Debu(t)ary: Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel

Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel in Strike

Until last week Illamasqua only had one shade of their Precision Brow Gel, Strike, a medium brown which would suit most people.  I've been using this for about a month now and it's the perfect colour for my brows (I would also match their Brow Cake in Thunder or Anastasia's Dipbrow Pomade in Medium Brown).  As of the 12th there is also a colour for blondes, Awe, red-heads, Glimpse, and dark grey, Stare.

Real Techniques - Nic's Picks Set

Real Techniques Nic's Picks

I was supposed to be on a spending ban (self-imposed, again) for September but admittedly broke it for the Chapman sisters' latest offering to the beauty world.  The new Real Techniques set, Nic's Picks, is officially released on the 1st of October but some online retailers had it to sell early.  I got mine from Escentual.  I couldn't resist when I saw it was available early and was included in their sale.

(Don't worry mum/dad/husband, the spending ban has otherwise been maintained).  

Everyday ELF

Just a short one today on my must-haves from ELF.  I have combination/oily skin so these Shine Eraser blotting sheets are invaluable to me.  After about 5 hours with most foundations I use one or two of these and then touch up with MAC's Studio Fix powder. £1.95 for 50 sheets.  I love glitter but I do not like washing glitter out of my brushes. Welcome Glitter Eyeshadow Applicator! Loose glitter sticks to the silicone tip like a dream and then I just press it on (usually over Fyrinae's Pixie Epoxy). It has made glittery looks so much easier for me, with less to clean up on my face and on my desk! They cost £3.95.
Two top brushes I use all the time, both £3.95  Their Blush Brush is soft and not too big.  I like it paired with a bright blush as I can control exactly where it goes. The Small Smudge Brush is great for precision pops of colour on the eyes but I also like it for applying lipstick. Last but not least is their Makeup Lock & Seal.  This can be used for turning powder eyeshadows into eyeliner but what I really like this for is for mixing with metallic shadows to boost their shininess, especially dabbed just in the middle of the lid to catch the light with every blink.  It works wonders on slightly powdery, glittery shadows like Urban Decay's Dust and Trick in the Naked 3 palette.

ELF is a great brand to turn to for basics such as these.  Their brushes can be a bit hit or miss but, when most of them cost less than £4, the hits really are worth it! I highly suggest checking them out, especially if you live in Cardiff. In the Royal Arcade is Europe's first ELF store.  So many things to swatch there and great customer service.

Rachel