makeup brushes and their uses and more

My friend, who like most gets confused with makeup brush use, asked me to write this blog. 
A lot of people look at the different brushes and feel overwhelmed. But although makeup brushes have designed purposes, you can use them for different uses besides predesign. 

So starting from Left to Right

Small Stiple brush: this is for foundation use. But it is best when blending. I use this when blend my contouring and highlighting. 

Flat foundation brush: thid is for liquid foundation. It covers up imperfections really well.

Flat powder brush: this is best with matt powders and gives full coverage. this is my favorite powder brush. 

Angeled contour brush: this is perfect when contouring cheek bones and small areas. It makes your cheekbones pop. You can use this when contouring your eyebrows too or just for eyeshadow use. 

Flat shadow brush: this is used a lot for cream shadows but I use it for powder shadow. But an extra use is for using powder right under my eye. It helps keep eyeliner from smudging and fixes any excess mascara or eyeshadow.

Blending brush: this Iis for blending your eyeshadow. It helps meet eyeshadows together and makes Iit look flawless. 

Angeled shadow brush: this is best for your crease and outter eye Or for under your eye.

smudger Brush: smudging your eyeshadow for that Smokey Look or you can use for highlighting your brow line. 

Kabuki brush: some people use this for blush but its actual use is for powder. Founded in Japan. It has a more prominant Powder look. Mine Iis retractable, which does not matter, it is best for on the go. I use mine while at work. Perfect in the purse. 

This is a Sponge used for blending foundation and concealer. I use it everytime to blend out those foundation lines and missed spots for that natural look. Comes I

in different shapes. The shape really doesn't matter, it is what you prefer. 

Eyeliner brush: used for shadow liner or cream  . You can also use to fill in your eyebrow and to shape eyebrow. Multi use. 

I hope this helps. If you have any questions on other brushes or have comments to add on your own uses for brushes feel free to post in comments! :) 

Fall 2013

I love fall. Its my favorite time of year. Changing of the leaves, Halloween,  breast cancer aware time, BOOTS, hats, jackets. I love it all. And fall also means new makeup trends.
This fall is Cat eyes

You can do small or dramatic cat eyes. It makes the eyes vibrant. Use with eyeliner or cream eyeshadows. I use scandaleyes kohl eyeliner by Rimmel and elf waterproof pen eyeliner. For cream shadow I use sephora. I use black and incorporate other colors. This fall the color is gray.
Gray is a great fall time color. You can use this for makeup, NAIL POLISH, and in your clothing. Nice jacket and boots.

Every fall I use more browns. Eyeshadow and clothes. Browns can incorporate some gray too.
Have fun with it

Urban decay, benefit, buxom, sephora and nars

I live by these brands. I use them all differently and together. They can be a little pricey, but it is well worth it. You can find good deals though.

Urban decay
I can't get enough of my Naked Basics palette. I try to use my other eye shadows but I just can't do that without somehow incorporating my basics. This costs $27. It is cheaper than Naked and Naked2 palettes. But different in the way that it is all matte colors, which naked and naked2 do not have.
Next is their potion eyeshadow primer. It costs $20 but I purchased the smaller version for $10. It only takes a little to work. This bottle can go a long way.
I am inlove with their Lip junkie lipe glosses. My favorites are peroxide and crush. For $19 each, it cools and plumps. Its long lasting.

Buxom
I was really suprised with this brand. They do not have a lot of items as urban decay or nars but what they have works.
I love their mascara in blackest black. The applicator bends which gives you a full look. $10
Next is their lip gloss in April. I love the color and glittery shimmer. I can feel it plumping my lips. .$20
Divine Godess luminizer is amazing. It gives me that gold glow that looks amazing in the sun. $25

