February Favourites

I'm always a little late with these posts but the only time I really get to do 'bloggy things' and upload is on a Sunday so here it is! These are the beauty products I loved throughout the month of February...

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Drops Of Sun has been a massive favourite for almost a year now! I did stop using it for a while but have recently fallen back in love with it! As we've been slogging our way through winter, my skin has been extremely pale! This is when I decided to get this back out of my makeup drawer and fell back in love with it. I mix it in with my moisturiser and it gives me an instant glow and just makes my skin look a little less ghost-like! The few months that I wasn't wearing this, a few people actually asked me if I was unwell because I looked so pale and that is not what I wanted to be hearing!! I also used this while I was away on holiday last June as my face doesn't tan as much as my body (I put a really high factor sun protection on my face) and it just gave me a lovely natural tan/glow to my face. It is just a lovely product and I will continue to use it now for a looong time! 

Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer is a new addition to my makeup collection and was definitely well loved and used throughout the majority of February! I always used to use any old concealer under my eyes but found that they were a little too heavy so I wanted to find a lighter, illuminating concealer for my under eyes. This one is perfect! I love Bourjois anyway but this concealer has now become another massive favourite of mine. It is lightweight, definitely illuminating and lasts well under my eyes. 

Kerastase Nectar Thermique Polishing Nourishing Milk (phew long name!) has changed my hair for the better! This is what they always use on my hair in the hairdressers and I could never find it online until recently so I snapped it up as soon as I saw it! It is a great multitasking product as it seals my hair for a perfect sleek blowdry and also protects my hair from the heat used to style. It is aimed at people with dry hair and I can honestly say that it feels really nourishing and protecting on my hair as I blow dry and style it. My hair is much smoother and shinier now when I style it and it isn't as damaged as it used to be. Depending on your hair length, you really don't need a lot of this, so it lasts for ages!

NYX Matte Bronzer- I was recently on the hunt for a good bronzing powder that wasn't too dark or orangey for my pale skin. I also wanted it to be a matte one as I already own a few shimmery bronzers and often prefer it to be matte. This one is great, affordable and super pigmented! It is quite messy because of its pigmentation as the powder comes away from the pan so easily so you literally need to tap a brush into it and then I usually have to tap off my brush a lot so it doesn't come out quite so extreme on my face! Other than that, it's lovely and I have been using it every day for a while now and i'm sure i'll love it even more when I have a little bit of colour on my face in the summer! 

There we go! Those are just a few of the things I have loved during the month of February and will most likely continue to love for months ahead!

Let me know what your favourite beauty product is right now in the comments!

Abbie x

Zoeva Naturally Yours Palette: Review

I've always been a real sucker for a good eyeshadow palette. I tend to stick to quite neutral shades for my eyes and go for browns, taupes and orangey shades as I have blue eyes and just find that these kind of colours suit me best.

When I saw this Zoeva palette whilst trawling through Beauty Bay one day, I was sold! I often find it hard to find a palette that I know I will use the majority of the colours. When I saw this one, I knew I'd use pretty much all of the colours. Ok, I use some of them a lot more frequently than others, of course, as everyone has favourites. But all in all, every single one has been used! 

The pigmentation of these shadows is great and they are definitely really blendable which are two of the main things I look for in an eyeshadow. I also love that there are a mixture of matte and shimmer shades in this palette as sometimes I like to go for a matte, really natural look using, First Love, Pure and Soft and Sexy just to add some definition to my eyes. 

I got this palette for £18 on BeautyBay.com which I think is a really affordable price for such a good quality 'everyday use' palette. I got this palette a good few months ago and have not stopped using it so that just shows my love for it! 

What is your all time favourite eyeshadow palette? Leave me a comment :)

Abbie x

How To Get The Perfect Brows/ My Current Brow Routine

I was never really that into doing my brows properly when I first started using makeup. When I decided to start filling in my brows, it completely changed my makeup game! Being able to get your eyebrows to a shape that suits you can really change how you look as your eyebrows frame your face. Over the past few years, having the perfect brows has become a massive thing in the makeup and beauty industry. It wasn't until now that I found a routine of products that really change the way my brows look. 

I've used the Soap and Glory Brow Archery for a good few years, but that used to be all I used. I'd been interested in using a brow gel of some sort since they became popular in the makeup world. I didn't really think it would suit my brows as I don't really like my makeup to feel too heavy and I imagined brow gels to be this way. I picked up the Maybelline Brow Precise Fibre Filler quite recently and it totally changed my brows for the better! 

