Review | Sigma F88 Flat Angled Kabuki

Review | Sigma F88 Flat Angled Kabuki..♥

This brush is very similar to my all time favourite Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush but instead, the F88 is an angled version. Since I had taken a picture of this brush when it was brand new and I'm able to use the picture for this review, I thought I'd review this first. I've got this thing where I don't really like taking pictures of stuff to upload onto my blog unless it still looks brand new and my F80 has seen better days which is why I haven't taken a picture of it to show and review to you all. I do plan on ordering a new one soon so when I do, I may review it although it is very similar to the F88. 

The F88 is part of Sigma's Sigmax collection which was released a while back. I'm sure many of you who keep up to date with beauty on YouTube and blogs would have heard about this collection. 

I use this brush to apply my foundation. Its recommended use is for cream foundations but personally I don't use cream and I find it works very well with my liquid foundations. As the soft synthetic hairs on the brush are so densely packed, it's great for those who require good coverage and definitely creates an airbrushed finish. Because the brush is angled, it allows you to easily reach areas that other brushes may not as comfortably including the contours of your nose. I also find that after my brows have been filled in, the angled brush allows me to apply foundation around them more easily as areas become a lot more reachable due to the angular shape. 



I find the best way to use this brush is in a stippling motion initially to apply your foundation. This way gives you the most coverage and an airbrushed finish. Once you've stippled on your foundation, any further blending can be done with the same brush and it does this very well as you are left with absolutely no streaks like some foundation brushes give you. I also find that it makes my application quicker because of the density of the brush. You cover more areas of your face a lot quicker!

You may find that compared to other brushes with less density, the F88 is harder to wash as there are so many hairs. It does need a little more washing time to return to its natural colour but the more regularly you wash your brush, the easier it is to achieve this. 

The brush may also feel a bit heavier than some of the other brushes you may own. This is due to the ferule being thicker than most but I wouldn't say it is uncomfortable to use, it just may feel weird at first.

Overall I feel that the F88 or even the F80 are definitely brushes that one should own in their collection. It can even be used for nights out when you want to make the extra effort and have a flawless base because of the coverage and finish the brush gives. I currently alternate between the F88 and F80 when one is dirty but they are definitely my go to brushes.

Price: $18 (Sigma are currently doing 10% until Nov 30th!)

Availability: www.sigmabeauty.com

Sigma are currently doing 10% off their products until NOV 30th using the discount code SBAP12.

For my UK readers, they do ship internationally!

 Click HERE to purchase and don't forget to use the discount code for your 10%!

Will you be buying this brush? Or do you own any brushes from the Sigmax Collection?

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Review | Sigma F88 Flat Angled Kabuki

Review | Sigma F88 Flat Angled Kabuki..♥

This brush is very similar to my all time favourite Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush but instead, the F88 is an angled version. Since I had taken a picture of this brush when it was brand new and I'm able to use the picture for this review, I thought I'd review this first. I've got this thing where I don't really like taking pictures of stuff to upload onto my blog unless it still looks brand new and my F80 has seen better days which is why I haven't taken a picture of it to show and review to you all. I do plan on ordering a new one soon so when I do, I may review it although it is very similar to the F88. 

The F88 is part of Sigma's Sigmax collection which was released a while back. I'm sure many of you who keep up to date with beauty on YouTube and blogs would have heard about this collection. 

I use this brush to apply my foundation. Its recommended use is for cream foundations but personally I don't use cream and I find it works very well with my liquid foundations. As the soft synthetic hairs on the brush are so densely packed, it's great for those who require good coverage and definitely creates an airbrushed finish. Because the brush is angled, it allows you to easily reach areas that other brushes may not as comfortably including the contours of your nose. I also find that after my brows have been filled in, the angled brush allows me to apply foundation around them more easily as areas become a lot more reachable due to the angular shape. 



I find the best way to use this brush is in a stippling motion initially to apply your foundation. This way gives you the most coverage and an airbrushed finish. Once you've stippled on your foundation, any further blending can be done with the same brush and it does this very well as you are left with absolutely no streaks like some foundation brushes give you. I also find that it makes my application quicker because of the density of the brush. You cover more areas of your face a lot quicker!

You may find that compared to other brushes with less density, the F88 is harder to wash as there are so many hairs. It does need a little more washing time to return to its natural colour but the more regularly you wash your brush, the easier it is to achieve this. 

The brush may also feel a bit heavier than some of the other brushes you may own. This is due to the ferule being thicker than most but I wouldn't say it is uncomfortable to use, it just may feel weird at first.

