Drugstore Stars | Sleek Makeup Blushes

Even as a professional makeup artist, I still love and regularly use products from the drugstore. Certain items have a permanent place in my kit and one brand that I love in particular is Sleek Makeup. When starting out, I looked towards Sleek to create a basic kit that was affordable and still of a high quality so that the standard of my work would not suffer. Now, even with the choice of purchasing higher end brands, certain Sleek products have maintained a permanent place in my kit. Their Blush by 3 Palettes are my favourite from the drugstore; for their price, performance and packaging. 

At £10 per palette, each blush equals to just over £3. This affordable trio is encased inside a fittingly sleek, slim and professional looking black palette. For £20 you can add 6 blushes to your kit; varying from matte to shimmer shades; coral to pink tones and options suitable for light, medium and dark skin tones. 

At such an affordable price, you would expect to have to cut corners in terms of quality and performance; but with Sleek this is not the case. I love the quality of these blushes and honestly can’t see myself replacing them for higher-end options any time soon as the only difference would be the noticeable hole left behind in my bank account.

(Shade : Lace)

For options in my kit, I bought two powder blush palettes and one containing cream blushes. The powder palettes I chose were Lace and Sugar. Lace is perfect for light skin tones and contains two matte shades; a coral and pink tone, and a gorgeous light pink with flecks of gold shimmer running through it. Sugar is ideal for warmer skin tones and contains two matte shades; a dark plum tone and a warm peach. The third shade is a pink-toned brown with gold shimmer running through it.

(Shade : Sugar)

The cream blush palette I have is Californ.I.A, which follows the same format of containing two matte options and one shade with a slight shimmer. The palette is the perfect combination of pink and coral toned blushes and can be used for adding colour to the cheeks or lips on light to medium skin tones.  

(Shade : Californ.I.A)

This is just a very brief selection of some of my favourite Sleek items. These blushes are intensely pigmented, blend seamlessly into the skin and I am yet to find a client or occasion that they have not worked brilliantly for. I honestly can’t see myself replacing these for other options any time soon. I would love to know all your thoughts on the brand and these blushes if you’ve tried them in the comments down below!

Devon 

xoxo

Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Review + Kit Essential | ZOEVA Complete Eye Set

Some of you may remember that way back in March, the ZOEVA Rose Golden Complete Eye Set featured in My 20th Birthday Presents post. Well I have now had more than enough to time to test these brushes out and they have become both a personal and professional essential!

This 12 piece set will leave a £56.95 shaped hole in your purse, which works out at each brush costing you less than a fiver. In comparison to the price of higher end lines; this set is a true bargain and with one purchase you have all the brushes needed to create most looks.

The affordable price also doesn't mean you have to skimp on quality. They are amazingly soft, blend product flawlessly into the skin and, after a fair few washes by yours truly, they still feel brand new. Not to mention, they also look beautiful and far more expensive then they really are; what’s not to love? I now use these on a regular basis, either on myself or on clients as part of my kit.

As there are 12 brushes, I don't want to bore you all by going through every single one, instead I’ve picked out four that have been my favourite to work with.

1.  142 / Concealer Buffer

As a girl who can not leave home without her concealer, my attention was naturally drawn to this brush straight away. It has a dense dome shape and is perfect for blending concealer under the eyes, around the nose or over spots. The softness and density of the brush ensures that the concealer is blended flawlessly into the skin, without lifting away the product and removing the coverage. 

2.  228 / Luxe Crease

I doubt there is a makeup lover out there who does not own or heard every makeup artist, blogger and YouTuber using the cult MAC 217 blending brush. Well this Luxe Crease is my affordable alternative and, dare I say, personal preference. The bristles are amazingly soft and blend shadow with ease. I love the seamless transition of colour that this brush leaves behind and I have recently been preferring the texture and effect over my MAC 217.

3.  315 / Fine Liner

I'm sure we are all familiar with that constant battle to perfect our winged liner. Whether working with gel, liquid or shadow; creating a flawless feline flick always takes a silent pep talk, hold of breath and intense 10 minutes of concentration (or is that just me?). 

