£50 Giftcard GIVEAWAY- Feel Unique, Topshop, ASOS or Boots!

There's something about receiving a gift card that makes shopping that little bit more exciting; I don't know whether it's because it doesn't feel like real money or because you're limited to what you can buy and it's therefore the perfect opportunity to buy something a little more special or even something you've had your eye on for a while but don't really need, but I love it, and so when I was given a £50 Feel Unique gift card to spend online, I couldn't wait to get browsing to see what I could treat myself to.

I decided to order a few essentials, rather than one single product, as I wanted to make the £50 voucher go as far as possible and so whilst flicking from page to page, I came across three products that I've had my eye on for a while and know I will get full use out of. 

Whenever I shop online at Feel Unique, Xen Tan is a product that always ends up in my basket as has done now for the last few years. It's my go-to online store for all of my fake tan needs and so I decided to pop an all time favourite in my basket, Xen Tan Dark Lotion, as both a summertime essential and a back up.

I'm a huge fan of Real Techniques brushes and so when I recently saw the limited edition Duo Fibre Collection, I knew it wouldn't be too long until I eventually caved in and purchased it. I have built up quite the collection of brushes as of recently, so was in two minds about whether I needed it, but like I said, spending a giftcard is the perfect opportunity to justify wanting over needing and not owning too many duo fibre brushes anyway, I added the set into my basket without any real hesitation.

 Essie is a brand that over the past few months, I've had quite the love affair with. In the process of building up a Nude collection, I couldn't resist adding another into my nail polish drawers and decided to make up the £50 (though going a couple of pounds over) I would add in Essie Marshmallow, which although I've not heard too much about, looked like a milky White dream, perfect in my mind for Summer and a more au naturel manicure look.

AO very kindly provided me with my £50 Feel Unique Voucher and even more kindly have provided me with one £50 voucher to giveaway to one of my blog readers.

To be in with the chance of winning a £50 voucher to spend at Feel Unique, ASOS, Topshop or Boots, simply comment below telling me where you would spend your voucher and what you would buy.

Extra entries will be counted if you:

-Follow Belles Boutique on Bloglovin'

-Follow @lauraleighblogs on Twitter

-Tweet "I have just entered @lauraleighblogs £50 Giftcard Giveaway (Feel Unique, Topshop, ASOS, Boots) at www.belles-boutique.co.uk"
-Follow Belles Boutique on Instagram and like my giveaway photo.

Just leave your user names, twitter handles and email address along with your comment below.

-Giveaway will end on Friday 19th July 2013.

 -Winner will be picked using random.org

-If you're under 16, you must have a parent or guardians permission to enter

-Only one voucher available to win courtesy of AO to spend online at either Feel Unique, ASOS, Topshop or Boots online.

-Giveaway open worldwide.

Good luck! 

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Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I'm quite a firm believer in "if something isn't broken, don't fix it" so really, I shouldn't have even needed to purchase this Real Techniques Expert Face Brush because my love for the Real Techniques Buffing Brush is still going extremely strong and gives me my perfect foundation application. 

However, when I met Sam from Pixiwoo (the creator of these beauts) at the Avon launch she gave us a little heads up about this brush coming to Boots and so there was no justification needed and it was top of my list.

This brush is extremely firm in terms of density and is made up of short "ultra plush" taklon bristles. It's quite wide and has been created to give you the perfect experience when applying and blending cream or liquid foundations. I've used this a few times now, with liquid foundations and yes it is brilliant, but as yet it isn't even close to how much I love my buffing brush which comes as a part of the Core Collection. Personally, I wish they sold the Buffing Brush separately like they do this, as I would probably stock up for life. Thankfully, the Real Techniques brushes are made with synthetic hair, which I find wash up really well and tend to last longer whilst staying extremely soft anyway.

Although this brush is super soft, I think because it is a lot more dense it seems to takes a little bit more work when applying my foundation, which is probably why I'm not getting on with it as much. There's no doubt about it that it's a great brush and I will continue to use it, it does give me a great flawless finish which looks beautiful but my hearts still with the Buffing Brush for now.

 If you're on the hunt for a really amazing foundation brush, I would strongly recommend the Buffing Brush, although if you're quick, Boots have them on 3 for 2 so you could just do what I did and get both!

This brush costs £9.99 and is available in Boots.

Have you tried any of the Real Techniques brushes? What's your favourite? 

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Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman- Core Collection, Blush & Powder Brush

Today what started off as a quick trip into Boots for some essentials, turned out to be rather the opposite as I soon became aware from posters everywhere that they are in fact running a mix and match 3 for 2 promotion on hair, make up and accessories. 

If you're anything like me, then I'm sure a 3 for 2 offer makes you extremely happy.

I was holding out getting these until my Boots points built up a little more but when I saw lashes and nails apart of the offer I dashed straight straight down the aisle to the brushes.

I managed to pick up the Core Collection £21.99 that I mentioned I wanted in my previous Real Techniques post, the powder Brush for £12.99 and due to the amazing offer got the blush brush £9.99 for free! 

In total thats six brushes for just under £35, which I think is pretty good!

The Core Collection comes with a detailer brush, a pointed foundation brush, a buffing brush, a contour brush and a case. I've already taken these out and decided to put them in a new brush holder to keep them all together.

They're all so incredibly soft, and I can't wait to use them! The Real Techniques stippling brush has quickly become one of my faves and so I'll be sure to let you know how I get on with the new additions.

If you're unable to get to a Boots store, fortunately these are available online here, if you was thinking about getting some before- then with this offer it's definitely worth considering!

Have you tried any of the Real Techniques Brushes? Whats your favourite?

xx

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Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman

Hey dolls,

I'm sure if you ask any beauty blogger or YouTuber, they will tell you that Pixiwoo videos were probably one of the first and more than likely one of there favourite beauty videos that they watch and I am in no way different.

I have loved watching Nic and Sams videos since the very beginning and was absolutely thrilled when I met them last year- fan girl!

I was so excited when I saw the girls video a few months ago telling the world the news that Sam was releasing her own Brush collection, Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman.

I was contemplating buying these online for a while, and then I heard the news that larger Boots stores and online (here) were going to stock them- eek!

After reading so many raves about the Stippling brush my search began!

I looked in a few Boots stores in London and unfortunately they didn't have them but today there was one left standing alone on the shelf in my local store and it had to be mine. I decided to treat myself using my Boots points which made it double exciting. 

As much as I love make up, I've never really been one for getting excited about a brush. I use what does the job well, but wouldn't dream of spending a fortune on them. To be honest, I just don't have the money to spend lots on a single brush.

I haven't used or seen any of the other brushes in this collection, but from the softness and stand alone finish of this Stippling brush I can confirm that on first impressions it is a dream and the quality and price point is wonderful. In Boots, this brush costs £11.99.

It's just the right size and the dual fibre bristles feel so incredibly soft to touch.

I'm not so sure on the Pink, I like pretty plain brushes, but in all fairness it does have a really nice finish to it so I can completely get over that. 

I really want to try the Core Collection now and think I might put my remaining points towards it and treat myself. 

I'm so excited to use it, and I'll be sure to let you know how I get on!

For more information on each of the brushes, and yes, of course tutorials have a little look on the Real Techniques website here.

Have you tried any of Sams Real Techniques collection?

xx

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