Organic Beauty Week + Favourite Natural Brands

This week is Organic Beauty and Wellbeing Week which is a celebration of all products and brands that are organic but I'm also including brands and products that include just some organic ingredients which are more widespread and accessible. I think for the majority of makeup and beauty users around the world, organic ingredients or an organic brands is definitely a plus but it's not at the very top of our list of necessities in order to buy a product but I am trying to make a effort to use more natural and organic brands.

*SoEco Face Brush Kit (£18)

This set contains four brushes including an angled contour brush, tapered blending brush, round foundation brush and a lip brush. All of the brushes are made with synthetic bristles and responsibly sourced bamboo. As with my other Ecotools brushes, the bristles are so soft and I adore the rose gold ferrels. I love the foundation brush and the tapered blending brush the most so far but I know I'll get so much use out of all the brushes, especially while travelling to London and Norway in the summer. I'd also recommend Ecotools brushes - Ecotools brushes were the very first makeup brushes that I purchased way back in my sixth form days which seems like a lifetime ago now!

 Neal's Yard & Deliciously Ella Skincare

Neal's Yard is a brand that I always hear so much about and I definitely want to try more from the brand; I tried the lovely skincare duo created in collaboration with Ella from Deliciously Ella last year. Neal's Yard products are organic and they all receive amazing reviews - I definitely recommend the wonderful Deliciously Ella cleanser and moisturiser. I have a full review on my blog if you want to read it.

Bodhi and Birch Pampering Products 

While Bodhi and Birch isn't an exclusively organic brand, they do use organic ingredients such as organic shea butter and they use lots of lovely natural ingredients. I have tried a few of their products and I love them - my favourite range is definitely the ylang ylang range which smells divine. They also have some fantastic gift sets. Bodhi and Birch state that they use organic ingredients whenever possible.

*Tamese and Jackson London Mint Noir Shampoo and Conditioner (£5.95 each, 250ml)

Next up is a brand that I hadn't heard of before but it's a haircare brand that isn't just suitable for vegetarians and vegans but it's halal as well as paraben free. It also contains organic ingredients! I like the packaging, I love the scent which is subtle, clean and fresh and both products are fantastic. The shampoo lathers well and leaves my hair clean without being stripped or dry. I love the conditioner, it leaves my dry, frizz prone hair so much smoother, softer and detangled. I think these products are wonderful, especially for the price!

Last up, one of my favourite brands of all time and it's The Body Shop; it's such a nostalgic brand for me as I loved their products growing up, especially the lip butters! While The Body Shop isn't an exclusively organic brand, they do use so many amazing natural, fair-trade and organic ingredients and they actually have a entirely organic range - the Nutriganics range.

I was very kindly sent the new *Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask (£16, 75ml) which is 100% vegan and it contains organic tea tree oil. I adore the packaging for the mask, it looks so fancy and luxe especially as it's very heavy for a face mask. The mask also smells amazing, to me it smells earthy, natural and a little like mens cologne and similar to a L'Occitane green tea candle I had years ago.

I also received *The Body Shop Face Mask Brush (£8) which is such a genius idea! The one thing I hate about masks is getting the mask under my nails and the whole messy application but the brush makes it such a quick, easy and neat process; as the mask has little bits of green tea in it a brush is really useful. The mask looks like a traditional face mask, it hardens and dries on the skin and as it has a slightly gritty texture it exfoliates the skin as it's removed with a hot muslin cloth. I've used this mask a couple of times now and I love it, not just because it brings back 00s face mask vibes but also because it leaves my skin incredibly smooth, soft, exfoliated and deeply cleansed.

Have you tried any of these natural and organic brands? 

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August Beauty + Travel Favourites

Well if I thought last month was filled with favourites, this month has to be the largest number of beauty favourites ever! For two weeks out of the month of august I was on an amazing Royal Caribbean cruise around the Mediterranean (lucky me) so most of these product are not just august favourites but holiday/vacation/travel favourites.

