TOO FACED - PAPA DON'T PEACH BLUSH

Too Faced released an entire Sweet Peach range earlier this year, and in doing so re-released a cult favourite: Papa Don't Peach. This blush was an instant must have for me and had me racing down to Mecca with the last of my Christmas and birthday money on the day of it's release. This blush did not disappoint beauties, and has become one of my daily staples since being added to my collection. 

'Reinvented with nourishing peach essence and a punchy, mouthwatering scent' - MECCA

Packaging

Papa Don't Peach comes in a beautiful cardboard box, mimicking those peachy tones and colouring, that the compact slips inside with ease.

The compact itself is metal and contains a mirror within. The only criticism I have about the packaging is that it doesn't have a magnetic closure.

'Inspired by a caramelised peach trifle, this universally flattering, bronzey peach hue adorns cheekc with warm and luminosity for a healthy-looking complexion' - MECCA

Formula & Pigmentation

This blush has a beautiful peachy smell that honestly smells like the real deal. I'm obsessed with it's scent, and I don't even each peaches!

Papa Don't Peach is described as a peachy-bronze. Personally, I'm not too sure about the bronze factor. I find that this blush looks very natural on my super pale skin. The pigmentation is beautiful when applied and can be built up as desired. 

Affordability & Retailers

You can purchase your own Papa Don't Peach Blush from Mecca for $44.00 AUD.

Final Verdict

If you're a pale beauty, then Papa Don't Peach is a must as it creates such a beautiful and natural looking blushed cheeks look. I love this product and I recommend it to anyone who loves peachy tones and peachy scents.

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- beautyreporterb

REAL TECHNIQUES - SCULPTING SET

It has been many, many years since I updated my brush collection so I've decided that the next twelve months is going to be all about purchasing new brushes to replace my oldies and update my collection. It's amazing how many foundation brushes you can accumulate, and yet there's never a fan brush in sight.

I've had really positive experiences with Real Techniques brushes in the past, with RT brushes making up the bulk of my collection. Aside from one very sad stripping brush that started to loose its bristles and eventually it's head, I've really enjoyed using Real Techniques's brushes and do so everyday. 

I wanted to see what the girls behind Real Techniques, Sam & Nic, had come up with since I had last looked and I ended up finding this amazing Sculpting Set. Mind you, I had been after a fan brush and a angled contour brush for a while but I had never gone through with a sale. But with a pretty pink metallic handle, how was I to say no? I swear the girls at Real Techniques marketed this one directly at me!

From L - R: Sculpting Brush, Fan Brush, & Setting Brush.

This particular collection includes a sculpting brush, a fan brush which is exclusive to the set, and a setting brush. The sculpting brush has a large wide angled head which has been designed specifically for contouring. The fan brush has a delicate amount of bristles which have been distributed out into a fan shape and is perfect for highlighting or sweeping on products or whisking away any excess product. And lastly, the setting brush is a small rounded brush which allows for controlled distribution of products, such as powders and highlighters, and can also be used for whisking away excess product.

'Accentuate favourite features, create defined contours for added depth, or simple enhance your natural bone structure with our Collector's Edition Sculpting Set'.

User Friendly

These brushes are very lightweight in your hand and easy to manipulate. I found the contour brush in particular to be very dense and smooth, which works great for contouring. Anyone from a beauty beginner to a MUA could use these brushes and achieve a flawless look.

'With the use of light and dark makeup shades, this set gives  you the flexibility to transform your look'.

Accolades

Real Techniques pride themselves on using Takion bristles for all of their brushes, and are 100% cruelty free.

Affordability & Retailers

This set of three amazing brushes currently retails for $49.99 AUD. Because this is a Collector Edition it is currently only being sold directly through Real Techniques. You can place your order here.

'Each brush is a  special design: a sleek, high-shine pink instead of the classic matte'.

Final Verdict

I'm absolutely in love with these brushes. That contour brush has changed my life and upped my contouring game. If you're looking for a set of beautiful and affordable brushes, then Real Techniques is a brand that you cannot pass up.

