My Invisalign Journey! Part 1

So if you’ve been following my various social media accounts, you’ll see that I’ve started treatment for clear braces aka Invisalign! I actually can’t believe I can finally say those words - it’s always been a huge goal of mine! Something I’ve always been extremely self conscious about are my bottom teeth - and as they say, I got ‘em from my momma. Now don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t born with majorly misplaced teeth and thus to others, it may seem minute or something not to necessarily be bothered by. However, if I had a choice to eliminate that insecurity of mine, why the hell wouldn’t I? ‘AmIRite?’

I had considered traditional train-tracks for years but the reality of walking around with a mouth full of metal is just something I knew I couldn’t face - how vain am I? That’s when I did my extensive research (if you’ve been following me for a while, you already know I am the detail queen of Dublin!) and found Dental Options in Clane. They’re the leading specialists of Invisalign in Ireland so I knew I’d be in safe hands.

My teeth on the first day of treatment, plus the 'buttons' they add to keep the aligners in place.

Luckily for me, I’ve never been afraid of dentists, like so many are, so actually going through with the treatment wasn’t something too daunting - more exciting than anything else! Those feelings rang true particularly once I visited the clinic itself. I said to my friends when I got home “it doesn’t look like a dental practice at all” which may be reasurring to some who avidly fear their annual, or not so annual, trip - as the case may be.

If you are unfortunately one of many with that ever so common fret, I would highly recommend the ultra chic pristine practice that is Dental Options. During my first visit and consultation, Dr. Barry Buckley and his team took a 3D scan of my teeth which, to me, was an absolute mindboggle. Once my scan was complete, they not only showed me how my teeth look in 3D, not only how they would look after treatment but even showed me how they would progress gradually over the course of my treatment if I wanted to go ahead with it.

Once I gave them the okay to send along my profile to Invisalign HQ in America, I had to wait a couple of months before my moulds were returned, ready to begin treatment. My advice would be that if you’re thinking about starting Invisalign, get in touch now! My initial consultation (after many months of deliberation) was in October and I didn’t start treatment until February.

I have 17 sets of aligners in total. I wear them for 22 hours a day - basically, when I’m not eating! You’re only to drink water with them in, which is all I really drink anyway, so that’s not too much of a challenge for me. However, I am an AVID snacker - I mean, morning, noon and night you’ll find me nibbling on something. I eat little (psst, or a lot) and often so I thought that was a little challenging for the first few days with the discomfort of taking them in and out. Now, however, I pop them out in 2 seconds and I’m back to my ole munchin’ ways. Dammit, I thought it would have been great for my diet!

My teeth with the aligners, having worn them for half of the day.

For the first 3 sets of aligners, I wear them for 2 weeks at a time. Beyond that, it’s weekly - woohoo! My treatment should last about 25 weeks, which is nothing in comparison to what I had envisioned for myself. (My motto in life - expect the worst, but hope for the best!) Luckily though, August will be here in no time and then hopefully, by my 23rd birthday, I’ll have the full glistening smile that I’ve always hoped for.

DAY 7 - So as I approach my seventh day, I realised that I think this is the best decision I've ever made for myself! For the first three days, they were really uncomfortable and as happy as I was to finally go through with the treatment, there was an element of fear that I had to carry on ‘like this’ for the foreseeable future - this, referring to the acute pain and discomfort. Luckily, however, after the first three days, the pain subsided and they now feel so natural in my mouth. In fact, I actually think they’re more comfortable to have in than out!

I went on a night out recently, wearing my aligners in both of these photos!

DAY 15 - I changed my first set of aligners yesterday! I can’t believe how quickly the time is passing. I was really excited to get a fresh set in. When I noticed the old aligners next to the new ones, the crystal clear effect seemed to have faded a little in comparison. I had heard that staining was inevitable, but I’m going to try even harder with this set to keep them at their clearest and dearest. Besides not to smoke and drink with them in, some tips I received and have used were to brush them with a toothbrush, which I do every morning before I put them in after my breakfast. I had been warned that the day you change the aligners are the worst in regards to any discomfort. Although they felt a little tighter for the first few hours, I’ve had no torturous times with this set whatsoever - phew! I must admit that the first few days of my first set were a little rough, so I was so relieved to feel no pain at all!

