Well here we are LOCKDOWN! I hope you’re all doi Well here we are LOCKDOWN! I hope you’re all doing ok?
I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to do over this time period and how to get the most out of it.
Being the final 6 months of my PhD, I will have to start writing my thesis now instead of later but to break that time up with more fun things (not that science isn’t fun 🙄). I’m thinking baking, play the piano and experimenting with makeup! It doesn’t matter that no one is going to see my makeup or hear me play, I’m doing it for me but at the same time I’m not going to force myself to do to anything I don’t feel like or feel pressured to learn something new or start something big just because we have this time. 
I think it’s important to take a break and reset without anything or anyone sucking your energy. Only do things that you really want to and help you feel better now and for the future when this is over.
What are your plans for lockdown?
For me makeup is art. Your face is the canvas and For me makeup is art. Your face is the canvas and the fact you can take any colour/finish/texture and create something that completely reflects your personality and mood is amazing and yes maybe it also fuels my need to have so many pretty palettes!! The @jackieaina @anastasiabeverlyhills eyeshadow palette is incredible! The colours are soooooo pigmented but still really wearable. It’s like a work of art itself.
What’s your favourite ABH palette?
It’s a leg up kinda Sunday! Currently away on a It’s a leg up kinda Sunday! 
Currently away on a mini weekend trip with @openingupcricket and loving all the things to see and do (and eat) in Glasgow. I’ve always loved Scotland and Glasgow is my all time favourite Scottish city. Is there a way to become an honorary Scotsman please?!
Have you ever been to Glasgow? If you could pick any other nationality to be, what would you go for? 📸 @lifeofpingkan 
#scotland #glasgow #scotsman #travel #traveltheworld #travelbug #sundayfunday #relaxandunwind #weekendaway #weekendbreak #liverpool #polkadots #isawitfirst #whatiwore #highstreetfashion #ootd #topshop #strikeapose #weblognorth #lpoolgirls
#ad | For someone who loves makeup, if you saw me #ad | For someone who loves makeup, if you saw me on a day-to-day basis, you’d have absolutely no idea! There’s enough to do in the mornings before work without having to spend half an hour doing up your face. However, when I do wear makeup, even just a little, I feel more confident, put together and ready to tackle the day. 
That’s why I’m loving @Primark.Beauty to create a super quick, everyday look to help me look glowing and more importantly, at really affordable prices.
Prep + Perfect Priming Hydrator Base -£3
Prep + Perfect Skin Illuminator -£3.50
Perfect Finish Foundation -£2.50
Brow Sketch -£2
Colour Grid Eyeshadow Palette -£3.50
Matte Bronzing Powder -£1
Blush -£1.50
Falsh Lash Queen Mascara -£3
Velvet Matte Longwear Lip Crayon -£2

Whether you’re an expert or makeup novice, all of the products from #Primark are easy to use and fantastic quality as well as being cruelty free. Everything blends onto my skin beautifully, with a couple of standouts being the foundation which lasted all day and matches me perfectly (hello, £2.50!!!!!), the £1 bronzer to add some much needed life into my skin and the Velvet Matte Lip Crayon that is beyond comfortable and lasts through eating and coffee drinking. In just 5 minutes, you can achieve the simplest of looks, that’s suitable for any occasion. #IWorkWithPrimark @Primark
Check out my Instastories to see my quick and easy morning makeup!
Who else loves earrings?! I really need to wear th Who else loves earrings?! I really need to wear them more often because 1. Jabbing them through the piercing that has been empty for months is no fun and games 😂 and 2. They just elevate your look to the next level!! Seriously, whether they’re long, studs, gold, sparkly, colourful, patterned, they make me feel so put together. 2020 is my year for accessorising!
Gifted| Back to work and I’m really not here for Gifted| Back to work and I’m really not here for it! What I am here for is these natural Wispies eyelashes from @ardellbeauty. I do love false lashes but because I don’t have a lot of lid space, I find they always look heavy and unnatural on me so I give up and they get shoved in a drawer. That’s why I was dubious at first with these but the second I put them on, I fell in love. The natural style adds volume to my lashes without looking heavy and really do pass as being my own, even in person!! They’re easy to put on as the band is nice and flexible and stay put throughout the day. These are my lashes for sure! Have you tried Ardell lashes before?
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August 6, 2017 Eye of the Beholder•Eyes•Skin Care

An Artist needs tools!

As my makeup collection grows I’ve been focusing my attention on making sure I have the right tools to apply my makeup perfectly.

It’s been a long journey from having one small eyeshadow brush and a slightly bigger brush that I used for blush, bronze, powder, pretty much everything, but I have hunted high and low for the perfect beauty tools.

