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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Paw Palette (www.crystalpowder.com)

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9 comments

Calling all makeup artists! The "Paw Palette" is an adjustable strap-on palette to fit any size wrist (www.crystalpowder.com); allowing you to mix and apply makeup as you work your magic on your client. It keeps things sanitary as opposed to applying makeup to the back of your hand, and you can use it your palm if that's more comfortable. The palette itself, is a white nonporous board and it's reusable and easy to clean. And the straps are made of durable elastic band and is easy to adjust.

You can also inquire if you need extra long straps or a special size, but it definitely fits most sizes! I like that you can efficiently and quickly work on clients since you can put on swatches of concealer, foundation, lipstick, etc all on the palette and have everything within reach.

You can purchase this palette for $14.95 at the Cinema Secrets store in North Hollywood, or at www.crystalpowder.com

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Monday, September 5, 2011

Sedona Lace Vortex Brush Set

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This Sedona Lace Vortex Brush Set was designed by the gorgeous and talented MakeupbyRenRen for Sedona Lace; and I had the wonderful opportunity to try it out!

First of all, let me say that I absolutely admire Ren and Sedona Lace for putting in a lot of thought and quality into this brush collection, and for picking out really good basic and handy brushes, because you definitely get your money's worth, you will not be disappointed! The brush belt is super soft, feels like real leather, and not the cheap plastic kind (I have one and I can feel a major difference!), and fits tons of brushes, not just only the ones in the kit. Also has a cute tiny pocket where you can probably fit a few business cards. The brushes themselves are also of high quality- they are super soft, sturdy, and not scratchy at all. You can get BOTH the brush belt and brushes for $79.95 or get them separately, the brushes only for $69.95 and the brush belt for $19.95, definitely a good bargain though if you get the entire set.

And right now you get free shipping off of $50 or more by using code 50FREE.

My favorite brushes in this collection are the Jumbo Fan Brush, because it's great for removing fallout eyeshadow or to sweep on a little powder, and the pointed crease brush which makes eyeshadow application easy, even for beginners, especially in the outer-v. I specifically love how this is a unique collection that caters to makeup artists or beginners because it has everything you need. I have not seen too many brush kits that offer a brush belt with a variety of quality brushes.

From their website, www.sedonalace.com:

The brushes included in this set:

