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

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