2014 Wishlist

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede // Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick // Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush // Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water // Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster // Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate // Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush // Origins Clear Improvement Mask

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede - I fell in love with this purfume at Vogue's Fashion Night Out which is when my nose first experienced the beautiful scent of Peonies. I'm going to be having peonies in my bouquet when I get married in August so I would absolutely love this to be my wedding scent. I'm waiting until it's a little bit closer to August as I'll be too tempted to use it before the big day. I love the idea of having a new scent for your wedding day. That way you will be reminded of your special days for years to come when you spray that purfume. 

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick - The only 'high end' lipstick I own is MAC Creme Cup. Don't get me wrong, I love that lipstick, everything from the scent to the packaging but I hate going to a MAC counter. I know I'm not alone in this. I have decided I'm going to use my Boots points to treat myself to a high end lipstick. I was unsure between Chanel and YSL and to be honest, I still am. YSL are winning slightly as the packaging is irresistible! Have you tried Chanel or YSL lipsticks? Which do you recommend? 

Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush & Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush - I owe lots of Real Techniques brushes and I use them on a daily basis. They are fantastic quality, they apply make up beautifully and they wash really well. The ones I don't have, I don't want as I manage with the ones I've got and they don't really fit in with my routine. Often, I have wanted to pop a brush in my bag to touch up throughout the day/evening but I have been put off in case the brush got ruined or dirty. Cue retractable brushes! Genius! I have used retractable brushes before but the quality was horrendous. I'm looking forward to topping up my make up with a clean, protected brush. I've got my eyes on both of these brushes! 

Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water - I tried three different Micellar Waters last year; Bioderma, La Roche-Posay and L'Oreal. I wasn't too impressed with the L'Oreal one to be honest and Bioderma was definitely my favourite. I have actually just repurchased it. I'm interested to see if the Garnier version differs from the L'Oreal one and if it compares to Bioderma or La Roche-Posay. It's great that high street brands are attempting to make products affordable and accessible to everyone. 

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster - Hydraluron is a product that is mentioned on a daily basis in the blogosphere. I suffer from oily skin but that doesn't mean my skin isn't dehydrated and thirsty for moisture. I can tell the days when my skin is looking a bit lifeless and grey. I think tiredness also affects me. Hydraluron is a serum that is applied before moisturiser and it helps to draw moisture into the skin. (I think!) Dehtdration can lead to premature aging and an increase in moisture levels will lead to an increase in skins elasticity. 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - Last year, I attended a Kiehl's event and I received a sample of their famous Midnight Recovery. It's such a luxury product and I want it in my life. It's a product you use every night with the mantra one night, two drops. I haven't been using it every night as I only have a small sample but once I finally get my hands on a full size bottle, I will be using it every night. It costs £36 for 30ml so I may after wait until after our wedding and honeymoon. Weddings are expensive don't you know! 

Origins Clear Improvement Mask - At the moment, my skin is a mess. That's honestly the best word I can use to describe it. I think it's a combination of eating too much cheese lately along with stress. I've always suffered from spots, sometimes worse than others but at the moment it's the worst it's ever been. This mask is £22 for 100ml and I may have to treat myself and my skin. This mask claims to "gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best." Drawing out impurities and absorbing pollutants, it's sure to only improve my skin.

What's on your wishlist? Do you recommend any of these products?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

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My 13 Favourite Products Of 2013

Last year, I posted My 12 Favourite Products of 2012 so in keeping with the tradition, here are My 13 Favourite Products of 2013. Four products have made it into my favourites for the second year running but they are products that I reach for everyday. They deserve their award of favourite product!

Haircare

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner - I have been using this shampoo and conditioner for about six months now and I have gone through two bottles of each. This was my first experience of haircare products that contain no parabens or sulphates. Banning nasty ingredients from my haircare routine has improved the quality of my hair so much. Both products smell natural and clean as they are made from all natural ingredients. You can read what I think about this shampoo and conditioner in more detail here.

