CHEAP MAC AND REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSH DUPES FROM EBAY

After mentioning I had bought these cheap makeup brushes in my recent haul video, I've had countless people asking me to do a blog post reviewing them and showing you photos. I found these on eBay and bought the set of ten buffing brushes, MAC 217 dupe and MAC 239 dupe. The ten set cost around £15 and the smaller eye brushes were only £1 each. I forgot to photograph the other eye brushes that I got in the set of ten but they are exactly the same shapes as the face versions but much smaller. 

I have been using the face brushes every single day for buffing in my foundation. I have found that in comparison to other brushes I have tried, these ones have the perfect density and bristle length to them. I have the Sigma F25 which is a similar shape to the rounded top one of these but the Sigma one is much too dense in comparison, meaning that the foundation is just pushed around my face instead of it actually blending in. On the other hand, the eBay ones actually blend in the makeup to your skin. The bristles on the eBay ones are slightly longer than the Real Techniques brushes, allowing the product to blend in more effectively as again it isn't just being pushed around your face as I find can sometimes happen with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I'm not a fan of the eyeshadow brushes that came with the eBay set. They're not the right shape or density to be used on the eyes so I generally use them for my concealer instead which I find to be a much better use for them.

Apart from being slightly more scratchy than the MAC 217 brush- the £1 one pictured above is a very good dupe. The length of the bristles are slightly longer than the 217 and the handle is plastic in comparison to the wooden MAC one but apart from this they are very similar. At a tiny fraction of the price, I'd recommend stocking up on these if you're new to makeup, on a budget or are simply too lazy to wash your brushes and like to have backups (like me). I ended up getting three of these but I need to order more so that I never have to use a dirty one when doing my makeup!

I also bought a dupe for the MAC 239 brush. This is a flat shader brush which is perfect for packing on the base lid colour, before blending and adding more colours in the crease which can be done with the 217 brush. Again this was only £1 each so I got a couple as it meant I would have back ups!

Overall I think all of these brushes are excellent value for money- I bought all of them for less than the price of one mac face brush! They wash and dry very well and so far I haven't had any problems with them shedding. All product links are at the top of this post.

Have you tried any eBay brushes before? What do you think of them compared to MAC and Real Techniques?

Avocado, red onion and chickpea sandwich recipe

When I was making my lunch the other day, I thought I would get out my camera and film/photograph it for a blog post and YouTube video (much to the confusion of the window cleaners!) I decided to make a chickpea, avocado and red onion sandwich and I also added a bit of balsamic vinegar to add some flavour to it. This would of been lovely with some plum tomatoes in it too but unfortunately I didn't have any to add.

I hope you like the video below too, I've had so many lovely comments from people saying that they like how I've been filming and editing my videos since I've got my new camera so thank you if you've commented saying that!

What would you wear on a night out to a casino

It used to be when dressing to spend an evening out at the casino, women were required to dress more formally. It wasn’t uncommon to see women in the casino dressed out in their best. They may have donned long evening gown which they accessorized with valuable and stunning jewels. Some women may have even worn fur stoles. This look was seen as necessary to also show one’s wealth when visiting a casino. Fortunately, this has changed significantly over the years. It could be due to the fact that casinos has become widely spread, even on the online scene. One of the most popular one is surely http://www.luckynuggetcasino.com/au. This could be worth visiting before your actual visit to a casino. When dressing for a night in a casino women can choose clothing that is not only more casual but often more comfortable as well.

Given the eclectic nature of a casino appropriate outfit, it is safe to say that women have something in their closet that can be put together to wear to the casino. This means there really is no need to go shopping for a new outfit, however, some women simply don’t need an excuse to shop. When choosing an outfit to wear to the casino, many women find that it is easier to select what garment they will wear on the bottom first. This could include slacks or skirts. Jeans are even an option as long as they are in proper repair. For some women, the way in which to select this item should be a consideration of comfort.

Now that the bottom garment has been chosen it is time to select what to wear on top to complete the look. You must consider the style of the bottom piece when making this choice. If the bottom garment is dressier, you will want one of your top pieces to be more casual. This could mean a sweater, turtleneck or a blouse. On the other hand, a more casual bottom would necessitate a dressier piece on top such as a blazer.

*I do not endorse gambling and visiting casinos in any way but if you are over 18 it is your choice whether you decide to gamble or not. Please gamble responsibly. Featured post by Chris Granger.

