REVIEW: Real Techniques Duo Fiber brushes

One of the most addictive thing to buy in the beauty industry probably are brushes. Why? Because it's so easy to justify to yourself. "Oh, but I nééd this weird shaped brush, it'll totally change my make-up application."

Nevertheless, I really did need some duo fiber brushes, to apply my very pigmented cheek and face products. Since I saw a lot of bloggers rave about the Real Techniques Duo Fiber brushes, I picked them up in London a few months ago. Keep on reading for my detailed review!

The idea of duo fiber brushes is that they aren't densely packed at all, so they are very light and pick up a very small amount of product. This is perfect for applying very pigmented blushes, to give yourself a light bronzed look without contouring too much or just to blend all the face products.

Claims: "Create buildable color and add texture to look pixel perfect for any occasion and in any light with this first and only duo-fiber set. A true multitasker - duo-fiber bristles work with cream, liquid or powder for an unbelievably air-brushed finish. The ultra-plush, synthetic bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free."

The Duo Fiber set consists of three 'limited edition' brushes:
- The face brush
- The contour brush
- The eye brush

Use: I use the face brush for applying my pigmented blushes. It works so well, it makes my stand-out blushes apply beautifully without looking like a clown. For highlighter, I tend to use the contour brush. This one's perfect for applying those very shimmery highlighters right on the cheekbones. And lastly, with the eye brush I like applying a light wash of color in the crease.

Packaging: I usually like the Real Techniques packaging, but these white handles tend to get to easily dirty. A black packaging would avoid this.

Price: £20, a very reasonable price for three brushes, in my opinion.

Conclusion: I really couldn't live without the face brush anymore, which I use on a daily basis for my pigmented blush. The contour brush comes in very handy, but I believe the eye brush isn't a must-have item. It's easily replaceable and doesn't make thàt much of a difference. The bristles are soft, easily washable and they do not shed at all. Lovely. 

Let me know if you have any brush recommendations for me!

xX Anine

REVIEW: Real Techniques miracle complexion sponge

I've never been a sponge lover to apply my makeup, so I was kind of skeptical when I picked up the Real Techniques miracle complexion sponge on my trip to London. A product that claims to be a 'miracle sponge' already makes me roll my eyes and shrug, 'cause seriously, what so called 'miracle' product ever is a miracle product? 

I'd never tried the Beautyblender either, so I won't be able to compare.

The Real Techniques sponge isn't just the typical egg-shaped sponge all companies have been trying to copy from BeautyBlender, it has a flat edge to contour around the eyes and nose, the sides should be perfect so blend large areas on the face and the pointy tip should be used (with concealer) to cover imperfections.

Use: First of all, when using the sponge, I wet it thoroughly under running water, squeeze it tight and the sponge will double up in size and become less dense. I usually dry it with a towel, so it's not soaking wet. After the sponge is damp, I dab it in the foundation on the back of my hand and apply it all over my face with the flat side. After all my foundation is applied, I go over every corner on my face to blend it out nicely. Then I use the pointy tip of the miracle complexion sponge to blend out my already applied concealer and the foundation around my nose. 

I know it is recommended to use the sponge differently (as seen on the packaging), but this way simply works best for me personally.

Quality: The miracle complexion sponge applies your foundation evenly over the face. I've heard other bloggers talk about a 'flawless finish', but I wouldn't call it that. It is applied more even, more beautiful, more natural than with a brush. However I don't feel like there's a difference in coverage when applying it with a sponge instead of a normal flat top foundation brush.

Above: the sponge is dry

Underneath: the sponge is damp

Price: $6 on the Real Techniques website, I believe I paid around £6 for it in Boots. I find it such a bargain, especially in comparison with the BeautyBlender which is around €20. 

Conclusion: It really took me some time to get used to it. In the beginning, I didn't really like it. It seemed my brushes simply gave better coverage and control. Then I used it more, and liked it, but thought it took me longer to blend everything in comparison to brush application. 

After using it for several weeks, I now use it every. single. day to apply my foundation. I love the seamless application it provides, I love the easiness and naturalness (is that word?) of it too. 

Can't live without this sponge anymore! I'm happy to finally have jumped on the sponge bandwagon!

Have you ever tried any foundation sponges?

Xx Anine

Beauty discoveries of 2013

Hi everyone,

Instead of talking about my 2013 favorites, today I will be telling you what my biggest beauty discoveries were this past year.

1. Maxfactor Clump defy mascara:
This all time favorite mascara of mine is the lovechild of the Benefit They're Real and the Maybelline Falsies mascaras. Just perfect for separating, volumizing and lengthening!

2. Maxfactor 3-in-1 foundation:
The first time I tried this, I was disappointed. Every beauty blogger seems to like this, but I had a hard time blending it into my skin, especially around my nose. Then I tried it with the Real Techniques Expert Face brush, and all of a sudden, this miracle happened. This foundation stays put for SO long, longer than I've seen any foundation last on my oily T-zone.

