Foundation

Bh Cosmetics 5 Piece Brush Set…

Based on the brushes I have tried (of which there are a few), this five piece face set from bhcosmetics is among the best.

These are the first brushes I have used from this brand and to say I am impressed is an understatement.

The 108 is my favourite. The bristles are so soft it was a pleasure applying my powder. The 110 is perfect for blush, again incredibly soft and fluffy and able to pick up a good amount of product without having to dip 10 times or to go coco the clown after one swipe. The 110 would also be fantastic for bronzer or for setting the under eye area as it is so light and well made.

I used the paddle “foundation’ brush to apply my concealer, it presses into the skin nicely without being too stiff, which is nice for packing on product and not loosing it to a brush or sponge that can suck it up. I think this would be beautiful for foundation especially for a medium to full coverage look. I am a hethan and apply my foundation with my fingers as I like to press it into my skin, I found the duo fibre brush great for a finishing touch to buff it in and give an airbrushed effect.

At such a low price point these brushes are an absolute bargain. The eye shadow palettes from bh are fantastic and so are the blushes. An amazing brand on the whole and one I highly recommend checking out whatever your budget.

Thanks for stopping by, as always Nicola x

Every Day Makeup…

These are the products I’m reaching for on an every day basis. My picks leaning towards a light hydrated base,
a flush of colour on the cheeks with subtle eyes and lips.

Mummy in a hurry, but still put together

MAKEUP

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer MECCA Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer MECCA
Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation BOOTS
Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer Sephora
Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder Sephora
Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blusher BOOTS
Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette MECCA
L’oread Miss Manga Mascara BOOTS
E.L.F Brow Kit e.l.f
Y.S.L. ROUGE VOLUPTE in number 2 MYER

Smashbox renowned for their photo finish primers have released a range of products to target specific skin needs
My skin is dehydrated so I use the blue HYDRATING oil free primer which gives a smooth canvas and leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed
If you fear layering products on the face as I did, i strongly suggest giving this a try…

Boujours Radiance reveal healthy mix foundation, a firm drugstore favourite of many
gives a satin finish without looking overly dewy or shiny
This foundation uses ‘fruit therapy’ to help condition the skin leaving it hydrated and luminous
I use the Real Techniques beauty sponge or my Bobbi Brown Full Coverage buffing brush to apply this all over my face and down my neck.

My partner returned from a recent trip to Singapore with the Amazing cosmetics amazing concealer which has bold claims of being the ‘best concealer in the world’…
hmmmm I’m not sure I agree with that, it has fantastic coverage and a tiny amount is all you need
but it is immensely drying and without a hydrating eye cream or under eye primer emphasises the fine lines under my eyes
Collection lasting perfection concealer is a great dupe for this and the finish is very similar.

My contour is kevin Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium
This is a beautiful, beautiful ashy shade that looks like a shadow rather than a warm bronze
If I get over zealous with this it does give the opposite effect to what I want and makes me look drawn, not a great look on anyone

For cheeks I use Max Factor Miracle Touch Cream Blush in 14 Soft Pink
Lightly dabbed onto the high points of my cheeks with my finger tips
This lasts well throughout the day and looks dewy and polished
I have started wearing my blush higher and farther back on my face as I found this far more flattering

I have a wash of Urban Decay Foxy on my lids and a slick of Miss Manga Mascara in black on my top and bottom lashes
Brows are E.L.F Brow kit in Ash as always

What are the products you have been loving?
And what are you eager to try/

Have a lovely day and thanks for reading

Maybelline New York Fit Me Dewy and Smooth Foundation

I saw the new Maybelline launches in Priceline recently and not being a huge fan of a matt base, decided to give this dewy version of their Fit Me foundation a go. I love a dewy base and their concealer is a firm favourite of mine (also it was 50% off the entire Maybelline range so I mean…)

This applies so easily and blends amazingly well with a brush sponge or fingers. The finish is radiant and certainly dewy looking, even bordering on wet. If you love a glowing base which will look incredible with a highlight/strobing effect then I think this would be perfect.

My only drawback is that it remains tacky to the touch and it is a must to powder it down. I do not usually have to powder foundations as I have quite dry/ dehydrated skin. Without the right powder you would be loosing quite a bit of the ‘glowing’ effect. I used hourglass ambient lighting powder to set this down, and if I’m honest the finished effect was the same as most of my liquid foundations.

It is lightweight to wear and easy to work into the skin. If you have dry skin I would defiantly give this a try but any girls with oily skin I would give this a miss and give the matt and powerless a try instead.

What foundations have you been impressed with or eager to try?

and what would you give a miss?

Until next time lovelies

Thanks for reading

Nicola

Just a Jumper Dress…

Is there anything easier to wear than a jumper dress?

To me the pro’s of a one item outfit are many…
Not worrying about coordination or accessories and feeling put together and smart to name a few.
I have missed wearing dresses as Sienna is still feeding, however she has cut down her feeding so much that during the day I now have some freedom back in my outfit choices.
August means Australian Winter is in full force and there are many rainy days.
It is not cold, like U.K Winter cold but it can still be pretty chilly
These jumper dresses with a cowl neck have been re-released for a few years now
Versatile and flattering
A great piece that you can wear with a biker jacket, a denim jacket or a scarf and completely change the look

OUTFIT

Black Knitted Roll Neck Jumper Dress H&M
Anthea Black Ankle boots FOREVER NEW
Rings Pandora

MAKEUP

Covergirl Ready Set Flawless Foundation Covergirl
M.A.C Pro-longwear Concealer M.A.C
NYX Studio Finishing Powder – Translucent Target
Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact Clarins
M.A.C Pinch o Peach Blush M.A.C
L’oread Miss Manga Mascara Boots
Urban Decay Whiskey 24/7 Eye Liner MECCA
e.l.f Brow powder in Light e.l.f
thebalm Mary Lou Lumanizer Highlighting Powder ASOS

Hope you are all well

Have a great week

Just a Leather Jacket and Joni’s Kinda day…

‘Move to Australia” they said
‘The weather is gorgeous” they said…

These overcast dull days mean that layering is not just a fashion statement, it is a must!
When we leave on the school run it is cold, sometimes wet and windy,
however by lunch time the sun is out and it is positively lovely
Today I opted for Soft stretch jeans and a knitted sleeveless vest
Ankle boots and my trusty leather biker jacket

A leather jacket if you find one you adore, will last for years, they can be dressed up or down, go with literally everything and never go out of style

Yes finding a pair of jeans you not only love but that love you back is a mission but again once you find them thats a match made in denim clad heaven.

I love me some black ankle boots, flat or heeled they are a no brainer.

OUTFIT
Acid Wash Joni Jeans TOPSHOP
Knitted black Singlet H&M
Black Anthea Ankle boots FOREVER NEW
Black long strap bag TOPSHOP
Check Scarf FOREVER NEW
Black Leather Biker Jacket ALL SAINTS
Belle Aviator mirrored sunglasses COTTON:ON

Necklace TOPSHOP
Bracelets and Rings Pandora

MAKEUP

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation Covergirl
Pro-longwear concealer M.A.C
Eyebrow duo in Light e.l.f
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette MECCA
L’oread Miss Manga Mascara Boots
Bronzing Powder in Matt Bronze M.A.C
Milani Blush in Luminoso MILANI
NYX Studio Finishing Powder – Translucent Target
thebalm Mary-Lou Lumanizer Highlighting Powder ASOS
Plink! Lipstick M.A.C