,  I  began to take an interest in using make-up brushes, watching beauty tutorials on-line. I very quickly became familiar with the Real Techniques brushes, designed with the sister duo, Sam and Nic Chapman who front the No.1 beauty channel PixiWoo, on YouTube.

Admittedly I do use a couple of other brands of brushes but these are by far my favourite. These feel smooth to the touch, blending products to perfection, providing a flawless finish, all whilst using synthetic bristles made of taklon, making them ideal for anyone who likes to use cruelty-free brands. It doesn't hurt that their prices are reasonable and are available on the high street, having to look no further than your nearest Boots or Superdrug, for example.

Another thing I love about these brushes is the fact that if like me, you are no make-up expert and are unsure about what brushes should be used for what products then you need look no further than the brush handles. These state specifically what they are designed for, making life a whole lot simpler.

I first bought a pack of four brushes that came with a holder to store them which comes in handy when travelling.

It can be carried using a small handle

or as a stand which I find handy when applying my make-up

As I am slowly building up my brush collection, I will be sticking with Real Techniques. A brand that provides great quality at an affordable price is always a winner in my book. Do you have any favourite brushes/brands that you like to use? I would love to know.

xxx

The Skort

My Top 5 Favourite MAC Products

I first started using MAC products just over 10 years ago and whilst I happily use other brands, I always find my way back to using their products. Here are my 5 favourite MAC make-up items I use on an almost daily basis.

1. STUDIO FINISH SPF35 CONCEALER (In shade NW20)

If I had to choose only one make-up item to use for the rest of my life, it would be this concealer. As someone who suffers from under-eye bags and dark circles, this water-resistant, lightweight product has been my saviour after many late and sleepless nights. It is also great for concealing any discolouration or blemishes I may have. Having only discovered a couple of years ago that it has an SPF in it means, that even in my early 20's when tanning was more important than looking after my skin, I had at least some protection from the sun. With its creamy consistency, a little goes a long way so I definitely get my moneys' worth out of it therefore, whilst being a bit more expensive than the average drugstore concealer, it lasts a whole lot longer than some at half the price.

2. FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION (In shade N2)

Nowadays, I am happy to go without foundation as long a my skin is behaving itself however there are days when I need a little something on there to act as my security blanket. That is where this fab, water-based foundation comes along to save the day. Providing a natural, sheer coverage, it is just enough to give me that little extra confidence without looking or feeling caked, making it perfect for the summer months when I want to look as natural as possible.

3. POWDER BLUSH (In shade Sincere)

Whilst preferring the minimal look, I am a fan of a little contouring to provide my face with some cheekbones. I had initially gone to Mac looking for a cream based product but was talked into buying this instead and I love it. It is highly pigmented so you only need a little and it stays put too.

4. CREMESHEEN LIPSTICK (In shade Creme Cup)

I'm not a major lipstick kind of girl, especially during the day so if I do want a slight pop of colour on the lips then this is my favourite. The consistency is quite thick, making it long lasting, so I apply a small amount with a light hand to begin with, leaving me the option to build it up depending on how I feel. I love the texture of this, along with the glossy finish.

5. MINERALIZE SKIN FINISH ( In shade Soft and Gentle)

Whilst I don't wear this all the time, its is my go to item when I'm looking for a bit of a glow. It acts as a great highlighter which I like to use just above my cheekbones and under the arch on my brow bone. It glides on smoothly, blends well and yet again, goes a long way. 

What are your favourite products, Mac or otherwise, that you just can't live without?

xxx

Vintage Glam Chic

Boho Chic

Worth the Hype?

Hailed as the Uk's No.1 best selling mascara, with rave reviews everywhere you turn, I finally decided to join the rest of the female population and give Benefit's They're Real mascara a whirl and see if it lives up to the hype.

My first thoughts were that the packaging is nice and sleek which gets us off to a good start but on discovering the rubber brush applicator, I began to have my doubts. I like to have thick bristles on a brush as I personally find this provides more thickness and volume and this is not something I feel is achieved on my lashes with a rubber applicator. However, I did like the bristles on the tip of the brush for those hard to reach lashes in the corner of the eyes.

With one application, I didn't feel I got a dramatic enough effect so put on a second coat hoping for better results. The problem I found with two coats was that my lashes started to clump a little, not the worst I've had with a mascara but given the price I expect no clumpage (no that's not a word but I'm using it!) at all what so ever.

That takes us onto the price. At £19.50, it is the most expensive mascara I have bought in a long time. This factored in along with the cult like following behind this product, lead me to have extremely high expectations, possibly unrealistically so. I mean at the end off the day, brush applicator type and product formulas aside, a mascara and make-up in general is supposed to enhance what you already have. If you are not born with amazing, goddess like lashes then no mascara in the world can provide that result for you. That's what false eyelashes are for!

For me, this product is like wearing sexy, matching lingerie underneath boyfriend jeans and a loose tee. No one is aware what you have on underneath such an unassuming outfit which provides a secret feel good factor. This mascara, I find very run of the mill looks wise but knowing the brand, the praise it receives from others and the cost combined, has the ability to make me feel good when wearing it. So for now, I'm happy to continue using Benefit's They're Real mascara until it runs out and I have got my money's worth. Will I be buying this feel good factor product that somewhat lacks the wow factor, retailing at just under £20? The answer is no.

Have you tried this mascara and been disappointed like me or is it the No.1 product in your make-up bag that you simply can't live without? I would love to know. 

xxx