The Blending Brush Battle

I'm sure everyone here is at least familiar with the old MAC 217, a favourite amongst beauty bloggers and MUAs alike but there's a new(ish) kid on the block- Wayne Goss' 19 Eye Brush. Before I owned any of the Goss brushes I thought the 217 was the be all and end all, so much so that I bought 2. That's when you know you really love something! It does a great job of blending shadows to make a noob like me be able to fake some sort of application skill. It does most of the work for you so really it's fool proof.

I didn't think anything of the actual make of the brush until I entered the Goss beauty market. I purchased a couple of Wayne's brushes last year, one of which being Number 19- enter the blending brush of dreams. Now these are slightly pricier but let's be real MAC prices are high enough in Australia so it's not really classified as so much of an affordable brand as it is overseas. I know if you want to spend a bit more on your brushes then you look to brands like Hakuhodo and others but Goss is a newer player in the game. 

The 19 does all the things the 217 does but a smidgen better and it feels like you're swiping soft, fluffy clouds on your eyelids. Each of the brushes are handcrafted in Japan if I'm not wrong and you can seriously feel the quality. The brush itself is lightweight and easy to care for; they came with a little note to not wash them more than once a month but to rather wipe off the excess on a tissue so less cleaning = happy me. They don't retain product either like I feel my 217s can. 

Breakdown comparison of the two- 

MAC 217 $37 Available in stores and online. 

Wayne Goss #19 $27USD ($34AUD) Available for Aussies to purchase from Beautylish.

The choice is yours my friends... 

A Beautylishious Birthday

It was recently my birthday and I didn't really have anything major on my wishlist, but I had been eyeing off a few naughty beauty splurges that I just couldn't bring myself to make; however my darling mother was kind enough to spoil me for my birthday! 

I thought I'd do a quick post while all the products are looking pretty and fresh before I let loose and go to swatch town. 

First of all, Wayne Goss. A makeup God- when he launched this line of brushes I was like need. want. must. The way he explains that they've been crafted and the craftsmanship and talent that has gone into each brush I just wanted them in my life. I'd been looking at adding to my brush collection with some more mid-range brushes but when my birthday came around, these came to mind. I didn't want to go for the full set- either face or eye because there's always a brush or two that don't tickle my fancy or I just don't need so I chose to purchase them individually instead. (I didn't leave the choice up to my mum by the way so these weren't a surprise.) I see the point in investing in good eye brushes because I feel they can make a difference in application whereas I'm quite content with my current range of face brushes.

Brush 06

"Brush 06 is great for blending! With a bit of curve, it can blend multiple colors or pull eyeshadow out or up toward the brow."- Beautylish site

Brush 19

"From blending out kohl pencil, depositing shadow and defining the crease to concealing under eye circles, Brush 19 does it all."- Beautylish site

In saying that I see more value in investing in eye brushes, I did also choose a couple of face brushes but not face base if that makes sense. I went for a fan brush as well as a blush/multi-taskting all rounder brush.

Brush 15

"Highlight the tops of cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow. The thin shape can also create a really sharp, defined line when contouring cheeks." - Beautylish

Brush 11

"Soft enough for applying any powder product—bronzer, blush, or highlighter—over foundation without disturbing it." -Beautylish site

I haven't put any of these brushes to use as of yet, I've been waiting to take my photos, do the post and I just like to look at them and swirl them on the back of my hand.. I posted these on Instagram and captioned the photo describing these as angel's feathers. It's a stretch because I've never felt an angel's feather but these are seriously that soft and just feel amazing. Another thing I did notice was how lightweight these are; some brushes can have really heavy handles but these are super comfortable in your hand and just feel so special.

In addition to Wayne Goss' brushes, I also wanted to join the Charlotte Tilbury phenomenon. I've followed her on instagram and drooled over her makeup range via instagram and beauty bloggers alike and come birthday time, I was on a serious #feelinspendy vibe. These bits were more a gift to myself  (bar the makeup brush) but you know, sometimes you just gotta treat yo'self! (wise words spoken by a lovely Lush assistant on a recent trip. Complete sidenote sorry about that). 

I didn't want to go too mad initially and buy the whole range; well of course I wanted to but my pockets would have cried sweet, sweet, glittery tears, so I just bought two bits that I've heard only good things about and felt I too, needed in my life. 

Surprise, surprise I went for the Filmstar Bronze & Glow. A contour and highlight palette that exudes old hollywood glamour and will undoubtably give me a chiseled looking bone structure. Thank you for your time. Much enabled by YouTube beauty gurus but I place no blame. Even on first opening of the packaging there was love. 

To go with this palette, my mum bought me the Powder & Sculpt Brush which is purely based on Anna (ViviannaDoesMakeup) using it quite a bit in her video tutorials. Then last but not least, I bought one of the Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Sticks in Bronzed Garnet. A quick and easy swipe, blend, done jobby; the shade of this pencil is a gorgeous warm brown catered to a daytime look for green eyes- hey presto, that's perfect for me! Used it the other day and love it. 

With so many beautiful goodies added to my stash, I should be right for the next.. I'd say week. Just kidding, I'm not that bad but I am very excited to now start using all of these things.   Let me know what's on your highend wishlist because I always like to add to mine!

Ps. Had a great experience shopping with Beautylish, postage was fairly standard for US to Australia, delivery was via courier so very speedy and you get a lovely handwritten note with your purchase plus I also got a Korres freebie! Highly recommend!!

With so many beautiful goodies added to my stash, I should be right for the next.. I'd say week. Just kidding, I'm not that bad but I am very excited to now start using all of these things.  

Let me know what's on your highend wishlist because I always like to add to mine!