Review: Milani Liquif'Eye Eye Liner Pencil

I figured since I reviewed a perfect cat eye eyeliner yesterday then I should review the perfect smokey eyeliner. Milani has made the Holy Grail of drugstore eyeliners!!! I am in mad love with these eyeliners for real. I have the black and brown ones and I love love love them. I will always have my Milani eyeliners with me wherever I go. So many people, bloggers, vloggers and websites talk about how great these are so I'm not going to into crazy detail but I will share my thoughts quickly on them. So here is goes:

1. This pencil is the smoothest pencil ever when applying. It's almost like a silky creamy liquid!
2. You can use this on the rim of your eye (kinda like inside your eyelid under your lashes, make sense?) and it doesn't run either :)
3. You can smudge this out before it dries and once it does, it doesn't move.
4. Washes off very easy without leaving residue or smearing before coming off.
5. It comes in different amazing colors that I can't wait to get my hands on.(like the teal one above, OMG)
6. They are so rich and pigmented.
7. They sharpen beautifully and last forever!
8. A lot of people compare these to MAC Eyeliners also :)  But waaaay cheaper! woot woot!

Here is a picture of the black one I have:

And here is the brown one (although it looks really light in this picture):

And here are some swatches I found online:

How pigmented are they??? You can get these at CVS or Ulta that I know of. I'm sure you can get them other places I just don't know where those places are. Oh yea! Check Amazon too. :)

Let me know if you have these or tried these and what you think!

Be blessed beauties!



Review: NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker

If you want the perfect cat eye then you need this marker. It doesn't smudge well at all so for the smokey eye this isn't the product for you. You can get the fat one or skinny one and since I'm on a mad hunt to be skinny I went with the skinny one. :) I can't wait to try the fat one too though, just in the marker of course. This product is great for anyone wanting to achieve the perfect cat eye or just winged out eye look (wait, isn't that the same thing???....oh well) Anyway on to the review....it doesn't dry that fast so you can fix a mistake if you're like any human being and make them from time to time but it dries quick enough where you don't have to be so careful for a long time hoping it doesn't smudge or get all over your eyelid. It goes over shadows very well and doesn't dry out in the tube fast at all. This is literally like a marker for your eyes.....I really feel at this moment right now that I need to express that you should never try to use a sharpie or any other marker type thing around your eyes. You should only use products made for your eyes.....OK sorry that was the mommy in me coming out.

I use this marker quite a bit for everyday black liner if I'm not doing a smokey eye because it brings just enough drama to your face without going overboard, especially if your going with very natural eye shadows. The point at the end is great for reaching the inner corner with a very fine line. The average price is around $8 I believe, I think I paid around $8 for mine at Ulta.

So that's it! I really like this liquid eyeliner, it lasts, it has a very fine point for precision, it washes off well, it's got a good price on it, and it's by NYX so you know you can't go wrong with that right? (I love NYX products). Have you tried this? Do you love it or hate it? I wanna know :)

Be blessed beauties!

Review: Telescopic Explosion Carbon Black Mascara

I was a little skeptical about trying this because the wand looked so scary! But I also had some comfort knowing that it was made from the same manufacturer of my fave mascara so why not try it?!? I had a 50/50 chance so I bought it. I LOVE THIS MASCARA!!!! Here are some pictures of the scary wand so we can get that out of the way:



Before mascara is on it



with mascara on it

Doesn't it look like a weapon??? It reminds of of Givenchy's Phenomen'eyes Mascara and that stuff is amazing btw. But man oh man whoever thought of this weapon/tool thing was a genius! I love how it gets to every single strand of hair on the top (and bottom) of your pretty lil eyes. You can get into the inner corners better, the outer corners better, everywhere better! And on the very end where it's red there is some give to the wand so you can literally scrape every single bit of mascara from the tube and you can wiggle it into your lashes better since there is some bend to the end of it. 

The mascara is thick and it goes on so easy. There is no clumping at all...wait! I lied.....there is some clumping if you accidently get your lashes in the wand part instead of the scary ball part (I know because I did that this morning lol). As long as you only use the ball part, which is what you should be using anyway, then it's nearly impossible to clump. I couldn't believe the length that this mascara gave me and it doesn't flake or smudge and it lasts all day and evening. Loreal has yet to disappoint me on any of their products I've tried so far, not saying it's a lot but what I've tried has been great. Here is a picture of the actual mascara that I bought:

I paid $7.97 for it at Walmart. I know Ulta sells it too and probably good ol' Amazon. :) It's worth every bit of that price too. I don't know that I will ever use a straight brush again! (yes I will who am I kiddin' here?)

