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

Budget Brand! Revolution Haul

L-R Acid Brights and Matte Brights

When I heard about Revolution, a new brand being sold by Superdrug with prices comparable to MUA's, I wanted to try their products right away.  There is no counter in my local Superdrug (yet) so I ordered on their website and they delivered to the store in 3 days.

Good Friday Urban Decay Masterclass

Yesterday I went to Urban Decay's latest masterclass to show off the Electric palette, which I was already head over heels in love with. It was my first time at an event like this so I wasn't really sure what to expect but was very pleasantly surprised. Organised by the ladies at the counter in Cardiff Debenhams, it was in a room within the local Tiger Tiger club which led to a really relaxed atmosphere.  When I got there I was given a really great mocktail and in each place there was a really good sized sample of their original Primer Potion, a fragrance sample and photocopies of facecharts showing the 3 looks that would be demonstrated. There were a few minutes to chat with the other girls before it started.

Zoya Nail Polish Remover [Bottle] Dupe

A few months ago I was seeing the Zoya Remove nail polish remover (available here for £9.50) on quite a few blogs.  Although a good formula, most of the hype was over the bottle.  To prevent spills you just hold your cotton pad over the pump, press down, and the pad is saturated. Although my interest was more than piqued I decided not to splash out just for a nail polish remover.

I am so glad I help out as today, quite by chance, I found a much cheaper version.

Making Things Work

Don't be dismayed if you've bought make up which hasn't quite suited you.  If like me you can't bare throwing it out you may be able to make it work for you without buying anything else.  Quite often if make up is the wrong colour or tone you might already have just the thing to transform it.

L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint

I've had this foundation for quite a while now as I snapped it up almost as soon as it came out.  In reviews it was being compared to Georgio Armani Maestro foundation, and seeing as I can definitely not afford that one I thought this one would be good to try.

5 Looks with the Electric Palette

Last week was devoted to Urban Decay's Electric Palette. I used it in a different way each day, some fairly subtle, others a bit more daring.

Read on for details :-)

Back in the Day with Urban Decay

For my first proper post I wanted to do something a bit special and close to my heart.
Urban Decay were the cause of my love affair with makeup.  Until I met their products I only ever wore black eyeliner and black eyeshadow that I applied with a foam applicator.  10 years ago all of that changed when I saw their colourful display in Boots.  Ahhhh I fondly remember there frequently being a 3 for 2 offer on their counter.  Those really were the days.
Seeing as their new Electric palette (officially due out tomorrow although I may already have it) is harking back to their vibrant roots I thought it would be fun to look at some of the first items I bought from the brand.