This brush, whilst not making winged liner a complete breeze, does make the task a lot easier. The angled head allows you to draw the line as close to your lashes as possible and the extremely fine, dense tip keeps the line immaculately precise. Whilst I can't promise that this brush will rid you once and for all of those dreaded liner sweats; I can promise that the task will seem far less daunting.

4.  317 / Wing Liner

In 2015 eyebrows became a national, if not international, obsession. I think we can all admit to being guilty of joining the quest to discover the products and tools that will help you create a pair of Cara D power brows of your very own. This brush has been my answer to just that. The incredibly fine, angled edge allows you to mimic the appearance of small hairs, so that whether you are filling in with powder or gel, the result is a full, natural and precise arch.  

These are my four favourites of the set, but I really have found a use for and love for all of the brushes. They are affordable yet perform amazingly well and I would recommend anyone who is looking for a new set of brushes to give these a go. Let me know what you think if you've tried them and your favourite brushes!

Devon

xoxo

Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Kit Essential | MAC Prep + Prime Fix +

When I’m on shoot, there are a few items in my kit that are an absolute essential. This may not always be for their most obvious reasons and so I want to share with you the products that I personally rely on and a few tips of how to make the most of them. Today’s post is dedicated to a well known favourite: MAC Prep + Prime Fix +.

It terms of setting sprays, this isn’t one that is going to massively improve the wear and longevity of your makeup; however this isn't why I love it. 

Firstly, I always use Fix + to 'finish' a look. I find that a spritz of this helps to add a freshness and a slight dewy glow back into the skin. It stops the finished look from looking cakey by blurring the makeup together slightly and melting it into the skin. So, whilst not removing or disturbing the coverage, it keeps the makeup looking natural and not too heavy.

The second reason I rely on Fix + is that it allows me to make the most of my eyeshadows. As a newly qualified Makeup Artist, it can be hard to squeeze luxury palettes within my small budget. I’d rather buy from the drugstore, so that I have a greater variety of colours and finishes and I am able to create any look that is requested. Although, the problem is that the quality of the eyeshadows suffers so that the finished look isn't as professional. My answer? Fix +.

An investment in a £17 bottle will save you the money that you would otherwise have had to have spent on high-end shadows. Lightly spraying a brush with Fix + before picking up any product, will transform the quality of what you are using. Affordable, drugstore eyeshadows become richly pigmented, creamy and blend able; meaning that the overall finish of your look need not suffer! 

Below are swatches of the same eyeshadow but with and without Fix +:

(Left: Without Fix +. Right: With Fix+)

I still use this trick even when working with my more expensive palettes. If there is a certain colour that I want to really standout on the eye; such as a gold, silver, bright colour or a highlight. This is why I never leave home without my Fix +. I hope these few tips have helped or inspired you and I would love to know what you think as well as your makeup essentials!

Devon

xoxo

Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Review | Tropic Radiance Clay Mask

Today I have a review of my latest Tropic Skincare discovery to share with you all. This saviour featured in my April Monthly Favourites and it is the Tropic Radiance Clay Mask; my current go-to product for calming down my problematic skin. Like all Tropic skincare, this mask is made from 100% natural plant extracts, is vegan, cruelty free and is ideal for anyone battling with combination, oily and acne prone skin.

An aspect that initially sets this mask aside from other brands is the packaging. Rather than being encased inside the usual annoying tube in which half of the product is left abandoned and unreachable at the bottom; these masks are packaged inside a round, sturdy glass pot that is not only practical but also a lovely addition to your bathroom counter.

It also doesn't disappoint in terms of formulation and results. It will help to tighten and unclog pores for a clear and radiant complexion. As well as drawing out impurities, it also acts as a gentle exfoliator meaning that my face is left feeling smooth and it is the perfect solution for dull, congested skin. Among the hero ingredients that the effectiveness of this mask can be attributed to is olive leaf; the active ingredient in fighting blemishes, willow bark; which naturally contains salicylic acid, guarana seed; to exfoliate and green clay; which draws out impurities. 

