After a brief reprieve, I will definitely lose my internet connection tomorrow. It's going to take a little while before I'm online in the new house and as I mentioned before I may as well get on with some post writing in that time.
What I would really love from you, my lovely readers, is some requests for posts you would like to read. Whether it's reviews of products I have, swatches of my collection or my favourite eyeshadows I'd love to know what you'd enjoy reading. Feel free to send me a tag!
I'm hoping to do a little overview of my Illamasqua collection and I can't wait to let you know my thoughts on my Rouge Bunny Rouge and Hourglass order from Zuneta.com. I would like to say a big thank you to Visionary Beauty for her helpful comments and the wonderful swatches on her blog which helped me select the RBR pieces.
I'm really looking forward to hearing your suggestions.
Jane x
Monday, 3 May 2010
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Sigma brushes; My initial thoughts
I received an order of Sigma brushes yesterday and after washing them and having a little play I wanted to share my initial impressions with you.
I ordered the ss224, ss217 and ss138. I bought the 217 and 224 as an 'extra' to the MAC versions I already have. I ordered the ss138 as, although I would love a MAC version of this brush, it's a little on the expensive side.
I was so exited to get my mitts on these brushes after watching and reading so many rave reviews. I immediately stopped unpacking boxes to give them a closer inspection! Of course I gave them a good sniff and I confirm these babies smell very strongly of plastic. Just think eau de brand new Barbie! So my first job was to give them a wash.
Sadly, the smell didn't disappear on washing. I even gave them a second wash and it made no difference. My hope is that it will fade in time. Fortunately I didn't experience any shedding or bleeding.
L-R: MAC 224SE, ss224, MAC 226
I thought I'd do a little comparison of the ss224 to my MAC brushes. I've included a picture of the MAC 226 to demonstrate size. I will start by saying I'm very disappointed with this brush. I have come across more than one review suggesting this brush was a better shape and size for using in the crease. As I hope you can see, the ss224 I have is bigger than the 224SE, so for me this would be complete no hoper for the crease. The other problem is the brush is so soft and not as densely packed as a MAC brush that as you touch it to the skin it gives no resistance and splays out. I wanted to use this brush for buffing in concealer under the eye. Without any resistance in the bristles there's no way I can use it for that job. I can only assume there must be wide variation in the manufacture of these brushes. Pictures of the ss224 that I have seen on YouTube videos have have shown brushes with much stumpier, densely packed hairs.
L-R: ss217, MAC 217
Side view L-R: ss217, MAC 217
Apologies for the dirty brush! Above you can see a comparison of the ss217 and MAC 217. From the pictures it is hard to see much difference between the two. From the side, perhaps you can see the ss217 is a little thinner. The ss217 suffers from the same problem as the ss224. It is very soft and doesn't have the density to offer any resistance when touched to the skin. Although I haven't used it yet, I know it won't apply colour to the crease like its MAC equivalent. However, I imagine it will be OK for applying a wash of colour to the lid.
Like the other two Sigma brushes, the ss138 disappoints because of it's softness. As I don't have the MAC version to compare to, I used the MAC 165 to compare shape and density. The ss138 has the same rudimentary shape as the MAC 138 but doesn't have the substance. As I touch the tip to my cheek it immediately gives. The function of the pointed tip and tapered shape of the MAC 138 is to blend at the same time as applying. As the ss138 does not maintain it's shape when touched to the skin I can see it applying too much colour and not blending evenly. I will of course have to reserve judgment as I've yet to (dare) try using it with any product on! This brush will of course be fine for applying face powder.
So, I guess it's true what they say folks. You get what you pay for and of course, in the words of Public Enemy, don't, don't, don't believe the hype!
I ordered the ss224, ss217 and ss138. I bought the 217 and 224 as an 'extra' to the MAC versions I already have. I ordered the ss138 as, although I would love a MAC version of this brush, it's a little on the expensive side.
I was so exited to get my mitts on these brushes after watching and reading so many rave reviews. I immediately stopped unpacking boxes to give them a closer inspection! Of course I gave them a good sniff and I confirm these babies smell very strongly of plastic. Just think eau de brand new Barbie! So my first job was to give them a wash.
Sadly, the smell didn't disappear on washing. I even gave them a second wash and it made no difference. My hope is that it will fade in time. Fortunately I didn't experience any shedding or bleeding.
