Brush it Off

Hi Girls,

Today I wanted to cover the latest make up brush trend which has make up lovers by storm;  toothbrush style make up brushes. If you are an avid social media and blog reader you will have seen these brushes appear in almost every blogger or make up artists posts, they literally look like a tooth brush (or the larger ones a dishwashing brush as seen in many parody videos). My question is are they a fad or are they worth investing in?

The most well known company to sell these brushes is Artis, a high end brand which retails the tools from £28- £60 per brush , or £284-£410 for a full set. For the average person that's a lot of money to spend on brushes, but more recently a range of affordable options have been available.

The range I went for are from a brand called Iconic London, I got the face brush set which is for contouring and highlighting and creating a flawless base. The set at the time cost me £30 (plus £5 for delivery) and included 3 different sized brushes. I bought the brushes on pre order, however they did arrive earlier than expected.

First impressions of these brushes were good as the rose gold finish was eye catching, and the bristles were soft to touch. The brushes don't feel 'expensive' and this can be seen from the material of the brushes as they are made from plastic and not metal, however for the price this was expected.

When I first used the brushes I used them to apply both liquid and powder products, although the tools are meant for both personally I feel they work better for liquid and cream products and found applying powder to be cakey and difficult to blend.

The bristles are all the same density for the different sizes, as a make up artist I find the smaller a brush the less dense and packed bristles should be to get better control of blending. For this reason I feel the largest brush in the set works best, and the smallest is quite challenging to use as a blending tool. I did however find the smaller brushes handy for cream highlighting and contouring although I still needed to go over the concealer with my beauty blender or buffing brush as the Iconic brushes didn't blend the product in as much as I would have liked.

A month of using the brushes on both myself and clients my verdict is that although they can be handy they are not an essential brush, I have found myself reverting back to my handy Real Techniques and Laura Mercier brushes. I would recommend the larger brushes for seamlessly blending and creating a great base, other than this I am slightly disappointed as I have seen so many high profile bloggers use similar brushes.

I did see the Artis brushes in Space NK last week and the bristles seemed a lot softer and less dense
which is clearly the biggest difference between the real deal and an affordable alternative, my next expiriment will be to try one out and do a comparison to conclude whether the extra money is worth the spend.

One point I did want to mention in this post is the customer service experience I received from Iconic, I noted shortly after I purchased these brushes the price jumped to £40. Personally I find that a big change in price over a short period of time, and would be unhappy to be paying £10 more than others for the same product. I also found it was quite difficult to contact the company or get any sort of response until I tweeted them. I got in touch with their PR team and had a similar issue. For me this was the biggest downfall of the experience, which has put me off repurchasing from the brand for the time being.

I pride myself in giving honest reviews to all my readers to help them in any way I can by sharing both good and bad experiences. I hope for this reason other customers do not have a similar experience and this was just a one off  as the brand does have a lot of good products including an amazing strobe stick.

Have you ever tried a beauty product which did not live up to the hype?

Roll Up, Roll Up!

Happy Sunny Sunday Girls, 

Today's short and sweet post is about another one of my Amazon research buys, the Babyliss Hot Rollers. After using them on a few clients this week, and myself a few weeks ago, I had to share how great they are with you all.

It seems rollers have become a bit of a trend, especially following on from celebs from reality tv shows using them. After seeing so many posts on social media it seemed nothing really could give more bounce and natural looking volume than rollers, so I wanted to do lots of research before investing in any. 

Although the 'sleep in' rollers were tempting for my lazy self, after watching countless Youtube videos, reading Amazon reviews, and googling like crazy, I decided to give Babyliss Thermo Ceramic Rollers a try. They were an absolute bargain (£30 on Amazon), what did I have to lose?!

I plug in the roller heater for about fifteen minutes before I use them, although I think the warm up time is actually only a few minutes. I section parts of hair into the rollers and leave them in for 20 minutes at a minimum, usually I can leave them in whilst doing my make-up in the meantime. The results are bouncy and effortless hair that looks like quite an expensive blow-dry. 

What's not to love? 

End result when used on blow-dried
hair

The set comes with all the necessary equipment including the rollers, heater and clips to hold the rollers in place. The different sized barrels are useful, and I tend to use the larger rollers on the top section of my hair, and use the smaller ones on the bottom layer for the best effect. For added styling I sometimes go over my curls with my Bombay Hair 25mm (from the 5 in 1 range) wand. 