After all makeup is art and an artist needs tools!

Obviously, the main tools of an artist are brushes and I’m sure I don’t need to give you even three guesses to know that my brushes of choice have to be by Spectrum Collection.

Spectrum Collections Sexy Siren Brush Set

Spectrum Collections Sexy Siren Brush Set



Again, as everyone knows these brushes are so amazing I’ll try not to go on too much, so instead I’ll just put loads of pretty pictures and still tell you how great they are! I’ve had the Bombshell set for nearly a year now and more recently the Sexy Siren set pictured here and I still get them out just to look at them they are that pretty.
Better yet they are (deep breath) such good quality, super super soft, cruelty free, vegan friendly and an absolute bargain. The sexy siren set costs £89.99 which at first may sound like a lot of money but when you consider some brand sell just one brush for £40 and here you get twelve brushes plus the stunning brush roll it is a steal! Oh and did I mention they are really pretty?

Here are three of my particular favourites:

B01 In The Buff

Even though I use a foundation blender for my lighter liquid foundations, when it comes to my Rodial foundation I use the B01 to achieve a flawless airbrushed finish. This brush makes buffing foundation onto my skin a dream for beautifully even skin.

Spectrum Collections Sexy Siren Brush Set B01

Spectrum Collections Sexy Siren Brush Set B01

 

A05 Precision Blush

The cut of this brush makes it perfect for blush and that must be true because it rhymed. It allows you to apply your blusher more accurately and make sure you don’t end up with the rosy cheeks of a clown.

Spectrum Collections Sexy Siren Brush Set A05

Spectrum Collections Sexy Siren Brush Set A05

 

B06 Blending Friend

I love love love this brush. The name says it all, it is the best brush for blending eyeshadow. Not too big you blend your eyeshadow all around the top part of your face but the bristles a separated nicely so you can blend to your hearts content.

Spectrum Collections Sexy Siren Brush Set B06



As mentioned earlier I use a foundation sponge for my more liquid foundations and my top choice is by Basic Beauty Tools. The sponges are really soft and just the right porous texture that stops it from feeling like your bashing your face whilst applying makeup during those early morning hours before you’ve had coffee. They also have a flat edge that is great for baking and applying concealer as well as a pointed tip that allows you to get right in the inner corner of your eye without having to close it so you can see what your doing. Woohoo!

Basic Beauty Tools Spongedry foundation blender

Basic Beauty Tools foundation blender pink

Basic Beauty Tools foundation blender black

What’s even better is that Basic Beauty Tools are the geniuses behind the Spongedry. Before I got my Spongedry I used to keep my foundation sponge in the lid of a candle, not good. This simple tool allows you store your sponge wet or dry to keep your blender clean and hygienic. It even come with it’s own bag so you can take your Spongedry wherever you go whether that’s to the corner shop or the South Pole. The Spongedry does fit other brands but at £5.99 Basic Beauty Tools foundation blenders are all you need.

If you fancy getting your own Spongedry (trust me you need one), you can use the code ALOVEAFFAIR for 15% off all products at Basic Beauty Tools.

Oh and you best cancel any appointments you have for at least as hour because once you’re on Spectrum Collections website you won’t want to get off.

Captial B Lips Pout

 

 

 

 

 

*This post contains products sent for review purposes but I always give an honest review, where all opinions and views are 100% my own.

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basic beauty tools cruelty free Foundation makeup sponges spectrum brushes spectrum collections vegan

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Comments

  1. Lois says

    August 9, 2017 at 7:09 pm

    I remember the only brushes I owned at one point was the eyeshadow brush you get in the palette, and I used my fingers for foundation and that grosses me out a little now I have a whole set of brushes! This set of brushes are beautiful. It’s making me want to clean my own so they look this great!
    Lois x
    http://www.lifeasloismay.wordpress.com

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 15, 2017 at 8:38 pm

      YES! and that little brush that came with blusher that would give you that 90s blush stripe look. Haha, yes they are freshly washed, they don’t normally look like this, I’m awful with washing my brushes. xx

      Reply
  2. Ellie says

    August 9, 2017 at 7:19 pm

    The spectrum brushes look amazing! The blender friend looks so good I’m always after more eyeshadow brushes! I’ve never ventured out of my comfort zone and gone for spectrum but I always hear such great things about them so maybe I should invest! You’re photography is so good these pictures are stunning

    Ellie
    http://www.headintheclouds.me.uk

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 15, 2017 at 8:39 pm

      Definitely consider getting some. I did save up for my bombshell set but they are 100% worth it. You can tell they are well made and will last ages. xx

      Reply
  3. Hels says

    August 9, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    Ohhhh the photography in this is absolutely beautiful!!! Spectrum brushes are absolutely stunning, I’m trying to justify the bridal set for my wedding!
    Hels xx
    http://www.thehelsproject.com

