How I Clean My Makeup Brushes

Hello Everyone! Sorry I haven't posted for a while, I have been really busy with school work and have been revising. But today, I bring you a post on how I clean my brushes effectively and inexpensively. This method leaves your brushes squeaky clean and looking as good as new! I also wanted to say a big thank you for 24 followers, I am so happy people enjoy reading my blog :) 

There is nothing worse then coming to the realisation that your brushes need cleaning, I personally hate this task and tend to put it off for as long as I can. However, you should aim to wash your brushes as often as once a week (depending on how much you use them.) You can wash them every two weeks and some people have said once a month is fine! But when you know what is clogging up the performance of your brush, often as possible seems the best option. Your brushes contain bacteria, dead skin cells, dust, old makeup and lots of nasties! Of course, this accumulates over time but remember each time you use your brush, it will clog up. It is important to wash your brushes because they can give you spots if unclean and I had a small breakout on my face once because I hadn't washed my foundation brush for a very long time. Thank goodness those days are over now.

The items you need are baby shampoo, a towel and a tupperware 
pot.

It's no beauty secret that baby shampoo is a great brush cleaner. I use the Johnson's Baby Shampoo and picked mine up from Wilkos for 95p! Of course, any brand will do as they all do the same job. In my opinion, there is no need to spend several pounds on a brush cleaner when this works just as good! The shampoo is gentle enough to cleanse the brushes and remove dirt without drying them out and also is a hygienic option. 

Start by selecting each brush that needs cleaning, some brushes you may not have used so they don't need to be washed. If you don't have a lot of time to wash them I recommend selecting all face and eye brushes as these need to be clean as often as possible, this is to prevent spots and eye infections.

Then take a brush and wet it slightly in warm water, you shouldn't use water too hot as it will dry it out. Make sure you only wash the bristles and don't let water run up the brush handle as this will loosen the glue and over time will wear away. I find holding the brush at an angle makes the situation preventable. 

 Squeeze a small amount of shampoo into the tupperware pot and start to swirl your brush continuously. Keep doing this until you can see the makeup start to run out the brush and the bristles have captured all the product. The pot allows you to remove the makeup from the brush easily but you can use the palm of your hand or a flannel if more convenient. Then, run the brush under warm water, it is important you don't use cold as this will not kill off the bacteria. Once the water runs clear, run it under the cold tap. This ensures the bristles are concealed and do not flair. Place your brushes on a towel to air dry, make sure the water is drained off them though, again if not the glue will wear away. They take around 1-2 hours to dry, if you want them to be extremely dry then leave them overnight. Then just repeat the process! I washed about 14 brushes and it took me 15 minutes, it may not be as instant as a spray cleanser but as I mentioned earlier, it leaves your brushes looking new.

Thank you for reading, I hope this was useful, let me know if you have any tips or tricks for cleaning brushes! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram where I post regularly and on Bloglovin to keep updated on when I post. I have a Bohoo haul and Pologram post coming up soon. Love, Liv xox

Spring Makeup Routine

 Hello Everyone! So I thought I would finally post a bit of beauty. This is going to be my Everyday Spring Makeup Routine. When a season hits, my makeup changes. For Spring, I prefer a dewy and light look. This is just what I would wear on an everyday basis however I have included some alternatives that I mix up my look with and left some items out, for example bronzer, sometimes I use it and sometimes I don't feel it is necessary. Hope you enjoy this post!

Moisturiser

I personally don't think primer is a necessary step, as long as you have a decent moisturiser your makeup will apply easily and last just as long. I use the Johnsons's Daily 24hr Moisturiser and simply dot this all over my face and blend in with my fingers.

Foundation:

For me, foundation is an optional step. It depends what look I am going for or if I want some extra coverage. I normally skip this step, unless it is a weekend. My go-to drugstore foundation is the Loreal True Match. It has a nice light to medium coverage and is buildable. It gives a dewy finish and isn't drying at all so I would recommend this for any skin type.

