Complextion Perfection - For £3.50? Really?...Yes Really!

If you're anything like me, I'll bet you've spent hundreds of pounds over the years to achieve that flawless complexion?

Over the years I've tried and tested more products than I care to remember.  I've cleansed, toned and moisturised every day, taken vitamins and minerals and try to eat all the right foods. (okay so I've indulged in the odd chicken kebab after a vodka induced night with the girls but more often than not I reckon I am a pretty good girl) 

I have facials as much as I can and I've gotten involved with all all the latest fads not ONE THING has given me the result I am looking for.

No matter what I have used, how much money I have spent,  I have but never found that 'perfect' product that hides all my flaws, or that concealer that hides a multitude of sins. 

Answer.... there is NO one magic product,  its doing all of the above....

 but something I have came across recently has SIGNIFICANTLY improved and revolutionised my make up kit! Along with the following...

Step One

Cleanse, tone and moisturise, morning AND evening and I mean PROPERLY not using a makeup removal wipe a Johnson's or pampers baby wipe either, yeah yeah I know loads of people will say if its good enough for a babies ass and all of that.... fact is, my skin is no where near as perfect as a babies ass so it needs a little bit of effort (I will do a separate blog on skincare if you are interested - let me know) 

Step Two

Apply a primer, honestly, I always thought it was tosh, but it's really not, it really does prepare the skin and give you the perfect base to work with.

Step Three

 Conceal before foundation application and then after to achieve that flawless look (Again I will do a separate blog for some of my favourite foundations and concealers along with how to apply) Always use a light reflecting concealer for the eye area to avoid that cakey look.

Step Four

Foundation -  it's all in the application!  I've contacted some fantastic make up artists and they have all said something different -  sponge, fingers, brushes, its a personal preference, basically whatever you feel works best for you.  And I have tried all methods with many foundations.  But THE BEST so far has been the Stipple Brush, I swear its like a little miracle!

I've always been a bit of a make snob, thinking the more money you spend on a foundation the better the finish.  With some products I guess this is true.

However I recently purchased the ELF Cosmetics 
(Eyes Lips and Face  http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk ) 

Studio Stipple Brush and I am not kidding (nor am I sponsored or have any loyalty to this brand) this really has changed how I apply my make up  and more importantly how flawless I can get my completion.

AND THE BEST THING ITS £3.50.......YES £3.50!!!

What do they say?

This new antibacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this e.l.f. Studio brush!

The layered bristles create a soft airbrushed look that's perfect for applying foundation or adding colour definition to cheekbones or highlighting with soft layers. Use this brush with any liquid or powder face product such as foundation, blush or bronzer to build your coverage from sheer to heavy.

So why do I think this is so good?

Well, I was (and still am) a huge fan of Estee Lauder Double Wear - it gives an amazing coverage and blends like a dream, equally I LOVE Chanel Pro Lumiere, gives a more natural finish and give and amazing dewy glow both retail around £30

BUT the amazing thing I found is when I applied the cheapest foundation (Bourjois) with my stipple brush I gained a similar, I'd go as far to say, ever BETTER coverage with this cheaper alternative.

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation collection were brought to my attention by the AMAZING Lisa Eldridge (Make up artist to many celebrities) I tried it out and I was so impressed, their colour range is amazing and it blends and sits on the skin as good as any luxury foundation. Last for 16 hours too!

AND its priced around £9 (there's also a light reflecting concealer in the range which I actually prefer to YSL Touche Eclat)

I really believe the secret is in application, I have spent money in the past on expensive foundation brushes (MAC, Estee Lauder, Sigma, Paula Dorf to name but a few) they've all been pretty decent, but for me I don't get an even, blended application with a foundation brush I find it a little too cakey.

but I SERIOUSLY recommend the ELF STIPPLE BRUSH it is amazing!

Give it a go girlie's you wont be disappointed, follow ELF on Facebook they are always posting discount codes etc.

Do you have a favourite stipple brush - let me know?