e.l.f. Brush Haul!

 About a week ago e.l.f. decided to have one of their 50% off their Studio line sales and I took full advantage of it! Don't worry if you missed the sale this time e.l.f. is runs different ones all the time so you'll always get a good deal.

My Eyebrow Routine

I've been wearing makeup since I was about 12, and until recently I've never quite realized how important eyebrows are! They're the finishing touch, they just frame your face and make it look "complete" even if you're wearing very minimal makeup.

e.l.f. Mascara & Shadow Shield: Review & Photos

Apply eye makeup flawlessly with this innovative and mistake-proof Mascara & Shadow Shield. The silicon flexible and convenient design works to shield your skin against mascara smears and eyeshadow fallout. The reusable and reversible design works on both eyes, under eye or over eye, for easy makeup application. The ideal tool for achieving gorgeous eye looks without smudges and fallout! Great for makeup artists or aspiring makeup artists.

DIRECTIONS:

Prior to eyeshadow and bottom lash mascara application, place the shield comfortably and snugly below the bottom lash line and apply makeup, using the shield to guard you against any makeup smears or mistakes. Place above the eye when applying mascara to shield against smudges on the top lashes. Clean and flip the shield to repeat on the other eye.

Care Instructions: Cleanse regularly with the Studio Brush Shampoo and lay flat to dry.

Where to Buy: eyeslipsface.com, $3.00

One of e.l.f.'s newest brushes is something relatively new in the cosmetic world! Its actually a flexible rubber-y material shaped like a crescent designed to fit both under the eye and on the upper lash line to help prevent the ever so dreaded mascara smudged and eyeshadow fallout.

What I Use To Clean My Makeup Brushes!

I swear washing my brushes is the most relaxing task, I love it! I did a massive cleaning last night which included all of my brushes and my mom's brushes, so I thought I'd share with you guys what I use to get them squeaky clean.

Johnson's Baby Shampoo Calming Lavender
$5.49

Baby Shampoo (any brand) is a really great option for washing your brushes for a variety of reasons! For starters, its pretty much dirt cheap, I grab huge bottles like this for around $3.00 and it lasts ages which is amazing to me since I clean an absurd amount of brushes with it on a regular basis! Obviously as its meant for use on babies, Baby Shampoo is incredibly gentle and you can be sure it won't harm your brushes and make them brittle. I've used the Johnson's since I bought my brushes back in February of last year and they still feel as soft as the day I bought them! Baby Shampoo lathers really well and I haven't had any issues with it getting my natural/synthetic brushes completely clean even when they have gel eyeliner, foundation, etc. on them. One little thing I'm not really a fan of is the strong scent Baby Shampoo leaves behind. I prefer the lavender version over the regular yellow Johnson's just because its a little less overwhelming/doesn't linger as long in the actual brush.

MAC Brush Cleanser
$13.00

I purchased the MAC Brush Cleanser the same time I got the Johnson's Baby Shampoo as I had heard everyone talk about this being the best for spot cleaning. Despite what it looks like in the picture, I do actually have quite a bit left that you can't see because the bottle is on its side! I do use this cleanser sparingly as its outrageously expensive for what it is and how often you need to use it. If you try and use the MAC Brush Cleanser by just pouring it on a paper towel and then swirling your brush clean, you'll blow through this so fast! I purchased a separate spray bottle that I pour the Brush Cleanser into and spray onto my brushes, then wipe. It works like a charm and has really helped this cleanser last. I only use the MAC Brush Cleanser when I need to quickly clean a brush and for my foundation brushes. This doesn't dry as quickly as people claim, you definitely need to wait a good 5 minutes until your brushes are useable again but its totally worth it since this cleanser gets the brushes amazingly clean. That's why I use it on my foundation brushes as dried foundation is such a pain to get out of really dense synthetic brushes, but this works like a charm! You can only get the MAC Brush Cleanser at freestanding MAC stores or online, which is a bit of a pain since its not easily accessible and I know I'm going to need another one soon!

So that's it guys, the only two products I use to keep my brushes clean. Tell me what you guys use to clean your brushes, and if you have any suggestions for things I should try let me know!

My Christmas Beauty Gifts!

Sigma F45 Buffer Brush

Ideal to apply mineral foundation, loose or pressed powders. Also great to buff colors and obtain a soft, blended look. Natural bristles.  $19.00

Pros: This brush is INCREDIBLY soft! I actually like how the bristles are less dense and more spread out, I find it makes it easier to cover my face in a couple swipes. I love the finish the Sigma F45 Buffer Brush gives my skin whether I buff powder over my liquid foundation or I'm just using powder foundation, you won't end up with that "powder-y" look!

