Real Techniques Bold Metals Review

 

 The Real Techniques Bold Metals collection launched around the end of January this year and I literally couldn't wait to get my hands on them! Admittedly, it took me a while to purchase as they're on the pricey side but after giving in to my urges I went ahead and picked a couple up from my local Boots. I decided to go with the 100 Arched Powder and the 301 Flat Contour brushes, the other brushes didn't really take my fancy as I knew I wouldn't end up using them and it would be pushing on £100 for the full face set. I've always been a huge fan of Real Techniques and there is no denying that their brushes are on par with any professional synthetic brush. I knew before I took my newbies out of the packaging that I would love them just as much as their predecessors and I have to give RT top marks for the colour/style of the Bold Metals collection. Both brushes are beautifully angled and weighted which personally helps with application of powders they just felt sturdier and really worked any product into my skin. I immediately fell in love with the 100 as it moves so nicely across any base I've applied, it didn't leave trail marks or cling onto any foundation and its domed shape helped to get any pressed powder into those awkward spots around my nose and eyes. As for the 301 this took a little getting used to as I always apply any contour with an angled brush, however it definitely picks up more product and distributes bronzer evenly on my cheek hollows and forehead, plus I didn't have to blend for as long as I normally would and for me that is the dream! All in all I'm completely content with the brushes I chose and I've pretty much reached for them everyday, they're an absolute delight to use and really stand out in the mountain of makeup brushes I've collected over the years. Style and substance what more could you want really ?

  

 

100 Arched Powder - £25

 

301 Flat Contour - £22

 

Dogs n' Dough Review

Hey guys! Hope you've had a lovely week? Thank god it's Friday right? And with that being said in my household Friday night is cheat food night! So if you're looking for a restaurant to indulge in everything carb, cheese and chocolate related Dogs n' Dough is the place to go!

 

 

 

Dogs n' Dough is a little American style restaurant situated on Bow Lane in Manchester, admittedly a bit out of site down a small side street but I'd say that just adds to its charm! On entering I felt like I was in a retro diner, green leather booths, dim lighting and Dirty Dancing playing in the background. Our waitress was super sweet and explained the whole menu, as you can probably tell from the name, Dogs n' Dough, they mainly offer Hot Dogs and Pizza, no complaints there ;)! After scanning the menu for a good 10 minutes I decided to go for The Cowboy dog, cheese fries and a lemon meringue cocktail (delish). My boyfriend went for The Spring Chicken pizza, a beer and we shared the fries. My food came served in a diner style basket whilst Luke's came in a takeaway style pizza box, not exactly a fine dinning experience but I personally loved how kitch everything was. I have to say my meal fulfilled every expectation, packed with flavour, mouth wateringly good and would satisfy most peoples weekend cravings. All in all myself and Luke really enjoyed our time there, the prices were great, the staff were lovely and the scran was well... Complete Food Porn! So, If you're out and about in Manchester this weekend and not watching the old waist line, I would highly suggest you give Dogs n' Dough a try!

 

Have a look and their menu here 

(WARNING you may drool)

 

Bow Lane, Manchester M2 4JW

 

El

XxX



May Beauty Favourites

 Hi guys! I hope you're well? It's been such a long time since I've been on my blog :'( In fact this is my first blog post in over 3 years! I really don't know where the time has gone? I don't even know why I stopped blogging? Silly me! However, I'm back and I'm super eager to get stuck into the world of beauty & fashion again! With that being said I thought I'd share with you my beauty favourites from last month... Enjoy!

 

 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

 

Where do I begin with this little beauty? It's honestly the most beautiful moisturizer I've ever tried, to say my face is unbelievably soft would be an understatement! The lotion itself is super absorbent, non sticky and non greasy, I suffer with an awful combination t-zone so I found the texture/consistency really suited my skin. I apply a small amount in the morning and the moisture lasts me all day, it meshes really well with my primer and foundation plus it gives me a dewy look without too much shine. What else could you want from a moisturizer really? The price of this nifty lotion ranges from £17.50 - £30.00 depending on the size, I purchased mine directly from the Clinque website here

 

 

Mr.Blanc Teeth Whitening Strips

 

Now, you've probably seen this brand blow up all over social media in the last couple of months! Mr.Blanc's professional teeth whitening strips are especially popular with reality television stars such as Holly Hagan, Stephanie Pratt and Ricky Rayment. I'm all for a pearly white smile and I have tried numerous whitening kits over the years, some okay and some not so good! However, I'd seen some really fab reviews on this particular brand so I went ahead and bought a 2 week pack from the Mr.Blanc website here. The kit arrived in record time and I began using them the very same day, I like to whiten my teeth in the evening as its much easier to relax in bed and wait for the formula to do it's thing. The pack has 14 pouches containing an upper and lower strip, you simply place the strips over clean teeth, wait 30 minutes then rinse away! I found that the strips held in place perfectly, there was no stinging sensation or sensitivity just a fresh minty taste. I'm now up to my 11th whitening session and I'm thrilled with the results, another purchase of these is definitely on the cards.

 

£24.99- 2 week supply

 

 

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

 

The Urban Decay Setting Spray is a genius product, this magical spray is my favourite every single month, I genuinely don't leave the house before I've drenched my face with it! If you've never heard of the Setting Spray before I shall give you the low down, it's basically a sealant for your make-up, it's a super fine mist that's sprayed over the face to keep your look in place... pretty clever right? The formula is oil and paraben free plus it includes "temperature control technology" this allows your skin to breath whilst keeping the enemy, #sweat, at bay. I've always found 'All Nighter' to be the best from the Urban Decay setting spray range, it's long lasting, fast drying, easy to apply and has never let me down! I would recommend this product a thousand times over so head to the Urban Decay Website here and pop this beaut in your basket.

 

£21- 118ml

 

 

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

 

Last but not least! The Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm! It's truly a work of skincare art and if you've never heard of this product before, because you've been living under a rock ;) You are most definitely missing out! I'm all for a good cleanse and I've normally used cream/gel cleansers in my past skin routines but since discovering Emma's products I've never looked back. This dreamy pot of heaven contains a rich luxurious balm, the scent is second to none and the texture I might add is divine. I personally like to use it at night to wash away any makeup/dirt, I scoop up a small amount, place it onto the palm of my hands, add a little warm water, rub together, smooth over my face/neck then wipe away with a hot damp flannel. It's honestly a delight to use and leaves my skin, soft, fresh and hydrated every single time. A little really goes a long way with this product so I've never once felt guilty when heading over to Cult Beauty here and repurchasing every few months, I just can't live without it!

 

£38- 100ml

 

So there you have it guys! My May Beauty Favourites! Please let me know if you enjoyed reading this post and I'd love to know if you've tried any of the products I listed up top. Have a fab week! I'll be back with another post soon.

 

XxX

 

El