Maybe I can convince my daughter to take a before and after picture. :) If so I will add it, if not sorry :( I know there are some before and after reviews online so google that if you want to see results. I'm so glad I took a chance on this mascara because it's amazing! I give this a 5 out of 5 and I would for sure buy it again.

Be blessed beauties!

Let's talk Holy Grails for a bit...................

Holy Grail definition in the makeup world: A product that you have purchased more than once. :)

Any makeup beauty blogger will tell you that if they buy the same product twice then it's pretty "golden" or a rare find because if it's worth buying twice, it's probably really good. So I have found my first two Holy Grail products that happen to be lipstick and both by Loreal. (My favorite mascara is Loreal too but we'll talk about that another time or just look through my other blog posts to read about that). I'm always trying to find the perfect nude color that will make any eye look that I may try and I've finally found 2 of them! I'm still on the hunt for more so my search doesn't stop but I knew when I found myself buying these two for the second time that there was something to be said about them.

Both of them I feel exactly the same about so let's get started:

When I first applied these lipsticks I couldn't believe how creamy and easy they went on my lips! They don't dry out or crease into your lips or anything! If you apply a lip primer, blot and apply again, they last all day! (Even without a lip primer they last a very long time) These colors look amazing with a deep smokey eye or a very earthy natural eye. I can't get over how perfect they are! They don't have a wax like feel to them and the tubes last a long time. They even have a nice smell to them and a hint of flavor. :) It's nothing like fruity or anything like that just a nice clean cosmetic type smell/taste....you will just have to buy it to see what I mean. :)

Here is the picture of the Beige 809 color. This color has more of a brown base to it so it's not shimmery girly pink or anything, just a nice muted matte pink. SOOOO pretty right???

 And then here is the second one which is Gilded Pink 108. This color is more girly pinky pink with a hint of golden undertones. I love to wear this when I have very smoked out eyes that way my lips aren't taking attention away from my eyes but I still have that nice pretty clean look.

These two lipsticks are by far my must haves wherever I go. They stay in my purse at all times. Let me know if you have these colors or if you go out and get them,  I'd love to hear from ya! I give these lipsticks a 5 out of 5 and will for sure buy them again!

Be blessed beauties!

Smashbox Color Correction Primer

I have a problem with redness so I figured I would give the "green" primer from Smashbox a try since it claims that it helps to minimize redness. I really like the original Smashbox primer so I knew I wouldn't be too terribly disappointed if it didn't work......and what a good thing to have that possible expectation because the redness didn't go anywhere! :( To me this primer isn't any different than the original clear primer from Smashbox. It still does a great job at creating a base for your foundation but it did nothing for the redness or wrinkle reducing or dark spot defying like the website said.

Here is the description from Smashbox's website:

Color correcting, wrinkle reducing, and dark spot defying - talk about a miracle product! Create a perfect canvas for foundation application and even out skin tone with this silky, lightweight blend of antioxidants and vitamins A & E. The formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer, younger-looking skin. Wear under foundation or alone for a velvety-smooth finish. Now in a sleek tube for perfect dispensing-down to the last drop! Counteract discoloration and dark spots. ADJUST is green-toned to reduce redness.

Apply your choice of PHOTO FINISH COLOR CORRECTING FOUNDATION PRIMER to clean or moisturized skin (over entire face or only to problem areas) and blend with fingertips. For complexion perfection follow with your shade of HIGH DEFINITION HEALTHY FX FOUNDATION.

Like everything else I purchase and don't really care for or doesn't do what it says, I will use this until it's gone and then it's back to my regular Smashbox primer or even my ELF primer (which is only $1).

Let me know if you had a different result with this primer. I'd love to hear from you!

Be blessed beauties!

Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-on Cheek Tint in Quickie

I love and hate this product and here is why:

Why I love it:

The color is the perfect pink
There is no way to mess up the application of this tint
You can use this as a lip stain along with using it as a cheek stain
Any skin tone can benefit from this tint

Why I hate it:

It doesn't last longer than an hour or so
If you blot your skin at all during that hour or so your lose even more wear time
If you use this as a lip stain be sure to exfoliate because it will show if you don't
Not really good to use on dry lips at all
You really need to apply quite a few applications to get a general pink color that will last (that hour or so)

I even applied my Urban Decay makeup setting spray and it didn't help, I was blushless by the time I got to work and had my coffee. :(

I would buy this for my lil nieces to have or for the tween that is just starting out with makeup...I wouldn't invest my time or money into this for everyday wear. Sorry Urban Decay...I typically have liked everything I've tried but this was just too love/hate for me.

I'll continue to use it until it's gone but as far as buying more......nah I'll pass.

I hope this review helps you to decide if you want to try it or not. Let me know if you feel the same way or if you had a totally different experience!

Be blessed beauties!!

NYX Runway Collection 10 Palette in Champagne and Caviar

I have found a really great natural, smokey, gorgeous palette! It's the NYX Runway Collection 10 palette in Champagne and Caviar. This palette is perfect for the sweet girly, pink/tan look or for the dark black smokey look. If you are looking for a good quality, long lasting, very versatile palette that doesn't cost much at all....then this is it! I have worn this palette for the last 3 days and each day has been a different look. You can go totally natural and barely there for a lazy day, a neutral brown smokey eye for a day look or dramatic black smoked out eye for evening and a little bit of everything else in between. This is the perfect travel palette to take so you can have different looks on your getaway. The white is great for brightening the inner corner of your eye and the black is great to smoke out your outer corner. There are so many options with this palette, it's endless!

Here is a swatch of the colors:

And here is a look using the palette:

Picture from Pink So Foxy

You can purchase this at Ulta for $10.99. Also check with Amazon too to see if you can get it cheaper there. I'm totally addicted to this palette! Have you tried it? Do you have it yet? Let me know if you like it and submit looks using the palette if you'd like to jodipeffley@yahoo.com. I'd love to see them and I'll post your pics too!!

FAVORITE PINK LIPGLOSS EVER!!!!!!!!

This past weekend my husband and I went on a date and our first stop was the mall because we had some things that we needed to pick up. On the way out I remembered that I had $3.50 off coupon to ULTA so I convinced him to stop in (which didn't take much because he's such a good hubby). :) I wanted to get the NYX lip gloss in Beige that so many people rave about and wouldn't you know it, there was one left! (Also right now you can get two NYX lip glosses for $8). I love love love this lip gloss. There isn't anything bad to say about it. It is such a perfect pink, not too light or dark, not too shimmery or sticky, just perfect! It goes on so smooth and lasts quite some time for a lip gloss.

It makes your lips feel so soft too and don't get me started on the taste! YUMMY! This gloss is perfect for tweens, teens, adults, and grannies too! You won't regret buying this gloss and like I said if you head to Ulta (in Mishawaka I don't know about anywhere else) right now they have 2 for $8 which is a great deal because one is $5.49.

Here is a picture I found online that shows how pretty this gloss can be with lip liner (little blurry but you can see the color):

I have no idea why they called it Beige because it's clearly pink but I guess that name wouldn't do. :) You can use this over other lip colors too and it's just as pretty.

Let me know if you have this or try it!

Be Blessed Beauties!!



MAC Shell Cream Colour Base

 

                                                      Price: $17.50 USD
                                                    Size: 3.2 g / .12 US oz
                                                          

                                                        MAC Description:
Versatile and multi-purpose, Cream Colour Base can be applied directly to bare skin, or layered over foundation, moisturizer, or powder. Apply with a brush, sponge, or fingers.  Colour effects range from a light veil to highly dramatic, depending on method of application. Fragrance-free. (The following shades are not recommended for use in lip area: Fawntastic and Black. The following shades are not recommended for use in the eye area: Fabulush and Improper Copper.)

Shell - Soft pink-beige with shimmer (Frost)

 

Pros:

• You can use this for pretty much any kind of highlight
• It's good for people with dry or oily skin
• It doesn't take much to make this go a long way
• It is an amazing highlight for cheekbones and bridge of your nose, etc.
• It lasts forever!

 Cons: 

• Don't use for eyeshadow base, it's too oily
• If you use too much it can look discoball-ish

This is probably my favorite base from MAC. I love how easy it is to use and how amazing it makes the light reflect off of your face without looking greasy or shiny. You just get a soft dewy look. There are 7 bases total but the Shell is my favorite! I use it along my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, on my browbone, and my cupids bow. It really does make a huge difference in your appearance when you use it.