Moroccanoil Treatment - Back in August, I attended an event with Look Fantastic and we were extremely lucky to receive a goody bag with a small bottle of Moroccanoil in. Ever since I started using Moroccanoil, my hair has made a dramatic improvement in texture as well as shine and manageability. Moroccanoil also helps to lessen the drying time, which is a godsend when you have long, thick hair. I actually love it so much that I asked my mum and dad Santa to get me a full sized one. I can't wait to start using that one as it has a pump and the little bottle doesn't so I have to pour an amount into the palm of my hand and sometimes I'm a little generous!

Skincare

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner - It took me ages and ages to make my mind up whether to get this exfoliator or not. I had read so many reviews where bloggers raved about chemical exfoliators over manual ones but to be honest the word chemical scared me. In the end, I decided to use some of my much loved Boots points to buy the item, that way if I didn't like the product, I hadn't used up my own money. However, I love this product and I'm so happy it's in my life. You do have to be careful when you go outside but if you already use SPF, this isn't a problem. If you don't, make sure you apply SPF for a couple of days after using it just to protect your skin. I use it twice a week, in the evening, in the place of my regular toner and it is so gentle and actually rather soothing on my face. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - Effaclar Duo is a highly raved about skincare product in the beauty blogger world. I can completely understand why. This is my second or third tube (which is empty) and I need to repurchase it ASAP. It has made such a difference to my skin. I still suffer from spots but I have PCOS however it has changed my complexion so much. It helps to clear up spots quicker and it also takes the redness out of my spots.

ESPA Essential Cleansing Mask - I was extremely lucky to be given an ESPA gift card. One of the purchases I made was the Essential Cleansing Mask. My favourite thing about the mask is that it tells me to relax for 20 minutes! Seriously, if you ever needed an excuse to relax, this is it! I use this mask once or twice a week, in the evening, usually after a bath or shower so my pores are open. This is a luxurious mask and a little bit actually goes a long way. I have used the mask quite a few times and it doesn't look like I have used it at all. In the morning, I can definitely notice a difference in my skin. It feels and looks a lot smoother and clearer. Winner!

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer - I purchased this last year in the Christmas sales after trying a sample. Ever since my first try I have been hooked on this luxurious primer. I only use it when I need my make up to last all day or if I am looking for a flawless base before applying my foundation. A little really goes a long way and I still have about half the tub left. This is the best primer I have ever tried as it leaves my skin feeling silky and smooth and it evens my skin tone while providing a smooth base for my foundation. You can read what I think about this primer in more detail here.

Make Up

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation - I have been using this foundation for over a year now and I have repurchased it twice already. It's the first foundation I've had that has actually been matched to my skin tone.  I was fed up of guessing my shade and getting home to find it too light or too dark and I haven't got time in the mornings to be mixing foundations! The Match Made Service is a fantastic service and it's definitely worth a try to find your perfect foundation shade. The foundation is the perfect formula for me too. As I suffer with spots, I don't want a dewy foundation as this can highlight imperfections. This foundation is matte without being chalky or cakey. It provides a medium to high coverage and lasts all day. You can read all about my experience of the Foundation Match Made Service as well as what I think of the foundation in more detail here.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer -This is another well loved product that I have been using for well over a year and it featured in last years favourite. I have lost count of the amount of times that I have repurchased but it is a LOT! As I've said before, I don't use this under my eyes because I find it too thick to blend there but it's perfect for concealing spots and other imperfections. I use shade 1 and shade 2 in the winter and summer respectively. You can read what I think about this concealer in more detail here.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - Another recurring product from last year. I have actually been using this powder for a few years now and it's fantastic for setting foundation and concealer as well as taking away any shine on your face. I have slightly oily skin and I don't need to reapply but if your skin is more oily than mine you may need to carry this in your handbag. The packaging isn't great and it doesn't look too pleasing of the eye but it's a great product and for less than £5, I'm not complaining! You can read what I think about this powder in more detail here.

Topshop Lipstick in Innocent - This was first featured in my favourites in May 2013, however I bought it a couple of months before that and I was lusting after it for even longer. Altogether, I have three Topshop lipsticks and this is the latest one that I have purchased (I think it's time I purchased a new one!) The formula of these lipsticks are so creamy and moisturising and they dry matte on the lips but they're not drying at all. This shade is perfect for during the day or it can be layered up for a more intense shade in the evening.

