Another Elf Haul | Cosmetics & Brushes...

 

When life gives you lemons (or in my case, a shed load of uni work complete with looming deadlines), it's only natural to want to treat yourself.  I found myself snooping around the Elf website quicker than you can say 'retail therapy' and grabbed some new bits and bobs. With Christmas around the corner (as well as my car's MOT - fabulous timing!) I've really had to watch where the pennies are tottling off to this month, so I decided to pick up some 'essentials' online. Elf have been doing quite a few deals and discounts just recently which, annoyingly so, I always seem to miss, but I still picked up my fair share of cosmetic goodness for little over £15 - you can't grumble at that!  I thought I'd share with you the things that I decided to add to my basket this time around... There's a couple of little gems in there!

Complete Coverage Concealer in 'Light' | £3.75 | Link

My holy grail concealer has to be my Estee Lauder Double Wear - but for days when I'm not going far from the house or just want a little light coverage under my eyes, I usually opt for a slightly cheaper option. I wanted to try something new this time around and specifically wanted a little palette or duo which contained a peach/pink toned concealer to target dark circles (because I've got plenty of those just recently...thanks coursework!).  This one is perfect - it contains four shades, 2 slightly more yellow toned and two which lean slightly pink. I was pleasantly surprised with this.  I have to admit I wasn't expecting a great deal but I'm amazed at how pigmented and creamy they all are.  I've only worn it a couple of times but for a budget palette it really does do the job and although it isn't the heaviest coverage ever, it gets rid of dark circles in an instant.  I have to top up once or twice through the day but it didn't crease or look cakey on me whatsoever.  For under £4 - it's a mahoosive thumbs up from me!

Mineral Eye Brightener | £3.50 | Link

I've been wanting a powder for the under eye area for a while now but sadly, I don't currently have the funds to shed out for Bare Minerals 'Well Rested' (currently one on my wish list!).  I thought this might do the job as it promises to 'diminish the appearance of dark circles' and 'brighten and revitalise' any areas that need a bit of a perk up! It also contains green tea, chamomile and vitamins C+E to 'nourish, tighten and refresh'.  I can't say I'm blown away by it yet but I reckon it's partly to do with the packaging.  I might have to take the little 'shaker' lid thingymajiggy off and apply it straight from the pot as it's extremely hard to dispense a decent amount.  It does seem to brighten the under-eye area but I shall reserve judgement on this until I've tried it a little more...

Lipstick in 'Fearless' | £1.50 | Link 

After previously trying Elf's Mineral lipsticks, I thought I'd try the standard line of them.  I quite liked the look of 'Fearless' - a bright cherry red shade with a hint of raspberry pink.  I hate the packaging - it's really awkward to twist up (maybe I just have a dodgy one?) but I guess for £1.50 - I can't expect gold encrusted tubing now, can i? Gripe aside, the formula is actually pretty good.  It's really nicely pigmented, fairly creamy and easy to apply.  It's nothing amazing, but it's a lovely little addition to my 'red lipstick' collection and I'd definitely buy another shade.  For £1.50 - it's the perfect way to try out a colour without commitment of buying a higher end version.

Studio Matte Shadow in 'Chestnut' | £3.75 | Link

I've been after a warm, matte brown eyeshadow for a while now to use for blending and subtle smokey eye looks.  I've never tried Elf's eye shadows so I thought it was about time I popped one into my basket.  'Chestnut' is a gorgeous mid-toned matte brown shade and looks lovely blended into the crease of the eyelid for some added definition.  It isn't the smoothest powder ever, but for less than a fiver it does the job and I love this little pot. It even comes with a handy little brush!

Small Tapered Brush | £3.75 | Link

As most of you will probably know by now, I'm quite partial to some contouring here and there! My Real Techniques Contour brush gets it's fair share of use, so I thought I'd pick up something similar.  This one is lovely and soft, and has a slightly tapered end so it's easier to be more precise in all those nooks, crannies and crevices! I find it gives a more subtle finish than the Real Techniques version, as it doesn't pick up as much product.  This makes it fabulous for contouring as I can build it up and there's no danger of going a bit 'OTT'.  It's perfect for cheekbones and even for a dab of blush now and again.  

