The Best Make Up of 2017

Hey!

I know this comes really late into January but I wanted to share my 2017 make up favourites so much!

February Favourites

I haven't done a monthly Favourites post in a long while so thought I'd bring it back again this month!

1. Monkl Shady Lady Eyeshadow Palette- This was a Christmas present from my friend Ruby. I have been enjoying a particular shade from the palette this month which is the first shade- a glittery silver. I have been loving this colour as a base colour on my eyelid and it goes well with multiple crease colours. On a night out I have used black to create a smokey eye and in the day time I have used a purple which I absolutely loved the combination of! I find this colour becomes more pigmented as well with a damp brush so prefer to use it that way. It also makes for a fab inner corner highlight!

2. Urban Decay Aferglow 8-Hour Highlighter 'Sin'- I bought this beautiful highlighter with a gift card after eyeing it up for 6 months. The packaging is stunning to match the stunning silvery highlight. It goes on sheer so you can build it up depending on how bold you want your highlight to be and is easy to blend. This also makes for a fab inner corner highlight.

3. Real Techniques Your Picks: Berlin 'Base Shadow Brush'- Although this is a base eyeshadow brush, I've actually been loving using it to blend out the edges of my crease colour. Although I do use a crease brush first to pack on the colour, I find it is far easier to blend the edges out for a less harsh line with this fluffy brush. I reviewed the whole set on my blog so be sure to check that out!

4. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer- This is a cult favourite for all beauty bloggers and I am certainly late to the bandwagon but I can see what the hype is about now! I've been loving how easy it is to start lightly and then build it up if necessary. The perfect bronzer colour which is also good for subtle contouring.

5. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick 'Exorcism'- I have been wanting this browny-red vampire colour for ages so when my friend Antonia bought it for me for Christmas I was ecstatic. It's not as good at layering as 'Lolita' is but nevertheless I still love it and it doesn't have to be a bold lip that takes forever to apply. LOVE this colour!

L > R: Monkl Shady Lady '01', Kat Von D 'Exorcism' & Urban Decay 'Sin'

Real Techniques Your Picks: Berlin Brushes

Hey!


Throughout 2016 I was finding that many of my older make up brushes, from Seventeen, were coming off their handles. I was trying to use stubbly little brushes without the handles, so I knew it was time for some new make up brushes! 


These are the Real Techniques Your Picks: Berlin brushes which were bought for me for Christmas. This design was voted for by fans of Real Techniques to represent art found in Berlin. As you can see, they are white with black splodges, with pink at the end of the handles.


The brush handles are heavier than I'm used to with Real Technique brushes but I suppose that helps give more precision. There are five brushes: Buffing brush, contour brush, stippling brush, deluxe crease brush and base shadow brush.

• Buffing Brush: For full coverage powder and mineral foundation application. I haven't used it for applying foundation yet as I love my RT Expert Face Brush for that. Instead, I've been using it to apply my powder which is quite good at applying it over large areas. As mentioned, it is fab for full coverage because of its density!

• Contour Brush: Before this brush I was using a small powder/face brush from Seventeen. Now I've got this contour brush I can contour so much easier. However, because it is dense I need to ensure that I only use a small amount of contour otherwise it starts to go stripey! It's description also says it's good for highlighter so will need to check that out.

• Stippling Brush: I've read that this is good for an airbrushed look for all types of make up and I honestly agree. I've been using this to stipple over my face after applying foundation and concealer and I'm seeing a difference! Not only does my concealer look more blended in to the foundation but the foundation looks like a part of my skin! It looks flawless and definitely evens out any build up of foundation.

• Deluxe Crease Brush: This brush is very soft and not dense like the other brushes. I like it best for blending out the edges of my crease colour and under eye colour so the lines aren't harsh.

• Base Shadow Brush: Another soft brush! I use this to apply my base colour as it is wide but I also like it for blending out the edges of my crease colour too. Love a good multi-task make up brush!