To apply I use the wooden spatula that accompanies the mask and spread a thin layer over my face. It initially applies as a dark green, then within 5-10 minutes the mask hardens to become a pale, mint colour. At first you feel a slight tingling sensation as the masks dries and the tea tree oil sets about decongesting your pores. 

When I wash the mask off I use warm water to gently massage my skin. As you add water, the mask reverts back to a dark green and transforms into a rich, creamy exfoliator. After exfoliating I wash the mask off and I am left with a soft, radiant and decongested complexion.

I love this mask and find that it is the perfect match for my skin type. However, if you are someone with normal to dry skin, this mask could be a little too harsh. I would suggest only applying it to the areas where you are suffering with breakouts or to try out the Tropic Warming Mineral Mask; perfect for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. 

I hope you enjoyed this skincare post and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below as well as the face masks that you swear by. If you wish to learn more about Tropic skincare then you can read my previous post reviewing they basic ABC Skincare Line. 

Devon

xoxo

Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

High-End Worthy of Price | #1 benefit POREfessional

This is a new series dedicated to sharing the High-End products that I believe are worthy of their price tag. I am sure that I am not alone in my constant desire for high-end cosmetics yet reluctance to invest in case an expensive product fails to live up to my expectations. I hope that sharing the items I have tried, love and deem worthy of their price, will help anyone wishing to treat themselves to a luxury item not to end up disappointed.

I am starting off with an essential to any makeup bag, whether you opt for little or heavy coverage, a natural or made-up look, everyone should invest in a primer. My ultimate favourite is the cult POREfessional by benefit.

Product Profile -

Name : the POREfessional

Brand : benefit

Price : £24.50

Size : 22ml

Claim : ‘quickly minimise the appearance of pores’

Appearance and Texture -

This primer is a universal nude shade that will blend seamlessly into all skin types. It has a smooth texture and leaves your skin feeling silky soft with a matte finish. It instantly irradiates shine and helps to subtly even out your skin tone by blurring imperfections. 

Application and Wear -

To apply, I simply squeeze a pea-sized amount onto my index finger and dot this around my t-zone. I gently rub it into the centre of my face where I struggle the most with enlarged pores, shine and keeping my makeup in place. I then allow this to settle for a minute before applying my foundation. The difference this primer makes in the application of your foundation alone is reason enough to invest. Whether my foundation be high-street or high-end it applies seamlessly to create a flawless, natural coverage. With the POREfessional as a base, it glides over any scaring, blemishes or redness to create a smooth, second-skin like finish.

The primer not only wins in terms of appearance but also wear. It ensures that the coverage I apply on top looks flawless for longer and it keeps my dreaded oily t-zone at bay. It is also ideal for using throughout the day, on top of your makeup to matte out any mid-day shine.

I believe that this primer is an essential in all and any makeup bags and I would be at a lost without it. I hope that this post, and this series, helps you decide on the luxury cosmetics that you wish to invest in. I would love to hear your thoughts down below as well as the high end products that you think are worth the price!

Devon

xoxo

Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Beauty 411 : Favourite Drugstore Primer

I am a believer in, lover of and advocate for the importance of a primer. Whether I am opting in or out of wearing a full coverage foundation, I always opt for wearing a primer first. It is the product that I always recommend investing in to improve the appearance, application and wear of your foundation. Although, my favourite options are often accompanied by a high-end price tag and I have struggled to find a drugstore alternative that lives up to my expectations. I am here to share the only high-street primer that I have ever been impressed by and now reach for on a daily basis; L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer.

Expectations:

I expect a primer to smooth out the texture of my skin, reduce the appearance of my pores, even out my skin tone and leave a matte finish. It should improve the wear of any makeup placed on top or the appearance of my skin on a makeup free day.

