Make-Up Brushes

Hey guys, for a very long time all I had in my make up bag was your traditional foundation brush and a powder brush. I was aware of the various brushes that are out there but, I guess I couldn't really afford them. Then I began watching YouTube videos. From these, you can learn SO much! However, I began to get frustrated when watching them because in each video the make up artists used what seemed like 1000 brushes to achieve the look that they wanted. One evening, I decided to try and do my eye make up with just two brushes. 

The first look I tried

For this look I tried to do a brown smokey eye. Using colours in the Urban Decay palette like 'Virgin', 'Naked', 'Half Baked', 'Smog' and 'Darkhorse'. As you can see from the picture I only had the use of two brushes. I also used the 'NYC' black eye liner. I'm not sure of the price but it is very affordable. I just wanted to prove that you can do a smokey eye using what is already in your make up bag! Darkhorse is one of my favourite colours on the palette. I have Hazel coloured eyes so I think it really makes my eyes stand out.

Naked Palette

I highly recommend this palette!! You can create a million different looks with it. Transitioning from day to night! I love it for just wearing to college, work and going out with my friends. Its €44 at the moment in Debenhams. But, you will have it forever. And these colours are timeless. They will always be in fashion! Often Debenhams have a 10% off sale so if you can try and wait for this you'll get the palette a little bit cheaper!

The second look I tried

For this look I tried to use the colours that are on the other end of the Naked palette. So, 'Hustle', 'Toasted' and 'Gunmetal'. This look aimed to create your typical grey smokey eye look. I added a vibrant blue eyeliner that I bought on my holiday to France. 'Kiko' is a brand that I have yet to see in Ireland but I did see it in the November edition of the Glamour Mag so hopefully it is on the way! I really enjoyed trying to create these looks. For people who are just starting out don't be afraid to play around with the palette and your make up. After all, one wipe and nobody ever has to know what you put on your face!

Naked Palette

Once I had finished these looks it was annoying me that I couldn't get the adequate brushes to create a more polished look at a reasonable price. So, I grabbed my laptop and started googling brushes. For Christmas I had asked my Mum for make up brushes and she had gone to Urban Decay and spent nearly €50 on two brushes! That was crazy!!! Then she heard about 'Real Techniques'. She found a Powder brush for €16. A whole €10 cheaper!! I googled that brand again. It was the best thing I ever did. The Real Techniques website is here. However, they only deliver within America. Luckily for us the Real Techniques brushes can be bought in Boots or online. I purchased the Real Techniques Starter Set 1406. You get 5 brilliant and high quality brushes for only €28.99. It is the one of the best sets that I have!! In a few weeks I am travelling to Dublin. There, I plan to purchase some make up brands that I have never used before and purchase some new Real Techniques brushes! I can't wait to tell you all about it. I hope this post has helped you in some way. Please let me know how you get on!

Olivia <3