Friday, November 29, 2013

MW's Sigma Brushes Review

Hi Whirlers,

Hope all are well! 

I purchased Mr Bunny Kit Sigma Brushes back in January (I know, so long ago). I had been contemplating on purchasing these for a very long time. It was an expensive purchase for my personal budget, so the purchase had to be completely justified - ensuring I didn`t feel guilty with the purchase!

I took the plunge and got my bank card out and forked out $143.42 (including P&P, discount code and an extra make up brush) which converted to £92.09! Yes, I know. Ridiculous for make up brushes. But, then on top of this, I had to pay £15 for tax or customs or something. Gah. So, I spent £107.09 on make up brushes?! Insane. So, I was a tad bummed about this. Wasting so much money on brushes like that. Smh. 

HOWEVER...

Justifications for purchase:
  • I needed good quality make up brushes as my current brushes were a mismatch assortment, ranging from Urban Decay to No 7 to even Asda ones (which, might I add are surprisingly good?!)
  • I did research on Sigma, checked out blog reviews,youtube videos, etc
  • I will not buy any more brushes for a VERY long time...and, 11 months later, I haven`t!
  • I have so much make up, but never apply it because I don`t have the correct tools, therefore, if I buy these brushes I can experiment more...
Surely, they`re good reasons to buy make up brushes? 
*anxious*

I`ve been using them for almost a year now, some of the brushes I absolutely love and use all the time, and a couple which were a slight disappointment. Carry on reading to see which ones I loved/what I use them for!



The brushes are presented in a container, which can be used as a brush holder, which is great for people who put their brushes in pots on their dresser. I don`t, however, as I`m allergic to dust so I keep mine in a drawer - I ought to show you how I store my make up one day!


The Mr Bunny Kit Sigma Brushes has 12 brushes in total. This is one of the factors that drew me to this kit, as it has a large range of different brushes for a complete set. And, the fact the brushes are synthetic, which means they will shed less when cleaning.

FACE BRUSHES



F30 - Large Powder Brush


 Now, everyone is completely aware of my obsession with bronzers and I love to use a large brush for applying products to my cheeks. This brush is huge and the bristles are ever so soft to the touch and pick up product well. I use this for bronzing/highlighting. The brush is also large enough to apply bronzer onto your shoulders/legs.

Would I recommend? Yep!

F50 - Duo Fibre Brush


I had the highest hopes for this brush, as I LOVE these types of brushes, however, this let me down the most! The website states it creates an 'airbrush' look, but upon application it left a streaky finish on my face, which was disappointing. 
If you are after a duo fibre brush, then I would recommend the elf Stipple Brush, which is A LOT cheaper and creates a flawless look.
Or, the Real Techniques Brush is another favourite, which is a little more expensive than the elf version.

Would I recommend? No.

F40 - Large Angled Contour Brush
I had been using the elf Angled Blush Brush before using this Sigma brush, and I was relatively happy with it - but now? I don`t even know where it is. I use this F40 brush every time I contour. I love it. It picks up enough product and the bristles are nice and soft to the touch. You do need a light hand when applying, but that goes without saying anyway when it comes to contouring.

Would I recommend? Yes.

F60 - Foundation Brush
This, again, was a disappointment just like the F50. But, in general, I don`t like these types of brushes for application of foundation as they generally do have the streaky look and doesn`t look very flawless. However, the bristles are soft and applies better than the Clinique Foundation Brush (which I`d been using before) where the bristles aren`t as soft.

Would I recommend? No.

EYE BRUSHES



E40 - Tapered Blending Brush


Prior to this brush, I had been using the Urban Decay Crease Brush for blending my eyeshadow. The brush is fantastic. Silly to replace it, to be honest. However, this Sigma brush is a little more fluffier. So, I use both.
Another alternative is the Mac 217 Blending Brush, which is a favourite with all Bloggers and YouTubers!

Would I recommend? Yes.

E60 - Shader Brush
I use this to apply all over eyeshadow on the eyelid. The brush itself is fairly broad and larger than the Urban Decay Shadow Brush so it is good and more ideal if you`re only applying one colour.

Would I recommend? Probably not. I think you can live without this specific brush. 

E70 - Medium Angled Shading Brush
I use this brush to blend in my crease. I do like this brush as the shape is softer than the Boots No. 7 Brush that I used, which had a more sharper angle. I also use this sometimes when I want to contour a little bit for a more natural look.