Nails

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Blueberry - I chose this nail polish to feature in my favourites as it was undoubtably the most used nail polish in 2013. I actually removed the chipped remains off my nails and repainted with the same shade several times, this is something I have never done before! Obviously, I haven't used it as much in winter but it has been a perfect spring, summer and early autumn shade. I think it really compliments my skin tone and as it's quite an uncommon colour, I get lots of compliments on it from friends and family. As the name suggests, it leaves a hi-shine finish on the nails therefore you don't need a topcoat but I do recommend one if you want to prolong the wear time.

Make Up Brushes

Real Techniques Brushes - I honestly do not know how I coped before Real Techniques came into my life. I think I used to apply foundation with my fingers which is messy and meant I had to wash my hands afterwards. I have had some of my brushes for nearly 18 months and they still look brand new. They are super easy to wash; I use Johnson Baby Shampoo once a week (well I aim for once a week!) and once they are dry, they return to their original shape. I haven't experienced any fallout so in my opinion they are a great investment as I can see them lasting years. 

From left to right - Real Techniques Powder Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Real Techniques Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Setting Brush, Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer, Real Techniques Starter Set

You can read what I think about these brushes in more detail using the following links; Real Techniques Powder Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Real Techniques Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Setting Brush, Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer, Real Techniques Starter Set. 

What are your favourite products of 2013? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x 
Lost In Lipstick

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My Make Up Brush Collection

I love finding out which make up brushes other people use plus what they use it for. For example, I don't use my foundation brush for foundation. I recently had a clear out and got rid of a few brushes that I no longer used and I had had them a long time. These are the brushes that made the cut and most of them I use on a daily basis. I will explain what I use each brush for as well as a little mini review of the brush. I have already reviewed all the Real Techniques brushes on my blog.

Ruby & Millie Foundation Brush (discontinued) // Eco Tools Bamboo Bronzer Brush // Real Techniques Powder Brush // Real Techniques Expert Face Brush // Real Techniques Blush Brush // Real Techniques Foundation Brush // Real Techniques Setting Brush // Real Techniques Lash and Brow Groomer // Real Techniques Starter Set // Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush

Left to right: Ruby & Millie Foundation Brush, Eco Tools Bamboo Bronzer Brush, Real Techniques Powder Brush, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Real Techniques Foundation Brush

Left to right: Real Techniques Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Setting Brush, Real Techniques Lash and Brow Groomer, Real Techniques Starter Set (Deluxe Crease Brush, Base Shadow Brush, Brow Brush, Accent Brush, Pixel Point Eyeliner Brush), Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush

Real Techniques brushes are colour coordinated depending on which step of make up application they are used for; base, eyes or finish. Most of my brushes are by Real Techniques, which just shows how much I love the brushes! I have grouped my brushes into the three categories just to help discuss them better and I can use the pictures to break up the text. I have individually reviewed all of the Real Techniques brushes I own and I have linked the reviews below, just click on the name of the brush and it will take you to that review. My Real Techniques brushes are used the most and some I have had almost a year. I use them on a daily basis and wash them almost every week (some weeks I forget!) They still look and feel like they are brand new. Which is amazing and just shows what great quality they are. 

Base Brushes

Ruby & Millie Foundation Brush - Ruby & Millie has been discontinued now. I bought this brush a few years ago, I actually think it was in the sale because they were being discontinued and that's what made me buy it. I don't use this brush on a daily basis, to be honest, I don't use it very often. I kept it though to use as a backup just in case I haven't had chance to clean my brushes and they're too dirty. Recently, I have started to use the end of this brush just to get product out of the Lush Colour Supplement tubs. I really like the product but after you've used half it's just so hard to get it out! 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - This is possibly my favourite brush in my whole collection and it's actually my most viewed post! I use this every single day to apply my foundation. I use liquid foundation and it does an amazing job of creating a beautiful base. (The brush is recommended for cream or liquid foundation.) As the bristles are dense, it picks up more product which helps to create a heavier coverage, which is what I need! The brush makes applying foundation a dream and it is easy to blend, leaving a smooth surface ready for the rest of my make up routine. 