My first set of aligners after two weeks wear VS my second set

DAY 21 - As I sit here continuing this blog-post, I have little complaints; only positive feelings towards my decision to go ahead with the treatment. Now that I’m finally doing it, it’s something I genuinely wish I did a very long time ago, but put off due to expense and general thought of “I’ll be graaaand without them.” That’s all well and good if they didn’t ponder across my mind every damn day. When you can’t get something out of your head, it’s a sign that it ain’t leaving until it’s dealt with - in whatever way that may be! I’m a big believer in doing what makes you happy and if something is getting you down, however minuscule or mighty, it should be tackled head on!

Some more positives - payment plans! I would be lost without them. Paying for any major 'work' done is always something daunting to consider when there are other, more important things to pay for - like your bottle of wine on a Friday night. 'AmIRite?' Luckily, however, www.clearbraces.ie offer payment plans to all customers so I yanked that up! Paying monthly really reduces the stress. Another thing that I’m pleasantly surprised with is actually how they look in photos - invisible! (Well, duh!) Well not only that, but I believe that they improve my smile! Due to having that extra little layer in my mouth, my smile is wider and fuller - any gaps are lessened. I’m delighted about that!

I just initially wanted to inform you of my progress and first-hand experience, but as I gather tips along the way or have any hiccups (not literally - I get them all the time!), notice progress in my smile (eeek! That’s exciting me already!) I’ll be sure to share, along with photos! Keep sending in your questions and I’ll be sure to cover them too!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading the first chapter of my experience with clear braces. It hasn’t hindered my smile whatsoever, in fact, it’s massively improved it - in every sense! On that note, I just have to say a huge thank you to Dental Options in Clane for making this process so easy and care-free. Here’s their Facebook page if you wanted to check them out for yourselves!

I’m just so glad I finally went ahead with it. It’s true what they say, you only regret the things you don’t do! Be sure to catch me on my various social media sites to see more regularly updated posts and videos - plus all the other fun stuff too!

Facebook - www.facebook.com/MarthaRyanMakeupArtist

Youtube - www.youtube.com/c/MarthaRyanMakeupArtist

Instagram - MarthaRyanMakeup

Snapchat - MarthaRMakeup

Thanks for reading!

Martha x

I am now on Youtube!!! ♥

Hi guys,

I am so excited to announce that I am finally on Youtube! Why, you might ask? To show you guys how I create the makeup looks that I do. That's something that I've wanted to do for a really long time and I'm so happy I get to finally be able to now! I'm only a beginner so my videos may need a little excusing as I hope to grow as a video editor over time! 

I hope to bring you guys the content you request and want to see the most! So if you have any requests please comment below and I will film the most popular looks!

If you like my video please 'thumbs up' & of course SUBSCRIBE! :)

Behold my first video! BURGUNDY CAT EYE ♥

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgW2m8naOog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgW2m8naOog

I got LIP FILLERS with Amara Clinics! Before & After Photos!!! ♥

So as most of you know, I scheduled an appointment with Amara Aesthetics recently and have been so so excited. I actually wrote an introductory blog post already which let you guys know why I chose to have them done and why I chose Amara. So if you haven't read that yet, do so now - as this is the second piece of the puzzle - read here!

As well as details into why I made the decision, my last post was pretty much a giant disclaimer that I'll tip-toe across once more. By getting lip-fillers I in no way intend to push that decision on anybody else. It is a medical procedure that requires plenty of planning and 100% confidence on your part! So if it's something you're interested in learning more about, keep reading :)

While I would find myself researching various clinics and mobile nurses around the country, I would find myself asking "Am I ready?" but upon browsing through Amara's website, I'd say to myself "Yes, I am ready!" Their many testimonials, informative website and natural before & after photos had me feeling at such ease and really made me not only confident, but majorly excited in their abilities and what they might be able to do for me. Admittedly I was nervous on the few days running up to the procedure, but that was no reflection on the clinic itself - I had full faith in Dr Paul Munsanje, the Medical Director of Amara Aesthetics. They are a 100% Irish owned company and have clinics in Dublin and London!

My lips weren't something that necessarily bothered me, but I've always wished for more! I was happy with the shape of my natural lip, I just wanted a little boost. I feel that by getting them plumped up it would balance my face, as I feel my nose takes center stage - (thanks Maaa!)

As a Makeup Artist, I've seen many clients come to me with lip-fillers and so began my slight obsession with them. I'd find myself looking at people on the streets (especially on my various trips to Liverpool!) and I'd say "Look, look, she got her lips done!" That wasn't the effect I wanted to go for. I'd like somebody to look at me and say "Look, she has great lips! I wonder..." rather than the obvious duck pout that seems to be overpopulating the nation. As great as it may look on Donald & Daffy, in my personal opinion, that's not a good look - you know, the gigantic upper lip curving outwards as though it's about to do a somersault, all while maintaining the rock-hard appearance of looking "done". In fact, I'm so picky that when I arrived to the clinic, I showed Dr. Paul a photo collage I had made with everything I didn't want! Head-wrecker of a client at it's finest, but it is my face after all!

I love love love them!

Upon arriving to the gorgeous clinic on Merrion Square, Dublin, I was welcomed by Katie - the clinic's Marketing Manager and also greeted by Karolina - the Clinic Administrator and finally Siobhan - Amara's Skin Specialist who would be assisting Dr. Paul Munsanje during the procedure. In their spacious reception, I sat on the couch filling in a detailed client consultation form, which was definitely assuring. (Whenever you're going for any kind of procedure, be very wary when you're not asked to fill anything out!) After about 5 minutes of filling out the form I was ready to go. I met with Dr. Paul and he read through my form making sure I was the perfect candidate. He asked me if I had any questions or comments and knowing me, of course I did!

At the bottom of the post I've listed some frequently asked questions and tried to answer them the best I could. But first, let's get to the procedure! Dr. Paul Munsanje took some 'before' photos while giving his expertise on what was achievable. There are various types of filler that can be used for lip injections. Amara uses Juvederm! He then clearly talked me through what to expect.

While he got the solution ready, Siobhan held an ice-pack against my lip for a minute or two. At first I was thinking "Surely this isn't going to help!" but I didn't even feel the needle go into my lip! What I found funny is that I could feel the Juvederm wriggle it's way in. Upon each 5 second injection, Dr. Paul would then massage the substance into my lips to assure there were no lumps and that everything was even. I think there were six injection points altogether. I could have never predicted how easy and pain-free it would be! I was expecting to be very nervous but even as I was being injected, it is such a relaxing environment and the confidence of Dr. Paul just radiated the room so I knew that I was in the best hands for the job! Juvederm is mixed with local anesthetic to ensure that there's virtually no pain. I was asked to rate the pain out of 10 at the end of the procedure and I said it was about a 3, so you get the idea! The entire procedure went so much better than I was expecting and only took about 10 minutes in total!

Finally... My Before & After photos!

I have a little gloss on. This was taken as soon as I came home.
You can notice the teeny bruise at the bottom corner which
has now totally healed!

My lip-shape hasn't changed at all, it's just a pronounced
version of what was there before! I love them!

Well, what do you think? I didn't want a lot of product along the edge or outer corners of my lips - I really wanted to focus on the middle body of the lip making them voluptuous, yet natural, and that's exactly what I got!

As warned by Siobhan, they felt a little numb afterwards but this faded after an hour or so and eating/drinking was absolutely no problem. When I went to show my reluctant-hippy-esque-natural-beauty-is-key mother, even she said "You don't have a beak" - result! I never told my two little brothers and had them examine me to notice if anything was different; I had to tell them in the end! Amara pride themselves on a 'less is more' motto and they certainly have succeeded in that! That night they did swell and became a little tender, but nothing I couldn't handle. I woke up the next morning and the swelling had gone down completely! One week has now passed and I'm so in love with them! Now for some of your questions!

