Tag: brush

SOHO Professional Brush Collection

Makeup brushes can be a pricey investment. I’m all for building a collection of investment-worthy brushes over time. But sometimes your budget doesn’t allow or you need a second set. Enter SOHO Professional Brush Collection available at Walgreens. They offer a wide selection of brushes to fit every function. They are ergonomically designed and quite beautiful. I’ve found they work great across the board and have come in handy as I fill in my collection with the more “specialty brushes”.

I’m so smitten that I am giving one of you a carbon copy of my collection of SOHO brushes (worth over $50). My favorites are:

  • Powder Brush
  • Highlighter Brush
  • Small Shader Brush
  • Crease Brush
  • Concealer Brush

Enter to win using the widget below. Open to anyone in the US. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Retro Style

Retro revival has been inspiring me all year and I decided to collect some of my favorite products to recreate the look. Yesterday, I picked up Red Revival lip color from Maybelline.  It is so incredibly hydrating and long-wearing.  (side note: I also recommend Fifth Avenue Fuchsia)  The application is creamy, but highly pigmented.  What a great color range!  And the price, great excuse to pick up two or three!

For the eyes, my first step was a rediscovered favorite: Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner Black Ebony.  I spray some Shu Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist in Bergamot on the Laura Mercier Flat Eyeliner Brush, a couple swipes on the cake, and tuck the brush along my lash line.  Don’t drag the brush , just press and repeat until you have covered the entire lash.  The look is definining and demure – but utterly sexy.

A bold brow is the cornerstone of the retro look, and requires a brow pencil.  My favorite these days is Le Metier de Beaute Brow Bound Eyebrow Pencil.  It has a gel consistency and I work it onto the hairs rather than the skin.  I blend and tame flyaways with the brush include on the other end of the pencil. 

Dramatic mascara extends the pigment from the lash line through the lashes.  Lancome Hypnose Custom Volume Mascara adds just the right amount of volume.  A little highlighter like the gorgeous Lumière Sculptèe de Chanel Highlighting Powder on the inner corner of your eyes and cheekbones and you are set!

Shiseido ‘Perfect’ Foundation Brush

During a pit stop at the Cle de Peau counter, I was trying out their amazing foundation.  More coming on that later.  As the artist was expertly applying, I was enthralled with this strange looking brush.  “Tell me more!” I pleaded.  Very quietly, he said, “you MUST have this brush, but it isn’t sold here” and flashed the “Shiseido” logo.

Didn’t take me long to scour the internet and place my order.  Be advised that this brush can be hard to find, but good ole HSN has it in stock.  I don’t know about you, but I feel kinda naughty when I buy something on HSN, like in a good way.  As if I am lounging on the couch, eating bonbons and shopping on television.  Anyway, back to brushes…

The beauty of this odd-looking foundation brush is its ability to work with liquid, cream or powder formulas.  The flat surface, along with a full brush, create the perfect foundation finish – no streaks, no cakey coverage. Gently tapered strands create an angled slant that best allows bristles to reach all facial contours. Short handle allows for precise control during application and portability for travel.

I tried this brush with MAC Studio Fix (a dryer cream), NARS Sheer Glow (a less viscous liquid foundation) and the Cle de Peau Silky Cream (more of a cream than liquid) and coverage was precise, even and flawless.
 

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Foundation Brushes

Since I largely use tinted moisturizer, I really should call these “moisturizer brushes” but either way, they are my favorite tool for blending any color on my face.  Over the years, I have tried great (and not so great) brushes and most are still in my collection – a testimony to how long these tools will last.

Armani Beauty Designer Foundation Brush

The fibers are shorter than other foundation brushes, which gives great control but can hinder blending.  I especially like the sharper end to get into the areas around my nose, under eyes and chin. The brush contains a blend of fibers which is typical for foundation brushes. The effect of this brush is a heavier coverage with ability to add precision. Overall this is a great brush that will last a long time. ($51)

Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush

The longer brush by Bobbi Brown won’t provide precise lines, but blends tinted moisturizer flawlessly.  The color almost buffs into the skin achieving Bobbi Brown’s signature “your own skin” look.  It also gives foundation a more moderate coverage.  I am sure the lighter bristles on the end have another purpose, but it provides encouragement for frequently cleaning because pigment is readily visible. ($35)

As a fan of foundation brushes, I think these two offer the best of what is out there.  If you are one who favors a heavier coverage, Armani is the way to go.  For those who like a tinted look, try Bobbi Brown.