The alphabet system in skincare and their differences - DD creams

DD creams (daily defence or dynamic do-all) are supposed to be even lighter than BB or CC creams (read my reviews here and here respectively). These creams have also brightening and anti-ageing ingredients and provide SPF. Are they really that different to have their own category in the alphabet system? Well, I think that all these are marketing techniques to create trends in beauty that we as beauty junkies will follow.

However, for the sake of this blog (that is always my lame excuse) I have tried and tested Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse DD cream. Nuxe describes it as a daily defence moisturising and beautifying tinted cream that not only does it moisturise and beautify the skin but it also provides protection from stress, pollution and UVA/UVB with SPF 30. I have used it both with moisturiser and on its own with just a bit of serum underneath and I can say that both ways worked for me, depending always on the weather. The consistency is quite thick and creamy and needs quite an effort to blend it (fingers or kabuki brush) and make it look flawless on the skin. The coverage is great and it can be compared to foundations rather than tinted moisturisers. It needs a little setting powder especially in your T-zone since the finish is more on the dewy side. 

The negative part is that there is a limited shade range (again), just three colours (light, medium, dark) and its quite difficult to find a match. I have the medium one which is ok for me only during the summer. So if you find a match, I think it is a good product with a decent price which provides great coverage, protection and moisture for every day use.

Have you tried any DD creams? 
I'd love to read your thoughts.

xo
Mary

The alphabet system in skincare and their differences - CC creams

CC creams (colour correcting or complexion correcting) are supposed to be lighter in texture than BB creams (read my post here) since their main purpose is to address complexion issues such as uneven tone and pigmentation. It can be said that CC creams are a better version of BB creams with more brightening ingredients. Moreover, not only do they provide concealing without a heavy finish, but also anti-ageing properties, SPF and hydrating ingredients too.

I have tried and tested a couple of CC creams, the Phytomer CC Skin Perfecting Cream (read my review here) and the Chanel CC Complete Correction cream. I got a really generous sample from the Chanel one last summer and liked it a lot. The price however was holding me back (€66 for 30ml) but finally I buckled in Xmas sales. And never regretted it.

Chanel claims that this cream benefits your skin in 5 steps. It corrects, soothes, moisturises, protects and perfects. And -0h my- I agree. You need nothing but a serum or a primer and a setting powder and off you go. It is a multi-functional product that solves the problem for those who don't want too many steps in their beauty routine. 

For me, the most important factor is the SPF 50. This is the main reason I got into the alphabet skincare system anyway. I don't like using a moisturizer, a sunscreen and my foundation on top of them. I feel my skin gets clogged and does not breath. Chanel manages to cover all these needs and the high SPF which I need all year round (don't forget I live in Greece!) 

At first you'll think the product comes quite thick but when you apply it on your skin it melts. I totally recommend fingers to do the job, and not too much product. Although it gives you a light to medium coverage, you can built thin layers with gentle motions. The finish is dewy (which I love) but if you want to last a bit longer you can set it with a translucent powder. 

Overall this CC cream is one my favourite multi-functional products. There are cons though, the high price, the limited shade range (I am a true 30 match) and the floral scent (this particular we all know in Chanel products) but instead of buying a moisturiser, a sunscreen and a foundation you can have it all in one product. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Have you tried Chanel's CC cream?
What are your thoughts?

xo 
Mary

The alphabet system in skincare and their differences - BB creams

The summer is here and apart from the holidays we're all dreaming, we need to start thinking about SPF. The need for a little bit of coverage during the day alongside with the SPF lead us towards the Asian inspired BB, CC, DD and EE creams. This  post will be divided in different parts and will try to decode and identify the differences between these creams helping you figure out which is the most suitable for you. 