Would I recommend? Yes.

E55 - Eye Shading Brush
I don`t really use this brush as I just it to put on eyeshadow, or to even just apply to the lower lashline for a smokey effect - I could totally be doing it wrong lol!

Would I recommend? No, well until someone tells me what I`m supposed to do with it?


F70 - Concealer Brush
I don`t really use this concealer brush as I purchased the P80 Precision Flat Brush with this kit and I use that instead. You can find more out about it below. But, if I do use it, I use it to conceal under my eyebrows.

Would I recommend? No.

E30 - Pencil Brush
I use this brush for applying darker eyeshadow to my lashline to soften the look I`m trying to achieve or just to the outer corner to apply the dark eyeshadow precisely and using a fluffy brush to blend out.

Would I recommend? Yes, everyone needs a pencil brush in their brush collection.

E65 - Small Angle Brush
I absolutely adore this brush, and like a few of the other brushes, I do use this everyday, as I use it to shape my eyebrows. And, doing my eyebrows is something I HAVE to do. I cannot leave the house without doing it, even if it means no make up for the rest of my face - my eyebrows MUST be filled. This brush is perfectly thin and precise. I love it.

Would I recommend? 100% yes!

E05 - Eyeliner Brush
I don`t really use gel eyeliner much, but when I do, I do use this brush. I don`t think it is thin enough for the level of thickness I like to achieve when I do use gel eyeliner, however, it is an essential for a brush collection, and the thickness will most likely be suffice for other people.

Would I recommend? Yes, I`m just exceedingly fussy!


P80 - Precision Flat Brush




This brush I had purchased along side the Bunny Kit, and I think it is a fantastic flat head brush. I use it to apply concealer on a day to day basis and I carry it in my travel make up bag, thus it is always on had. Its a mini stippling brush with precise application. I love it.

Would I recommend? 100%

You also get a free eyeshadow sample with your purchase, and I received this gorgeous coral shade, Grasp!


Verdict: In whole, I do love Sigma brushes. The quality of these brushes are fantastic. The brushes don`t shed. The application of product is fantastic. The kit is a great purchase. I have yet to purchase any more brushes and I feel these have been a good investment. I don`t think the overall price is worth it, especially taking into consideration the customs tax, however, I don`t dwell on this and focus on how flawless my bronzer looks - hehe!

Would I recommend? The kit as a whole? Probably not. Individually? Yes. I would recommend researching and reviewing every single brush you want properly and working out whether the kit or purchasing individually would work out more beneficial for yourself.

How about you? Do you have any Sigma brushes? If so, which? And, do you have a favourite?

xo

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Friday, November 22, 2013

MW's Five Ways to Wear a Maxi Skirt

Hey Whirlers!

I made a video over on YouTube, which I`ve just realised I had not published on the blog!!

Hit the play button below and let me know what you think!


Outfit 1
Blouse - Zara
Skirt - Berksha
Scarf - Zara
Bag - Aldo
Belt - Primark
Shoes - H&M
Accessories - H&M and Forever 21

Outfit 2
T Shirt - H&M
Skirt - Primark
Cardigan - Zara
Belt - Primark
Sandals - Next
Scarf - Princess Rockz
Accessories - H&M and Forever 21

Outfit 3
T Shirt - H&M
Skirt - H&M
Belt - Forever 21
Leather Jacket - Zara
Shoes - New Look
Scarf - Whitechapel Market

Outfit 4
T Shirt - H&M
Skirt - H&M
Cardigan - Mohsin's Whitechapel
Sandals - Next
Necklace - New Look
Scarf - Whitechapel Market

Outfit 5
T Shirt - Primark
Skirt - H&M
Blazer - H&M
Necklace - Dorothy Perkins
Scarf - Green St
Bag - Zara
Shoes - H&M

What is your favourite outfit from these five? How would you have worn them differently? Do share, I love to be inspired by others!

xo

Friday, November 15, 2013

MW's Review: Urban Decay The Vice 2 Palette

Hi Whirlers,

Today's post is on the beautiful Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette, which has come out quite recently! 

This palette is the partner in crime to the original Vice Palette, which came out around this time last year. It is now discontinued, unfortunately. I raved about the original palette in my review, however, I personally feel this second palette is much more up my street as the colours are much more subdued and more approachable by one who doesn`t have much confidence with bright colours. 