Was it sore?

As I said previously, barely! I rated it a 3 out of 10. The only thing I was really nervous about were the needles but I've had a lot of piercings and this doesn't even compare to getting your ears pierced! I couldn't even feel the needle enter my lips once, I just felt the Juvederm & local anesthetic go in - which was weird but totally bearable! The ice-pack and local anesthetic ensures the client feels minimal pain! 

My side profile has totally filed out. Excuse the dry lips!

Was there any bruising or swelling?
When I asked Dr. Munsanje how common it was to bruise he told me there's maybe a 1/10 chance or less. It obviously depends on the person's skin. I got one teeny tiny bruise on the left corner but it was so small that it wasn't noticeable whatsoever, just like a small red dot on my lip! It's now 7 days later and it's completely gone. In regards to swelling, I won't lie! They got pretty swollen the day I got them done and they were like my dream lips - hahaha! The next morning practically all swelling had gone so it didn't even last 24 hours!

What product is used?

Juvederm Volift was the product that was used in my lips. Unlike collagen-based fillers which is extracted from animals, Juvederm is hyaluronic acid-based which is naturally occuring in the skin already. It's FDA approved and has been around for about 10 years, which means it's been repeatedly tried and tested and an allergic reaction is very unlikely. Safety is really important to the guys at Amara which is a big plus from me!

How long does it last?

Juvederm Volift lasts 9-18 months so about a year, on average. This makes Amara the best value clinic that I've come across in comparison to others that only last 3-4 months. The longevity of course depends on each individual!

How much does it cost?

1ml costs €450 (which is what I got) but if you're a candidate for 2ml that's €800. Through browsing through Facebook I'd often see cheap deals being advertised by various mobile nurses and hearing friends that have gone to these places and said they now know why! If you take anything from this blog-post, please let it be to make sure you're going to the best of the business when it comes to any aesthetic treatment! It is your face after all and you can't really put a price on that!

Is it worth it?

Yes, yes, a million times yes! I am so happy with them I've been spending the last week looking in every reflection known to man! They're exactly what I wanted and I can't thank Dr. Paul Munsanje and all of the staff at Amara Clinic enough!

Oh and I don't know if this is anything to go by, but on my way home I stopped in my local green grocers and the guy working there said I looked great! Ha! That's definitely a first! 

So if you want to be complimented by your local businessmen, give Amara a shout! They're so friendly to deal with and extremely informative! I can't thank all of the staff enough! I will forever recommend them to anybody who's interested in getting any aesthetic treatment done! 

Give them a 'like' on their Facebook and for anybody who wants to see for themselves, watch Dr. Paul Munsanje's Youtube channel where he has a series of lip-filler based videos to assure the skeptical client, like me and of course you can browse their informative website too!

If you've any other questions, drop them an email info@amara.ie

Let me know if you end up booking in! 

And what do you think of my lips?

Comment below!

Martha x

Martha's Must-Have Makeup List! Christmas Gift Ideas! ♥

Hey guys, I thought I'd bring you something a little different today. I come across so many people whether it be friends, family or even clients that find it difficult to buy for the makeup enthusiast in their life. While a voucher is always a safe bet and for some (like me) a preferred choice, imagine the delight on her face when you surprise her with some absolute staples for any makeup kit, whether it be for personal or professional use.

I'm going to give you recommendations based on products that I can't live without!

Any questions? Just ask! 

Martha x

Well that's it guys. I hope this list has helped you on your journey to please your loved one that little bit more, or maybe it'll act as a good 'hinting' tool ;) Either way, I hope this helps! Martha x

I'm getting LIP FILLERS! Part 1 - Intro! ♥

So, I've made the decision to finally get temporary lip fillers. Is this something you generally flaunt or shout from the roof-tops? Maybe not, but I think everything is a little different when you have a platform to share your experience. The reason I've decided to share my story wasn't to encourage others to alter their appearance or follow a trend - it's to let people know about the clinic & procedure itself if it's something that interests them. I would advise to continue reading this post to those over 18 who've been considering getting them done for a while now. Trust me, the last thing I want to do is come across as though I'm encouraging them to those who don't need any! 

