Real Techniques - Core Collection / Expert Face Brush

I have been so excited about putting this post up because these brushes are like my favourite items right now!!

I AM IN LOVE…yes, that’s right…with brushes!! I am pretty sure that if you are reading this, you are probably a beauty lover? So if your like me and you watch YouTube videos (beauty related) you may have come across Pixiwoo AKA Nicola and Samantha Chapman, (Sam, who now has a YouTube channel called Real Technique, because obviously she launched these brushes) they are probably the  most popular YouTube makeup/beauty experts.

Click to access Pixiwoo / Real Techniques YouTube channel.

I have been eyeing up these brushes for ages, and hello to student loans for a jobless student…I just thought I’d get them while I can, and Oh My God! They are bloody brilliant! The real technique brushes have a variety of brushes ranging from lips, face, eyes and powder brushes …the whole lot really! Some of which are sold in sets and some separately. I bought myself the core collection (which is a set of four brushes) and the expert face brush. I have had them for about two months now, and like I had said, I really do love them they're honestly amazing.

The Core collection is known to be the best selling brush set out of the Real Techniques collection as a whole, it consists of 4 brushes which are all face brushes. The brushes come in a black panoramic case which can be used as stand, and it is really practical because it functions as a brush holder and as an easy to carry travel case. It also helps keep the brushes in place, and as a lot of the other real technique brushes come separately with no case/holder there is some extra space on the panoramic case. The brushes are all 100% synthetic and animal cruelty free (made with Taklon Bristles to be precise) they feel really smooth and perform really well to give an even and flawless finish.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT - Expert Face Brush (not included in 'core collection' set) Contour brush, pointed foundation brush, detailer brush and Buffing brush.
*Own image/photography*

 The Buffing Brush

*Buffer*

This brush is just amazing, I finally understand why this has been the most talked about makeup brush, it gives a full coverage with all types of foundation, whether it be liquid, mineral etc. the bristles are so soft that it gives a flawless finish every time, it’s also big enough to cover a large area of the face even though it may not look very big…it may be the ‘buffing’ brush but I think it can be used for everything, whether it be foundation, blush, powder, it’s just wonderful!! I would say that all the brushes are pretty much versatile.

The Pointed Foundation Brush

*Foundation*

Even though this brush is supposed to be the actual brush for applying liquid foundation, but I actually hardly use it. However saying that, I decided that I would use it more often by maybe using it to apply concealer (for under eyes/dark blemishes) as its pointed, it can reach areas of the face that the buffing brush can't.

The Contour Brush

*Contour*

This is excellent! As it’s a dome shaped brush it fits perfectly into the hollows of the cheek, sides of the nose and contours just about perfectly…giving the face a natural silhouette. Some may think it’s a little too wide for contouring but I think it’s great and it does its job effortlessly. I also use this for blush and highlighting.

The Detailer Brush

*Detailer*

This I believe is meant to be used as a lipstick brush or a concealing brush, however I actually don’t use it at all anymore, when I first brought the set I did use this brush to apply my lipstick but I think I only used it like twice, so I don’t think this is really a review on the detailer brush, maybe I will start using this more often too.

The expert face brush 

This is my FAVOURITE!!! Even though I do love the core collection set, this is just perfect! It’s so dense and soft and just amazing. I don’t know what else to say about it really. I carry this everywhere! Literally everywhere because you can do everything with it, and by everything I mean apply foundation, blush, use it as a powder brush, it’s just such a multipurpose brush! It’s so dense that I honestly don’t think it will ever shed a hair/bristle, it’s immortal! *a little extreme but you know, it is great!! LOL*

Overall I think these are the most affordable brushes and of great quality! The core collection cost £21.99 and the expert face brush £9.99 (I purchased from Boots) it can be bought online from the real techniques online store for those outside of the UK.

HIGHLY recommended ... seriously you all need The Expert Face Brush at least!

anyway till next time dolls x

Nadia__xxx

NIVEA - Express Hydration Primer

   

Normal & combination skin *very short review!!*

“Enriched with Vitamins & natural Lotus Extract: Provides an even and smooth base for effective make-up application and helps your make-up stay put, absorbs instantly thanks to its light texture and uses an effective hydrator for long-lasting moisturisation and a soft skin feeling”

I don’t really have much to say about this product, so it’s a short review on what I’ve gathered after a 3 week use. So… I agree with the fact that it gives a ‘soft skin’ feeling, because it actually does smooth out skin, also makes your skin feel hydrated instantly. The skin absorbs the product instantaneously, it has a good scent to it as well, which is a good thing for most of us. So for the skin itself I would say it’s great!!