Taking into consideration a blow dry can cost £30 if going to a hairdresser, this is a great at home alternative and also a great addition to any hair stylists kit. It is simple and easy to use and also effective for such a small price. 

I may do a video tutorial on how I use these tools if readers find it useful, so let me know if that's what you would like to see and I will give it a go. 

Do you have a go to styling tip that give you the celeb factor? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Pucker Up!

Hey Guys, 

Those of you following my Facebook page, twitter or Instagram will know I recently went to the IMATS in London. It was obviously heaven on earth for me- the make up, and discounted prices, I will definitely be making another trip in store next year! The talking point at the IMATS was the huge queue going through the whole venue. But what were hundreds of make up enthusiasts queueing for? Was it worth the hour and a half wait...?

The queue was for NYX and in my opinion it was definitely worth the wait, the brand always does great products with a professional finish and this post will show you exactly what I mean.

I first discovered NYX least year at the pro beauty exhibition and I have been addicted ever since. My favourite brow palette was my first ever purchase, and I now double it up as a smokey eye shadow kit for an everyday look. At £9 (IMATS price- £13.50 online)it was a bargain. 

My new addition this time around are the lip creams. The finish and feel of these is better than anything similar that I have tried so far, both drugstore and high end make up brands. I bought four shades in two completely different finishes to test and I will definitely be adding to this.. 

The shades I bought are: 

Spice Xtreme Lip Cream (bright red- shine finish)

Candy Land Xtreme Lip Cream (baby pink- shine finish)

Buttery Nude Xtreme Lip Cream (peachy/nude- shine finish)

Milan Milan Soft Matte Lip Cream (baby pink- matte finish)

These ranged from about £3.50-£5.5-0 at IMATS and are available online for £5.50 (matte lip cream) and £7.50 (extreme lip cream). 

Top- Milan Milan
Middle- Spice
Bottom-Buttery Nude

My favourite is the nude, as I have found it difficult to find a nude which I feel suits me, this is perfect especially paired with NYX lipstick in Indian Pink (oh how well that fits!). My only regret is I didnt buy more shades in a matte finish, as at the time I was in a debate about whether I would like them. I actually love the Milan Milan I purchased in matte, and I think I will venture into more matte shades following on from my experience.

They feel really good and comfortable on my lips, and not sticky or drying which I find some super shiny or matte finishes can do. I can get away with wearing them for about 4-5 hours before needing to reapply which is amazing. 

All in all my favourite purchase of the day and I look forward to adding to my NYX collection, this really is a pro brand at a budget price! 

What are your favourite NYX products? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Who Run's The World?

Hey Guys, 

Its been a hectic few weeks in both work and play, but I wanted to write a blog post about some of the things I have been involved with recently. 

A few weeks ago I worked with two very inspirational women, and the brains, beauty and banter behind successful UK lifestyle blog Breathe Happiness. Hayley is the success behind online store Southwood Stores, the UK’s only stockist of american casual clothing brand Hello Apparel and  Shaneen is the eyes behind the lens of Rosewarne Cox Photography. 

Photography by Rosewarne Cox Photography for
Breathe Happiness

We worked together with two models to shoot for Hello Apparel to be featured online at Southwood Studios. This was honestly one of the most relaxing and fun atmospheres I have had the joys of working in. I love meeting like minded individuals, and both these ladies inspired me to keep working hard at what I do and love so much, as well as sticking to my love or hate honest nature in the process. 

I can’t wait to share images from the shoot, but for now you will have to deal with a few sneak peaks and behind the scenes until the final pics can be released! Take a look at the Breath Happiness blogpost featuring the shoot here. 

Photography by Josh Daniels
Make up by me 

The second event I took part in last week was working backstage with Make Up Artists Jay Gill and Urvashi Patel from The Beauty Fix. The show presented the talents of Bedfordshire College students and the results were beyond drawdropping. There was also a soft launch of upcoming designers Kian-E and Aywa. The bubbly and beautiful models were supplied by The Model's Portal (TMP) and it was a pleasure working with them. 