Cons: Even if I leave this out on my vanity for a couple hours, you can see noticeable dust collecting on the bristles of the brush. I don't know if this is just because my room is extra dusty, but this thing attracts it like no other, so I find it to be kind of a hassle to keep it inside a drawer where I store my makeup! After a few washes my F45 Buffer Brush has really opened up more, its only slightly denser than any old powder brush. Because of the this, I feel like the brush almost absorbs some of the powder when I use it, which in returns makes me have to put more powder on the brush, which results in a waste of product! I really hate how the writing is around the kabuki handle, there's no way to avoid grabbing it so eventually it's going to completely rub off. I've only had my F45 Buffer Brush for a little under two months and I already see the writing coming off (you should've put it on the bottom of the handle Sigma)! So you'll either have to do the old clear nail polish trick or suffer with an un-numbered kabuki. After you wash this brush, there's really no good way to let it dry. When you lay it on the side you'll end up with an indentation in the bristles and I find every time I dry to lay it completely upside down to dry (bristles down) it always falls over when I'm not looking. The drying time is also a little irritating, this takes about twice the normal time to dry than my other brushes. I have had some issues with this brush shedding, it was a little concerning the first time I washed it, but every time after that hasn't been anything more than a hair or two.

Overall: I think after you factor in the price of the Sigma F45 Buffer Brush and the cost of shipping, you're lookin' at a pretty penny for an average kabuki brush. The F45 is great for just setting your makeup with powder (which is only what I use it for), but I think you could find a drugstore kabuki for a lot less to do the job just as well! But if this is something that floats your boat because you love Sigma brushes so much, head over here to grab it!

These products were sent to me for review purposes. I was not compensated, and I am a Sigma affiliate. These thoughts are my own & I will always be honest :)!

New Goodies!

 eos Lip Balm in "Honeysuckle Honeydew"

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Sweet Nectar"

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara in "Soft Black"

Carmex Original Moisturizing Lip Balm Tube

Stila Smudge Pot in "Kitten"

Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Tin

Lip Vitamins Lip Balm in "Vanilla Bean"

Lip Vitamins Lip Balm in "Mixed Berries"

Lip Vitamins Lip Balm in "Fresh Mint"

Korres Lip Butter in "Pomegranate"

Korres Lip Butter in "Plum"

Stila Lip Glaze Trio Cool with "Grapefruit", "Seashell", and "Raisin"

Highlighter Brush (no brand?!)

Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner

Revlon Pinch Me Sheer Gel Blush in "Playful Pink"

Revlon Pinch Me Sheer Gel Blush in "Peach Afterglow"

 Carmex Original Lip Tin

Pink and White Polkadot Modella Makeup Bag

Multi-Colored Polkadot Modella Makeup Bag

 ♥

Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki F80

This exclusive flat top synthetic kabuki was designed to deliver a flawless makeup application. The Sigma Makeup F80 is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder or liquid products. The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff your liquid foundation. The long handle adds comfort to your makeup application. The synthetic fibers are ideal to be used with liquid products and can be easily cleaned. Made of Synthetic Sigmax HD filament.

  
Pros: The F80 really works for any budget since its only $16! The bristles on this brush are synthetic, so you don't need to worry that any animals were harmed in the making of it. Probably the most important thing to me when looking at makeup brushes is how soft they are, and the Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki is super soft, you'll love brushing it over your face time and time again! I washed this brush as soon as I got it, and I didn't experience any shedding or any weird smells (I know that's a common problem with makeup brushes, but not this one!). The brush has retained its original shape perfectly after multiple washes, so you can be sure its going to last you a long, long time. The F80 and liquid foundation are  a perfect combination because this brush is so dense that it won't absorb and waste product. It blends so well that your skin and the foundation practically become one and it allows you to apply more coverage to areas that need it! It works just as well with powder foundation, except I find myself needing less actual product when I use the F80 as opposed to a round kabuki, the F80 gives me more coverage with less powder since it really binds the makeup with your skin so you actually look like you're not even wearing anything! I also love using the Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki for my cream/powder blushes and bronzers because it makes them look so natural on your face.

Cons: I don't really like having the long handle as I find it gives me limited buffing power, but that's nothing that can't be solved by gripping the brush around the ferrule! When washing the F80, you have to be really careful and run it under water longer than you think would be necessary after soaping since it is really dense and getting all the soap out can be tricky. The Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki also takes longer than other brushes to dry, I usually have to leave it out for 24 hours before I'm certain its good to go again.

Overall: Out of all my brushes, this is my absolutely favorite! Its super versatile, so whether you want it to apply cream/powder blush products, powder/liquid foundation, bronzer, or even concealer in large areas, you can be sure you'll get a flawless finish. I'm not a pro at makeup, but the best thing with the F80 brush is you don't have to be to figure out how to make it work for you, its effortless! Everyone should own the F80, you're guaranteed to fall in love with it, and you won't break the bank while doing it!