Concealer:

Most days, I just use a concealer under my eyes in a triangle shape and blend away with a brush, however if a blemish has appeared I may dab a little bit around the surrounding area but only if it is red. I use the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer and think this has excellent coverage but can be a bit drying and crease a little under the eyes, if it's not blended properly.  

Powder:

I set my face makeup with the Maybelline Fit Me Powder but sometimes I skip this step, it is only if I have a long day ahead.


Blush:

Depending on my look I either use my Maybelline Jelly Glow or Mac Blush in the shade Peachy Keen. Both give me a dewy look but I find the Maybelline is slightly more natural.

Highlighter:

I always use highlighter because it gives my skin such a lovely glow and the pick me up it needs! My Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle is my all time favourite, I have had it for over a year now and it still hasn't gone down that much, a small bit goes a long way.

Eyebrows:


I will be doing an eyebrow routine as a separate post on here showing how I achieve different looks. For everyday I use the Benefit Browzings in light, I just use the powder and then apply my Maybelline Brow Satin for some extra definition.

Mascara:

Firstly, I curl my eyelashes then apply one coat of my Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara for a natural look.

Lip Balm:

Normally, I use lip balm as it is suitable for everyday wear. The Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner is an amazing product for soft and shiny lips!

Lipstick:

On weekends and some weekdays I have been wearing my Burberry Lipstick in Sepia for a sheer wash of colour.

 Products Mentioned:

- Moisturiser, £3.99
- Concealer,£4.19
- Foundation, £9.99
- Powder, £5.99
- Blush, £2.82 and £18
- Highlighter, £23
- Eyebrow Powder, £24.50
- Eyebrow Pencil, £5.99
- Eyelash Curler, £1.99
- Mascara, £7.99
- Lip Balm, £2.59
- Lipstick (sample) Full price, £22.50

Thank you all for reading! Let me know if you enjoyed this post, don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Bloglovin! Love, Liv xox

Mascara Madness- Maybelline Lash Sensational

 Hello Everyone! This is a new series for my blog, it is called Mascara Madness, I used to do this on a very old theme on my Instagram but I didn't pursue it for more than two posts...oops! I will be reviewing a mascara every week and rating it out of 5! First up is Maybelline Lash Sensational which is a new addition to Maybelline's vast range of mascaras. I hope you enjoy.

I am a massive fan of mascaras, owning over 25- which is too many! Whenever I see a new release or a promotional offer I am all over it. I am yet to find the ultimate holy grail mascara that ticks all the boxes but with Lash Sensational we are getting very close!

The packaging is sleek and very Maybelline! It is a gorgeous vintage pink colour and for me is simple and elegant. I absolutely love how it looks and it caught my eye every time I went through Superdrug. It was on an introductory offer for £5.99 and I was urging to buy it but told myself I didn't need another mascara to add to my collection. When I finally gave in, the intro offer was off and I felt a bit bummed however paid £7.99 and would happily pay it again! 

The formula isn't thick or runny. It is the perfect consistency and doesn't make lashes feel wet or clumpy. It does not flake either so you don't have to worry about little flecks of black appearing under your eyes. This is not waterproof and as far as I am aware there isn't one yet available but I certainly hope there is in the future!

As for the wand, it is plastic but not the flimsy type you can get. The brush's curved shape makes it easier to lift and curl your lashes which creates effortless curl and length. My lashes are spread out and immediately after one coat, lengthened. The maximum I would apply is two coats, anymore after that and it gets too clumpy for my liking. If you are looking for volume as well as length and curl this isn't for you as I feel there isn't a lot of volume present. This is also a great dupe for Benefit Roller Lash and in all honesty, I prefer it. 

You can purchase it from Superdrug or Boots for £7.99, there are usually buy one get one free offers or 3 for 2, so take advantage of these deals if you have been wanting to try out some other products from them. I got a powder and a brow product along with this and used some of my Superdrug Beauty Card points which reduced the price down either further! 