Contour Brush | £3.75 | Link

I needed some more eye brushes as I'm getting a little fed up of having to clean mine so often.  I picked up this little contour brush for use in the crease of the eye and it's the perfect shape and size.  I really like my blending brush from Elf (featured in my last haul) so I figured I'd get some use out of this one too. Always handy to have a selection of contouring/blending brushes - especially for the festive season when the smokey eyes come out to play!

Eyeshadow Brush (left) | £1.50 | Link  // Defining Eye Brush (right) | £1.50 | Link

Every girl needs a standard eye shadow brush! I use my Urban Decay ones daily but fancied another one so I have a few lying around for when I'm getting a bit more creative with my eye shadows.  I actually find I tend to prefer the 'standard' Elf brushes compared to the Studio line - I think they pick up a little more product! 

 

All hail the awkward arm! No elf haul is complete without a few swatches on one's arm, is it?! ;).  It was really difficult to photograph this post - I can't believe how dull the light has been this week! Any other fellow bloggers having the same kerfuffle?! Even with a bit of lighting and amping up the ISO on my camera, I just can't get a bright photo to save my life.  Roll on summer is all I can say... Anyway, as you can see, the pigmentation of the concealer palette is really spot on - it has to be my favourite buy along with the brushes.  If you're thinking of expanding your brush collection but can't afford high-end specials, it's worth looking at the selection available on the Elf website. They're really worth the money and I'd particularly recommend their eyeshadow brushes if you want a cheap addition for everyday use.  You can find Elf's selection of cosmetics and tools on their website here.

Have you tried and loved anything from Elf just recently?

ELF Brush Haul | Powder, Stippling and Eyeshadow Selection

First off, I'm really sorry if these photographs look a bit grainy.  I realised that my camera has been on the wrong setting for a while and I hadn't even noticed until I opened the photos up, saw that they didn't look quite right and checked over my camera for signs of damage!  Ugh. Such a photography novice at times! Anyway, moaning and grumbling aside, ever since I started blogging, I've built up quite the collection of makeup brushes.  I could never ever go back to basics and 'make do' with just a blush brush, sponge applicator and my fingers ever again (anyone else realise how clueless they were before they started blogging?!) I really began to realise just how much difference a brush or two makes, and I now have a rather full plant pot of them in my bathroom (yes...that's right - a plant pot - it's one of those decorative white ones from IKEA and I've had it for a good 2 years now - get yourselves to IKEA for all your brush storage needs!) Elf are a brand I've ordered from before, and I really love their stuff.  I find their products to be incredibly pigmented and easy to use, with fabulous colour choices and all at an affordable price. They're great for a little treat now and again and I've always found delivery to be prompt (such an important part of an online company in my opinion!). I decided it was about time I tried some of their brushes since I've been looking at them and umming and arring for a good while. I noticed recently that I actually don't have a lot of eye brushes, even though I do my eyeshadow daily - therefore,  it was about time I hit that order button. Here's what arrived on my doorstep a few days later...

Elf Studio Powder Brush | £3.75 | Link

This fluffy little devil is from Elf's studio line.  With their sleek black handles and soft bristles, they're really good for the price and look the part as well. The brush has a flat top, so is a little less fluffy and 'bulbous' than my Real Techniques Powder brush - meaning that it offers a slightly heavier coverage and picks up more product for any areas that I want to sculpt or powder over a little more.  So far so good with this one - I use it more for nights out when I really do want to mattify the skin and keep any shine at bay.  