Primer Profile:

Brand - L’Oreal Paris
Name - Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer
Price - £14.29
Claim - ‘Inspired by professional make-up artists, this primer masks wrinkles and uneven textures in the skin, making the complexion feel smooth and soft, with a remarkable velvety touch’

Result:

The first thing I love about this primer is the texture. It is smooth, silky and blends seamlessly into my skin to disguise imperfections and minimise pores. It leaves a velvety, matte finish that is the perfect base for a foundation and one I often prefer over my high-end options.

Only a pea-sized amount is needed at a time and I simply dab it onto the areas that need smoothing out. I rub it into my forehead, nose, chin and around my mouth to prevent my foundation from settling into laugh lines or creasing. It doesn’t leave a greasy residue and instead my skin is left feeling velvety soft. 

I apply this daily on top of my moisturiser, whether I am wearing foundation or not. It prevents my face from looking oily throughout the day and helps to blur imperfections.

This is the only drugstore primer that I have tried that actually performs. Although price-wise it is at the higher end of the drugstore, it is still only a fraction of the cost that a luxury option would set you back. I hope you enjoyed this review and I would love to hear your thoughts as well as the primers that work for you in the comments.

Devon

xoxo

Previous Beauty 411 Posts

Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Mini M.A.C Haul + Review

A recent trip to Nottingham, a spare twenty minutes in the city centre and the excitement of pay-day, resulted in me wandering into the MAC store before my better judgement could direct me otherwise. Unaccompanied and armed with a fresh stocked bank account, it's safe to say I was entering dangerous territory. Fortunately I did manage to reign in my spending to only two purchases; a new foundation and a setting powder. I have been testing these out for the last week and I am here to share my thoughts.

1. MAC Studio Sculpt - NW15 (£25.00)

As someone who is constantly on the hunt for and testing out new foundations; I am always reluctant to invest the price of a high end brand incase it fails to live up to my expectations. However, desperate for a foundation that would improve the appearance of my problematic skin, I decided to invest the pretty price of a MAC base. As someone who prefers a full coverage, but without the flat look of a completely matted out complexion, I was recommended to try out Studio Sculpt.

Studio Sculpt is a gel-based foundation and provides a medium, buildable coverage. It blends seamlessly into my skin to camouflage imperfections and leaves my complexion looking plump and smooth with a natural satin finish. I love the formula of this, it is creamy yet long-wearing and it instantly adds life back into my tired, dehydrated looking skin. It provides a full coverage without leaving my face looking flat, cakey or unnatural. 

I have loved using this foundation and I am happy that I made the investment. It provides the perfect amount of coverage, revitalises my complexion and lasts all day.

2. MAC Natural Mineralise Skin Finish - Light (£23.00)

As I was already investing in a new foundation, I thought I might as well pick up a setting powder to go with it. When wearing a heavy foundation, I prefer a powder with a matte finish that is going to set my makeup in place rather than add extra colour or coverage. The natural mineralise skin finish provides a light coverage with a matte finish, perfecting for setting your foundation in place.

This domed powder is encased inside a handy compact and accompanied with its own mirror. It is perfect for touching up throughout the day and it has become a permanent addition to my handbag. It sets my foundation in place, mattes out my oily t-zone and leaves my skin looking naturally shine-free. 

To see this dynamic duo in action, then watch my recent High Coverage Foundation Routine. It is perfect for covering up acne, blemishes or for a long-wearing coverage that will last long into the evening.

I hope you enjoyed this mini haul and review; I would love to know what your current favourite foundation is? Leave comments down below or you can message me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Devon

xoxo

Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The Best Drugstore Brushes | Real Techniques

As an advocate of drugstore beauty, I have tested my share of high street offerings and discovered a fair few steals along the way. This is the start of a series dedicated to the makeup tools that I think are top of the drugstore. For anyone who wishes for their makeup to apply smoother, but aren’t prepared to invest the pretty price of high-end brushes, there are great options to be found on the high street. Todays post is dedicated to the first brand of makeup brushes that I ever tried; Real Techniques.