As with any review I do, some may not like this product or be able to use it but for me, it's perfect and I love it! If you use this base or any other one, I would love to hear about it!

Be blessed beauties!

ELF Essential Brush Review

Essential Eye Shadow Brush

I was so excited to get this brush because I had seen so many vloggers talk about it on YouTube and I wanted a good inexpensive eye shadow brush and for $1.00 I couldn't lose right???


WRONG!!

I'm not sure what other people see in this brush but it was horrible! When I first opened it and felt it, it felt great! It was dense and had a nice handle and all that jazz....but when I used it the hairs started falling out all over my face. Every time I swiped a shadow a hair fell out in it or it fell on my face once I applied the shadow. So right after I applied my eye shadows, I'm literally wiping my face because I feel all of these tiny little hairs all over it. I also cleaned it to see if that would make the lose hairs all fall out and it didn't work, there was still fall out from the brush at each use.

 At only $1 I'm not complaining too much but I felt it was only fair that if I rave about a product that I also stay just as honest on items that didn't work so well for me. In staying honest, I am going to buy a couple more ONLY because I want to make sure that I didn't just get a "bad brush". If I had never tried any of the other ELF brushes from either the essential line or studio line (which the studio line brushes are fabulous) then I probably would never try another brush but since I know the capability of ELF products, I'm going to give it another shot...or two. If nothing else my yard sale coming up will have some extra items for sale ;) ;)

Have you tried this brush?? Do you love it or hate it? I'd love to hear from you!

Be blessed beauties!

SOAP AND GLORY

I LOVE Soap and Glory products!!!!! I can't even begin to express how much I love the Glow lotion! The scent that I can't even explain is amazing. It's such a soft, girly, feminine but mature smell. It doesn't smell like your teenager that's for sure BUT I wouldn't expect it to be on your Grandma either. It's perfect for that any age woman that loves a hint of glow and a scent of just about "perfect". It's a peachy pink very soft shimmer that I wear daily. I can't go anywhere without it. I bought mine at Target but I'm not positive if they still carry it. You can get it at Sephora and always check Amazon for great deals too!

Here is what Sephora says about it:


 Glow Lotion
What it is:
A drop-dead gorgeous highlighting glimmer lotion for the body.

What it does:
Use Glow Lotion all over as a moisturizer, on your neck and shoulders as a fragrant shimmer, or as a stand-in for stockings when you find yourself short of a little shine.

What else you need to know:
This lotion is scented with fresh bergamot, strawberries, and mandarin, with floral and fruity mid-notes, and musk, amber and warm vanilla notes on the bottom

This lotion lasts and lasts. I can't say enough about it. This along with other products from Soap and Glory are must-haves for sure!!

For 5.1 oz it's $20 and for the quality of product you get, it's so worth it!

Check out the Soap and Glory line and if you have any favorites let me know what they are, I may just have to try them if I don't own them already! :)


Be blessed beauties!

ELF Eye Primer

I'm so excited to share about this primer that I got in the mail last week! I ordered quite a bit from ELF cosmetics and of all the things I bought, the primer stands out the most. When I first applied it I thought it was really wet and a little "thin" (which is not what you get with say Urban Decay's Primer Potion) but I decided I would try it anyway. My first outing where I wore the primer was to my company picnic. I was a little nervous since it was outside and I couldn't fix it in the case that it didn't work but boy was I surprised! This primer exceeded my expectations for sure! It goes on so light and creamy and yes a little moist but once it dries and you apply your shadows, it doesn't move or crease or anything!

I couldn't believe how well it worked! And at the end of the night (hours later) when I washed my face, it came off very easily. So it lasted when it needed to and came off when I wanted it to. Here is the best part about this primer.......ready???..... IT'S ONLY $1!!!!!!!!!! Yes that's right, $1 and now you can buy ELF products at Target so you don't even need to worry about shipping! For $1.07 (have to add tax) you get an amazing product.

I highly recommend this primer along with many other things by ELF. I will be reviewing other things that I bought throughout the week so stay tuned for more!

Here is a picture of what I bought and will be reviewing later on:

Be blessed always Beauties!!

Hemorrhoids????