Benefit
This brand is my best friend. Its full of minerals. I have sensitive skin so it is perfect for me.
Girl meets pearl luminizer costs $30 and is awesome in the moon light. Looks amazing on my fair skin.
Benefits lip stain. Costs $30 by itself or for $30 as a small version when you buy one of their packs. You can use on your lips or cheeks.
Mascara in bad gal lash is for volumnizig and They're real mascara is for volume and length. Doesn't clot. Both in small for $10
Hello flawless cover foundation powder. My fav. Covers imperfections and goes on easy. I can't help myself with this compact. Come s with a brush and sponge. Costs $34

Sephora
There are some good buys from the sephora brand.
Bronzer in Aruba. I love it. Blends and mixes great. I use when contouring. Costs $22
Eyeshadow in sunkissed. Costs $12. I love the shimmery look. Its a natural summer look.
Glossy gloss in Confectionery for $10. It smells amazing. Looks amazing too with its redish pink. Lasts long.
Sephoras base primer. Its like smashboxes primer but only costs $15. It feels soft when on. Makes my makeup stay longer, look brighter and doesn't leave uneveness.

Nars
I love their blush in Orgasim. It has a summer look to it. A healthy shimmer look. This is their popular seller. Costs $30
Nars lip gloss pencil in new lover velvet. Has a pinkish shine. Doesnt even feel like a gloss. Its amazing how it stays on long. $19

I hope you will give these brands a try and maybe the products I've tried.
Happy shopping

Sephora deals

SEPHORAAA!! Girls true best friend.
Makeup never lets me down.

For those sephora shoppers who are not yet beauty insiders are clearly missing out. For every dollar you spend, you gain one point. And when spending at sephora, you gain points quickly. So, when you reach 100 points you get freebies. 500 point deals are bigger and better. 

Im a VIB, its easy to get to this point if you frequently visit.

As a beauty insider you also get special deals like 10% off
And when you become a VIB, you recieve a little more offers like 15% off and free shipping online

Beauty insiders, if its your birthday month dont forget you birthday gift at sephoraaa :)

Right now, when you buy any fragrance you triple your points. For beauty insiders and VIBs. :D Yayy

For people who are already beauty insiders there are some new rewards available. Kat von d, make up forever, and some gucci all for 100 points. Find online or at your sephora

So shop away.

New deals at Sephora

 Fan Friday, so for beauty Insiders that means a good deal, and a awesome freebie :)

I for one, love Bareminerals

Go online and check it out!!!

also, for online purchases here is a code for some clinique when you spend $25 or more 

RIGHT NOW you can look at Sephoras pinterest for a early view of Black Friday bargains. They have Smashbox, Buxom, Too faced, Josie Maran and more on sale for ONLY $10!!!!!!!!! Deals both online and at the Store. Be there bright and early friday Nov 29. Limited

Going organic with Eos

Eos, cruelty free and moisturizing. Sounds awesome to me.
Thats eos.

All organic ingredients, eos (evolution of smooth) is the best solution to dry lips and skin.

Their lipbalms are protrolatum free and 100% natural. Their stylish sphere shape fits perfectly in your bag and looks cool when using. Many people have asked me "why are you putting thst egg on your lips?" Lol, makes me laugh everytime.
Their lip balms go on clear, but have different natural scents. Pomegranate, lemon, summer fruit, honey melon, mint...just to say a few. Lip balm costs $3.49 or at walmart for $2.49

They have outstanding lotions. Also in cute shapes, they have on the go lotions. Nourishing and moisturizing. Also in different scents...berry, cucumber, petal, nourishing, boost
Hand cream costs $4 and body costs $7

A fav if mine is the shave cream. You can use on dry or in the shower. It leaves my legs so smooth. It comes in pomegranate, vanilla, lavender and fragrance free for sensitive skin. This costs $3.49

Find it at eos.com, walmart, target and some drugstores

A world of ELF

I love elf products. Im a girl who loves a good deal.
And, boy, does elf have cheap prices. And, its cruelty free.

Here are a few Elf products I love, and use a lot.

ELFS eyeshadow primer, cost $1, is a fav of mine. It is just as good a urban decays potion. It is creasefree and long lasting. And for the price, how can you say no?