Overall, this mascara gets 5/5 from me, yes it isn't my dream one, that I am yet to find, it is the closest I have got to it. At the moment it is an everyday favourite and I love it. When I need a new mascara, I will definitely repurchase this one. I hope this post was helpful and comment below if you have tried it or are going to! Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin. Thank you. Love, Liv xox

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Makeup Wishlist

Hello everyone! This is a collab with Lou and her blog is amazing so go check it out. It's going to be a Wishlist of 10 products I would like to purchase in the future. There are many things I would like to buy but don't necessarily want to purchase just yet, I have a mixture of drugstore and high end products which have caught my eye. I hope you all enjoy.

1. Nars Laguna bronzer, I think it is such a gorgeous warm toned bronzer. 

2. Mac Velvet Teddy, I have been longing for this product for ages now. 

3. Clinique Moisture Surge, I tried a sample of this and it is the best!

4. Dior Star, again I tried a sample and it has such a flawless finish. 

5. Chanel Creme de Soleil, my friend tried hers out on me and I loved how it made my base look. 

6. Anastasia Contour Kit, there have been many great reviews on this kit and its caught my eye. 

7. Anastasia Brow Wiz, I like the look of it however there are mixed reviews. 

8. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, I have the powder which I adore so the foundation should be just as good!

9. Sleek Pomegranate Blush, it's such a pretty colour!

10. Nars Sheer Glow, I love the dewy finish it gives off, however it is so expensive :(

I hope you enjoyed this post, hopefully in the future you will see some of these products feature on my blog (most likely the drugstore ones!) Love, Liv xox
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Top 5 Favourite Apps

Hello Everyone! Today I am bringing you a collab, this is with the lovely Tabby so go check out her blog. We are doing our Top 5 Favourite Apps. I am not a massive app lover however there are a few apps that I can call my favourites. Hope you enjoy.

1. Instagram

Although this app can get boring, I love to post to my makeup themed account and follow lots of different accounts, ranging from fan accounts to celebrities. 

2. Youtube

Probably a typical app to love, I just adore watching endless beauty videos or gaming videos. There are a vast selection of genres to watch on Youtube and it never gets boring!

3. Crossy Road

I got this when it first came out and didn't really think much of it but as time went on and I played it more and more, I realised it was a great passer of time. I have collected 76/89 characters and once collected 10,000 coins just so I could get more characters. I don't play a lot of it now because I don't really have the time.

4. Netflix

This app is great, you sign up for a monthly subscription and get unlimited streaming of the latest films and TV series. I can always find a film or programme to watch when I am bored so I love this app a lot! 

5. Sworkit Pro

This app is filled with a range of exercises for you to do, you can do a workout as short as 5 minutes up to 60! Or you can customise how long you do it for and what exercises you do. It has everything from a bikini body workout to a army bootcamp workout. Whats more is it is absolutely free!

Thank you for reading my Top Five Apps, I hope you enjoyed. Love, Liv xox
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My Skincare Routine

Hello Everyone! I thought I would post my skincare routine. Normally, it changes all the time because I tend to try new products and see what works for me. However, I think I have found a routine that suits me and my skin. I have a fairly simple routine that I stick to but I sometimes add in products here and there when my skin needs an extra pick me up. I hope you enjoy this post.

Skintype:

My skin is sensitive and dry. I am lucky in the sense my skin is clear and that occasionally I get a few spots however I sometimes suffer with eczema patches, mainly in Winter.

Makeup Remover:

To remove my makeup I take the Garnier Micellar Water. When I saw that this product was coming out, I knew I had to buy it so I did. Little did I know I would become obsessed! I am currently on my 18th bottle. I would really recommend this if you want a quick and easy makeup remover that is gentle and soothes the skin. I lightly soak cotton pads and sweep them round my face and hold them on my eyes. The makeup just lifts away from your skin or eyes and does not sting. It retails for about £4.99 but I purchase mine in Savers for £2.99 which is an absolute bargain! They have released another version of this cleansing water which comes in a green lid, I am yet to try it but if I do, expect a review! 