BB creams (beauty balms or blemish balms) provide not only coverage but beneficial skin care additives and SPF. There is a similarity noted with tinted moisturisers but BB creams take the beauty ritual one step further with moisturising agents like hyaluronic acid to hydrate and with anti-oxidants to help battle wrinkles. The best part is that there is one for every skin type and even people with problematic skin can find acne-friendly formulas that are oil and fragrance free.

The first and only BB cream I've tried is the Dior Hydra Life BB. It has a thick consistency and gives a medium to full coverage which is enough to cover imperfections and make your skin more even. It is better applied with fingers rather than a sponge or a brush and gives a natural glow. Mature skins will appreciate this product even more, since the hydration it provides makes your skin look plump. The colour range is a bit disappointing with only three shades which are quite salmony and peachy (I've got 002 Golden Peach). It is very pigmented and a little goes a long way. Combination and oily skins will definitely have to set it with powder and if you live in humid and hot climates take your powder in your bag, you'll need it during the day. 

Overall, it is a good product that will offer you great coverage and SPF30, but I think is better for drier, more mature skins (if you match the shades). I also believe it does not behave well in extreme heat and humid weather, as it needs constant touch-ups. 

Which is your favourite BB cream? Which one should I try next? 
I'd love to hear your thoughts.

PS. Keep in touch for the next part, CC creams.

PS 2. Just found out that this particular BB cream will be replaced by Hydra Life Water BB. Sounds really interesting! 

xo
Mary

My Phytomer skincare routine

Back in November I attended an event organised by Thraki Palace Thalasso & Wellness Spa and left with a variety of skincare products by Phytomer. Phytomer is a French skincare company mainly distributed and used in spas and beauty salons. It was founded over 40 years ago and has been manufacturing high quality products ever since. It uses different marine ingredients that are extracted from sea plants. Phytomer has its own laboratories and scientists that research and develop their sophisticated products.

I have been using these products for about three months now so I can definitely state my honest opinion. I start ( and finish) my day using the Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream. This soft, creamy cleanser develops in an airy foam that cleanses my skin perfectly. Even though it is a great mild cleanser, my dehydrated, blemish prone, sensitive skin still feels thirsty after using it. Next time I will try the Doux Visage Velvet Cleaning Cream, it might suit my skin better.

My next step is serum and I have been using the Souffle Marin Energising Oxygenating Serum. Its formula is thick, almost like an emulsion and it is targeted for tired, polluted and dull skin (totally suitable for me). It is supposed to light up your complexion and let your skin breath and feel toned. It surely does leave my skin more hydrated and plump but I haven't really noticed any changes on my complexion.

Moisturizer follows and I have chosen the Initial Youth Multi-Action Early Wrinkle Fluid. This lightweight fluid is supposed to counteract early wrinkles and improve skin's elasticity leaving a silky feeling. I haven't got any wrinkles yet (thank god!) but I use anti-ageing products to prevent their appearance. This cream has a lovely silky texture and goes really well with the serum. Nevertheless, it was quite light for my skin during the winter but it will be excellent for summertime. The only downside is that this fluid comes in 30ml while the Initial Youth Multi-Action Early Wrinkle Cream in 50ml, which makes me wonder why the company has produced a cream in serum's ml. 

I continue with my eyes and lips, using the Youth Contour Smoothing Eye and Lip Cream. This cream combines anti-ageing and anti-tiredness factors and is in fact what my delicate eye area needs. It's probably the best eye-lip cream I've ever used. I have some fine lines around my eyes (probably from smiling a lot) and none whatsoever around my lips (however since I was a smoker for a good 10 years I dread that smoker's wrinkles will appear someday). I feel it brightens the eye area and leaves it smooth and soft. It also softens the lip area leaving a silky feeling. 

I got two more products as they were in a set and I had to pay only for one (always up for a good deal) and didn't regret it at all! The Peeling Vegetal which is an exfoliant with natural enzymes and the CC Skin Perfecting Cream. Now, as much I am a fan of clean skin, I don't like using harsh grainy peelings on it. I feel that excessive scrubbing damages the skin barrier, therefore I only use acids. I prefer enzyme peelings, this particular one contains papain - an enzyme extract from papaya. It has a thick creamy substance and the softest sense. It leaves my skin both clean and velvety, ready for the next step. I like using it in the shower as I feel it works better with steam.

