MAC 217's similar and affordable dupes.

Hey pretty ladies,

Since buying the well known 217 brush from MAC, I had to do a comparison review on it.

Starting off, these types of blending brushes are famous for reasons that are purely practical; which is that they are multi-use. You can use these brushes to blend in foundation (time consuming), blend in concealer, apply eye shadow, blend out eye shadow (most known for), strategic powder placement, etc. All of these uses come to a conclusion that this type of brush will be handy for anyone that dabbles in makeup, like you and me.

The MAC 217 is made from ultra soft goat hair bristles which makes blending feeling like a relaxing task rather than a chore. It is also an ideal size, rounded/dome, a little bit stiff with a fair amount of bristles and an excellent quality Japan made brush. It's a must loved brush by me as well as the rest of the beauty world. Coming in at $37, it's well worth the investment.

P.S, the numbering do scratch/rub off on MAC brushes, so I have applied some clear nail polish to fix that problem.

Now, onto the comparison.

- The Contenders -

- Bdellium Tools Studio Line 776 -

Bdellium Tools are known for treating their brushes with an anti bacterial protection on the bristles, this may not last forever after washes and spot cleaning but it is an added bonus.

- The Shape - Of the bristles are the same as the MAC 217, but smaller in size.

- Bristles - Are made from all natural fibres

- Softness - A slighty less noticeable difference in softness compared with the MAC 217

- Denseness - There are noticeably less hairs in the 776 than the MAC 217

- Quality - The quality of the bristles on the 776 are rougher and thicker than the MAC 217, however, it is a well made brush with a light handle.

- Made In - China

- Price - $7.65 at http://www.iherb.com/Bdellium-Tools-Studio-Line-Eyes-776-1-Blending-Brush/45961

(use FUF619 at checkout to get up to $10 your first order)

- Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush -

This brush is apart of the Real Techniques Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set which comes with 4 other brushes.

- Shape - Of the Bristles are similar, but the RT Base Shadow Brush is smaller has a slight point at the tip

- Bristles - "Ultra Plush Taklon Bristles"

- Softness - The difference in softness can be told due to the difference in bristle hairs. Since the RT brushes are made from Synthetic hairs, it does indeed feel synthetic when comparing to the MAC 217. Similar but different softness.

- Denseness - The RT brush is has thicker bristles, which makes brush feel more dense, even though it has less bristles than the MAC 217.

- Quality - The bristles on the RT brush is very good quality, the bristles don't feel rough at all, just that the hairs are slightly thicker.
- Made In - China
- Price - The Real Techniques set this brush comes in is $17.99 at http://www.iherb.com/Real-Techniques-by-Samantha-Chapman-Your-Eyes-Enhanced-Starter-Set-5-Brushes-Case/41371
(use FUF619 at checkout to get up to $10 your first order)

- Emily Makeup Brush 217 -

I bought this brush off eBay, curious to find if it offered a cheap blending brush like the MAC 217, and I've found this brand. The brushes they have mimic the MAC ones and well as the numbering. I have purchased the Emily 217, 224, and 239. I discourage buying the Emily 224 and 239 because the hairs are so rough.
- Shape - The Emily 217 brush squares a bit at the tip of the brush, as well as the hairs overall being significantly larger than the MAC 217.
- Bristles - Goat Hair

- Softness - Surprising, the softness of the Emily 217 is quite alright, but no where near as the MAC 217. It might feel a little scratchy at first, but since conditioning them with olive oil, the softness has improved.
- Denseness - Two thirds of the denseness of the MAC 217.
- Quality - I believe that this brush is made from a lower quality of goat hair compared with the MAC 217. Also, the ferrule and the handle are not the best quality either. Have the super glue at the ready.
- Made In - China
- Price - Around $5.50 from eBay, just type in "Emily 217 Brush".


- Verdict - 
There is no exact dupe of the MAC 217 here, however there are brushes that are similar that can do the same job, some maybe not so well.
The Bdellium Tools 776 and the Real Techniques Base Shadow brush are both smaller than the MAC 217, which can suit smaller eyes and smaller eye sockets which helped blending precisely easier. I love using the Emily 217 to blend larger areas together since it is quicker than using a smaller blending brush. My favourite... well I am not too sure, I love them all equally for all different things.Overall, the prices of each brush suit to how they perform, you get what you pay for.