The only fault I can pick with these brushes is that when I got them, there was a bristle coming out of my deluxe crease brush which wouldn't come out. After my first time cleansing the brushes I then had a few bristles come out like that with my other brushes. I haven't had this happen before with Real Technique brushes so it is a bit annoying but hopefully it is just a fault in my own set and not a fault with them in general.


This brush set retails for £24.99 but is currently on sale at £18.74.

August Favourites: Beauty, Fashion & TV

I know it's September now but I don't want to miss my August favourites!


At the beginning of August I treated myself to the Zoeva Rose Golden Eyeshadow Palette which I bought from BeautyBay. It arrived next day even though I didn't ask for next day delivery which was pretty cool! But anyway, this palette is a mix of shimmers and mattes and my favourite colour is 'Copper is King'. The quality is great and it is my most used palette of August. I highly recommend it!


Another new item in August for me was Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in 'Lolita'. My brother bought it for me in America and brought it back which definitely gave him extra brother points. I knew it was an extremely popular colour and he said it was always sold out! I have only worn one other lipstick in August and that was only one day: nearly everyday I've worn this lipstick! It is the perfect brown nude and I am relieved I have a back up of it.


My other two beauty favourites are actually make up brushes which I've had for a long time. The Real Techniques Setting Brush has been in my favourites before because of how versatile it is and since then I have found another use for it. In August I ditched my method of applying concealer with my finger and instead used this brush! It applies great and I can pin point spots with the tip of the brush. As for the small Seventeen eyeshadow brush I have been using it for my inner corner highlight. It is the perfect size for getting into your inner corner and I have mostly been pairing it up with the whiter shade in the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette. I love adding some light into the corner of my eyes now!

A non-beauty favourite from August is my new bodysuit from River Island. Before I bought this I was apprehensive of bodysuits because they reminded me too much of the annoying leotards I always had to wear for ballet and tap dancing. However, when I saw 'Rock 'n' Roll Stole My Soul' with a huge skull I knew I had to have it. I love clothing with skulls on and I am certainly a Rock 'n' Roll kinda gal! My favourite way to wear this is with my grey skinny jeans with a ribbed effect on the knees from H&M. I wish I had a better photo of this.

My final favourite is a TV favourite which I am pretty sure is in everyone's August Favourites. Can you guess it? Yes, it's Stranger Things! My boyfriend and I binged watched it across 2 days and we cannot wait for season 2 next year. I love the supernatural element of it and the chemistry between the children are fantastic! Normally I find child actors cringey but here I can certainly see their talent. They're lovable on and off screen and Dustin always has the best quotes in the show by far.


Until next time!

Favourites | The Best Make Up of 2015

Hello all!

Today I bring you my favourite make up of 2015. It is so difficult to narrow down all the products I've loved throughout the year but I've managed it! That is all of my favourites of 2015 up now. Time to move forward! If you haven't read my skincare favourites of 2015 yet feel free to click here and if you haven't read my hair care and perfume favourites then feel free to click here!

BASE

• Emite Make Up Diamond Heart Base Primer
• L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24hr-Matte Foundation    (review)
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer    (review)
• Collection Lasting Perfection Powder    (review)
• W7 Go Colour Corrective Concealer    (review)
• BarryM Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit
• So Susan Statement Skin Highlighting Crayon 
• Urban Decay De-Slick Make-Up Setting Spray    (review)

EYEBROWS

• Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow    (review)
• Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint & Precision Pencil    (review)

LIPS

• Kiko Milano Intensely Lavish Lipstick '06'
• Kiko Milano Intensely Lavish Lip Liner '06'
• MAC Ruby Woo    (review)

EYES

• L'Oreal Paris Infallible Indefectible Waterproof Eyeliner 'Night Day Black'
• bareMinerals Lash Domination Voluminising Mascara    (review)
• Soap&Glory Supercat Liquid Eyeliner    (review)
• Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
• Eylure Lengthening Fake Eyelashes

BRUSHES

• Real Techniques Expert Face Brush    (review)
• Real Techniques Setting Brush    (review)
• Seventeen Cheek Brush
• Seventeen Flat Eye Brush

What was your favourite make up of 2015?

