The Beauty Lab.

Hi guys! Sorry again for the lack of posts on my blog, a lot has been happening with uni and my personal life etc.!!

I recently purchased the Real Techniques sponge (known as a similar dupe of the beauty blender) from Priceline (drugstore) in Australia for roughly $15-$20. To be honest, I wasn't entirely keen on the Beauty Blender or the Real Techniques sponge as I've heard mixed reviews, and I didn't think that it would be worth the money, as I didn't think they'd make a difference to my base (foundation, concealer etc).

However! When Jaclyn Hill and Manny MUA started to rave about the Real Techniques sponge on their YouTube channels, I thought that it might be worth it to give it a go, and if I don't particularly like it, then I guess its only quite cheap, and if I love it, it may be worth it to purchase the Beauty Blender as well!!

So I've now tried the Real Techniques sponge for three days now, and I am obviously new to the sponge technique of applying foundation and haven't had a whole lot of experience with it. But my first impressions are that I like it! I honestly didn't think it would make a difference to the way my base looks, but it definitely does! I apply my foundation with a stippling brush first and blend it in, then I go ahead and wet my sponge (after squeezing it out a little) and then bounce the sides of the sponge around my face. It gives a very even complexion, makes you look quite flawless and takes away any excess product so you don't look 'cakey'. I also have been using the sponge for concealer; and I also am fancying this as well. I use the pointy end and the flat edge to apply the concealer and it also makes it look flawless with an even coverage.

I bought the sponge with no expectations, and now I love to use it and it hasn't let me down just yet! I still want to use it more, in order to give my full opinion and review! I just thought I should do a blog post first impression on it to update you all!

If you're also the type of person who was first skeptical of the sponge technique for foundation, I personally think it is worth it to go out and buy the Real Techniques sponge and see how you like it first! I do think that its the way you use the sponge however. Definitely try using it damp, and bounce it around your face lightly. I think its also safe to start off by applying your foundation with a brush first, then going back in with the sponge. Make sure you give it a go a few times before you really know how you feel about it!
I believe that in makeup, its all about technique and everyone has their own style, which makes the industry so unique! And once you nail the steps and keep practicing, then you've got that forever.

Any questions leave them down below or on my instagram: @thebeautylabblog

until next time!

xoxo

HIII!!!

Welcome back to my blog! This is the first OFFICIAL post by 'The Beauty Lab' instead of 'Maquillage Est Belle'! Thank you for taking the time to read x

Today's post is all about my top three favourites eyeshadows and/or eyeshadow palettes! These top 3 eyeshadows are purely based on 'everyday' looks, and what I tend to wear on a day-to-day basis! Let me know if you'd like another post on my top eyeshadow palettes in general, or my ultimate dramatic eyeshadows, and I'd be happy to share :) Let's get on with it! (number 1 being my favourite, number 2 being my second favourite, and number three my third favourite, obviously..).

1. Lorac Mega Pro Palette - I did a separate post on this palette, and I mentioned that I personally think it was worth the money! It was limited edition, and was also expensive, but I really do use this palette almost everyday, and it is SO versatile, that I can create so many looks with it. I think a palette similar to this should be a staple in everyone's collection. It has a mix of neutral and warm tones (both matte and shimmer) and also a selection of cool tones. I legitimately can create everyday looks by adding Sepia in the crease, Sienna in the outer v, Apricot on the lid and Opal on the inner corner and brow bone. Or, create a night-time dramatic look by adding Camel in the crease as a transition shade, smoke out Caviar, then Black in the crease, bottom lash line and outer v, add Dusty Plum or Maroon to the lid, Vanilla in the inner corner, and White on the brow bone. These two looks are just two out of the numerous and various looks you can create!! Additionally, it also has quite a large mirror thats very easy to see precise shading and blending while creating your eye looks!

2. Nude 'Tude by The Balm - This palette is GORGEOUS!! The palette specifically focuses on nude (clearly!) and neutral shades, with a selection of four matte shades, three shimmers, and 6 satin shades with a little bit of shimmer within in. I think this palette is also good to have in your collection, however some shades are similar to the Lorac Mega Pro Palette. Again, this can be used as an everyday palette, by adding Sultry in the crease ever so lightly, Stand-Offish on the lid, and Sassy on the inner corner and brow bone. It also can be used to create a few dramatic and night time look as well, with the shades Seductive, Sultry, Sophisticated, Sexy, Serious and Sleek. I think a palette with a lot of warm neutrals, and a few cool tones is definitely the way to go! Purchasing versatile palettes ensures that you get your monies worth, and can use it often.

3. Australis AC♡ME Eyeshadow in Bronzonce - As number 3 I wanted to include a single eyeshadow that can be used often. The Bronzonce shade by Australis is so beautiful! It's a mix of rose gold, bronze, and gold- something that I've never seen before! Its gorgeous and shows up as different shades on different skin tones and on top of different eye shadows. By adding a gold/yellow based eyeshadow to the lid, then wetting a flat eyeshadow brush with Mac Fix Plus, and applying the Australis pigment to the lid will show a really strong gold shade! Where as just applying it with your finger to the base of your eyelid will show up a more bronze/rose gold. Ive used this pigment so many times and still am no where close to running out! The formula is a mousse like texture with a metallic flashback and can be applied wet or dry. For a drug-store product, its beautiful and definitely worth checking out or picking up!!

Hop you guys enjoyed this blog post and learnt something! 

Until next time, remember to check me out on social media - @thebeautylabblog on Instagram.

xoxo

Bronzonce by Australis

Bronzonce Swatch

Nude 'Tude by The Balm

Nude 'Tude swatches

Lorac Mega Pro Palette (No swatches because there are 32 shades!!!)