I am sure that few are a stranger to this brush line; the brand child of makeup artists, sisters, youtubers and overall beauty gurus, Sam and Nic Chapman. They are truly passionate about their craft and produce chatty, easy to follow makeup tutorials that I am constantly inspired by. The first ever brush I invested in was by Real Techniques and, despite my collection growing vastly since, the brand has remained a firm favourite. This is due to their high performance, high quality and surprisingly affordable price.

1. Stippling Brush - £11.99

Starting with the first I ever added to my collection, I love the versatility and finish that the Stippling Brush creates. It is perfect for using to apply foundation on the days when I want a light ‘second skin’ coverage. It picks up only a small amount of product and disperses it evenly around my face for a natural-looking finish. I also find that this is the perfect tool for applying cream blushes and I use it regularly to add a a dewy flush to the apples of my cheeks. 

2. Powder Brush - £12.99

The Powder Brush is also one that graces my daily makeup routine. It is the perfect size for dusting on a setting powder to lock your foundation in place and matte out your t-zone. I also love it for using a light bronzer over my whole face to subtly warm up my complexion. Lastly, it is ideal for blending in any harsh lines when you may have accidentally been a tad too heavy handed with your contouring, simply sweep it over to blend the colour seamlessly into you skin.

3. Blush Brush - £9.99

The Real Techniques Blush Brush is a true multi-tasker and it is without a doubt my favourite brush for adding colour to my cheeks. The tapered ends mean that it distributes product evenly for a natural finish. This makes it perfect for using with a contour shade to chisel out your cheekbones, with a blusher to add a flush of colour or with a face powder to add extra coverage to the precise areas where it's needed. The possibilities of this brush are endless and it is definitely a worthwhile investment.

4. Expert Face Brush - £9.99

The Expert Face Brush is the tool I reach for on the days when I want a full coverage and seamless finish. The densely packed bristles allow you to receive the maximum coverage your foundation offers without looking unnatural. This is because the brush allows you to buff the foundation into your skin for a streak free, expertly blended finish. All signs of fatigue, skin pigmentation and blemishes are skilfully camouflaged and I am never left with a cakey complexion.

That is my Real Techniques collection so far although I am sure that it won’t be long before another addition is added to my dressing table. At the moment I can not wait to finally get my hands on the set of eyebrushes, setting brush and I desperately wish for the contour kit to be in my possession! I would love to hear your thoughts on this new series and the Real Techniques line down below, what are your favourite drugstore brushes? 

Devon 

xoxo  

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Drugstore Stars | L'Oreal L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipsticks

I constantly find myself lost in the makeup aisles of Boots, mesmerised by the choice and damaging my bank account in a quest to test the latest drugstore offerings. Without a doubt, my true makeup weakness will always be lipstick and I can simply never resist adding to my collection. A love for both high street makeup and all lip products has resulted in my sharing of the lipsticks I rate as top of the drugstore. I have already talked all about the Revlon Super Lustrous, ColorBurst Matte Balms and Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate. Today’s post is dedicated to another favourite of mine; the L’Oreal L’Extraordinaire Liquid Lipsticks by Color Riche. 

This Liquid Lipstick formulation is essentially meant to have the pigmentation of a lipstick, the high-shine finish of a gloss and the moisturise of a balm. I can happily conclude that it wins on all three tests. Each shade I have tried reveals an amazingly intense colour, is surprisingly comfortable to wear and lasts for 3-4 hours before I have to reapply. They have the shine of a gloss without the unbearable stickiness and I have the lowdown on my three favourite shades.

Starting with the first of the collection I ever tried is the shade 500 ‘Molto Mauve’. This is the perfect pink toned nude with a slight brown undertone and I have worn this endlessly since I purchased it. It is my go to shade for both day and night whenever I am in a rush and need a shade I can rely on to look perfect with whatever else I am wearing. As someone with pale skin who steers clear of nude lipsticks out of fear of looking ill, I have a small collection that I dare to wear and happily place Molto Mauve at the top of the list. 