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 15, 2017 at 8:40 pm

      Thank you! Although it’s not hard when the brushes are this pretty. Definitely get the bridal set! It’s a once in a lifetime occasion so you deserve them haha. xx

      Reply
  4. Reine says

    August 9, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    I’ve never tried spectrum brushes before but I’ve been seeing them EVERYWHERE! They look like such good quality brushes and it’s a plus that the designs they put out are gorgeous x

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 15, 2017 at 8:43 pm

      Yes they are everywhere but they are definitely worth the hype. You can tell each brush style has had a lot of thought put into it and there is a style for everyone. xx

      Reply
  5. rachel louise 🐰🌻 (@kyvbey) says

    August 9, 2017 at 7:32 pm

    I am so jealous of how beautiful your brush collection is. I’m utterly useless when it comes to brushes and makeup tools, but it definitely seems like something I should be investing in. I also love how you explained what each brush is for, because I would have been utterly lost!

    Rachel | kyvbey.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 15, 2017 at 8:45 pm

      I used to know nothing about brushes and I am definitely still learning. I don’t always know what shape brush is for what but Spectrum explain really well and with practice and good brushes I feel I am getting better applying my makeup. xx

      Reply
  6. Alice Riley says

    August 9, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Wow that’s a lot of brushes! I’ve mostly just used an eyeshadow brush and a bigger brush for powder, but I’ve recently discovered the joys of a beauty blender for foundation!

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 15, 2017 at 8:46 pm

      Yes! I honestly don’t know what I did before getting a makeup sponge, apply my foundation with fingers probably but a sponge makes it an absolute doddle. xx

      Reply
  7. Morgan says

    August 9, 2017 at 7:54 pm

    The pictures speak for themselves – these look amazing! Heard so much about them I might just have to give into the hype soon ❤️

    Morgan // http://www.justmorgs.com

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 15, 2017 at 8:47 pm

      You won’t be disappointed if you do buy some, everything about them is just right from the design, style and quality. xx

      Reply
  8. A love affair with Beauty says

    August 15, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Thank you so much. They really are fabulous brushes. I thought one set was enough but I just want them all!!!! x

    Reply
  9. Rachael says

    August 25, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    Ahhh I love spectrum brushes too, I couldn’t be without them! All my spectrum brushes are from the original pink set with blue and purple brush heads, I’m dying to get the siren set though, they’re stunning!
    I’ve seen that sponge dry mentioned a lot, I really have to try one out!

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 28, 2017 at 12:17 pm

      Oh I love the pink set with the blue bristles. Tbf I really love them all, I don’t think there is a set I don’t like! Definitely think about getting a sponge dry, it’s so useful and the sponges are THE best. x

      Reply
  10. Kayleigh Zara says

    August 25, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Oh my god your photography is absolutely beautiful especially of the spectrum brushes at the top. Spectrum brushes are amazing quality I loved the blending brush too and the fan brush is also amazing too if you’re looking to invest in more x

    Kayleigh Zara 🌿www.kayleighzaraa.com

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 28, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      Thank you! The brushes do all the work not me! I am always wanting more Spectrum brushes, after a little save up I’m going to look at getting more haha, so thanks for your recommendations. xx

      Reply
  11. Alice says

    August 25, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Spectrum brushes are soo pretty and always come in such fabulous cases too! They’ve made such a fabulous name for theirselves recently, they seem to be everywhere! The sponge dry is so cute too, I need to get myself one of those!
    Alice Xx

    Reply
  12. Ellyn Rebecca says

    August 25, 2017 at 8:39 pm

    I’ve received some Spectrum brushes through my Birchbox subscription and I am really liking them! They look really beautiful and are at an affordable price but still feel really great quality!

    Ellyn xx | Life Of A Beauty Nerd

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 28, 2017 at 12:24 pm

      Yes! I love getting Spectrum Brushes in my Birchbox, it’s such a good idea, although it definitely started my addiction haha. Totally, agree. Obviously I still had to save up to buy the whole bombshell set but for the quality and quantity of brushes it’s fantastic. xx

      Reply
  13. Jay says

    August 26, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    Girl, I’m dying over your photography, it’s absolutely beautiful!!!! I only own the contour set from spectrum but as soon as it arrived I knew I needed more – this post makes me long for them even more!! Xx

    Jay / jayxoblogs.com

    Reply
    • A love affair with Beauty says

      August 28, 2017 at 12:31 pm

      Thank you!
      Oh the contour set looks great. I love the pink handles with the blue bristles, it’s definitely next on my I really “need” it list! xx

      Reply
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