sephora

tools of the trade: top five foundation brushes

Monday, November 4, 2013

While a foundation brush isn’t absolutely necessary to apply your makeup, I’m a big fan. I refuse to use my fingers because I have oily skin and do not want the oils from my fingertips to mix get on my face. A brush allows you to control the foundation and properly blend to avoid streaks. If you struggle with oily skin, it’s best to use a brush so you don’t mix the oils from your fingertips with the oils on your face. More importantly, I love the flawless application a brush gives me.

Here are my top picks that I use on a daily basis.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush ($9): after seeing SO many YouTube beauty gurus rave out Real Techniques brushes, I decided to cave in during an Ulta sale. The Expert Face brush is firm and easily blends liquid foundations. I typically use a flat top foundation brush but this was able to change my mind simply because the curve of the bristles easily blends foundation around my nose.

Bdellium Tools Green Bambu 957 Precision Kabuki ($14): THIS IS THE BEST FOUNDATION BRUSH ON THE PLANET! Sorry (not sorry) for the CAPS but I truly am obsessed with this brush. I bought at The Makeup Show in NYC a few years ago and it has not left my side. It’s small enough to go in my makeup bag but packs a serious punch. Foundation goes on flawlessly. My face looks airbrushed as the brush picks up just the right amount of product. Bonus: the bristles are oh, so soft! My only gripe is that it’s flat top so I have to really buff it in around the curves of my face.

Shiseido Foundation Brush ($30): super luxe, this bite sized brush lets me use less product with great results. It’s slightly angled bristles allows for a streak free finish, especially around the nose area.

COVER FX Liquid Foundation Brush ($38): the newest addition to my brush family, this brush hasn’t let me down. The bristles are densely packed, which can make it seem like I’m working extra hard to apply product but overall - I’m lovin’ it.

Sephora Collection Pro Buffing Brush #62 ($48): this is one of the only brushes that I use that isn’t a short handle (weird observation I made while writing this post). The long handle does bother me a bit but it allows for a solid application. It does pick up a lot of product so be careful when using.

Categorized Beauty | Tagged bdellium tools, Cover FX, Makeup Brushes, Real Techniques, sephora, Shiseido | Comments (3)

what’s in my makeup bag

Monday, October 22, 2012

I carry way too much makeup for my own good BUT I like to be prepared. Since I practically rush out the door, I tend to do my makeup on the bus.

eww! gross! do that sh*t at home! WHATEVER!! It’s my business.

I recently read on The Cut that people think it’s disgusting to do your makeup in public and while my mother will agree, I truly don’t give a damn. It takes me close to two hours to commute to and from the city, and I value what little sleep time I have so I slap on foundation and do the rest on-the-go. So deal with it. I’m too lazy to wake up even earlier to do my makeup - plain and simple. now, it’s not ladylike at all but hey, it’s makeup going on MY face. It’s not like I’m PEEING in public thus effecting your commute with horrible unsanitary conditions and stench. amiright? Maybe one day I’ll stop. ’till then here’s what I schlep with me on a daily basis.

Kiehl’s Musk Essence Oil / FlowerbyKenzo rollerball/ MAC blush in Dollymix/ NARS Palladium/ Sephora Mattifying Foundation/ MAC Pro Longwear Concealer/ Lancome Powder Brush #1/ NARS Yachiyo Kabuki Brush/ NARS Montenegro Cream Blush/ CoverGirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner, Blue Boom/ NARS Trio Eyeshadow in Okinawa/ COVERGIRL Natureluxe Silk Foundation in Brazilnut/ Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick in 11 Rose Culte/ Inglot Slim Gel Lipstick in 60/ tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! mascara

I know, I know. dannngg girl!

Categorized Beauty | Tagged CoverGirl, Inglot Cosmetics, Kenzo, Kiehl's, MAC Cosmetics, NARS, NARS Cosmetics, sephora, Tarte, YSL Beauty | Comments

damaged hair remedies

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Months after I’ve colored then relaxed my hair (I know, BAD!), I’m still suffering from damage and breakage. I feel like I’ve literally done everything, and have found a routine that helps. Most importantly, I’ve been trying to repair my hair.

Step one is transitioning from chemical relaxers (chemicals in general) back to my natural hair state. The two textures (kinky and straight) is causing a bit of breakage, so I’m going above and beyond my weekly wash and sets.

ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment (For Professional Use): I’ve heard nothing but great reviews from women who have used this, so I was a bit excited (and nervous). This treatment is formulated with magnesium and proteins which work together to reduce breakage with the use of heat. During the process, ApHogee treatment hardens into the hair while you’re underneath the dryer. Afterwards, you rinse out with the ApHogee Balancing Moisturizer.

Immediately after you use the two step treatment, you must, I repeat MUST use a conditioner. I go for my trusty Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask, a 5-7 minute revitalizing treatment that works best for weak, damaged or color-treated hair. It contains argan oil and protein to strengthen hair. I’ve been using the mask, on and off, for years now and I’m never disappointed,

I first heard of Viviscal through my beauty blogger friends (ahem, Amber!) but took the plunge immediately after I noticed breakage. I was taking the Hair Growth Supplements but decided to truly focus on hair repair. When I heard of their new Hair Repair supplements, the timing couldn’t be better! Viviscal Hair Repair were created specifically for women with “hurt and damaged” hair from heat treatments, chemical treatments, coloring, extensions, poor diet, pollution and stress. Hair Repair features a new formulation that targets damaged and over-styled tresses repairing from within and restoring health and strength. It’s recommended to take them for three months to see results so I’ll be sure to share an update on my progress (I don’t doubt it’s effectiveness since the Hair Growth supplements worked for me, especially my brows haha!)