Next is a shade perfect for the current season, as the weather transitions into Spring I love to brighten up my makeup bag by wearing pink and coral lipsticks. The shade 201 ‘Rose Symphony’ is a gorgeous pink that is bright yet still entirely wearable. This makes it perfect for the daytime as it will lighten up your look without drawing too much attention.

Finally, as a lover of deep red and berry toned lipsticks, I was powerless to resist the shade 304 ‘Ruby Opera’. This is a blue-toned deep red and is stunning when worn at the forefront of an otherwise basic look. As far as red lips go, I find this one surprisingly easy to wear due to the formulation as it is comfortable and moisturising on the lips. I often choose this for an effortless evening look or when I wish to look slightly more put together during the day. 

Not only do the formulation and shades win here, but I am also a fan of the packaging. These liquid lipsticks are encased inside a gold, reflective bullet with a strip of the colour on the front. The soft, small wand you will find inside picks up just the right amount of product to apply an opaque layer with one swipe. 

500 'Molto Mauve'

201 'Rose Symphony'

304 'Ruby Opera'

(Left to Right: Ruby Opera, Molto Mauve, Rose Symphony)

These liquid lipsticks are a firm drugstore favourite of mine. I love the variety of the shades, the intense colour and silky soft, comfortable to wear formulation. I hope you enjoyed this Drugstore Stars instalment and I would love to know your thoughts. Have you tried these and what are your favourite drugstore lip products?

Devon

xoxo

Other Drugstore Stars Posts:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm Stains

http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Haircare : 5 Steps to Luscious Locks

As a girl that has always dreamed of a ponytail worthy of Disney Princess status, I am constantly trying to keep my locks in the best condition possible. I struggle with fragile hair that seems to be constantly shedding; however I have a few tricks that I use to keep my hair nourished, thick and looking healthy.

1. Clean and Condition

Good hair all starts with a good shampoo and conditioner. I am currently obsessed with the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Triple Resist; specifically made to strengthen weak hair from root to tip. This is an amazing duo, not only is my hair left smelling amazing but it is soft and thoroughly nourished without feeling weighed down. I would recommend these to anyone with limp hair looking to add thickness and strength as this is the perfect starting point for improving the condition. 

2. Detangle and Protect

I leave my hair up in towel after I’ve washed it and instead of rubbing, I gently squeeze sections at a time. I then always use a conditioning and protecting spray. A long-time favourite of mine is the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Leave In Treatment; a leave-in conditioner to strengthen and encourage growth by feeding your hair a powerhouse of follicle-fuelling proteins. It is a lightweight spray and leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft and thick.

3. Tangle Teaser

I never brush my hair when in the shower as this is when it is is at its weakest and most prone to falling out. I simply smooth the conditioner through with my hands. I then use my Tangle Teaser Aqua Splash to brush my towel dried hair after I have sprayed it with a leave-in treatment. This brush helps to gently detangle without ripping my hair out; like I often find when battling with a normal brush through my unruly mane. 

4. Nourish with Oil

I have always been an advocate that the secret to good hair is a good oil. This doesn't have to break the bank, the Organix Extra Strength Moroccan Argan Oil has been a constant favourite of mine and is entirely affordable at just £6.99. I love adding this through the mid length and ends of my hair after I have brushed it. This leaves them feeling soft, protects against damage and I now have thick rather than split ends. 

5. No Heat

The final step I take in protecting my hair, is using as little heat on it as possible. I allow the majority of my hair to air dry and then use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to style around my face. I rarely use my straighteners these days and if I do it is only on small sections where my hair has dried in its signature awkward wave. I do not need to worry too much whenever I do use heat as the conditioning spray and oil work wonders as a protectant. 

I hope this handful of hair care tips help anyone else struggling with unruly locks. I would love to hear how you care for your hair in the comments below. You can also get in touch over Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for reading!

Devon

xoxo


Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13599149/?claim=hxw5eqfq2ba">Follow my blog with Bloglovin