Real Techniques Core Collection.

So i've succumb to the hype. I've gone and purchased some Real Techniques brushes! No surprise really considering all you beauty bloggers were tempting me with the amazing reviews.

It took me a while to purchase these, partly because of money and partly because i'd just got some Sigma brushes at christmas so, i wasn't sure if i wanted to buy anymore. But i couldn't resist. I went for the Core Collection mainly for the contour brush to be honest (i really needed a precise brush for contour). But i'll say it now, before i go into detail - I LOVE THEM ALL.

So i'm sure you've all seen them before, but they come in this little brush holder which can also be used as a stand so it's going to be perfect for travelling. The Core Collection has bright orange handles, so they stand apart from the rest! And each brush has the name printed on. Now onto the individual brushes.. 

l-r   Buffing brush, Contour brush, Detailer brush and Pointed Foundation brush.

Buffing brush - This brush is so popular and i can see why. People who have the Sigma Flat Top Kabuki (like i do) now prefer to use this one (as do i). It's such a soft, fluffy brush which just feels like a dream on the skin. I literally haven't felt a brush so smooth! It doesn't hold excess product, so you don't waste any and can be used with liquid and powder products. I use this to blend in liquid foundations, apply setting powder and buff in my Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation. It's such an all-round brush for base products and makes everything look even and flawless. 

Contour brush - Like i said i mainly bought this set for this brush. It's a small domed shape brush which makes it perfect for contouring. I use this with my Nars Casino bronzer to contour my cheekbones, under my jawline, nose and temples. It's got a pretty precise application (due to the size) but it's also perfect for blending so there are no harsh lines. A lot of people also use this to apply highlighter so it's another multi-tasking brush!

Those two brushes above are my most used brushes from the collection - i use them every single day! Now onto my least used (but still loved) brushes.. 

Pointed Foundation brush - This brush is a lot smaller than i expected it to be, its really quite precise. I use this to apply foundation in the area's i most need it (under eyes, nose, any blemishes) and then blend, before using the Buffing brush to apply Mac Mineralise Skin Finish or Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation on top. This brush applies Estee Lauder Double Wear so well and it's great for those days where you only want to cover any problem area's rather than the whole face. It's also great for applying under eye concealer. This is the only 'traditional foundation brush' i reach for nowadays. 

Last but not least the Detailer brush - This is also really tiny and precise. It's great for applying concealer to blemishes and around the nose area's as it's so small and sturdy so you can really apply it to the exact spot you need it. I don't reach for this much but it is good for precise concealer application before blending with the finger. It can also be used for precise lipstick application, especially if you're using a bold colour ,this will make it look so neat and tidy!

Anyhow, if you couldn't already tell i really do like these brushes. They are all so soft and i haven't experienced any fall out what so every (which is good as even Mac brushes shed a little!).

 So for £21.99 they are a great little purchase available from Boots.

April Favourites!

I always struggle with my monthly favourites as i tend to stick to the same things but, here are the things i have been lurrrving this month - basically products i used every single day (well almost ;))...

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in 'Medium Dark'- Perfect for tops ups throughout the day - keeps me shine free and doesn't look cakey atall! I can layer this up so much and not look like i have any powder on!
MUA Bronzer 'Shade 1' - I love this for everyday - it does have shimmer in it, but the shimmer is tiny and finely milled so it just gives me a healthy, bronzed glow. For the price i can't complain and will definitely be buying this again! So glad i re-discovered it this month and it's not still sat in my unused box!
Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush - I use this with the MAC powder to dust all over my face - quick, effective and sooo soft (i could just stroke it across my cheek all day). I take this (and the powder) out with me everywhere i go!
MAC Angled Contour Brush (from a christmas collection) - Love this for applying blusher, it is the perfect size and i love the angled shape to apply it along my cheek bones for a contoured look.

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in 'Dark Brown' - I actually picked up the wrong colour, i usually use 'Black Brown'. But i think prefer this colour for everyday use! It just stops me from going overboard and overdoing my brows as i know it will look ridiculous if i do. The colour blends great with my brows hairs to make them look more prominent - but if try and make my brows thicker and go outside the hairs the colour difference is very obvious! So i'm going to carry on using this daily as i just think it looks great with my skin colour and less harsh for daytime!
MAC Eyeshadows 'Silverwear' and 'Blue Spruce' (christmas collection) - I love Silverwear (left) for the inner corners of my eyes - it makes me look wide awake and bright eyed! It looks like a weird, bluey colour but it's actually perfect with slightly duo-chrome, frost finish which is nice. I reach for this everyday!

MAC Lipstick in 'Twig' - This is my 'my lips but better' colour. It's matte and is a pinkier version of my natural lip colour. I love it and have found myself reaching for this most days as it lasts forever!  Perfect for dramatic eye looks and natural, everyday looks! But i never hear anyone talk about this :(

Avon Techniques Mirror Shine Spray - I have bought the shine spray from Avon for years, it makes my hair look super shiny and luscious - not greasy - and makes it feel really soft too which is a bonus! I spray this over the bottom half of my hair once it is styled. It's great if you wear extensions too, makes them look really shiny and healthy.

I have a 'face of the day' or everyday makeup look coming soon using some of these products :) So keep a look out..