Real Techniques Foundation Brush - Along with the Powder Brush, this was my first experience of Real Techniques brushes that I bought way back in September. At first, I used this for my foundation and concealer but as I mentioned in my review, I am not too keen on using it as a foundation brush. As the brush is angled, it does a fantastic job of getting in those hard to reach areas such as around the nose and under the eyes. I use this brush to blend my concealer and it does a much better job than applying foundation. 

Real Techniques Powder Brush - This is another brush that I use on a daily basis. I just it to apply powder all over my face to set my make up and also to create a matte look as that's what I like. I also use it to dust bronzer lightly all over my face when I want a bit of colour. It's a great brush that picks up just enough product and as it's so big, it takes no time at all to powder my face. 

Eco Tools Bamboo Bronzer Brush - This is my back up powder/bronzer brush for emergencies. It feels beautiful and it's soft but I much prefer the Real Techniques Powder Brush as I feel this one hardly picks up any product and it takes a long time to apply make up with it. I've had this brush for quite a few years now, my mum and dad got it for my birthday. I think my mum had had enough of me using cheap brushes! Thanks mum.

Finish Brushes

Real Techniques Blush Brush - I use this brush everyday to apply blusher and bronzer. Sometimes I think it is on the larger size but I do love it. It picks up enough product and if you have too much, it's easy to just tap the excess off. The bristles are so soft and in a perfect shape to apply blusher/highlight to the areas you want it and also for apply bronzer to the contours of your cheeks, your forehead and any other area you want to contour.

Real Techniques Setting Brush - I use the brush to apply powder under my eyes to set concealer. I know a lot of people use it to apply concealer but I have my chosen brush for that. Sometimes, I use the brush to apply highlight to my brow bones and down my nose as the blush brush is just too big for those areas. I have also been known to use the brush to apply eyeshadow all over my eyelid if I'm in a rush! 

Eye Brushes

Real Techniques Lash and Brow Groomer - This is an essential brush for me that I use everyday, sometimes twice a day. As I have mentioned before, I have extremely wild and unruly brows. They need their very own brush just to tame them and help persuade them to stay in place (with a little help from brow gel). The lash comb is used occasionally as some days my eyelashes just do not behave. Even though I usually use the same mascara everyday, there's just the odd occasion when they will not do what I want them to do. This comb is perfect for separating lashes and providing a little bit more definition.

Deluxe Crease Brush (Part of the Real Techniques Starter Set) - Along with the Base Shadow Brush, these are the two brushes I use to apply my eyeshadow everyday. I'm not an eyeshadow expert so using as few brushes as I can, doesn't complicate the situation. I use this brush to apply a darker colour to my eyelids or sometimes I use the Base Shadow Brush for both colours and I will use this one to blend. The brush is a great size and shape and allows you to get right into the contours of your eye lid. The bristles are densely packed so there is the maximum application of colour.

Base Shadow Brush (Part of the Real Techniques Starter Set) - I use this brush to apply colour all over my lids and I will sometimes use it to apply a darker colour as well. To be honest, it all depends on how I feel on the day! Sometimes I use this brush to apply highlight to my brow bone and inner corners of my eye. I have only used it to apply powder shadows but I think you can use it to apply cream shadows as well. I find the brush picks up just enough product, which means I don't experience any fall out, even with drugstore brands. 

Brow Brush (Part of the Real Techniques Starter Set) - This is a great brush as it is angled. It makes filling in your brows effortless. There's not much I can say about this brush other than it does a great job at filling in my brows! I don't use this everyday and some days, I don't think my eyebrows need filling in. It all depends on the occasion and where I'm going. My eyebrows are quite a bit darker than my hair colour so they already stand out enough! Plus they are quite full and bushy, oh I hate my brows! 

Accent Brush (Part of the Real Techniques Starter Set) - This brush is used occasionally when I fancy doing a bit more of a smokey eye. As I said, I'm not an eyeshadow expert so I just try and copy what I have seen others do and try make it work for myself. I will become better at eyeshadow, I just need to keep practising!