However as a primer, I personally think it’s useless. It doesn’t help makeup stay put at all. I wouldn’t really recommend this, but if you like you could go out and try it out yourself maybe also use a setting spray along with it? BUT … it is a GREAT hydrating lotion, I would probably purchase it again ONLY because it feels good on the skin and does make it smooth.

Also available for dry and sensitive skin.

*next review on Elf studio makeup mist & set spray, keep an eye out!!*
(OWN IMAGE/PHOTOGRAPHY)

purchased from Boots for £4.99

Interview with Islah Abdur Rahman - IR MEDIA!

IR media is a film production company, the services provided range from short films to documentaries, Interviews to advertisements! And a whole lot more! I first discovered IR media in 2011…on YouTube of course, I think it was an interview with Humza Arshad aka DOABM that I first watched and then I continued watching all the other interviews/videos that came along on the channel, little did I know that I was actually already following the owner/founder of IR Media on twitter…I obviously did figure it out after a little while. Which is how I got to ask him these questions!
*thank goodness for social network…oh and emailing*  

So anyway… I won’t go on with myself anymore.

Here is the interview with the founder of IR media. Islah Abdur Rahman!

Enjoy! 

My first question, is on studies! What did you study at school,college and university?

In school I studied Business, ICT and History, then once I got to sixth form I discovered and studied Media Studies BTEC, I then did my A levels in Media, English Language and ICT and finally in university I studied Media & Cultural Studies with Television and New Media Broadcasting.

When was IR media founded?

It was officially founded around March in 2011!

Was there a different career path you wanted to pursue when you were a Younger? Or has it always been Media related?

My imagination was out of the box even from a young age, I even wanted to be Superman at one point because I didn’t want to let limits stop me from being able to fly!

My career ideas always changed as I grew up because of life experiences but I finally decided after I discovered Media that it was what I wanted to pursue.

What inspired you to become a director and an actor? Perhaps there was someone in particular that encouraged or inspired you?

This is a really good question. In a weird way me being a director gradually just started happening until I realised that I became one! When I decided to take it seriously, that’s when I looked to other directors, films and TV shows for inspiration. It was through my successes also that my peers encouraged me to continue. 

But I always say don’t pay too much attention to others with the same craft because then you lose sight of yourself and what makes you unique.

However, Acting was something I thought I’d try out a few years later. I did drama in school and I could always act but never did anything serious. It’s a good way of understanding both sides of the camera.

Actors that inspire me are Will Smith, Tom Hardy, Robert Downy Junior, Leonardo Dicaprio, Heath Ledger, and so many more! I love actors who can play a role well and be diverse.

 

You’ve done a lot of projects over the past two years…which project(s) would you say was the most successful out of everything you've done so far?

A viral comedy series called “Mandem On The Wall” which I created and directed. It elevated on to E4 and the cast were featured in a show called “Youngers”.

*available on YouTube click to watch > MandemOnTheWall*

In terms of my acting career, it would be co-starring in a movie called ‘Jayden’ by Bend It Like Beckham’s Ameet Chana. Kulvinder Ghir from ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ played my characters’ father, Antony Costa from ‘Blue’ was also in the movie along with so many other talented actors and actresses.

 

What's the best thing about doing what you do?

The end result!

The feeling of seeing what you worked so hard to create be appreciated by supporters and inspire them.

What do you have planned for yourself and IR Medias future?

Much more filmwork for IR Media... I’m in talks of certain projects as I speak but I’m not allowed to reveal anything just yet. In terms of myself I’d like to carry on bettering my craft, inspiring others and making a positive change in the world we live in.

What advice would you give to aspiring directors/actors?

This question would make me passionate and it would end up being an essay, but I think the main thing is to believe in yourself, dream big, aim high, stay motivated and inspired, work extremely hard and NEVER give up.

Great advice! My next question is…have your family members always encouraged/supported you?

My family has always been supportive and loves seeing me do well, they understand how much work I put into it and what comes out of it. My Mother is probably my biggest fan, my cousins and elders always like to brag about me, in a proud way of course!

You’ve worked with a lot of well-known individuals, out of all them…who would you say you enjoyed working with the most?