The size is exactly the same as the original and with exactly the same brush included. The packaging of the palette is much sleeker compared to last years palette, which had a more rubbery feel (like Nars packaging) and resulted in more dust/dirt attraction, resulting in less of a cleaning issue. Again, this year, they have included the faux diamond UD branding on the cover of the palette, which again could potentially cause an issue when storing away.


The colour pigmentation could cause no issue for me, as I feel Urban Decay have the best high quality eyeshadows out there (yes, I prefer them over MAC!) and I have not been left disappointed. The palette consists of a mix of mattes and shimmery shades (only 5 matte shades). The colours are long-lasting and vibrant. 


(with flash)
(without flash)
L-R: Smokeout, Lovesick, Shellshock, Coax, X-Rated
First RowFrom the first row, you can see all five shades are heavily pigmented, especially Shellshock (silver). My favourite shade from this row is Smokeout, which is a deep matte brown, and I feel it would be gorgeous for a brown smokey eye, where you don`t want to use black for the outer corner. Lovesick (black shimmer) is probably the least pigmented on this row. This is probably my least favourite row, however.

L-R: Prank, Madness, Strike, Stash, Poison
Second Row
This row is most definitely my favourite row of shades from this palette. The colours are so gorgeous, heavily pigmented and rather vibrant for such deep colours. Just look at the swatch *love*. I love how gorgeous Madness (blue) is and how Strike (gold) is the perfect shade of gold for my skintone!! And, we all know how obsessed I am with the colour khaki, so Stash was very appealing to me! And, I just love how Prank (matte navy) is so pigmented. 

L-R: Radar, Damaged, Voodoo, Betrayal, Derailed
Third Row
This is probably my third favourite row, as Damaged (green) and Radar (brown) are just so heavenly...in an earthly kind of way! This row lets me down with the purple shades, being Voodoo and Betrayal, as I don`t really wear purple eyeshadow, as I don`t have many purple clothes, so I feel I wouldn`t get much use out of those colours.

L-R: Dope, Toxic, Habit, Ambush, Rewind
Fourth Row
The final row, is my second favourite row, as there are three matte shades in this row and they`re neutral colours, which make them wearable on an everyday basis. I can`t pick a favourite from this row, but Toxic (coral shimmer) looks absolutely stunning on my skintone and I`ve been using Habit (peach matte) quite a lot lately all over the eyelid and only using a matte brown to add depth on my sockets. So, I am loving this row.

Verdict: I love this palette, much more accessible compared to Vice, as the colours are more muted. Would make a wonderful present for a girl who wants to start experimenting with eyeshadows. As the Naked Palette 3 is out in December in the UK, I would personally recommend purchasing the Vice 2 palette as it is a limited edition and the Naked Palettes are part of the permanent line.

As for price worthy? I think these palettes are most definitely always worth it. Have a look at my original post, to see how I calculated and justified my purchase....just don`t blame me when you keep buying new things!

How about you? Have you already purchased this palette? Are you lusting after it?

RRP: £42.00
(but, currently on sale in Debenhams for £37.80!)
(Urban Decay can be purchased from Debenhams and House of Fraser)

Let me know, by commenting below!

xo

P.S. I also think my swatching has improved since last year - result!

P.S.1. Make sure you catch me on all of the social media platforms out there - just search for 'mangowhirl'!



Thursday, November 14, 2013

MW's Snaps at Numera's Walima

Helllllloooo Whirlers,

I have missed you guys all so much! I have been MIA and I sincerely apologise. Life had completely taken over and I feel like I can now breathe a little! Hope everyone is well?!

This blogpost will be dedicated to one of the main girls in my life, Numera, who recently got married and we were all blessed and fortunate enough to be included in the next step of her life. I met Numera at the first bloggers meet up. Myself, Safiyah, Numera and Asmaa clicked, and we haven`t looked back since. Numera is probably the calm one out of us lot, besides Asmaa. She has such a beautiful soul and masha`Allah so patient. So when she asked if I would be happy to take photos for her, how could I refuse?

I was also kindly granted permission to share these photos on my blog, so, please take a moment and have a look through Numera's Walima photos and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did taking these:


















My Rani, Safiyah did the make up for the wedding and walima, and if you`re interested in having a closer look, please have a look at here

Hope you enjoyed these photos.

MW

xo