Chubby Cheeks, New From Nars and Beauty Launches

Here is a roundup of all the things that have been happening in the beauty world and have had my attention in the past week. 

1. New from Clinique, they have expanded there range with there Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm, everything you want in a cream blush. It's creamy, easy to blend out with fingers and perfect for touching up. I have the shade Robust Rhubarb which instantly wakes me up and gives a nice healthy glow.

My MAC Quad (Complete)

Look at the beauty! Filling up the empty spots in this palette was more fulfilling and exciting than I'd care to admit. 

From left to right: Nylon, Naked Lunch, Honey Lust and Sable. For an everyday look, I apply Naked Lunch all over the lid with a 217 brush and then blend Sable into the crease and outer corner, then I use Nylon to highlight the inner corners of my eye, and Honey Lust is for days when I'm feeling a bit more shimmery. 

Iv'e been reaching for this palette everyday this month, I'm dreading the inevitable day when I hit pan on one of these shadows. It's unclear at this stage if a tear will be shed.

I loved filling up this palette SO much that I may or may not have purchased a 15 pan bad boy which may or may not be featured fully loaded in the coming months ;)

The Review #1

Since I've started wearing makeup the only brushes I've ever used were either Sigma or MAC. I bought the Sigma 'Make me Crazy' set first, and then I bought the F80 kabuki brush for my foundation, a highlighting brush and blush brush to complete my set. I also have a a few eyeshadow brushes from MAC which were a little treat to myself. 

I've seen the Real Techniques brushes for a while but never thought to pick them up or try them because I was content with my own little set and also because they are ridiculously overpriced in Australia.

I got two to start with, the powder brush and the blush brush. I have to say I'm so impressed with the quality of these brushes they are seriously giving my Sigma faithfuls a run for their money. They are so soft and each brush is synthetic and washes so well (my Sigma brushes take so long to dry). 

I've found a site called iHerb.com which has all the individual brushes and sets for the American price and they only charge $8 shipping to Australia (bargain). They're so cheap and amazing. I have 100% been converted.

Dr Bronner's Magic Soap

Every week or so I like to give my brushes a really deep clean. Up until last week I was using just a normal facial cleanser when I took them to the bathroom sink spa. 

It did an okay job but I wasn't really 100% happy with it so after hearing about the Dr Bronner's Magic Soap I decided to try it. There are a few different ones, I picked up 'baby mild'.

What I do is wet my hand with warm water, put a small 5 cent piece amount in my palm, and swish my brush in it until all the makeup is gone. Then I rinse my brush under the tap with the handle facing down. This is really important because if your brush faces upward it allows the water to go inside, and will cause the hairs to loosen and shed. I always squeeze the excess water out, and lay them flat over a bench to dry overnight. I also reshape them while they're damp. 

The magic soap makes brush cleaning so easy, and is also good for people who have allergies or sensitive skin (and of course babies) as it's unscented and organic.