I loved working with Ameet Chana, he was very professional and inspirational to me. Up to today he still keeps me under his wing and I learn a lot from him.

 

Final question, how would you promote IR media to those reading this post?

“There’s more to IR Media that meets the HDMI so check out the website, don’t be shy!” I literally just made that up right now. I’m Going to regret it later.

 

Previous clients include: Jay Sean (Artist),BBC Asian Network,Universal,Channel 4,Twist and Pulse (Britain’s Got Talent),“Jayden” (feature film), Ameet Chana (Bend It Like Beckham, Eastenders, Jab Tak Hai Jaan), Maxi Priest (Artist), Vanity Magazine, Gina B Beauty Accademy (Celebrity MUA), Raxstar (Artist),asian Music Awards…And many more!

 

www.IRmedia.net

Twitter: _IRmedia | Islah_AR 

SheploMozomil | WazIslam

 

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/IRmedia 

Contact: info@IRmedia.net

 

 

Nadia__xxx

Long weekend, yay! And i love this so im just going to dance!

AliOfficial1

I started watching AliOfficial1 videos like two years ago, and all I know is that I totally love them! 

*may I add that I made a youtube account just to subscribe...yes go ahead judge me LOL*

I think his Bengali videos are a big hit for me. They honestly are just hilarious!!

Even none Bengalis will get the jist of these videos.

*most recent 'Bengali' video*

There isn’t really much I can say about this channel other than its bloody brilliant!!

And thought I’d mention that Ali and his little brother Shaheen actually made it onto a Channel 4 documentary series called ‘RamadanDiaries’… now that’s impressive!! Especially after doing around 40 videos in two years, not many YouTubers would get this sort of opportunity. *I feel so proud*

All the videos are just relatable, they are on serious topics aswell as humorous ones *with a hidden moral ofcourse!* 

*Vlog from second channel AliUnOfficial1*

Its just like watching two of your own brothers. Honestly it is great! Need I say more?

You could just go subscribe and watch his videos now? That’s if you haven’t already! Honestly just go do it will you!! J you wont regret it I promise. Make a YouTube account if you need to B-)

Youtube - AliOfficial1 & AliUNofficial1

Twitter - AliOfficial1

*YouTube documentary 'The Accidental Journey' - reveals the details behind his unexpected and inspiring journey so far (IR Media) *

Keep an eye out for my IR media post

*Interview with Director/Actor/film-maker Islah Abdur Rahman*

Twitter - Nadia__xxx

Instagram - sumaiya_meem_xx

Maybelline eyeliner & mascara

So recently I have brought a load of makeup...like loads!! I think I have spent around £100 on just drug store makeup. And not only have I brought makeup, I’ve also got a few makeup brushes!! Yay!! *HAPPY GIRL!!*
Anyway my point is that I have now got a few things to review!! So I’m back on doing this blogging business (hopefully) and I’m really excited for you guys to check out my new posts.  Enjoy x

Right, so basically … this post will be on two products I brought from boots *for those who have no idea what boots is – it’s a popular drug store in the UK* both which are Maybelline New York products.

   1) Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner - £7.99 (Colour – Intense Black)
   2)Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Mascara, Smoky Eyes - £7.99 (Colour - Smokey Black)

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

This has been in stores for ages now, and I finally got my hands on one! This was apparently supposed to be a dupe of one of those fancy gel eyeliners from MAC or something, but I couldn’t compare it to the MAC one as I’ve never used the MAC gel eyeliner myself, and I don’t think I would really go out of my way to try the fancy one out, because this works a treat!

Firstly I don’t wear eyeliner very often so I only really wear it when I feel like dressing up, and I mean going all out with the extravagant makeup, but on a normal day I do keep my makeup looking as natural as I can, sometimes I can go without anything on #Scary  

Anyway back to the eyeliner…I never really comment on the packaging of a product like other bloggers, because I don’t really think it’s that important, but for you reading this, I shall. So, the eyeliner comes in a small frosted glass pot along with an eyeliner brush. I usually throw away brushes that come with products, but this brush is amazing! I actually love how it just glides on the eyeliner. The gel itself is really good, it claims to dry quickly, which it does! Claims to last all day, and from what I have gathered it does that too, however I only wear makeup for max 8hours. It is said to be smudge-proof, which I believe to be true also, however it also entitles as being  water proof and to last for 24 hours, these of which I can’t review upon as I haven’t really been out in the rain or cried while having the eyeliner on and I most certainly do not wear makeup for 24 hours to test out whether or not this is true…if anyone does try it out for 24 hours, let me know what results you discover J all in all its highly pigmented, can be used on the waterline easily, packaging stops the gel from drying up, looks great in photos, its cheap (well I think so) and its literally available everywhere!!! Oh, and… I LOVE THE BRUSH!!! So I would highly recommend this product.

