Two New Zoeva Brushes

Zoeva is my favourite brand for makeup brushes, and I've recently added some more to my collection. 

I prefer cream blushes over powder ones, and these require a stippling brush. I've used the Real Techniques Stippling Brush for years, but wanted a smaller option so I'd have more control over where the colour is placed. The Zoeva 122 Petite Stippling Brush is perfect for this, and means I have the space to blend, blend, blend.

I wanted a narrow, rectangular brush so I could define certain areas of my face with more precision. Like my jawline, for example. The Zoeva 109 Face Paint Brush had the size and shape I wanted, but it's made with natural hair. I have a couple of the natural brushes, and don't like them as much as their synthetic counterparts because they shed more and don't hold their shape as well. I then found the vegan version, so opted for this one instead. The 109v is one you have to be careful with because of its density. You need a very light hand and time to blend the hell out of your product of choice. Other than contour, though, it's great for highlight. It's the perfect size and shape for the tops of your cheeks. It's best paired with a more subtle product, though, because of the density I mentioned. If I'm ever ordering from somewhere which stocks Zoeva, I'll probably add another of these to my basket so I have one for each task.

Above, you have the Zoeva 109v Face Paint Vegan, the Zoeva 122 Petite Stippling, and the Real Techniques Stippling Brush for comparison.

You can buy Zoeva from a few online stores, but I've personally bought all of mine from Beauty Bay and Love Makeup. I know that Selfridges now stock them as well. Delivery is £5, but if you're already buying something from there, it's worth having a look.

Brands I Discovered Last Year

I realise 'discovered' sounds a little pompous, but stick with me. Other vocabulary didn't have the same ring to it.

When I was thinking of brands and products to include in this post, I initially skipped over both Nip & Fab and Origins because it feels like I've been using them for so much longer. It was definitely 2015 that saw these enter my life, though, both beginning with a mask.

Nip & Fab | I was first introduced to Nip & Fab through being sent the Glycolic mask to review. It was the first mask to make a substantial difference to my skin, so I then began to look into more of the range. I now have four of the Glycolic products and like them all, but the pads are probably my favourite because of how quick and easy they are to use. I also own a couple products from the Dragon's Blood range, and while they don't make as big a difference to the surface of my skin, I still like them. Like they say on the packaging, they leave my skin feeling plump and softly moisturised.

Origins | I bought the Mask Marvels set early last year simply because it was an incredibly bargain, and each mask in the set was highly rated. The Out of Trouble and Clear Improvement masks were nice, but it's the Drink Up Intensive one which really impressed me. I then bought the Cleansing Oil, which although good, I still prefer The Body Shop's Camomile version because it's incredibly similar, but half the price. 

Just before Christmas, the gift sets were on offer and my discount, for some reason, doubled up, making them a very good price indeed. It would have been slightly cheaper to get them in the half price sale, but when that rolled around, they were no where to be seen from the beginning, so I'm glad I bought them early! I've been liking the GinZing moisturiser from one of these sets. It smells deliciously orange-y, and is refreshingly light. Having combination oily skin means I don't need something heavy duty. Is it any better than cheaper light moisturisers I've come across? I'm not sure. I just know that I like it.

The other set included the KissZing Lip Crayon in Rosemance, which was my main reason for buying it. It has quite a satin finish, which surprised me, and it's not as balmy as I expected, but it wears well and looks beautiful on. I also have a couple of GinZing Brightening Mascara samples, and while I'd never pay £17.50 when I love my £7.99 ones, it's still a good mascara. It doesn't clump or flake, and just makes your lashes look natural. I'd recommend this to someone over the Benefit ones, and they're more expensive.

Zoeva | Zoeva brushes now dominate my collection. The quality of them is so much higher than their price point. My favourite has to be the 322 Brow Line because it's thinner than any other eyebrow brush I've tried, so doesn't pick up too much product, which is great when using pomades. The 102 Silk Finish is also my favourite for foundation. Even after all the battering it's gone through, it still looks great. The 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek is the only one I've been slightly disappointed in, and I think this is because the hairs aren't synthetic. If you'd like to read reviews of every Zoeva brush I own, click here.