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Sunday of each month. Follow me on Instagram to be notified first when new posts are uploaded. instagram.com/beautyreporterb

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BEST OF 2016

2016, what a year! Although not everyone liked the year that was 2016, we can at least all agree that there were some pretty bomb products dropped by some of our favourite cosmetic brands, or in my case finally scooped up.

URBAN DECAY X GWEN STAFANI - EX GIRLFRIEND LIPSTICK

At the beginning of the year Urban Decay launched their entire range of limited edition Gwen Stefani cosmetics.Being a huge Gwen fan, I died and went to heaven.

Not only was the packaging on all of these products awe inspiring, again I died and went to heaven over this art deco styling, they released a beautiful shade known as 'Ex-Girlfriend'. I managed to buy one of everything from the collection however couldn't get my hands on another Ex-Girlfriend It sold our pretty much instantly and try as I may,  I couldn't get my hands on another one.

It has since been re-released as a Vice Lipstick, but it is again as rare of hens teeth to get your hands on. I did manage to snag one though, after arguing with Mecca staff that the product did exist in the Vice collection.

Anyway, Ex-Girlfriend is described as being the colour of nude lips but better. I would completely agree. It is a beautiful sheer pink colour that really is the colour of my lips but better!

Check out my review from 2016 here.

BLACK MOON COSMETICS LIQUID LIPSTICKS - LIBRA

I've spoken about my love for Black Moon so much this year and if you haven't gone out and purchased your own 'Libra' Liquid Lipstick then frankly you're an idiot. Pack away your Jeffree Star liquid lipsticks, because his products have nothing  on what Black Moon as to offer.

Superior feel, superior smell, superior longevity. That's what you get out of your liquid lipstick from Black Moon over all other liquid lipsticks.

Libra (dusty nude) & Harvest (pumpkin orange) are my absolute favourite shades from this range, and I am a firm believer that every girl needs to own Libra.

Check out my reviews from 2016 here and here.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS - MODERN RENAISSANCE PALETTE

After many months I finally managed to get my hands on the elusive Modern Renaissance palette. This pretty was well worth the wait. The eyeshadows are buttery smooth and well worth the money. The pinks and red shades in this palette will surely make any babes with green eyes pop!

If you haven't got your hands on this palette yet beauties then keep trying. I promise it's worth it.

REAL TECHNIQUES - BOLD METALS BRUSHES

Although these brushes weren't new in 2016, they were new to my collection.

Real Techniques released this beautiful range of weighted, bold metals brushes that stand out amongst all the other brushes that.

Check out my review from 2016 here.

TARTE - TARTELETTE IN BLOOM PALETTE

If you don't have this palette already then you need to stop what you're doing and add it to your cart. The Tartelette In Bloom palette is an everyday wear palette that I have been choosing over all others. It has beautiful shimmery shades, a selection of nude mattes and the best part is that the eyeshadows last all day!

Check out my review from 2016 here.

- beautyreporterb

REAL TECHNIQUES - BOLD METALS BRUSHES

Elegance is the word that comes to mind when I think of the Real Techniques Bold Metals brush collection. I've had these brushes since their initial release and I am a huge fan. Not only are they visually appealing, they are so brilliant to use to apply product that I feel that they make me look more visually appealing!

From L - R: 300 Tapered Blush Brush, 301 Flat Contour Brush, 200 Oval Shadow Brush, 202 Angled Liner Brush, 201 Pointed Crease Brush & 101 Triangle Foundation Brush

In my collection I have the following Bold Metals brushes:

- 101 Triangle Foundation Brush: the flat edge allows you to cover large areas, while the angled edges allow for seamless contouring around eyes and nose.

- 200 Oval Shadow Brush:  allows for all over lid application and flawless blending

- 201 Pointed Crease Brush: densely packed bristles allow for eye shadow application and the creation of endless smokey eyed looks.

- 202 Angled Liner Brush:  for close and smooth application of eyeliner

- 300 Tapered Blush Brush: for highlighting and sculpting across the cheeks

- 301 Flat Contour Brush: for creating brilliant highlights and shadows 

'Achieve a pixel perfect look and add some luxury to any makeup bag'.

