brushes galore!

When applying makeup, it is important to know what brushes to use and how exactly to use them. It can be a confusing thing! Hopefully I can help you out here. I won't be including EVERY possible brush, there are way too many. Instead, I'm going to include the ones I most commonly use and various ways I use them.

..::my brushes::..

..::Eyes::..

small, round shadow brush

kashuk tools small eyeshadow brush
target - 9.99
sonia kashuk small eyeshadow brush
target - 4.99
retractable all over shadow brush #19
sephora - 10.00

These brushes are best used for applying shadow to the lid; most consider this area to be from the lash line to the crease. There are two ways to do this. First is a patting motion. This will result in a more pigmented, full color. Second is a sweeping motion. Sweeping shadow on the lid will result in a more subtle coloring than patting. In addition, the density and stiffness of the brush will again change the color payoff. The more stiff the brush the more intense the color will be. This is most likely because more shadow is getting on your lid than in the brush.


stiff, flat brush



sonia kashuk flat eyeliner brush
target - 5.99

This is another great brush for applying liner. The biggest difference between this and an angled brush is the tightness and pigment of the line. A stiff, flat brush will produce more color payoff closer to the lash line. I love using this technique with more natural, lighter eye makeup because it makes the overall look more defined without drawing attention to the liner.

small angled brush



sonia kashuk brow brush
target - 5.99
anastasia angled brush
sephora - 17.00

I love using this type of brush to apply shadow as eyeliner. Again, the most stiff this brush is, the more color payoff there will be. This is not to say one is better than the other, a softer brush will result in a more subtle liner and overall softer look than a stiff brush that can a times look like pencil liner. Also, a thin angled brush can apply shadow more close to the lash line than a thick brush. Similarly to the density, these variables will result in different looks. Think about what you prefer and find the brush that works best for you.

Small angled brushes are also commonly used to fill eyebrows. This video goes into detail of full eyebrow upkeep from grooming (0:00) to filling (6:52).

large angled brush

*Same look as small angled
brush, but 2-3x its size.

sonia kashuk angled eyeshadow brush
target - 5.99

This type of brush has two main uses. One is to apply shadow in the crease, especially for a cut crease look like this one Cora (aka Vintage or Tacky) created. However, it can also be used for crease color on other looks. When I was on a dance competition team, I used a similar technique to Cora's, but instead use a blending or crease brush to apply a maroon over a matte black. The black simply intensified the maroon for a more stage ready look. Don't worry, you can do this even if you're not performing, just use less shadow for a lighter, more wearable look! Second, I love using a large angled brush to apply a shadow beneath liner in the same color. I learned this technique recently on youtube and am loving the softness of it. For a picture reference, please look back on my "sublte&sexy" tutorial.

flat shadow brush



sonia kashuk medium eyeshadow brush
target - 5.99
professionnel small synthetic eyeshadow brush #26
sephora - 13.00

This has been a staple in my makeup kit for many, many years and I actually own TWO! I mostly use this brush to apply a highlight beneath my brow and in the tear duct. However, not only is this brush great for highlight, but for lid shadow or even to apply shadow along the lower lash line. This is a necessity for all makeup wearers!


brow brush and eyelash brush



sonia kashuk lash comb
target - 4.99
sonia kashuk lash and brow groomer
target - 7.99
professional brow comb #11
sephora - 6.00
Professionnel Platinum Lash & Eyebrow Comb #21
sephora - 10.00

brow brush- these a great for grooming your brows. Again, check out this video for a step by step on how to groom brows.

eyelash brush- this type of brush is used to separate lashes. It can be used post or prior to applying mascara.

fluffy blending brush



mb06 : eyeshadow brush #4
NYX - 6.00
b 10 brush blender
NYX - 10.00
kashuk tools large eyeshadow brush
target - 12.99
kashuk tools black medium fluffy eyeshadow brush
target - 11.99

Another important brush in all makeup kits, the fluffy brush perfects all skill level of makeup. All looks require some amount of blending, whether it be to soften the outside edges or to achieve a gradient from light to dark. There are a variety of blending brushes. I prefer a medium to short brush for more control. However, a longer, more fluffy brush will be blend less which could be more desirable for you. It's all about personal preference. I suggest purchasing brushes from a company that allows returns such as Target or Walgreens. If you don't like it, return it!

round crease brush



sonia kashuk synthetic crease brush
target - 9.99
professional platinum natural crease brush #10
sephora - 20.00

Another necessity in every makeup kit. I have only recently discovered the round crease brush, but it has forever changed my makeup world! This brush has proved itself to be more precise, diverse, and is great for building up color.