GRWM | Bristol Fashion Week

Bristol Fashion Week was absolutely ages ago, but I've been quite ill since then so haven't got round to posting this! 

Bristol Fashion Week was really fun and I wanted to make sure I felt confident and looked the best that I could make me. So I thought I would share with you my skincare routine, my nails, my make up, my hair, my perfume and my outfit. To read about Bristol Fashion Week and what is in fashion this Autumn/Winter, click here.

Skincare

• Superdrug Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser
• Amphora Aromatics Seaweed and Aloe Vera Eye Gel
• Nivea Lip Balm Original
• Nivea Oil Free Day Cream Oily and Combination Skin

Nails

• SensationNail 'Ocean Paradise'

Make Up

• Benefit POREfessional License to Blot
• W7 Green Corrective Concealer
• L'Oreal 24hr Matte Foundation
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
• Collection Lasting Perfection Powder
• Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
• Real Techniques Setting Brush
• BarryM Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit
• Benefit Gimme Brow
• Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint & Precision Pencil
• Make Up Revolution Mermaids VS Unicorns Eyeshadow Palette
  
• Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
• Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner
• bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumnising Mascara
• Max Factor False Lash Effect 24 Hour Mascara
• Eylure Individual Eyelashes
• Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick Dark Night Waterl-oops!
• Urban Decay De-Slick Make Up Setting Spray
  

Hair

• Batiste Dry Shampoo 'Coconut and Exotic Tropical'
• Tresemme Salon Finish Extreme Hold Hairspray

Outfit

*photo credit to The Mall Cribbs Causeway

• Boohoo Iveta Checked Double Layer Shift Dress
• Marks & Spencer 40 denier black tights
• H&M Galaxy Platform Boots
  
• New Look Handbag
• Swarovski Necklace

Perfume

• Paco Rabanna Black XS

September Favourites

Hello all!


What a month! I went on my first holiday with just friends and I got into a proper full swing of my kind of new job.


I also got quite a few new beauty products this month so I have picked out a few of them that I have been picking up the most.


The first product I have been absolutely loving is the L'Oreal Infallible Matte 24HR-Matte foundation. Before I bought this foundation I had been constantly using the Collection Lasting Perfection one but I decided I finally wanted to try something new. I will be writing up an in-depth review on the foundation but for now let me tell you- it is amazing. 


The next product I have been loving is the Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray. I got it for my 2 year anniversary from my boyfriend and I have been to the point of excitement when I use it. Is that weird? It was even better when I took it on holiday. Because it has temperature control it ensures your make up lasts even when it is really hot and humid. I will be reviewing this on my blog soon so watch this space!


The third product I have been enjoying is the Real Techniques Setting Brush. This is something I also got for my 2 year anniversary and I have been using it under my eyes and around my nose. To read my review of it, click here!


The last product I have been loving this month isn't actually a new product of mine. I have had the BarryM Flawless Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit for months and months but I haven't been able to work out a proper use of it until now. It includes a highlighter, a bronze and a contour shade with a step-by-step guide. This month I have been using the bronze shade to keep my face and neck in line with my slightly tanned skin. I have been putting it on my cheeks, forehead and neck to try and blend it in with the rest of my skin. I will eventually review this but I want to play around with it a bit more first.


That's it for my favourites! What have you been enjoying in September? Let me know! 
Also, just to let you know that I will be attending Bristol Fashion Week tomorrow which I will be live tweeting. To keep up with my BFW updates, follow my Twitter @SincerelyBriony.

Real Techniques Setting Brush

Hey!

When it comes to make up brushes, they're actual make up porn when it comes to me. So I'd like to tell you all about the latest brush in my collection: the Real Techniques Setting Brush.             