Maybelline the Colossal Volume Express Mascara

*no image*

I had heard a lot about these Maybelline colossal mascaras, and when I went to get one I was just confused. Why confused you ask?

Well…I didn’t know which one to get, there was like three different ones that looked the same, package wise at least. So I decided to get this ‘smoky eyes’ one. Unfortunately I was not very fond of the product, once it was applied, it made my lashes look messy, and spiderish *that’s not even a word, but honestly my lashes looked like spiders* it does extend lashes, it just makes the lashes look like sticks. I would say that it’s a two/three stroke mascara, re-applying would just make it look horrible. All in all I wouldn’t really recommend it, but if you like you can go out and try it yourselves. 

However Khadiza who brought this on the same day with me, said "It actually makes my lashes look nice, they stand out more" ... so It may just be me who doesn't like it?

First Ever E.L.F. Products (review)

Elf cosmetics is known to be a  premier retail source for all beauty accessories and needs.

All products are at an affordable price and apparently of high quality.

e.l.f. cosmetics offers an entire line of stunning makeup.

I've seen the products online many times and also seen makeup gurus making good use of them on youtube, so I thought why not pick out a few items myself and review them on my little blog, so

 here are my first ever products I have purchased from EyesLipsFace ... and ofcourse a small review!! Enjoy.

- Captivating (lipstick - white/grey packaging on image) ... Got it, opened it, and It snapped off! So I was rather annoyed to be honest. But not to worry, I pushed it back on, and applied it with a lip brush and my finger instead of the stick itself as i obviously didn't want it to fall off again.

The colour is very pale, the shade is quite orangey with a hint of brown, or perhaps a orangey nude. I reckon its for more paler skin toned people.. But that is only my opinion as im reviewing just one shade, so you could get it and see what you think of it for yourself :D

Definitely a Perfect match for a natural look. I actually really like this product...despite it breaking first thing! I do want all the other colours now, and they are at such a great price which is always a bonus!

*Price £1.50*

- Rich red (Lip colour - black packaging on image)... I absolutely love this shade! It leaves lips a little dry, but we can deal with that! I guess its because the formulation is matte. I dont wear red lip colour/lipsticks very often but I am loving this product so far so i will possibly use it more than i usually would! I think I'll be getting more shades of this product soon too.

*Price £3.75*  

- Studio Lash Kit (No image on how this looked on, may put one up soon on my instagram @Sumaiya_meem_xx if I perhaps wear it on an occasion...so keep an eye on my instagram page!)

The kit itself is great! The glue is easy to apply, no mess, no fuss. The applicator is very handy as it keeps the lash straight and still and of course makes applying the lash a much easier job than it would be to apply with tweezers or hand, atleast for someone like me who finds putting on lashes a disaster ... So I recommend this! Comes with a lash stand so that it keeps the lashes in shape for reuse! *Price £3.75*

These were my first ever products from www.eyeslipsface.com and even though the lipstick did break off, I'm very happy with the products! Can't wait for my next order.

(Images of how each product looks will be on my Instagram soon) 

sumaiya_meem_xx

Just a bargain i thought i'd mention!

A BARGAIN!

I saw these a couple of months ago in Asda (George) and they reminded me a little of wedges I had seen at http://www.bankfashion.co.uk/home ... I don't know why because they look nothing like them! Maybe they are nothing like the £40 ones I had seen in BANK, but I still liked them, I just didn't think they were worth £16, especially because its Asda after all, and I'm on a budget due to being skint/jobless!

So a few weeks later I went back and BOOM! There they were, on sale for only £7!

Looks like I was right, they obviously weren't worth £16 or people just found them ugly.

They are so comfortable, and probably wearable with anything!  

I was and am a very happy customer.

The end!

xxx

 

sumaiya_meem_xx

Fruit Picking

A good day out to Cheshire!

Went fruit picking yesterday. I've always actually liked the idea of it, picking your own fruit and sneaking a few in while you picking them. I just thought of wanting to pick out strawberries really, cause strawberries are the best. Unfortunately there wasn't any strawberries there :(

Other berries, but no strawberries!!