If used in the traditional "wind shield wiper" way which involves placing the brush in the crease, opening the eye, and moving the brush back and forth. Here, the shadow is more concentrated to the desired area, yet lacks the harsh line of a small shadow brush or the sloppiness of a fluffy blending brush.

Using this brush to pat shadow into the crease is also very successful. Doing so results in an even more precise placement and higher pigment than many other techniques.

Finally, move the rounded crease brush in small circles along the crease for a more subtle and soft look. This motion with great when going for a more blended, flawless look between colors.

..::fav. set::..

signature brush set ($140 Value)
sephora - 39.00

This set contains:
- Powder brush
- Foundation brush
- Double-sided eyeshadow/smudge brush
- Double-side brow/eyeliner brush
- Double-sided concealer/lip brush


Links
makeup geek: must have makeup brushes
styles 101: makeup brushes and how to use them


That's all for now! Stay beautiful!

smoke & fire

I was requested to do a smokey eye tutorial. The first thing that came to my mind was, "which one?" There are just so many ways to do a smokey eye. So here it is my beauties, not one but TWO different smokey eyes! Please not that I am not wearing mascara in any photos, and the actual shadow was much more pigmented than what's shown in the pictures. Lastly, these are just two basic looks. Either of them can be bumped up with false lashes or liquid liner.

5 Tips&Tricks

1. blend blend blend
   since smokey eyes tend to be darker colors,
   it's even more important to blend out harsh lines
   to create the sultry, smokey look that you are going for.
   
2. smokey doesn't always mean black
   try colors besides black.
   jewel tones such as magenta
3. light inside, dark outside
   concentrate most of the color in the outer corner and crease.
   the inner most corner eye duct area and at the highest point
   under the brow should be the lightest color.
4. bump up the volume
   start light and add color as you go.
   color is more easy to intensify than lighten.
   
5. tap tap tap
   when applying black shadow,
   make sure tap off excess before applying to eyes
   this will help avoid dark fallout beneath eyes.
   

sexy&seductive





how to get this look

step one:
using the short, stuff smudge brush place the soft black
in the outer corner, crease, and outer lash line in
the shape of your choice. this an be more round or
cat like depending on preference.
step two:
in a small circular motion, use the medium fluffy brush
to apply a maroon color on top of the black.
the more color, the more intense the look will be.
step three:
using a fluffy brush apply a pink shadow of your choice.
i chose a dark "barbie doll" pink, but because i used a fluffy
brush, the color payoff is a few shades lighter.
step four:
place a line of creamy white eye pencil under the highest
point under the brown and the inner most corn
of the eye, eye duct area. soften with finger.
step five:
buff a skin tone shadow over the white, with a fluffy
blending brush, just placed under the brow to soften the pencil.
step six :
repeat step six on the inner corner using a soft, light pink.
bring the pink up into crease and along maroon
to soften any harsh edges.
step seven:
with a large angled brush, apply any shade of
black shadow along the upper lash line.
step eight:
use a black pencil liner along the top lash line.
step nine:
mascara and DONE!