Makeup Revolution | I know it's the brand which rips off other brands, but I really like some of the products, and they're cheap as. The Iconic Pro Blush, Bronze, and Brighten Palette in Rave is a little powdery, but apart from that, it's a good all rounder. The bronzer is matte and subtle, the highlighter's of a nice candlelight shade, and the blush has the warmth I tend to gravitate towards. For £4, it's worth giving it a go. The Ultra Brow Arch & Shape is a dupe for Anastasia Beverly Hills and Soap & Glory's offerings, and I'm a fan. The pen end has all but dried up now, but that's because I've had it a while, and it's down to this type of product, but the pencil end is still soft. It really is worth the £3.50. The Ultra Aqua Brow Tint is just £3. I didn't use it a lot in 2015 actually, but I think it's going to be in my next favourites post. A claimed dupe for the Makeup Forever Aqua Brow and NYX Eyebrow Gel, it's pigmented, easy to use, and stays put.

I've only tried the brow products from both Anastasia Beverly Hills and Freedom, so I can't say I 'discovered' the brands, but still wanted to mention them. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Soft Brown is as good as everyone says, but mine's starting to dry up, and instead of spending another £15, I'd rather buy Freedom's £5 version, also in Soft Brown. It's slightly warmer, so I've also bought Medium Brown since, but in terms of formula, I don't think it's massively different. The Duo Eyebrow Powder in Soft Brown (£4) is also nice. It's not massively pigmented, so you do have to dip your brush a few times, but it's one to use when you want a natural look, or to set your eyebrows after using another product.

I hope I discover just as many great brands in 2016. What do you think of the ones I've talked about?

Top 15 Products of 2015

I didn't give myself a limit to the number of products featured in my 2014 favourites, and ended up having two mammoth posts, so I set about having just 15 this time around. It was quite difficult actually, so I may write another post with the ones which didn't quite make it!

Most of these products are ones which I discovered in 2015. There are three which I've been using for longer, but I absolutely love them, so had to include them. I haven't included my trusty NYX Cream Blush in Natural, The Body Shop's All In One Face Base in 02, Maybelline's Gel Liner in Black, or ELF's Studio Eyebrow Kit in Light, because although I've been through many of each, I talk about them all the time.

The fragrance which I'm choosing as my 2015 favourite is Viktor & Rolf's Bonbon. I haven't had it that long, and I still love all my others just as much, but this one is so different to anything I own. It's rich, warm, and sweet, rather than light, floral, and fruity. The caramel note is really what makes it, and I'll catch whiffs of it throughout the day. One spray on the neck, and one on the wrists, is all I need, and my mum will comment on my perfume when I get home from work. I've avoided smelling Flowerbomb because of the patchouli note, but everyone seems to love it, so I think I'm going to have to track down a tester or sample of that one as well.

I'm grouping the MUA Sweet Sheen Lip Balms together, but thought I'd show you two of the five shades I own; Cherry Bomb and Dusky Rose. They're light, balmy, and last surprisingly well. They're also only £2 a piece!

I've been using the Superdrug Colour Effects Wash In Wash Out Conditioning Colours for years, and have spoken about them an awful lot, but I had to include them in my 2015 favourites because I've been using them more than ever, and have been receiving more compliments on my hair than ever. These bottles (£1.49) add different tones to your hair, depending on which shade you opt for. I tend to use the Mahogany shade the most, which makes my auburn hair deeper and richer. I also like True Chestnut, which is less red. I'll either leave it on for an hour once a week, or put it on in the shower for ten minutes and gradually build it up over the course of a few days.

I discovered Lush's Ultrabland Facial Cleanser in 2014, but it became the only cleanser I use in 2015. When you first start using it, it feels very heavy, and so moisturising that you think it'll clog your pores, but it doesn't. The texture has become the norm for me now, and the simple ingredients are great for my skin. The best thing about Ultrabland is how well it removes your makeup. It just melts it away, and doesn't sting your eyes.

Rimmel's The Only One Lipstick in Naughty Nude wasn't going to be in here, but when I thought about it, it's a lipstick I go to a lot. It's opaque, creamy, and lasts for hours. It kind of dries down to feel like a satin/stain, but it's not drying on the lips at all.

Barry M's Satin Super Slick Lip Paint in Berrylicious isn't one I've had that long, but I really do love it. Again, it's opaque and incredibly creamy, but it lasts well, especially when I dab and work it into my lips. The colour is different to other berry shades I own as well. It's slightly more purple, more muted. It's also only £4.49, which is a bonus.

My new favourite mascara is Maybelline's Lash Sensational. I'm not great at distinguishing the qualities between mascaras, but I know that this one separates my lashes, somehow makes them look better than other mascaras do, and doesn't flake.

I also discovered Lush's Ro's Argan Body Conditioner before 2015, but I love, love, love it. I found the scent overpowering at first, but now it seems to calm me. The actual product is what does it for me, though. You put it on in the shower, wash it off, and voila. You're left with moisturised skin. No need for butters or lotions in the cold.

Boots were selling Origins Mask Marvel sets, left over from Christmas, in the spring for a great price. I think they were £20 for three 75ml tubes. My favourite out of these is the Drink Up Intensive one. You sleep with it on overnight, and wake up to incredibly moisturised, plump skin. I usually find that once you wash your face, the effects of other moisturisers and masks seem to disappear with it, but this one doesn't. It also smells like apricot, which I love.

The Body Shop's Shade Adjusting Lightening Drops are a game changer. I've been loving them so much. You simply add however many drops to your foundation to make it lighter, which is great if you're pale and find it difficult to find a foundation light enough. It doesn't change the formula of the foundation either.

I became a big fan of Nip & Fab in 2015, especially of the Glycolic Fix range. I love the mask and serum, but decided to include the pads here because of their ease. Wiping one of these over your skin will improve the texture, making it smoother and brighter. You'll see more of an effect if you incorporate them into your daily routine, but I like to give my skin a break after about a week.

I've been loving highlighting in general, and have a few favourites, but the one which tops them all is probably Topshop's Glow Highlighter in Polished. You only need a small amount of the cream formula, and it blends beautifully. If you want something that's warmer than this pearlescent shade, they have a golden shade called Gleam.

Overall, I love my cream blushes more than my powder ones. My NYX, Stila, and Illamasqua ones in particular. But I thought I'd include Max Factor's Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve because, out of the blushes I bought in 2015, it's the one I go to the most. The colour is so natural and easy to wear, and the formula is a dream to use. It's soft, yet not chalky, and blends incredibly well. These blushes were talked about a lot last year, and for good reason.

I found a new brand to dominate my brush collection in 2015, and that brand is Zoeva. They look and feel more expensive than they are, and the ones I own have not disappointed. The two I use the most are the Silk Finish and Brow Line ones. Even after using the Silk Finish brush to apply my foundation after all these months, it's still just as in shape and dense as it was when new. The Brow Line brush is thinner than any other eyebrow brush I've used, so it doesn't pick up as much product, and allows you to have more control. This comes in particularly handy when using pomades.

Have you used any of these products? What were your favourites of 2015?

Zoeva Brushes

After using a selection of Zoeva brushes for a couple months now, my opinions of them are pretty much formed. I can't tell you how the quality fares over years of use, but if I'm still blogging in the future, I'll let you know!

Zoeva, as a brand, looks and feels high end, but the price point is affordable. The Detail Liner and Brow Line Brushes (first and second from the top) were £5.95 each. The Rose Golden set was £56.95, which is a large chunk of money to spend at once, but each of the eight brushes works out to be around £7.12, and you also receive a good quality case. For reference, the Silk Finish and Powder Brushes are £11.50 individually, and that's for the silver hardware, not the rose gold.

I'll go through each brush I have and comment on all the different aspects. I don't have the Soft Definer Brush from the Rose Golden collection because I sold it, and I haven't used the Luxe Petit Crease brush either (which is still available in my blog sale). This is only because I don't wear eyeshadow, and have no other use for them in my current routine.

312 Detail Liner | This brush is teeny tiny, and great for getting right into the lashes and inner corner. I don't use it as much as I'd like to, though, because I'm used to the brush which comes with the Maybelline Gel Eyeliner. It takes no skill to apply eyeliner with that one, and no steady hand, because you can simply 'pat' a line across. This one, however, does require more skill. Most people will be fine with this, but I still need some practise.

322 Brow Line | This is now the brush I use on my brows daily. It's wide, but it's also thin, so not too much product is picked up. Thicker brushes tend to get clogged, but this one doesn't. I've found it works well with all formulas, too. The ELF Studio Small Angled Brush picked up slightly too much of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade for my liking, but the 322 Brow Line manages to make everything look natural.

102 Silk Finish | This is for foundation, and has been used the most. It's soft (they all are), and while it's dense, the hairs are slightly longer and more rounded than the likes of the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. Even after everything it goes through, it's maintained its shape.

110 Face Shape | Not one I thought I'd get a lot of use out of, but I've been using it almost daily to do some kind of contouring. It's just a good size for what it's intended for.

106 Powder | This has replaced my Real Techniques Powder Brush because it's slightly smaller. It's also softer, but I think that's because my Real Techniques one is a couple years old. I have to swirl it more than stipple, which took some getting used to, but I'm fine with it now.

127 Luxe Sheer Cheek | This is the one I have mixed feelings on. It's super soft, and is the perfect shape and size for applying powder blusher, but the quality isn't as good as the others. I experienced some shedding in the beginning, and I can already see that the shape isn't holding as well as the others. I think it's because it's made of natural goat hair, so maybe this is to be expected? It's still a good brush, don't get me wrong, but I'd have preferred synthetic bristles.

142 Concealer Buffer | There's nothing wrong with this brush, but I rarely use it because I apply my concealer with my fingers. It could also work with highlighter, but I also use my fingers for that, unless it's a powder.

317 Wing Linger | I don't like using this for eyeliner because it's not thin and precise enough for my liking. It's great for eyebrows, though.

All of them wash well, and the white tips have yet to become stained. If I need any other brushes, Zoeva will be the first brand I go to because of the quality and variety to choose from. I like the look of the Rose Golden Vol 2 Set, but only really want three of the brushes, so it wouldn't be worth the money. What do you think of Zoeva brushes? And the brand in general?

New Favourites

Stila Convertible Colour in Hibiscus | £16

I'd had my eye on the Convertible Colours for a while, but didn't want to pay £16 for one, especially because I was so happy with my NYX ones. Then Stila reduced a couple of the colours on their website to £8 with free delivery, and because I prefer warmer shades over bubblegum pinks, I chose Hibiscus. It's an orangey red, and one of the reasons why I've come to love it is because it's nothing like the other shades in my collection. The red shades I have tend to be of the raspberry variety, which I love during the winter. I didn't have a summery red, though, so this has filled that slot. I wasn't expecting it to be as pigmented as it is either. The NYX ones are the most pigmented cream blushes I own, but that's partly because they're so creamy. This is more firm and waxier, but still has incredible colour pay off. The finish is light and fresh, too. Petunia is next on my to buy list.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Pads | £12.99

I've just reviewed these (which you can read here), so I won't go into too much detail. Like the face mask in the same range, they leave the surface of my skin feeling smooth, and appear to minimise the appearance of my pores. The solution they're soaked in is also distributed evenly through the tub, so every pad has plenty of product on.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Soft Brown | £15

I've also reviewed this recently (here). The colour is a great match for my eyebrows, and once you get used to how pigmented it is, you can create a really natural look. Unlike powder, there's no fall out, and it's going to last a long while. I'm just hoping it doesn't dry out too much!

Bourjois Bronzing Primer | £9.99

You can find my full review of this here. Although it's quite orange in the pot, it blends out so easily, leaving a sunkissed glow. Cream bronzers are hard to find, especially matte ones, so I'm glad I found this. I'd love it if they brought out a cooler shade, though; it'd look more natural under my jaw line when I attempt to contour!

Zoeva 102 Silk Finish Brush | £11.50 on its own (the silver version)

This is the brush I've been using the most from the Rose Golden collection, and I've been using it with my foundation. I prefer it to my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, and I think that's because it's not as stumpy, so is easier to use around my nose. It's still dense and super soft, but slightly more flexible. It's also prettier, let's be honest!

Recently Purchased | River Island, H&M, Primark, Accessorize, Zoeva, and More

I rarely buy clothing these days because I'm mostly in uniform or pjs, but I cleared out about 60% of my wardrobe the other day, so there were some gaps to fill.

My sister bought some jeans from River Island not long back, and has been very impressed with them, so I wanted to get a pair. I usually opt for ones of the indigo variety, but like lighter ones in the spring/summer, so chose the ripped, mid wash pair above. These were £35.

I also bought the yellow satchel from River Island for £20 (down from £30). I'd had my eye on it online because I love my smaller yellow satchel from Primark, so was thankful they had plenty available in store. I don't think it's a hugely popular colour, but I wear very simple, plain garments, so like adding a pop of colour in the form of an accessory.

The navy bag is from Accessorize, and was £12.50 down from £25. I love its simplicity, and think it'll be great for work. If you're looking for a new bag, it's worth checking them out because they currently have a sale on. I also picked up a cute pair of socks for £1.75 (down from £3.50), and signed up to their rewards card, which I didn't know they did.

The black and grey speckled cardigan is from H&M, and was £10 down from £24.99. It comes down to my knees, and isn't something I'd normally wear. Saying that, with just a pair of jeans and a vest, it looks really nice.

The striped and grey speckled tees were also from H&M, priced at £6.99 each. You can never have too many good quality, basic t-shirts.

The boots (Primark, £15) are also very unlike me. I normally avoid ankle length boots because they make my feet look huge, but decided to just go for it with these, after my sister insisted my feet didn't look big at all. Just make sure you wear plasters on your ankles - mine are now blistered!

After saying I probably wouldn't buy the Zoeva brushes because it was most likely the rose gold packaging attracting me to the sets, I caved. I initially thought I'd go for the vol. 2 set, but ended up going for the original Rose Golden one because it had more face brushes. £56.95 is a lot, but divided between 8, it's just over £7 a piece, and you receive a case. Only 6 are pictured above because I've sold the other two. I don't wear eyeshadow, so rather than them go to waste, I thought I'd send them on. Once I've used them for a decent amount of time, I'll dedicate an entire post to them, but I will say that they're very soft. The blush brush has shed a few hairs, and I don't get on with the Wing Liner brush for its intended use (better for eyebrows), but I'm happy with everything else so far.

I also bought a load of hair products from the likes of Tresemme, L'Oreal, and John Frieda last week, because I clearly needed more. Some hair products are on clearance in Boots, and they're still included in the 3 for 2 offer, so I paid £7.01 for 9. I've found that each store is different, and the smaller ones are the best, because they don't have room to carry all the lines.

What have you picked up recently?

Recently Purchased | Zoeva, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Stila, Milani, L'Oreal

There's a few new brands for me in this haul, which is exciting!

I'd been looking at the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade for months because there isn't anything like it on the highstreet. I couldn't decide on a shade, though. Most are them either looked too dark, or too red. I have auburn hair and medium brown eyebrows, so while I can get away with warmer toned eyebrow products, the shade Auburn looked too warm. After looking at countless swatches and reading, what feels like, every review there is on the product, I decided on Soft Brown, which is a light-medium, slightly warm brown. Thankfully, it's a perfect match. I'll go more into how I'm finding it and the technique I'm using when I review it in the next couple of weeks. I bought this from Beauty Bay for £15, by the way.

I then placed a second order with Beauty Bay for the Zoeva products, which I'm so excited about! I've been lusting over the Rose Golden and Rose Golden Vol. 2 Luxury Brush Sets, but every time I go to buy them, I remember that I only want them because they look pretty. The original, black sets never tempted me, so I shouldn't splash the cash now just because of the beautiful rose gold detailing and nude handles... we'll see! I started looking at what else the brand has to offer, and came across the Cream Eye Liner in After Hours for £6.95. I haven't been brave enough to dip my brush into the untouched product yet, but the shade looks absolutely beautiful. The rich teal shade will be a nice alternative to black, and will compliment my brown eyes and auburn hair.

The only eyeliner brush I get on with is the one which comes with the Maybelline gel liner, so wanted to try another. Zoeva has a few different eyeliner brushes, but I decided on the 312 Detail Liner (£5.95) because of how precise it is. I also wanted to try the 322 Brow Line (£5.95) because it's different to my stand ELF Studio Small Angled ones, and I think it'll work better for me. Both brushes came in individual pouches, which seriously impressed me. They feel high end, but they were so affordable.

I've been wanting to try a Stila Convertible Colour, but the £16 price tag put me off, especially because I felt like my NYX ones were probably just as good. Sweet Pea was half price on their website with free P&P, but I prefer warmer shades, so left it. I checked back a few days later and found Hibiscus for £8 too, which is described as a coral red, so ordered it straight away. I actually don't have a shade like it in my collection. I have raspberry reds and coral pinks, but nothing in between. First impressions are good. It has a harder consistency than my NYX ones, but it's just as pigmented and easy to work with.

Everyone raves about the Milani Luminoso Baked Blush, so when I saw it on Amazon for £4.49, I thought I'd try it for myself. It's more powdery and orange than I was expecting, but it gives a nice glow. I'll have to use it a little more to make up my mind, I think.

I picked up a couple things from L'Oreal last month, and they were the Le Lip Liner Magique (£3.99) and Infallible Mega Gloss in 407 Smoke Me Up (Matte) (£6.99). The 'gloss' is insanely pigmented and hangs around, but can (understandably) be slightly drying without a lip balm. There was an online promotion where I could have bought three shades for a really good deal, but this was the only one I really liked. I've used the lip liner a couple times, but still don't know how much of a difference it makes. I'm going to do an experiment and wear it on half my lips under a bright lipstick, so will be able to let you know after this.

What other products from these brands would you recommend? Zoeva and Milani in particular!