While I was at the drug store the other day I picked up quite the collection of items. One of those items were hemorrhoid gel. :) Now I'm not going to tell you how to rid hemorrhoids because that is just gross (for a beauty blog anyway), I'm going to tell you how you can help reduce those suitcases under your eyes! I've heard about hemorrhroid cream under your eyes for years but never tried it. (so for you skeptics....I know this is no big shock to some of you but because I've now tried it, I'm going to review it). I bought the cooling gel instead of the cream because it just sounded better to try that. I've used it for about a week and it really does work! I just put a small amount on my finger and then dab it under my eyes, being very careful not to get it in my eyes, and just work it into my skin and out to the outer corner of my eye. I have had no reaction to the product and it has made a difference in my "aging marks". :) I like the coolinig gel because it's lighter and doesn't leave a creamy residue on your face. Once it dries it's very light on your skin.

Now this isn't a miracle remedy by any means. It doesn't completly rid my undereye puffiness since this is only a temporary fix, but it does tighten and help some. You can get this cooling gel at CVS, Walmart or any store that sells creams and ointments. I believe the cost is somewhere around $6? That would depend on where you go I'm sure. Make sure with anything you try out on your face that you first test it somewhere that if a reaction would occur it wouldn't send others into a frenzy if they saw you. :) or send you to the hosptial. Usually the back of your wrist is a good sensitive spot.

To tight skin and no hemmorrhoids! :) :) :)

Jodi

Torture device????????

OK so you decide....is this a torture device or the next greatest thing??

I don't know about any of you but I can't wait to try this out! It's Urban Decay's new Revolution Lash Curler. Ever since I committed to curling my eyelashes, it has made a huge difference in how my lashes appear and that was with my old curler. I can't imagine what this new curler will do! Here is what the website has to say about it:

This sleek lash emancipator abolishes one-size-fits-all curling. The open cage lets you curl your lashes all at once or in sections and won’t pinch your skin!

Do eyelash curlers that look like scary torture devices make you scream? Ours won’t crimp your lashes or pinch your skin because we eliminated the culprit – those maddening bars on either side of your old eyelash curler. This sleek lash emancipator handles deftly with an open cage that allows you to curl your lashes all at once OR in sections (like just the outer lashes). And if your lash line is longer or shorter than average, gone are the days of contending with a standardized cage that was clearly designed with someone else’s eyes in mind (no more one-size-fits-all curling!). We even include 5 replacement pads – swap them out to keep your curler clean and springy. Viva The Revolution!

Check out Urban Decay's website by clicking here. Don't forget to check out Amazon also (but with it being part of Urban Decay's new Fall products I don't know that it will be discounted yet)

I want this just because of how it looks right now! Hopefully I will be just as excited about how it performs right??

Here is to beauty contraptions and long curly lashes!

M.O.M Great stuff!!!

In my adventure to find the best home remedies I came across a lot of blogs and posts about Milk of Magnesia. I have struggled daily with oily skin so my ears perked up when I heard you could use m.o.m on your face to rid oily skin (and it can be used for other things)! I ran out and bought some that night (along with other drug store products that I'm testing now..I will post after I review them myself (but you should have seen what I had in my little basket lol). I am insanely impressed with this miracle liquid. If you can get past purchasing it (which I didn't find it to be a big deal) you will fix your oily skin problems in no time. Here are a couple different ways I do it about 2 or 3 times a week:

1.In the evenings I put some m.o.m on a cotton ball and spread it on my freshly cleaned face and leave it on until the morning. I clean it off and then continue with my morning routine. (this will make your laundry basket grow as I change my pillow sheet about every other night to keep it clean)

2. I put it on about 15 minutes before my makeup routine and then rinse it off with water before I start my moisturize, primer, whatever. (this would be if I didn't do it the night before or if I don't need to put it on as long)

I don't have oily skin like I use to!!! It really is amazing! Now some claim that it's a good primer but I like e.l.f's primer for an inexpensive choice or Smashbox primer for a high end choice. Plus it makes your face sort of white so I don't know that I'd like to have that on my face all day, especially in the summer when your trying to get a bronzed look. ;)

I hear it's also great for acne. You would just dab a little bit of m.o.m on your blemish and leave it on overnight and in the morning rinse off.

This can be drying so be careful on how much you use it. You will figure out a good schedule for what your skin needs. Just start with once a week and if that doesn't help, try twice a week and so on.

**Also very important*** Make sure to test this and anything else I blog about to make sure it's safe for your skin. Just because something works for me, doesn't mean that it will work for you! Swab a little bit on the back of your wrist or a small amount on the side of your face to see if you have a reaction to it before you apply it all over your face.