The CC cream is a must-have since not only does it have an amazing texture and hydrate my skin perfectly, but it also enhances my complexion, is a good makeup base and has an SPF 20. The colour was quite dark (shade 02) for the winter but I can always use it during the summer. I tried it a few times mixed with another light-coloured BB cream and absolutely loved it. I need to get the 01 shade and mix them together to get the most of it!

I really loved the Phytomer products as I got to pamper myself everyday. The smell in all of them is wonderful without being too perfumery as most high-end brands tend to. Their quality is incredible and they're very luxurious. They can be found in selected spas worldwide.

Have you tried any of Phytomer's products?
What are your thoughts?

Bobbi Brown Highlighting powder and Creamy Lip Colour

Early in February I visited the Bobbi Brown counter and left with these two amazing products. The Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow and the Creamy Lip Colour in Pale Beige. 

The highlighter comes in the usual black compact with a large mirror inside. The quality of the product itself is amazing, it's so soft and almost creamy. The colour is lovely, a blend of champagne pink and cream shades, suitable for light to medium complexions even with yellow undertones. In the summer you might want to try the Bronze Glow with all the tan going on but I think this is perfect for dull winter time. Also the pigmentation is really good and it blends really well with other products. If you use a mat bronzer to contour your face, you'll realise that this powder will add back the light on your cheeks with such natural warmth. 

In search of the perfect nude I purchased the Creamy Lip Colour in Pale Beige. I can tell you it's the best lipstick I have ever owned. I have very dry lips -all year long- and wearing a lipstick is such a nuisance since, even with prior prepping, after a while my lips crack. Fortunately this lipstick is a saviour! It's moisturising, yet not sticky or shiny and long-lasting, yet not drying. The shade is so natural on my lips, it doesn't make them paler nor has this chalky texture (which comes with most Mac lipsticks). I love everything about it and I am definitely returning back to the counter to explore the shade range. 

Have you tried any of them?

What are your favourite Bobbi Brown products?

xo

Mary

Diorskin Nude Air Serum Foundation

When my friend over the Dior counter told me I had to try this foundation back in early November, I immediately booked an appointment for a make-up. I normally try not to get too excited and buy products on a whim, but that time (and many more) I just couldn't resist.

This foundation is just as described by Dior, "as a breath of fresh air". It is a lightweight, fluid serum that enhances your complexion with a light correction, leaving a natural mat velvety finish. It does not provide great coverage, I would say light to medium so it's for girls who just need to correct their complexion. 

At first I was very happy with this product because it was just what my skin needed. A sheer coverage just to enhance my complexion. However, as the weather was changing and the winter conditions made my skin crave moisture, I found that it didn't have the result I wanted, even with hydrating primer. The alcohol in the product does have a slight drying effect, so it might work better with normal-combination skin. It also has a strong scent (a combination of alcohol and old lipstick) that -fortunately- didn't react on my sensitive-combo-dehydrated skin. 

After experimenting with several ways of application I realised that fingers work best with this product. Even though it is quite runny and messy (that dropper is not my favourite) it is the best way to apply it. With such runny solutions flat kabuki brushes or sponges do not work well, since they tend to absorb a lot of product leaving a cakey effect on the skin. 

If you have normal, combination or oily skin and you don't need a lot of coverage, or if you are up for extensive priming and prepping your skin, then you will enjoy this foundation. I sure did, but I think my testing it during the winter was not ideal. I will definitely try it again during the summer months to give it a second chance. 

Have you tried it?

