In a world everyone uses Beauty blender, I still tend to go for foundation brushes. Nothing against Beauty blender ( I am yet to try it out) or sponges in general, but I tend to go for brushes on a daily basics, perhaps because I never have to wet them. Today I want to shade my 3 favourite foundation brushes and why I love each one of them. 

Hello Everyone!! How's it going ? I hope everything is well and okay with you! Today I'll be talking about something that I believe is really, but really important when dealing with make up : properly clean and take care of brushes. Let's be honest, brushes can be quite of an investment - I don't personally own anything like that but, someone with hakuhodo's (which are hand made I believe) will want to make sure that their brushes look amazing and are properly washed and dried out. But I own a good number of them - and I still want more? like...-and I want to make sure that they last as long as I can. Specially eye brushes - no one wants out-of-shape blending brushes.
With all of this in mind I've been doing my own research and I finally found the perfect hack for this issue. I have to mention that there are some tutorials regarding this that are actually misleading - I'll explain why later. So beware of that.

Not everyone has the budget to splurge on Too Faced and Urban Decay and truth to be told, the drugstore ( or high street? ) section has beautiful gems that do a beautiful job - sometimes even better than the one performed by more expensive brands. With that in mind, here are 10 products under 10€ that I believe deserve all the love and attention!

Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer
I think I've already mentioned this concealer at least three times during the past weeks. But this is seriously one of the best concealer I've ever tried - and I'm counting with the 3CE Full Coverage Concealer. It is super to blend, specially when you work it with a Beauty Blender ( or something similar to it). The coverage is really good, but with the pro that it isn't that drying like some high coverage concealers are. It leaves a very natural look to the skin. The only downside it that there are (so far) only two shade available. I hope they get to get a larger colour range and who knows, maybe launch colour correcting concealer in liquid form as well?

Catrice Prime and Fine Mattifying Powder Waterproof
Although the Soap & Glory Powder gain a lovely spot on my heart, I have to say that this bad boy is still rocking. It's my official powder for retouching during the day and travelling - without even thinking twice. This powder is super mild and fine, not leaving any cake look to the face. It controls any oiliness that might decide to appear and it's translucid - it doesn't leave any white cast onto the face. This is my second compact that I'll repurchase it without thinking twice for sure.

H&M Pure Radiance Powder Blusher
So far I only own Cameo Pink but since I am considering getting another shades I think this little guy deserves to be mentioned. In terms of the product itself it isn't a powdery blush - props for that. It applies beautifully to the skin and blends without any major issue. The only downside might be the fact that the compact is a little fragile and doesn't carry a mirror. leaving that aside, the H&M blushes deserve a try.

H&M Pure Velvet Cream Blusher
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I like this one more than my bourjois cream blushes ( not that I don't like them any more! I still do!). This is so easy to blend and holds in such a beautiful way to the skin that sometimes I foget that this is a budget friendly product and not a high end one. The only downside again is that it doesn't have a mirror and the packaging is quite weak. That aside, I can't wait to get more shades from this range.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
I already wrote a whole post talking about how much I love these little guys. I can't wait to get my hands on their Lingerie brothers. These are super comfortable to the lips and really easy to apply. I've been using Zurich and San Paulo a lot lately and sometimes I even like to mixture them with other liquid lipsticks - like the Sephora Lip Stains. Their colour range is amazing and has an option for every taste - from a light pink to a deep burgundy and even dark blue!



Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Pretty much a more friendly version of the Beauty Blender. I have this guy for a year and to far I have to say that I am in love! My foundation always look amazing whenever I apply it with this and my under eye concealer looks so much natural when I use this - not it doesn't with a concealer brush, but the effort is completely different. I am seriously thinking about getting another one or two, specially since I started to get into the "baking craze" and I need at least a spare brush always on reach. The same of this sponge isn't completely like the beauty blender but I like how it is designed. I really like the flat part to blend in concealer or to apply powder under my eye area.

Argent Makeup 201 Blending Brush
Another item I can't stop raving about. Seriously, you guys need to try out this! It has the perfect shape and bristles to give you a perfect blending to your eye look. It doesn't matter if you are working with creams or with regular powder eyeshadows , this guy will work it without any major issue. Everyone needs to have one of these in their arsenal.

The Body Shop Lip Butter
Since I lost my dearest Nuxe Rive the Miel back in February - yes I'm morning it since that time. I've been using this little guys. At first went for it because It was something I already had with me...not I can't stop using it. I'll for sure repurchase the Nuxe Lip Balm for the Winter Time ( and keep it inside a vault and implement a GPS tracking system next time I decided to take it with me on a trip....) but now that it's super hot this guy has been saving my life. I wear tones of Matte Lipsticks and with the infernal heat, you guys can imagine how my lips end up...this little guy had been taking care of that and making my lips look amazing and super pretty.