I hope you find this to be as great as I have! if you tried it, let me know what you thought.

e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder

I am in love with this stuff!!!!! When you put it on you get like an airbrushed look. I did notice if you put too much on you get a white film so less is more with this. ELF is really coming up with their products. I ordered quite a bit of stuff from them recently so that I could check it out and what not and although there were some things I wouldn't waste my money on again, there were others that I would totally invest in, and at such low cost, you would be silly not to try this stuff out! Stay tuned for more reviews on the ELF products that I purchased. I'm itching to tell you guys about the awesome stuff that I bought!

I give this product a 4 out of 5. It does what it says and gives you such a great finish. The packaging is solid and you get a lot of product for such a low cost. I believe I only paid $3.00 because I bought it when they had a 50% off sale (which they have sales all the time so sign up for their emails!) The only reason I didn't say 5 out of 5 is because if you use too much you get a white film so blending out is key! Click here to go to Elf's website and see this product and others.

And remember, stayed tuned because I will be reviewing other stuff I bought from there.

Perfect Summer shadow!

I am in love with these creme shadows! Summer time isn't the time to be packing on the heavy colors for a day out at the park, beach, wherever so these creme shadows from Revlon are the perfect thing! A little tinted moisturizer, creme blush, lil mascara, lip gloss and these creme shadows and you're good to go! You will have the perfect bronzed, sheen look that everyone will envy! I bought the quad kit in Skinlights and it's perfect. The colors are not very pigmented so if your expecting that you will be disappointed. But if your wanting a light sheen (not shimmer) then this quad kit is for you! I found mine at Walmart for $4.99 so the price is reasonable too. You just swipe the pot with your finger to warm it up and then lightly spread it across your lid. If you have a hard time blending then cremes are for you! You will master the look of blending with these. I've heard some reviews state that creme shadows are not the way to go if you have oily eyelids (which I have) but I've found the easiest way to prevent this from happening. If you crease easy, just swipe your finger across your lid throughout the day and it will deposit the color back in the right places! That's the beauty of cremes and oily eyelids. We can wear it too! :) ( I also dab a little face powder over the creme shadows for more staying power. I use a big face brush to do it, just tap it on the eyelid don't rub it on).

Can you tell I'm excited about this?? I'm going to get more colors now that I know I love them! So stay tuned to see what I think about the other color kits. There are many different ones to choose from, from very earthy natural to bright spring colors. Here is a link to Revlon's website so you can check out all of the different colors they have. --------> http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Eyes/Eye-Shadow/Revlon-Illuminance-Crème-Shadow.aspx

 As always check with Amazon for great discounts before you make your purchase. You can also use these as a base before powder shadows or as a highlight on your cheekbones (the lighter shades anyway). It's great for the teen that's experimenting with makeup as it goes on so lightly or for the woman who just likes a little something.

 I couldn't be happier with this drugstore purchase! If you have any of these or you go out and buy any, let me know what you think about them.

Be blessed and bronzed Always!! :)

Makeup Geek's go to list for Brushes

I adore Marlena of Makeup Geek. She is so sweet and considerate to budget friendly people and I love how she takes the time to explain things without me feeling like she is rambling like so many other vloggers and bloggers do. This list is probably my top pick of what to get for brushes as so many others gear their purchase on very high end products and personally for me...I don't have $30+ to spend on a brush! Hello?!?! Brushes do matter so much though so I encourage you to check out this list! And remember, whatever brushes you have or get...clean them bad boys every week! :) Here is Marlena's pick for brushes.

(Side note-Sigma and Mac and all those other brush suppliers are really great!! If you can afford them they are for sure a great investment)


Whether you are starting your career as a makeup artist, or love to apply makeup on just yourself, there’s certain tools you need to complete a variety of makeup looks.   I’ve always stated that the 2 things that make or break a makeup look are your primers and your brushes.

Eyes

There are 4 main brushes you should have for your eye makeup…..

