How to clean your make-up brushes

I think most people know their buffing brush from their contouring brush, but did you know that you should be cleaning these brushes regularly? 

I have to admit, up until a few years ago I never even thought about cleaning my make-up brushes as I thought, whats the point, you only use them for putting the same make-up onto a fresh face. Yet, so many bacteria, oil and dirt get stuck in the bristles of the brush and overtime they can grow and lead to unwanted breakouts. I also find that if I haven't cleaned my brushes in a while my make-up tends to look a bit flat, as if my brushes aren't working as well. time to give those brushes some TLC.

 1. What you will need - washing up liquid/shampoo, a plate, a small cup of lukewarm water.

2) Put a tiny amount of washing up liquid/shampoo on to the plate.

3) I usually use a baby wipe first to wipe any excess make-up off , then dip the brush in the cup of water.

4) Gently swirl the brush round the plate in the soap and keep rinsing the brush in the water, you may need to rinse and repeat a few times. 

Once cleaned run the brush under steady lukewarm water to get rid of any soap that is still on there. Use a cloth to then wipe the brush and reshape the bristles. lay the brush flat to dry.

Make-up fave's

Bourjois Bronzing Powder (51) - not to dark or patchy, sits perfectly on the skin and smells of chocolate. this bronzing powder is matte which is why I love it, its gives you a glow without literally making you look like a piece of glitter. What more could you want from a bronzing powder?

Bourjois Blush (34, Rose d'Or) - The Bourjois blush on the other hand is filled with highlighting sparkle. They do lovely shades that are perfect for summer to make those peachy cheeks glisten pink. It has all day staying power and can be applied lightly for a gentle cheek glow or can also be used heavily for a sharper look.

Collection lasting perfection concealer (cool medium) - Everyone's favorite budget concealer, need I say more!

Bourjois Unifying powder (52, Vanilla) - I discovered this powder a few years ago when the packaging was completely different but it is perfect. Everyday make up just wouldn't be the same without it. The powder is a matte finish and is great to just wear when you can't be bothered with the whole shabang! It has the staying power of a god and can be applied with a brush or powder puff.

Burt's Bees lip balm (pink grapefruit) - For the days when you just can't be bothered but you know that the chapped lip look just doesn't do it. I also use Burt's Bees as a base for my lipstick as it gives my lips so much moisture.

Revlon Luxurious colour eyeliner (05, brushed pewter) - Because of my fair hair I find that black eye-shadows and black mascara can some times make me look very washed out so instead I go for this great colour by Revlon. It is easy to apply and the opposite end has a smudger to help the smoky eye look.

Avon Spectra lash mascara (black) - Ok, so this may seem an odd choice to most but my mum has done Avon since she was 15 so as a 14 year old experimenting with make-up this is where I went. Throughout the years I have tried numerous mascaras but nothing lives up to this mascara with is three different application levels. Its fab!

realtechniques contour brush - This brush is my go to brush. Although it is a contour brush by name I think its a great brush for everything. I use it for powder as its the perfect size for an even coverage.

realtechniques buffing brush - I always apply concealer and foundation with my finger and then blend using this brush, its soft bristles leave an even, natural coverage. 

I'd like to know of any of your make-up go to's that will always hold a place in your make-up bag?

xxx

Revlon Colorburst

Revlon Colorburst Crayons, Matte & Lacquer balms £7.99 each.
110 coquette
001 honey
230 complex

Revlon Coloburst Crayons

The female beauty blogging nation have sung huge praises about the new Revlon products so I therefore had to test drive for myself. There are so many pretty shades it was hard to make up my mind but I purchased one lacquer balm and two matte crayons. All of the Revlon crayon family have the 'Triple Butter Complex' of mango, shea and coconut butters for balm-like moisture, a mild peppermint fragrance and twist-up packaging. They smell and taste A-mazing! In my opinion I prefer the lacquer balm in contrast to the matte crayons as it provides a fuller shinier coverage. You are able to work with the lacquer balms to build colour or wear a simple layer to brighten everyday make-up. Both crayons provide great moisture but I'd say the lacquer balms take the lead over the matte. Do not be put off by the sparkly shimmer when you first open the packaging, this is not visible on the lips.

110 coquette - this is a medium pink that sits pretty for daytime wear with just one layer or a few more layers for night. suitable for almost all skin tones.

001 honey - this is a medium brown pink that can be worn as a natural look but adding that extra warming colour.

230 complex - this is a nude colour and is the perfect everyday balm. It applies a lot lighter than it looks.

I'd like to know your opinions on your Favorite lip crayons; make, shade?

The best things in life are free.

If like me your new to blogging then it can be quite difficult getting yourself off the ground without spending a tonne of money on stuff that is good enough to make its cheeky little way onto your page. Admittedly, I am a shopaholic therefore my endless relms of lipstick and smelly candles could always make a feature! But, not only is blogging for bigging up that one foundation that is a life saver, it's also to share opinions on new things in the market. How do you get your hands on new things without dollar? I hear you ask. Well... over the past month I have picked up a few freebies that I simply had to share with you.

Magazines

I'll admit it, the only reason I bought Company this month is for Zoella's first ever cover! I am in love with her youtube channel and passed numerous hours at uni watching her hauls and beauty tips curled up in my duvet, instead of writing a dissertation! However, magazines can be a great way to test out little samples of new products. Company (April, 2014; £2.60) does not disappoint, A free mascara (company lashes) & a sample of Rimmel London BB cream Matte in Light, happy days.

On top of this I also bought my usual monthly read, Glamour (April, 2014; £2.00). As well as being Britain's No.1 women's magazine it is also Britain's No.1 generous magazine. with 25% of H&M voucher, Smashbox camera ready CC cream in light/medium and testers of Issey Miyake L'eau D'issey. 

Magazines can be a great way to get free samples and the competitions inside (if you can be bothered) are well worth a try.

Happy blogging xxx

Lipstick... Kate Moss.

My lipstick of the week... Since launching in 2011 I have absolutely loved Kate Moss's collaboration with Rimmel and her beautiful Lipstick range. This week I have been loving this perfect nude shade (113). This lipstick does require you to prep your lips first; I have been using Lush's lip scrub and using a light layer of Burt's Bees to moisturize, otherwise the lipstick can be quite drying after a while. If your prone to chapped lips then I wouldn't recommend it but being the moisturizing junkie I am, I don't have a problem. The lipstick is a matte finish and is paired nicely with a pinky gloss, it smells amazing too! It is definitely a day lipstick as it only sits lightly on the lips providing a more natural colour. Although I do recommend the other shades in this range, especially the deep reds, they have great pigmentation and sit amazingly on the lips without need for gloss, as well as being reasonably priced.

xxx