Five Favourites for May

Hello my lovelies! It’s another month, and after some pretty solid torrential rain, the weather here has finally broken out into something a bit more spring-like. I’ve gotten a couple of new items recently and it’s inspired me to put together a post on my current beauty faves

1.       Real Techniques Stippling Brush

I came across this line of brushes after watching a video tutorial on Youtube by one of my favourite posters, swalkermakeup. I don’t know why, but I sort of assumed they would only be available from some obscure website and probably be quite expensive, so imagine my surprise when I walked into my local Boots-which is not even a very big one- and found them staring me in the face! Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to randomly treat myself to the Stippling brush, as this is not a type of brush I already own. And that gamble paid off because I’m over the moon with this. It promises ‘ultra-soft Taklon bristles’ that give an ‘airbrushed, high-definition finish’- but don’t most products claim this? Well, the RealTechniques line actually delivers. I’m staggered what a difference it is from the standard Benefit foundation brush I normally use. It really did make my skin look flawless, just using my usual foundation. You can use it with cream, liquid and powder formulations and it works equally as well. The brushes are from Samatha Chapman, whose tutorials you may have seen as ‘pixiwoo’ on YouTube, and I cannot recommend this brush enough. It’s done for my face what my Tangle Teezer did for my hair, and I am just as obsessed with it now. I really want to go and get some more of the brushes now!

2.       Sorceress Products Babycakes Scented Oil

This is another hero product I’m really enjoying at the moment, that’s shot to the top of my ‘can’t live without’ category. Sourced from a little independent shop ‘Sorceress Products’ via their website (they also sell on eBay), I was intrigued by the prospect of smelling like freshly baked goodies! This actually smells a lot like cherry bakewell tart to be honest, but in a really nice way. It comes as an oil in a little rollerball and the scent lasts so much longer than regular perfume, I’m impressed. Plus the little applicator is so handy to carry around, even in the smallest of clutch bags. BUT WAIT!! There is another, hidden benefit to this perfume. It’s supposed to contain pheromones and make you like catnip to men. I can’t really comment on that aspect of it- my husband seems to like it, but I like to think he generally likes me anyway! But that really would be an added bonus if so. I do know I’ve had a lot of compliments since I started wearing this and its also nice that its different from everything else out there.

3.       L’Oreal The One SweepSculpting

I found this product on eBay after having a quick look for duo blush/bronzers. I’m not sure it’s actually available through stores in the UK, as I’ve never seen it over here before. And the only reviews of it seem to be on American websites. But I might just be starting a petition to get it stocked over here! The duo concept is nothing new but the shades are long lasting and well balanced. The bronzer part is matt enough to be a great contour shade, and the blush part is pretty and delicate. I’m impressed with the staying power of this blush as well, it does slightly have the edge over the Sleek Contour Kit that is usually my go-to shader. There is quite a neat little waved brush included in the compact so you can apply ‘in one sweep’- however, I’m guessing most people, like me, would want to contour first and then apply the blush and also use their own brushes. The included brush isn’t great quality (when are they ever), but it is very useful for on-the-go touch-ups, as I’m never going to carry a full-size brush around with me. I like the clear packaging as well, it’s neat. If I can track this down again, I’d definitely repurchase.

4.       Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I umm-ed and ahhh-ed over the original naked palette for aaaaages. I really wanted it, knew I would use all the shades and yet I kept putting it off as it was always either sold out or it just seemed a smidge too expensive. I kept telling myself I would get it ‘next month’ and then that would roll around and there’d be other things to buy and I’d forget about it.

So when I saw a Naked 2 palette up for sale on ebay for £20, I snapped it up and I’m so glad I’ve finally gotten hold of it. I won’t wax lyrical about this because its a much talked-about product, and there are so many reviews and tutorials much better than I could do all over the web.  But suffice to say I think this product is one of those classic items that every make-up addict really needs in their life. The shades are all wonderful and oh-so-wearable and the range of looks you can create with it makes it a winner for it’s sheer versatility. Absolute love at long last!

5.       L’Oreal Rouge Caresse in ‘Cheeky Magenta’

This lipstick had to make my top five -  I know I’ve mentioned it before and used it in a look- but really it’s hardly been off my lips since I bought it. I’m in love with this lipstick for so many reasons. It’s the perfect, bright hot pink fluoro shade but still somehow manages to be flattering on. It has a gorgeous, sheer consistency that builds to a strong pigment but with a softly glossy finish that’s very flattering. The colour lasts well and fades away gently rather than going off in uneven patches and its hugely moisturising. I also love the funky clear packaging and angled bullet application. I honestly would give this product ten out of ten and am looking forward to trying some other shades from the Rouge Caresse range. It feels like a real premium product that would be out of place on the YSL counter. Go get one!