One of my favourite outfits
at the show.
Photography by Josh Daniels
Make Up by Me

Now in the past I had a bad experience of a show in a similar industry (as some of you know from a past post), so I have been sceptical of heading in the same direction again. However, I have worked with Aneesa (organiser of the show, director of Kian-e and tutor at Bedfordshire College) in the past. I can honestly say her hard work, dedication and personable nature shined through the whole event from start to finish with seamless results. I will Aneesa and all of the future designers all the best as they continue their journey- these guys will go far! 

I think these past few weeks have showed me that if you do have a passion for something creative, as hard as it may seem to lift off the ground you should go for it and eventually the hard work will pay off. In a world and culture where I have seen women holding back from what they want to do, it felt liberating to meet so many successful women on the same path as me. 

Do you have a creative side you would like to share? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Do Miracle Products Exist?

Bobbi Brown BB Cream 

£29  

Source: Bobbi Brown Website

Some of you may know from my previous posts that I am quite conscience of my skin following teenage acne, therefore I refuse to wear foundation on a daily basis. Until now the Laura Mercier oil free tinted moisturiser has been my daily choice of skin base, until I received a sample of the Bobbi Brown BB cream which I tested for a week and then decided to buy.  

I never did give in to the BB Cream phase, it all seemed like empty promises to me, and I have never come across a review that completely changed my perception of this. I still remain unconvinced that any BB Cream is the "miracle solution" but I have to say I have been quite pleased with the Bobbi Brown Product. 

I used the tester I received for a week in my day to day routine to see how it held up against my original skin routine. It can sometimes get anywhere between 10-14 hours within my day before I get a chance to remove my make up in the work week, at the end of the day my face is usually oily and my dry patches seem more obvious that usual. 

Apologies for the poor picture,
it was the only photo I could track where
I could show the use of the BB Cream
on my holiday. 

I noticed with the Bobbi Brown Bb Cream my face did not look oily at the end of the day, and my skin remained matte with maybe a slight shine at the most. The coverage is also good, I have red patches which are covered as well as evening my skin tone without looking like I am wearing anything.I don't like to feel like I am wearing much on my face during the week, so this product worked out great for me as it was light; the oil free part was a bonus! 

I decided to purchase the full size in time for my trip to India seeing as my tinted moisturiser was running low and following my recent laser treatment I was also in need of a high SPF product (this is SPF 35). This was the real test of the product, as I wanted to see if I would get the same level of result in 28 degrees and long days. 

Overall I found the product worked really well for about 6 hours in the day before needing a blot, or powder touch up. By the end of the day my skin was slightly greasy, but not anymore so than with my normal products, as well as some dry patches.  

I would recommend this product as a good day to day skin cover, however it is quite on the expensive side for a BB cream (£29) however it still works out cheaper than the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser, so I would be willing to repurchase until I come across something that might be more suited to my skin. 

Have you ever come across a product which really is a "miracle" cure? 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

What's Behind the Glamour?

Hey Guys, 

I have been very busy this week working on a number of exciting projects. On Thursday I gave mini make overs at the Bloggers Love event at The Penthouse to promote luxury jewellery brand Adourable. This event allowed me to network with a range of bloggers, fashionistas, and other like minded beauty addicts. All of the people I met were lovely, including X Factor group Miss Dynamix. I was lucky enough to do make up on SeSe, and all the girls in the group were as down to earth and bubbly in person as on X Factor. 

My model for the day-
Stella, amazing girl inside and out
Photography and editing by:
Rosie-Anne Footitt

Later on in the week I worked as a backstage dresser for fashion shows at a wedding exhibition. This for me was a whole different ball game. The outfits were glamourous, the models were beautiful and all of the backstage team worked together really well to make the show as much of a hit as we could. 

This is where the reality sunk in, the hard work behind a glamourous industry which I have never seen before. There are many different types of personality, but the biggest shock I got was that of high profile workers who talked down to others. My day to day profession involves working to help others, and the whole team including directors and executives have always worked together to achieve this. 

Male Models: Not just a pretty face
Photography and editing by:
Rosie-Anne Footitt

I met a varied range of personalities, it would be bias for me to range my whole experience on the selected few. I met some lovely stylists and dressers, who I hope to keep in contact with in future, it did not feel like I had known them for only a day. The models (some of which are very high profile) were lovely and friendly. I have to admit my perception of male models has always been quite negative, and the two working in the show mingled with all of the backstage team, helped us with some of the manual labour and changed my view on this completely, showing so much more than just a pretty face!  I met the lovely Sunita who represented Ekta Solanki, and represented the brand well with enough grace for me to want to shout about them from the rooftops. 