Next, im an eyeliner girl all the way. With hot days and long hours at work, I absolutely need long lasting eyeliner that will shape my eye. I use elfs waterproof eyeliner pen.  Its perfect. The cost, $1. 

Kolh jumbo eyeliner is a good pic too. For the eyeliner girl who loves dramatic eye. Cost, $3

Im fair skinned, so I need makeup with SPF, so I use tinted moisturizer spf 20. It blends in with my skin and helps with dry skin from summer heat. Cost, $3.

There are many eyebrow duos that cost a lot, but elfs eyebrow kit is only $3 and comes in different shades. I use a dark brown.

Jumbo lip crayons are fun. They smell great and look amazing. Elfs jumbo lip crayons come in a variety of colors and leave your lips smooth. Perfect for casual wear.  $2

A new product by elf is their baked eyeshadow. Try enchanted for the summer and look sunkiss amazing. $3

For someone who needs a quick fix, or isnt interested in purchasing lots of different makeup, Elfs all over color stick is just for you. You can use as a blush, lips or eyeshadow. It comes in a few colors, pink being the most popular. This costs only $1

Another thing I recommend is elfs flawless eyeshadow. Its four different colors with a simple guide for the girl who needs a little help with where exactly to apply your eyeshadow. It has a color for your base, lid, crease and line. The words are printed on the eyeshadow. It comes in various colors with applicator. Great shade options for different eye colors snd skin tones. This only costs $2

Something I really like is elf Custom Eyeshadow compact. You can change, refill the eyeshadows. Any colors. The compact costs $1 and the eyeshadows are $1.

Also pick up elfs makeup remover pads for $3. Comes in a pack of 20

Best elf deals would be the brushes. Ranged from $1 to $3 you can get any brush. Angled, contouring, blush, total face, foundation, stipple brush, complextion brush smuger etc.

You can find elf products at walmart, target, and eyeslipsface.com

Happy hunting

Summer time Elf beauty 

I found this at target. I love this new palette for summer. Costs only $6. There are16 eyeshadows, 8 lip shades, 2 blushes and 2 bronzers. I love the colors and I can carry it in

 my purse. This is perfect for a vacation makeup. they have another palette available with brighter colors. if you don't have this at your target you can find it on eyeslipsface.com

Perfect lip gloss for summer . Its called Sandy Beaches and

 only costs $1. I love the color and how its not sticky. It has SPF 15 which is a winner for me. You can protect your lips during hot summer days and look fabulous. This also comes in clear glitter and pink. 

A great concealer. E.L.F.s studio concealer only costs $3 and blends In great. Conceals dark circles and imperfections. Small to carry in purse for touch ups. Find at target or walmart or online. 

What a STEAL. Liquid lipstick and lip gloss. Both only $1. Smooth and looks amazing. Reminds me of Stilas lip gloss. The smell is pleasant and isn't sticky. Great for all year long. They come in different colors including clear. Purchase at target, walmart or online 

A STEAL I

is Elfs natural eyelash kit. Comes with lashes and glue for only $1. You can also purchase glammour eyelashes. (Forgive the lashes falling, I used them and put the up for another day) 

 cover everything concealer 

I have said before that I tend to get dark circles 

a lot and any concealer that is affordable and works is my best friend. This concealer only costs $2. I found it at walmart but you can also get it online. Eyelipsface.com has weekly deals for online purchases, and everything is super cheap but actually works.

This concealer can be applied by your fingers or a concealer brush. I have done both so its whatever you perfer. It does its job and covers completly. You cam also use it for blemishes or other spots you want concealed. 

For all you girls who love to highlight, this is the product for you! 

Elfs shimmering facial whip in "spotlight" .