Getting any aesthetic treatment isn't something you should get because your favourite Instagram personality has them or because 'big lips are in'. If you are ever thinking about going through with them, take the time to discover your options and see if they're right for you. When I say time, I don't mean a few days of googling. I mean months or maybe even years! One really important message is not to shop around for the cheapest, shop around for the best!

Let me clear this up straight away - the reason I've decided to take the plunge was not to follow the latest 'Kylie Jenner' trend or hope for a celebrity pout. Anybody that knows me knows that I am not a glamorous person; I shop high street (mostly for fluffy socks & peanut butter, truth be told), I don't follow trends and just do my own thing!

 I have no desire to be glamorous by any means, that is so not me!

Although there's been a big focus on juicy lips in the last 2 years or so, this is something that I've actually been researching since I was 15! Yes, 15! Lip fillers back then were kind of a taboo. Knowing that I was too young at the time didn't stop me from emailing companies for future reference and ask about the products they used and how they worked. I'm a very... careful person. I don't make really impulsive decisions. So even when I turned 18 I didn't want to go ahead with them until I knew I was ready. I said if I still want them in another year I'd look into it. Another year passed and so on and so forth. I'm 21 now and after 6 years of researching & knowing all of the information, I'm finally ready!

My teeth, lips and nose have always been something I would love to change. Don't worry, I'm not saving for a nose job, but braces could be on the cards! Anyway, I have a very long side-profile with most of the attention on my lengthy nose. I feel that my lips lose focus and by making them a little bit more prominent, my face will look a little more balanced overall, and I'll be happier which is the main thing. As a Makeup Artist you may notice that the only lip colour I ever wear is nude, despite having so many vibrant colours in my makeup collection dying to be worn - but I don't have the confidence I need to pull them off how I would like to! 

So after 'liking' a million Facebook pages of mobile nurses, visiting nation-wide websites, emailing various doctors, researching ingredients, reading reviews and viewing before & after photos, I've finally come to my decision that Amara Clinics is the only option for me! After taking the time to research I now know that I only want a qualified doctor in a clinical environment near my face and that's the bottom line. Here's an article that scared the bejayzuz out of me - check it out!

Just one of the things I love about Amara Clinics is that they are so easily contactable and they use all of their resources available. I saved their website, liked them on Facebook, followed them on Instagram, read through their Twitter, watched their Youtube and read their blog. They literally couldn't have more information out there, which is great for people like me that google EVERYTHING! I'm a super thorough person and would spend the day googling what kind of almond milk to buy... yep, I'm a freak!

My consultation and procedure with Dr. Munsanje of Amara Clinics is scheduled for a few weeks time. This post is just to let you guys in on it and to criss-cross any potential nastiness I may receive "Yew don't need dem hun x" by explaining why I've made the choice. In my next piece I will be showing you all my 'Before & After' photos, letting you know my experience at the clinic, talking about the shape & size I'm after, what I want to avoid , disclosing the price and of course you will be (secretly) judging my results! Aaahh! So if this is something you've been seriously considering for a while, stay posted! Until my little procedure, have a look around their website, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube or blog. Yeah, I know, it's a pretty long list!

Is there anything in particular you'd like me to include in my piece on the procedure?

Let me know below in the comments!

Wish me luck, but I don't think I'll need it :)

Martha x

The White House Teeth Whitening! FULL Review & Before/After Photos! ♥

So recently I was in with The White House in Swords, getting my teeth professionally whitened - what a treat! As soon as I thought about getting my teeth whitened, they immediately sprung to mind as a few of my friends had been there in the past and I'm constantly seeing updates from them on my social media, so I said I'd give it a go.

I had my teeth whitened somewhere else about two years ago but it wasn't half as thorough. I bought a 50% groupon deal and purchased an express treatment. At the time my teeth's whiteness may have excelled by about 1 shade so I was a little disappointed and even more eager to try it again in a different place. The White House uses a the most advanced technology available worldwide, so I knew I was in good hands! 

Everything was stress and hassle free, even including the booking process! They have a great online booking system which is handy for people like me who always forget to ring places yet always have their laptops open! I arrived to my appointment and Maria, the Swords clinic's Dental Professional was waiting for me as soon as I walked in. There was no waiting around and it was a really nice personal touch. I filled in a quick consultation form & read the terms and I was set. In we went to a little clean room off reception and I lay on the chair. Maria talked through the treatment and how it worked. There is a little 3D tooth-chart that Maria measured up to my own to note my natural shade and thereby having the means to compare the result. Generally your teeth can brighten by 5 - 10 shades, with 8 shades being the average. Everybody differs! 

The treatment is done in three 15 minute segments. You're to put this aparatus in your mouth to help keep your teeth on display. At first it feels a little funny but after the first few minutes I forgot all about it. Next, your Dental Professional applies a pre-accelerating substance to heighten the effects and remove any excess plaque. Then the whitening gel is applied and you're good to go! Maria brought over the teeth-whitening machine and set the timer. She made sure I was comfortable and gave me the remote for the in-clinic telly. Yes, a TV! So you're not laying there doing absolutely nothing for your time, you're actually entertained too! Bliss!

As I lay there with my big Star Wars-esque glasses I noticed how pristine the clinic was. Normally when you're in a clinical environment, it's not very cozy but this little treatment room is almost like a sitting room with sparkling wooden floors and the odd personal touch like a few plants. I lay there watching Futurama and Maria would check on me every few minutes. When she would come in I always noticed her washing her hands, changing her gloves and staying sanitized, which is a big plus! From reading their website, filling out the consultation form and being in the clinic itself, I could tell that hygiene and client safety is very important to them! 

When each segment of whitening was finished, Maria would clear off the gel and apply a new layer for maximum results until the third round was complete and I was good to go! During the treatment I didn't experience any uncomfortably or sensitivity. I can't actually use 'Crest' whitening strips as they hurt my teeth too much. I can honestly say I didn't feel a thing besides the gel itself! 

My Before & After photo: I can't believe they were that yellow!

When Maria showed me the results I was really happy with how they turned out. My teeth have always been one of those things that I don't like to show often for various reasons (you can probably guess!), so having a big white smile certainly helps matters! I found myself checking every mirror I passed as I walked through Penneys afterward. Looking at the first photo I'm actually embarrassed that my teeth looked like that before. Both photos were taken with flash but one in daylight and one at night, same day. My first shade was 2R1.5 and my second was 0M3. That sounds like alien-talk, so in real life that means I went up 8 shades lighter!!!

The price of the whitening at the clinic is €130.00 for a full hour treatment. This includes your consultation where you can discuss your goals and they can talk you through the treatment. For this treatment you're expected to go 5-10 shades whiter! They also offer a 'top up' whitening treatment and that takes 30 minutes. I imagine this to be ideal for those with quite white teeth already as you're expected to go just 3-5 shades whiter with this treatment and it costs €75.00. Lastly, they have a deal for two people's full treatments at the moment for €240.00. 

The clinic I went to was their first baby and it's been there in Swords since 2008. But due to their growing success they have also opened clinics in Dublin City Centre, Cork, Dundrum, Galway & Belfast! So if you're reading this thinking that they're too far away for you, you're in luck! 

I would definitely recommend The White House to anybody interested in getting their teeth professionally whitened, hence the blog-post! It is such a huge confidence booster and I think I'm hooked on pearly whites now! So if you're looking to get teeth whitening in Dublin (or anywhere for that matter thanks to their nation-wide locations!) you can check out their website here where you can read client testimonials, understand the technology used and even buy vouchers for Christmas prezzies! Also you can check them out on Facebook here and give them a 'like'! 

I hope you found this review helpful!

Let me know if you book in!