Pixel Point Eyeliner Brush (Part of the Real Techniques Starter Set) - This is my least used brush from the Starter Set and it's not because I don't like it or because it's rubbish, it's because I cannot apply eyeliner to my lashline! I can't comment on the quality of the brush as I really haven't used it enough to know. I will one day and I will be back with an opinion! 

Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush - I bought this brush about two years ago. My sister was getting married and we both went along for a makeover so we could learn how to do our own make up on the day. I picked up this brush along with the Long Wear Gel Eyeliner. I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I have used this brush. I'm just rubbish at applying eyeliner. My sister actually did it for me on her wedding day! She says the brush is amazing and she wants it for herself! I will learn how to do it one day. My hands are just really shaky so I can't apply a smooth, straight line!

What are your favourite make up brushes? Are any of these brushes on your wishlist?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

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Real Techniques Starter Set - Review

Real Techniques Starter Set

I bought this set as I have never owned any decent eye make up brushes. In the past, when I've applied eyeshadow, I just used a brush that came with a palette and we all know how rubbish those are! I have been using Real Technique brushes for almost a year now and I absolutely love every single one I own. I don't necessarily use them for their specific use but I know lots of people don't and I find the way that works best for me. (I am planning to do a make up brush collection post and I'll share which brushes I use for which job.) 

The set includes five brushes to "boost your look with effortlessly enhanced eyes" - a base shadow brush, a deluxe crease brush, an accent brush, a pixel-point eyeliner brush and a brow brush. They all have purple, aluminium handles and as always, the bristles are made from synthetic taklon and are 100% cruelty free. All the brushes are super soft, which is especially important around the eye area. 

The base shadow brush is exactly that - it applies a smooth, flawless foundation of colour. I have only used it to apply a base of powder shadow so I cannot comment on cream eyeshadow bases but I'm sure it will do just as good of a job. I use this brush to apply the base colour eyeshadow as well as highlighter on my brow bone and the inner corner of my eyes. I love this brush as it's super soft and doesn't cause any dragging of my eye lids. Also, it picks up just enough product so I don't experience fall out, even with drugstore eyeshadows. 

The deluxe crease brush has a soft, oversized design for effortless contouring. I use this brush to apply a second, sometimes third, eyeshadow colour to the outer corners and crease of my eye. Along with the base shadow brush, it is definitely one of my most used brushes from the set. It contains a lot of bristles, which are densely packed to ensure maximum colour application. 

The accent brush and pixel-point eyeliner brush are my least used brush in the set but not because they're rubbish because they're not! It's because I'm not skilled enough, or have a steady enough hand, to apply eyeliner to my lash line! Every now and again I practise and I will get there but for the mean time these only get used on my practise days! 

The brow brush has a distinctive shape to easily define your eyebrows. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I use the MUA Brow Kit to do my eyebrows. Previously, I used the brush provided, which was ok and did its job but it was tricky as the handle was so small. As this brush has a longer handle it makes it much easier to do my brows. (Side note- although the MUA Brow Kit is good, I can't help but want to try a MAC shadow for my eyebrows. I might go and get matched up soon! I really want my own MAC palette but it just works out so expensive!)

I love every single Real Techniques brush I have and I have built up quite a collection! The next ones on my list are the new duo-fibre ones and one to apply my cream blusher. Which brush do you use to apply your cream blusher? 

Do you own this set? Which are your favourite/most used brushes from the set? Which brush(es) do you recommend for me next? 

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick 

Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer Brush - Review

Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer Brush

I'm sure you're all aware how much I love Real Techniques brushes. Almost all of my make up brushes are RT and this is the sixth one in my collection. I also own the Expert Face Brush, the Foundation Brush, the Powder Brush, the Blush Brush and the Setting Brush. I use every single one every day and I couldn't live without a single one. 

I shared my hate of my eyebrows in this post and a lash groomer is an essential tool in my make up routine. You can also read about my eyebrow routine here but basically this brush plays a massive part. The brush is a 2 in 1 lash and brow brush. One side has dense nylon bristles ready to tame my wild brows and the other side consists of a precision comb to separate and define eyelashes. The comb is pretty sharp so it comes with a protective cap to avoid any injuries!

I definitely use the brow side more as I need this every day. I don't necessarily need to use the lash comb all the time but it's great on those days where your eyelashes are not behaving and need a little encouraging in the right direction! Usually, these brushes come with plastic alternatives, which are useless, it's great to see a metal comb instead that actually works!

What's your eyebrow routine? Do you use a brow groomer?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

100 Followers Giveaway!

image from we heart it

Two weeks ago, I reached 100 followers. I want to say a massive thank you to each and everyone of you who read and follow my blog. It means the world to me and it makes me so happy to see people enjoying my blog. I started my blog in September after reading many other blogs and deciding I wanted to share my love of beauty products and make up. My own little space on the internet to voice my opinions and share my recommendations. As I have a full time job, blogging is only a hobby. It can be difficult fitting in blogging around work but I absolutely love blogging and it's extremely therapeutic. I am so glad I took the plunge to write my own blog. I love it and I am so proud of Lost In Lipstick. 

As I said earlier, I am so grateful of every single person who follows me, who reads my blog posts and who leaves comments on my posts. Each time I get a new follower, a new comment or my blog views have gone up, I smile like a Cheshire Cat! I would love to thank everyone personally but that's not possible. Because of this, I have decided to hold a giveaway. 

I debated for a long time whether or not to hold a giveaway. I know that holding a giveaway can equal 'fake' followers and that's not what I want. I want my followers to genuinely want to read my blog and not just win a beauty product. I proposed my idea of a giveaway on twitter and my issue that I had with them. The majority of people said I should still go ahead as a way to say thank you. So here it is! 

Then, obviously, I had to decide what I wanted to give away! Almost everyone that writes a beauty blog and holds a giveaway has a MAC lipstick as the prize. I wanted to be different so I knew what I didn't want to giveaway! In 2012, I fell in love with Real Techniques brushes. I currently have five in my collection. Therefore, I have decided to give the winner the choice of one of the five brushes I have as I love them all. (Obviously you will get a brand new brush, not one I have used!) Real Techniques make amazing brushes and if you haven't heard of them, where have you been? 

So the five brushes that I have that I am giving away one of are; the Expert Face Brush, the Foundation Brush, the Powder Brush, the Blush Brush and the Setting Brush. You can read what I think of each brush by clicking on the previous links, which will take you to my individual review of each brush.

Giveaway Rules

There will be one winner.

The winner will win one Real Techniques brush.

The giveaway is open to UK residents only (sorry).

Ask permission if you are under 18 before entering. 

The giveaway is open from 26 January until 26 February 2013.

The winner will be notified and announced on my blog shortly afterwards. 

Entry to the giveaway is via Rafflecopter (Please read additional infomation below).

To enter there are five things you must do;

1. Follow via GFC (you can find this to the right)

2. Leave a comment below telling me which brush you would like to win

3. Leave your email (via Rafflecopter)

4. State which brush you want to win (via Rafflecopter)

5. Follow me on Twitter here

There are also five things you can do for additional entries;

1. Tweet about the giveaway

2. Like Lost In Lipstick on Facebook here

3. Follow me on Instagram (lostinlipstick)

4. Follow me on Bloglovin' here

5. Follow me on Hellocotton  here

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

Real Techniques Blush Brush - Review

Real Techniques Blush Brush £9.99

As you all know, I love Real Techniques! They are fantastic quality and are really affordable. I have five RT brushes altogether but I have many more on my wishlist! In my collection I also have; the Foundation Brush, the Expert Face Brush, the Powder Brush and the Setting Brush. I use every single one of them everyday. I use this brush for both bronzer and brusher. It is a great size for contouring and it has a tapered end. I also use it to apply powder blusher to the apples of my cheeks. Even though I want the RT Contour Brush, it's part of the Core Collection and I don't need it as this brush does the job.

Real Techniques brushes have a lightweight, aluminium handle, which makes them super easy to use and hold. The bristles are made from synthetic taklon and are 100% cruelty free. The bristles are soft and feel so gentle and luxurious on your face. The brushes wash really well and dry really quickly. They keep their shape and the condition of the brushes is like brand new even though I have washed them several times (with baby shampoo). I have no experiences of shedding and I have been using Real Techniques brushes since September. The Real Techniques brushes are created by Samantha Chapman. Her tutorial video for the Brush Brush can be found here. As you can see in the video, Samantha uses the brushes herself and talks about the different uses that this brush has. 

Is the Blush Brush in your collection? Which make up brush can you not live without?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Real Techniques Setting Brush - Review

Real Techniques Setting Brush £8.99

This is just one Real Techniques brush out of my collection of 5 (which will grow bigger as soon as Boots have another 3 for 2 offer on them!) I also have the Powder Brush, the Foundation Brush, the Expert Face Brush and the Blush Brush (review coming soon). This is the smallest in my collection but can be used in variety of ways. It's a great multifunctional brush. I use it to apply powder under my eyes before doing my eye make up, to apply highlighter or bronzer to contour and to apply eye shadow, as a base, all over my lid. I have also read that people use this brush for their concealer and it can be used to blend eye shadow. 

The brush has a lightweight, aluminium handle, which makes it super easy to use and hold. The bristles are made from synthetic taklon and are 100% cruelty free. The bristles are soft and feel so gentle and luxurious on your face. The brushes wash really well and dry really quickly. They keep their shape and the condition of the brushes is like brand new even though I have washed them several times (with baby shampoo). I have no experiences of shedding and I have been using Real Techniques brushes since September. The Real Techniques brushes are created by Samantha Chapman. Her tutorial video for the Setting Brush can be found here. As you can see in the video, Samantha uses the brushes herself and talks about the different uses that this brush has.

Is the Setting Brush in your collection? Which make up brush can you not live without?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - Review

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush £9.99

I have been using this brush for a while now to apply my liquid foundation. I much prefer it over the Real Techniques Foundation Brush, which I have been using to blend my concealer. In my review of the Foundation Brush, I said I wanted to give the Buffing Brush a go. However, after much research online, I decided that the Expert Face Brush would be much better suited to me as I use a liquid foundation. The Expert Face Brush is specifically for cream or liquid foundation.

The brush has a lightweight, aluminium handle, which makes it super easy to use and hold. The bristles are made from synthetic taklon and are 100% cruelty free. The bristles are soft and feel so gentle and luxurious on your face. The brush is ultra film and broad, allowing smooth application and making it easy to blend your foundation. As the bristles are short and dense, they pick up more foundation and leave you with a heavier coverage. This is perfect for those days when you have pesky spots or, like me, every day! The base of the brush is flat, meaning it can stand up on its own.

The Real Techniques brushes are created by Samantha Chapman. Her tutorial video for the Expert Face Brush can be found here. I have become slightly obsessed with these brushes. I have 5 in my collection now and I want ALL of them. Next time Boots has the 3 for 2 offer on them, I am going to stock up! The others I own are the Blush Brush and the Setting Brush. I will review them soon, but I love them all!

Have you tried the Expert Face Brush? What are your opinions? Which brush do you use to apply foundation?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

My 12 Favourite Products of 2012

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I began my Liz Earle journey a year ago now, when my mum got me the starter kit for Christmas 2011, and I have been using it ever since. I won't go into too much detail as you can read what I think in my review here. I love love love Cleanse & Polish and I use it morning and night without fail. It has improved the condition of my skin so much over the past year. I used to suffer from the occasional dry patch and quite bad acne. My dry skin has cleared up and although I still have a few spots, they are under control with the help of Liz Earle.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser

Every single step of my skin care routine is Liz Earle. Even though it's all my favourite and I couldn't live without any of it, I didn't want to choose it all in this post as it wouldn't leave much room for anything else. I settled for Cleanse & Polish as I think it is the greatest cleanser ever made, I think it truly deserves all the awards it gets, and the Skin Repair Light Moisturiser. You can read what I think about the moisturiser in more detail here but I feel it deserves more recognition than it gets. My skin is oily/combination as I said I suffer from spots and dry skin. Many people think you need to skip moisturiser if you have oily skin but that couldn't be further from the truth. You need to feed the spots and this light moisturiser is perfect. It sinks into your skin leaving a smooth, supple and moisturised surface for your make up. 