                   

                           

I had been eyeing it up for a while on FeelUnique so when my boyfriend asked what I wanted for our 2 year anniversary I told him this. He had no idea what the hell it was or what it did, and probably still doesn't, but nevertheless he got it for me.         

As usual with Real Techniques, it is great quality and super soft. The handle is light so it doesn't feel too heavy in your hands and the brush is the perfect small, slightly pointed shape great for using under your eyes and in between the sides of your nose.              

After playing around with it I have decided that I have two different likes for it. I first off like to use it to conceal my under eyes. Before I use my foundation I like to put stripes of my concealer on with its applicator then pat it in with the brush. Next, after applying my foundation and anymore concealer, I then like to use it to apply setting powder to my under eyes. It really is the perfect shape! Finally, I will use the pointed end to set powder in the sides of my nose.  I like to do this because I find the sides of my nose is where I lose foundation coverage the quickest.   

To conclude, I love this brush. It looks beautiful, is a great budget brush and would make a nice gift for a fellow make up lover.

What is your favourite make up brush? Let me know!

New In My Make Up Collection

Hello!


I've got some new items in my make up collection so I thought I would share them with you.


The first items I got were the Urban Decay Setting Spray and the Real Techniques Setting Brush. It was my boyfriend and I's 2nd anniversary on the 6th September and he knew I wanted them so he got them for me.  I've been wanting the Urban Decay Setting spray for the longest time but I am always really reluctant to buy make up products that are slightly more expensive. This is the travel size I believe so it isn't too bad. As for the Real Techniques Setting Brush, I wanted it so I could use it on my eyes with setting powder. It is so soft and the usual Real Techniques standard.


The day after our anniversary I went away to Spain with my friends (post coming soon). When we were there, I spotted a Kiko Cosmetics store. I didn't know there were Kiko stores in Spain so it was a nice surprise when I saw one! About two weeks previous I wanted to buy some Kiko products on their website but you have to spend a certain amount to be able to get them. It was obviously fate! What made it even better was that there was a sale going on also!


The first Kiko product I chose was the Kiko Eyeshadow Stick in No. 31. The colour caught my eye as it is a beautiful cold blue colour that I thought would go nice with my blue eyes. Blue and purple eyeshadows are my favourites so when I saw an eyeshadow stick I could not resist. Then, I picked up the Kiko Super Colour Mascara in No.2 which is also blue. As you could probably tell from above I love using bright colours on my eyes so when I saw this blue mascara I was intrigued. I wanted to try coloured mascara, inspired by the new blue one from Benefit Cosmetics, so I thought this would be a cheaper option. I can't wait to see what it looks like on! Finally, I picked up the Kiko 30 Days Extension Night Treatment Booster. It is a mascara wand with a clear gel that is supposed to lengthen your eyelashes. I chose this because I have really short, stubby eyelashes at the moment and I really want to improve them. I have no idea whether it will work or not but for the cheap price that it was I thought it was worth a try. I will let you know in a month's time!



And that's it! For someone who loves and adores make up I actually usually go a month or so without any new products because of money reasons so the fact that I got all of this in a short time span was exciting for me. 


This is my first time using Kiko. What do you think of Kiko? Let me know!

How I Clean My Make Up Brushes

Hello!



I realised the other day that there might be people out there who come across my blog that are still in the beginning stages when it comes to make up. I have always assumed that people who read my blog would be experts in beauty but now I realise that might not always be the case.



When I bought my first make up brush I had no idea really that I had to clean it, and if so, how? Thankfully I knew about the wonders of blogging back then so I quickly searched how to clean my make up brushes. This is when I found a post written by Zoella where she had shown how she cleans hers. That post was from a while ago!


First of all I get all of my dirty brushes together and take them to the bathroom. It is best to use warm, but not hot water, as I think hot water can melt the glue that sticks the bristles to the brush and make them shed. It is also best to wash the brushes facing down so the water doesn't get into the glue.