Makeup: The first makeup favourite is a foundation by Benefit, it is their Hello Flawless foundation in 'believe in me ivory'. I loved the foundation while on holiday for two weeks in august, it was perfect paired with the amazing Essence All About Matt Fixing Powder which I sadly used up completely on holiday. Another Essence base product I loved for the past couple of months is the Essence Stay All Day Concealer which is just fantastic and all Essence products are really inexpensive! My next makeup item is a very long term favourite, the NYX Blush in 'taupe', it is fantastic for contouring especially if you have pale skin as I do. I have a contouring post coming soon. The last makeup bits are lip products both of which are stains (my favourite kind of lip product). Firstly, the Topshop Gloss Ink in 'sugar rush', it is a gorgeous bright pink glossy stain that does last well; secondly the Loreal...splash stain...things! I have the shade 'lolita' which is a perfect neutral shade - at the time these were released they had a lot of negative reviews but I don't know why, I love this lip stain!

Skincare + Haircare: The product I am going to talk about next is a mix between skincare and makeup, it is the Decleor DD Cream which is an SPF and tinted moisturiser combined in my opinion. It was in a previous favourites post. My favourite moisturiser for the past couple of months has been the Nivea Sensitive Day Cream, I took it on holiday and it was just perfect. I am currently using the night cream and it is equally great although the packaging breaks very easily! The last couple of skincare products are from Guinot, you may have seen them already in my travel beauty posts (here) and (here). They are cute mini SPF products, the lip balm was a life saver on holiday! Onto the only hair care favourite for August, the Moroccan Oil Anti-Frizz Spray which does exactly what it says on the bottle, it really helps to reduce frizz - I have been using it every single time I wash my hair this month. 

Tools + Accessories: A few makeup brush favourites, the first is the powder brush I have been using everyday this month - it is from the Ecotools travel brush set that I purchased from Feelunique back in January. Ecotools brushes are amazing in my opinion and inexpensive. Next up some trusty brushes from Real Techniques, they are all from the core collection - the bristles are super soft, smooth and blend products quickly and easily. My last favourite for august is my Sewlomax Grey Lipstick Pouch which is personalised - it says Heather on the back! I love the Sewlomax makeup bags, I used this one on holiday as my mini-mergency bag.

There are all of my favourites for the month of august, I am missing a few products such as the Ted Baker Mia Perfume and the L'Occitane Almond Hand Cream but I thought the post was very long already! 

Have you tried any of these products, if you have what did you think of them? What were your stand out products throughout august?

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Sale Buys #2

Here is the second installment of my sale buys, the first post was a mixture of items that I had purchased over the month of december but this post is just boxing day/end of december sale items. I haven't gone crazy like last year - I have bought quite a few things though (they were on sale and super cheap). The items from this haul are from: Superdrug, Asos, SpaceNK, Feelunique, Missguided, Newlook and a few bits of primark.

 Superdrug: Last year superdrug had an amazing sale with a lot of things for around 10p, 99p or £1.99 and it sold out so quickly obviously. This year I managed to grab a few bargains! I bought a vanilla and honey hand cream and a bath salt set - both of which were 49p each! I bought a colour works lip crayon set which should have been around £15 but I paid £1.99. A rose manicure set which I think was 99p. A leafy and lovely big set for £1.99. Another large gift set, the vanilla and honey set for £1.99. A flutter bath duo for £1.49 I think and finally some chocolates for 49p and 99p. INCREDIBLE BARGAINS, the most expensive item was £1.99!!

Feelunique: A couple of cheeky buys from feelunique, the first is a cute brush set from Ectools. I love Ecotools brushes and this set is amazing value for money. I paid just less than £10 for five super soft,smooth,high quality brushes. I would definitely recommend Ecotools brushes. I also repurchased the Caudalie Beauty Elixir for £9, I had been meaning to buy it for months. I bought the new limited edition version. 

Asos: You maybe have seen these boots already in my OOTD post a about a week ago, click here to see the post. They are amazing heeled ankle boots, they were £25 reduced from £50. I adore them!

Newlook: I love Newlook, especially their coats. I bought this smart grey coat for £17, with delivery it was only around £18. Bargain. 

Missguided: This item isn't from the sales but I needed it, I love anything with breton/nautical stripes! It is a cute breton stripe top which was £9.99.

Spacenk: I always buy something in the amazing SpaceNK sale, this year I only purchased one item (so far) and it is the cute Laura Mercier Mini Caviar Stick Set. I wanted this before it was in the sale, it was in my dream christmas wish list. I couldn't resist it at £14 for the set. 

Primark: Finally some items from Primark, Primark in Manchester did have so many sale items! I bought a adorable London themed makeup bag which I adore for £3. I bought two sale items, the 50p christmas cards and a cute piggy bank (which a moustache on it) for only £1!

That is the second part of my sale buys series, there will probably be a part three - I made an amazon and a boots order (oops) x

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September Beauty Favourites

In contrast to last months favourites (here) I don't have that many this time, although I can already tell that my October favourites is going to be a very long post as I have discovered so many amazing products over the past week! My September beauty favourites is a good mixture of fragrance, haircare, makeup and body products. 

Makeup + Tools: My first beauty favourite for September is a cream highlighter by Kryolan for Glossybox that I received as part of my August Glossbox (I think) and it is so gorgeous, it makes the skin look so glowing and fresh without looking like a glittery mess! Next up are a couple of old favourites, the Ectools mini brushes from the 'fresh and flawless' set that I bought last January from the sales. Ecotools make fantastic brushes, I have been using them for years! My last makeup favourite is the Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in the shade 'rhubarb' which is a gorgeous berry shade, perfect for this time of the year. It is also fairly matte which I love, it doesn't have any sheen really but it is still moisturising and smoothing - genius! I have a full post on Burt's Bees lip products, here.

Haircare: I have two hair product favourites this month, they are the Bumble and Bumble Surf shampoo and conditioner, I was sent these to review and I have genuinely fallen in love with them. Not only is the packaging great but the products work so well. They don't weigh  my hair down but they are still nourishing and effective! I would purchase both in the future. 

Bodycare: One body care favourite is The Body Shop brazil nut body butter which I have been using on and off for a few months. I have been using it after my holiday in August to help with sunburn or now in the autumn for dryness, it is my favourite body butter from The Body Shop! When I don't use it I can definitely see and feel a difference in my skin. 

Fragrance: Onto my fragrance favourite which is the amazingly gorgeous Burberry Body EDP which I received for my 21st birthday last year and I have been trying to use it sparingly as I don't want it to run out. It is a warm, sexy fragrance that is perfect for this time of the year! I can't stop using it!

I forgot to photograph two of my favourites - the Johnson's Baby Oil which I have been using for shaving and since using it my skin has been super smooth and I haven't had any cuts from my razors! My last September beauty favourite is the Boots Mango and Orange Blossom Hand Wash which smells divine, it doesn't irritate the eczema on my hand (99% of the time), it doesn't dry out my skin and one pump dispenses the perfect amount of product! 

There are my beauty favourite for September! What products have you been loving this month? 

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Pebble Grey Mirror + Everyday Makeup Routine

Applying my makeup at this time of the year is becoming increasingly difficult because of the lack of natural light - I always apply my makeup in my office next to the window so I get as much natural light as possible but with the dark mornings and gloomy or snowy days, it's not the best conditions to apply my makeup. In comes the Pebble Grey Illuminated Mirror:

*Pebble Grey Sara Magnifying Vanity Mirror (£84.49)

I've wanted to try a magnifying, illuminated mirror for so long; I've had compact mirrors that were illuminated but I can't apply my makeup like that unless it's on the go. The mirror is main powered, there's no set up process and it has a 3x magnification side as well as an LED illuminated ring (almost like a ring light). The LEDs are energy saving but they are still really bright; the combination of the light and magnification means that I can see my skin in all it's close up grossness...

I've been using the mirror every day since I received it and I couldn't imagine doing my makeup during the dark autumn and winter months without it. I mainly use the non-magnified side with the light on to apply my makeup and I use the magnified side for my brows. The only negatives for about mirror is that it's a little pricy and the cord could be a teeny bit longer but other than that I couldn't recommend it enough and I've been using it constantly!

The mirror looks sleek and expensive on my desk and it so quick and easy to use on a daily basis. As well as the mirror I've been using a lot of the same products consistently over the past two months as my skin can be so dry and eczema prone during the colder months so I have a range of products that are failsafe items I can use everyday.

First up for my base, I don't usually use or stick to a primer but I can't stop using the Too Faced Hangover Primer. I have been using the Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation which is a perfect shade match, it blends easily and it is great on my dry skin (unless it's super dry and flaky, gross). I've been setting my makeup with either the Vichy Setting Powder or the Essence Fixing Powder for most of the year and I love both powders - I can't recommend them enough.

For brows, I use the Eylure Brow Pomade in Mid Brown which is a product I wasn't initially impressed with but after some practice, it has become my favourite brow product ever as it makes my brows to defined and fuller while remaining natural. However, if I'm just staying home then I'll use the Eylure Brow Amplifier. My tweezers and eyelash curler of choice for the past week or so has been the gorgeous Tweezerman rose gold offerings *heart eyes emoji*.

My mascaras of choice over the past few months have either been the Essence All Eyes On Me Waterproof Mascara, the Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara or the Tom Ford Extreme Mascara - all of which are fantastic!

Lastly for lips, I've been loving the Makeup Revolution Lip Balms and the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita recently and I can't recommend them both enough especially if you have dry lip, which I tend to have all year round *lucky me* but more so at this time of the year. Also I've been loving the NYX Lingerie in Bedtime Flirt which is a gorgeous 90's nude shade. Oh and the brush I've been using the most have been the Ecotools Powder Brush and the amazing Tweezerman Contour Brush.

What products have you been loving recently? Do you have an illuminated/magnified mirror? 

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Review: Earthnicity Minerals

I was kindly sent a few makeup samples from Earthnicity Minerals (through The Blogger Programme). I have not tried mineral makeup before but I have been interested in it for a while especially as Estee from Essie Button uses quite a lot of mineral foundations.

 I received four samples to try including: Concealer (ivory), Skin Glow Light Finishing Powder, Blush (Sweet Pink) and the Foundation (Natural Light). I was a bit reluctant to try mineral makeup for ages because I have dry skin and I thought it would just emphasise dryness but after using these products I really do like the idea of mineral makeup and I might have fallen in love with one product in particular. 

Swatches (left to right): foundation, concealer, silk glow powder and the blush on the far right. 

Earthnicity Minerals Foundation (Natural Light): Firstly, as you can see from the swatches above (the foundation is the far left swatch) - the shade 'natural light' is too dark/orange for my super pale skin tone. I have been trying it though and as it is buildable it doesn't look too dark on my skin. To use I have just been tapping out some of the mineral powder into the lid of the tub and swirling my brush into the powder. Then I have been buffing it into the skin lightly as I do have dry skin so I am quite light handed with it. The foundation does blend well, it doesn't look caky on the skin and it has light- medium coverage, depending on how much you apply and blend. I would use it a lot more but it is too dark for my skin and it isn't as much coverage as I need for dark circle etc - ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Earthnicity Minerals Concealer (Ivory): This product is the one that I have fallen in love with, it is the perfect shade for my pale skin. I have been using it with my Ecotools mini kabuki style concealer brush and it is fantastic. You can see my disgusting pores on my forehead above, before and after concealer there is a massive difference. This concealer erases pores like nothing else I have tried, it is magic! ★★★★★, 5/5.

Earthnicity Minerals Silk Glow Finishing Powder: I personally would not use this as a finishing powder, it is far too shimmery for that in my opinion. Third swatch from the left in the photo above. I have been using this powder as a highlighter on the top of my cheekbones and my brow bone. It is a lovely shimmery highlighter that works well with my super pale skin. It blends well and it looks really pretty on the skin. ★★★★★, 5/5.

Earthnicity Minerals Blush (Sweet Pink): Now I am not a blush kind of girl at all, I rarely wear or buy blush so I was not super excited about this product. But the shade is really pretty and I think it would be great during spring/summer. The blush is buildable, as with all of the products (expect the highlighter) it starts out quite sheer but you just apply more and blend until you get the effect/coverage/intensity you want. ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Overall, I LOVE the concealer and when the sample has been used up I will be buying the full size! The highlighter is also gorgeous. I am not massively impressed by the foundation, mainly because of the shade and I am used to liquid foundations. The blush is pretty and I would recommend it but as I said I don't really wear blush. You can buy sample sets for only £5 so if you are interested in mineral makeup I think Earthnicity Minerals is a good and affordable place to start.

Have you tried Earthnicity Minerals before? 

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Review: Spectrum Brushes

I won a competition on twitter with Spectrum makeup brushes and I won a seven piece set from them. I am really happy to have won as I am a bit of a makeup brush addict and I always want to try more! #hoarder 

I won the Spectrum Limited Edition 7 Piece Set (£39.99, currently on sale at £23.00). I had only heard of this company because of the competition and I am so glad I entered, not just because I won but it is a great company and I LOVE the brushes! The brushes can packed really nicely. Spectrum brushes are vegan and cruelty free which is fantastic and I think all brushes should be. The brush bristles are 100% synthetic and my set comes with a great triangular hard travel case for the brushes. 

The set contains seven brushes including a foundation, concealer, powder, blush, lips, eyebrow and eyeshadow brush so you get a good mix of brushes. I have been using them consistently for the past week and I adore them. I like the design, the purple is really cute and fun; also the bristles are super soft - they are a bit softer/smoother than the real techniques brushes I own (and I own a lot of them). 

Face brushes: The foundation brush is a flat top kabuki style brush that is soft but also really dense so it is good for foundation - especially cream foundation and also cream contour/blush as the bristles are very densely packed together. The powder brush is big and very soft, it doesn't pick up too much powder and works so well! The blush brush is my favourite from the face brushes in this set as it is angled so it works really well for contouring and also bronzer, I love it and again it is incredibly smooth/soft on the skin! Finally the concealer brush, it could be used as an eyeshadow brush for packing on an all over the lid shade but it is also great for applying concealer under the eyes and on blemishes or redness. 

Eye and lip brushes: The eyeshadow brush is similar to an ecotools brush I have but this one is smoother, it applies shadow really well but as it is quite dense it isn't good for blending - you need a fluffier, less dense brush for blending eyeshadow. The lip brush is fantastic, it applies colour and lip balms evenly and smoothly. The final brush is the eyebrow brush. I have been using this for my brows as it small and precise but also as a liner brush - to apply eyeshadow as liner along the upper and lower lash line. 

Overall, I am so impressed with the design and quality of the spectrum synthetic brushes, I would highly recommend them! The case is also really nice although it isn't that easy to get all of the brushes in it and closed without squishing the bristles. To find out more about Spectrum brushes, click here. Overall, I would have to rate the company/brushes ★★★★★, 5/5!

Have you tried Spectrum brushes? What is your favourite makeup brush manufacturer?

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Christmas Gift Guide: Up To £90

Of all of the categories of christmas gift guides, the luxe gift guide is always my favourite! For this gift guide, I have picked a range of accessories, homeware, jewellery, makeup, skincare and body care. Some of the items have been on my wish list for a while and others are new products I have been drooling over!

1. Bobbi Brown Travel Brush Set (£89, House of Fraser): As you may know I do have a slight obsession and collection of makeup brushes. I love high street brushes such as Real Techniques, Spectrum Brushes and Ecotools but I would LOVE some high end, luxe makeup brushes and this set from Bobbi Brown looks gorgeous! I think it would make a great gift for the makeup lovers and beauty addicts such as myself!

2. Dolce and Gabbana Glow Illuminating Powder Collector Edition in Eva (£42, Harrods): I own a few items from high end brands such as Dior and Burberry but I don't own anything from Dolce and Gabanna. When I saw this face illuminating powder while browsing on Harrods, as you do...I instantly fell in love with this collectors edition powder! It looks like a pretty slightly pink toned champagne powder - it looks a lot pinker on the Harrods website. I also have my eye on the new D&G quad in Desert 123. 

3. Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Bath Jewels (£55, SpaceNK): Along with other brands such as Neom and Jo Malone, Aromatherapy Associates is one of those brands that everyone raves about and lusts over but I haven't tried any of their full size products. I have a few mini samples of the Aromatherapy Associates bath oils and they are gorgeous so this set would definitely be a luxe indulgence; also it would be a great way to try numerous scents in one set. I think this set would be great for a mum as it is a fantastic, luxe relaxing treat.

4. Glamglow ThirstyMud Mask (£49.99): Every celebrity under the sun seems to own and love Glamglow face masks! I confess I was not interested in them under this recent launch as I do not get spots or blemishes ever but this latest mask from Glamglow is a hydrating mask which as I suffer with dry skin is right up my street. 

5. Kate Spade Darla Flap Leather Purse (£65, Selfridges): I do have a couple of slightly high end purses from Cath Kidston and my current purse is from Pauls Boutique but I am a magpie for Kate Spade products! I definitely want to visit the Kate Spade store in London as the range seems to be better than online stores. This little purse looks so cute and adorable; I also have my eye on...pretty much everything from this brand! 

6. Diptyque Epice Winter Collection 2014 Candle 70g (£26, Selfridges): Another blogger cliché - Diptyque candles are a favourite of Lily Pebbles, Essie Button, Vivianna Does Makeup and many others. This one caught my eye as the packaging is gorgeous and festive; also the scent is that of cinnamon and plum. This candle would not only make a great christmas present but also as a house warming present. 

7. Kate Spade Small Square Stud Earrings - Gold Glitter (£30, Selfridges): Yes, another Kate Spade item...I actually have an entire wish list coming soon dedicated to Kate Spade (I may have a problem). I don't wear earrings very often now although these are just too cute and girly to pass up!

There is my luxe gift guide which contains suggestions/products for a range of people so I hope you found some gifting inspiration! Obviously there are so many gifts to choose from and I can't just leave it there, here are a few of the super luxe gifts I love would to gift or receive!

Emporio Armani Ladies Chiara Pearl And Rose Gold Watch  ♥︎  Guerlain Petrouchka Palette  ♥︎  Alexander McQueen Chiffon Skull Scarf  ♥︎  Links Of London Rose Gold Mini Dream Catcher Pendant  ♥︎  Emporio Armani Ladies Chiara Cream & Brown Watch 

What luxe products are on your wish list? Do you own any of the products I have mentioned, if so what do you think of them? 

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All That Glitters Is...Rose Gold

Rose gold is one of my favourite colours for jewellery, nail polish, eyeshadow or accessories! I have a few rose gold pieces from Alexi Accessories (here) and a gorgeous grey/rose gold watch from Breo (here). I thought I would create a wish list just for the pretty rose gold items I have my eye on for the new year, some of which might be on sale now!

1. Olivia Burton Big Dial Mink and Rose Gold Watch (£75): I have been lusting after Olivia Burton watches for so long - I probably shouldn't follow them on instagram! The designs are just so gorgeous, especially this rose gold and light grey watch! 

2. Michael Kors Rose Gold Plated Round Stone Set Pendant (£89): Out of all accessory, jewellery and bag brands on the market, I think Michael Kors is definitely a bloggers dream brand! I actually bought my first Michael Kors bag in August (I haven't actually worn it out yet!) and I love it. Now Michael Kors + rose gold = one happy Heather! I think I may need this necklace in my life. Stat.

3. Zoeva Rose Gold/Romantic Copper Brush Set (£55): I have a slight addiction to makeup brushes, I own quite a few from numerous brands such as Ecotools, Mac, Illamasqua, Spectrum, The Body Shop and of course Real Techniques but Zoeva brushes have been raved about so much that I definitely feel to fill the makeup brush void with this gorgeous rose gold set! 

4. Alexi Accessories Maxi Solitaire Rose Gold Studs (£25): I find that rose gold jewellery is always on the pricey side although Alexi Accesssories have some fantastic, high quality rose gold pieces that don't cost the earth such as these pretty studs. 

5. Nars Rose Gold Polish (£22): This polish is limited edition and only seems to come as part of a duo *cries* but it is so pretty! I have Orly's 'Rage' which is a gorgeous rose gold shade but it is so difficult to remove. I will have to get my hands on this shade, I have heard so many good things about Nars polishes! 

6. GHD Rose Gold Deluxe Set (£195): How gorgeous is this set! I have had GHD's for years and I love them and this looks like the mother load of GHD rose gold goodness!