I hope this post helps :)

Makeup My Friend Got Me From The US.

I am super dooper lucky for my gorgeous friend Tash whom went out of her way to pick up some products for me in America on her holiday. I can imagine she came home with two suitcases full of makeup and skincare since she is beauty obsessed as well. I limited myself for this rare opportunity because I didn't want to justify spending a lot of money just because it's cheap, so it was a smaller list than I intended at first.

Cosmetics, skincare, blah blah blah, is much more expensive here in Australia (and our neighbour New Zealand) than the US, as well as the rest of the world. A MAC lipstick here is $36, whereas it is $15 in the US (not including tax). Crazy but it is something that we Aussie girls have to live with. I have included the US and the Australian pricing down below for comparison.

- The List - 
- MAC Face and Body Foundation 120mL in C2 - $33 US, $60 AUS

- MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC20 - $27 US, $49 AUS

- MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul - $25 US, $43 AUS

- MAC Pigment in Vanilla - $21 US, $39 AUS

- MAC Lipstick in Rebel, Russian Red and Shy Girl - $15 US each, $36 AUS each

- MAC 217 Brush x 2 - $23 US each, $37 AUS each

- Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector in Moonstone - $41 US, $66 AUS

- Total of: $238 US, $504AUS
(not including tax [US] and other costs)

- Swatches -

(I took photos of the swatches of the Shimmer Skin Perfector, Vanilla Pigment and Warm Soul, but the crap lighting and the camera I use didn't give any justice to how pretty they are in real life, so I only included the lipstick swatches)

Massive thank you to Tash if you're reading this. I'm so thankful that she did this for me, and especially running around, searching all over for the Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector. After paying extra for tax and other costs, it was a "saving" or difference of almost $200. Crazy right?

Let me know if you would like to see a review on any of these products.

A Day To Remember Face - Getting my rock on with MAC Heroine

I went to fesitival hall on Sunday night in Melbourne to see one of my favourite bands play. A Day to Remember were amazing!

Since a lot of people would be there, and I could possibly throw myself into the mosh pit, I needed to apply products that were long lasting so when I came out of the pit, I still looked half decent (even with half a litre of other people's sweat all over my body).

- Products used -

- Brushes- 
Real Techniques Buffing Brush
Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush
Elite Models Powder Brush
Ecotools Eyeshadow Brush
Bdelliu Eye Brushes (776, 785, 778)
Real Techniques Detailer Brush

- Face -

Estee Lauder Double Wear samples, mixing Rattan and Ivory Beige

Essence Fix and Matte Loose Transluscent Powder

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus

B Collection by Bloom Cheek Tint in Burgundy and Napa Valley

Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer

- Eyes -
Essence Eyebrow Kit
Ardell Brow and Lash Brush
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk
Urban Decay Naked Palette (Virgin, Toasted, Hustle, Creep)
Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner
Maybelliner The Falsies Flared Mascara

- Lips -
MAC Heroine Lipstick

What's your favourite band/artist and have you seen them play live?

June Favourites.

Haulin' so many products lately gives me the chance to test out new products every single day. There have also been a few products that has saved my skin from a period of being so dry, flaky and sensitive (it was a nightmare, I would have never thought I would miss my oilyness this much). So this month, I went for the dewy look with makeup, and used skincare that would repair and hydrate my skin as well as being really gentle.

- MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3 -
This is one of my HG products, I will always continue to buy F&B, it's a foundation I can always rely on when I want a light dewy finish to my skin. C3 is a bit dark for me at the moment, but since it's such a light coverage, it's easy to get away with. The dewiness look this foundation gives has saved me during the period where my skin was so dry.

- Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in True Ivory -
After watching Tanya Burr mentioned this numerous times in her videos on YouTube, I was curious about the foundation. Looking at it in very harsh artificial lighting, or bright natural lighting, you can see the tiny tiny glitters in the foundation, similar to the Revlon Photoready, but the finish it gives on the skin I am in love with. The glow is amazeballs, and the coverage surprised me. I found this worked hand in hand with the Stay Matte powder.

- Invite-E Vitamin E Cream-
This cream saved my skin this month, it did an amazing job at moisturizing and repairing my skin. This is my second tube. I have found it has faded my acne scarring a tiny bit, replenishing moisture into my skin as well as deeply condition my hands when my dermatitis flares up.

- Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe and Bad to the Bronze -
I have been loving the combination of these two; Bad to the Bronze all over the lid then applying Tough as Taupe to the outer V. Quick and easy smoky eye.

- Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream -
Very conditioning and feels smooth on the lips. One of the best lip conditioning products I have tried.

What was your favourite product this month?

June Haulin' (I NEED to go on a spending ban edition): Sales, sales, sales.

This month, I went a bit crazy. Being really busy with studying for exams, so sorry for the lack of posts, but I am now finished! YAY! So to celebrate, as well as taking that advantage of exam stress to use as an excuse to participate in retail therapy, I present to you a big ass haul.

Firstly, the makeup I gathered from Chemist Warehouse. That 50% off tag makes it so hard to resist not to pick up a bargain.

- Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in True Ivory

- Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Nail Polish in Lava

- Rimmel Lipstick Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight

- Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish lipstick in 07

- Maybelline Vivids Lipstick in Pink Pop and Vibrant Mandarin

- Maybelline Baby lips in Pink Glow Mixed Berry and Mango Pie

- Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal In Black and Bronze

- Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Liner in Blackest Black
- Rimmel Match Perfection 2-n-1 Concealer and Highlighter in Ivory

Then I picked up a few things at Priceline 

- Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream

- Essence Pigments in Be My Brightsmaid and Box of Chocolate

- Ardell Demi Lashes in 120 and 102

There is a sale that goes on a couple times a year done by the Heat Group and they sell heavily discounted items from Max Factor, Bourjois, Covergirl, Essence, etc. If you are in reach of Caribbean Gardens in Victoria, I suggest you look up Heat Group on Facebook, as well as their website to check out their next sale because it's so worth going to. Everything Essence was $2, Bourjois Foundations $8, Max Factor mascaras $3 to name a few bargains. Prices change a fair bit each sale, but a bargain is a bargain.

- Essence Rebels Lip and Cheek Tint in Peach Punk

- Max Factor Cream Blushes in Soft Murano and Soft Copper

- Bourjois Queen Attitude Khol Kajal

- Essence Fix and Matte Translucent Loose Powder.

- Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 53

- Bourjois Flower Perfection in 53

- Max Factor Lip Colours in Eternal and Frivolous

- Essence Sun Club Matte Bronzer for Blondes

- Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara

- Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara

- Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

- Essence Eyeshadow in Olive Garden

- Essence Ballerina Backstage Eye souffle in Pas De Copper

Last but not least, a few random items I have gotten from MAC, Inglot, Beautybay and B collection by Bloom.

- MAC Creamsheen Lipstick in Ravishing

- Inglot Freedom System 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palette

- Inglot Freedom System Eyeshadow in 154
- B collection by Bloom Eyeshadow in Hudson River
- Urban Decay Naked Palette with sample size Primer Potion.

I'm so happy with all my purchases, and this does mean I will officially put myself on a spending ban from makeup, I believe I do have enough to last me quite a while.
I will post up one more haul in the next week or two, and that is going to be what my beautiful friend Natasha got me from the U.S.
I need to start posting up some FOTDs soon, or do more reviews, let me know what you would like to see next and if you would like me to do a look or a review on any of the products you see in this post.

If you're a uni student, or from high school, tell me how you went on your exams and what have you done to treat yourself?

May Empties

Here are my empties for this month (from left to right):

- Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in 53 - I have two other shades in this foundation, but since I got this shade at a makeup sale, the actual product was quite old, so the formula has gone off. However, I do love this foundation. (To check if you're foundation has passed its expiry date, go to http://checkcosmetic.net/cosmetic-and-perfume-shelf-life-faq/ with the batch number).

- Rimmel Recover Anti-Fatigue Concealer - this concealer is discontinued, and it is quite old, so it was time to chuck it out. It wasn't a great product, but it wasn't too bad either.

- Cetaphil Moisterising Lotion - I have dermatitis on my hands, as well as other rough patches of skin on my body. This cream was alright, I wouldn't repurchase it though since I have found better.

- Invite-E Vitamin E Cream - I love this stuff and I need to repurchase it. I use for my hands and body to moisturize, and face to reduce scarring. It's very concentrated and it nourishes my skin.