Last, but not least, on my essentials is a wide tooth comb. Sephora’s Wide Tooth Comb is great since it leaves my hair smooth and knot-free in seconds. I use it when I’m detangling hair post conditioner AND daily when combing my hair (my new growth isn’t a joke!).

Hopefully the breakage will end soon, cuz I’m tired!

Disclosure: some samples received for editorial consideration. Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

| Tagged ApHogee, Haircare, Moroccanoil, sephora, Viviscal | Comments

my everyday look

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Some people have a signature scent while I, it seems, have a signature makeup look. It’s an easy routine that requires little to no effort. Some call it a rut, but I call it making life easy (why complicate it even more, eh?)

While the overall look remains the same, the products I use are constantly being rotated. Some are products sent to me from PR folks, others are those I find while looking for that top I bought, like, three summers ago and would totes go with my new Zara heels. How, btw, a brand new mascara (still in box) ends up in a draw dedicated to my tops, the world may never know.

But, here’s a look at my FOTD (face of the day, do people still say that?):

Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Éclat Illuminating Foundation SPF 19 in Beige 80 ($55): this is something I bought over the weekend as a means to console myself. In need of a pick me up? YSL has never let a girl down (in my case, it’s beauty and not apparel. same difference). I’m a fan of YSL’s Touche Éclat pen so why not grab the new foundation, right? Lightweight and free of parabens, I like using this (so far) since it’s buildable and leaves me looking radiant (not dewy, radiant…BIG difference). I typically go for full coverage foundations but seeing that it’s hot out, I don’t want anything that will suffocate my skin. The sales associate at Bergdorfs told me that the darker shades are infused with gold pigments (instead of the usual white) so they complement and highlight darker skin tones rather than leave us looking pale and ashen.

Sephora Collection Mattifying Compact Foundation in D60 ($20): Sephora’s mattifying powder continues to make my life. I don’t do well with “dewy” looks because an hour in and I look oily. Straight up factory producing. With their powder, I look amazingly matte but not dry. I used to wear shade R55 but I found that it made me look like I was wearing a mask (my face is one tone but my neck is darker which causes me such issues). The powder (D60) is a bit darker but looks perfect on.

BECCA Cosmetics Mineral Blush in Songbird ($32): this photo really doesn’t do the blush justice. Songbird is a gorgeous sunset hued blush with a bit of shimmer. Although it’s described as peachy pink, I think it’s a bit more apricot in the pan and looks divine on brown skin. The powders are delicate and fine, leaving you with a soft glow. It’s not overpowering and is great for those who want to get into blush but fear the intensity some other brands deliver. It’s also great if you want a bit of color but not something that will compete with, say, a bold lip.

Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black 090 ($25): this is by no means a new product and has been a cult favorite of beauty lovers everywhere. This mascara has a MASSIVE wand (something I grew out of a while ago) so it’s a bit hard to grab the tiny lashes along the inner eye but it leaves your lashes looking voluminous.

ILIA lipstick in Neon Angel ($24): I’ve already spoken about ILIA so I won’t go into a full blown review, but Neon Angel is quite honestly, one if the most amazing blue based pinks out there. It glides on lips and says put. I can’t say enough about their lipstick line.

TOOLS:
MAC 182 buffer brush ($49.50): this kabuki brush has been with me for years. YEARS! I love it oh, so much. It’s a full, dome-shaped brush of extra soft goat hair and applies just enough on skin. Buffering powder products is a dream. It leaves me with straight up movie star from the 60s skin. What’s better than that? Nothing. That’s what.
Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush ($22): the bristles on this brush are so soft (made with goat hair) and allows for me to apply blush as liberally as possible. Since its pretty loose (the hairs aren’t packed together), product is distributed evenly and I don’t have to worry about applying way too much at once (and look like my blush exploded on my face).

To some, this may be too much product but this is truly my five minute face. Quick, fuss-free, and pretty.

Disclosure: The BECCA blush was gifted for editorial consideration. Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

| Tagged Bare Escentuals, beauty, BECCA Cosmetics, Dior, ILIA, MAC Cosmetics, sephora, What's in my makeup bag, YSL Beauty | Comments (1)

major case of the WANTS!!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

I’m fully aware of the difference between want and need but in certain situations, I firmly believe that both are interchangeable. Case in point, the latest from NARS Cosmetics and Dolce & Gabbana beauty.

RIGHT!?!

Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up Lace Collection
Inspired by Mr. Dolce and Mr. Gabbana’s use of Sicilian Lace in their runway collections, the limited edition collection features three lip glosses, three nail lacquers and a lace patterned bronzer. I normally hate nudes but this involves lace which means I’m all over it. The Sicilian Lace Glow Bronzing Powder is simply beautiful. A lightweight bronzer, this offers a subtle luminescence and an even tone to the complexion. The Intense Nail Lacquer comes in three colors that are great if you’re looking for a subtle color. This collection is available at Saks.

NARS Foreplay Blush Palette
Inspired by NARS best-selling Orgasm blush, the new Foreplay blush palette is Orgasm “deconstructed”. It includes a matte peach, a matte pink and gold highlighting blush in addition to the well-known Orgasm (peachy pink with golden shimmer). I haven’t ever been an Orgasm kinda gal but this palette is beauty incarnate. This palette is exclusive to Sephora.

Happy Almost Friday!

Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.