Overall I feel that the F88 or even the F80 are definitely brushes that one should own in their collection. It can even be used for nights out when you want to make the extra effort and have a flawless base because of the coverage and finish the brush gives. I currently alternate between the F88 and F80 when one is dirty but they are definitely my go to brushes.

Price: $18 (Sigma are currently doing 10% until Nov 30th!)

Availability: www.sigmabeauty.com

Sigma are currently doing 10% off their products until NOV 30th using the discount code SBAP12.

For my UK readers, they do ship internationally!

 Click HERE to purchase and don't forget to use the discount code for your 10%!

Will you be buying this brush? Or do you own any brushes from the Sigmax Collection?

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin

What's New | Sigma F88, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra, Maybelline BB Cream, Body Shop Tea Tree Range

What's New | Sigma F88, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra, Maybelline BB Cream, Body Shop Tea Tree Range..♥

Aside infrequent posts, I also haven't done much makeup shopping recently but I thought I'd show you the few things I have added to my collection though some are repurchases.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

After taking a liking to the Tea Tree Blemish Night Fade Lotion, I wanted to try more from The Body Shop Tea Tree range. If you're subscribed to receiving emails from The Body Shop, you will know that they're always sending discount codes or having offers. At the time they were having an offer where if you spend over £5, you get free shipping and 30% off your order so I decided to make use of the discount code and purchase. The oil can be used as a massage oil, in your shampoo, in your bath, in your makeup cleansing solution and is also meant to be good for blemished skin. It is one of their best selling products so I'm interested to see how well it works.

Original Price: £6.50 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion

This is a repurchase. If you have not already seen my review on this product, click HERE. 

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation

I did decide to repurchase this foundation as it has quickly become one of my favourites. I stuck with the shade #11 which I had been using before as I tried #10 again and I didn't like it. I'm sure many of you have already read my review on it but if not, click HERE to read it.

Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 BB Cream - Deep Sheer Tint

So lately there's been this whole hype about BB creams. At first I never really took interest because there seemed to be a lack of colour range amongst brands. But as time goes, more and more brands are offering BB creams for women of colour. After seeing lilpumpkinpie05 and teasedblackpearlz on YouTube use it, I thought I'd give it a try. I haven't had a chance to wear it properly because I recently had an allergy on my face but it does look a tad dark and the shade before looks light. This shade is not available in England so I had to order it off eBay from a US seller. For those interested, click HERE for the link. The seller also has other shades. Once I've tested it out fully, I'll write a review. 

Price: £7.68

Sigma F88 Flat Angled Kabuki Brush

I received the F88 brush this morning that was very kindly sent from Sigma. I am in love with their Sigmax brushes and those who know me know that I cannot live without my F80 Flat Kabuki brush. That has to be the best foundation brush I have ever used for an flawless and good coverage. I always recommend it to people. I'm due to write a review on it actually! This brush is very similar to the F80 but instead it is angled. It can also be used as a foundation brush but since it is angled, it may be easier to use on certain areas of the face. Even though it is very similar to my F80, I will try it out as a foundation brush but I can see myself using it more to contour! Click HERE to view the range or purchase Sigma brushes. For those in England, they do provide worldwide shipping. You can also get 10% until September 30th by using the code SB2012!

Price: $16



If there's anything that I have mentioned in my 'What's New' posts that you would like me to review, do let me know! 

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What's New | Sigma F88, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra, Maybelline BB Cream, Body Shop Tea Tree Range

What's New | Sigma F88, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra, Maybelline BB Cream, Body Shop Tea Tree Range..♥

Aside infrequent posts, I also haven't done much makeup shopping recently but I thought I'd show you the few things I have added to my collection though some are repurchases.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

After taking a liking to the Tea Tree Blemish Night Fade Lotion, I wanted to try more from The Body Shop Tea Tree range. If you're subscribed to receiving emails from The Body Shop, you will know that they're always sending discount codes or having offers. At the time they were having an offer where if you spend over £5, you get free shipping and 30% off your order so I decided to make use of the discount code and purchase. The oil can be used as a massage oil, in your shampoo, in your bath, in your makeup cleansing solution and is also meant to be good for blemished skin. It is one of their best selling products so I'm interested to see how well it works.

Original Price: £6.50 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion

This is a repurchase. If you have not already seen my review on this product, click HERE. 

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation

I did decide to repurchase this foundation as it has quickly become one of my favourites. I stuck with the shade #11 which I had been using before as I tried #10 again and I didn't like it. I'm sure many of you have already read my review on it but if not, click HERE to read it.