I did not get the same vibe from all of the representatives and organisers (who shall remain unnamed). I really feel sorry for those who feel the need to use their "status" in the industry to make newcomers feel unwelcome, or unnecessary. As opinionated as I am, I have always been taught to give others the same respect I would expect.

In short I think the day changed my one way perception on some areas, but also verified some of the instincts I have had. I learnt that it is extemely important to treat all individuals you are working with how you would like to be treated, especially in an industry where you will come across them in the future... 

It's part of the industry, but does that make it right? 

K xx 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Big Hair Don't Care

Hi Folks, 

This is a bit of a last minute and different post to my usual. It is to follow up from a picture I posted on my Instagram which I received lots of positive comments asking about my hair. 

I have naturally really fine and flat hair. I try to avoid backcombing as I fear it will further damage and thin my hair. I have to admit it has taken me a really long time to come up with the perfect formula on how to get some bounce and volume so I will share a few tips and key products with all of you out there wanting to get that big hair effortless look.  

Key Products and Tools

In order to achieve volume without back combing I have tried and tested many products and different brushes and hair tools. These are my top tools and products which I use to achieve volume. 

Babyliss Big Hair: £35-£60 

This is my top hot tool for achieving volume and as great an investment as my GHD’s. The Babyliss Big hair is a rotating hot brush which gives an effortless blowdry look. I believe the price has recently increased, I struck lucky and got it for £35 in Currys (on offer) so you may want to shop around online to find it at a good price. I have added the amazon link above so you know what you are looking for. 

Head Jog Ionic 80 Ceramic Blowdry Brush - £4.95

I have used many round barrel blowdry brushes, and this is my favourite. Head Jog do a number of different sized brushes. I bought the 80, but this is solely because it was the largest I could find at the suppliers. This gives a really sleek and volumised finish when paired with my Babyliss pro hair dryer which I set on the hottest setting to achieve the best result. Although any hairdryer will create the same effect this is my favourite as the varied settings give a really good finish. 




Tigi Catwalk Root Boost- £11.95






This is my favourite product to add some volume to my hair. The smallest amount really gives your style some oomph and its also handy as a hair mousse when your having a lazy day and don’t have much time to style your natural hair. it tames waves and curls so your 5 minutes of hair styling before work looks like a 50 minute job. Unfortunately the version I usually use has now been discontinued but I have put a link to the new "Your Highness" version which is just as good above.



What are your favourite volumising tools and products? 


Step by Step: 

The Final Result

1. Wash and condition hair as normal.
2. Towel dry and add a form of heat protection as a number of hot tools will be used to create this style. I don’t use a specific heat protector but at the moment my favourite is the Lee Stafford range as the products promote healthy hair growth. 
3. Rough dry hair so its 70% dry (it should not be dripping but still slightly damp to touch). 
4. Apply a palm sized amount of Tigi Catwalk into the roots of hair. 
5. Section hair and use the Babyliss Big hair on the lowest setting to style in the desired way (rotate inwards to flick hair towards face, rotate outwards to flick away from the face). The reason for keeping to the the lowest is so it can be followed up with use of a hairdryer, the lowest setting will style but not set the hair . I personally like to curl all my sections in slightly and flick out the front sections. 
6. Go Over the hair one final time with Head Jog blow dry brush and hair dryer. Concentrate the hairdryer for a few seconds at the root with the brush rolled under the hair and follow down from root to tip. 
7. Use a finishing product at your discretion if you feel it needs it. My hair is usually smooth and bouncy following the hair drying stage so I don’t add anything. 

Some might find it slightly odd the order I work in, but after trial and error I find this is what has worked best. It is a time consuming process sometimes, but after practice it can be done within 20 minutes and saves the use of excessive backcombing and straightening. This is perfect for winter, and the next day your hair should remain just as bouncy. Some practice might be needed to get the use of the Babyliss Big Hair rotations right, but once you get the knack its very easy to use. 

I may follow up with a youtube tutorial soon, still playing with the idea. For now good luck, give it a go and post any questions or results you might have for others to see. 

K xx 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Is The Beauty Industry Too Crowded?