left: maroon
right: soft black

left: dark barbie doll pink
right: soft pink

top to bottom:
sephora double ended brush
[medium blending brush and short stiff smudge brush]
NYX jumbo eye pencil in milk
large angled brush
black pencil eyeliner
fluffy blender brush

sexy&mysterious

how to get this look

step one:
prime eyes from lash line to brows and beneath eye.
step two:
use a black pencil eyeliner, I used NYX.
warm up the tip between your thumb and pointer finger.
place on lash line and into crease, concentrating
most of the color in the outer corner and crease area.
step three:
use your finger to blend liner all over lid.
color should fade from black at the outer corner
to gray on the inner corner.
step four:
using a fluffy blending blush and a soft black
to blend out and smoke out your eyes.
Again, concentrate color to the outside corner and crease.
step five:
place a line of creamy white eye pencil under the highest
point under the brown and the inner most corn
of the eye, eye duct area. soften with finger.
step six:
buff a skin tone shadow over the white, with a fluffy
blending brush, just placed under the brow to soften the pencil.
step seven:
repeat step six on the inner corner using a soft white, silver shadow.
step eight:
using a short, stiff smudger brush, line eyes with a
matte black shadow. keep shadow close to top lash line
and outer half of bottom lash line. too much liner, especially
on the inner corner, will make eyes look smaller.
step nine:
mascara and DONE!


left: soft black
right: matte black

left: soft white silver
right: skin tone

top to bottom:
NYX black pencil eyeliner
fluffy blending brush
sephora double ended brush
[medium blending brush and short stiff smudge brush]
NYX jumbo eye pencil in milk

fashion forward!

Hello my beautiful bloggers! As some of you may know, I am in Washington DC this month (July 2010) for a job (go here to learn more about my summer events). Luckily, I have a friend here who I danced with in college. Even more lucky on my part, she knows where all the hip people of DC hang out! This Friday, for instance, is a cocktail party in a museum called Hirshhorn After Hours. Of course, I had to get a new outfit! I made my way to downtown DC via Metro all by myself, no help from locals whatsoever! I even figured out which Forever 21 was most near a metro station. Now let me tell you, I chose THE BEST Forever 21 to go to! Not only was this one 2 huge levels, but it was the grand opening. They had everything and more!

Of course, the shopping didn't end with just my outfit for Friday's party and, in fact, took two trips to complete! So, my friends, I give you my very first fashion haul. I don't intend to do many of these unless I'm excited about the particular item or the price because my ultimate focus is on cosmetics. Sound good? Cool.

Alrighty then, here goes nothin'! ;-)

[dresses]

*Hershhorn Outfit!*
dress- 24.80
necklace- 10.80
shoes- old/from baker's

Well ladies and gents, here it is! This is what I spent 2 hours trying to find, but it was worth all the hard work and effort. The bottom of the dress lands a few inches above my knee, and for once, a triangle top fits my chest! Another incredible thing, is that I can wear a regular bra with it (black of course!) It also came with a black flower pin that I plan to put in my hair towards the back; I gotta look good coming AND going! This dress is very light and soft, which is great for the summer heat, and the heat I'll be making on the dance floor! ;-)

17.80

My very first skimpy dress! I feel like all girls need one blatantly sexy dress that plays up her curves and DEMANDS attention. For those of you who don't know me, I'm not one to wear form fitting clothing. However, I've recently lost weight, and although my body is nowhere near perfect, I am comfortable in my skin and have embraced my curves. Anyhow, I originally picked this dress up in black, but I probably have about three "little black dresses" along with every other girl. So I figured, "why not?!" Plus, blue, especially navy, really makes my eyes pop when I have red hair (which is all the time, except when it needs to be redone).


This dress is extremely versatile because it can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories. To dress down, pair it with white t-strap sandals and a chunky, bohemian style necklace. While on the other hand, pair this dress with a strappy heal, medium length necklace, and possibly a belt around your waste for a more club going look.

[tops]

both tops- 12.80

Both of these tops are tunic style and would pair well with leggings. Check out one of Oprah's magazine editors "Rules of Wearing Leggings". They are also both very light weight which is great for the summer and to layer.

