A Review Of The Bare Minerals By Popular Demand Gift Set

I'm not a huge fan of taking pictures of make up that I've already used, but in this case I'm going to make an exception. I bought this kit a couple of years ago now from QVC but after a few showings it disappeared never to be seen again. I'd intended to review it at the time but I never got round it, and to be honest I never thought much more about it -  I used it and loved it but that was about it. Last month though, a familiar looking kit appeared on the Boots website, and because I loved it so much I thought I'd review it for you.

I've been a fan of the Bare Minerals make up line for quite a while now. Their loose mineral foundations are probably the best of that type that I've used, and the pigmentation and wear time of loose eye shadows and blushers are excellent. Loose minerals aren't for everyone though, and they can be messy so over the years Bare Minerals have introduced a wide variety of liquid items, including a liquid foundation, lip glosses and mascaras, and pressed mineral products with the launch of their popular READY line.

Bare Minerals By Popular Demand is an all in one kit for eyes, cheeks and lips, everything coordinates with everything else, meaning that this is a perfect kit for make up newbies and people who aren't that confident with make up.

The kit comes packaged in a magnetised cardboard box. I'm not the hugest fan of fan of cardboard packaging but this one has such a beautiful, iridescent almost oil in water finish that I'll make an exception in this case. It will get a bit grubby though so do bear that in mind. There are four removable items in this kit, and 3 which are fixed. Being cardboard though it would be quite easy to depot the blusher and the shadows if you wanted to.

 

The box contains a 0.75g removable pot of Mineral Veil in Brightening Pearl, a 6g READY Blush in The Aphrodisiac, a 3g READY 2.0 Eyeshadow Duo in The Top Shelf, a mini 0.6g Round The Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in 9pm, a mini 2.25ml Mini Marvellous Moxie Lipgloss in Sparkplug  and a small double ended eye and cheek brush.

Mineral Veil is one of Bare Minerals most popular products. Depending on the shade it can be used to finish your make up and as a cheek colour, or as a highlight.

There are 3 permanent shades in the line but this one is a limited edition so I can't make a price comparison. Brightening Pearl is a loose peach toned powder, with a hint of iridescence and shimmer. I've been using this one predominantly as a highlight shade. 

The second cheek product that you get is a full sized READY Blush in The Aphrodisiac. This 6g size in a separate compact retails at £22 which just shows the value of this kit. The Aphrodisiac is probably the reason why I bought this kit. It's a lovely peachy, coral shade, with just the tiniest hint of shimmer.

This kit also contains 2 eyeshadows totaling 3g, Mixologist and Cognac, with together constitute the READY Eyeshadow 2.0 Duo -  The Top Shelf. These two shadows in a separate compact retail for £20. Cognac is a beautiful metallic copper shade and Mixologist, a shimmery, creamy champagne. I've been using Mixologist all over the lid, and applying a bit of Cognac into the outer corners and crease.

All of the mineral / powder shades in this kit are soft and silky and feel almost like creams. As you would expect from this brand the pigmentation is superb and all the colours blend like a dream.

As well as the powder products this set also contains a mini 0.6g Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in the shade 9pm, a deep, almost matte, chocolate brown. This is a half size, the full 1.2g size retails at £13. It's creamy and pigmented and it does seem quite long wearing. It didn't sharpen that well, probably because it was so soft and I've never been able to replicate the original sharp point.

The final make up product in this kit is one of Bare Minerals' famous Marvellous Moxie Lipglosses. The shade in this kit is Sparkplug, which is described as a dusky, pink pearl but for me it's more of a nude pink with a bit of sparkle. These glosses contains avocado, and shea butter and they also contain a bit of mint so they do have a bit of a tingle and a plumping effect. The gloss in this kit is 2.5ml, the full size is 4.5ml and retails at £16.

The final item in the kit is a small double ended brush, one end is a fluffy eyeshadow brush, and the other end is a small blush brush. The brush is a nice quality and it's actually something that you would use and not just a throwaway extra.

These pictures aren't the best and please excuse the brows but hopefully this gives you some idea of what you can do with this kit. It isn't the most dramatic or fashion lead kit out there but it's ideal for creating a natural, healthy look.