What are your thoughts?

xo

Mary

One Essential Intense Skin Detoxifying Booster Serum

So it's Dior. And one of the most promising products out there. So when my friend got the One Essential Intense Skin Detoxifying Booster Serum and hyped about it, I knew I had to lay my hands on it too. However before getting a sample, I bumped into a super crazy deal of 45% off, so I immediately purchased it. The 50 ml bottle. 

Dior claims that this serum combats the toxins in order to restore the skin's luminosity in a three way action. It detoxifies, regenerates and energises and finally boosts the cells in our skin. The texture is quite watery and absorbs quickly without leaving any residue or stickiness. 

I gave into that splurge and thought I made a pretty good deal since the full price of the 50ml bottle is around €124. (As a beauty junkie, I tend to stock on cosmetics and makeup when they are on sale.)  The serum stayed in my cabinet until it was time to try it, sometime last October. I was thrilled, excited and anticipated the time to come. 

However hard I tried to like this product, it never met my expectations. Not from day one. I am not really sure what this extravagant serum is supposed to do. The only thing that surely does is to make my skin crave moisture. There is a tightening, drying feeling after using it which I surely don't like especially in cold winter. I have been using it every day and night for the past 3 months and I really don't like it at all (how much product is still there, it never seems to come to an end!!). I have researched it and realised that many hype about it (which comes really surprising to me) because one of the main ingredients is alcohol. Alcohol penetrates the skin and although leaves the passage open for the ingredients of the product to be absorbed, once it dissolves your skin's barrier, it can no longer provide a seal against outside elements. Under no circumstances does this work for me, since it makes my already sensitive dehydrated skin more problematic.

To conclude if you really want to try this product get some samples before you buy it. It has been shown that alcohol harms your skin protective barrier and jeopardises the skin's overall health so there is no reason to use products that contain it when there are so many alternatives out there. 

Keep summer rolling with Roger & Gallet Huile Sublime Bois D' Orange

It's the last day of September today and although the weather started reminding of fall,  it seems summer is desperately trying to stick around as long as it can, and so am I by keeping Roger & Gallet Huile Sublime Bois D' Orange in my daily routine.   

I have a thing for dry oils. I am totally addicted to them. It all started with Nuxe Prodigieuse which I really liked and kept repurchasing for years, but this.. That smell.. Scents of wood, jasmine and Mediterranean citrus fruit that remind me of French countryside..Orange groves, cobblestone streets and old cottages in little villages.. It is a love affair.

This dry oil contains a mixture of six active plant oils and it's versatile since it can be used on the body, hair and face. It contains orange essentials which are good for toning and vitamin E known for its anti-oxidant properties. Not only is the skin left nourished, moisturized and toned but also deliciously fragrant. The feminine notes of orange blossoms, jasmine and cedar wood leave your skin sensually perfumed. Remember to give it a try on wet skin, after you pop out of the shower in the morning,  for extra hydration and a totally summery scent.

You can find it in 100ml and 30ml. It comes with a matching collection of products: fragrant water, soap, liquid soap, bath & shower gel, body lotion, body cream, and hand cream.

Have you tried this or any other products from Roger & Gallet? 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+] and Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel

About five months ago I won (for the first time in my life) along with 599 contestants (that's probably why) a competition by La Roche Posay. The competition had four steps and I had to fulfill some tasks in order to get my prizes.

The 1st prize was the Effaclar Duo [+]. It's an anti-blemish light textured cream for oily blemish prone skin. I had to wear the cream everyday and at the end of the 1st week I had to write a review on a platform specially designed by La Roche Posay. 

I was very eager to try the product since it gets a lot of hype from other bloggers and Youtubers. It's a specially formulated cream to target the oily, sensitive and blemish-prone skin. I have two out of three, my skin is sensitive and blemish prone, but not oily. It is combination and dehydrated. Imagine having blemishes, blackheads, pores and dry patches all over your face. It's a nightmare. Anyway, I wore the cream every day, even two times a day, and at the beginning I had a mild reaction. The blemishes went a little more red and some new appeared. Fortunately, a few days later (without stopping the treatment) I realised that my skin started calming down and becoming smoother. 