3. MAC blush in Bad Girl Gone Good:
This blush equals gorgeousness. I don't have anything like this blush color, it is so unique. It makes me look Fierce (yes, capital F) in just a few brush strokes. Amazing.

4. Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray:
This setting spray really made my make up look more natural and healthy after application. It also made my make up last a bit longer and made my foundation wear off in a very natural way.

5. NYX lipliner in 836 Bloom:
I never liked lip liners, they seem to harsh for my lips. But this one is so creamy and soft, I like to use it as much as possible!

6. Smashbox Photofinish foundation primer in Light:
I've been using this almost all year round and this really makes all the difference. It influences the staying power of my make up so much for the better!

7. Rimmel Scandaleyes waterproof Kohl Kajal in 002 Sparkling Black:
This kohl eyeliner pencil is so unbelievably creamy! I accidentally picked up the sparkling black, not the normal black color. But I like the subtle glitter in the liner, it adds something special but subtle to the look.

8. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush:
I've been using this brush for almost a year straight now. It is my favorite way to apply any form of liquid or cream make up, especially foundations. I use this all day, every day! Secretly I might go and buy a back up.

What have been your beauty discoveries in 2013?

Xoxo
Anine

HAUL: London shopping

Hey everyone,

It is finally time to wake up from my christmas/winter slumber and to get back in action in 2014. As some of you know, I have been to London the days before christmas. It was wonderful to be back in my natural English habitat (I'm a UK girl through and through), and I missed the highstreets/drugstores so much.

As you can imagine, I also went a bit bonkers there, so get yourself a cup of tea, sit back and relax while reading my London shopping haul!

First of all I went into Boots, specifically eyeing the Barry M polishes. I've always regretted not having more of these in my nail polish collection and simply love the colors I picked up; Crush, Prickly Pear and Lychee. Crush is a matte nail polish, the other two are gelly polishes. I've already tried all three of them and LOVE these so much!

I knew I wanted to pick up the powder brush and new make up sponge by Real Techniques, but unfortunately, Estée's or Essie Buttons review of the duo fibre brush set also made me pick these up. I'm very excited to review these!

I found this Rimmel Exaggerate Primer at Boots and was so intrigued by it! For one, because I've never seen a decent drugstore eye primer, and I haven't seen any blogger talking about it yet. But also since I've run out of my NARS one and I'd love to find a cheaper alternative. A review will be coming up soon!

Yes, yes, yes! I have found it! I finally stumbled upon the Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal in 005 Nude. I have been looking for it in Belgium for over two years, but never saw it in any drugstore. It took one visit to Boots and BAM, I'm all set to use this one my bottom waterline for big, doll eyes!

The last make up item I bought was a Rimmel Apocalips in 400 Big Bang (Yes, another Rimmel product! They had a 2 + 1 sale going on!). I love this for a red, sophisticated lip. It takes nothing more than some concealer, mascara and this lip lacquer to achieve a simple, fresh look. Love!

Then I went to Primark for a hectic but strategically planned shopping trip (I was in the company of le boyfriend and so had to do some fast shopping to save him the shopache). I picked up these cute boots in a lovely taupish color and this beautiful tartan scarf. I have been wearing both items every day since I purchased them! In the end I also gave in to this cute pyjama, which is London themed, of course.

Finally, after years of lusting, I picked up two Starbucks christmas-themed mugs. I've been wanting these for so long and will be using them year round, I don't even care if it's a tropical hot day whilst wearing a bikini, I will use the crap out of these! Look at their gorgeousness!

Few, that was a lot of stuff. I might have gone a little overboard, but all this stuff basically is stuff I've wanted and needed for such a long time! I can't wait to try out and review the make up products!

I hope you enjoyed your holidays, and I will be bringing MORE content to you in 2014! I'm excited, are you?


Xoxo
Anine

What’s in my travel makeup bag

For my trip to Paris, I tried to pack very light on makeup. I thought of it as a way to make myself do a more minimal makeup application.

The products shown above from left to right:

MAC Studio Fix powder in C4

Labello lip balm

Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Coralberry

MAC Kohl eyepencil in Bluuz

Bourjois Brow pencil in 04 Blond Foncé

Maybelline Master Precise liquid eyeliner

Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara

Nars eye primer

Estée Lauder Double Wear concealer in 02 Light Medium

Maybelline Lumi Touch concealer in 01

Wet ‘n Wild eyeshadow palette in Walking on Eggshells

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in 10 Black

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector for oily skin in Light

E.L.F. Blush in Candid Coral

Last but not least, my brushes. I pretty much use all Bubbi Brushes and Real Techniques brushes, some Hema and some MAC.

What essentials do you always have with you in your travel makeup bag?

Xoxo,

Anine