I start by brushing through my brows with a cheap brush I got from primark (which, by the way, is just as good as any other expensive slanted brow brush I've ever owned) to make sure my brow hairs are all combed through and in the same direction. 

I then use either the pencil side of the Brow Archery or the NYX Brow Pomade with the slanted brush and brush this through my brows in light, short strokes. This just helps to fill in any sparse areas I have and shapes my brows how I want them. 

I then simply move onto brushing the Maybelline Brow Precise Fibre Filler through my brows which sets them in place for the day and also fills them in even more! I can't explain what it does exactly, but I won't do my brows without it now- it's soooo good!

That really is it, I feel like it's so simple, doesn't take long and makes my brows look the best they can! 

What is your favourite brow product? Let me know in the comments- I'd love to chat! :)

Abbie x

January Favourites

Hello again..! I know I'm always late with these monthly favourites posts but I guess it's better late than never, right?! I've been a little under the weather again this past week which is really naff but I'm feeling much better now and ready to get back into blogging. I am also hoping to get a new camera in the next few days which will definitely motivate me to keep up with the posts as I'm quite aware that my photos are rubbish quality at the moment.

Anyway, onto what I have been loving throughout the month of January!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

As you may know if you have followed my blog since the beginning and if you follow me on Instagram, I am a massive lover of the L'oreal Telescopic mascara and have never found a mascara I like as much as it. I don't know why I had never tried Lash Sensational as I know there was a lot of hype around it agesss ago (and still is!). I purchased this mascara about a month ago and I must say, I do really like it! I wasn't sure at first as it seemed a little thick on my lashes and made them clump together a bit but I think that was just because it was new and there was far too much product on the wand. I have been using this mascara every day and it has made my lashes look so good! They look curled, voluminous and long which is everything I look for in a mascara and it does it all! Also, it is currently £5.30 on feelunique.com but normally retails at £7.99 which is still affordable in my opinion!

Maybelline Brow Precise Brow Fibre Filler

I love this product!! I've only ever filled in my brows with a pencil or powder product. It took me forever to get them to my desired shape and thickness and was the bit of my makeup routine I dreaded the most! Since brow gels have been making an impression in the beauty world, I'd be meaning to grab one for such a long time but never found one I liked the look of. I picked up this one when shopping for some other bits in Boots one day and I absolutely love it! As it contains real Fibres, it looks so natural and sets my brows in place so well! I've never been that great at doing my eyebrows but this makes it so simple!

Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions- All Over Clearing Treatment

I got this in a set I received as a Christmas present. My skin hasn't been the best recently and I never really know what is best to put on my skin when I have one of them huuuge spots that just won't budge. My mum had tried this spot treatment and said she found it worked really well, so I decided to try mine. I must say, most of the time, I will apply this before bed and by the morning my spot will definitely be smaller and less inflamed and it does really dry them out. 

Loreal Pure Clay Detox Mask

I've used the purity mask from this range of face masks and really enjoyed it. I always wanted to try the detox one but they never seemed to be in stock! I managed to find this in Boots (and on offer) so I have been trialing it over the past few weeks as my skin has had a little bit of an eruption! I love how this mask feels on my skin, it doesn't sting too much and just feels really creamy. I'm not really sure if it actually did anything to help get rid of my spots but it definitely made the rest of my skin look clearer and feel super soft! I have just been loving using this as a little bit of a pamper to be honest because it makes my skin feel lovely afterwards!

So there it is! Those are the few things I have really loved using throughout the month of January! 

Leave me a comment and a link to your blog in the comments below- I really want to follow more blogs and chat to a few people!

Abbie x

What's In My Makeup Bag

I loooove reading what makeup other people are using and what they are loving, so I thought i'd do a little post (probably won't be little at all, so get a cuppa and get yourself comfy!!) on what I have in my makeup bag. I have selected the bits I have been using most over the past few months so my makeup collection is obviously a LOT bigger than what is in my little every day makeup bag! 

Face:

These are my 3 most used base products. On work days, I tend to just use the Mac Prolongwear Concealer on its own just to cover dark circles under my eyes and any discoloration or blemishes I may have. I have used this product for almost a year now and still repurchase every time I run out- it's a lifesaver! 

Rimmel Stay Matte is another well loved product of mine which gets used every single day! It's all in the name really as it keeps my skin matte mostly all day. 