Inglot Individual Shadows
Shame on me for not reaching for these more often and for not finishing this palette! I went to an event the other day and I decided to make a summer look with the orange and red shade from this palette and I can't explain how easy it is to work with these! Their shade selection is also really remarkable. My 2017 makeup goal will be finishing the rest of this palette and love these eyeshadows more!

Gosh Forever Eyeshadow Stick
These are true gems hidden at the drugstore!! I got two of these just " to try it out" and now I hooked to them. It doesn't matter if I wear them as a base, alone or just highlighting my inner corner - they will stay put and look amazing. Considering I have a huge oil production on my eye lids, it is amazing. Their shade selection could be a little bigger - I wish they had a pink and a cranberry shade - but I can't wait to get the brown and the purple one. If you can, snatch one of these and try them yourself!

I hope you guys liked this post. Obviously there are more products that could be mentioned here - like the Essie Nail polishes, H&M nail Polishes and many other goods. I might do a similar post but regarding more expensive brands - but probably with less products. Do you guys have any recommendation regarding any product? Thank you very much for reading this! Take care.

I haven't write a post regarding monthly favourites for a long, long time. Mostly because of how busy my life has been. And to be honest, I wouldn't see any major change in terms of my routine that would be worth mentioning. favourites take a while to be favourites I guess. Because of that I took the decision to only write about favourites whenever I would felt like it. Now that the first 6 months of the year have passed - say what? - It feels like the proper time to do so. With no further due, here are my mid-year make up favourites (I'll probably do a post regarding my currently skin care routine later on) 

Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer 

Most people dream about MAC's 217. And then there's me - who is very happy with Zoeva's version. Seriously, every time I  use this brush, I consider getting another spare brush (I already own another 227). This brush is perfect for those frantic mornings where I want to do something close to a proper eyeshadow look but I can't bother too much with blending because I am late for Uni (or colege if you live in the USA). This brush is amazing to do the typical "wash of colour" on the eye lid. I also like it to regular blending, specially when I indeed have time to do proper eyeshadow looks. 

Argent Makeup Brush in 201 

Let me start by saying that I need to get two spares of this bad boy. I am yet to find a blending brush that does the same good job as this brush. Zoeva's are good - don't get me wrong - but because of the shape and bristles of this brush, I am able to do blending at whole new level. The shape is just perfect for my eyes - some blending brushes tend do be too big, making a hot mess instead of a beautiful blending.  If you can, don't think twice about trying out this brush. You won't regret it. 

Argent Makeup Brush in 102 

What can I say? I love blush, it's something I love applying. And to do that I like to use soft brushes. This one is so, but soo soft, I can't even explain it. The shade is also really amazing, considering how the apple os my cheeks look like. I also like to use it for bronzer and contour sometimes - it blends it without any major issues.  

Catrice Liquid Camouflage Concealer

No one will believe me, but I only own one concealer at this point. Yes, you read it right. One concealer. But it is probably one of the best concealers I have used. In the past I had some issues with Catrice concealers because they would be a little hard to blend, but this one - probably because of the liquid formula - it's just a dream. It has amazing coverage, making my dark circles vanish ( although it's hard because they are really bad). And it is super affordable and super easy to apply. I'm planing on getting another concealer in the future, but this one will always be an option. 

Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation 

Liquid hasn't been really option to me. Mostly because I've been enjoying a more natural look to the skin. This Powder foundation has been my staple because of that - it takes away the redness around my nose but lets my skin look like skin. And to think I used to call this " the good smelling powder". Nowadays I am considering getting this again once it hits pan without thinking twice. 

Clinique Cheek Pop in 03 Berry Pop 

I never though I would love this blush as much as I do. The texture of this blush is quite funny - at first seems like a cream, but is indeed a powder blush. I only need a tiny bit of this and my cheeks look all healthy and good looking. It also stays in place for...8 to 10 hours without moving? Impressive indeed, specially when I get ready in the morning and only get home after 10 hours - which include running to the bus, pollution, air conditioning and that kind of lovely stuff. I choose this shade in particular because it has become my go-to shade, no matter the occasion. 

H&M Beauty Department Blush in Cameo Pink 

Another staple in my collection. Whenever I want a neutral blush, this is the first thing grab - another option the Benefit's Rockateur - because it just looks amazing. It is fairly inexpensive and the quality is quite impressive. It isn't powdery or anything like that and blends beautifully. I should be rewarded for not getting my drawer full of these guys. 

