Product Review • Real Techniques Core Collection and Starter set.

So, I gave in. As I'm now becoming more of an avid and adventurous makeup user, I thought why not invest in some good brushes. Literally everyone on Instagram is raving about these, so with some left over holiday money I decided to get them. They retail at £21.99 per set at Boots but are currently on offer for "Buy one get one half price". I do already own 2 Models Own brushes (foundation brush and angle brush) so I did have something to compare them to. All the brushes are versatile and simple to use with great outcomes. I'm going to give you my opinions and thoughts of each brush and a rating out of 10. I hope you enjoy this post/find it useful.

(Will review in order left to right of the image above. Image credit to Google images) 

Buffing Brush • 9/10; 

The buffing brush is most probably my favourite from the Core Collection (the orange set), it easily picks up my powder and then gives an even coverage once it's been buffed over my face. However I am yet to try using it to apply liquid foundation. 

Contour Brush • 7/10;

This brush is the perfect size to create a sheen of colour in the hollow of your check, it glides and shades with ease, leaving a flawless tint upon your foundation. I used NYC Colour Wheel Mosaic in Peach Glow, its relatively cheap yet good quality as I'm not a huge fan of contour. 

Pointed Foundation Brush • 4/10;

I did not like this brush at all. The soft consistency of the bristles left me with quite a low coverage of foundation, which I dislike. My Models Own brush has much more harder bristles, which seem to pick up the foundation better, giving a more dewy high coverage. 

Detailer Brush • 8/10;

This is also one of my favourite brushes from the pack as it was perfect the use for a highlighter. It was small enough to get in all those corners and outline places precisely. 

Deluxe Crease Brush • 9/10;

I loved this brush! It was absolutely perfect for applying the darker shades in my contour evenly and allowed me to slowly glide back and forth. It was also nice to blend the darker shades transitioning from my contour to eye too. An all rounder.

Base Shadow Brush • 7/10;

It does what it says, "Base"- its good for applying your base and not much else, unless you're wearing light colours that easily blend/transition with your base. However it's a key brush when applying eyeshadow.

Brow Brush • 9/10;

I don't often colour my eyebrows, but when I do I will use "Tease" from the Urban Decay Naked 2 pallet. Much like an angle brush this brush is very precise and really does help shape brows. Or it could be used for eyes, in careful or particular layouts.

Pixel Point Eyeliner Brush • 6/10;

The Pixel point brush was my least favourite from the starter kit pack, it didn't help when applying my eyeliner in any way. Although I suggest that you could use it for applying lipstick.

Accent Brush • 7/10; 

This brush is very similar to the detailer brush from the Core Collection shape wise, however in terms of eye it could be used to apply thinner lines wether it be contour or lining the lid with eyeshadow.

Overall, the Starter Kit would be my winner if I had to choose one, despite them both having their downfalls. They are fabulous quality and are super soft, also making them easy to clean. 

They are perfect for beginners and I will most definitely purchase more. I hope that you have enjoyed this post and feedback is always welcome.

Thanks for reading,

With Love,

Lauren x

PS- Please bare with me as I am currently moving house, so posts may become irregular.

My Holiday/ Week in Photos • Blackpool, England.

So, last week I went on a little holiday break to the west coast of England (I think?). I have family in Preston, which is half hour away from Blackpool. So we spent 2 nights in Blackpool and 2 nights in Preston, which was a lovely little getaway. So, I thought I'd write a post about it now as I didn't have the chance to post all last week.

Trains, my favourite things ever, yet when you're on them for 4 hours and there's two crying babies on your carriage, it becomes my least favourite thing ever. Thanks to Blink-182, some good headphones and this thing called "full volume", thankfully, I made it through. 

We arrived at this cute little b&b on one of the side streets, freshened up and went to find a restaurant to eat at, typically, Nando's. Chicken,chicken and more chicken. Then sat at a posh little bar on the front where I sipped Pimms and watched the sunset before taking a stroll on the tacky yet wonderful strip on our walk home.

The next day, my inner child was released as we went to Pleasure Beach. Adrenaline was in the air as hearts raced and que sized multiplied. Going on the infamous "Pepsi Max/The Big One", I got thrown around and plunged at high speeds. But my favourite had to be "Revolution", scary name, thrilling ride. Bad action shots on rides were all around. After many more we played in the arcades there and finally went home before taking another evening walk on the strip/promenade. 

