make up for ever artisan brush collection

I don't use a lot of makeup brushes (that's what my fingers are for) but I obviously use them sometimes. I haven't attempted to apply any loose or compact powders with my fingers (wouldn't that look lovely?) and thanks to MAKE UP FOR EVER I don't have to. I was able to try brush 124 out of their Artisan Collection and it's made me realize the difference a well made brush can make. Is it too early to add the rest of this brush set to my Christmas list?

Quick and Easy Summer Makeup ft Revlon & Almay

In my last post I mentioned that I've been busy and exhausted (and whiny) so I've been relying on a really quick and easy makeup routine. Let's all ignore the fact that summer is coming to an end while we watch this summer makeup video. Sound good? Great!

Here are the products (c/o Revlon & Almay)  that I used in this video

Revlon Photoready BB Cream (010 light)

Revlon Colorstay Concealer (03 light medium)

Almay Smart Shade powder bronzer (40 sunkissed)

Almay Intense i-color powder shadow (412 trio for blues)

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious (blackest black)

Almay Liquid Lip Balm (500 pink)

Let me know your thoughts on this video and I'll keep trying to make them more often! If you have any vlog suggestions leave them in a comment below

cargo

 

 1. Blu_Ray Pressed Powder: (in 20) "This pressed powder is designed to make skin look flawless and airbrushed" and I think it does it's job well. I'm not normally a pressed powder person but just a little bit of this powder and I really do feel like my skin looks flawless. I have been wearing this when I've been going out and I really like it.

2. TexasLiner Liquid Eye Liner: Liquid eye liner and I are not friends. I have absolutely no talent when it comes to applying liquid liner so when the TexasLiner claimed to be easy to control I was skeptical. It actually lived up to that claim thanks to the "chubby felt tip". It felt far more sturdy than other liquid liners I have tried and I applied it with no problems on my first try.

3. Lip Gloss: (in Las Vegas Strip) This lip gloss goes on really smooth and isn't sticky at all. It stays on as long as other lip glosses I've tried but it isn't a long wear that will stay on while you eat. I actually really love this colour because it's the perfect nude gloss.

4. Water Resistant Blush: (in Ibiza) This blush was one of my favourite products I was shown at the London Drugs beauty event. A water resistant blush (as shown by the water droplets sitting on the top of the blush and bronzer) is perfect for the summer! By the end of a hot and muggy summer day I feel like my makeup has melted off my face so I will rarely wear any. This allows for a pop of colour on the cheeks without the worry that it will be gone within a few hours. The only thing I noticed is that I really need to blend it in well because it sits on top of my skin a little more than other blushes I've tried. I am definitely going to try the bronzer.

Maybelline

I recently posted photos from the London Drugs beauty event I attended. Not only was it one of the most stunning events I've been to, but I was lucky enough to leave the event with some amazing goodies. I've been testing the products out for the last few weeks so I could tell you my thoughts on them. I'm not a beauty blogger but I know what I like, what I don't like, and what it's like to purchase products I never end up using. Hopefully this helps you when you are in the beauty isle. Up first is Maybelline New York!

 

1. Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation (in classic ivory 120): "Our first gel stick foundation with an anti-shine core. Fresh gel foundation blends to a flawless matte finish. Lightweight powders in the anti-shine core instantly dissolve excess oil"

This was the first time I've used a gel stick foundation and I was pleasantly surprised. It was really easy to apply the correct amount and it felt really lightweight. My skin is on the drier side so I didn't really need the anti-shine core but if you're looking for something to combat shine I think this could do the trick.

2. Color Whisper (in who wore it red-er 45): "Pure color pigments suspended in a weightless gel.
No heavy waxes or oils"

I am not afraid of a bold lip and I thought this was a really great red for summer. The colour was bright and it had a nice shine to it.

3. Volum' Express Falsies Big Eyes Mascara (in very black): "Revolutionary dual-ended Mascara for 360° all around Lash Glam. Two brushes specifically designed for top and bottom lashes. Special quick-dry formula holds lashes in place"

This mascara quickly found a home in my makeup bag. I was not blessed with long or thick lashes and it's something I've always hated. I love any mascara that helps me add volume and length to my lashes without adding clumps. The two brushes on this wand has made it a new favourite.

4. Eye Studio Master Smoky Longwearing Shadow Pencil (in black smoke): "Mastering the smoky eye has never been easier. 2 simple steps: 1) Draw thick line 2) blend with expert smudger ultra saturated pigments in a creamy blendable formula"

This pencil also became a quick favourite. The thick pencil could be intimidating but the smudger definitely helps. It's such an easy way to create a defined eye but if you prefer subtle liner this one isn't for you.

5. Eye Studio Color Tattoo Pure Pigments Loose Powder Shadow (in never fade jade 5): "Only our color-boost pigments create powerful color intensity. Our no-mess sifter guarantees easy application. Stays put up to 24 hours. Dare to wear explosive color."

I haven't been wearing bright eye shadows recently but if you are, this powder shadow seems like it would be a great  addition to your makeup bag. The pigment is really bold and it really seems to stay on for a long time. I didn't test it out in very many weather conditions so I'm not sure how it would do in a humid heat, but it didn't come off my hand with just water (it just needed a face wash) so I think that says something.

These Maybelline products are (or will be) available in the London Drugs beauty department. Oh, and I'm a horrible sister who hasn't shared any of these products (yet) with my sister... happy Jessica? ;)