Full review of NARS Sheerglow Foundation

After many beauty bloggers raving about this product, I finally decided to purchase it about 1 month ago. I didn't have any trouble finding my perfect colour shade as I went to my nearest Space NK store and the assistant matched me to perfection. I bought the shade Deauville. It gives me a little colour as we are heading into summer so I didn't want to gain a tan and have a pale foundation. I would say in the winter I would go a shade lighter. I apply this foundation with a Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman - Stippling Brush or Buffing Brush. My preference would be the buffing brush as I think it gives such a natural finish and really blends the product into the skin without looking too heavy.  

Left - Buffing Brush, Right - Stippling Brush (both from Real Technique by Samantha Chapman)

It gives a beautiful radiant glow, but not shiny or oily. I was very hesitate about buying this product as I have semi-oily skin so I didn't want enhance that and feel self-concious. Instead it gives me a healthy glow so I feel confident. If you set this foundation with a powder it will last all day and won't rub off etc. However......

Nars Sheer Glow - Deauville, Real Techniques Buffing Brush (orange) & Real Techniques Stippling Brush (pink)

The biggest disappointment of all - the packaging and product design! Firstly the matte black NARS packaging shows fingerprints within the first use which makes it look dirty - but its the same with most NARS products so I overlook that. However, why is there no pump?! Its extremely hard to pour out the correct amount of foundation which leads to loads of wasted product. But generally just annoying to use having to pour it out every time you use it. Despite having already paid £30.50 for the product, I thought it was a little unacceptable to charge more to purchase a pump?! - which the cap/top doesn't even fit over. Although not having a cap and the packaging looking dirty and messy, I think I would still re-purchase as it's a great foundation. 

Link to NARS website

Let me know in the comments below what you think of this foundation & whether you feel the same about the packaging! Thank you for reading. :-) Rosie xx

Review of my favourite make-up brushes

Hey guys! This blog post is going to be a review about the brushes I use when I do my day-to-day makeup. I don't have that many, compared to most make-up obsessed people, however, my collection is growing and for now I love all the brushes I use!

I usually like to do my foundation first, before I start with the eye makeup. However, when I do a more dramatic eye I will do foundation last so I don't have any fall down. My favourite foundation at the moment is Nars - Sheerglow (Deauville). I will apply this with either the Real Techniques buffing or stippling brush. They're both just as good as each other. The shape of the stippling brush is perfect for applying foundation or blusher. It blends well into the skin giving a flawless look, and also when applying a blush it blends well with no noticeable colour line between your cheeks and rest of your face. It doesn't remove the foundation either, which some brushes can do. The buffing brush is perfect when using a liquid brush, I usually apply moisturiser before hand so they blend well.

I recently bought the Mac 239 & 217 brush - both highly rated. I now use them all the time, they're amazing! The 239 packs on so much colour giving a strong eye look. The 217 blends so nicely giving a soft edge. I love creating a smoky eye with these brushes especially as they blend out so nicely and softly. Now I've bought them I would defiantly say the price is worth it, however, they were VERY expensive and I was very hesitate about spending nearly £20 per brush.

Lastly I apply blush, bronzer and powder! I use Benefit Coralista, NARS Laguna Bronzer & Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - all amazing products that are day-to-day essentials. I love a contoured cheek and I feel I achieve this best by use Real Techniques Contour Brush. After bronzer, I will apply a little blush for some colour - I usually use the buffing brush by Real Techniques. As the summer is coming, a dewy, highlighted look is in. But I like to powder just the T-zone and where I feel I need it. I use a smaller powder brush rather than a massive one!

What I bought when I went to London

So I travelled two & a half hours to get to London on Thursday. I stayed in a beautiful apartment overlooking the River Thames. The night of the 4th April I was lucky enough to have front row seats to One Direction - it was amazing! The following day I was up bright and early to head to Oxford Street for some retail therapy. I thought I would share with you what I bought and where from.

A picture I look from the concert

The first shop I headed to was Topshop. It's massive! I purchased two nail varnishes as they had a deal on, 2 for £8 - which I thought was a good price considering the quality of them and how long I find they last. I also got a new purse, which I love. It's pale pink, I thought for the spring/summer (when it arrives!) will be a really pretty colour, rather than a black or tan colour. Finally from Topshop, I bought a little black floaty cami top. I already had one of these in white and I think they are so useful and comfy - as when as being reasonably priced. Other shops that I went too included Zara, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 etc. Although, my favourite was Victoria Secret, located just off New Bond Street. It was like walking into heaven! The perfumes, underwear and bras were beautiful and the staff were so helpful. A lovely experience.

Nail varnishes; War Paint & Flamingo Coral

M&M world was so much fun! I got a massive bag of Pick 'n' mix with a huge variety of flavours. It was an experience looking round, however, it was so hot in there as it was absolutely packed with tourists.

M&M World, London

The last shop I went was the extremely famous Harrods in Knightsbridge. As soon as I walked in I was faced with a huge Mac - it would have been rude not to look around! For a long time I had really wanted some purple eye shadows as it brings out the colour of my eyes (blue). Luckily, it wasn't too busy so I asked the Make-up Artist to try out some colours on me, she was lovely & very helpful. I bought the Limited Edition Archie's Girl in Spoiled Rich . I've worn it every day since. Purple eye shadow is a must-have if you have blue eyes! I also bought a Mac 239 brush as I had wanted one for ages but been put of how expensive the brushes are. However, it was totally worth it and I'm sure it will last me ages.

Then, to finish the day off, I had a yummy Frozen Yoghurt from Snog. Natural flavour with raspberries and Oreo biscuits! By the end, my feet were throbbing and I was so tired. It was nice just to sit in the car for a few hours home and listen to my iPod.

Hope you enjoyed this blog post :) Leave any comments/questions! xx