Vanity Professional Makeup Range

Being an Irish blogger I love nothing more than finding new brands from this side of the pond. Over the past few years a couple of really amazing brands have started up in Ireland so I love to give them my support. It can't be easy to start up your own business so I have to salute people that do it, there so inspirational. Before Christmas I was asked by the lovely Leanne did I want to try some products from her new makeup range, Vanity Professional Makeup. Of course I said I'd love to. Since I started blogging I have come across a couple of Irish brands, but never any that specialised in makeup to the best of my knowledge. I was really interested to see what Vanity Professional makeup range was like so I couldn't wait to try their products. After looking on their website, I've seen that they have a vast amount of products available already so you'll be spoiled for choice. One of the items that stood out for me is their customised palettes, I love picking out my own shades when it comes to eyeshadows and blushes. That way I'll know that I'll use them all and it won't contain that one shadow that is never touched, every pre-made palette has one I guess.

I don't have too many makeup brushes at present, just my favourites from Real Techniques. It was nice to try something new for a change. To be completely honest I never use flat foundation brushes. I had one back in my secondary school days and it never seemed to work for me. That's probably why I stopped wearing makeup to school in general back in the day. I would apply foundation to my face and it just never seemed to go anywhere with these brush and stayed in the one place. Never the look I'd want to go for at all back in the day, no one wants their foundation to stay stuck in the one place. Maybe it's because I'm older now or my discovery of How To videos on YouTube but I've finally mastered the technique of using this particular brush. I do think you have to put a little more time into applying your foundation when using one of these, that's why I almost prefer using buffing brushes as there quick and easy. I'm always in a rush in the  morning so they work best for me. I do like this brush it's super soft which I like and it does apply my makeup nicely, when I have a little more time to kill in the mornings I'll definitely be using this brush.

Next up is one of their blushes in the shade Bella* which is a mauvey pink affair. First off if you don't like shimmer this may not be the one for you, it doesn't bother me a all as it's subtle when applied to the skin. Again if you look close enough you will see traces of glitter so be warned.  I love how this blush gives a natural flush of colour to the cheeks. The only problem I had with this blush is that the pan fell out in transit to my house. That said I'm just happy this lovely blush didn't smash, I just had to get some glue out which wasn't a issue at all. At €15 I don't think this is too bad for a blush, it's very pigmented so a little bit goes a long way.

The only product I wasn't too fond of was their lipgloss in Heat Wave (€15)*, a red with tiny specs of glitter. Don't get me wrong the formula is great (not too sticky) and the scent is nice too, it smells pretty sweet. The shade just wasn't really for me, red isn't a colour I'd usually lean towards getting myself. I don't why I'm afraid of wearing them, I just feel that they don't suit me at all for some reason. I'd hate to get a bright lipstick or lipgloss stain on my teeth too as knowing me I probably would never notice that it was even there. It's weird every time I get my makeup done at a makeup counter, they always go for bright and vibrant shades, the MUAs seem pretty surprised that I don't use them as I have dark brown hair and green eyes. They think with that combination I can pull it off but I don't think so at all. I've decided 2013 is the year that I'm going to be brave and use some vibrant lip colours. I don't know how well this mission will go but I'll definitely keep you updated. Who knows the shade Heat Wave could grow on me!

It's nice to find a brilliant home grown makeup brand that doesn't entirely break the bank. I like how the packaging is sleek and fits in nicely together. I can definitely see myself picking up some more products in the future. I'd love to see what other lipgloss and blush shades are available.

Is there any makeup brands that you have just discovered? Had you heard of Vanity Professional Makeup?

Laura<3