Finally on our last day, we went to Madame Tussadues and The Blackpool Dungeons. I was very disappointed as there was no Johnny Depp wax work, but all the same I still very much enjoyed getting pictures with David Attenborough and walking across Abbey Road with the big four. The dungeons however was slightly more daunting, after visiting the London ones twice, I knew what I was in for. Bad smells, creepy actors and a history lesson I'll never forget. Always a great place to visit no matter what age you are (aka; even my grumpy dad enjoyed).

All in all I had a great time and consumed more sweets than I should of. I hope you enjoyed my little summary of my break. 

Also, a product review shall be coming your way this week.

Thanks for reading,

With Love,

Lauren x

Strappy Lace Prom Dress • Pick of the Week.

Why wouldn't you want to buy this dress? Oh wait of course you'd want to buy it. With the incredibly ditsy cute, vintage style features it makes the perfect attire for any formal or celebratory occasion. As winter is on it's way, for me, this is the busiest time of year. Christmas, My Birthday, New Years Eve and other family members birthdays, so that could only mean one thing; parties and meals.. and this dress is perfect. Short or knee length Prom Dresses will always be in style and very rarely date, so it's wearable forever. 

Currently in the Topshop sale instore and online, how could I pass it up for £10? It's currently in the post and on it's way to my humble abode. Excited doesn't even begin to explain it. 

Thanks for reading, 

With Love, 

Lauren x

My Wish List • August 2013.

So, this is my first wish list, I hope you enjoy.

1. Made in Chelsea Series 1 -3 Box set, £11.87 (Play.com)

Guilty Pleasures, we all have them .. And mine is most certainly watching Chelsea's finest break up, make up and bitch whilst wearing their Sunday best. Im not one for reality shows but the lifestyle these people lead are more than gossip worthy, and who doesn't love gossip? After a scorching series finale a month or so back I've been having withdrawals. With plenty of time on my hands, what more could I need? A sofa, coffee and some tissues, it's a date. 

2. Topshop Majestic Cut Out Boots, £45 (Topshop.com)

Well, it was love at first sight. After flicking through pages of Topshop's "New In This Week", my eyes finally fall upon these. Black, Buckles, Slight Heel. With winter becoming closer and closer I find myself needing more practical shoes, my trusty 3 year old lo-top Converse will not make I through the snow another year. These are perfect to team with some skinny jeans or to toughen up a girly dress, general all rounders. Undoubtably being 100% leather, they are most definitely worth the dollar and without a second thought I will be purchasing these. 

3. Ted Baker Large Bow Printed Wash Bag in Ebyo, £29 (JohnLewis.com)

I went on a hunt, in desperate need of a new Make-up bag and I stumbled upon the Ted Baker collection of "Wash Bags". Due to my expensive taste in everything I just so happen to set my eyes upon this bag in particular. It's print is what caught my eye, the contrasting greens, pinks and blues against the silky baby pink, it just "pops" if you understand what I mean? But, retailing at £29 I find that it's a tad pricey if you take into consideration it's dimensions, however, I am still in love with it. 

Thanks for reading,

With Love,

Lauren x

(image credit; play.com, topshop.com & johnlewis.com)

Metalics; a little rust never hurt no one.

When I say metallic, you think tacky, correct or am I correct? 

So when my aunt handed me a sliver metallic Michael Kors handbag yesterday, I had my fashion feline instincts. Although throughout the day the bag seemed to become more accustom to my taste with the more I looked at it. So by 6pm, I was completely in love with it and had to accept the offer. With that, it wind-swept my fashion forecasting frame of mind. 

"This is very Autumn/Winter" I thought to myself, so within a few taps at my laptop's keyboard I find myself within the realms of metallic heaven. 

Topshop, Zara and H&M are all at it on the high street with metallic, preparing us for A/W2013. With everything from cami's to clutches; silver, gold, bronze and platinum, you name it.

Meanwhile over on the Haute Couture front, Dior are showing their metal appreciation with their lips. Yes, you heared, lips. Their latest A/W2013 collection had make-up artist Pat McGrath sending their models down the runway with metallic lips in both bronze and lilac. 

However, if you're not bold enough for a dazzling silver dress or gear grinding gold lips, you can minimise its essence and wear some statement jewellery or even get some metal on those claws. Topshop have a dashing range of high quality nail polishes which should do the trick, try shades like "Gilted" or "Twilight Tease". 

Coming to an end, I hope I've enlightened you on what I think will be the biggest trend this Autumn and Winter.

Thanks for reading,

With Love,

Lauren x

(Photo Credit: Zara & Pinterest)