Real Techniques Brushes

On my lunch break yesterday, I popped in to Boots and got these much-loved makeup brushes.  I decided to go for the Core Collection for £21.99 and the Powder Brush which was £12.99 (it isn't on the Boots website at the moment).

I know there are so many reviews out there already, and I completely agree with all the positive comments.  They are super soft, don't shed at all and blend makeup flawlessly.  I love them so much, especially since they are at such an affordable price point. Anyway, this is how I use mine:

Pointed Foundation Brush: For me, this is far to small for a foundation brush. My base makeup would take ages and honestly, I'm too lazy to spend more than a few minutes on my whole face.  Instead, I use this to conceal my dark circles with Benefit's Erase Paste as it is just the right size for the eye area.

Detailer Brush: I didn't think I'd like using this because it is so tiny and I'm used to the MAC 217 for concealer but I have been converted.  I find that the more precise application helps me use less product for a better finish,

Buffing Brush: Hello dream foundation brush! Incredible finish, super fast application and no shedding at all (unlike the MAC 187 or any Chanel brushes I've tried - horrific). I use Estee Lauder Double Wear, which is a pretty heavy, difficult to blend foundation, but I had no problems here.  I pop a splodge of the foundation on the back of my hand and take it on to the brush from there. The compact hairs mean that you get nowhere near as much bend or give as you do with a MAC 187 and I think this is why I love this brush so much.

Contour Brush: I apply the Benefit High Beam with this, directly from the pot to the brush and then buffed into my cheekbones, temples, cupids bow and the bridge of my nose.  I find that the level of sheen is easy to control as this is relatively small and quite tapered.

Powder Brush: I haven't been powdering my face recently so I use this for bronzer instead.  The huge size makes getting a soft glow really quick and easy; from your face, to your neck and on to your collarbones and décolletage. 

It seems by some miracle that I have managed to get five fantastic brushes for about £35, incredible! I'm loving this down-sizing and simplifying approach at the moment, I think it's something about Spring that makes everyone want to start afresh. One of my favourite beauty bloggers, Vivianna Does Makeup, has also been going for the same approach.  Click the link to see what she's been up to on Youtube lately, she also has an informative blog.

I hope you're all having a lovely day! 

Sophie x

...But why is the rum gone?!

Rum; there is something about this sugarcane based drink which pulls me in to it's West Indies roots...

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"Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum", a famous quote is it not?  I suppose this spirit has always had exotic and adventurous connotations, not to mention it's famous association with the outlaw pirate Jack Sparrow (or should that be Captain Jack Sparrow?).

Maybe I'm meant to be a pirate...

The Mojito

Yes, rum has made it's name in several famous cocktails, but I always prefer the standard classic that is the mojito (providing it is well made of course). When it comes to this cocktail, for me the amount of delicious brown sugar at the base is key, alongside lots of fresh mint sprigs.  Obviously this is commonly associated as a summer drink; as the fresh zing of the mint and lime balance out the sugary spark of the white rum. 

Here is a list of places that do this drink justice:

• Venn Street Records, Clapham Common; these guys know how to serve a cocktail, and with regular 2-4-1 offers on cocktails combined with their fantastic service I highly recommend this hidden away bar.
• Christopher's - Martini Bar, Covent Garden; if you've got some cash to splash, and appreciate a well sourced cocktail this is definitely the bar for you.  Made famous by it's wide selection of martinis, it's other cocktails are just as adventurous and delicious. A great place to go on a date, but I advise booking a table in advance.
• Mahiki, Westminster; finishing off my recommendations with the crème de la crème that is Mahiki nightclub.  If you're the kind of person who likes to party in a tropical paradise (centre of London), then this is it.  With a reputation of having multiple celebrity guests and it's famous treasure chest; if you want a mojito with that little bit extra...you'll find it here.

However, if you've always stuck to the original mojitios, I think it's time you branched out.  As an alternative I would recommend you try out a spicy ginger mojito, as they are my winter flip-side to the lively original, and if made withdark rum rather than white the spiced flavour is made even richer.  Try out this recipe for a fiery rum treat: Ginger Mojito.

Trying something new

Until recently I'd been used to sticking to the white rums such as Bacardi and Malibu, as lovely as they are I had been on the look out for something with a bit more pizazz.

Hello, Havana Club 7 year old dark rum! This has been my latest spirit crush, unfortunately it appears to be rather expensive; recently at a bar in Angel (London), I ordered a HC7Y with coke and it totaled to a whopping £9 (luckily it wasn't my bill)!  On the flip side, it is rather scrumptious and if you are a rum fan like me, I suggest you give it a try.

Any suggestions for other rums you've heard of and think I may enjoy, please feel free to leave a comment, Lauren-Eloise x

Fresh Skin for Spring

My current skincare routine

Walking to Uni this morning, the weather was a lot more fresh and mild than it has been lately and I finally felt like Spring might actually be around the corner!  Inspired by this, I thought I'd share my current skincare routine with you as it's pretty Spring-friendly.

1. Every morning and evening I use the universally adored Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish cleanser, rubbing it into my skin in my bedroom then by the time I reach the bathroom it's had a chance to work it's magic.  It's probably worth mentioning that I remove my makeup first with any old facial wipe (currently Nivea) so my skin gets all the benefits of the ingredients directly.
2. Following this I use a cotton ball to wipe my skin with the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic to remove any residual cleanser and close pores.
3. I smooth about half a pump of the Estee Lauder Idealist Serum on to my face only in the mornings and before moisturiser.  This gives such a lovely, velvety texture to my skin and really has made a difference to any scars I have, mainly on my cheeks.
4. I use Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination skin every morning which is great for hydrating without leaving a greasy finish. In the evenings, if my skin feels comfortable, I won't apply any moisturiser and let my skin breathe.
5. I read so many glowing reviews about Origins Spot Remover that I had to try it, and my God, it's incredible! Tiny bottle, amazing results.
6. Finally, a recent purchase; Liz Earle Superbalm.  I bought this because I've had a couple of random dry patches and I thought this would do the trick.  Thankfully I was right and a daub of this in the evening smooths out and flaky bits and I use it throughout the day to banish dry lips.  The only problem is possibly the smell (strong, herbal and lavender-y), which sent my friend into a sneezing fit in a lecture.  Not for everyone.

And there you have it! Clean, beautiful skin that's the perfect basis for a pretty Spring look.  Take a look at Fleur and Tanya's Video on Spring makeup for inspiration or head to Liz Earle, Estee Lauder and Origins if anything's taken your fancy.

Sophie x