RINGS AND TINGS JEWELRY

 

I was sent these lovely pieces of jewellery by a company called Rings and Tings which is an online shop which sells a very wide range of jewellery, clothes and accessories. The pieces I pieced out were the Crystal Flower Necklace, Mini Stud Edge Crystal Ring and Multi Chain Crystal Necklace (which is no longer on the website). They were all under £10 so very affordable, and they have such a wide range of items that you'll definitely find something that you like!

They came really nicely packaged so they would make a perfect gift for someone or just a little treat for yourself- this sort of jewellery is the perfect thing to make an outfit more interesting- especially if it's something like a plain top or a little black dress!

I'd definitely recommend checking out Rings and Tings, let me know what your favourite piece is!

Although I was sent these products by Rings and Tings to review on islaay.com this does not influence my opinion and it is 100% honest as always

London Trip- Laurens Way Party and Muji Beauty Events

 

 

 

  

Last week myself and Carissa took a trip to London to attend the Laurens Way Party for the launch of her new Darker than Dark fake tan and the Muji Beauty event in the Oxford street store. Here is a few photos from the day, I also did a short vlog which you can watch below or on my YouTube channel! Along with a bit of shopping we met up with Jordan and Christina for lunch, had a chat with Lily from Lily Pebbles at the Muji event and had quite a few cocktails with Lauren Goodger from TOWIE at the Laurens Way Party! 

Win tickets to the NCS Yes Live event with Marcus Butler and Joe Suggs

The NCS Yes event is taking place on the 1st of March at Brixton Academy and I have a chance for you and a friend to win a ticket each to go! At the event there will be the electro-pop band Swiss Lips, Elli Ingram and new R&B artist Joel Compass and will be hosted by YouTubers Marcus Butler and Joe Suggs.

All you need to do to win tickets for you a friend is enter here

But that’s not all, NCS is celebrating inspirational young people within music, film, sport, business, digital and sport, and wants you to vote for your favourite nominee. Every time you vote or share the event on Facebook and Twitter you’ll be entered into the competition again– increasing your chance of winning!

NCS is a once–in-a-lifetime opportunity for 15 to 17 year olds in England and Northern Ireland. It’s a unique two or three-week full-time programme focused around fun and discovery, plus 30 hours committed to a community project. The programme is designed to help young people unlock their potential and fast track their future. 

Check out NCS here:

Website: http://www.ncsyes.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCS

this blog post contains a sponsored link however all words are my own*

Current Wishlist

I've put a couple of these items in this post such as the Topshop swimsuit, Chanel espadrilles and Bon Prix jumper in preparation for my holiday to Morocco. I booked it a couple of weeks ago- it's never too early to start holiday shopping is it? The jumper would be perfect for the cooler evenings but it's still a bright colour so it's definitely holiday ready. The swimsuit has such a lovely shape to it and I also love the bright colour, and the Chanel shoes are just perfect- I can imagine them being very comfortable! I saw these Kurt Geiger heels in London recently and fell in love with them as they are the perfect heel height, such a nice colour and the crocodile effect to them is so unique, plus I definitely need another Kurt Geiger pair to add to my collection!

As for makeup items- after getting slightly bored of how I do my eyebrows the Anastasia Brow Whiz eyebrow pencil is something I would like to try out. I normally just use an eyeshadow with an angled brush so it would be great to give this one a try as so many people love it! The Nars lip pencil in 'Cruella' and the Creamy Concealer are both things which I've seen being talked about lots recently on other blogs but every time I go into my local SpaceNK I have to keep telling myself I don't actually need them! The Chanel lipstick is on here to represent every single shade that they do. They're beautiful and I want to grow my collection- enough said? I'm still loving Nars blushes and therefore would like to try out more. I like this palette as it lets you try out their best selling blush, bronzer and highlight all in one!

this post contains a sponsored link*

By Avellana jewellery

 

 

By Avellana is brand new jewellery business on ASOS Marketplace, selling reasonably priced and really pretty bracelets, earrings and necklaces which are a perfect gift for a friend or just as a present to yourself! Carissa hand makes the packaging- meaning she will customise the message on the front to say your name, a friends name, a special quote or a saying! As they are all simple designs, it makes them wearable with pretty much any outfit; I have been wearing my necklace and bracelet pretty much every day since I got them!

Use the discount code 'BLOGGER25' to save 25% on all purchases from By Avellana. As the prices all range from around £5-£6, this discount makes the jewellery even more affordable!


Don't forget to check out By Avellana on ASOS Marketplace now!

