Rain Rain Go Away!

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It is raining again and I can't say I am too chuffed about it. No sooner do I banish my winter coats and settle down to eat fish & chips by the sea side when it decides summer is over! This is not what I signed up for, continuous rain. I am getting taxis to the tube stations rather than risk getting my suede shoes wet, always thinking it is a good idea when I slip them on in the morning. Unlike this picture I do not relish the rain drops that make my mascara run and my silk tops see through. Basically I need to invest in an umbrella, preferably one that does not blow inside out at every gust, is small enough to fit in my bag and please make one with a cute print. Black is depressing!!!!!

 So yeah, readers I do not like rain!!! 

Review: Real Techniques Stippling Brush

I love using brushes to apply my make up, there is something about applying make up with my fingers that just doesn't work for me. Friends often pointed that my foundation was not blended properly, so In desperation I invested in some brushes and haven't looked back. There has been so much hype in the blogosphere regarding the Real Techniques brush sets. As a disciple of the MAC brush cult I was fairly dubious that anything could break my love, especially one's so reasonably priced.

Real Techniques is the brain child of make up artist and blogger Samantha Chapman and a lot of bloggers have really raved about two of the brushes in particular, Expert Face Brush and the Stippling Brush. I am going to review these separately as well as the brush collection in later posts.

What they say:This dual fiber stippling brush is our trade secret for creating air brushed high definition coverage with all make up types

What I say: I pop a little of my favourite tinted moisturiser onto the back of my hand and gently press the fibres into the liquid. The fibers are super soft and the handle is a great length making it really easy to buff the foundation into the skin using small, circular strokes. The surface of the brush is very small, so my arm started to ache after a while, but the result is worth it. I wouldn't recommend the using the brush if you are short of time but it is perfect if you want to look airbrushed for a night out. The Stippling Brush is better for light coverage, so I prefer to use it on good skin days. I finish the skin with powder using another Real Techniques brush, a review to follow.

I loved this brush while I was in America and it was too hot to wear foundation. It is the perfect brush for tinted moisturisers, BB or CC creams.

Tip: make sure your skin is well moisturised; the brush really pushes the makeup into all the cracks and flakey skin really shows up.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush, RRP £11.99, available in Boots and Superdrug

Stay beautiful
xoxo

What's On My Desk | The Beauty Edit

When I am sat at my desk all day I often find it helpful to have a few precious products to hand. Air conditioning and central heating can play havoc with your skin throughout the day. So I thought I would share my essentials with you!

1. Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray – This has been a saviour recently and I have got a few of my friends hooked on the stuff. When my skin is feeling dry and tight I spray the fine mist over my face. I find that it instantly soothes and refreshes my skin and it can be used over makeup too!
2. Jurlique Enriching Body Cream – I like to keep the skin on my arms as moisturised as possible. This body cream from Jurlique is ultra-nourishing but unscented which is great for not stinking out the office or drawing attention to my habit!
3. Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment – I have been on some medication that has made my lips really dry. Superbalm is really thick and really helps repair chapped lips quickly. I find that other products dry them out even more.
4. Melvita Argan Oil – A tiny tube of precious Argan oil, great for the cuticles or dry ends of the hair. It is great for taming flyaways if you are heading out for after work drinks.
5. Clinique Deep Comfort Hand & Cuticle Cream – I am a huge fan of hand cream, applying it constantly during the day. Paranoia that I will get wrinkly hands I think. Again, I like the unscented aspect of this hand cream and it absorbs quickly without leaving a nasty tacky feeling.
6. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne – I am in love with this fragrance. I have written a review here. It is handy having some perfume on your desk, a quick spritz before a meeting or a lunch. 

Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray 

Jurlique Enriching Body Cream 

Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment

Melvita Argan Oil 

Clinique Deep Comfort Hand & Cuticle Cream 

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne 

Do you have any desk side products you love?

Stay beautiful 
xoxo