NARS ITA Brush Dupe

When it comes to makeup brushes I’m really not too fussy. As long as they're relatively soft, easy to work with, and don’t shed all over the shop then I’m happy. That’s not too much to ask right? In my collection I have a mixture of MAC, Eco Tools, Real Techniques, Crown Brush, and a whole host of others but I’ve never really experimented with any luxury brand brushes, I’m talking Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, Marc Jacobs, By Terry, and that’s because I’ve never really had the need, not when I can purchase some pretty perfect dupes from the online market place we all know and love, eBay. 

Being the big fan of contouring that I am, the NARS ITA Kabuki brush was one of the higher end brushes that I would really love to try but, not willing to part with £43.00 for the privilege, I decided to buy a cheaper dupe on eBay (check it out here). The original NARS ITA brush is designed for ‘targeted contouring and creating strong, sculpted cheeks,’ something that seriously appeals to my inner Kimmy K. Now, I haven’t actually tried the original NARS ITA brush so I can’t really draw any comparisons BUT, if this bargain buy of a brush is anything to go by, then it must be pretty damn good. 

This eBay dupe is incredible. The bristles are super soft and the perfect density and shape for creating that precise, sharp contour. The brush itself is a nice weight and it has a large surface area allowing the user to gain a comfortable, strong hold on the handle, which is great for building confidence. When I want to add an effortless contour to my cheekbones, I wouldn’t use anything else. 

So if you are thinking about investing in the NARS ITA Kabuki brush, or any luxury branded beauty brush for that matter, maybe give eBay a go first.

Have you tried the original ITA brush or any dupes?

Take care x

A Must Have - Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24h Foundation:

It takes A LOT for me to love a foundation. Like, a lot. So when I say that I have fallen truly, madly, deeply in love with the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24h foundation it must be pretty special. It doesn’t beat the NARS Sheer Glow (I honestly don’t think anything ever will) but it does come pretty damn close and here’s why... 

First of all, the packaging is beautiful. Smooth, frosted glass and a sturdy clear lid protect the foundation inside and the simple black text with iconic gold floral Lancôme logo make this a perfect dressing table decoration. And let’s not forget the pump, any foundation that comes with a pump gets extra brownie points from me! 

Now onto the actual product itself. This foundation is incredibly smooth to apply whether you’re using a brush or a Beauty Blender and, despite the medium to full coverage, it feels incredibly light on the skin. Luckily for me my skin seems to be behaving itself at the moment but on the days where I have excess redness or the odd blemish here and there this foundation covers it all without looking cakey or like I’ve thrown it on with a shovel. Once applied, this foundation provides a matte finish with only a slight hint of sheen, not something I would normally go for, but thanks to the staying power of this foundation I am more than happy to spend a little extra time applying more highlight at the end of my routine to make up for this. And it really does last. I can apply this foundation at the beginning of my night out (not that I ever go out anymore now that I am mummy to a fur-baby) and know that it will stay put and still look great at the end of the night – or maybe it’s just my alcohol impaired vision that’s drawn me to this conclusion! Either way, it’s a great evening or special occasion foundation, something that will see you through a good 8 to 9 hours without clinging to dry patches or moving around all over the place or if you have a long day planned in the workplace this is a great choice for those who like a heavier coverage in the day time. 

Despite having an SPF of 15, this foundation looks great in photographs. I’ve never experienced the dreaded ‘ghost face’ when wearing this and, even though the factor is rather low, my skin is still protected when out and about in the sun. I honestly didn’t think I would like this foundation as much as I do as it’s marketed as an ‘oil free’ foundation, a phrase that would normally scare my dry skinned self but hey, if the shoe fits! 

Have you tried this foundation, what did you think? 

Take care x

NARS Copacabana Illuminator:

For my first post since my blogging break I thought I would talk about one of my favourite products that I have discovered during 2014/2015: the Nars Illuminator in Copacabana. As I didn’t even attempt to wear eye makeup for the majority of 2014, for me, it really has been all about the face and finding those Holy Grail products that I know will give me the best base possible. 

As the name would suggest it is a stunning, shimmering liquid illuminator that can be used either alone as a cheek bone/brow bone highlight or mixed in with foundation to provide a sheerer, more luminous coverage. But, whilst this product serves both of those purposes perfectly, I have been absolutely loving it as a primer before I apply my chosen foundation.

This beauty packs a very pigmented punch, just a little bit of product goes an extremely long way so be careful not to cross that fine line between radiant glow and dazzling disco ball. I just apply a small amount of this to my entire face keeping clear of my nose and surrounding area (only Benefit’s thePorefessional can keep my foundation from slipping here) and massage into the skin until blended. I then apply my foundation (I have been loving the Illamasqua Skin Base foundation lately) with a damp sponge, do all my contouring and blush etc and that’s it, flawless face accomplished!

What’s great about this NARS Illuminator is that no matter what liquid, cream or powder products you place over the top of it, it still manages to shine through so there is no need to waste time adding additional highlighters – great for all you girls on the go. I have even given this product a little nickname: “my foundation glue.” It just seems to keep my foundation in place all day no matter which foundation I choose and I can happily go about my day or dance the night away knowing that my foundation won’t have creased, faded or slid down to my chin when I come to inspect it in the mirror.

I can’t tell you how many compliments I have had since I started using this as a primer and I would completely recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile liquid highlighter or illuminating primer.

Have you tried this product? What are your favourite highlighters at the moment?

Take care x