What are your rose gold wish list picks? 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Crown Brushes Syntho Range

I am always surprised when my friends say they don't have any makeup brushes, even though they wear makeup often, although I have to remember that not everyone is a beauty blogger and as obsessed with makeup as the beauty community is! Makeup brushes are essential in my collection and makeup routine; I have tried brushes from Ecotools, Spectrum Brushes, Illamasqua, MAC, Real Techniques and cheaper, less well know brands but I haven't been as impressed with makeup brushes on first impressions as I have with these from Crown Brushes.

I was very kindly sent a range of brushes from the Crown Brushes Syntho range which features all synthetic brushes which as a vegetarian is an important point when I am buying and using brushes. I have six brushes to share my thoughts on; honesty as always, click here to check out my personal disclaimer. 

Firstly, the *Deluxe Powder Dome Brush (SS019, £15.99) which I have been using everyday since I received it for my translucent setting powders and mattifying powders. The brush is fantastic for powder as it doesn't cake on the product and it buffs on mineral foundation for seamless light coverage. 

The second face brush is the *Deluxe Flat Bronzer Brush (SS014, £16.99) which I first used for foundation as it looks like a flat top kabuki brush and it is great for foundation however the bristles seem to soak up some of the liquid foundation. I have also used it as it was intended, for bronzer, and it works well. At first I thought the brush would be too big for bronzer but it is a great size and it blends powder products effortlessly. 

Now onto the eyeshadow and liner brushes, I have been using the *Blending Fluffy Brush (SS021, £4.99) the most as it is a fantastic, multi-use brush. I've been using to apply as wash of shadow to the eyes, to blend or to apply my brow bone highlight. I also think it would be great for concealer. As the brush is flat it applies shadow well without fallout but it is also fluffy so it can blend the edges quickly and easily; for the price and quality it is a bargain.

Next up, the *Precision Crease Brush (SS020, £3.99) which I haven't been using a lot to apply shadows to the crease as I don't really create a lot of cut crease or smoky looks but I have been using it to apply my inner corner highlight and to blend shadows along the upper and lower lash lines. As it is tapered it can get into small areas but it is also soft and doesn't really drag the skin. 

Another makeup brush staple is the *Deluxe Oval Shadow Brush (SS011, £3.59) which again is a fantastic multi-use brush. It is great for applying shadow all over the lid, especially darker shades as it is flat and fairly dense so it really packs on the colour. Such a fantastic price for a useful little brush.

Last but not least, the *Deluxe Eyeliner Brush (SS008, £2.29) which I have only used with my Clinique Gel Liner so far but it applied the creamy liner so well. The bristles are so fine, I can get such a thin precise wing with this brush; it has definitely started my obsession again with gel liner. To see the results with the brush, check out my instagram: heathernixon4

Overall, I love these brushes, I've been using them constantly since I received them earlier this month. The price are so reasonable, in my opinion, especially considering the fantastic quality. My favourite brushes are definitely the SS021, SS008 and the SS019 brushes. I have only spot cleaned them but so far so good!

Have you tried any Crown Brushes or their makeup/accessories?

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Isle Of Wolf Candles ft. My Pure

Candles are one of those things, along with books, makeup, perfume and pretty stationery, that I can't get enough of! I have a 'candle drawer' in my bedroom and in my study where I keep all of my candles, wax melts and candle holders, yes, it's a bit of a problem.

However, I cannot say no to a pretty candle or two so when I had to opportunity to work with the lovely people at My Pure, I had to choose a couple of gorgeously luxe candles. I had to. My Pure is a website that features organic, natural and more niche brands as well as more famous brands such as Trilogy, Balance Me, Barefoot SOS, Ecotools and the Yes To...range, most of which I've tried products from and loved.

Isle Of Wolf Lavender Garden Candle (£15, 190ml)

Now, let's start by saying that the brand name is just fantastic, as is the luxe packaging! The candles are all handmade from the historic Vilksala manor house near the Baltic sea - how fancy! If you've been following my blog for a while then you will know that I am obsessed with anything that is lavender scented so obviously I had to choose the 'lavender garden' candle. The candles burn evenly, unlike most I've tried and they look so pretty.