After reviewing my 1st week, I received two 50ml tubes of the Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel to use in combination with the Effaclar Duo [+]. I started using it immediately, cleansing my face twice a day, avoiding the eye area. The gel is effective, it does leave the skin feeling clean and fresh, but since my skin is not oily, it felt a little dehydrated after use.  

*At that point I left the treatment aside since my skin was dehydrated and using products designed for oily skin made things worse. But a couple of weeks ago, my skin started breaking out and I remembered its magical work. And yes, it helped again. 

I would definitely recommend both these products, especially to people who suffer from breakouts and oily skin as an everyday cream and to those having a normal-combination skin as an occasional treatment. If your skin is dehydrated like mine, you can use it as a serum and then apply your moisturiser. 

I hope this post can be proved helpful to the never ending battle with breakouts and clogged pores! 

Drop me a line if you have tried any of them, giving me your opinion!! 

Dry & Damaged Hair Care Routine - Part 3 -Finishing touches

So, finally this is the last part of my hair routine. The finishing touches as I like to say. The following products are my faves at the moment. 

Product No 4 - Farcom Seri Argan Oil 50ml

This amazing argan oil I bought from my hairdresser's. Farcom, its maker, its a Greek family owned cosmetics company found in 1970. This argan oil provides intensive hair treatment to damaged hair. It is absorbed quickly and transforms and nourishes the hair without leaving any residue. I usually apply one pump on dry hair for extra shine but you can always use it on towel-dried hair. 

You can find it on selected salons for about €10.

Product No 5 - Elvive Extraordinary Oil

I don't usually buy cosmetic products from the supermarket, even if it is for hair care but there was a discount on that so being a bargain hunter I indulged. And I think I did good. It is also a versatile product as you can use it as a conditioning treatment, a styling product and to boost shine too. 

You can find it on supermarkets for about €10 (I got it with a 50% discount) or Boots (UK) for £9.99

Product No 6 - Macadamia Healing Oil Spray

This I got a few years ago but never really used it that often due to the smell, which is quite heavy and spicy for my taste. Other than that it is a fine, non-greasy oil mist that instantly gets absorbed, leaving hair nourished, smooth and shiny. It also includes natural UV protection to extend the life of colour treatments.

I bought mine from allbeauty (UK) around €9 but now you can find it for €6.99 or on beautybay for €15.50


Obviously I don't wear all these products on my hair at the same time. I've got my seasonal favourites which means that depending on the season or when I get a new one I change my usual routine. During the summer I wash my hair almost every day because I am lucky enough to live by the sea and I usually spend my afternoons there. This means my hair needs extra protection and care from the sun, heat and salty water.  So I might overdo it a little bit. After all I am truly a beauty addict :)

What about you? What are your favourite hair products at the moment?

Dry & Damaged Hair Care Routine - Part 2 - After

The second part of this post has to do with my routine after washing my hair (you can find what I do prior to that here). The products that I have been using lately are the following:

Product No 2 - Schwarzkopf Professional BC Oil Miracle Barbary Fig Oil Conditioning Milk 

My latest purchase and favourite. It is a rich leave-in conditioning milk for damaged, dry and brittle hair (sounds like mine!) which helps to replenish moisture into it. This product does great work to me! I use it on towel-dried hair and makes detangling much easier (women with bleached hair know what I mean!). I definitely want to try the shampoo and mask from this series! 

You can get it from Ariane (Greece) for €12.81 or allbeauty (UK) for €9.82

Product No 3 - Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique 

What can we say more about Kerastase? It it a well known, much loved and of high quality brand. This is a heat-activated leave-in blow drying milk for weak and damaged hair. It protects the hair again the heat (up to 180C). My hair feels smoother and firmer after using it and most importantly it is protected from the every day torture. The price is quite high but we're talking about Kerastase.

