Sunday, August 15, 2010

Tool time

Ten brushes that will give you any look you want!


Large Foundation brush- Sonia Kashuk
1. When it comes to basic face makeup, you want to start on areas that need the most attention and blend. Start with a maximum-coverage concealer brush on areas that need the most concentration of makeup. I use the one that was included in my bare minerals starter kit and I love it!

2. If you are having a good skin day or you are just that lucky that you don't have blemishes to cover, you can start with this brush! It is basically a larger version of brush #1. It is great to use on any areas with unwanted redness or to conceal dark under-eye circles. I love flat brushes! They have impeccable coverage because the hairs are sown tightly together. This allows the brush to hold a lot of makeup, but still blend easily.

3. After brush #2, I use my handy buki face brush to blend my powder foundation for a completely natural look. Use it to blend up into your hairline and down your neck. Remember: the idea is to look flawless without looking like you are wearing any makeup. It's possible, I promise!

Flat blusher brush-Sonia Kashuk
4. Next I use a flat topped, or an angled brush with my Hoola bronzer to contour under my cheekbones, around my forehead, and down my neck. Contouring can slim your face and give you incredible cheekbones in seconds!



5. After contouring, use a fluffy blusher brush to apply your favorite blush to the apples of your cheeks.

6. Once your basic face is done, use an eye shadow that is close you your hair color and fill in your eyebrows with an angled brow brush. This step can really make your eyes pop!

Lash and brow groomer-Sonia Kashuk
7. This brush is perfect because you can use it for your eyebrows and your eyelashes. So functional! Use it after applying eyebrow color to blend and smooth out your brows. You can also use it after your mascara to separate lashes.

8. After you are done with your eyebrows, you can start with your eye shadow. Brushes 8,9, and 10 are my favorite brushes for eye shadow and eyeliner. When applying my eyeshadow, I always start with a large fluffy eyeshadow brush to dust neutral color from my lash line up to my brow bone. 

Smudge brush-Sonia Kashuk

9. Next, I use a smudge brush to apply any darker eye shadow I am using. This brush is great for contouring your eyelids to give the illusion of bigger eyes. Go back and forth between brushes 8 and 9 to blend and get the eye shadow look you want before applying any eye liner.

Get bent liner brush-Benefit

 10. This brush is great because its 'bent' design allows you to apply your eye liner and still see what you are doing! It works best with gel liners but can also be used with liquid. The 'get bent' liner brush works great with Benefit's babe cake eye lining kit! Once your eye liner is dry, apply mascara and you're done!


>>Tip: Use a smudge brush like brush number 9 to go over your liquid or gel eye liner with a black eye shadow so it stays put all day (and night!)

Enjoy and thanks for reading!
-Morgan

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Take it off!

To those of you out there who think you are invincible to the consequences of sleeping with your makeup on (you know who you are): Beware! It is bad enough that during the day we put our skin through a plethora of creams, powders, and liquids, all filled with impurities that are harmful to our skin tone and complexion. There is a time and a place to pile on the products and it does not involve a nightgown. So ladies, please, please, please just take it off! You will feel much better in the morning.

My favorite remover (the one I use when I have some extra cash to spend) is Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips by Clinique. This stuff is amazing! I use the smallest amount on a cotton swab and my makeup dissolves before my eyes without any rubbing or irritation. It is perfect for sensitive skin and for people who are sick of having to choose between the easy removal of regular mascara at night and the convenience of waterproof mascara during the day. Now you can have your waterproof mascara and wear it too! (because you will be able to take it off!)

Are you a college student with no extra cash for, well.. anything? When I find myself in this position (which can happen quite often to us cosmetics connoisseurs) I try to use whatever ingredients I have in the house to get the job done. In this case, olive oil is your man! Yes, olive oil! Pour a small amount on a cotton ball, massage gently over eyelids and voila!

I love having basic products I can use when my sensitive skin has had enough of the wild world of acne fighters, scrubs, and masks. When my skin feels dull, dry, and tired I use Pond's Deep Cleanser Cold Cream. This cleanser is great because it takes everything your skin doesn't need and leaves the rest. There is no need to use water which can wash away your skin's natural moisture. Just rub it all over your face and eyes, massage gently and wipe off with a tissue or wash cloth. Women have been using this cool classic forever and if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

>>Tip: If your skin is feeling dry and rough, mix some olive oil with a little organic sugar and scrub away! 

Thanks so much for reading!
-Morgan 

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