That's What I'm Talkin' About... Real Techniques

Real Techniques brushes are my all-time favorite brushes, let's just clarify that here and now. The day I invested in the Eye Started Kit and Chris bought me the Core Collection, I knew it was true love. I have since bought the Blush and Powder brushes, bringing my total collection to 12 out of 19 (not counting the Limited Edition Duo Fiber brushes).

Before I had these brushes in my life, I was inept at any kind of nice make-up, and as a result, I stuck to the same old, tired looks, unable to take risks, because they always looked dire! I am, after all, the girl who wore BB Cream on a night out, and went barefaced all day every day.

All that has changed, because of these brushes. On the back of all the packaging, there is a quote from Samantha Chapman, "With simple tricks and high-tech tools, every woman can be an expert...", which I believe to be absolutely true. Ever since I started using Real Techniques, I have been getting compliments on my eye-makeup, my blush, everything! I've got such a big head because of Sam Chapman, it's crazy.

I have recommended these brushes all around myself, both online and in real life. I would never recommend something I didn't personally adore. They are so worth the money, and once you take care of them, they will make your makeup look ah-mazing! They have actually given me confidence in my abilities.

To wash my RT brushes, I pop some Johnson's Baby Shampoo in a cup (about the size of a €1 coin) and fill it halfway with water. Then I dunk my brushes (usually I start with my foundation brush so I can use it to combine the water and shampoo)and swirl them on my hand to get a lather up. I squeeze the excess lather out of them, and when all the pigment is gone (you'll know once the foam stops coming up tinted with foundation/shadow/whatever) I rinse the with barely warm water, and swirl them more, to be sure the foam has dissipated so they are squeaky clean.

Once every brush is clean, I shake them over the sink to drive out the majority of the excess water, and then squeeze them in a clean towel. I have invested in Brush Guard tape to re-shape the brushes as they dry, and I stand them upside-down against a wall, on a towel. These brushes stand up to washing very well, because of their fluffy Taklon bristles, which are synthetic and cruelty-free. I actually love washing them, because I know they are rid of bacteria and sebum, and they always smell lovely from the baby shampoo.

Overall, I think its fair to say I am obsessed with Real Techniques brushes. They make me feel confident in my own abilities, and apply my makeup beautifully. These brushes were the best investment I've ever made, when it comes to make-up.

I am an expert on my own make-up, thanks to these brushes, and Sam Chapman!

Real Techniques brushes are available in Boots nationwide, and from their website, realtechniques.com. You can check out Real Techniques on Youtube too, and Pixiwoo, the channel of Sam and Nic Chapman. 

That's What I'm Talkin' About... Catrice Cosmetics

Since I started blogging, I've been more open to trying new products. As a result, I've been buying a lot of new things, different brands, snapping up good deals and trying to figure out what works for me and what doesn't! 

A brand that has impressed me at every turn is Catrice Cosmetics. Catrice is a budget brand that comes from Cosnova, the company that produces both Catrice and Essence, another budget cosmetics range that far outdoes itself when you consider the price! 

Catrice is that tad-bit pricier than Essence, but it is that bit better in quality, so the price is nothing but reflective of that. My Catrice collection is modest, but I have been nothing but impressed with every product! I have not felt that I have wasted a single penny with any of my purchases. The best bit is because of the modest price tag, you can treat yourself, and there is no guilt! I don't think I've ever found a Catrice product over €6.00!!

The collection I have pictured is the product of a few months of small investments, and it is all made up of things from the permanent collection. I haven't included my lipsticks or lip-liners because I think they deserve their own post. 

Lets start with the Translucent Loose Powder. I adore this and will absolutely repurchase it again and again! The best bit is that it is un-tinted and so will be perfect over any foundation to set it. It leaves a matte, almost velvet finish. Another point in its favour is that it does not leave a white cast in flash photos (at least that's what I have found, though I apply it with a light hand). 

Next, my Eyebrow Stylist in the shade "Blonde But Brow-d"... That's true love right there. It's got a spoolie on one end and a lovely pencil on the other, which goes perfectly with my ginger brows - no mean feat, that's for sure!

A more recent addition is my highlight powder. This is in the shade "010: Fairy Dust" and it's a really subtle highlighter, definitely appropriate for daytime wear, with a warm undertone, perfect for summer! 

Next up are my Lip Cream Colours. These were chosen from a sale basket and are absolutely beautiful, sheer glosses that I am pretty sure can still be gotten off any Catrice stand. They also smell lovely and are housed in very sturdy square tubes with the usual doe-foot applicators. 

A new love of mine is the Glamour Doll Volume mascara! I admit that I didn't hear good things before I bought it, and many people would consider me to have gone against my better judgement, but it's proven me wrong, and I'm very happy with it! It holds the curl all day and doesn't flake or smudge. A worthy purchase, and definitely a contender for my beloved Maybelline The Rocket. 

My last item and my latest purchase is my Calligraph Eyeliner Pen. It has the finest nib and the blackest formula of all budget eyeliners that I have tried to this day. I am beyond impressed, especially with the fine, flexible nib on the pen and the ease with which you can create either a fine, subtle cat eye or a thick, bold flick! Definitely one to revisit, especially if you are new to winged liner!

What do you think of Catrice Cosmetics? Have you tried any of these? Is there anything you would like to recommend to me to try? Leave me a comment down below!