I put this under and above my eyebrows. Then I use it for my highlighting and contouring. I put it on the line of my nose and forehead. It looks amazing.You don't need to use much, just apply a dot on your fingertip.  You can put this on your cheeks as well. It costs $1 and you can find it at target, walmart and eyeslipsface.com Also Follar Tree is selling Elf products and that's where I purchased this item. Have fun

I started using Elfs translucent matifying powder. It smooths out your skin and makes your foundation last longer. Comes with a sponge and mirror compact. The sponge gives it a natural look but you can also use a brush for soft use. the cost is only $3. Found mine at walmart. 

A few makeup tips for summer

Summer is only weeks away, and with blazing heat it is completely necessary to take care of your skin.
Tinted moisturizers, foundations, powders and lip balms should have SPF in them.

An fyi, when using makeup with, SPF it can wash you out in pictures. So, on important picture days like weddings, make sure you wear HD powders on top of the SPF. A cheap HD powder is ELF for $6. But there are some excellect ones at Sephora if you have a little more funds available. :) 

First, it is important to moisturize your face nightly or before foundation. The summer time can dry your skin out, not as badly as winter time, but if not taking the proper percautions to protect your skin from the sun, it can dry out. I am currently using Ponds facial moisturizer. $5  Use it on your face and neck.

Natural looks during summer are always best. Thats when you csn use your natural summer glow. So, I use tined moisturizer SPF 20 by ELF. $3 As my powder I use my Hello Flawless by benefit,( I talked about this in a previous blog). It has SPF 15 in it $34 . 

Very imporant is lip care. Your lips are your treasure. Before applying lipsticks I use EOS lemon drop with spf 15. $3.49 (Eos.com)
I also sometimes use my fresh sugar rose with spf 15 $22.50

Next, use Red lips to your advantage. Red lipstick is summers favorate color. Wearing white clothing really makes the red pop. I use Sephora rouge in Royal Wedding $12.  Its sleek and smooth. You can try Wet n Wilds red lipstick for $1.99 at walmart. Its not a rouge. But still very vibrant.

Take care of your hair! I use Wen antifrizz, Wen cleansing conditioner. Wen works so good. I saw improvement on my hair almost automatically. Wen can cost about $32 a bottle. But worth it. I like to use Living Proof in my damp hair to help with styling. It smells so good. Jennifer Aniston is an angel for cofinding this hair product. Its $20. Organix sea salt spray(gives that beachy look) $5. Moisturize with healthy amounts of leavein conditioner. i use Suaves Keratin leave in conditioner. Costs $3

You can use some bronzers if you like. As a natural pale, I do. I use different bronzers at Sephora ($15-$20) i have tried Wet n Wilds bronzer too and it works just as good too. Its also cheaper $5 :) Elf has bronzers too from $1 -$3. I havent tried them yet but if your out at walmart or target i would go ahead a pick one up. Its cheap and worth giving a try.

Any questions dont be afraid to ask

I also like to have a face sunscreen stick in my bag and a to go sunscreen bottle. Important to protect from sun rays. 

The villainous dark circles

We have all had them. The villainous dark circles, ruining our flawless look. Whether from, bad sleep or stress, dark circles get us all. I constantly get dark circles from lack of sleep, so I had to find something to fix this problem. Concealer can only do so much. I tried many. Neutrogena, elf, too faced...they all lacked. So I sampled bareminerals well rested and omg it was amazing. It completely covered my dark circles. For $24, seemed like a good deal. But, again, it went by quickly. So I went out to find cheaper alternatives.
Thats went elf's high definition undereye setting powder for only $3. It worked like a charm. I was afriad it wouldnt blend in with my skin but it did.  You can find this at any walmart, target and eyeslipsface.com

My new best friend, Miss flawless

As a completely pale girl with naturally red cheeks and some freckles, and my skin is sensitive to some makeups. its sometimes hard to find powders and foundations that can cover these imperfections. But, the girl at sephora, who had the same problem as I do, told me that benefits hello flawless was my best bet. The price was $34. When trying out new products, especially something expensive I like to look them up and see reviews before I make a purchase. I did not buy it then but after positive reviews I went back and bought this amazing powder founation. I absolutely love this product. Its natural minerals was just the thing for my sensitive skin. It comes with a sponge and a brush. Brush for natural look and sponge for more definite coverup. I recommend this, if you have the money to spend.