L-R: MAC 224SE, ss224, MAC 226
I thought I'd do a little comparison of the ss224 to my MAC brushes. I've included a picture of the MAC 226 to demonstrate size. I will start by saying I'm very disappointed with this brush. I have come across more than one review suggesting this brush was a better shape and size for using in the crease. As I hope you can see, the ss224 I have is bigger than the 224SE, so for me this would be complete no hoper for the crease. The other problem is the brush is so soft and not as densely packed as a MAC brush that as you touch it to the skin it gives no resistance and splays out. I wanted to use this brush for buffing in concealer under the eye. Without any resistance in the bristles there's no way I can use it for that job. I can only assume there must be wide variation in the manufacture of these brushes. Pictures of the ss224 that I have seen on YouTube videos have have shown brushes with much stumpier, densely packed hairs.
L-R: ss217, MAC 217
Side view L-R: ss217, MAC 217
Apologies for the dirty brush! Above you can see a comparison of the ss217 and MAC 217. From the pictures it is hard to see much difference between the two. From the side, perhaps you can see the ss217 is a little thinner. The ss217 suffers from the same problem as the ss224. It is very soft and doesn't have the density to offer any resistance when touched to the skin. Although I haven't used it yet, I know it won't apply colour to the crease like its MAC equivalent. However, I imagine it will be OK for applying a wash of colour to the lid.
Like the other two Sigma brushes, the ss138 disappoints because of it's softness. As I don't have the MAC version to compare to, I used the MAC 165 to compare shape and density. The ss138 has the same rudimentary shape as the MAC 138 but doesn't have the substance. As I touch the tip to my cheek it immediately gives. The function of the pointed tip and tapered shape of the MAC 138 is to blend at the same time as applying. As the ss138 does not maintain it's shape when touched to the skin I can see it applying too much colour and not blending evenly. I will of course have to reserve judgment as I've yet to (dare) try using it with any product on! This brush will of course be fine for applying face powder.
So, I guess it's true what they say folks. You get what you pay for and of course, in the words of Public Enemy, don't, don't, don't believe the hype!
Friday, 30 April 2010
Sweet Blog Award
I was thrilled to receive this award from the very lovely
Primp and Preen. Thank you very much sweetie.
So, the rules are:
Give this award to 10 sweet and friendly bloggers
Make a post about the award including the picture and mention the person who gave it to you
Let your nominated 10 know you've awarded them by leaving a comment. Easy peasy!
The bloggers I would like to pass this on to are:
May Loves Make Up
Planet Martha
Liparazzi
*Dainty*Dollymix*
Makeup Savvy
star violet beauty
Lollipop Loves
Beautylicious Love
Vex in the City
Ginabinawina
These are all my favourite blogs, please please do check them out if you are not following them already. I'm really hoping I can post this before the internet is switched off!
Jane x
Primp and Preen. Thank you very much sweetie.
So, the rules are:
Give this award to 10 sweet and friendly bloggers
Make a post about the award including the picture and mention the person who gave it to you
Let your nominated 10 know you've awarded them by leaving a comment. Easy peasy!
The bloggers I would like to pass this on to are:
May Loves Make Up
Planet Martha
Liparazzi
*Dainty*Dollymix*
Makeup Savvy
star violet beauty
Lollipop Loves
Beautylicious Love
Vex in the City
Ginabinawina
These are all my favourite blogs, please please do check them out if you are not following them already. I'm really hoping I can post this before the internet is switched off!
Jane x
A possible interruption!
We are moving house over the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately it will take that long with the wee ones in tow. I was crushed to discover it could take 2 weeks plus to get internet connection. I hate going without the internet!
I think we will lose our current connection tomorrow so I imagine my blog posts will be few and far between. Though I have threatened to write things and make hubbie post them up whilst at he's at work! We shall see.
I shall miss you all but I promise I'll be writing things and there should be a flurry of activity once I'm back only.
TTFN!
Jane x
I think we will lose our current connection tomorrow so I imagine my blog posts will be few and far between. Though I have threatened to write things and make hubbie post them up whilst at he's at work! We shall see.
I shall miss you all but I promise I'll be writing things and there should be a flurry of activity once I'm back only.
TTFN!
Jane x
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
GOSH Darling: To Buy or Not to Buy?
Or to put it another way, how pale can I go without looking like I have a cardiac condition?
I keep going in to Superdrug and swatching this lipstick (certainly the strange man that works in there has his beady eye on me, I think he has me pegged as a shoplifter!). I know that lots of people, lollipop26 included love this lipstick. However, I've seen just as many negative comments on MUA, etc. I know it swatches beautifully, but I know all too well that doesn't translate to looking good on my lips. I recently parted company with Angel from MAC as despite loving the colour it just didn't look good on me. I also keep forgetting to use gossmakeupartist's trick of swatching the colour on my fingertips with this one. I highly recommend trying this if you haven't already.
I really, really want to try a pale nude/pink lip. I look at MAC's Creme d'nude and Myth, YSL's Rouge Volupte in #1 and #2 and think they look beautiful. Yet the fear of them being 'wrong' stops me buying. Maybe one of these days I'll feel the fear and do it anyway!