So, we got there...it was about an hour and a half drive from where I live, perhaps a little longer as I had a headache due to it..

HATE travelling!

Anyway, we got there, met with the owner and he handed us some bags. My mum decided that we would pick apples and plums... The apples looked absolutely beautiful! They put the supermarket ones to shame I tell ya! (And they tasted really good too)

However the plums weren't even ripe enough, hence the fact that myself and my brothers thought they were grapes! *LOL* they were tiny!! But we found a few that looked like peaches and were shaped like rugby balls, so picked them out and of course we tried some :P  

We then went for the berries, and to my disappointment, as I had already mentioned...there wasn't any strawberries!

But the Cranberries, Raspberries and Blackberries made up for it.

The cranberries were the best, I mean even my 3 year old sister loved the sweet/sour taste, she shouted "Mummy, come taste it! Its delicious" the cutie!

The owner mentioned he made and sold apple juice (and cider) so we brought two bottles of the finest, and I'm telling you..I hate apple juice, it makes me gag just by looking at it. But this juice was nothing like the carton and plastic bottled juices available at supermarkets, it was actually really nice! everything had cost around £25 ... which I thought was a reasonable price :D 

*History* The owner inherited the farm,the whole 70 acres of it!! Then sold about 50.

Also, the farm is known to be the home of Cheshire Apple Juice and Cider!

 

http://instagram.com/sumaiya_meem_xx

Mac Creme Cup DUPES

Mac Creme cup (Looking for Dupes)  

A very light shade of pink, which gives a more nude/natural kind of colour to all skin tones. I would say its a perfect soft light pink colour, for me personally, also on pictures the colour looks great!

Mac Creme cup has a cremesheen finish, which means that it has a very smooth/soft texture to it and doesn't leave your lips dry! *bonus*
Its very similar to Macs Angel, but slightly better! So I would definitely recommend it as its a very popular shade!

However! As we all know mac isn't exactly the cheapest of stores in makeup heaven, so I decided to look for some dupes at drug store that look the same shade as the Macs' Creme cup lipstick...they may be a little darker/lighter and the formulations slightly differ as well but they are without a doubt at a much cheaper and affordable price!

So I would recommend to those who are on a budget for makeup etc, as am I!  To perhaps have a look at these items which will help you all avoid breaking your bank accounts :D


1) *Maybelline - Born with it* (image from Google)
- this dupe is almost identical in shade, but is more shimmery than macs' creme cup so it has more of a glossy look rather than a creamy one. (Priced around £7.20)

2) *Revlon - Wink for Pink* (image from Google)
- this Dupe is more pink in colour than Macs' creme cup, and it is a tiny bit more shimmery, however I would say that its overall the closest to the creme cup shade! (Priced around £7.50)

3) *Rimmel - Airy Fairy* (image from Google)
-this dupe is quite a close shade to Macs' Creme cup, maybe a little darker, but more or less the same shade, its quite creamy and a little matte... And is long lasting! So all in all its good!
Oh and also it smells amazing! (Priced around £5)
--

So they were the three I picked out to be the closest to the Creme cup, ALL available online... hope this helped those who look for dupes. If anyone wants me to do a dupe search for other lipsticks, let me know on instagram

sumaiya_meem_xx

Or email me at -
YF-sumaiya-meem@hotmail.co.uk

Ciao for now dolls!x

ZM - Zuhair Murad

Another one of my obsessions are of Zuhair Murad.

A Lebanese fashion designer who first appeared with his collection on the catwalks in Rome 1999

 this easily led to his participation in many events after!

Zuhair opened one of his head shops in Beirut, and his lines include haute Couture,

ready-to-wear, accessories and eyewear.

Known celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry and many more have been seen wearing his dresses!!  

see more recent designs on;

http://www.zuhairmurad.com/pages.aspx?pageid=5203

More of Zuhair Murad designs on my Instagram!

sumaiya_meem_xx

*some of my favourites from the ZM line!*

ES - Elie Saab

I'm actually totally obsessed with all these Elie Saab dresses!! Especially his 'Haute Couture' collection ... they are all just amazing! so elegant and simply breathe taking, well... atleast for me! definitely one of my favourite designers. 

check out his Stunning collection on the Elie Saab website! x

http://www.eliesaab.com/#/en/home

sumaiya_meem_xx