makeup dupes for cheap

Stila custom color in sheer pink :)

You can buy this blush at sephora or their website. Its s good pink blush, gives a natural vibrant look. Kristen Stewart wore this blush as Bella Swan in the breaking dawn wedding. This blush costs $20

The best blush I found that was pretty dead on is elf. pink passion 

This blush goes on bright and vibrant And gives a nstural pink. The best part is that its only $3 at walmart, target And eyeslipsface.com  Forgive picture quality, they are the same color pink. :)

 

Urban decay Naked palette

Awesome colors. Naturals and neuturals coexsisting in one amazing palette. Very little flakes when applied and long lasting. This eyeshadow is almost perfect...all but the price. It runs at $50 and doesnt look like it will be cheaper anytime soon. Sephora.com

The dupe....Naturals by elf

Elf is pretty much my favorite "go-to" when it comes to finding dupes. This palette was a gift for Christmas. It lacks a few colors that are in the Naked palette, but the main colors i enjoyed were pretty much the same. The difference was I had to apply more coats to get the exact color, but I wasnt too bad. Since the gift was from my boyfriend, I told him i wanted it, so i knew the price. This was $5. Look on eyeslipsface.com, target, walmart, or big lots. 

or

There is one by Hard Candy called naturally gorgeous that is pretty good too. Costs $6 at walmart

Urban Decay Naked 2 palette Dupe

I loveeeee my Naked 2 palette and was super excited to find an affordable dupe. Its called Bare by Profusion and costs $8. I found mine for $3.99 at DD's discount store. I also seen one at Ross' s. It has 10 shades instead of Decays 12 and lacks a few colors and also is not in same order but its pretty close to the same. Urban Decay palette costs $54 and comes with a dule sided brush. Profusion palette comes with eyeliner and applicator. 

fresh sugar rose dupe 

  I love my fresh sugar rose lip tint. It is moisturizing and has SPF 15 in it. The color is awesome and makes my lips smooth. The problem I have is that it can go by quickly, and for $22.50, I needed to find something a little more doable in price.So I looked around and found something close to it. 

 Loreal color riche balm in heavenly berry was what I found. For $6 at walmart it had pretty close to the same effects. It moisturizes and has spf 15.  Th. It smells good too. The color was a little different from the sugar rose but all together did a good job. I recommend this cheaper dupe

they're real by benefit dupe

i really like my "theyre real mascara" by benefit. It volumizes and has a special ball tip that is for lengthening. The price for the regular size is about $20 and $10 for the small size...depending where you buy it. I usually buy the small one but its always great to find a dupe for cheaper. 

So, Rimmel (a doable brand i love) came out with a new mascara that does the same thing as benefits. Its called "scandaleyes show off" It has volumizing and a special round tip for lengthing. The difference between them is with rimmel i have to apply a bit more to get same consistancy. the ball tip on rimmel is a little bigger than benefits too. But for only $6 its really not bad. You can find this at drug stores, walmart and target.

Nars blush In orgasim dupe

I absolutely love this blush. It has a shimmer to it. So vibrant. Gives me that summer glow.

The cost is $26 at Sephora and the nars website.

the dupe. Elf in Giddy Gold

  

to me, It was a little darker than Nars, buy it had the same shimmer snd glow look. And it only costs $3

Nars blush and bronzer duo

this is good for highlighting and contouring. The blush is vibrant and the bronzer blends for that perfect glow. The cost $30

The dupe is Elfs blush and bronzer duo Costs $3

Naked skin by Urban Decay costs $34

Great foundation. find at Sephora. 