Sephora Lip Cream Stain in Marvelous Mauve
Liquid Lipsticks have been a staple in my makeup routines lately. Alone or in a combination - I'll blame NikkieTutorials for my recent obsession regarding matte-gradient lips ( not the same as the Asian gradient lips, which I actually enjoy for the Summer time. I've been using this shade almost as a MLBB shade. And to think that I almost didn't get it. I have a friend who is always complementing me whenever I use this and is currently thinking about getting one for herself. I really want to get more shades like this one (if you read my previous post regarding my wish list you'll notice that).
If you are looking for a Mauve-nude liquid lipsticks, be sure to try this one. You won't regret it.

NYX Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick in Zurich
I don't know why, but it seems that NYX is currently everywhere - youtube, blogs, instagram. I believe it's due to their repackaging and kind of "rebranding". I don't know, I used to not pay attention to this brand but recently their releases have been indeed really good. I am a real fan of their liquid lipsticks and I can't wait to try out their Lingerie Liquid Lipstick line (along side with other goodies). I picked Zurich because it's the perfect nude shade. I tend to wear this either alone or combining it with other liquid lipsticks. And to think I almost didn't got it!

Here are my mid-year makeup favourites! I already have a few posts prepared to write and launch. I might also do some "lifestyle" posts and some "tourist" posts regarding some of the Summer trips I might do. After all, I am finally and officially on Summer Vacation! It was a crazy year, but more craziness and hard work is about to come. Bring it on I guess! Thank you very much for reading and take care!

With Love,

Diana.

Argent Makeup Brushes

Born from the Love and determination of a young woman named Tania, argent Makeup is the first Portuguese Makeup Brush brand. It all started with one brush model and now, they have been releasing a new brush each year. They also launch their new international shop which ships to other places besides Portugal (which was already happening, since they were being shipped already to Brazil and to Angola)

The currently has 3 brushes and is on the verge of launching their fourth. All of them are made with synthetic brushes and can be used with powder and cream products. Also, you can always choose between the Classic version with the black handle and the Girly version with the pink handle - which is the one I'll be showing today. 

  

Argent Makeup 101 

This was the first to be launch - during the over hype around flat top kabukis and super denser foundation brushes. Tania thought wisely when she projected this brush - she wanted something that would be dense but flexible at the same time because she new that too dense brushes could be hard to work with. And I have to say that she did an amazing job, since it's easy to buff in the foundation with this brush  when compared to my F82 for example and it's also easier to clean because of the flexibility. 

The handle is big enough and easy to work with and the darker bristles in the end can help with keeping the brush more clean and presentable than the regular white ones - and yes, you can still see if your brush is clean or not. 

This brush is also really good for applying blush and blending it, specially those really pigmented blushes like NARS - I once over-applied Seduction and this was the brush that saved me from looking like clown. This one costs around 14,99 € which is a really reasonable price. For example, a F80 can cost from 18 to 20 euros in European Official retailers. 

  

Argent Makeup 202* 

Next, it was time for multi-task eye brush. This one was designed for those ladies with really small eyelid space that still wanted to do precise and amazing looks without rubbing and over smudging - which can happen with really big and over fluffy blending blushes. I actually have enough eyelid space but still, I really like it for my everyday looks because I know that nothing goes wrong with him. It's also amazing to apply a wash of colour or to apply concealer under the eye. And for those who like it, it's also really amazing to contour the nose area. 

But personally, I also like to apply sometimes highlighter with this bad boy on the hallows of my cheeks. I really should get a backup for this one.  This one retails for 7,99 , a true bargain to be sincere. Oh yeah, I totally need a backup of this one.

  

Argent Makeup 102 

Launched last year, it was build and designed to apply bronzer and contour - something that the Argent Makeup 101 couldn't do. Because of the shape, I also really like to apply blush and setting powder with him and I believe that it's amazing to apply a foundation like Big Easy. Depending of how you place the brush, you can also apply highlighter with him. Yes, it's a multi-task brush. This one retails for 13,49€ which to me isn't a bad price either. It's a very fair one. Oh and until Sunday - August 10th, PT-time - with the code 120D you can get 10% from this brush because recently it was launched a new and improved version.

Also regarding the prices, all the price mentioned here have the Portuguese VAT added. Orders from Outside the EU won't be held account to so the prices might be a little different for those. Also, the company isn't responsible for custom charges in those countries. (You can read this information in their website or even just ask other question on their facebook)

Just like I mention regarding the Argent 101, they are easy to clean and they day really fast. I really believe that they are worth their price since they are high-quality and you can use them for different actions. You can get them from their Official Website. Both Girly and Classic version are equal, the only change is the handle colour. 

Where to get this? You can either check Argent Makeup's Official website or Argent Makeup's Official Facebook Page.

I hope that you liked the review, which one caught you eye? 

Take care, have a nice day!

With Love,

Diana 

With Love,

Diana. 

