Jazziepickles

UK Mummy and Lifestyle blogger

Shadow Switch Review | Jazziepickles

Hello my lovelies.
Today’s post is going to be a little review on a beauty tool I was kindly gifted from the guys at Beauty Essentials UK . It’s the “Shadow switch”, a dry brush cleaner that allows you to mix and match different powder products and use the same brush. Pretty impressive right?
So above, you can see the product and a few of my eye brushes from the brand Royal and Lang-nickle which I bought from hooked up.
First impressions: So when the postman rammed this little package in my letterbox I was so excited to see how it worked and give it a go. First thing I noticed was how lightweight it is, it weighs practically nothing. Once opened I was surprised at just how simple it was, essentially it’s just a soft mesh like sponge in a tin. Sceptical was an understatement. 
First use: I used two fluffy brushes to test the product. Swirling my brushes into two different shadows, I blended onto the back on my hand. To start I used a really light brown shade. Then I pressed the fluffy brush hairs into the sponge and swirled my brush for around 15 seconds. I could see the product left on the sponge and my brush hairs had stained BUT there was no excess brown shadow on my brush. I tested on the back of my other hand to see if any colour came off, there was none. Repeating the same process I used a smokey dark grey, swirled my brush around in the shadow switch then picked up a really light grey colour. There was absolutely no dark product left on my brush. 
Would I use this product: 100% ! It’s such a simple yet effective way of cleaning your brush when creating eye looks. The tin is super light weight so easy for traveling and on the go for any touch ups, and its pretty compact so easy to store. I love that I can now use the same brush with different shades without the hassle of a proper clean and dry (We all hate that right?) 
Would I recommend this product? Definitely. I can see it being a really handy little tool to have and perfect for professional MUA’s. 
Is the Shadow Switch expensive, and where can I buy one? Currently, the Shadow Switch is available to purchase on Amazon for a very good price point of £5.99! They’ll soon be available on Sephora. 
THINGS TO NOTE: Beauty essentials are in the process of repackaging a lot of their products for launch. The shadow switch I’ve been sent is in the old packaging. I’ve attached a photo below of what the shadow switch will look like for the new launch. Same great product, just in a new packaging. 
DISCLAIMER: This product was kindly gifted to me in return for review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

7 tips to happiness | Jazziepickles

Hey lovelies !
Recently some people around me have been going through some tough times and are trying hard to disguise their unhappiness, so I’ve decided to write a little post on my tips and tricks to happiness. I hope this helps anyone who’s feeling down or upset. 
  1. Set yourself goals, big or small, long term or short. Be realistic. What do you want to achieve in a month, it could be something as simple as putting aside being more organised and buying a planner or, as big as losing a stone and joining a weight loss group. Whatever is getting you down, set goals to help tackle the issue. 
  2. Spare cash for a rainy day. A lot of people in my life have financial struggles, I grew up in a family with low income and difficulty. Somehow, we always managed to to get by and have the things we need. When I got older and began earning my own income it was a novelty, I could buy whatever I wanted. It was different and excited, However, I always made sure I paid all my outgoings. I watched my family struggle and told myself I wouldn’t do the same so, I always put some money aside and saved. I made sacrifices to ensure I had enough money to live comfortably. Currently me and my partner are saving are arses off for a mortgage deposit and we’re doing pretty well and I can’t wait to be a home owner, but it’s always nice to know that we have money if we should need it. 
  3. 3. Appreciate what you have! There are millions of people in the world that would give a limb for what you have. A warm home with clean running water filled with memories of those who love you, probably feels normal right? Luckily we live in a country that provides homes and help. Moan all you want about the government and how they have ruined this country. You’re wrong, because we’re not the people living in fear of war, deadly illness and disease or horrendous natural disasters. 
  4. Surround yourself with positive people. We’re all so quick to judge and hate, admittedly  I’m guilty of this, but there are some people in my life who, when I’m with I just feel completely comfortable and happy. If someone is dragging you down and rubbing off their negative vibes, bin them off! Ain’t nobody got time for that !
  5. Keep busy. Doing the things you enjoy the most will take your mind away from whatever is making you sad. Personally, I like to colour. When I’m stressed or bored I grab a intricate detailed colouring book and spend hours creating a real master piece (I wish) If colouring isn’t your thing, take a walk in the woods with some friends, bake a cake or go to the gym. You’ll feel better for it, if only for a few minuets, I promise. 
  6. Allow yourself time. In the fast paced world we live in, sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Schedule in some quality “me time”. Read your favourite book, watch your favourite movie, put on a face mask and have a bubble bath. These are all things I like to do, usually on my own. 
  7. Smile. Even if you don’t feel like smiling. It could make someones day and that feels good. 
REMEMBER: Every day may not be good, but there is something good in everyday!

Drugstore haul!

Hey Lovelies!

Thought I would share with you some recent pick ups. Some new products for me and some repurchased. Have a look and tell me what you think.

 

Face/Base products:
Maybelline Fit me matte + powerless foundation, shade 105 natural ivory.
This foundation for me is one I use for work or a trip to town. It works best for normal to oily skin and claims to refine and blur pores while keeping your completion looking matte. I have to say I didn’t notice that much difference in terms of pore reducing but it did keep my oils at bay. It’s not a super long lasting foundation so that’s something to be aware of.
Rimmel stay matte powder, shade 003 peach glow. A trusted powder I have used for years and years. It’s a constant repurchase for me because it sets my Base well, carries slight coverage and keeps my skin looking oil free!  I find it lasts a good 5/6 hours. The shade I use has warm pink undertones like my skin and it’s a perfect colour match. The powder itself is finely milled and applies evenly and smoothly.
Collection lasting perfection concealer, shade fair 1. By far the best concealer I’ve ever tried. Easily blended, brightens and conceals, doesn’t crease or sink into any fine lines. This product has long lasting full coverage magic inside. I will purchase this again and again and recommended it to anyone ! Such an affordable product too!
Real techniques miracle complexion sponge. The best alternative to the overpriced beauty blender that I really couldn’t get on with. I much prefer the miracle sponge from real techniques. It’s so easy to work with and blends my base flawlessly with minimal effort. Best results for me is when i dampen the sponge with luke warm water and gently pat product over my face. The miracle sponge distributes product evenly over my face and doesn’t soak up to much product. I absolutely love it and i can’t even begin to remember what make up application was before I purchased this. I know they’ve launched some new sponges for different area’s, so I can’t wait to try them out.
Eye products 
Freedom duo eyebrow powder, dark brown. After trying numerous brow pencils, powders, gels and pomades, I decided i preferred to use powders and a small angled brush to shape fill and define my brows. This duo is perfect colour wise to me, the brown is slightly warm which complements the warm tones in my dark hair. Both colours have great pigmentation and lasting power. I use the lighter colour for the start of my brows and the darker ones just before the arch to create the famous faded brow everyone is always lusting over. If you’re a powder brow kinda girl i would certainly give these ago.
Barry M dazzle dust, Venus. Another product I have had in my collection for many moons in various different colours. I added this one to the family because I love the subtle shimmer for a pretty natural look. I can’t really describe the colour, it seems to change depending on the lighting but its a light bronzey, champagne kinda colour with slight pink tones? It lasts a good few hours with a decent eye primer which is perfect for a night out. There’s so many different shades to chose from in my local drugstore I plan on collecting them all. This shade dazzle dust doubles up as a pretty little highlighter for the cheeks too, leaving them glowing!
Lip products.
NYX “creamy beige” lipstick. Let me tell you, this is the colour I have been looking for! It’s a medium brown nude, somewhere in the middle of MAC’s velvet teddy and Honey love. It’s perfect and I am so obsessed, I think I’ve worn it every day since bringing it home. It’s super creamy, non drying on my lips and is practically kiss proof. It lasts the whole day with no touch ups. I am so happy I found this lipstick, It’s certainly one I will have to buy over and over again. One thing that does bother me ever so slightly is the scent. It has the typical waxy lipstick smell which I don’t like, i feel if they added a vanilla scent it would be absolute make up heaven.
NYX “beige pearl” mega shine lip gloss. Perfect. It’s absolutely perfect. I’m sure I almost cried tears of happiness when I first tried this on. It’s a high shine gloss but without the stickiness of most lip glosses. The product name is perfect, it really is a pearly beige colour and it goes so well with the lipstick mentioned above. A doe foot applicator makes it super easy to apply evenly.This lipgloss ticks every single box for me and i will be going out to get the remaining shades I don’t already own. Let me tell you, the scent of this gloss is out of this world. It’s super sweet, like cherries and sherbet sweets. This is what I remember my childhood to smell like, and I like it! ALOT !
Other
Garnier Micellar cleansing water. 400ml. This product has found its way into my daily skin care routine for a few months now and I keep picking up a new one every time I visit the shops. It’s really gentle on my skin but still does a good job of removing my make up. I picked up this 400ml bottle in primark for only £2! (RRP £4.99) and I thought it rude not to buy it. I usually splash some onto a cotton pad or face wipe then go to town. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a gentle cleanser that is kind to sensitive skin.
Palmers cocoa butter instant relief hand cream. A friend at work used this once and I was obsessed with the strong sweet chocolate smell. She kindly gave me a tube and it was love. I don’t know how my hands survived the days without this cream. After using the cream my hands feel nourished and softer which is a pleasant change from dry, chemically smelling sanitised hands. Another staple item i will continue to re-purchase.
I hope you enjoyed reading about all my lovely goodies, let me know if there’s anything from the list you’ve tried and how you got on.
Kisses and love
Jazziepickles
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, links are not affiliated and all thoughts and opinions are my own.