Elf Studio Small Stippling Brush | £3.75 | Link

Again, this brush is from the studio line - to be honest there isn't too much difference between the two lines aside from the slightly softer bristles (synthetic Taklon) and the black exterior.  I bought this brush because of how much I love my trusty Real Techniques Stippling brush - and I thought a smaller one would be great for use with cream highlighter.  The shape allows for more precision in application and is the perfect size for applying a highlight. I noticed that it doesn't pick up as much product as the Real Techniques offering so it often takes a little more time to build up colour. It creates a very subtle effect, and I often find I have to use small sweeping motions instead of 'stippling' to get the desired effect but it works really well with blending out my Benefit 'High Beam' and similar products. 

Elf Studio Angled Contour Brush | £3.75 | Link

This brush has a flat, angled top and is perfect for applying contouring shades to the eyes.  I find it a little big sometimes so if you need a precise application then you might wish to opt for something a little more smaller and fluffier, but it works well at applying colour in and above the crease of the eye.  I seem to be using the 'blending' brush a little more as I find it suits my preferences more when it comes to eyeshadow application but it's a good brush to have in my collection nonetheless.

Elf Blending Eye Brush | £1.50 | Link

This little gem cost me £1.50 and it's honestly become one of my favourite eyeshadow brushes in my collection It fits the eyelid perfectly and allows for seamless blending and application of colour.  I've found it works really well in the crease and for building up colour on the lids to create more depth.   This has to be my favourite purchase of the bunch and I actually prefer the bristles on this one to those from the Studio line! They're still just as soft, and although admittedly probably aren't as smooth as a high-end equivalent (don't expect too much for a budget price!), are still really good value for money and I have no grumbles about the quality at all. I half expected the bristles to be plasticy and irritating to use on my eyes but I was completely wrong - elf have got it bang on the mark!  I love the length of the bristles, the way the brush is shaped and how smooth it makes my eyeshadow look. It just makes blending a doddle.

Elf Smudge Brush | £1.50 | Link

I realised I didn't own a brush like this so I swiftly added it to my basket.  HOW I've lived without a smudging brush in my life for all these years I will never know, but it was just what I needed.  I use this for applying shadow under the lower lash line - and although I've used similar brushes before, I find this one is much more precise and works well at getting a good colour pay off.  It also works well at smudging out kohl pencil for a classic, smokey look and is good for use in the 'outer v' of the eyelids if you want a precise bit of definition.

Overall, I'm really impressed with Elf's brush line and will certainly be ordering more. In fact, I might have to hop on over this week and grab a few more! I have my eyes on their fan brush and Kabuki Face brush next.  The prices are ridiculously cheap, so don't expect Mac 'top notch' quality, but they're just as good as any other brushes on the highstreet and actually better than other brands I've picked up in drugstores.  If you just want some cheap little additions to your collection and fancy trying out some new shapes and sizes, then I really do recommend them.  Each brush comes packaged with a little instruction card and in it's own little pouch (which I've kept for when I go abroad - I can never fit them all in a brush roll!).  The handles are also really nicely shaped and the brushes are all very lightweight which only adds to their appeal for me.  AND - I picked up all 5 of these for barely over a tenner. What's not to like?! Well done Elf... *hiigh fives*

Have you tried any Elf brushes? Which ones do you like to use?

My Real Techniques Brushes Collection

L-R Top to Bottom | Powder Brush - £12.99 / Blush Brush - £9.99 / Stippling Brush - £9.99 / Buffing Brush (Core Collection - £21.99) / Contour Brush (Core Collection - £21.99) / Expert Face Brush - £9.99 / Foundation Brush (Core Collection - £21.99) / Shading Brush - £7.99

Okay..first off, please do excuse the fact I haven't washed my brushes for the sole purpose of this post. I know. Slap my wrist and call me a bad blogger but I cleaned them just the other day and I really didn't want to go through the whole process again unnecessarily! Those of you who use brushes on a regular basis will know that cleaning them once a week is a chore enough! Anyway, shoddy excuses aside - when Real Techniques were first launched, I was like a fat kid in a sweet shop around Boot's 'brush' aisle, let me tell you! I bought myself the Stippling Brush quicker than you can say the word 'hype' - since that very moment, my collection has grown quite a bit - at such an affordable price, they have fulfilled that gap in the market for affordable, quality makeup brushes. I thought I'd give you a run through of my collection, give you a little information on each and what I use them for, and hopefully inspire some of you to give them a whirl (if you haven't already!)...