You can find it on Ariane (Greece) for €19.50 or allbeauty for € 21.72 or Lookfantastic (UK) for €25.

Do you use any of these? What is your favourite heat protector?
Stay tuned for the final part, the finishing touches!

Dry & Damaged Hair Care Routine - Part 1 - Before

The last couple of years I've been playing with blonde highlights and I'm constantly seeking the best products to minimize the damage. Bleaching has made my hair dry and prone to breakage and split ends. Blow-drying makes the situation even worse. 

I've collected all the products that have been using lately and divided this post into 3 parts because initially was too long. I'll start with what I do prior to washing my hair. 

Product No 1 - Coconut oil

I'm talking about pure, organic, cold-pressed coconut oil. It is amazing and has many uses (blog post on its versatility soon!), but here I'll talk about the stunning work that does on my hair. 

When in hurry, I use it on its own prior to showering. I dampen my hair, apply it all over, massage the roots and leave it for as long as I can. It sounds greasy, but due to its low molecular weight it is absorbed quite quickly as it penetrates the hair shaft and helps the hair seal moisture in it. Moreover, it contains lauric acid which is a natural antibacterial/antifungal ingredient that can help sensitive scalps. 

When I have more time to make a proper mask, I like to add some more ingredients:

• raw honey - full of vitamins, helps to get your hair softer and your scalp moisturised,
• castor oil - fatty acids and vitamin E helps hair to grow faster and roots get nourished. It also helps scalp fight dandruff and bacterial/fungal infections.

Here's the recipe (adjust the dosage depending on hair length and quality - mine is long and thick).

1/3 cup of organic raw virgin cold-pressed coconut oil 
1/3 cup of raw honey
1/2 tbsp castor oil
glass mixing bowl
pan

• Warm (not boil) the coconut oil (tends to solidify below 22 degrees Celsius) and the honey using bain-marrie
• Add the castor oil
• Detangle your hair and dampen it
• Apply the mixture and wear a towel or a shower cap
• Leave it for at least an hour
• Wash and give extra rinse
• Ta-daa! Amazing, softer, nourished, shiny hair!

My favourite coconut oil is Biona. You can find it on biotevma for €12.63 and €3 shipping cost (Greece) or on Amazon (UK ) in 400gr for £8.88 and 800gr for £13.45. 

Have you ever used coconut oil on your hair? What's your opinion? 
Stay tuned for the second part of my hair care routine!

ZOEVA Brushes - A new addiction

A few months ago, my sister brought me a much wanted gift from her short trip to Germany. Yes, I'm talking about ZOEVA brushes! ZOEVA is a successful German cosmetic brand whose founder Zoe Boikou is Greek (somehow we Greeks manage to thrive abroad). Its name comes from the words ZOE (life in Greek) and EVA (the first woman). I have been watching my favourite bloggers and vloggers using these brushes for quite some time now and I couldn't wait to lay my hands on them.

The 230 / Luxe Pencil (€7.80) is ideal for precise shading, covering up and smoothing edges in the eyelid crease or along the lash line. Thanks to its triangular shape and compact natural synthetic hair mix, it absorbs excess colour and applies it evenly and precisely. This is the perfect brush to create a sexy under-eye smoky look or smudging your eyeliner. Dupe to Sigma E30 pencil brush ($14-18).

The 227 / Soft Definer (€7.80)  enables soft and smooth blending with an ease of application. It provides every eye makeup with a super soft finish. It is perfect for blending and shading loose and mineral eye-shadows. This brush is a much cheaper dupe for MAC 217 (€22) but of equivalent quality.

The 126 / Luxe Cheek Finish (€14.80)  has a blend of exquisite natural and synthetic hair. It is perfect for a finishing touch, since its dome shaped flat head achieves a beautiful blending of the blush. 

I really liked these brushes and I would love to buy some more in the future, since they are great value for money even with the shipping cost (€7.50 for Greece). Have you tried any of them?

Diego Dalla Palma La Vie En Beige Eye Shadow Palette

I haven't written for a while since the economic and political situation in Greece is really critical. However I feel that I can't watch any more news so I it's time for a new blog post.

In my recent trip to Cyprus I bought some beauty products (more reviews soon) and among them is the La Vie En Beige palette from Diego Dalla Palma. Diego Dalla Palma is an Italian cosmetic brand that I wasn't familiar with and to tell you the truth I don't buy products from brands I don't know without doing a thorough research first. However, the fact that it is a nude eye shadow palette with four amazing matte and two satin colours was enough to convince me on the spot. I love matte colours especially during the winter and this palette has a very carefully selected colour combination.

The packaging is very practical, a white solid plastic compact case with the logo in the front, quite light and definitely very handy for travelling. It also has a large mirror, for on the run touch-ups. 

The colours in the palette are: 

1 matte mocha, 2 satin tobacco, 3 matte terracotta, 
4 matte apricot, 5 matte beige, 6 satin ivory. 

As you can see from the swatches the colours have a really good writing effect and I can promise you the duration is excellent (always use an eye primer). 

P.s. Bear in mind that I am super tanned :) 

Satin ivory is an excellent colour to highlight the area under your brows and the inner corners of your eyes and matte terracotta is an excellent transitional colour. Matte apricot can give great warmth and with matte mocha and satin tobacco you can create a very natural and sophisticated smokey look. 

I have been using this palette for the last 3 weeks and I am very satisfied with it. The combination of the colours will suit perfectly brown and green eyes. The shadows are silky and easy to blend and the pigmentation (which is higher in darker colours) is really good. For €6 per shadow (total €36) I think the price is quite normal. You can find the palette in Beautyline stores (Cyprus) or online at the official website of Diego Dalla Palma. 

Do you own any beauty products from Diego Dalla Palma? What's your favourite? 

Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush VS beautyblender

I am a fan of a flawless skin base and my research for the best application tool was a never ending battle. Until I met F80 Flat Kabuki Brush from Sigma Beauty and beautyblender.

The F80 Flat Kabuki Brush has a flat top head with really dense and soft synthetic fibers. It is recommended for applying and blending liquid and cream products to flat areas of the face such as the forehead and cheeks.

I have used the F80 Flat Kabuki Brush quite a long time now and I have to say it does what it promises. It gives you that flawless finish without any streak marks or cakey patches. Instead of picking the liquid foundation with the brush, I usually apply small dots on my face and blend it with the F80. The dense bristles tend to absorb quite a lot of product and that way the waste is minimised. I totally love the finished result and the fact that I don't need a lot of time buffing it. The only downside is that F80 needs a little bit of extra time cleaning it due to its dense fibers. Remember to always let your brushes dry with the bristles down and never use a hairdryer. Just let them dry naturally.  

The beautyblender came to my hands lately and it has amazed me. I have watched so many youtubers using it so I had to try it myself. I bought the black one which is designed for professionals just because I like the colour more than pink (great reason).

   

Beautyblender sponges should be used damp with liquid products in order to absorb the excess product and dry with minerals and powders. Its egg shape has multiple uses, the round surface for tapping the liquid/cream products onto your face and the pointed one for under-eye concealer or the sides of your nose. In order to distribute the coverage evenly you can roll the sides of the beautyblender. If you have long nails you should be extra careful because it's very soft and you might tear it. Cleaning the beautyblender does not really differ from other brushes, just soak it in water, use a mild shampoo/brush cleanser and rinse. Let it dry naturally.
 
The final verdict. I love both of them! Achieving an airbrushed and flawless look is no more a privillege of professionals.They both deserve the investment and hype. You can find the F80 Flat Kabuki Brush on Sigmabeauty and the original beautyblender on Sephora or online on BeautyBay.

What's your favourite application tool? I'd love to know!