The Lo Down - Pixiwoo Faces

Hey Guys and Dolls,

A book I got over Christmas was Pixiwoos Faces. My boyfriend bought it for me on Amazon as one of my many Christmas presents, Daragh really is the best boyfriend I seriously love him to pieces. He even takes a interest in beauty stuff so he's definitely a keeper that's for sure. Back to the book, I was really excited when I heard the Pixiwoo sisters Sam and Nic were bringing out a book so I knew I definitely had to get my hands on it. I've been watching the girls YouTube videos for years and I love them both, there amazing!

So the book itself is hardback which I really like when it comes to beauty books for some reason. This book is so beautifully written I'm a huge fan of it I have to say. Am I the only one who likes the smell of a new book by the way? The book opens with a introduction and biographies on the girls which I found really interesting indeed. I loved the section on eyes the most as I'm always trying to make my peepers look amazing so this book helped that little bit more which is welcome. Faces is separated into easy to read sections with sections covering tools, skin, eyes etc plus a Q&A you can rest assured that everything is covered in this and not a stone is left unturned. When you purchase this book you can download a free app with exclusive content which is a pretty fun cool idea.

I really enjoyed reading this book, my Beauty book collection is definitely getting big now and I'm delighted about that. This was so amazing and I hope this is the first of many books by these incredibly talented sisters.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Real Techniques Your Picks

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I'm back with some more makeup brush favourites of mine. Since they launched I've always been a huge supporter of Real Techniques. I actually was lucky enough to meet Sam and Nic in Boots Jervis St about two years ago. They were over launching a new brush and I was just over my breakdown and they were lovely. I had such an amazing time with my Dad, they even made him get into a picture which I posted on my blog you can check it out here. That was definitely a stand out day that year I was happy that my amazing Dad took the time to bring me. I seriously don't know where I'd be without that man, he means alot to me.

So back to the review I'm going to be talking about the Real Techniques Your Picks Berlin set. I bought this a while ago on Boots.ie. I have to take a minute to say how great this site is. You can opt to get the product sent to your house or your local store so things are made pretty handy for you. Plus you can collect your Boots points which I love saving up as I always treat myself to something nice. I have to say I absolutely love the brush handles on these brushes in particular out of all the brushes in my collection. They are just so fun, the handle artwork was chosen by Real Techniques followers which is such a good idea and of course they chose well as these look amazing. The artwork was inspired by Berlin, I personally love how the bottom of the handle is purple my all time favourite colour. So yeah these are a winner with me!

So what is in this set you may ask? Well first off is there much talked about buffing brush which I love for applying my foundation as it's quick and easy. This is definitely my favourite brush in this set. The second brush is their stippling brush another good one for applying the oul foundation, not going to lie I haven't used this that much. I can vouch for it being great for applying foundation though. The only two eye makeup brushes you'd ever need, the deluxe crease brush and base eyeshadow brush are also included which I love to use when I'm applying my eyeshadow. The deluxe crease brush can be used with concealer or eyeshadow so it's multi purpose. One of the stand out brushes in this set for me is the contour brush, it works really well with bronzer aswellas highlighter. I've seen some bloggers use this brush to apply powder aswell so I'm definitely going to give that a go soon.

All these brushes wash really well, I either use baby shampoo or my blank canvas solid shampoo. The only downside to this set is that it doesn't come with a holder but I have one from another Real Techniques set so it doesn't bother me too much.

At the moment these brushes are on special offer on Boots.ie and instore. Instead of paying €33.99 you get a third off and their €22.66 which I think is such amazing value for such a great set like this one. There's pretty much every brush you could need bar a powder and blush brush. I'm already really looking forward to trying the new Multi Tech collection. The eyeshadow set in this range looks amazing and comes with a pretty good looking holder aswell. Once their launched over here I'm definitely going to pick them up that's for sure.

What's your favourite Real Techniques brush?

Laura<3

Real Techniques Roadshow!

Yesterday I met none other than the Pixiwoo sisters (queue fan girl moment), Sam and Nic. Anyone who looks at YouTube beauty videos will know these two well known beauty gurus. They were in Dublin's Boots in Jervis street for their much anticipated Real Techniques Road Show. The girls are a real success story and just shows the power of social media. I've always been a huge fan of the girls and really enjoy watching their beauty tutorials as who doesn't want to look like their fave celeb. I know I've gotten quite a few tips and tricks from their videos that's for sure.

I headed for a ramble around town with my Dad and popped into the Jervis centre to see the girls. I absolutely loved Nic's outfit, I definitely need to find out where she got it from. Of course I left my old Dad a little on the embarrassed side as I dragged him into the photo with me. I picked up the Real Techniques Retractable lip brush and makeup sponge on the day as I know I'll get plenty of use out of both items. As I picked up makeup brush on the day I was eligible to the free gift they were giving out on the day which was there amazing buffing brush. I have to say it is my go to makeup brush and I use it to apply my makeup everyday.

I can't wait to pick up Nic's makeup brush kit when it launches in October, it can't come quick enough.

Did anyone of you go to the Real Techniques Roadshow?

Laura<3

Lovely Gifts I got for my 22nd Birthday

As you all know I recently celebrated my 22nd birthday. I wanted to share with you the lovely gifts I received this year. In my opinion 22 isn't a biggie birthday so I was completely surprised with some of the presents I got.

My little brother, Ger got me two of my favourite magazines, Stellar and Company. He also bought me Ed Sheeran's album which I've been wanting for so long. I've been listening to this cd constantly since yesterday I love it!!!!

Off my Nanna and Grandad I got a Dundrum Town Centre Gift Card to treat myself with. I'm thinking of getting some new clothes and bits.

YAY my Mom and Dad got me a Kindle! I've wanted one of these since my Dad got one for Christmas. If you have any book recommendations let me know? I don't know which ones to put on it yet, so I would love to know your favourite reads. Also from Mom and Dad I received this Chocomania hamper which I'm in love with. They know me too well. I haven't tried any of the products yet but when I do expect some reviews on the products I like from the range.

As my birthday is the day after Valentines Day I did get alot of lovely presents off Paddy. He really did spoil me rotten. I can't wait to watch the DVDS they all look great especially Waiting For Forever. I'm also a huge Taylor Swift fan, Paddy went to see her in concert with me twice. The Speak Now Tour is one of the tours we went to see together so I'm delighted with this cd. I think he was also listening to me going on about The Body Shop's Chocomania range as he got me the shower gel and body lotion from the range. Another thing I can't wait to try are the Real Technique brushes, after hearing such great reviews I have high expectations.

My Aunty Val got me this beautiful storage trunk. I fell in love with this the minute I saw it. Isn't it so pretty?  I have a habit of buying alot of storage boxes for all my stuff so this was such a great gift. At least four boxes fit in this one box, it's massive (way bigger in person).

Chie (Makeupland2011) sent me all these lovely goodies. I wasn't expecting this at all so it was such a big surprise when it came in the post. I'd never heard of the brand True Blue before but I'm now a fan of their products. Thanks Chie!!

I'm so happy with the lovely gifts I received for my birthday. As always if there is anything you want to see a review on let me know!

Laura<3