Powder Brush - The most recent addition to my collection, the Powder Brush can be used for loose or pressed powders, bronzers, and mineral foundations. I use it with Mac's Mineralise Skinfinish Natural to set my makeup, and I also use it for dusting a light coverage of bronzer onto my face and neck if I ever feel as if I need more colour!

Blush Brush - This has to be one of my favourite brushes I own by Real Techniques. I use it with all of my powder blushes, and it's the softest brush I've ever used (you can read a little more in about this one in a recent favourites post here) - it picks up just the right amount of product and applies it perfectly.

Stippling Brush - Another firm favourite and I'm sure a lot of Real-Technique-aholics started with this little gem like myself! I find this one perfect for applying my tinted moisturisers, BB Creams and lighter foundations for a flawless look - the bristles are very soft and the shape of the brush means a sheer application of product. To get the product applied evenly I first apply a small amount to the face in circular motions, before using a 'stippling' motion to finish off. It provides a really lovely finish and your make-up doesn't look heavily applied. I also use it with cream blushes to apply colour into the cheeks after I've applied my base, as it won't disturb the finish of your freshly applied makeup underneath.

Buffing Brush -  I use this with powders to set my makeup and to 'buff' product into the skin.  I've also used it with my BB Creams for a slightly heavier coverage than the Stippling Brush. It's just a nice little all rounder to have in my collection. I find it works best for foundation when you want a really smooth, even coverage and it gives high definition results for your base (the YSL Touche Eclat foundation works perfectly with this)!

Contour Brush - Another one of my favourites. I use this every day without fail. I use this to apply my Sleek Contour Kit to my cheekbones and along my jawline. It's changed the way I contour my face and allows for precision in application.

Expert Face Brush - I LOVE this brush. I've been wanting a slightly heavier coverage now that winter has crept around the corner and I use this to apply my foundation. I use it in strokes from the centre of my face working outwards, and I find it provides such a flawless finish to the skin. I use this when I want to achieve a more 'perfected' look as it allows for a slightly heavier, more controlled coverage. I've also used it to contour using my Chanel Bronze Universal (seen here) - it's a great little multi-purpose brush.

Shading Brush (eyes) - I use this with all of my eyeshadows and it's fabulous for applying product to the crease of the eye, and also for blending and general application. It works exceptionally well with my Nars 'Mekong' eyeshadow (seen here), and just the tiniest touch picks up so much pigment. 

Flat Foundation Brush - I've only used this brush a few times. I think I just personally prefer a bigger brush for applying my foundations. I did speak with a girl at the Chanel counter a while back, and she suggested I could use something like this for applying my Bronze Universal and it works a treat. It's also fabulous for precision application of foundation around the nose and under the eyes and working it into any 'tricky bits'.

All Real Techniques brushes are cruelty free, and have 'ultra-plush taklon bristles for high definition results'. They really are some of the softest brushes I've used, and I use them every day. The Core Collection is a fabulous kit to start out with (it also comes with a Detailer Brush and a travel case which I forgot to photograph) and the case is muchos handy for holidays and preventing your brushes from damage. If you're after one to start with - then i'd recommend the Expert Face Brush - as it is such a great all rounder! They're pretty chunky, which I personally like as they stand on my dressing table with ease. Each one is colour coded and has it's name written on the side, which goes down a treat with the beauty blogger in me (don't we all just love stuff with names?...) In my opinion they are worth every penny.

You can find the Real Techniques brushes at Boots, or you can read more about them and watch a few online tutorials here.

What are you favourite brushes to use right now? Have you also got a few Real Techniques faves like me?

 ♥