The foundation is one that I use at weekends or if i'm going out in the evening. I have again, used this for a long long time and still find it is the best for my skin type. 

Bourjois Bronzing Primer is a massive favourtie of mine. I love that it is a cream product as I find that it can look more natural than powder bronzers. I use this all year round to keep myself looking a little less 'vampire'! I am quite fair skinned and this still works perfectly on my skin when blended out well. 

Mac Lightscapade is my all time fave highlighter! It is so natural on the skin and gives the most amazing glow. I am definitely after Soft and Gentle when payday comes around as I know that is massively raved about too! 

Finally for face products is Milani baked blush which is a fairly recent discovery and I have used it every day since, its a lovely natural shade with a slight golden shimmer (isn't as scary as it sounds, I promise!).

Eyes/Brows:

I have used Soap and Glory's Brow Archery for as long as I can remember! I don't tend to use the 'tint' side of it but the pencil is the perfect shade for my brows! 

Maybelline's Brow Fibre Filler is a recent purchase and I have totally fallen in love with it! It fills in my brows so well used after the Brow Archery as I don't always have the time to sit and pencil in all the sparse areas and gaps. It is a perfect shade for my brows and as it is real fibres, looks soooo natural. I have had so many 'good brow days' since using this!

I have tried so many liquid liners in my time and not found any that I really like until I purchased this Soap and Glory Supercat Liner pen. It is sooo easy to apply which is a must for me as i'm useless at liner! It has fabulous staying power and is really black! What more could you want?!

Loreal Telescopic has been my fave mascara for a long long time! I've repurchased it so many times and still love it to bits! I recently jumped onto the Lash Sensational bandwagon (extremely late may I add!) and I have been really liking this mascara too. They are both pretty different but both work really well for my lashes. 

Lips:

I have really grown my lipstick collection over the past 6 months or so but these are the 3 lip products that have stayed in my makeup bag and been the most used over the past few months. I love Mac lippies and these two are my most recent lip purchases!
LA Girl lip liner is such a great budget lip liner as it only costs a couple of pounds and works just as well as a high end liner. It is also such a versatile colour and works with pretty much all of my lippie shades. The shade is 'Natural'.

Left is 'Whirl', Right is 'Twig'

So there it is, I hope you enjoyed taking a peek into what is currently in my makeup bag and finding out what i'm loving!

What are your staple makeup products? Leave me a comment below- I'd love to chat!!

Abbie x

2016 Makeup Faves

2016 was a strange year. I'm not going to say it was a bad year because I don't ever think we should regret anything that happens in life or look upon a whole year negatively because of a few bad things happening. In 2016 my makeup and beauty interest became more of an obsession! I don't really wear makeup during the week at work, so I tried to make more of an effort at weekends as makeup is something I really enjoy doing. Anyway, less of the rambling... here are my 2016 makeup favourites!

Loreal Telescopic False Lash Mascara
I have probably used this mascara for more than just a year as it feels like it's been my favourite for ages! I use this mascara every day and it is just the best! I have purchased different mascaras a few times just to try and change things up but i've never stuck to using them like I do with this one and I always go back to this one! It gives my lashes an amazing lift, volume, length- everything you could possibly want!

Mac Pro Longwear Concealer- NC15
This is a product I discovered in 2016. I had always heard loads of good things about it but I just couldn't justify spending £18 on concealer when I had been spending £3-4 on the much raved about Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. I was in duty free at the airport and I just thought 'stuff it, i'm going to try it'. I have loved it and used it every day since. The bottle does last a good long while as well so the £18 is deffo worth it in my opinion! I did love the Collection concealer but I have definitely found this Mac one to last a lotttttt longer on my skin! The coverage is great, lasting power is great- what more could you want?

Zoeva Silk Finish Brush
I have, again, been using this brush for longer than a year so I had to include this in my 2016 favourites as I have literally used it every single time i've applied makeup! It has lasted so well and washes really well. (Check out my 'How I Wash My Makeup Brushes' post to see how I wash it). I use it for foundation application, bb creams etc and it blends it in really well, not to mention, it is super duper soft!!

Soap and Glory Brow Archery- Brownie Points
Again, I have used this for years! I haven't changed it up and used anything different for years which just shows how much I love it! I do get through these pencils pretty quick so a bit more product would be nice as they are about £11. I don't really use the tint side unless I want a darker look to my brows. The pencil side is easy to use, a perfect match for my brows (before I discovered this one, I found most other brown brow pencils to be a little reddish tint which I dont like), and it lasts well.