User Friendly

Ladies take note, these brushes are weighted. Unlike other Real Techniques brushes, the Bold Metals brushes are light at the end and heavier towards the head of the brush which allows for greater control with application. It can take a little getting used to if you've never used weighted makeup brushes before.

What I really like about Real Techniques is that their brushes are all colour coded (e.g. gold for face, rose gold for definition, silver for eyes) which makes mastering the basics and the function of each brush a lot easier for newbies.

I find that the contour an blush brush live in my everyday kit! And I much prefer the eyeshadow brushes from this collection to any other Real Techniques eye shadow brushes. As for the triangle foundation brush, lets just say that I wouldn't miss it if something were to happen to it. I think I used it once and then never again. I'm just not big on using foundation brushes to apply foundation. Give me a buffing or a strippling brush any day! 

Accolades

Real Techniques pride their products on being 100% cruelty free, as brushes use synthetic bristles made from Takion.

Affordability & Retailers

You can purchase your own Bold Metals collection brushes from Real Techniques, Priceline or iHerb. Brush prices may vary depending on specific brushes and retailers so expect to pay anywhere betweeen $15.00 AUD to $60.00 AUD per brush. If that sounds a bit rich, never fear! Priceline generally have awesome 3 for 2 or twenty percent off sales, so keep a look out!

Final Verdict

I absolutely adore these brushes! I hope that Real Techniques will continue to expand their Bold Metal's range

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded everyday Saturday, while ProTips are uploaded on the first Sunday of each month.

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- B xo

RCMA - NO COLOR POWDER

Have you ever invested in a product and then thought to yourself 'how did I live before I had this?'. Thats how RCMA's No Color Powder makes me feel on a daily basis. 

Earlier this year I taught myself how to bake and this product has become my holy baking grail after a few other products bombed out. This product lives in my beauty bag and is never substituted out. I guess you could call it true love.

'RCMA Powder will keep  your foundations set and dry without "caking"'.

Packaging

I was a little surprised when I received by RMCA No Color Powder in the mail because the product didn't come in its own box, which is something that I've never encountered before. I'd like to think that perhaps the company are eco-friendly, but who knows!

The No Color Powder comes in a plastic jar, with the brand and product name labelled clearly on the front. Ingredients are also listed on the back.

There's a small lip on the lid of the jar, which is where product is to be distributed from. However when I tried this it was a bit of a messy process. I was happy to store my powder in the jar that it came in, however I ended up filling an old MAC translucent powder container with the No Color Powder product for easier distribution to my brush, less mess, and so it would take up less room in my beauty bag for travelling purposes. 

'RCMA Makeup No Color Powder can be used for all powdering purposes. Because it has no filler or pigment, it will not alter the color of foundation bases'.

Shade & Finishes

Although the No Color Powder appears to be white in colour inside the jar, once applied and absorbed by the skin there is no colour to it and skin is left looking smooth and matte in appearance. This is the perfect product for baking or using to simply mattify your makeup where you need it most.

When baking, the RCMA No Color Powder looks exactly how it presents in the jar: white. I usually allow my powder to bake for anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes each morning before using a brush to lightly brush away excess product. Once excess product has been brushed away there should be no more of that stark white powder look, and your skin should be looking fabulously matte from the powder which was able to sink into your skin.

Affordability & Retailers

Prices range from $12 USD to $24 AUD, so it pays to shop around.  Thankfully, RCMA products can be brought from a variety of online stores, such as: RCMA, Beautylish,  and Adore Beauty.

'RCMA Loose Powder is a staple in the industry and should be apart of every pro makeup artists kit'.

Final Verdict

In  term of value for money this product is the bomb! Never again will I pay $40 AUD for a translucent powder. As long as RCMA are making this product, I'll be buying it. I highly recommend this product for any beauty enthusiasts who love to regularly bake. This is one product that never leaves my beauty bag.

Stay Updated

New product reviews are uploaded every Saturday in Australia, while Pro Tips are uploaded on the first Sunday of each month. 

- B xo