Maybelline Dream Fresh 8-in-1 BB Cream - Deep Sheer Tint

So lately there's been this whole hype about BB creams. At first I never really took interest because there seemed to be a lack of colour range amongst brands. But as time goes, more and more brands are offering BB creams for women of colour. After seeing lilpumpkinpie05 and teasedblackpearlz on YouTube use it, I thought I'd give it a try. I haven't had a chance to wear it properly because I recently had an allergy on my face but it does look a tad dark and the shade before looks light. This shade is not available in England so I had to order it off eBay from a US seller. For those interested, click HERE for the link. The seller also has other shades. Once I've tested it out fully, I'll write a review. 

Price: £7.68

Sigma F88 Flat Angled Kabuki Brush

I received the F88 brush this morning that was very kindly sent from Sigma. I am in love with their Sigmax brushes and those who know me know that I cannot live without my F80 Flat Kabuki brush. That has to be the best foundation brush I have ever used for an flawless and good coverage. I always recommend it to people. I'm due to write a review on it actually! This brush is very similar to the F80 but instead it is angled. It can also be used as a foundation brush but since it is angled, it may be easier to use on certain areas of the face. Even though it is very similar to my F80, I will try it out as a foundation brush but I can see myself using it more to contour! Click HERE to view the range or purchase Sigma brushes. For those in England, they do provide worldwide shipping. You can also get 10% until September 30th by using the code SB2012!

Price: $16



If there's anything that I have mentioned in my 'What's New' posts that you would like me to review, do let me know! 

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin

My Favourite Makeup Products Of 2011

Favourite Makeup Products Of 2011..♥











Happy New Year Beauts!



Since we've now ended 2011 and welcomed 2012, I thought I'd show you some of last years makeup favourites. They are makeup products which I've reached for the most. A lot of them I often repurchased and some were new additions to my collection last year which I may have previously blogged about. There are more products which I reached for often as well but these are the products which stuck in my mind so obviously made a good impression.



In no particular order, here are my 2011 makeup faves!

Sigma Small Contour Brush F05

I haven't owned this brush for a long time but it quickly became one of my top brushes that I use for contouring and applying blush.



Sigma Buffer Brush F45

I also own the MAC Buffer Brush 182 but I kind of ruined it so I looked for a cheap alternative and came across this one. It is exactly the same as the MAC 182 and works just as well!

I use it to apply my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish powder.



Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush F80

This is by far my most favourite brush. It blends in my foundation effortlessly and seamlessly. It gives me that flawless look that I love. I would recommend it to anyone!

MAC Fix+

I use this daily before my foundation application and I really do believe it helps make my makeup last longer. I also use it if I feel I've applied too much powder so it helps make my makeup look more natural. I've just recently run out but I'm going to pick up a new bottle very soon!

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage

I love this primer! I got it as a Christmas present from my sister in 2010 and since then I cannot go without using it. It makes my skin very smooth and prepares it for my foundation application. There are small light-reflecting particles in it which create a glowing effect. 

Click here for my review on this product.

Face Atelier Ultra and Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estee Lauder Double Wear is by far my most favourite foundation. It does everything I need it to apart from provide a good colour match for me so I mix it with Face Atelier Ultra to create a better match and perfect finish. 

Click here for my review on Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation and here for a FOTD of me wearing the mix. 

YSL Rouge Volupte #3 Ultimate Beige and NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss Miami Babe

I believe this is my most worn lip combo of the year. They are like a mauve shade and complement my skin tone very well. Great for everyday wear!

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish

I've lost count of how many times I've repurchased this product. It is my favourite powder from MAC. I use it 90% of the time that I wear makeup and I can't see myself putting it away anytime soon!

L'Oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss

I really can't remember the last time I've used an eyeliner besides this one. It is quite black in my opinion with a slight gloss finish and lasts all day!



L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara/Original

I love this mascara! I usually either buy it in 'Carbon Black' or 'Original' depending on what superdrug has in stock. It lengthens and thickens my lashes like no other mascara has.



MAC Eye Brows

I cannot go without these! I usually use it in the shade 'Stud' but recently I've been purchasing 'Spiked' ever since they ran out of 'Stud'. They are great because it gives a natural look to your filled in brows and don't make your eyebrows look too drawn on.

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder

Words cannot describe how good this product is. It sets my makeup and makes it last the whole day with no touch ups.

Click here for a review.

ChapStick Moisturiser and MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner - Soothing Beige

These are both very good moisturisers to apply to your lips during the day and even at night before bed. They heal and prevent dry/cracked lips!

MAC Prolongwear Concealer

This is my favourite concealer to use for my under eye area. It doesn't cake or crease under the eye. You have to work very quickly with it though as it is fast-drying!

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer

I really like using this concealer to perfect my brows as it is very easy to blend unlike other concealers that I've tried.