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation in Calico

Before I purchased this foundation, I used Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse and when I ran out I couldn't remember what shade I had previously so I just picked up any! I actually did that for quite a few years and I have no idea why. It wasn't amazing but it did the job. I went along to Boots for the No7 Foundation Made Service. You can read what I thought of the matching service and what I think of the foundation here. I'm so glad I went. I'm currently on my second bottle since August/September but I use it every single day. When I apply the foundation, it's like applying a second flawless skin rather than applying thick foundation. That sounds cheesy but it's true. It gives me the coverage I need without making me look like I've applied my make up with a trowel! 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

I'm so glad I jumped on this bandwagon! Everyone has this concealer and for £4-£5 I don't blame them. It provides good coverage and lasts a fair few hours. When I nip into Boots or Superdrug, it's always a mission to find one unused, especially shade 2 which is the shade I use. When I do see my shade, I always pick up at least two to stock up. I only use this concealer on my spots and blemishes as I find it a bit too thick to use under my eyes. Instead, I use the Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer, which is a great highlighter as well. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent

I'm not sure when this product first launched but I'm pretty sure I used it years ago when it was in different packaging. For the past few years, I removed powder from my make up routine as I just didn't need it. However, since I am getting older and my spots are persistent in staying I feel I just need a light dusting of powder to take the shine away. The shine stays away for a few hours before I need a touch up, which for a drug store brand is pretty good going.

Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Precious Posy

I got this blusher two years ago. I have used it almost everyday since and it's still going strong. It's gone up in price to £21 since I got it for £14 two years ago. I'm not sure my wage has increased by a third! Anyway... The colour is buildable depending on how intense of a colour you like. During the day, I apply one or two brush strokes on each cheek where as in the evening, I build up the colour for a slightly more dramatic look. It lasts several hours even without a primer but for a higher end product that is expected.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait

I have to admit that I only bought this product because of all the hype. I jumped on the Revlon Lip Butter bandwagon and boy am I glad I did! As you can see it made my 12 favourite products of the year. I love the moisturising formulation and the fact it looks and feels like a lipstick. I often find myself reaching for this over a boring lip balm. I would definitely repurchase this, maybe in a few other shades. 

Topshop Lipstick in Rumour Has It

I am a big fan of Topshop lipsticks. I have two shades and I have my eyes on a few others. You can read what I think in depth here so I won't go into too much detail. I have a few lipsticks that I turn to for day to day but when narrowing it down for this post, the formula of this lipstick won hands down. I just love how moisturising and easy to apply it is even though it's a matte lipstick. It is far from drying and the colour lasts a few hours before it needs a touch up.

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eye Liner in Black

I always wear eye liner, usually on my upper and lower water line, but it isn't a product which excites me. I usually just grab the first eye liner in my reach but I have been choosing this one over any others lately. With it being waterproof, it lasts so much longer and I find it doesn't run as much as my other eye liners. Although I have been using a setting brush to apply powder under my eyes. The formula allows it to glide on smoothly without creating drag, which is definitely a good thing when your eyes are concerned. 

 MUA Undressed Palette

MUA have announced that this is their best selling product of 2012 and I am not surprised. Since I have started wearing eye shadow more often, I wear shades from this palette on a daily basis. I have actually started to see pan on two shades! I reviewed this palette in more detail and you can read it here. I love a neutral eye, hence why this has made my favourites list. The palette is so versatile, ranging from light to dark neutral shades with a mixture of matte and shimmer shadows. I choose lighter matte nudes for the day, adding darker shimmer shades for the evening. A perfect palette.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I have five Real Techniques brushes and to be honest I could have chosen all of them to feature in this post. I chose the Expert Face Brush as it really has changed the way I apply my foundation and my skin looks flawless when I have used it. I have the foundation brush but I now use that to blend my concealer. When I used the foundation brush to apply my foundation, I found that it left streaks on my face. I also have the powder brush, blush brush and setting brush with many others on my wish list.

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover

I can't believe I put up with 'regular' nail polish remover and cotton wool pads for so long! This is a god send. It removes nail polish so quick and easy and there is no mess. (Glitter nail polish is another story!) You can read what I thought by reading my review here.

What are your favourite products of 2012? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick