Real Techniques Brushes by Samantha Chapman - Review and GIVEAWAY CONTEST!

Hello My Fashionista's! 

I'm super excited to share this post with you, not only because I wanted to share my review on the Real Technique brushes, but also because I'm offering my first GIVEAWAY on the blog in collaboration with Pixel Perfect Studio!

Below I've included a full description of the two collections that I have tried and tested - The Starter Set and The Core Collection, along with my own personal review on the products.  

Don't forget to keep reading and found out how YOU can enter my giveaway contest and win a set of your own Real Technique brushes!  And for the gentlemen out there, remember you can also enter to win for your girlfriend/wife/sister/mother!

Who is Sam Chapman?

I first discovered Samantha Chapman from her Youtube channel “Pixiwoo” and instantly became obsessed with her easy to follow Youtube tutorials.  Samantha is a very talented professional make-up artist and one of the top make-up guru's on Youtube.  It was only natural for her to start her own collection, and when I saw her collection on the Wal-Mart shelves I knew I had to try them out. 

Real Technique Brushes - ABOUT THE LINE

Designed with pro make-up artist Samantha Chapman, Real Techniques brushes combine high-tech materials with innovative design to make creating a pixel-perfect look easier than ever.  

1) The Starter Set: Eye definition goes high-definition with this essential set

It includes 5 full-size brushes + case:

• base shadow brush: applies a smooth, flawless foundation of color
• deluxe crease brush: soft, oversized design for effortless contouring
• accent brush: designed for precision detailing, spotlighting, highlighting, and smudging
• pixel-point eyeliner brush: tapered cut is ideal for dense or fine eyeliner application
• brow brush: distinctive shape easily defines eyebrows
• panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand

2) The Core Collection: Your base/flawless Core Collection

It includes 4 full-size brushes + case:

• detailer brush: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition
• pointed foundation brush: Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage
• buffing brush: ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation
• contour brush: delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish
• panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand

My Personal Review:

There are a number of reasons why I am in love with these brush sets: 

1) 101 Tutorials from Samantha:

First off, when it comes to make-up application I am no professional, that's why I love the ability to subscribe to my favorite Youtube guru's and learn from the experts.  Samantha not only makes her tutorials easy to follow she uses the brushes that I have access to which ensures I am better able to achieve the same look.  

2) The Brushes Are Easy To Use:

I am not the type of girl that likes to spend hours in front of the mirror applying my make-up.  The fact that these brushes are extremely easy to use means I can accomplish my desired look and be ready and out the door in 10 minutes. 

3) The Sleek Design:

The ultra-plush, synthetic bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free and the extended aluminum handles are light and easy to use. The soft fibers help create a flawless, high-definition finish. 

I love the clean sleek design of these brush sets and how each set has a color-coded system that corresponds to each of the key steps of makeup application.  The brush names on the handles also make for easy reference when creating your favorite look.

The brushes come with a very innovative little holder. It has a toggle on it so you can fold it back and stand your brushes up for easy access.  There is also additional space if you want to add in some other brushes. You can also loosen the toggle and use the velcro closure to store or travel with your brushes (how clever!).

4) Affordability:

The cost of each of the collections is just under $20 and for the quality you really are definitely getting your money's worth!  In all honestly after purchasing these brush sets I regret spending so much money on my MAC brushes.  I can understand if you are a professional MUA you would invest in more expensive brushes, but if you are using them for own personal everyday use, these brushes really do the trick. 

My Personal Favorite Pixiwoo Make-up Tutorials using the Real Technique brushes:

GIVEAWAY CONTEST - Enter to WIN!

Follow these 3 easy steps and you'll be automatically entered to win a FREE set of your OWN Real Techniques brush sets. The LUCKY winner will receive BOTH The Starter Set and The Core Collections brush sets. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 15, 2013.  

CONTEST RULES:

1) Share this blogpost on your Facebook and/or Twitter page with the following 5 hashtags: 

#livebreathelovefashion
#gaganbuttar

#giveawaycontest  

#fashionblogger

#pixelperfectstudios  

2) "Like" my Fashion Blog Facebook Fanpage by clicking here: https://www.facebook.com/LiveBreatheLoveFashion

3) "Like" the Pixel Perfect Studios Facebook Fanpage by clicking here:

https://www.facebook.com/pixelperfectstudios

How To Achieve Perfect Thick Eyebrows For Women and Men

PART ONE: Women 

                             

Have you always wanted beautiful thick come-hither eyebrows?  Well keep reading because this post is going to help you achieve just that.

Fuller eyebrows portray a sense of youth and can instantly change the look of your face.  Most people don’t realize how important your eyebrows can be to your overall appearance and how the shape and size of your brows can instantly transform your face. 

To prove my point I have included a side by side image below of the gorgeous and super talented Megan Fox with both thin (left) and full (right) eyebrows.  You can see by the picture on the right how much more alluring and, in a strange way, mysterious she looks with a fuller set of brows. 

1) How to Stimulate Your Eyebrow Hair Growth

I know some readers out there may say that they naturally have thin eyebrows and can’t seem to grow them out.  Others have over tweezed/waxed throughout the years and as a result have developed a few bald spots where the hair follicles no longer grow.

Then there are most of us (myself included) that have had that all too familiar bad experience of walking into a beauty salon and having your eyebrows completely thinned out despite your CLEAR direction to just clean them up.

The last time I had this horrific experience I remember coming home and frantically searching online for ways to get them to quickly grow back. 

Luckily, I found two products that worked wonders and I was able to get my thick eyebrows back within just a couple of weeks. 

If you stick either one of these two products and apply them at night before bed I am positive you will see results in just a few weeks.     

A) Castor Oil - I personally prefer using the Jamaican Black Castor Oil, but any brand from your local Pharmacy should do the trick. 

B) Ardell Brow & Lash Growth Accelerator Treatment Gel - This stuff is AMAZING but again the key is to use it as directed. 

2) How to create the perfect eyebrow shape for your face 

A. Take a pencil and line it up from the side of your nose straight up to your eyebrow, this is where your eyebrow should start.

B. Then take the pencil from the tip of your nose across your pupil, this is where your arch should be.

C. Last take your pencil from the side of your nose again across the outer corner of your eye and this is where your eyebrow should end.

3) Grooming/maintaining your eyebrows

There are a few methods you can use to shape and groom your eyebrows.  The three most popular methods are tweezing, waxing and threading.  

1) Tweezing: to pluck the hair using tweezers

2)  Waxing: is a form of semi-permanent hair removal which removes the hair from the root. New hair will not grow back in the previously waxed area for two to eight weeks.

3)  Threading: In threading, a thin cotton thread specially designed for threading is doubled, then twisted. It is then rolled over areas of unwanted hair, plucking the hair at the follicle level. 

Personally, I prefer getting my eyebrows professionally threaded as it provides more precise control in shaping the eyebrows.  I also tweeze my eyebrows in between salon visits in order to maintain them and keep them clean.

I also recommend going to a professional if you don’t feel comfortable removing unwanted hair.  The last thing you want is to accidently wax off a chunk of your eyebrows!  Not only that, a professional is able to determine what the best eyebrow shape is for your face.  Remember you can also bring in a picture(s) of the type of eyebrow shape you want to your beauty salon.

I would also suggest that once you have found a professional who is able to shape your brows to your satisfaction, stick with that individual as it will prevent you from walking out of the salon looking like a hot mess. 

4) The Final Step: How To Fill In Your Eyebrows

1)  Comb your brows to lay all the hair in one direction with a brow comb.

2)  Use an eyebrow wax as it is specially formulated to shape and hold your brows in place.

3)  Fill in your brows with a pencil/or eyebrow powder.  I personally prefer using a powder as it looks more natural.

4)  Use a small flat brush and apply a cream concealer under the brows to tidy up the edges.  By doing this step your brows appear more defined and “clean.”

REMEMBER: Your eyebrows are sisters NOT twins.  They do not have to be identical to one another.

Personally, I prefer using the Ardell Brow Defining Kit which I purchased from Winners.  The kit includes the brow defining palette, the wax grooming pencil, and the duo brow brush.  Here I am applying the black eyebrow powder from my pallet using the Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman angled brush (which I LOVE)! 

     Final Look - Curly Hair Day                                                         Final Look - Straight Hair Day 

5) "How To" Video's On YouTube  

1) For Those with Naturally Thick Eyebrow's 

2) For Those with Naturally Thin Eyebrow's 

PART TWO: Men 

In recent years men everywhere have learned the importance of their appearance and they have dedicated personal time to grooming and up-keep.  One of the most important grooming items on their list of course includes eyebrows. 

The same principles apply when it comes to the importance of a man’s eyebrow and how the shape can define his overall appearance.  However, different rules apply for men than women when shaping/grooming the brows.