Cleanser:

For my Cleanser, I use the Clinique Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser. This cleanser is amazing, it thoroughly washes and cleanses the skin without drying it out too much and leaves it beautifully soft. This is a deluxe sample that my Mum gave me. You simply use a pea size amount and apply it to a wet face, using circular motions to rub it in, the cleanser foams up a lot and rinses off easily. I love Clinique products because they have no fragrance which is perfect for your skin. This retails for £17.

Exfoliator:

I rarely exfoliate because it is so rough on my skin but if I do, which is about once a month, I use the Clinique 7 Day Scrub which leaves my skin soft and polished but I can find it a little drying. This retails for £19.

Moisturizer: 

It is very important that you moisturize day and night to prevent dry skin and keep it soft. Moisturizer is also a great base for makeup to sit on and I find if you have a decent moisturizer a primer isn't necessary. I use the Johnson's 24 Hour Hydrating Cream which is very light but rich on the skin. In the range they do a night cream however I use the same one at night or my serum. This retails for £3.99. 

Serum:

Serums are a great product if you want to give your skin an extra boost of moisture. You simply apply this after you have moisturized and leave it to sink into the skin. I use the Superdrug Vitamin E Serum which smells like coconut and has a consistency like conditioner which makes me feel a little strange when applying it as all I think of is the Garnier Coconut Conditioner. Putting that aside, it does leave my skin super soft and feeling extra smooth! I use this mainly at night but if I have a long day ahead of me, I will use it underneath my makeup ensuring foundation doesn't flake or stick to dry patches. It retails for £3.99. 

Spots & Extra Dry Patches:

When I get a spot, I follow out my strict routine. I ensure I cleanse my face and moisturise it whilst leaving the spot alone. It is tempting to pick it however I have never picked a spot in my life, yes it does stay for a few extra days but it leaves no scarring and doesn't make the spot come back again. At night, I will apply Sudocrem Skincare Cream on my spot which makes it shrink and after a few nights, eventually disappear. I also use this on any dry patches I have and this just ensures they are hydrated. Retailing at only £1.99, this is a bargain of mine and I repurchase it time and time again.

Thank you for reading my skincare routine, remember everyone's skin is different so these products may not work for you the way they do for me however they are worth trying out and seeing if they make a difference! The one secret I have to clear skin is to drink plenty of water, eat as healthily as possible (most of the time!) and use the Garnier Micellar Water- it's a life saver! I hope you enjoyed this post and don't forget to follow me on Instagram and on here, Love Liv xox

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Q&A- Eyebrows, Disney and Zoella!

Hello Everyone! This is my new blog, all about makeup, lifestyle and a hint of fashion. I thought I would do a Q&A. I asked my followers on my Instagram: @_livvyslove_ to leave me some questions, I picked out some to answer and I hope you enjoy! 

Questions:

- If you could wear one makeup product for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That's a tough one. I am torn between an eyebrow product or a mascara. I would probably cheat a little and pick a brown mascara. That way my eyebrows will get a hint of colour and my lashes will be lengthened!

- Who is your favourite Disney princess?

Definitely Belle, she is so genuine and I love how she is so kind to the Beast despite how he treats her.

- Who are you most like out of Pretty Little Liars?

If I am honest, I am probably most like Spencer however I would prefer to be like Hanna because she is my favourite character.

-If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? 

Dubai, I would love to go back, It is such a beautiful place to be.

-If you had £200 to spend in one shop, where would you go?

Mac, I love their lipsticks!

-Do you like Zoella?

Yes, I have been watching her for a while now.

-Favourite Easter Treat?

A Kinder egg.

-If you could listen to one artist for the rest of your life who would it be?

One Direction :) 

-Favourite foundation?

It depends on the look/coverage I am going for, if it's light to medium I would use Loreal True Match or if it is medium to high I tend to go for Mac's Matchmaster.

-Favourite type of lip product?

Lipsticks, they are just so versatile.

- Favourite drugstore brand?

I can't pick one! Makeup Revolution, Loreal, Maybelline, Collection and Revlon.

-Favourite high end brand?

Again, I cannot pick just one. YSL, Benefit, Mac and Urban Decay.

That concludes, my short Q&A. I will most likely do one every month and I hope you enjoyed.

Love, Liv xox

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