EVERYDAY FACE: POPPY

First things first: 100th post! *happy dance!* SO exciting :) I can't actually believe we made it (although Noll may have something to say about that) but we did so well done us and thank you all for reading!

Now that that's out of the way... I realised recently I have been using basically the same products pretty much all over my face (there is one exception since the beginning of this week but I'll get onto that later) for a few months now and that is pretty special. I tend to never be happy with my make-up but I have actually got a pretty good routine going right now and that needs to be celebrated. And recorded for posterity.

Brush With Greatness

One of the things that bothers me most in the world (I mean, after all the important sociopolitical issues and all that) is the sponge-tipped applicators that come with some eyeshadows.

I think they are criminal, and awful, and that they do a disservice to makeup everywhere. Brushes, proper, bristled brushes, will change your life and the way you do eyeshadow FOREVER. I'm pretty sure I'm not being hyperbolic here.

If I've convinced you and not made you feel afraid for my sanity, these are the six brush styles I think you should have in your life.

HOT FOR TEACHER: Shimmery Smoky Eye

Now that you (maybe) have all recovered from the Halloween onslaught of tutorials, I thought I might try another one, because now we can all start thinking about Christmas. Yes I said it, sorry not sorry.

I also got my first proper brush set the other day, having previously used an interesting assortment acquired at random from various people, but which did not actually include any eye brushes. I chose the new Real Techniques Nic's Picks, partly because it is a third off at Superdrug atm, but also because it includes the two main things I wanted, a general fluffy eyeshadow brush and an angled crease brush, as well as three whole other brushes!

REVIEWSDAY: Real Techniques Sam's Picks Collection

Here is today’s not-a-secret secret: I love Real Techniques. I got my first set (the Core Collection, fittingly) about a year and a half ago and I’ve never looked back. They’re soft, they generally have the exact firmness that I like and the huge range of different shapes and styles means there’s something for everyone.