[bottoms]

purple leggings- 15.80
skirt- 13.80
shorts- 8.80

purple leggings- I saw these and was instantly attracted, but it was in fact love at first touch. I'm a dancer and try to get to the gym every now and then, and I love wearing leggings with long t shirts. However, for those of you who are unaware, most leggings are COMPLETELY see through once you bend over even slightly. I learned this the hard way. So, now, whenever I find thick leggings, I snatch them up. These ones are even just a bit more thick than every day casual ones because they are meant for exercise. And who doesn't love purple pants?!

skirt- There isn't much I have to say about this gorgeous skirt. It lands about mid thigh and is really light weight. I suggest getting the size up from what you normally wear because these waist bands tend to pink any amount of chub. But I think this skirt is absolutely gorgeous, and looks even better on a person than the hanger!

shorts- So, I know it's impossible to see the detail on these shorts. But, they are a basic white short. White shorts are a great replacement for pants or skirts when going out; they're not something you'd wear every day and can be worn both casually or dressed up. These short in particular are super comfortable and aren't too short.

[outfits]

This outfit can be work with almost any colored legging. In generaly however, I do suggest staying away from lighter leggings because they have a nasty way of making your legs, especially the thigh area, look much more wide then they in fact are. Accessories and shoes an really make a difference in the look as well. For a more casual look, stay simple. Or, to dress it up, add a necklace, nicer shoes, and stick with the black leggings. This would be great for running errands or going to class.

This is something I'd wear out to a bar or club. Depending on the dress code I'd either just wear flats or wedges for a more done up look. The gray vest can be added to either look depending on your personal style and comfort level. Sometimes I feel better being slightly more covered, a long vest like this will help with that.

belt- 7.80

Now this is an outfit I am extremely excited to wear. Just the shoes alone completely changes the feel of this outfit, making it very versatile. It can also be paired with a tan or black shirt of most any shade, or the right colored maroon t shirt. Jewelery would be fun to play with as well.

That's all for now! Stay beautiful!

tell me something good!

Alright, so I know I've been posting a lot recently, but soon I'm going to run out of things to write about. Sooooo... tell me something good! Give me something to talk about! Leave me a comment with questions or topics you'd like to know more about!

That's all for now! Stay beautiful!

cheap and easy!

lazy and inexpensive skin care routine



[from left to right]
1. Equate Facial Celansing Towelettes 5.00
2. Clean & Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 15
>Target 5.84
3. Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer Oil Free
>Walmart 10.96 [two pack]
>Walgreens 6.29
4. Up & Up Makeup Remover 4.54
5. Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil Eliminating Astringent
>Walgreens 5.29
>Walmart 10.94 [two pack]

Lazy Skin Care Routine:
morning:
1. Wipe face with towelette.
2. Use a towel to wipe face with Astringent.
3. [optional] On days you will be out in the sun,
put on a sunscreen with a high SPF.
This will help prevent premature wrinkles.
4. Smooth Pore Perfecting Moisturizer over face and neck.

evening:
1. Remove makeup with Up and Up Makeup Remover.
2. Wipe face with towelette.
3. Use a towel to wipe face with Astringent.
4. Smooth Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer on face and neck.



When I'm not feeling lazy, I like to use these:
1. Clean and Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Cleanser
>Walgreens 6.99
>Target 5.84
2. Clean and Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub
>Walgreens 5.29
>Target 4.04

When I use either of these to wash my face,
I just replace them for the towelette.
I also only use the Blackhead Eraser Scrub in the shower,
which, for me, is only about every other day.

That's all for now! Stay beautiful!

subtle & sexy!

items used:
1. BHcosmetics 120 Palette 2nd edition
2. Styli-Style Line & Seal 24 in Navy Black
3. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
4. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
5. Milani Eye Tech Liquid Liner in Black
6. Grow Luscious Mascara
7. Amuse Powder Blush Palette
- top right as cantour
- top middle above contour
- bottom left on apples of cheeks
8. Stila Natural Finish Oil-Free Makeup