Bourjois Bronzing Primer
I purchased this just before going on holiday as I thought it would be a nicer alternative to using powder bronzers as it is a lot dewier looking on the skin. I don't really use it as a primer, I tend to just use this without going over it with powder bronzer as it blends out really well, even now, when I'm really pale! This tub has lasted me ages as I've had it for about a year and a half now and it's still going strong even being used every day!

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder- Translucent
I'm sure this is most peoples favourite powder- it's cheap, it works and there's nothing more to it! I use this every day on my t-zone to keep my face looking shine free, and it does just that whilst still letting a slight healthy, dewy look come through!

What was your most used makeup product of 2016?

Abbie x

Wunderbrow Review

I have never really had great brows. I went through the awful few years of overplucking (I think we've all been there in our early teen years-cringe!) and it took a long time for my brows to grow back full and natural looking. I guess it just shows how times change and that what is 'cool' changes all the time. It used to be all about the thin brows but in the recent few years celebs like Cara Delevingne influenced us all to grow out them brows as bushy as we can! I have got my brows in a good enough shape and thickness now but they will never be as full looking as I want them to be. I also have pretty light coloured brows so I have to fill them in hardcore for them to look half decent.

I discovered this product whilst browsing Amazon a few months ago and have used it lots since! I believe I purchased it for £19.95 (which is the price it is still at now). It is something that will last a long time and I know I will get many uses out of it for this pretty reasonable price. It comes with a tube of brow gel which contains a blend of hair like fibres and an extra wand to brush the fibres through your brows thoroughly. It is so simple to use once you get the hang of it. The first time I used it, I must admit was a little scary. I think the key to a good application is to always start with a tiny bit of product and build it up gradually to achieve the look you want and make sure you brush through your brows with the clean wand to distribute the product evenly.

I also like to use an angled brush to get a more precise application.

This product claims to 'last for days'- I would say it would only last for days if you didn't wash your face as thoroughly as I obviously do. I found that it would last two days but on the second day is definitely less noticeable that the first. I do really like this product overall as I don't have to fill in my brows as much when I have used this. It definitely makes my brows look much fuller and better shaped. However, in places where there is no hair, it won't stick as it just rubs off the skin. 

If you have light brows that perhaps don't match your hair colour or brows that are a little sparse and not as full as you'd like, I would definitely reccomend this product!

What is your No.1 favourite brow product?

Abbie x

October Favourites

It was pretty easy to choose my favourites this month as I have really loved and used these products so much this month!

Loreal Pure Clay Purity Mask

I'm not going to say too much about this as I have already done a blog post review on it and if I go on about how much I love it any more than I may be in danger of being a bore! Basically, I love it- there's not a lot more to say!

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint- Almond

I have been absolutely loving this nail colour (obviously!). It is a perfect nude/lilac/grey. It looks different in different lights and I love that! I love all of the Gelly range anyway and this one is just another one to add to my growing collection. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream

I have been using this eye cream for a good few months now. At first, I used it religiously, then it sort of got lost in my stash of makeup and skincare and I forgot about it. I dug it out at the end of September and have used it all throughout October and I have definitely fallen back in love with it. It's just simple, gentle and soothing on my eyes. I can definitely see that my concealer applies a lot smoother when I have used this eye cream and I just look more awake.

Mac Pro Longwear Concealer- NC15
I have used this concealer since April and I am now just starting my second bottle which just shows how long the bottle lasts! I never wanted to spend £18 on a concealer back then as I was so in love with the trusty Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, but I was in Duty Free at the airport in April and decided to pick it up. I have loved it and used it every day since! It lasts so well and doesn't crease under my eyes. I use this on work days under my eyes and on any blemishes or red patches and I'm good to go- no foundation! It doesn't really act as a highlight for me like it does other people as i'm so pale and this is the lightest shade so it practically just matches my skin.

Mac Matte Lipstick- Whirl
I cheated slightly with this one as I only actually purchased this about half way through October but I already know I love it! I have previously owned Velvet Teddy which is the same consistency (Matte) so I knew i'd love it! This colour is just beautiful for Autumn! I was a little worried it would be too dark and not suit me but it's perfect. I will definitely be getting lots more use out of this in the coming wintery months!

What has your No.1 favourite beauty product been this Month?