This brush is used to pack on color to the lid.  It needs to be flat so you can pat on the eyeshadow over your eye primer,  and it needs to be stiff so it picks up plenty of color.
The MAC equivalent is the #239- the Eye Shader Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $24.50

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Eye Shader Brush     (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $4.29

Both brushes work well in packing on color, and both are stiff.  The MAC one is a bit larger and thicker than the MUG one.  Technically, the MUG one is a concealer brush, but does not work well at all for concealer- it is MUCH better at packing on eyeshadows or pigments…

This brush is used for creating the perfect smoky eye, for feathering in darker eyeshadows, and for applying more color to the crease.  This is my all time favorite eye brush!
The MAC equivalent is the #217- the Blending Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $22.50

A cheaper alternative is the NYX Professional Crease Brush     (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $8.89

These brushes are VERY comparable- the only difference I can tell is the NYX one is a smidge shorter

This brush is just like the stiff dome brush but much softer- it creates a much softer blended look.   It is used for blending shadow under the brow, applying a softer amount of color in the crease, and even for applying powder under the eyes to prevent that creasing throughout the day.
The MAC equivalent is the #224- the Tapered Blending Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $28.00

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Soft Dome Brush     (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $7.49

These brushes are very comparable- the only difference is the MUG one is a little bit smaller, which is actually better as the MAC one can be a bit too large for smaller eyes…

This brush is used for smudging eyeshadow under the lower lashline, for smudging eyeliner, or for creating a very defined crease.  The smaller tip allows for more precise lines.
The MAC equivalent is the #219- the Pencil Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $23.00

A cheaper alternative is the Essence of Beauty Crease Brush Duo     (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $9.99

Many companies sell similar brushes, so you can find this one fairly easily. The Essence of Beauty one has 2 sizes, so is great if you have a smaller area to work with and need a smaller brush.  They are also a bit softer than the MAC one.

Face

There are really only a few brushes you need for the face- it really depends on what all you wear.  But these 4 are the ones I use daily…

This brush is used for stippling foundation onto the skin for a more airbrushed finish.  The bristles need to be stiff in order to hold up to the foundation and not streak.
The MAC equivalent is the #130- the Short Duo Fibre Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $38.00

A cheaper (and better) alternative is the MUG Foundation Stippling Brush   (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $12.98

I am completely honest on this one- the MUG one works much better for me than the MAC one.  I say this as the MUG one has stiffer bristles which allows for more of a stippling effect and doesn’t streak like the MAC one.  Granted the MAC one is softer against the skin, but it doesn’t give the airbrushed finish as much.  These 2 brushes are quite different, but are used similarly.  I do wish the MUG one was a bit softer, so I wash mine with a bit of olive oil then baby shampoo.

This brush is used for applying darker powder under the cheekbones to create a contoured effect- it makes the cheekbones stand out and your face look slimmer.  This brush isn’t absolutely necessary unless you want to contour your cheekbones, but I recommend having if you are a makeup artist…
The MAC equivalent is the #109- the Small Contour Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $32.00

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Deluxe Contour Brush (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $7.89

Now these 2 brushes are VERY different, but they work the same way.  I actually prefer the MAC one as the rounded edge allows me to get under the cheekbones for that more “chiseled” look.  If you are just starting to contour though, you may want the angled brush as it’s a little easier to work with.   If you do find an angled brush, make sure the bristles are stiff as you need enough powder to actually contour your cheeks- don’t use the fluffy blush brush as it will apply color all over the place.  Just my helpful tip for the day

This brush is used for applying powder blush to the cheeks.  It needs to be angled so the blush is easier to blend, and it needs to be soft so it doesn’t pick up too much color.
The MAC equivalent is the #168- the Large Angled Contour Brush     (MAC)

• Cost:  $32.00

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Blush Brush   (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $7.49

These brushes are VERY comparable- I honestly cannot tell much difference between the two.  They’re both soft and both apply blush beautifully!

This brush can be used for many things- light application of foundation, applying a small amount of blush to the cheeks, or for highlighting the top of the cheekbones.  My favorite use is for highlighting as the bristles are soft and pick up little color, and it is small enough to not cover the whole face with shimmer.  This isn’t an absolute necessary brush for your kit, but definitely nice to have.
The MAC equivalent is the #188- the Small Duo Fibre Face Brush   (MAC)

• Cost:  $34.00

A cheaper alternative is the MUG Cheek Highlighter Brush   (Makeup Geek Store)

• Cost:   $6.98

These brushes are VERY comparable- I honestly cannot tell much difference between the two.  Just like the blush brushes, they’re both soft and both apply shimmer beautifully!
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I hope this was helpful for all of you!  For the lips, you only need a small flat brush to apply lipstick IF you are working on a client- most of us apply lipstick straight from the tube

Fake summer sun! Malibu Tanning or Tanning Bed in a tube??