how to get this look
[eyeshadow]
step one:
Prime eye with Too Faced Shadow Insurance.
step two:
Line eyes with Styli-Style Line & Seal.
This line should be more thick towards the outside of your eye.
Smudge line with finger right after drawing it.
This step in very important.
Due to the formula, the liner sets very quickly.
step three:
Take a small shadow brush and use a matte medium brown shadow.
I used BHcosmetics 120 palette 2nd edition from the top layer.
Smudge the shadow over the liner and into the crease.
step four:
Use a blending brush and a shadow a few shades lighter than the last shadow.
Buff this color onto the remainder of your lid
and blend into the other shadow.
step five:
Use a shadow similar to your skin tone above your crease up to your brow.
This will help soften the edge the shadow.
step six:
Use the NYX Jumbo pencil in Milk at the highest point
beneath your brow and on the inner corner.
Use your finger to blend into shadow.
step seven (optional):
Buff a white shadow of your choice into the NYX Jumbo pencil.
step eight:
Take a large angled brush and a soft, matte black
and lightly place along lash line.
step nine:
Use Milani Eye Tech Liquid Liner to make a cat eye.
Make sure to line as close to the lashes as possible,
allowing the black shadow to show above liner.
step ten:
Use your favorite mascara to bump up lashes.

IMPORTANT!
Please let me know if any of my directions are unclear.
This is the first time I've written out directions for makeup.
Thanks! =)





That all for now. Stay beautiful!

glitter galore! [cherry culture haul]

Come one come all to my first haul blog posting! What better way to kick it off than with a post dedicated to a girls next best friend to diamonds: GLITTER! I was stumbling the internet (and if you don't know what "stumbling" is, click here to find out - it will change your life) in the health and beauty area, and came across a hidden treasure chest: Cherry Culture. There were pages and pages of discount makeup! It took me HOURS to finally figure out what I wanted to buy, and somehow, it ended up being mostly glitter. Ciest la vie. I think I had my halloween costume in mind. What is it? Ha! Wouldn't you like to know! Anyhow, this website is amazing. To put it in perspective I got 12 items for a total of 49.88! I really hope you find some of this stuff interesting. I haven't REALLY used any of these products yet, but I'll keep you posted when I do.

Wild and Crazy Eyeshadow in Purple Rock 2.00
NYX Glitter Powder in Disco Ball 1.25

I've been looking for a more true purple than the ones I have. Sadly, I don't think I found it. Although it shows up fairly pigmented and deep on my finger, it transfer much more lightly, but who knows what can happen with some primer and a brush! The loose glitter was kind of a pointless and spontaneous purchase. Especially after buying an entire NYX glitter cream palette (see below). Owell, there's never too much glitter... right? =/

Liners

**NOTE** The first two have a normal line and smudged line and the second to last has a thick and a thin.


**NOTE** These are the above liners with a layer of the glitter liner on top.

From left to right:
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk 3.25
Styli-Style Line & Seal 24 in Navy Black 6.00

NYX Studio Liquid eyeliner in Extreme Coffee 4.50
Milani Eye Tech Liquid Liner in Black 6.99

NYX Candy Glitter Liner in Crystal 3.95

I cannot even tell you how long I have been wanting to get an NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. I think every guru I've ever watched on youtube has a handfull of tutorials using it as a base or highlight. Finally, I have one of my own. I feel like owning it makes me more legit or something. ;-) I've also really been wanting a liquid liner with a felt tip. From what I've seen and heard, they make doing cat eyes much more easy. We shall see.

Amuse Powder Blush Palette 3.50

I was really excited to finally have a variety of blushes. I always tend to have the same three colors I use day in and day out, but I'm interested to see how this actually shows up on my face. When I tried to do swatches, it hardly showed up on my fore arm. I'm also slightly underwhelmed by how easily the blush loosened up. But we shall see, I'll get back to you guys with a full review.

NYX Fabulous Eyelashes 4.00

What girl doesn't need a FABULOUS pair of false lashes!? The first pair are great for a regular night out on the town or paired with a cat eye, nude shadow, peachy cheeks, and a killer red lip. I got the second two pairs for more glitzy occasions, or when a costume opportunity arises. Say, for instance, sometime like Halloween maybe? ;-)

NYX Glitterati Glitter Cream Palette 12.00

This palette should be a lot of fun. I like the variety of colors and the intensity of the glitter. It's interesting though, unlike anything else I've tried. The shadows have an extremely creamy consistency, with a bit of grittiness from the glitter. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming makeup looks with this palette; I can't wait to have fun with it!

That all for now. Stay beautiful!