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. 

Catrice Glamour Doll Mascara

I have finally parted ways with my Maybelline The Rocket Volum' mascara.

It was heartbreaking to the point where I had to give it to my mother and have her dispose of it. I knew the time was coming, and so to prepare myself, I decided to treat myself to a Catrice mascara, because there is NO WAY on Earth that I am opening my Covergirl mascara from Kayleigh until at least Christmas.

I hadn't heard much about Glamour Doll mascara, to be honest, and what I had heard, well... Wasn't good. But something in me was drawn to it, and so I decided to go for it. The logic there was, "If its awful, I'll open my Covergirl, and that's that!". When I got it home, I was beyond expectant, and since I wore no make up at all today (until I got back to the house) I knew I could road test it straight away!

First up, I'm diggin' the applicator.

I really like rubbery/plastic wands with those little nubby bristles. I'm also enjoying the tapered shape of the wand. It looks like that Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes, but also like the Maybelline The Rocket too... The tube is also nice too, with undulating curves, and neat silver wording. Very appealing, and very slick looking for under €5.00.

Next up, first impressions. Please remember this part of the post was written one week ago today.

Upon first application, I have tentatively decided I like it. First applied around 1pm, and now at almost 11pm (at time of writing), it's still pretty perfect. My lashes still hold a lovely curl and are dark as well as evenly coated and separated. It doesn't irritate my eyes either, which is a huge selling point I would happily point out to my fellow lens wearers. The formula is nice, not too wet, not too thick, and very, very black.

Removal was easy enough, it comes off with ease using a facial wipe and it left no clumpy "after the fact" lashes in its wake.

So far, so good! I will be happily using this for the next while, that's for sure! I'm really glad that I decided to pick this up, as for €4.49 in Penneys, it was a worthwhile purchase. I have no doubt if I were to decide to watch the pennies, that I would repurchase this lovely budget beauty in a heartbeat.

What do you think of Glamour Doll Mascara? Have you tried it in its Waterproof version? Tell me what you thought of that, please! 

Amy
xxx