- Face of Australia Face Base Primer - again, love love love. I have repurchased this in my Priceline Haul.

- MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash Mascara - the blackest mascara I have ever used as well as one of the worst. It just made my lashes stick together and it went off pretty quickly.

- Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara - one of my favourite mascaras, I love this for day time.

- Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara - it smudges and transfers all over my eye lids, in the bin it goes.

What products did you chuck out this month?

May Haulin': Chemist Warehouse sales & MAC Fashion Sets Collection lipsticks.

Sorry for my absence, uni and work has been keeping me busy. So as stress relief, I did a bit of shopping during this month.

They see me haulin'......

Chemist Warehouse always delivers with their epic sales, I picked up a few things from their 2 for $15 Maybelline eyes sale, and recently a few other things from their 50% off all cosmetics sale that I believe is still on.
I wondered over to MAC to pick up Candy Yum Yum, but they didn't have any in stock at my MAC store, so they told me the shade Silly from one of their current collections (Fashion Sets) is the closet match. I picked that up as well as Heroine from the same collection.

Commence the photos!

- Revlon Colorstay Eye and Lip Remover
- Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara
- Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait 025
(The above three came in a Mothers Day pack retailing for $24.99 but was on sale for $12.49!)
- Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation in Sand Beige 200 - 50% off $17.48

-Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara - 2 for $15
- Maybelline the Falsies Flared Mascara - 2 for $15
- Maybelline My Liner liquid liner - $5 (grabbed this from the sales bin, discounted item)

- Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate lipstick in 20 - 50% off $5.97
- Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in Kiss of Life 111 - 50% off $6.47
- Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel 002 - 50% off $4.25

- MAC Heroine Lipstick - $36
- MAC Silly Lipstick - $36

Lip product Swatches.

From left to right: MAC Silly, MAC Heroine, Revlon Peach Parfait, Rimmel Kiss of life 111, Rimmel 20.

Did you take advantage of the Chemist Warehouse sales this month?

Little Haul + Don't Be Scared To Ask For Samples!

Yesterday I went to Chadestone with my mumma and my sister to have a girls day out and I did pick up two things as well as drown in samples.

- Here I got -

- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Plus $47
- Sample - MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NC30
- Sample - Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer in Perfect Nude
- Sample - Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk Foundation in 5.5
- Sample - Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation in 5.5
- Sample - Clinique Pore Refining Solution Correcting Serum x 2
-  Sample - YSL Le Teint Touche Elcat in BR30
- Sample - Clinique Pore Refining Solutions in Natural
- Samples - Neutrogena Gift Pack (link below)
- Lush Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask $16.95
- Sample - Lush Herbalism Cleanser
- Lush Full of Grace Facial Serum $14.95

Being a uni student, my budget is pretty tight, so I want to try out products before I buy, especially foundations. Any Aussie lady knows that Australian prices for cosmetics are extremely high, in comparison to the US, and for that reason, I want to make sure if I want to buy something high end, I will know it'll work for me 100%, so I'm not wasting my money and time.

If you're curious about anything you have seen hyped up in the YoutTube community, in blogs or other beauty sites, you may as well go and test it out for yourself. Some companies don't offer samples at all, but give it a go. When I approach a counter to look at a product I have interest in, sometimes after a chat about the product, they might offer you a sample or an application. Yesterday, I was offered the samples at the Clinique counter just because I told her I had large pores. If they don't offer you a sample, it doesn't hurt to ask if they can get you one. And don't be afraid to ask, even if they look a bit intimidating, because at the end of the day, it is your money. Sales assistants are more than happy to help you, it's their job, however you do get a couple that might just be having a bad day.

I went to Lush for the first time after going into Myer and David Jones, and I wanted to look for a serum or moisterizer, something for my skin to help repair at night. And the girl that helped me was so helpful, she took me through a few products that would be suited to my skin type, but I held back and just purchased the Full of Grace Face Serum. When I told her it was my first time being there, she gave me a generous sample of Herbalism as well as the Blazened Honey Face Mask.
I left Chadestone with a gazillion samples, which was unexpected and amazing haha.
When I got home, I realized I got my Neutrogena Gift Pack in the mail, you can get it on Facebook with this link: https://apps.facebook.com/neutrogenagifts/

So I was swimming in samples, and I cannot wait to try all these products out! I hoped this post helped!