Martha x

AYU PRO - Makeup Brush Review ♥

So, AYU is back on my blog again featuring some brand new products! You all loved my first review of AYU Makeup featuring their contour palette so I'm more than happy to keep spreading the word and let you in on their brand new brush collection. You can read my other detailed review of AYU right here :) It'll warm you up for this bad boy!

Okay, so AYU recently brought out a new PRO series keeping the Makeup Artist in mind while maintaining their budget-friendly prices. There are 4 beautiful brushes in this collection and I'm delighted to have come across their unusual & technical designs.

  

Let's begin with their PRO Large Shadow Brush. 

To the Makeup Artist or just enthusiast, flat eyeshadow brushes are mandatory to complete a makeup brush kit & have many uses.

It can be used with both cream and powder products so versatility is a given with this guy. You can use it to apply a base colour all over the lid, to help define the light shadow on a cut crease and better yet, it doubles as a concealer brush! It would also be perfect for cream contouring smaller areas like the nose & cupids bow.It has a round head & thick dense hairs allowing application to go on as pigmented as possible.

On the right is a look I created for a client dressing up as a peacock recently. If it weren't for the Pro Large Shadow brush, I wouldn't have been able to create the 'cut-crease' effect.  Retails at only €5.95 here

Next up is the PRO Detailer Shadow Brush. This brush has a slightly smaller head than the one above for a really precise application. Small brushes like these have multiple uses. 

Again, to be used with both wet and dry products, the PRO Detailer Shadow can be used to highlight the brow bone, the inner corner of the eye, to smoke out eyeliner or just to apply eyeshadow beneath the eyes. It has dense hairs to allow for an intense application and is a little rounder than the 'Large Shadow' brush above to give it some leg-way for buffing & blending too. Retails at €5.95 here

Now for the PRO Eye Liner Brush which happens to be my favourite from the collection. It has a head as thick as a needle and therefore super tiny. It was created for precise eyeliner application whether it be your gel or liquid on top or your pencil & shadow on the bottom. I've now used this multiple times to help define my eye look in different ways. I can happily say that it does what it says on the tin!

I've bought many pointed eyeliner brushes like these over the years. Some from MAC,  Crownbrush and others just from eBay - yet I've never had one with hairs so strong. With the other ones I'd find that after multiple uses the bristles would begin to come loose & branch out, losing that precise pointed tip. I've now used this eyeliner brush 4 or 5 times and even after product application, then cleaning it with harsh surgical spirits, the shape remains as does the density. This is a huge plus from me as the others seemed to have been more of a waste of money in the end. I could just never find one fine enough, until now. Retails at €4.75 here

Last but certainly not least is the PRO Waterline Liner Brush. Although it's labelled as a waterline brush, I find it has many uses that go far beyond that. It does fit into the eye waterline perfectly for an even eyeliner application, I've also been using it to apply shadow beneath the waterline, smoke out eyeliner on the upper lid and even applying gel liners onto the lid. It can also be used for highlighter application on the inner corner of the eye and beneath the brow bone, not to mention creating that feline cat eye that all of my Saturday night clients go mad for. Retails at €4.75 here

Makeup I did on myself featuring all of the brushes in this collection for a recent night out. I used the Large Shadow brush all over the lid to apply MAC's Blanc Type eyeshadow. For the under eye I used the Detailer Shadow brush to blend out orange shadow & the Waterline Liner brush to apply a thin line of brown eyeshadow. To finish off, I applied Inglot Gel Liner #76 (white) in the waterline using the Eye Liner brush. See, multipurpose all the way!

I can genuinely say that I am really happy to find this collection and all of the brushes do exactly as intended. AYU's initial collection features softer hairs with more of a focus on blending. These however really have been designed for the professional who yearn to create a look that entails more than that. Those who wish to explore the fields of technical eyeliner and unique eye designs, this is definitely for you. Averaging from €4.00 - €6.00 you can't really go wrong. Still, the prices of these products astound me. I can happily vouch for these little guys. 

Browse AYU's complete brush collection here :)

Thanks for reading!

Martha x