This kit retails for £25 which sounds a lot but when you look at the value of the individual items within it, it's well worth the money. I'm a huge fan of the entire Bare Minerals line and this kit gives you a perfect opportunity to try 5 different products at a reduced price. I've looked and looked and I can't find this kit anywhere else bar Boots. It keeps coming in and out of stock online so it's worth keeping an eye out, and it might be worth checking out the Bare Minerals counters in Boots stores too. If not then every item in this kit bar the Mineral Veil is available separately. I'm a big fan of this kit and I think that it would make a great gift for any make up lover, whether they're a new or current Bare Minerals user. Are you a Bare Minerals fan?  If so leave me a comment and let me know your recommendations x 

The EcoTools Bamboo 5 Piece Fresh And Flawless Complexion Set - A Review For My Pure*

It's been a little while since I did a review for natural beauty site My Pure but I hope that you'll be pleased to hear that from now on I going to be doing two reviews a month. The site has improved a lot since I last did a review for them, as well as a slick new design, they've also introduced lots of new brands including Balance Me and EcoTools.

I only have one EcoTools make up brush in my extensive collection - the retractable kabuki, but it's a firm favourite. I have to say I didn't know a lot about the range, but did you know that it was co created and endorsed by actress Alicia Silverstone? I didn't but it makes perfect sense; Silverstone is known for being vegan and being a long term and virulent supporter of animal rights and animal charity PETA. EcoTools are a cruelty free and environmentally friendly brand that promises quality and consciousness.

The My Pure site sells pretty much the full range of EcoTools make up brushes and applicators but being a relative newcomer to the brand I decided to dip my toes into the water by going for one of their sets.

There are number of different sets to choose from but I went for The EcoTools Bamboo 5 Piece Fresh And Flawless Complexion Set.

As the name suggest this kit is all about creating the perfect base, and perfect finish to the skin. The brushes come packaged in a cardboard / EVA case, with a magnetic closure that's perfect for storing your brushes and for travel. It also features a section that tells you exactly what each brush does, perfect for beginners.

Each brush features soft, cruelty free, synthetic bristles which are embedded in different coloured, floral patterned, recycled aluminium ferrules. There is the odd brush in the wider range with a recycled aluminium handle but EcoTools are know for their signature, sleek, varnished bamboo handles and that's what's the brushes in this set have. The brushes in this kit are probably what you would class as mini or short handled brushes but what do they all do?

1. Flat Concealer Brush

The first brush in the range is the basic flat concealer brush, that everybody needs in their collection. The flat, slightly curved head is ideal for applying and blending concealer into the skin. The bristles are soft, but the brush is firm enough to do the job and apply a bit of pressure.

2. Buffing Concealer Brush

This is an interesting brush and something that at first glance that you probably wouldn't consider an essential but believe me it is. The most obvious use of this flat headed, fluffy brush is to gently buff liquid or powder concealer into the skin and specifically under the eyes, to give it a more airbrushed, perfected finish, with no harsh demarcation lines. You can also use it though with some of the long wear concealers that need to be set with a finishing powder I have a couple in my collection, the Mally Cancellation Concealer and some professional concealers from Veil Cover Cream, and both of these need to be set with a specific finishing powder to ensure their long wear, and durability. This brush allows precise application of the setting powder, allowing you to set your concealer before finishing the rest of your base, with a larger powder brush.

3. Precision Foundation Brush

Probably the essential brush is any base kit, is a basic foundation brush. Okay I'm going to be honest, doing your full face with this one will take a bit of time because of the small size and thickness but don't write it off. The small size and the almost pointed tip means that this brush is ideal for precision foundation work. You can get it perfectly to those awkward areas around the nose, ears and eyes. The brush would also be perfect if you're one of those lucky people who don't need to use foundation all over their face, this brush would be perfect for smaller areas and areas that need a bit more coverage.

4. Complexion Blending Brush

Despite it's size this is a great brush. It works really well for buffing liquid foundation into the skin but personally I loved it for powder / mineral foundation. I normally use a much bigger brush for minerals but with this one I was able to get a more precise application in areas that needed more coverage, and the shape was ideal for that swirl, tap, buff application method.