I have included some images above to show you how men can shape their eyebrows in a subtle way and still look masculine.   

1) How to Groom Men’s Eyebrows tips and tricks:   

1)  Always keep a full set of brows (trim them DO NOT thin them).

2)  Examine your eyebrows and decide how you want to improve their overall appearance. Maybe all you need is to pluck the centre to get rid of that unibrow, or get a pair of scissors and carefully cut and shape longer renegade hairs, but remember to keep it natural. 

3)  There are brow shape kits designed specifically for men which you can find at your local drugstores if you want to shape your eyebrows by plucking them.

4)  If you decide to use tweezers yourself, remember, when plucking you should always work from the bottom of the brow up.

5)  Seek out a salon professional if you are uncomfortable grooming your own eyebrows.  I have walked into a salon a few times and have seen men getting their eyebrows threaded.  There is nothing wrong with that so don’t be shy!  Take your girlfriend or sister with you if you don’t feel comfortable going alone.  

6)  Apply some aloe vera or vitamin E lotion to your eyebrows after you have shaped them. This will reduce the chances of skin irritations and redness.

REMEMBER: Your eyebrows are brothers NOT twins.  They do not have to be identical to one another.

2) "How To" Video's On YouTube  

Field Of Love

 

Photography Credit: Pixel Perfect Studios 

Link to Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pixelperfectstudios

Hello My Fashionista’s,

A few weeks ago, I attended my friends Tarn and Mike’s wedding with my boyfriend Jiwan.  Before heading to the venue we decided to do a quick outfit of the day shoot.  We found a beautiful open field and literally shot these images in 10 minutes (it was so much fun!).  Jiwan and I will be doing a lot more fashion posts together, so if you have any blogpost idea’s you would like us to do let me know! 

The outfit I am wearing is from my own clothing boutique, Anaya Couture. If you have a special event coming up and would like me to design something similar for you, contact me at anayacouture@gmail.com or via Facebook to set up an appointment.  I always recommend that you set up an appointment ASAP to ensure your outfit will be ready before your special event.   

My Outfit

Cut Out Pearl Black and White Suit: Anaya Couture 

Rhinestone Bracelet: Winners

Rhinestone Shoes: purchased during my trip to England

Nude Lipstick: Kate Moss by Rimmel

White Nailpolish: OPI in the colour Alpine Snow   

Hair and Make-up: Elegance Hair and Skin

Jiwan’s Outfit:

Black Suit: H&M 

Shirt: Le Chateau 

Black Bow Tie: Le Chateau

White Pocket Square: Le Chateau

Black Dress Shoes: Aldo 

Some Highlights From Tarn and Mike's Wedding 

The beautiful couple Tarn and Mike 

She is a stunner! 

Such a fun night! 

Bombay Dreams

I recently attended my close friend Ruchika's wedding a few weeks ago with my boyfriend and wanted to share this special post.

I designed my outfit as part of my personal custom made clothing boutique - Anaya Couture.  If you are interested in getting a custom made outfit made for your special event, make sure you contact me!  I truly love designing outfits and making my customers fashion dreams/designs come to life.  

 FASHION TIP: To match or not to match? 

Personally when I attend a formal event I always prefer to match my outfit with my boyfriends. I feel it is a way for a couple to look and feel like a cohesive unit. It is also just visually more appealing, especially when you look back at the pictures you've taken.

Luckily for me my boyfriend also likes when our outfits coordinate.  So when we attend special events our final outfit choices are ones that we have both equally contributed to (ok, maybe I have a little more say). ;)

There are simple ways to cordinate with your date, whether it's matching his dress shirt, tie, or pocket square it all works.  For example, in this case we decided to match his tie and pocket square with my outfit.  I took my outfit to Le Chateau and literally held it beside all the colour choices and selected the closest colour.  To me this is always the easiest way to ensure the colours actually match. If you go by memory there is a potential risk of selecting the wrong colour.

If this is a little overwhemling for you don't hesitate to ask the sales associate; they usually have a eye for fashion and can provide you with a few options.

Photography Credit: Pixel Perfect Studios 

Link to Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pixelperfectstudios

Outfit: Anaya Couture 

Earrings: Aldo Accessories 

Nude Lipstick: Blankety by MAC 

Congrats to the happy couple Ruchika and Kenan!  Here is the beautiful bride singing to her hubby (so cute)!