Cheap cosmetics are one thing, but anyone can tell you that when you apply makeup with great brushes it makes the world of difference. Now, I’m not talking an Essence-to-Estee Lauder transformation, but it’s basic makeup physics that a good eyeshadow brush works better than those crappy sponge applicators. Effective, AFFORDABLE beauty tools are thus my personal holy grail find.
Brushes, in my experience, are the hardest thing to get right. I must confess to still owning – and using – the poundshop set I bought ten years ago ... TOTES horrif and morto-tastic.
Never fear though – these are fast being replaced by the EcoTools line. An environmentally friendly, natural and recycled range, I tried out their Retractable Kabuki and Bamboo Deluxe Concealer brushes. I used the kabuki for blusher because my skin is in melt-down at the minute and even my mineral powder foundation aggravates it.
The results were smooth and well-blended and I could see it working well with foundation too. The concealer brush is also excellent, leaving no streaks. All bristles are synthetic, firmly packed and extremely soft and the quality is not compromised by the brand’s eco-friendly credentials. This is a great line with which I was really impressed.
Advertised
In nail care, I have to say Miss Manicure’s Handy Dandy Mani pack is really one of my all time favourite products.
This is basically a complete nail set: a two-pocketed pouch, one side contains everything from mini nail brush to Miss Manicure’s famous four-step nail buffer, while the other houses a cute set of instructions and space for your nail varnishes. The eight tools are all high quality and you will use every one of them; my own talons grow at a freakishly quick pace, so I crack out the clippers and file at least once a week and after a couple of months all are still in top nick.
The kind of product I can imagine Lynnie adoring, this is the perfect manicure set. Love love LOVE it!
Psst: will update prices as soon as, um, I can find the press release - Kirstie
