I've created a list of the top 7 makeup brushes that I think every woman that loves makeup should have! With these brushes you can create almost every makeup look! The ones in my list are considered holy grail makeup brushes by many beauty bloggers and makeup artists. Of course you don't have to have the exact ones that I'm going to show you. You can choose other similar ones with the same functionality that are cheaper in price.

So let's begin with the first brush:
Foundation Brush

Created by Samantha Chapman, one of the Pixiwoo sisters on YouTube, this is considered to be the No.1 brush for liquid foundation. The soft and dense bristles help so that you buff the foundation into your skin, without any streaks.

Blush Brush

This brush was inspired by traditional Japanese beauty rituals Kabuki Theater. The tapered dome head makes the application of blush full proof. It can also be used for highlighting the cheekbones.


Contour Brush

The shape of this brush fits perfectly under your cheekbones to contour, or apply bronzer. But it can also be used for blush application and even highlighter! Truly a multifunctional brush!



Eye Shadow Brush

The shape of this brush places the eye shadow perfectly and helps for an even application. A favourite amongst many makeup artists.


Blending Brush

One of the best brushes by MAC! The 217 is amazing for blending eye shadow in the eye socket but it can be used for so many things, like applying highlighter under the eyebrow, placing eye shadow on the lid for a lighter look etc. Definitely one of the most basic brushes to have.


Blending Brush

One of the most expensive brushes but also one of the best ones out there. This award winning brush is a favourite for expert makeup artist Lisa Eldridge. It is perfect for blending colour and creates colour gradation with ease! You can also use it to blend your concealer or put powder under the eye area.



Eyeliner Brush

One of the best eyeliner brushes out there. With it you can create the perfect winged look! It can also be used for defining your eye brows.

Even though it's Summer, I still like to use my dark nail varnishes sometimes. One of my favourite colour combinations is purple with red. So, I've decided to apply it on my nails. For this specific design I used The Thrill of Brazil by OPI and Plum Seduction by Avon.

The Thrill of Brazil by OPI and Plum Seduction by AVON

This design I call it 'The Odd One Out', because you paint your ring finger nail a different colour from the rest. It's the simplest way to create a really nice and elegant nail design, using any colour combination you like.

Clinique was one of the first brands I tried when I first starting applying makeup.I remember I had quite a collection from eyeshadows, to blushes and lipsticks. Since then though I discovered other brands like MAC, NARS, Dior etc. and Clinique was pushed aside. Nowadays, Clinique is stepping up their game and is introducing some amazing makeup products! Therefore my interest for this brand is back!

Today I'll talk about the 'All About Shadow'* range of eyeshadows that their are introducing. They are promising eyeshadows that are super pigmented and extra long-lasting with cream to powder finish. There are various shades from neutral to very vibrant colours, and various textures from mats to shimmers. It looks like they've got something for all tastes, to suit all occasions and all ages. They come in Singles, Duos and Quads.

I have a few eyeshadows from this range to show you today and share my opinion about them.

Purple Pumps 

Purple Pumps by Clinique

Purple Pumps by Clinique

Swatch :: Purple Pumps by Clinique

Very vibrant purple. The texture is like velvet and the colour applies a bit lighter than what shows in the pan (which for me is a good thing because I don't usually prefer so vibrant colours anyway). I can't wait to give that one a try and experiment a bit with colour!



Uptown Downtown

Uptown Downtown by Clinique

Uptown Downtown by Clinique

Swatch :: Uptown Downtown by Clinique

Swatch :: Uptown Downtown by Clinique

The pink transfers more shimmery than what it looks in the pan, therefore I would choose this duo palette more for an evening look. But still the colours are amazing and they create the perfect colour combination - pink and grey-taupe. You can't go wrong with that! It would also do the perfect gift! I really like this one!


Jenna's Essentials

Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Swatch :: Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Swatch :: Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Swatch :: Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

Swatch :: Jenna's Essentials by Clinique

This was the palette I was most excited about (you know me and my neutrals!). And as I was expecting it - I LOVE IT!!! The colours transfer beautifully and are really pigmented. They are not as shimmery as the ones in the other palettes I tried, which makes this one perfect for everyday looks! But at the same time, it has all the colours you'll need to create a smokey eye, for a night out! Really versatile and would suit people from all ages since it doesn't have lots of shimmer. For me it is also the perfect palette to take away on a trip, since you can create lots of looks with it, and it is really compact as well (compared to the Naked palettes).




Galaxy

Galaxy by Clinique

Galaxy by Clinique

Galaxy by Clinique

Galaxy by Clinique

Swatch :: Galaxy by Clinique

Galaxy by Clinique

Swatch :: Galaxy by Clinique

Galaxy by Clinique

Swatch :: Galaxy by Clinique

Galaxy by Clinique

Swatch :: Galaxy by Clinique

Again a very nice quad. Really pigmented colours that go nicely together. I love the dark blue colour and the turquoise one is very very similar to Shimmermoss by MAC!




On Safari

On Safari by Clinique

On Safari by Clinique

On Safari by Clinique

On Safari by Clinique

Swatch :: On Safari by Clinique

On Safari by Clinique

Swatch :: On Safari by Clinique

On Safari by Clinique

Swatch :: On Safari by Clinique

On Safari by Clinique

Swatch :: On Safari by Clinique

This is my second best quad. The colours are so so nice! They can be worn by themselves all over the lid with some black eyeliner, or you can do various combinations! Again a very versatile palette! The second green colour is SO PRETTY and the last one just by itself all over the lid is out of this world!!!

The prices for the above palettes are:
Singles: €22.50
Duos: €29.50
Quads: €43.50

They are a bit pricey, and for me the Quads are more value for money since you'll get 4 different shades. If you were to buy one I would definitely recommend the 'Jenna's Essentials' or the 'On Safari' ones!

So these are the palettes I have from this All About Shadow range by Clinique. I have to say that I am impressed by the new formula and the pigmentation, but also by the beautiful colours that these palettes have! Definitely worth to check them out next time you go by a Clinique counter!