Real Techniques Expert Face Brush Review

A little bit late to the party, I finally bought a Real Techniques brush last month. Famous for it's excellent pricing that doesn't skimp on quality, I've been road testing this for the past few weeks before I wrote a review.

I admit it: I hated it the first few times I used it. I just really didn't get along with it and I was instantly disappointed that this brand - that everyone seems to love - had let me down. But I persevered, used it every day, and slowly began to fall in love with it. The bristles are super soft but packed tight so they don't just annoyingly splay out everywhere when you're trying to buff in foundation. The head is small enough that you can use it to blend under eye concealer. And without sounding weird - the handle is a bit thicker than brushes by MAC per say - which makes it very comfortable to hold.

I've been using this so far for concealer and foundation but I know some people really enjoy using this as a powder brush which I'll definitely try out! One of the best things about Real Technique brushes is supposedly that you can really use them for all sorts of things - I know a lot of brush brands such as MAC or Sigma tend to have a brush for literally everything you can think of! Real Techniques having a smaller range means that you don't have to spend as much money but still get the good quality you're after. You can buy this brush here for £8.99 - though I do recommend keeping an eye out in Boots and Superdrug as they run 3 for 2 offers on these literally all the time.

Have you tried any of these brushes? Are there any you can recommend?

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation Review

MAC Studio Fix in NC25, £21.50

Since moving to the city I've had to tighten the purse strings a bit, and sadly that meant not splurging on my favourite MAC powder. However after a particularly pleasant pay packet (lame alliteration, I regret nothing) I decided to have a little MAC treat.

It's described as a powder plus foundation, and I'd say that's only half right. I couldn't use this by itself unless I was having the most amazing skin day so I wouldn't use it as 'foundation'. However when you do use the powder over your normal foundation, it just works. And it works well. I love how my skin looks after using this - it gives off a matte texture whilst not ever being dry, and gives your skin this velvety look and finish. It's just very, very good. 

I would say you can get away going a few shades lighter/darker with this, so not to worry too much if you can't get matched up properly. Especially for the summer it wouldn't be a bad idea to get one a shade or so darker so it matches as you tan. 

If you have the money, buy this. If you don't have the money, buy this. It's amazing. You need it. Yep.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review

Another amazing bargain I had to try when I found it in Bicester Village. Yes, it's the famous foundation raved about by everyone and their mum. A full coverage foundation that's still meant to look natural, I've heard nothing but good reviews about it. And annoyingly, I have to agree with them.

The foundation itself doesn't feel heavy or thick on the skin but definitely gives full, flawless coverage. Looking in the mirror, my skin looks matte yet glowing at the same time?! I did use concealer underneath but the foundation has covered all blemishes anyway. If I had to pick a few problems with this foundation, it would be that although it stays in place - and that's great - you need to be quick moving with it when applying. There were a few spots where I didn't work it into my skin quick enough and you get that odd patch that then won't go away. I can't imagine this works too well for people with too oily or dry skin either. My only other problem, which if the same for many - the price. I picked it up for £19, RRP £28.50. I used to pay around £20 for my MAC foundation which was at the limit for me - unless it's super duper amazing, I can't justify that much money! I think I'll be saving this foundation for maybe special occasions where I want my makeup to be really flawless.