I really to do this. There was no way I could just pass the opportunity of talking about the products I use and loved the most during 2013. Today's Edition is about Make Up, but I'll also do one about Skin Care and Hair Care (I know that I don't really about my hair, but maybe I should just start doing that this year?)

(It's so nice to have natural light. I'm going to take tones and tones of photos, so I can have work material for the winter and sunny-less days that are coming back)

It was quite hard to do this picks. I've found some really nice products during the last months of the year, but I decided to stick with the ones I knew the longest. Starting with something that has enough products for a complete look, The Bronze of Champions kit from Benefit was an amazing purchase.First, I would never find how amazing the Hoola Bronzer and the What's Up Highlighter are without this. When I looked to them on their full-size form I would think "I don't really need that" or "it's nothing special". I couldn't be more wrong. Hoola is really good for contouring or for warming up my cheeks.It doesn't melt with the warm temperature and doesn't look muddy or orange on my completion. What's Up is for sure the prettiest highlighter I ever saw. I have a soft spot for Golden Highlighters, but I always thought that I should wear powder ones instead of creamy ones. I won't stop  searching for nice powder version, but I really need to get the full-size of this ASAP. It's a really big shame what I initially thought about this. Another product that stand out from this kit was the Creassless Cream eyeshadow. I actually already bought a full-size version of this (but in another colour) because it's worth the money. It's creamy, easy to wear and blend and doesn't crease too much (or at least too fast). The only products that haven't gain my total confidence are the  Longwear Powder Shadow and the mini They're Real Mascara. The Longwear Powder Shadow isn't really pigmented...my 6 euros Inglot eyeshadows are way more pigmented than this.The colour is really pretty, but it's hard to use it (which is why I didn't got the world of neutrals palette and went straight ahead to a full-size cream eyeshadow). Now the mascara...I've tried a full-size version once and it was way better than this. I heard people complaining how the travel version isn't 100% equal to the full-size one...maybe get and try out and see how it works. 

The Painterly Paint Pot from MAC is the perfect base colour for me. It covers my discolouration and veins and helps with keep my eyehsadows in place. I actually thought about getting another one, but like I stated before, I ended up getting another from Benefit. This is a really nice investment. I got this a year ago on Christmas and I still have product for another...2, 3 years?  I don't regret getting this and it had to be included on my favourite products for 2013 for sure.

Nars Seduction Blush was a Giveaway prize  from  Lina's Beauty Diary (who sadly deleted her blog! I'll miss her lovely posts!). At first I was really afraid of this colour. I was usued to the really light colours, since I thought that I would look bad with something like this. How wrong I was..this actually looks really good on me. Among other things, I'm not afraid of this type of colours, the key is using less and build up - which can be hard, takin in consideration how pigmented this is. Also, this blush doesn't fade. I've worn it for 10 hours and it didn't move a bit...It's just perfect and I really want to get my hands on more of these precious treasures. 

This one isn't a big surprise. Although I'm currently playing around with the Naked 3 Palette, the original Naked Palette from Urban Decay is for sure the palette I wore the most during 2013.My favourite combination is Sin and Toasted, although Half Baked and Smog got a big of use as well. I might be interested in getting more neutral palettes, but this one will always have a soft spot in my heart. 

Last, but not least...

From my nail stach, I had to pick these two. Sally Hansen's (from their Salon collection) in 220 Café Au Lait is a really pretty nude that looks really amazing on my completion. For those times where I want something on my nails, but anything too extreme, it's perfect. Orly's Angel Rain is a true star. I really like to play around with this nail polish, specially pairing him with other colours as bases. He gives a really amazing dual-chrome effect.

In therms of eyeliner, there are two fellows who need to be mentioned.Catrice Made to Stay Inside Eye Highlighter pen in 010 In the Mood for Nude could win the prize for the biggest name, but also could win the "best water line pencil" award. Brightens my eyes, doesn't fade too much and it's super affordable and easy to find. And my Sephora Flashy Eye Liner (Waterproof version) in 16 Flashy Ultra Brown was my eyeliner of choice. I got this on sale two years ago (they did a repackage ans re-name the collection) and I think that this needs a bit of love. Their quality is amazing, I dare to say that they are a really good rival for the pencils from Urban Decay.

For brushes, there where two brands that made a stand out for me - Real Techniques and Argent Makeup. I decided to mention my favourite brushes from both brands. From Real Techniques, the Expert Face Brush is pure heaven. Not only blends my foundation perfectly, it's also really easy to clean - not like F82 for example. Argent Makeup 201 Brush is my favourite bleeding and crease brush. It has a perfect shape and the bristols are really soft. I can't wait to get more brushes from both this brands. 

With Love,

Diana.