Stay Clean!

The Importance of Brush Cleaning: In my previous post, I recommended some foundation brushes that will help with better application. All of these were excellent quality brushes that will last a long time if cared for properly. In order to keep your brushes in the best shape, it is important to use a daily cleaner. This will both disinfect the brush as well as condition the bristles to remain soft and secure. I personally use the Sephora brand of brush cleaner. It is priced at $8.50 and well worth the purchase. The directions tell you to spray the cleaner on a dry towel, and then rub the head of the brush back and forth in the cleaner. It specifically says not to spray the product directly on the brush, because it may saturate the bristles. I do not remember to clean my brushes after every application, but I consistently clean them twice a week. This kills the bacterium that grows on the brushes. After all, they touch your face! 

Here's how you do it:

Product Spotlight: Lipstick

Product: Butter^TM Lipstick

Brand: NYX Cosmetics

Uses: Adds color and moisture to lips

Price: $6

Places of Purchase: Ulta, nyxcosmetics.com, Target

Direct Competition: Revlon SUPER LUSTROUS™ Lipstick

My Experience: By now you’re a cosmetic expert, and I have exposed you to a variety of different products. Are you ready for the finishing touch? I found a lipstick that I can’t keep to myself! NYX Cosmetics has a whole line of Butter^TM lipstick that comes in every shade you could possibly need. Wear a modest shade for your next job interview or rock the flirty colors during a night out. They have every shade for any event in between. One thing I like about this lipstick is its hydrating effect. With past lipstick brands, I would have to apply lip balm first so the lipstick wouldn’t dry out my lips. With the Butter^TM lipstick, it does the moisturizing itself! After many hours of wear, it still feels smooth and even. The consistency of this lipstick is fairly light, which is another benefit. It doesn’t “goop” you up, but the color remains vibrant over time. I also like that it is a matte finish, because I’m not a fan of sparkly lips. The moisture in the lipstick itself adds just enough shine, but not too much. For those of you that like sparkle, try applying this lipstick first with a coat of gloss over it. I have tried numerous lipsticks and tinted lip balms in order to find something with lasting color. So many products look bright, but end up blending in after application. If you want a POP of color, look no further.

Ready to try?

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/butter-lipstick/NYX_120.html?cgid=lipstick

Un(mask)ed

Here’s the scoop: Lush is a brand of cosmetic and skincare products that are one of my absolute favorites for many reasons. They believe “in making effective products from fresh organic* fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics.” Check out their website to read more about their company beliefs, charity work, and fight against animal testing. I could go on for days listing everything I love about them, but I’ll spare my readers! One line of products they carry is face masks. There are many different flavors with various ingredients such as coffee beans, blueberries, cranberries, rose, honey, etc. My favorite is called Mask of Magnaminty. It includes peppermint, giving your face a cool and calming sensation. One of the workers even recommended storing the mask in the fridge so it is cool when you apply it.

I’m sharing this with you all because I love everything that this brand stands for, and also because everyone’s face needs a break once in awhile. No matter how great makeup products are, they eventually can increase the oil on your face which further creates clogged pores and break outs. Try to give it a rest once a week and apply a mask for 5-10 minutes. It will leave you refreshed!

Check out my photos of this awesome stuff.   

Product Spotlight: Eye Brow Pencil

Product:  Eye Brows

Brand: MAC Cosmetics

Uses: Helps shape eyebrows while adding color

Price: $16.50

Places of Purchase: Macy’s, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, maccosmetics.com

Direct Competition: Too Faced Instant Attitude Brow Lift

My Experience: Eyebrow pencils are one of the less commonly used cosmetic items, but they are starting to become more popular! I love the “Eye Brows” pencil from MAC cosmetics for many reasons. I’ll start off by telling you I used to have extremely thick eyebrows, but waxing and constant plucking has really thinned them out. Unfortunately, now they are a little too thin and even have some spots where the hair barely grows. Thankfully, these pencils do the trick! By gently penciling over your eyebrows, it begins to fill in those lighter spots. This gives a much fuller look and adds darker coloring as well. These pencils can also be used to shape your brows better. I personally do not have much of an arch, but adding the eyebrow pencil to the top of the brow creates an arched effect. In order to use it to the best effect, press extremely lightly. It should gently touch your skin, but you do not want to color yourself like a crayon. The more you go over the area, the darker it will become. Remember to buy a color that is similar to your natural hair color. A little warning for all of you: this product will smear on your face if you rub your eyebrows. Just like mascara, it can smudge if you are not careful. If you’re worried about that, you can always try an eyebrow gel that dries better.

Feel free to comment any recommendations on a gel product! I’m always willing to try something new!

Ready to try?

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13834/263/Products/Makeup/Eyes/Brow/Eye-Brows#/shade/Strut

Take it off!

Eye Makeup Remover: I absolutely cannot stand going to bed with makeup on. In order to start fresh in the morning, you have to use a good makeup remover. I would recommend Mary Kay® Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. It is priced at $15, but it is well worth the purchase. It is great for sensitive skin like my own, and does not leave a greasy film on your face like other brands. I typically apply a small amount to a cotton pad and rub it directly on my skin to remove eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow and foundation. I’m typically careless with this process, so sometimes it gets in my eyes. While some products may burn when exposed to the eyes, this remover by Mary Kay does not cause any irritations. I have also heard of people using makeup remover wipes. While these are convenient, they are also more costly for what you’re getting out of them. The Mary Kay bottle typically lasts me for MONTHS, especially if you are conservative with the amount you’re using. All you have to do is order online at the link below, or find a local Mary Kay representative to help you out!

http://www.marykay.com/en-US/Makeup/Mary-Kay-Oil-Free-Eye-Makeup-Remover/180101.partId?eCatId=10003

Check out my before (with makeup) and after (removal) photos: