Saturday 3 September 2011

The arrival of my Sigma F80 Kabuki brush!


Having read so much about the air-brushed finish given by Sigma brushes, particularly when applying foundation, I decided to go for it and invest in the above! It is a Sigma F80 synthetic flat-top Kabuki brush, ideal for applying liquid-based foundations, as well as powder products such as powder and bronzer. 

I decided to order the brush directly - to avoid the many annoying imitations out there - from Sigma's USA based online-store (click here to visit) and was informed my order could take up to 3 weeks to come due to international delivery, I was very surprised when the parcel arrived at my door yesterday - only 6 days after I had initially placed my order! I was extremely impressed (particularly as it had arrived before I started uni - bonus!) and even more so when I opened the box to find the following... 
The brush came in a red net bag - a beautiful touch, and in excellent condition considering this little package had come all the way from the US of A! It also included a little leaflet, detailing what aspects of make-up application my chosen brush could be used for; a feature I found particularly sweet as it allows to get the best you can out of your purchase. 

"...is perfect for applying and blending liquid, cream and powder products onto the skin. The flat surface allows perfect buffing with flawless results."

Wonderfully velvety soft to the touch, with its very tightly packed bristles allowing for an easily achieved 'buffed' and airbrushed effect on the skin, this Kabuki brush is amongst the best quality and value for money foundation brushes I have had - I have debated the purchase of a MAC brush but, having not been able to justify the spend of such a large sum (£25-35), this Kabuki, costing me $20 total ($4 shipping fee) equating to a total spend of £12 for a high-end brush is a bargain in my books! :)

after application of foundation through use of the Sigma brush - skin looks matte and no blending of the liquid via my fingers (which i usually find is the case) was required!

after application of the rest of my makeup - although powder further mattified my face, I found the Kabuki really added an airbrushed and professional finish to my make up - after all, foundation is the base of any good makeup look!
All in all, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase, definitely worth the money paid and I will be ensuring regular cleaning is carried out on my Kabuki brush to ensure its lifespan in my make-up bag is further increased ;)

Definitely a worthwhile investment girlies for that professional finish - without the professional price-tag!

Lots of love,
Catherine
xoxox

(eeek! my first review, how exciting!)

Friday 2 September 2011

This week's wish list!


Items which I have heard great things about and am eager to purchase - funds providing...

  •  Burts Bee's Honeywax Lipbalm - a product I have heard lots about, and good as a base before applying lipstick (which I am all for trying as my lips notoriously dry out and look awful with lipstick!) From what I have read it is also a long lasting product, a good staple to have in your make-up bag and therefore worth the £3-4 I have seen it advertised for in Boots. 
  • VO5 Miracle Concentrate - as the name suggests, I am so so excited to make this purchase and review it for you guys as numerous bloggers have raved about how soft and manageable it leaves their hair - also doubles up as a heat defence AND serum, as well as a luxurious treatment for tired tresses! Retailing for about a fiver for a 50ml bottle it is definitely better value than the more expensive competitor hair oils - but will it be of the same quality? Review coming soon for the honest verdict!
  • TangleTeezer - being eager, as many other of you girlies, to grow my hair to lush lengths, I am up for trying anything to keep my locks in tip-top condition to encourage optimum growth I have decided this is my hair tool must-try! With specially designed teeth, the TangleTeezer is designed to protect the hair cuticle and retails in Boots for about £11, worth the money providing it does what it says! 
If any of you girls have the above products or tried them out, I'd love to know what you think! Look out for honest and informative reviews of the above products over the coming week! :) 



Lots of love,

Catherine xoxox

Afternoon bloggers! I've surcome to temptation...

...and finally made the decision to set up my very own blog!

Having been avidly reading other beauty blogs (like HollyVivianna and Chyaz's) and really enjoying doing so, I have now jumped on the band wagon myself!

However, the Beautifully Unnecessary will focus much more upon affordable products, stores and recommendations - I, like many others, am off to University in a couple of weeks and am therefore having to adjust to student life (and unfortunately, the student budget!)

Therefore, any high-end beauty names on this blog will be significantly fewer than your typical beauty blog - and if so, will be buys I highly recommend as 'worthwhile investments' ;)

I really hope you enjoy and find this blog useful :) please feel free to comment and follow!

Lots of love,

Catherine xoxox