Abbie x

Beauty Bay Haul

This was my first time shopping with Beauty Bay and I can quite confidently say, the whole process was a pleasant one! I spent enough to get free next day delivery (ooops!) which was all accurate and it did come the very next day which I was impressed with as I ordered on a Sunday evening so was unsure whether it would come on the Tuesday instead. Beauty Bay have so many lovely brands that aren't available in our English drugstore shops. I really had to rein it in and keep myself to a strict budget otherwise I would have easily spent way more money than I did!!

Zoeva Naturally Yours Palette- £18.00

I have had my eyes on the Zoeva eyeshadow palettes for a while now and it had just stayed on my 'want' list (anyone else have one of these?! Mine's in my notes on my phone hahaha!) for a while. I struggled to decide which one to get as they are all so gorgeous but I went for the Naturally yours one as I prefer neutral eye looks with warm browns and golden colours. When I opened this, I did the most geeky smile at it for a good minute- it is just stunning and looks soooo much better in real life! My Fiance really doesn't understand how I can call makeup beautiful and just looked at me like I was mad but I was totally mesmerized by it (makeup nerd over here!!). 

Morphe R37 Pointed Blender Brush- £4.75

As I was buying more eyeshadows, I felt I probably needed a new blending brush and was sucked in by this rose gold detailed Morphe one! It is nice and soft and feels good quality so we shall see how it goes!

Milani Baked Blush- Berry Amore- £8.00

I have seen these Milani Baked Blushes talked about so much over the blogging and youtube community so thought it was time I tried one out! This colour looked like it would suit my skin tone the best. It is really quite pleasing to the eye although the packaging is a little on the plasticy/cheap side, but this isn't really an issue for me, after all it's what's inside that counts!

Milani Matte Lip Cream- Adorable- £8.00

This is the only product of the haul that I have actually tried (I will be reviewing them all in detail soon). It is a beautiful colour and has some amazing staying power! I actually struggled to remove it which to me is a positive as there is nothing worse than spending money on a lip product that needs reapplying every 5 minutes! 

LAgirl Endless Semi Permanent Lip Liner- Natural- £2.49

I added this to my basket as I was in need of a natural colour lip liner that would go with a lot of my current favourite lip colours. It was also cheap as chips (literally!) and i've heard good things about the brand LA girl which is another brand that I have never tried until now. 

I hope you all enjoyed this post and it doesn't make you go and hammer your bank balance because I know I always go straight onto beauty websites when I see people's makeup hauls or reviews!

Abbie x

Product Empties

Over the past month or so, I have come to the end of some products and luckily, I have enjoyed using all of these! I have never done a product empties post but I always enjoy reading or watching videos on these as it shows what people have enjoyed enough to get to the end of! I find it's like a favourites but also like a little review as sometimes we do just persevere with things that may not be the best but they're still okay.

Loreal Elvive Full Restore Shampoo and Conditioner

I bought these to try a while ago as I'm always on the hunt for new hair products. I mentioned in my haircare routine post that I find it very hard to find hair products (especially shampoo and conditioners) that I really love and will stick with. I find that every time I run out of a set, I will just go and purchase a completely different one and rarely repurchase. I didn't mind this shampoo and conditioner combo as it left my hair feeling super soft and smelling gorgeous, but like a lot of other repairing hair products, it did weigh my hair down a little and I had to keep swapping it up to give my hair a break. This is where the next hair product I have finished comes in nicely!...

Toni & Guy Shampoo for Advanced Detox

This is a massive favourite of mine now! The bottle has lasted me ages because you only need to use this once a week. I use this when my hair is starting to feel a bit heavy and build up is becoming an issue. No one likes that feeling when you've washed your hair, dried it etc and it still feels a little greasy and yucky! This shampoo sorts that problem right out! It is quite strong and drying so you do need to use a good conditioner on the ends of your hair along with this. I am definitely repurchasing this!

Loreal Telescopic Mascara- Magnetic Black

This is my second tube (tube?! Cannot think what to call it!!) of this mascara. I have just repurchased again because I love it and it's probably the best mascara I have found yet! It gives me lenth, volume and separates my lashes beautifully to really give that falsies look, yet still looks natural. 