5. Full Powder Brush 

The name describes this brush perfectly. It's a perfect mini finishing brush, ideal for applying face  powder to your nose or your t-zone, or in areas where you need to powder down. I don't know about you but I normally use a huge powder brush to finish off my make up, but I have oily skin, so generally my whole face needs powdering down, if your skin is drier and your skin only has a little bit of shine or doesn't need touching up as often, this brush is ideal.

This kit is all about precision and perfection, and in my opinion versatility. Okay the brushes might be too small for some to use over the whole face but when used alongside some full sized brushes this kit does exactly what it promises. The brushes are great for those problem areas producing, great precise results in minutes. Although this kit is all about the perfect complexion these brushes are remarkably versatile, and would make great eye and cheek brushes too. The synthetic bristles mean their ideal for liquids, creams and powders, and they wash like a dream, which is exactly what you expect from a high quality tool. With the smaller size of these brushes, some manufacturers inevitably would cut corners but not EcoTools, they are pleasing on the eye and the quality is first class and I'll definitely look into picking up some more brushes from the brand in the future. The EcoTools Fresh And Flawless Five Piece Complexion Set retails at £11.99 from My Pure. If you have any questions or if you've tried any other EcoTools brushes please leave me a comment and let me know xx

(*Sample)

Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Review and Giveaway - CLOSED

Hi Guys
Over the last few month you may have noticed a few changes in my blog layout and the appearance of some Sigma banners. Well a few months ago I became a Sigma Affiliate (you can read more about the programme here ) I am a huge fan of Sigma brushes the quality is really impressive, the prices are sensible and the customer service is first class. I have quite a few of the individual brushes This post is the first in a little series where I am going to review all my Sigma brushes for you :)

As a Sigma Affiliate I was very kindly sent the F80 Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush to review for you. As you can see all Sigma brushes come beautifully packaged in a mesh/chiffon bag, which also contains a very sweet compliments slip and often a little leaflet telling you more about the brushes.

The F80 is one of Sigma's synthetic brushes, from their Sigmax line. Brushes in this range feature the exclusive Sigmax filament, which is specially designed to apply both powder and liquid products without the products absorbing into the brush fibres. This is so important when you use a brush to apply liquid foundation - they can often be very difficult to wash - not this one even just running the brush under the tap, removes the majority of products without any build up or stickiness.

The F80 has a flat top, and has super dense, but soft short bristles, which are perfect for buffing both powders and liquids in to the skin. I've given this brush a thorough workout and tried it with lots of different mediums. First up liquid foundation - this brush performed really well whether used to apply the foundation from scratch or after initial application to buff and blend the product in. As I say it was easy to clean afterwards and there was no shedding which you can often get when you use a brush with liquid products

I also used it for blusher / bronzer /highlighter - in a word fabulous - the brush picked up the product easily and it was easy to use and easy to place the product in exactly the right place and of course it goes without saying it's a great blush for blending product in - you certainly won't get an stripes with this brush :)

Next up loose face powder and mineral foundation. As you would expect this brush is great for blending loose powder over the t-zone, for covering a whole face however with either loose powder mineral foundation I personally prefer a slightly bigger brush, don't get me wrong this is a great brush and did the job perfectly will, it's just personal preference.

All in all this is a great multi use brush, you name it if you need to use a brush on your face you could probably do it with the F80. This brush retails for $16.00 which at the moment works out at less than £10.00, a really good price for such a versatile brush. For more information and to order please check out the Sigma Website .

However as part of the Affiliate programme Sigma have very kindly provided my with an F80 Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush to giveaway to one of my lovely followers

The giveaway is open worldwide!!

Be a follower of my blog -I will be checking

Leave a comment letting me know what your favourite blusher is and you email address
Only one entry per person please I will delete multiple entries

The giveaway will close on 29th May 2011 at 6pm UK time

The winner will be drawn using random.org

That's everything - if you have any questions or comments which aren't competition entries please don't hesitate to ask - for this post only if you have a question please email me on pootle28@hotmail.com with Sigma in the title to avoid any confusion with giveaway entries x Thanks for reading and good look

(The Sigma F80 Synthetic Flat Top Kabuki Brush Was Provided By Sigma For Review and Promotional Purposes - Sigma Are Also Providing The Giveaway Prize)



Project 10 Pan - 2 Items Down

Well today I finished my second item on my Project 10 Pan experience- a 2g pot of ID Bare Minerals Foundation in Medium Beige. This is my summer colour- as my tans faded I have been mixing the last few grains with a lighter shade but sill it's all gone -2 down 8 to go x

Project 10 Pan Update - 1 Down

Well my first item on Project 10 Pan is officially finished as predicted it was my full sized Laura Geller Balance & Brighten in Regular.