I don't use brush cleansers or alcohol to clean my brushes. Instead, I use hand soap! Specifically, I like to use Dove Beauty Hand Wash. I find this soap is soft, creamy and doesn't dry out my brushes. Plus, it will obviously do the job of removing bacteria as it is an antibacterial soap. Perfect for people who suffer with acne like me!

I then put soap over my brush, being sure to cover the main part that touches my face and the edges around it. I will then work the soap in to the bristles using my fingers, adding water bit by bit to lather it up. Next I will work it in to the palm of my hand, swirling the brush to make sure the soap is getting right into the brush and cleansing it.

Afterwards, I will just put it under the running water and gently squeeze it. You want to keep doing this until the water isn't the colour of your make up products any longer and that when you squeeze it no more soap is coming out of it. The water should be clear and non-soapy.


When that is done, I then wipe dry the handle in case any water has gotten on it and then I need to leave it to dry. To make sure none of the water runs into the glue, it is recommended that you let your brushes dry whilst at an angle facing down. What I do is I put a dry flannel over a small container so I can balance the brushes nicely facing down without getting any water on the container. I find that my Real Techniques brush needs 24 hours to dry whilst my eyeshadow brushes takes a lot less time.

I like to wash my brushes once a week. I will normally do it on a Sunday/Monday straight after I have used them. Some people don't like to do it that frequently but I am really cautious of washing my brushes because I am so prone to getting spots. So the less bad bacteria on my brushes, the better!



So yeah, that is my brush washing process. What is yours??

Get Ready With Me

Hey all!

Seeing as my last GRWM post seemed to go down a treat with you guys, (click here if you haven't seen it), I thought I would make another one for you! This day wasn't for a special occasion, just a normal day in the life of me!

Just to say, a lot of the products mentioned in this post I have written reviews on before. To see if I have reviewed them, just click on the product name and it'll take you to the link!

First of all I brushed my teeth and washed my face using my Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser from The Body Shop.

 Then it was time for my base make up! In order, I used the BareMinerals Prime Time Primer which I forgot to take a photograph of, Natural Collection Corrector Stick, Collection Lasting Perfection foundation with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Collection Lasting Perfection Powder with my Seventeen Face Brush and finally I used the Maybelline Babylips in 'Cherry' on my lips for a hint of colour.

 Then the fun bit! I combed through my eyebrows with my BD eyebrow and eye brush and used the Benefit Gimme Brow on them. I then used my Urban Decay palette with my Seventeen eye brushes. I patted 'Walk of Shame' all over the eyelid and in the crease then deepened the crease and outer eye with 'Naked 2'. Finally I applied 'Venus' in the corners of my eyes and on the middle of the lid to brighten them up and make me look more awake. Finally I used the Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara on my lower lashes and the Rimmel ScandalEyes Lyrca Flex Macara on my top eyelashes.

On my nails I had BarryM Aquarium in 'Pacific'.

 Then time for clothes! It was kinda warm outside so I put on this 'Occult Star Top' from Heartless Clothing which has various symbols all over it. I love this because it is lose, good with the heat and has a sort of mesh part on the back at the top which gives it even more detail.

On my legs I wore plain black tights from Marks and Spencers.

 Because I was wearing tights I wanted to wear shorts underneath the top so I wore my shorts from Banned Clothing/Apparel. I like them because they have candy skulls on the back pockets- sorry I had to take a butt photo for this!

 Then, as always, I straightened the middle to end lengths of my hair. I have had the same straighteners since I was like, 12 years old! Too attached to let them go. I don't know their name or even if they sell them anymore but they're from Babyliss.

 The last step was to put on The Body Shop Mango Body Mist. I love how this smells- fruity and citrus-y which is perfect for warmer weather!

And that was it! Thank you for reading this photo heavy post! What do you think? Let me know!

The Best of 2014 | Make Up & Skincare!

Hey guys!

I know this post is really late but I thought I would share with you my favourite make up and skincare for 2014! 2014 was a real eye opener in make up for me and I have definitely accumulated a few long time favourites! Please note a lot of these favourites I have reviewed on this blog before so just click the tag of it to see if I've reviewed it!

>Skincare:

• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water- I have bought bottle after bottle of this in 2014 and it allowed me to finally ditch the make up wipes. It's amazing to take make up off with and I will forever keep repurchasing it!
• The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash- This has for many years been my face wash. As someone who suffers terribly from acne I always like to use tea tree and don't want to switch up my skincare routine too much because I know what works for me. I will probably never stop buying this! 
• Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser- I have been using this moisturiser for about two years and I never switch it up. It smells like lovely grapefruit and feels amazing on the skin. It soaks in quickly so you can apply your make up soon after and is does not clog up pores. I'm in love with it!

>Eyes:

• Sleek i-Divine Storm Eyeshadow Palette- I love this little palette for all kinds of looks as it can take you from day to night. It is super affordable and makes me want to buy other palettes from the range!
• Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow Everlasting Navy- If you're one of those people like me where eyeshadow never seems to stay put on your eyelids then these cream gel eyeshadows are for you. I got the blue one as it matches my eye colour perfectly and I love a pop of colour. I always get complimented whenever I wear this and it is certainly long wearing! I am going to buy more from this range for sure.
• L'oreal Miss Manga Mascara- As soon as I saw the advert for this mascara I knew I wanted it. The name is great, the packaging is beautiful and the wand is a good amount of flexible. It claims to lengthen your eyelashes and it certainly does do that! I was super disappointed when I finished it and had to chuck it away and would definitely recommend it.
• Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner- I tried this eyeliner on a whim and wasn't disappointed. Although flicks seem to fade a bit after a long day the brush is super easy to use and I can do my eyeliner quickly and efficiently. 
• Benefit Gimme Brow- Although this isn't of my eyes I didn't see the point in making a separate category for eyebrows when it was only this product. Gimme Brow is my first product from Benefit and I have been using it since April. It tints my eyebrows and is good at filling in sparse areas whilst holding the shape of my brows in place. I absolutely adore this eyebrow gel and it is so long-lasting!

>Lips:

• Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm Cherry Me- I have a few more of these baby lip balms but this one is my favourite. On days where you are having a natural look this subtle red will go down a treat. It smells great, looks great and is all around just fab. 
• Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm- I have Striking (red) and Shameless (purple) which I love equally as much. These are the ones to use when you want to put on some lip colour but don't have time to put on lipstick! They're certainly matte like they suggest. They are also the ones to use when you know you're going to be eating or kissing(!). I love them as they're super easy, beautiful and long-lasting. Definitely what I go for when I go out for dinner with my boyfriend haha! 
• Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub- You can tell I love this when this is my second tub of it and I already have a third one in advance for when this one finishes. This is my ultimate lip scrub that lasts for about a year and does an excellent job at exfoliating your lips. I like to use it after a shower or before I apply lipstick for a smooth finish. It tastes yummy too!

>Face:

• Natural Collection Green Corrector Stick- Because I have a lot of redness on my face I always use green underneath my foundation to cancel out the redness: and this is the product behind it! I have lost count of how many of these I have bought but they're super cheap and super good at what they do!
• Real Techniques Expert Face Brush- I always use this brush for my foundation. It is an incredible brush that looks beautiful, feels beautiful and applies foundation flawlessly. Cannot recommend it enough especially for a first brush from Real Techniques!
• Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation- I always use this foundation and the colour works perfectly for me. It is high coverage which I need and is long lasting.
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer- I have been using this concealer for absolute years and years, even before bloggers started raving about it. Hipster, I know! It stays on for a long time and is super high coverage which is excellent for redness and acne.
• Collection Lasting Perfection Powder- To top it off is the powder that goes with the other two of the range and I love it. It definitely is mattifying and will turn any high-shine area in to Mr Matte. Love it!

It is clear from  my favourites that my ultimate make up brand of the year was Maybelline!
My next post will be my favourite books and DVDs of 2014.
What were your favourites for make up and skincare in 2014? Let me know!