I was given these items by By Avellana to feature in a blog post on islaay.com , however this does not influence my opinion in this review and it is 100% honest as always

Collective makeup and beauty haul

I seem to say this every single time I do a haul post, but here we go again- oops I bought too much. This is just some of the makeup and beauty products I have bought recently- as I usually do with hauls I put it in a video for you so it's easier to see the products which I have bought!

You can find the video on my YouTube channel or you can watch it below

A winters walk photos and OOTD

 

 

On Sunday myself and my friend Megan went for a little afternoon walk near to where we live as the weather decided to be very sunny for once. I had my camera with me so thought it was the perfect opportunity to take a few photos (thank you to Megan for taking the outfit photos for me!)

Please let me know if you like this sort of blog post, this year I want to do some more outfit photos that aren't just in my back garden so let me know if that is something that you would like to see more of.

Outfit details:

Coat: Zara
Dress: Topshop
Boots: Russell and Bromley
Scarf: House of Fraser
Lipstick: MAC 'Darkside'

January 2014 Favourites- MAC, Chanel, Tom Ford, NARS, Nuxe and Kiehl's

I haven't done a beauty favourites in a very long time, so I thought I would show you a few of the makeup products I have been loving recently and throughout January.

The most recent purchase of all of these products is my MAC quad palette. I bought the colours Satin Taupe, All That Glitters and Woodwinked- along with the pigment called 'Tan' which I will be pressing to make into another solid eyeshadow to put in the palette. I'll do a YouTube tutorial of how to press a mac pigment into a solid pan eyeshadow soon so look out for that on my YouTube channel!

Since getting this NARS blush back in October, I think I've barely gone a day without wearing it. It's in the shade 'Orgasm' and is the perfect coral/pink shade with a bit of shimmer to it. The formula is gorgeously pigmented and it lasts well on the cheeks all day.

Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm is another fairly recent purchase of mine. I had got to the point where the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream which I was previously using, wasn't quite cutting it as an overnight lip moisturiser anymore so I felt it was time to try out a new one. This is a very thick, heavy duty lip balm which has a lovely cocoa butter/citrus scent to it. I have heard that over time it tends to become slightly bitty so I'm hoping that doesn't happen to mine as currently I'm loving it!

As I've been wearing eyeshadow much more recently, I've been really using my MAC 217 brush a lot. It's pretty much my holy grail eyeshadow brush- just the perfect size for blending in the crease of your eye and the bristles are the right balance of being fluffy/rigid to allow your eyeshadow to blend properly.

For a while I fell out of love with the MAC studio finish concealer, however I have recently found a slightly different way to apply it and now I'm back to loving it again! I use it with either the Real Techniques Accent or Detailer brush, then blend it out with a small flat top blending brush (I have a blog post coming up soon with where I bought mine from). I find this method gives the most natural finish as before I found it going slightly cakey and I would always apply too much and not blend it fully.

The Chanel lipstick in 'La Désirée' was a pre Christmas treat to myself. I have mentioned loving it before on my blog and I definitely am still really enjoying using it. It is the perfect long lasting, blue toned deep matte red with such pretty packaging! It's definitely worth the price tag in my opinion.

Khiel's Midnight Recovery Concentrate was a serum which I bought after trying out a sample when I was in New York, earlier last year. I find my skin to look a lot more plump and healthier looking when I use it before bed, the scent is very calming as it smells faintly of lavender and the packaging makes it very easy to use. Khiel's are usually very good with their samples so if you are ever near a counter or a store I would recommend asking a sales assistant more about it and giving it a go.

Finally is the Tom Ford lipstick in the shade 'Cherry Lush' which was a Christmas present from my lovely friend Helen from the blog Beautifully Superfluous. This is probably the most luxurious makeup product I own- you can't really get much better than a Tom Ford lipstick, let's be honest! It has the creamiest, most long lasting formula, the packaging is something which you could only dream of and the colour is just perfect. If I could sum it up in one word, I'd just have to say that it's beautiful.

A Day Out in London

On Sunday, myself and Carissa took a little day trip to London for her birthday. We spent the day making good use of the Topshop photobooth, getting our makeup done at the MAC counter in Harrods, eating sushi and Laduree macaroons, wandering around Oxford Street (and spending too much money) and going to Chinatown to celebrate the Chinese New Year. I thought I'd share some of the photos I took with you and I also filmed some clips to make a vlog which you can watch below or on my YouTube channel.

Please let me know if you like this sort of blog post- I go to London on a pretty regular basis and having my new camera means that there's now loads of different things I want to experiment with photographing and filming!