NARS Gilda Blush

I AM SORRY, I ACCIDENTALLY TOOK A PICTURE OF NARS GINA!

I have quite a few blushes but last year, I found myself reaching for this one so many times. NARS blushes are very pigmented and last a long time. It is a very nice coral colour that also complements dark skin tones!



Sleek Contour Kit - Medium

Those who follow my blog will know that I haven't owned this contour kit for a long time but for the little time that I have had it, I've used the contour powder everyday. It is a great product for its price as it also comes with a highlighter (which I hardly ever use).

MAC Iridescent Loose Powder Golden Bronze

I believe this is a multi-purpose product but I specifically use it as a highlighter which I believe it's great for. I used it so much during summer 2011 because it gives me that nice glow which is not overpowering. It has fine particles so you won't look like a glittery hot mess!

Click here for a review.



Were any of these your favourites for 2011?

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My Favourite Makeup Products Of 2011

Favourite Makeup Products Of 2011..♥











Happy New Year Beauts!



Since we've now ended 2011 and welcomed 2012, I thought I'd show you some of last years makeup favourites. They are makeup products which I've reached for the most. A lot of them I often repurchased and some were new additions to my collection last year which I may have previously blogged about. There are more products which I reached for often as well but these are the products which stuck in my mind so obviously made a good impression.



In no particular order, here are my 2011 makeup faves!

Sigma Small Contour Brush F05

I haven't owned this brush for a long time but it quickly became one of my top brushes that I use for contouring and applying blush.



Sigma Buffer Brush F45

I also own the MAC Buffer Brush 182 but I kind of ruined it so I looked for a cheap alternative and came across this one. It is exactly the same as the MAC 182 and works just as well!

I use it to apply my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish powder.



Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush F80

This is by far my most favourite brush. It blends in my foundation effortlessly and seamlessly. It gives me that flawless look that I love. I would recommend it to anyone!

MAC Fix+

I use this daily before my foundation application and I really do believe it helps make my makeup last longer. I also use it if I feel I've applied too much powder so it helps make my makeup look more natural. I've just recently run out but I'm going to pick up a new bottle very soon!

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage

I love this primer! I got it as a Christmas present from my sister in 2010 and since then I cannot go without using it. It makes my skin very smooth and prepares it for my foundation application. There are small light-reflecting particles in it which create a glowing effect. 

Click here for my review on this product.

Face Atelier Ultra and Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estee Lauder Double Wear is by far my most favourite foundation. It does everything I need it to apart from provide a good colour match for me so I mix it with Face Atelier Ultra to create a better match and perfect finish. 

Click here for my review on Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation and here for a FOTD of me wearing the mix. 

YSL Rouge Volupte #3 Ultimate Beige and NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss Miami Babe

I believe this is my most worn lip combo of the year. They are like a mauve shade and complement my skin tone very well. Great for everyday wear!

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish

I've lost count of how many times I've repurchased this product. It is my favourite powder from MAC. I use it 90% of the time that I wear makeup and I can't see myself putting it away anytime soon!

L'Oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss

I really can't remember the last time I've used an eyeliner besides this one. It is quite black in my opinion with a slight gloss finish and lasts all day!



L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara/Original

I love this mascara! I usually either buy it in 'Carbon Black' or 'Original' depending on what superdrug has in stock. It lengthens and thickens my lashes like no other mascara has.



MAC Eye Brows

I cannot go without these! I usually use it in the shade 'Stud' but recently I've been purchasing 'Spiked' ever since they ran out of 'Stud'. They are great because it gives a natural look to your filled in brows and don't make your eyebrows look too drawn on.

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder

Words cannot describe how good this product is. It sets my makeup and makes it last the whole day with no touch ups.

Click here for a review.

ChapStick Moisturiser and MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner - Soothing Beige

These are both very good moisturisers to apply to your lips during the day and even at night before bed. They heal and prevent dry/cracked lips!

MAC Prolongwear Concealer

This is my favourite concealer to use for my under eye area. It doesn't cake or crease under the eye. You have to work very quickly with it though as it is fast-drying!

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer

I really like using this concealer to perfect my brows as it is very easy to blend unlike other concealers that I've tried.

NARS Gilda Blush

I AM SORRY, I ACCIDENTALLY TOOK A PICTURE OF NARS GINA!

I have quite a few blushes but last year, I found myself reaching for this one so many times. NARS blushes are very pigmented and last a long time. It is a very nice coral colour that also complements dark skin tones!



Sleek Contour Kit - Medium

Those who follow my blog will know that I haven't owned this contour kit for a long time but for the little time that I have had it, I've used the contour powder everyday. It is a great product for its price as it also comes with a highlighter (which I hardly ever use).

MAC Iridescent Loose Powder Golden Bronze

I believe this is a multi-purpose product but I specifically use it as a highlighter which I believe it's great for. I used it so much during summer 2011 because it gives me that nice glow which is not overpowering. It has fine particles so you won't look like a glittery hot mess!

Click here for a review.



Were any of these your favourites for 2011?

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What's New: Sigma, MAC and Love-makeup.co.uk

What's New: Sigma, MAC and Love-makeup.co.uk..♥

I guess it's that time again where I show you what's new! These items were purchased over the past week or so. As usual I strolled into MAC and couldn't resist temptation. I feel like every time I walk in there, I must leave with something or it doesn't feel right.

 I also ordered a couple of things from www.love-makeup.co.uk. For those of you unaware of this site make sure you click the links within this post!

Sigma F05 Small Contour Brush

"A rounded dome brush for contouring and face blending, useful for powder setting after the laydown of concealer under the eyes to avoid movement of product."

I bought this contour brush to be used with my Sleek Contour Face Kit. I've found that the brushes I was using previously were not giving me enough precision when contouring my face. This brush also works lovely for applying blush. Because it is small you can really apply your blush precisely where you want it.

I believe this brush is multi-purpose and can be used for more than just contouring therefore making it good value for money.

Since my last Sigma brush purchase, they have modified the look of their brushes slightly. The handles are now glossy as opposed to matte and the Sigma logo is a bit bigger.

Call me late if they changed this a while ago, I just haven't purchased a Sigma brush in so long.





Price: £11.99

Purchase Online: Love-Makeup





♥





MAC Mineralize Blush in Love Joy

"Baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. Veils and enhances the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer"

Swatch

This beautiful mineralize blush was purchased mainly because I don't own one. I've used it a few times now but I mainly use it to highlight my cheekbones. I love that it isn't too glittery and can be applied for that subtle glow. The blush is currently available in 6 shades but this one in particular is in the permanent range.





Price: £19.00

Purchase Online: http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk





♥





Makeup Blending Sponge

"Latex free makeup blending sponge. Use the pointed end for blending in around the nose and under the eyes and the rounded end for the rest of the face. Wet and squeeze out excess water before using, when wet the sponge will swell up in size. Wash with mild shampoo after every use to prevent bacteria building."

I know I've only just recently purchased this but I am in loveeee!

I've dashed my Sigma F80 brush somewhere and have just been using this everyday without fail. I never thought my F80 brush would get replaced but I think this may have taken its place.

This sponge gives you a flawless and airbrushed finish. At first I was a bit unsure because you're meant to use it damp and I wasn't too sure how a damp sponge would feel when applying foundation and powder but I must say I think this is the best tool I've used to apply my makeup.

I use this sponge for everything apart from blush (I am still yet to try that) and it's perfect. Believe me it can also be used damp with powders as I use it to apply my Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.

During application, I use the pointed end for my under-eye concealer and the rounded side for the rest of my face.

I think everyone should try using this sponge. I'm sure you will be amazed and it retails at such an affordable price compared to the "Beauty Blender" which is around £15!



Price: £3.99 (you cannot go wrong)

Purchase Online: http://www.love-makeup.co.uk



♥





MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Dark

"A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a 

touch-up throughout the day."

This product is just a repurchase. I dust on this powder after applying my foundation. I feel that it gives off a lovely finish and a glow to your skin whilst looking matte. I'm not sure that I can live without it!

I believe it can be either worn alone or with a foundation. It does have a hint of coverage.



Price: £18.50

Purchase Online: http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk

♥





MAC Eye Brows in Spiked

"Self-propelling, self-sharpening, brow defining. Confidently adds what you need: shape, colour, density in one streamlined tool. Like a pen, creates its own just-right point. Provides definition, shape, deepens/fills in colour. Creates striking arches. Easy to tote around. No sharpener needed."

 

  I don't know if you've noticed but I usually used the MAC Eye Brows in Stud. For some reason it has been out of stock in my local MAC for weeks. I was told that it may not even come in for a while. 

At the time I desperately needed an eye brow pencil as I don't go a day without filling them in. I was going to try the Clinique Superfine Liner but once again their darkest shade was out of stock. Personally I like my eyebrows really dark because I like them to stand out so I was in quite a dilemma. Eventually I went back to MAC and opted for the shade Spiked which is the shade just before Stud but obviously not as dark. Having used it a few times I guess it's not too bad and I can make do with it until Stud returns :)



Price: £11.50

Purchase Online: www.maccosmetics.co.uk





Have you made any purchases lately?

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