This has lasted so long, admittedly I only use it during the summer months or when I have a bit of tan but this has easily lasted me about 3 years, either as a mineral foundation in it's own right or as a setting powder for my liquid foundation. I have a couple of back ups of this both in the regular and the light shade, so it's something I don't need to repurchase for long time; I also have a MAC MSF Natural and the Alva Colour one I reviewed a while ago both in pale winter shades to use up as well, eek I am a creature of habit buying loads of back ups and similar products lol Never mind I am one item down only another 9 to go ;) I think my next one will probably be a lip product or a mascara. Remember to vote in my Project 10 Pan Poll if you haven't already I really appreciate it xx Any questions please let me know xx

Impressing With My Powders and Pigments

By the miracle of scheduled posting I'm here when in reality I am probably lying on a sun lounger oh bliss! Anyways don't worry I've written a few posts to keep you amused whilst I'm away, starting with this one. A little while ago I decided to go ahead and try and press my loose powder shadows and blushers. I think I got the bug after my little attempt at pressing MAC pigments, I have loads and loads of powder shadows, pigments and blushers and to be honest I wasn't using them, loose powders just seemed a bit fiddly and too time consuming for everyday use so pressing them seemed to be the answer. Obviously it isn't as simple to press mineral shadows as it is to press MAC pigments, with MAC you just need a bit of alcohol however with mineral shadows and dazzle dusts you need a bit of filler, normally silicone alongside the alcohol, so I followed this tutorial from the lovely Lipglossiping use the same products as she does here. Generally I found it to be pretty successful but I learnt a few lessons along the way - first of all mattes are nearly impossibly to press, I found the more shimmer the better the result, I also learnt patience wait until they are dry before attempting to touch or press them otherwise disaster will strike. Another tip I would pass on is to be careful when adding the liquids a few times my mixture was way to wet I had to add more pigment to make it usable, and lastly be careful with them twice I dropped unpressed shadows and blushers on the floor and twice I dropped the pan when mixture was wet big mistake! I might be just a klutz but it you want to try it take care. I bought the alcohol and biosilk from ebay and the pans and palettes from Stars Make Up Haven who are great and usually include a freebie often one of their shadow singles :) On to the part you've all been waiting for pics of my handiwork - first of all blushers I've included some swatches for you so you can see how pigmented they are even after pressing, and I've made my pics a bit bigger than normal too x

Top Row From L-R - id Bare Minerals - Promise, Avon Mineral Blusher - Blushed, id Bare Minerals - Frisky and id Bare Minerals - Confidence

Bottom Row - First Light Minerals - Mistral

Pretty huh - bit of a colour theme developing there tho lots of peaches and corals :) OK eyeshadows - this palette isn't full yet but I still have a few to press and I'll probably need another palette to finish them all off but here it is at the moment, again with swatches :)

1st Row L-R - ELF -Natural, ELF - Earthy, ELF - Girly, id Bare Minerals - Poise, Space, ELF - Partier, id Bare Minerals - Motivate

2nd Row - id Bare Minerals - Pure Joy, ELF - Earthy, id Bare Minerals - Delight, Collection 2000 - Hazy Daze 20, id Bare Minerals - Bravo, Barry M Dazzle Dust - 91 Silvery Black, and Barry M Dazzle Dust - 51 Mushroom

3rd Row - id Bare Minerals - Purist, FirstLight Minerals - Bali Sunset, Collection 2000 -Stonewash, Space, First Light Minerals - Cornish Copper, Space, Collistar Lurex Pearl 2

4th Row - NYX Loose Pearl - 19 Mink Pearl, id Bare Minerals - Strength, Barry M Dazzle Dust - 3 Pink Gold, Boots Natural Collection -?, NYX Loose Pearl - 20 Mocha Pearl, Barry M Dazzle Dust - 101 Buff, and Barry M Dazzle Dust - 29 Yellow Gold

I hope you enjoy these pretty splashes of colour. Any questions on anything please let me know xx