So if you live anywhere close to Northern Indiana you know we are experiencing an extreme lack of sun! I personally enjoy leaving work to feel the sun on my face but I'm not sure what that would feel like anymore. :) So I have a couple alternatives.


Shout out to Malibu Tanning because their beds rock! I've never been disappointed with their beds or their service ever. I could be a little bias since I did use to work there....but still they rock! So if you are ok with tanning in a tanning bed, go there. The prices are amazing and they have a huge selection of tanning products from phase 1 and up, moisturizers, etc. Here is a link to their website so you can see where the locations are and what not.

http://malibu-tanning.com/



Some of you don't like to tan in the tanning bed so I recommend Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube. You can get this for your face and body (separate bottles). I love these self tanners!!! You get the most amazing color and there is no gross smell. It's actually smells good! :) You can pick this up at Sephora for I believe $25. Always check Amazon too for a better deal. I can't say anything negative about these products. If you follow the directions, you will have a streak free amazing glow! Here is the link to the Too Faced website for the body tanner ------>

 http://www.toofaced.com/product_template_003.aspx?tab_id=001&cat_id=47&dept_sub_id=23&dept_id=9

Here is the link for the face tanner ------->

http://www.toofaced.com/product_template_003.aspx?dept_sub_id=23&dept_id=9&cat_id=48

My daughter actually used this and she has sensitive skin and it didn't break her out or anything.

I highly recommend Malibu Tanning, and Too Faced tanning products! At least until the sun comes back right????

To safe tanning and glowing skin!

Alcohol and Alcohol

Ok no I'm not going to tell you how to mix drinks :) But I am going to tell you about something I found out over the weekend! Two things, here we go!

I was talking to someone about their highlights and how they kept them so vibrant and blond and they said VODKA! I couldn't believe it! How in the world does Vodka help your hair???? Now I'm sure this could be old hat to some of you but this was news to me so I had to share it. I started surfing the Internet for this "myth" and sure enough faithful Beautylish had an article about it! And apparently there is another "mixed drink" for brunettes too! Here is what the article said about it:

Vodka Spritzer

• 2 parts seltzer
• 1 part vodka

"Vodka has a clear blue tone to it, so it lightens hair without it going orange. You can also clean out red brassy tones with this mixture," says Michael.

Rum Fizz

• 2 parts seltzer
• 1 part rum

"This is how models in Brazil get caramel tones in their hair. They spray a little in their hair and go out in the sun without the hair turning brassy," says Michael.

Sunny Side Up Highlights

• Egg yolk, beaten

"Straight egg yolk has the ability to lighten hair because of the natural acids in the yolks. This is what they do in Spain. It gets gooey and sticky though, so you only want to leave it in your hair for an hour," Michael says. "If you apply this with foil or plastic, it's a natural, at-home highlight." Do not sit out in the sun with this mixture, unless you're okay with having scrambled eggs in your hair!

How uber great is Beautylish for all of their amazing articles on everything beauty and health??? I highly recommend checking this blog out for sure. If you try the alcohol, let me know how it worked for you! I guess you just spray it on your hair before going into the sun. Putting a braid in your hair or putting it in a bun before you spray it will give the best results :)

Ok on to the next one:

Those of you that know me know that once a year at the beginning of warm weather when the sun is bright and beautiful I always forget to protect my lips and the bottom one gets burnt and it's pure torture for about 1 and 1/2 weeks. I have tried everything to speed up the burn but nothing would work. I couldn't use Abreva or other cold sore medicines because that would make it worse since it wasn't a cold sore, it was a burn. So once again I go to the world wide web and started googling burnt lips and blisters on lips and saw a lot of people put alcohol on their lips right after they were out in the sun. It worked!!!! We were at a company party this past weekend and there was an overcast so of course I didn't think to protect my lips. By that evening my husband noticed that I was getting two little dark spots on my lips so I immediately started rubbing 80% rubbing alcohol on it. I did it about 4 times a day (and yes it stung a little) but the end result was so worth it! I also used 45spf lip protectant in between the alcohol and never saw a blister or anything. So to clarify, this remedy is with rubbing alcohol not drinking alcohol. I challenge you to try this if you ever have had issues with your lips burning or getting cold sores as it works well for that too. (I did read some bad reviews on alcohol for cold sore, some said it didn't work, but it was about a 60/40 split so give it a try)