Jumbo Fan
Face Brush
Everyone needs a fan brush in their life. This multi-purpose brush is large and luxurious and can be used with a number of powder products. Use it with loose powder and pack it under your eyes to catch fall out. It’s also great for setting your foundation with powder. Use it on an angle to get a nice, even distribution of blush, bronzer or highlight. The large shape also makes it great for applying body shimmer.
Tulip Contour
Face Brush
The tulip cut makes this a great contour brush.  Use it on its tip and it fits perfectly into the hollow of the cheeks for contouring or onto the tops of the cheekbones for highlighting.  From the pointed tip, the bristles taper off to help with blending.  In a pinch, this brush also works great for applying bronzer, blush or setting powder.
Tip:  Try using this with cream foundation.  The tulip shape will make blending a dream.
Dome Contour
Face Brush
For some serious contouring, this compact, dome shaped brush comes in handy.  The bristles are tightly packed giving the density needed to really buff in contour powder into the cheek bones, temples, and jaw line.  You can also use this brush for liquid or cream foundation as the dense bristles help to blend out the product and apply it with maximum coverage.
Tip:  Use a light amount of pressure when using this brush to avoid shedding.
Flat Top Buffer
Face Brush
A flat top buffer brush is everyone’s best friend when it comes to foundation.  The compact, flat top helps buff in powder, liquid, or cream foundation for an airbrushed finish.  No need to worry about liquid or cream foundation staining these brown, synthetic bristles.  You can also use this brush on its side to get a precise, contoured edge on the cheekbones.
Tip:  Dampen the brush bristles slightly to make foundation application a breeze.
Universal Blender
Eye brush
This is the universal blender because it can do everything.  Use the brush flat on its side to pack on eyeshadow, and use it on its tip to apply crease and contour color.  This is also an amazing brush for applying all over lid color in a snap.
Tip:  Keep an extra Universal Blender around to help with blending out colors – it will correct any over application or mistakes instantly.
Flat Synthetic
Eye brush
Synthetic brushes are ideal for cream and liquid products as they prevent soaking up of excess makeup.  The large head of this brush makes it perfect for applying creamy eyeshadow base or concealer in seconds.  The dense, smooth bristles also make it ideal for packing on shadow – both cream and powder.
Tip:  Use this brush on its tip and you’ll get the best application of brow bone shadow ever.
Synthetic Blender
Eye Brush
This brush is not only great for eyeshadow but concealer as well.  Makeup artists have been using crease brushes for years to help blend out creamy product like concealer or eyeshadow base.  This brush was formulated with synthetic bristles to apply the perfect amount of product.  The bristles are also nice and dense to for easily blending out darker crease colors. 
Tip: Use this as brush for contouring the nose.  The shape and tapered bristles will help you blend out hard lines easily.
Pointed Crease
Eye Brush
The best thing about this crease brush is that it comes to a nice point at the top.  This is perfect for even the smallest eye spaces.   
Tip:  Use this brush to help you blend out cut the crease looks – the pointed tip will prevent over blending and keep colors where they’re supposed to go.
Brow Spoolie Duo
Eye Brush
The key to better brows is having the right tool set.  This duo is perfect for applying brow color effortlessly and then blending it out to look completely natural.  The angled brow side has more stiff, textures bristles so that you can really get it there with your brow color.  After that, use the spoolie side to blend out harsh lines and create consistent, even color.
Tip:  Use the spoolie brush to blend out mascara clumps – its multi-purpose!
Bent Liner
Eye Brush
If you have problems applying liner, this bent brush will solve all your problems.  The ferrule is conveniently angled so that you can apply gel or liquid liner without having your view obstructed by the brush head.  The tip of the brush was created to be dense and pointed to give you a clean line.
Tip:  Dampen the bristles of the brush before you apply liner to always have a super clean line.
Detailed Shader
Eye Brush
For advanced eyeshadow application, a small shader brush is essential.  Use it to fit into all the nooks and crannies of even the smallest eyes.  This is great for getting into the tear ducts with a highlight color or even onto the lash line for smudging out color.
Tip:  Use this as a crease brush for smaller eye shapes – draw the outer v and crease on its tip and then blend.
Angled Detail
Eye Brush
This angled brush was created specifically to have extremely thin bristles and a deep, diagonal cut.  You’ll never have a problem with applying the perfect winged liner with this brush.
Tip:  The thinness of this brush makes it amazing for creating a cut the crease look.
Capped Lip Brush
A lip brush is essential to get a clean lip line.  This style was formatted with a cap to keep your brush sanitary when not in use.  Snap it onto the end of the brush while using it and you have a full sized lip brush that’s easy to handle.
Tip:  Think you’re out of your favorite lip stick?  Don’t throw it away.  Use the lip brush to scoop out extra product inside the bottom of the tube.
Brush Belt
Having a brush belt on a gig keeps you organized and professional looking.  Use the brush belt at home for storage and easy access.  The upgraded material is smooth, durable and easy to clean. With this belt, you can store dozens of brushes with room to grow.
Tip:  When traveling, fold the belt together with brushes on the inside and then wrap the straps around the belt.  Place in a baggie and your brushes will stay protected and won’t fall out of place.


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Monday, August 15, 2011

KIMBrushes.com

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12 comments

I recently had the opportunity to try out KIM Brushes (www.kimbrushes.com), where you can not only order brushes individually at such a great price (as low as $5), but can get pre-designed sets (Basic ($68), Full ($84), and Pro ($118)). And they come with cute nifty zipped bags called Baggu!

I received a blue Baggu bag with 3 brushes: E121- Flat shader brush, F251-Stippling round brush (great for wet foundation application!), and L311- Narrow lip brush.

I like that the brush sets come with a zip up bag for storage, however at the moment it seems you cannot buy the Baggu itself if you just wanted the bag. BUT it comes free with a $50 purchase. :)
The brushes itself are really soft, I used it for a few weeks and didn't notice any hardening of the bristles or any crazy shedding of the hairs. The brush handles are good quality, they seems sturdy and have a nice frosty coating to prevent any dents or scratches that you normally would see on wood handles. The flat shader brush worked great for applying pigments wet to give a more vibrant look.

The only con I can say is that it may be a bit pricey for some, particularly the sets, but keep in mind you can buy the brushes individually as well as an alternative option. Check out the sets below!

Disclaimer: All product reviews and honest opinions on this site are solely that of my own and I am not endorsed, affiliated, or paid for this review unless otherwise specified. This product was given for review consideration.