Nivea Double Effect Eye Makeup Remover

I have used this product for a loooong time now and always repurchase. For a long time when I was younger, I was just using face wipes to remove my eye makeup. I never liked the thought of using this eye makeup remover as it is partly oil based. My Mum has always used it and when I started complaining that my eyelashes were falling out a lot, she told me to use it. I went and bought some and have never looked back. It removes my eye makeup without all the pulling and tugging that is soooooo bad for your eyes. I will continue to repurchase this for a long time as it is also so affordable at about £3.89 (it is often on offer as well in various supermarkets and drugstores). 

What are some products that you will always repurchase? 

Abbie x

Sensationail Collection

I have always loved doing my nails from a very young age. When I was just a little girl, I would love it when my Mum painted my nails for me and it was always a real treat! When I was about 10 years old, I was given a nail art book with instructions on how to create lots of different nail looks (my favourite was the snowman one!!). I used to sit in my room for hours painting my nails and doing different nail art. 

As I grew up I began to hate painting my nails and it seemed such a chore (plus I would always get told off for wearing it at school and asked to remove it, booooo!). When I started my job working in a pre-school, I found my nail polish would chip after one day of wear as I was doing more jobs like washing up etc. 

Since they came about, I had always taken an interest in gel nails but never been to get them done in a salon as they do come with a price tag a little too high for a student on minimum apprenticeship wage! A few years ago at Christmas I saw these Sensationail Gel Nail kits in boots for half price. I didn't buy one, or ask for one for Christmas as I was put off by the fact Gel Nails are known for leaving your nails a little ruined and dry! Last year, as usual, my Mum had been nagging me for ages asking me what I wanted from her for Christmas. I started to research and look at reviews for the Sensationail kits and as they were half price again on a black friday offer, I told my mum to just go for it. 

I must say, I didn't regret it! I have been a little lazy over the past few months and I have been super busy with work etc, so I haven't actually done myself a little Gel Mani in a few months. However, I love this kit and I have used it a lot in the almost year I have owned it! In the starter kit you get everything you will need to create the perfect 'at home' Gel Manicure (including the LED Lamp). I got the two colours 'Moroccan Rouge and Gold Glitter) which was very fitting for the Christmas month. 

Since then, I have collected a few of the polishes and have loved them all!

Sensationail claim that their Gel Manicures should last for up to two weeks. I find that mine last for about a week to a week and a half which is still brilliant and definitely a step up from average polish that would chip after a days wear! They are lovely and shiny and after a little practice, look professional for a fraction of the price of going to get Gels done at the salon every couple of weeks!

Sensationail Gel Colour- Moroccan Rouge

Sensationail Gel Colour- Mauve Maven

Abbie x

Top 5 Autumn Lip colours

I can never really decide what season is my favourite. I do love summer and all that comes with it like cute picnics and holidays but I think fashion and beauty wise, I much prefer Autumn and Winter. I always find it much easier to put together winter outfits because I'm a big lover of a bit of layering. Chunky knitwear, beautiful coats, cute boots and bobble hats are, and I think always will be my favourite things to wear!

With Autumn usually comes darker colours in fashion and beauty- warmer tones such as burgundy and plums are my all time faves!

I've decided to be a little braver this year with my lip colours as last year I only really plucked up the courage for darker colours towards the end of winter and it was a little too late!

I have picked a few of my favourite Autumn/ Winter lip colours ranging from some nudes to plums. 

Left to right- as pictured above

What is your favourite Autumn lip product?

Abbie x

How I Wash My Makeup Brushes

Washing makeup brushes is the worst job, right? I always used to put it off so much which is disgusting, I know! I used to wash my brushes with a normal soap and water and just swirl them in the palm of my hand. This was always very time consuming as I'd rinse them to find there was still product in them and have to repeat the process a few times on each brush. I knew you could get little brush cleaning tools like this Real Techniques one I have, but back then, this particular one were not out yet and the only ones available were so expensive for what seems like just a bit of bobbley rubber. 

I got the Real Techniques one and I have never regretted it or looked back- it's fab! It takes me over half the time to wash my brushes which makes it so much more bearable and i've finally stopped putting off this used to be horrible job. I love that this palette has different sized bobbles for different sized brushes. This means you can really get in there and scrub them clean!

I now use baby shampoo to wash my brushes as it's gentle on the brushes and also your skin (it also smells beautiful!). Firstly, I squeeze a dollop of the shampoo onto the palette and dampen the brush. I then swirl the brush around the palette depending on the size of the brush, add a bit of water and carry on swirling till the water runs clean and that is literally it! So much easier than any other method i've ever used and my brushes always come out looking so fresh and clean!

Abbie x