The lavender scent is really authentic, not overly sweet or overpowering, it's quite subtle which I think most people would love but I personally would prefer the scent to be a bit stronger as I'm obsessed with lavender; it's such a relaxing scent to me. Each candle has a heatproof and scratchproof coaster attached to it which is such a unique and fantastic idea - I haven't seen that on any other candle! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Isle Of Wolf Bourbon Vanilla Candle (£15, 190ml)

Again, gorgeous packaging and I love the coaster on the bottom which is also beautifully designed. As well as lavender, vanilla is one of the most relaxing and calming scents I can imagine. The vanilla scent to this candle is so warm, musky and rich, it's heavenly. As with the lavender candle, it burns really evenly so there is no wasted wax/money. The scent dispersion of both candle is pretty good especially considering that both are quite subtle. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Overall, I adore these candles - they look incredibly beautiful (even the boxes they came in were SO pretty) and I think they would make lovely gifts. The scents are authentic and gorgeous but not overpowering or too sweet. I would have liked them to be a bit stronger but that's just my preference. Unlike quite a few candles I've tried, they burn incredibly evenly so there is no wasted wax and therefore money. I cannot recommend these candles enough. My Pure offers free UK delivery too which is fantastic!

Have you tried anything from My Pure or Isle Of Wolf? What are your favourite candle scents? 

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My Travel Makeup: Brushes and Tools

Here are the tools and makeup brushes that I have taken on holiday with me, if you want to see the makeup that I have taken then you can just scroll down to my previous posts. 

The brushes I am taking includes: my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (aka. one of the best foundation brushes ever), the RT deluxe Crease Brush, RT Pointed Foundation brush, RT Contour brush, RT Eyeshadow brush, Laura Mercier Flat Eyeshadow brush, an Angled Ecotools brush for liner and brows and a eyebrow brush. I am also taking my trusty Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler - although if you are looking for a cheap version, buy the Birch Box Eyelash Curler. Oh and my Makeup bag for my brushes is from MAC. 

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easy halloween Makeup: The Joker

Here is the first of my halloween/fancy dress makeup look series and this first look is my female version of the joker from Batman - I love the batman films and cartoon, even as a child! I did show a preview photo of this makeup on my instagram (heathernixon4) and Twitter (ofbeautyand). I love makeup and this series was so fun to make but I am not a makeup artist obviously. 

This makeup is inspired by the joker from batman but it has a kind of frankensteins monster vibe too with the 'stiches' around the mouth - out of the makeup looks I have done for this halloween series, this is definitely my favourite - I love the smokey eyes, very strong brows and cartoon like lips. 

Firstly, I started with the Barry M Creme Foundation in 'white'. I layered it up a bit more with this look to make my skin look even whiter and a bit more perfect as a base to contrast with the dark makeup. I then filled in my brows with a matte black shadow from the Sleek Oh So Special Palette and I did fill them in quite a lot here and I thickened them and made the arch more promanent. Then onto the eyes, take a matte black and matte brown and just apply, blend, apply, blend, apply and so on until you get the colour intensity and smokiness you want. It is so easy, just blend well. I took  a matte brown quite far under my eyes. To finish the eyes, some black liner from Pixi.  

Now the fun part, the lips. I messily apply a red lipstick (101 framboise by Yves Rocher) then I smudged it at the edges onto the skin with my fingers as the joker always has messy bloody lips/makeup in the dark knight films - If I remember correctly, the cartoon joker and the older films have quite perfect red comical lips. Then I started just lining my lips lightly with a matte black eyeshadow and my Ecotools eyeshadows brush then extending the line outwards at the corners of the lips to make a smile of sorts. Then with the same matte black shadows make small crosses along the line, like stiches or barbed wire which give a new twist on the joker/batman look. To create a slightly bruised/purple lip, I patted some of the excess black eyeshadow on top of the red lipstick focusing at the edges and sides of the mouth. 

To finish the look I use the excess black shadow on the same eyeshadow brush in the hollows of my cheeks to create a contour and I blended it out well with the real techniques expert face brush which is the brush I used for the white foundation. I also use the Elf 'cool' bronzer which has a white shade in it to set the makeup. 

I hope you like this look! Stay tuned over the next week or two for the other halloween makeup looks in this series x

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