Hi All, 

I have had a busy few weeks, and it has given me a lot of time to think about the beauty industry.  I will today be writing about my latest adventure, my first step into becoming a hair and make up professional; after taking a course with Mink make up school in London. I took a 5 day intensive course, focusing on becoming  a bridal hair and make up artist; as this is where I feel my future interest lies. 

I learnt a lot about the reality of the job, as well as much theoretical knowledge which I had not gained before. In a practical aspect I felt my largest accomplishment was the ability to practise on different skin tones/types and mastering blending, highlighting and contouring techniques. There is plenty you can teach yourself about make up, but the industry is one thing you can only prepare yourself for through experience. 

Make up above done by myself
during training at Mink London.

Through the duration of my course I had two amazing teachers, with much experience and knowledge within their particular fields. Both had a very different teaching style, however I feel I have taken back valuable tips and knowledge from each of them. My class consisted of 8 other females who have as much enthusiasm and motivation as myself to make a career of themselves in hair and beauty. i am happy to say as well as networking, I also gained friends  who I will stay in touch with in future.

Although beauty is an industry sector I have always loved, I do have a regular 9-5 day job which I aim to continue. For me make up has always been fun, and its something I wanted to develop further from being a hobby. 

With beauty being a fast growing industry, there is a high level of competition. Even coming from such a small village there are 4 hair salons and and 3 beauty salons. On my Facebook alone I have 7 make up artists/enthusiasts who are trying to break into the industry. 

Knowing the high level of competition makes it difficult, but I have come to terms with the fact that I am in this for my own level of enjoyment and progression. For me hair and make up is about making the most of somebody’s existing features and highlighting each their beauty for any special occasion. It is important to take pride in each client individually, and focus on what will work best for the individual in front of you. The most important part is to make clients feel comfortable, and not force your own ideas or opinions onto them. 

I have come to the realisation that this is not a cheap hobby. For me being a hair and make up artist is less about the income, and more about furthering my interest.  Starting up a kit, and your own business requires much dedication, time and also money. To keep up with competition and please clients certain branded items might be necessary. Although I have discovered a range of good quality and cheaper brands, clients may never have heard of these and will want recognised brands and products to be used on them. 

This is just my first step, but I hope its the beginning of a successful journey. I shall be keeping you all up to date with my progress, and the products I will be adding to my professional kit. 

I would love to know the opinions of my readers :

Is the beauty industry overcrowded? 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

A Quickfix for Skincare Insecurity

Hi All, 

I know I have been slacking on the blogposts, therefore I thought I would use my Easter weekend to catch up. I wanted to dedicate today's short and sweet blog to possibly the BEST foundation/concealer I have used to date. 

As mentioned in previous posts I have an ongoing battle with my skin. Although I have weeks where my skin will glow and I need little cover up, this has not been one of those weeks. With my graduation, and an uncomfortableness to reveal marks on my skin I searched high and low for good camouflage make up. 

 Clinique Even Better Concealer £18

I picked up two products, one Clinique’s Even Better concealer and the other  Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup. I bought the Clinique concealer based on online reviews, and I can’t help but say I was very disappointed. I love Clinique for their skin range, but I don’t think I will be in a rush to buy make up from this brand again based on this product. Considering a very small pot cost me £18, I found the concealer worked well to cover some minor blemishes but no better than my everyday concealer stick by Bobbi Brown. 

Disappointed with my first buy I asked friends for recommendations, and was told to try the  Estée Lauder Maximum Cover. Although it cost £27.50 for a small tube, I can really say this investment was well worth it. The product is marketed as a camouflage foundation, which means it’s great to cover more noticeable blemishes, marks and areas on both the face and body. Only a small amount is needed, therefore it is better applied like a concealer than foundation due to the thickness of consistency. 

As little as this amount of the foundation
was enough to cover half my face well. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover £27.50

It felt and looked flawless on my skin and I can ensure it will be what I first reach for on a bad skin day. Due to the thickness of the product I don’t think it is one I could personally use daily as I prefer light make up for every day purposes. 

Before and after the use of 

 

  Estée Lauder Double Wear without the use of any other powder or product on top

All in all this has been the best foundation I have come across for full coverage, and would recommend anyone to invest in buying regardless of it falling into a higher price range. My blemishes are one insecurity I fell will always lie with me, we all have our own insecurities whether it be inside or out. I ask my readers today: 

How do you tackle your beauty insecurities? 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others.