I'd be really interested hear your thoughts on this, both general and specific. Do you ever hesitate over colours suiting you? Or do you buy safe in the knowledge that if it doesn't work for you, you can sell or swap? What do you think of GOSH Darling, is it a must have or do to you have other favourite Nudes? I'd love to hear what you think.
Jane x
I keep going in to Superdrug and swatching this lipstick (certainly the strange man that works in there has his beady eye on me, I think he has me pegged as a shoplifter!). I know that lots of people, lollipop26 included love this lipstick. However, I've seen just as many negative comments on MUA, etc. I know it swatches beautifully, but I know all too well that doesn't translate to looking good on my lips. I recently parted company with Angel from MAC as despite loving the colour it just didn't look good on me. I also keep forgetting to use gossmakeupartist's trick of swatching the colour on my fingertips with this one. I highly recommend trying this if you haven't already.
I really, really want to try a pale nude/pink lip. I look at MAC's Creme d'nude and Myth, YSL's Rouge Volupte in #1 and #2 and think they look beautiful. Yet the fear of them being 'wrong' stops me buying. Maybe one of these days I'll feel the fear and do it anyway!
I'd be really interested hear your thoughts on this, both general and specific. Do you ever hesitate over colours suiting you? Or do you buy safe in the knowledge that if it doesn't work for you, you can sell or swap? What do you think of GOSH Darling, is it a must have or do to you have other favourite Nudes? I'd love to hear what you think.
Jane x
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
My new favourites
I have two new loves in my (makeup) life. First is my newest Illamasqua addition - 'Beg' blush. I found it on sale at ASOS.com for the bargain price of £8.25. I was a bit worried that it would be too dark but it gives an absolutely gorgeous flush of colour to my cheeks.
The second is the brush I have been using to apply said blush, the MAC 188 duo fibre brush. I got this brush from the very lovely *Dainty*Dollymix* in a mini blog sale that she had recently. Thank you DD! This brush prevents me from putting too much colour on and looking silly. Plus is feels silky smooth so it's a pleasure to use. I can understand why this brush gets such good reviews. It also makes me want a real 187 even more!
Jane x
The second is the brush I have been using to apply said blush, the MAC 188 duo fibre brush. I got this brush from the very lovely *Dainty*Dollymix* in a mini blog sale that she had recently. Thank you DD! This brush prevents me from putting too much colour on and looking silly. Plus is feels silky smooth so it's a pleasure to use. I can understand why this brush gets such good reviews. It also makes me want a real 187 even more!
Jane x
On the lust list this week...
With so many fabulous bloggers guesting on Zuneta recently, I felt it would be rude not to have a browse! The brand name Rouge Bunny Rouge has cropped up a few times now and although I knew I shouldn't look, I couldn't help it.
Well, their cosmetics look flipping gorgeous. I love the packaging and the names as well as the beautiful colours. It is really expensive though so I know that if I get anything it will have to just be one (or maybe two!) pieces. Herein lies the problem. What should I get, a staple lipstick or a gorgeous blush? Or should I be looking at their eyeshadows? What a quandry.
'Scrumptiously delicious' lipstick, described as a cool lavender-pink with golden opalescence sounds....well....delicious! As does 'Nothing Unknown', described as a nude-beige base with ash-mauve opalescence. In the blushes, I'm rather fancying Gracilis, partly for the name and partly for the colour! Even the mirrors look cute. I think this one definitely needs more research before I commit to buying. I love researching the must-haves and hunting down swatches so it's no hardship!
So, I'd love to know what item do you buy when you are new to a brand? Do you always go for a lipstick? Do you pick a wearable colour or hunt down a totally unique piece? Also, if anyone has any recommendations I'd love to hear them.
Jane x
Well, their cosmetics look flipping gorgeous. I love the packaging and the names as well as the beautiful colours. It is really expensive though so I know that if I get anything it will have to just be one (or maybe two!) pieces. Herein lies the problem. What should I get, a staple lipstick or a gorgeous blush? Or should I be looking at their eyeshadows? What a quandry.
'Scrumptiously delicious' lipstick, described as a cool lavender-pink with golden opalescence sounds....well....delicious! As does 'Nothing Unknown', described as a nude-beige base with ash-mauve opalescence. In the blushes, I'm rather fancying Gracilis, partly for the name and partly for the colour! Even the mirrors look cute. I think this one definitely needs more research before I commit to buying. I love researching the must-haves and hunting down swatches so it's no hardship!
So, I'd love to know what item do you buy when you are new to a brand? Do you always go for a lipstick? Do you pick a wearable colour or hunt down a totally unique piece? Also, if anyone has any recommendations I'd love to hear them.
Jane x
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