 The dupe....Revlon Nearly Naked foundation costs $10

great match. has SPF 20. Cheaper. I like it. It covers imperfections pretty good and blends in with your skin really well.  i love how its not heavy. You cant even tell that youre wearing makeup. You can find it anywhere they sell revlon products.

sephora base primer $15

Works just like Smashbox. Its actually a dupe for Smashbox

smashbox costs about $30. 

but, if that is a little too expensive, i found a good dupe. Its mineral infused Elf primer. Cost is $6

Mac twig lipstick costs $15. Beautiful shade for casual, light makeup. 

the dupe is called Think Pink by Wet n wild only $1.99

I really like this dupe. Good color 

MAC CANDY YUM YUM COST $15. ITS A PRETTY BRIGHT PINK. AWESOME FOR NIGHT OUT. 

The dupe is called Dollhouse pink by wet n wild costs $1.99

I think it is pretty close to macs. I cant get enough of it.

mac duo

URBAN DECAY BASICS PALETTE DUPE

I love my naked basics . Literally can't get enough. 

I love the matte colors. I use this by itself or incorporate it with other eyeshadows. The cost is $27

But I found a dupe

By NYX, it is a almost dead match. And cheaper. $10. You can find at Target. 

 Josie Maran Color stick In pink petal. Fueled with aragon oil(great for your skin) feels smooth and looks great  . Use on your cheeks, lips or eyes. Cost $14-$22 depending on size. Can purchase at Sephora or online. 

The dupe is E.l.f s all over color stick in pink lemonade. Its soft and can use on cherks, lips and eyes for brow line. Nice subsitute whe. You don't have $22 for a refill. Cost is only $1 at walmart, target and online


       
                                                     

Urban decay potion eye primer. cost $10-20 depending on size. I absolutely love this primer. It doesn doesn't crease and leaves eyeshadow vibrant all day. goes on sheer.

The dupe is E.l.f s eyelid primer for $1. It doesn't crease but you shouldn't only use a dab and make sure it is rubbed in completely or is can look smudgey. For the price it is a good steal. Goes on sheer.

Benefits eyebrow kit costs $20. Comes with gel to shape (along with tweezers) and powder to fill in. Comes with brushes. I love this but it is a bit much. comes in light shades and dark shades.

The dupe Iis Elfs eyebrow kit. Cost only $3. Comes with shaping gel and filler powder abd double sided brush. Works like a charm. I love it. I recommend it with cost value and works just as good as a pencil. It doesn't come with tweezers but Elf has a tweezer 

For only $1. This kit comes in a light brown and dark brown.

Boing by benefit Is an Industrial strength concealer thst fully covers everywhere and everything. Dark circles, dark spots and blemishes are next to nonexsistant.  The cost is $20 at sephora, benefit cosmetics online store and ulta. to apply you can use y o ur finger tip or a concealer brush. Which ever you prefer. I like that it doesnt feel heavy and does its job. 

The dupe is Elfs cover everything concealer. It works just the same and covers everything. You can apply it the same way as benefits boing. The cost is super affordable...only $2. I love this product. I'm a concealer girl and have dark circles frequently...this is a lifesaver especially during times I am low on cash flow. You can find this at walmart or eyeslipsface.com

Urban Decay revolution lipstick "Catfight".

Cost Iis $22. The color is bright and vibrant and lasts all day long. The color is a reddish fuchsia. its smooth and smells pleasant.

The dupe Milani in 'Vivacious fuchsia' cost is $6. It is bright. Has less of red than Urban decay but for the price is is a steal. And it smells great too. 

Another dupe for Urban decay catfught I

is Sephoras 10 hour lipstick in 2058A. It s smooth, smells great and lasts. Cost is $13. You can fund at any Sephora or sephora.com . The color is pretty dead on. Bright and beautiful. 

Almost everything in the Elf Studio (in black packaging, costs $3 each) is a dupe for Nars products. Tinted Moisturiser, bronzer, Hd setting powder, Volumizing Mascara, lip gloss, concealer stick, waterproof eyeliner ($2), blushes etc. You can find colors and shades that match exactly to Nars. :) Find at walmart, target, walgreens or online