The BASIC is comprised of 4 brushes chosen for their versatility. Each can operate in a variety of applications. A perfect, basic set.
FACE: Flat Dome [blush] F202
FACE: Taklon [all purpose] F231
EYES: Eye [basic] E112
EYES: Small Angle Eye/Eyebrow [detail] E131

The FULL is a versatile set with specialized brushes for concealer, blending, smokey eye, and detail work.
FACE: Flat Dome [blush] F202
FACE: Taklon [all purpose] F231
EYES: Eye [blending/smoke] E142
EYES: Eye [basic] E112
EYES: Small Angle Eye/Eyebrow [detail] E131
EYES: Eyeliner [fine tip] E101


The PRO is a complete kit including a duo-density foundation brush [f251] perfect for wet/dry application, including use with an airbrush. Set also includes blush, blending, multiple detail brushes. A professional set.
FACE: Duo Density [foundation wet/dry] F251
FACE: Flat Dome [blush] F202
FACE: Taklon [all purpose] F231
EYES: Eye [blending/smoke] E142
EYES: Eye [basic] E112
EYES: Narrow / Extra Firm [fine detail] E152
EYES: Small Angle Eye/Eyebrow [detail] E131
LIP: Narrow lip cream/gloss [detail] L312
EYES: Mascara [precise] E171
EYES: Eyeliner [fine tip] E101

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Fun at Disneyland!

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Hi ladies! I am having such a blast with my sisters before they leave for Washington, we've been going everywhere! We recently went to Disneyland, and the girls had a lot of fun, although it was tiring walking to both parks (we got a park hopper). I will be posting a few reviews shortly, in the meantime, here are some pics!

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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

AVON: Extra Lasting Collection

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9 comments

I love AVON products (at least some of the ones I've tried) because they are so affordable! I was so excited to try their Extra Lasting Collection, which is their long-wearing makeup series designs to keep your makeup put all day long. The collection itself consists of: lipstick, lipgloss, eyeshadow, mascara, liquid foundation, eyeliner, and cream to powder foundation I was especially eager to try their liquid foundation in "Light Beige"($9.99, 30ml, 1fl oz.). I received their extra lasting lipstick in "Sand Gold" ($5.99), their eyeshadow in "Glistening Teal" ($5.99), and their extra lasting lipgloss in "Eternal Rose" ($5.99).

I was actually really impressed with the liquid foundation, it has SPF 12 and it gave such a nice smooth airbrushed finish without even using a lot. The shade was just a bit light on me, but blended in nicely anyway. It did last for the most of the day, but felt a bit greasy and oily towards the end of the day as with a few other foundations i've tried, and just needed to touch up with MAC's Careblend Pressed Powder. There was also no weird smell and comes in an easy to use pump. They describe it as "Always fresh, never cakey or dry. Resists water and sweat. Stands up to heat and humidity. Feels featherlight and flexible all day. Comfortable coverage up to 18 hours. Medium-to-full coverage."

The lipgloss I found to be a bit sheer which is great for those who just want a natural wash of color. However, I thought it was a tad bit too sticky and had a weird tightening effect on my lips (similar to that feeling of many long lasting lipsticks and lipglosses). However, they are said to have 6 hours of wear, and it did stay on for awhile on my lips even after eating breakfast.

I haven't tried the eyeshadow yet, but I do like the idea of the dip applicator so it's easier to apply on the eye. When I swatched it on my hand below, it actually stayed on longer than the other two swatches and took awhile for me to get it off my hand, so it seems like it stays on really well, and is said to stay on for 12 hours.

The lipstick in "Sand Gold" is a nice pretty color, gives a nice sheen to the lips, and is perfect for the summer for that natural sun-kissed glow.

So definitely check this collection out HERE!

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Monday, August 1, 2011

Milani Rainbow Palette

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14 comments

My sisters are in town (and have been since late July), so they have been keeping me busy since I am their tour guide and chauffeur. LOL. On top of that, we have moved offices! Same building, just different floor, and it's HUGE! So excuse the lack of posts, I think once my sisters go back to Washington at the end of the month, I will finally have a moment to chill at home and blog. Whew!

Anyway, I have had this Milani rainbow palette for awhile and barely getting around to reviewing it. My fiance actually bought it for me at CVS for $8.99, I was excited when I saw it because it was super bright, and after seeing Brit from Clumps of Mascara posted pics, I was curious to see how these were since I love Milani's other products. 

However, I was a tad bit disappointed because I found these to be too chalky for my taste, and they didn't stay on long, so highly recommend using an eyeshadow primer. I also didn't really like the color payoff as only a few of the colors were bright enough.  :(

I will definitely try and post a look soon!



Sisters reunited. <3

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