 

 Sigma Beauty Review & My Experience:

I signed up to be part of the Sigma Beauty Affiliate Program back in February and it was super easy. You can sign up yourself here!

I saw that they have the Incentive Packages (which all depend on how many followers, subscribers, fans, etc. you have) and I applied to get my Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki F80 brush.

  It took Sigma about two weeks to get back to me via email, but that's completely understandable since they must get hundreds of applications everyday!

The Marketing Manager was who emailed back and fourth with me, and she was so lovely! I simply sent my shipping address to her, and was told my F80 brush was on its way. Low and behold, 4 days later it was at my door!

The box arrived with little Sigma stickers, and inside there was: a little card titled "Cleaning Instructions" with details on how to properly clean my new brush, a little busines card for Shauna Spangenberg (She's the lovely Marketing Manager), a panphlet with all the information about the brush I just recieved/the others that come in a set with that one, a personally addressed card welcoming me to the Sigma Beauty Affiliate Program, a panhplet all about the Affiliate Program, and a beautiful red cinchable bag containing my F80 brush!

When I opened the bag, I noticed there was a plastic brush guard, but it was all the way down at the end of the handle, not protecting the brush!

Then upon closer inspection I noticed the ferrule of my Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki had a huge scratch on it, which probably happened during shipping since it wasn't protected.

I was super sad because who wants a damaged brush?! So I emailed the Marketing Manager about what had happened, and she is the sweetest person! I got an email telling me not to worry about it because they're sending me a new F80 and that Sigma is so sorry for the damaged brush!

A+ for customer service Sigma! You guys have made my experience with you so wonderful, and I can't wait to order some more brushes in the future!

 You can get your own Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki F80 from the Sigma website for $16!

These products were sent to me for review purposes. I was not compensated, and I am a Sigma affiliate. These thoughts are my own & I will always be honest :)!

MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder Summer 2011 Collection

In the height of the summer swelter, who doesn’t crave, to suddenly feel, look and be cooler – shine, oil and heat – all gone! you’ve longed for it. And now it’s captured! Mac Magically Cool Liquid Powder. An alchemical fusion that charms water droplets into a loose powder while remaining over 50 percent H2O. The feather light silky powder goes on with the refreshing impact of an ocean mist.
What’s more, this magical melange contains just enough optical blurring via it’s light diffusing pigments to render the skins surface into line softened. natural luminosity. A cool-to-be-cool way to set, and enhance, the look of foundation. For the bare-faced, there’s the reward of natural radiance. During it’s earlier limited edition launch, it was hailed by cognoscenti wanting to stay covertly cool and perfectly collected. This time round it’s here to stay. How magical is that?

U.S./Canada Launch Date: May 5, 2011
International Launch Date: May 2011

All Items Are Permanent

Magically Cool Liquid Powder:

$29.50

• Truth and Light Sheer shimmer that reflects silver and pink
• Honey Rose Sheer rosy beige with multi-dimensional shimmer
• Cajun Sheer bronze shimmer that reflects gold

Brushes:

• 187 Duo Fibre $42.00

Will this be one of your summer essential products?

MAC Future Face Spring 2011 Collection

M∙A∙C forges ahead with a three-in-one force: Powder, Foundation and Tinted Moisturizer altogether. First, Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder blurs the line between skincare and makeup, with a pressed texture that beautifies as it benefits. Gives a sheer to medium, smooth, even coverage for a flawlessly soft and even tone with caring, comforting properties. Studio Fix Fluid and Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 shade extensions fill in all the gaps. A broad, all-inclusive shade range means M∙A∙C Artists can cover everybody, one beautiful conquest at a time. Call your clients most in need of convincing, and watch what happens!

U.S./Canada Launch Date: February 17, 2011
International Launch Date: February 2011

All items are joining the permanent range

Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation:

$26.50

• N18
• NW18
• NW22
• NW33
• NW44
• NW46
• NW48
• NW58

Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15:

$29.50 

• Medium Plus Tan beige
• Dark Plus Neutral tan beige

 Brushes:

•  190 Foundation Brush $32.00
•  150 Large Powder Brush $42.00

Studio Careblend/Pressed:

$23.00

• Light Soft pale beige
• Light Plus Pale golden beige
• Medium Soft creamy beige
• Medium Plus Tan beige
• Medium Dark Caramel beige
• Medium Deep Rich golden tan
• Dark Deep caramel
• Dark Deep Rich golden bronze

 Are you excited to have all these new shades and formulas added to the permanent MAC line?