Cosmetic Brushes - My Favorites!

Hi bloggers of the world!!

Long time no post, but what else is new?  I have been waiting a very long time to post this, until I was sure what my favorites were and could truly recommend some great things.  So let's jump right into it!


1.  Sigma Flat-Top Kabuki - F80

• What I use it for?   Liquid foundation
• Pros?  Provides airbrushed finished,  super soft,  easy to apply,  minimal shedding during cleaning
• Cons?  This brush is VERY dense.   That is not necessarily a con in and of itself, but never apply product directly to the brush.  I typically put foundation on the back of my hand, dot it all over my face, then blend it out with this.  If you put it directly onto the brush it will soak up most of it within the dense bristles.   It also takes a while to try after cleaning because it is so dense.

2.  Sigma Tapered Blending Brush - E40

• What I use it for?  Blending. Duh. I put on all of my eyeshadow with the shader brush listed below then will pick up a soft creamy, flesh tone color with this and blend it out.
• Pros?  Everything.  It diffuses the colors without making them look muddy    
• Cons?  Can't think of one

                                      

3.   Cover Girl Eyeshadow Brush

What I use it for?  Packing color onto lid

Pros?  Dense, lots of color pay-off

Cons?  If you're using a very pigmented shadow (ie: Lorac Pro Palette) you can have some fall-out under your eyes if you aren't VERY careful

4.  Angled Defining Brush (I used a cheap one that came in some set at CVS)

• What I use it for?  Using shadow for eye-liner, which is my new OBSESSION.  It is such a soft, natural look of super volumized lash line and is fool-proof.  I make a giant hot mess when I use any other liner (pencil, liquid, gel, you name it I screw it up).  
• Pros?  Bristles are tight together so you are able to stick close to the lash-line without having to try really hard
• Cons?  Nothing

5.   Real Techniques Setting Brush

• What I use it for?  It says it's for powder but I use it to apply concealer  to my undereye area and around my nose.  It is also great for highlighting cheekbones.  The tapered end is perfect for getting into these areas.  I also use it for actually setting the concealer with a pressed powder.  Love love love this!  
• Pros?  Soft,  gets in hard-to-reach areas
• Cons?  Can't use it for setting powder all over since it's so small

Transitional Beauty Routine - Fall/Winter

Good evening everyone,

As promised in the last blog,  I have compiled a list of my go-to beauty products for the colder weather!

Okay, so I came across this gem by chance.  It was given to me by someone who was moving and simply didn't want one more bath product to move across state lines.  Apparently this is what they give out in W Hotels from all the reviews I have read. (I personally wouldn't know, because I am on a Holiday Inn budget)  Anyways - this is by far THE-BEST-LOTION I have EVER used.  Hands down, end of story.  It's paraben free and gives you the most silky smooth feel.  No greasy residue.  You will still feel like you just put it on 12hrs after using it.  Only downside is - price.  It's $30 for a 6oz bottle. I think I might splurge and buy some more when this runs out.
 Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter Maxmimum Moisture Cream

This stuff is pretty cool too.   It is a cream that you rub into your cuticles and your nails.  I have been using this throughout the summer, but it will be especially important when it becomes drier and colder!  Good stuff.  Keeps you from getting hangnails.  Downside - slightly greasy, but it does soak in pretty fast.
 Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

This body wash is a "so-far-so-good."  I'm on my second week of using it.  It claims to be "toning" as it has an extra dose of Vitamin E.  The main reason I opted for Dove is because I've heard great things about the Nutrium Moisture property.  I was afraid it may be too "creamy" and not lather but it gets very sudsy, which I like.  If it provides any miracles in the toning department - I'll let ya know :)
Dove Visible Care Body Wash - Toning

Dove, Dove, Dove :)   During the harsh winter months I like to use this conditioner to help with the frizz and dryness.  As you can tell from the name, it also helps protect against heat styling.  It's not too heavy for my super-fine hair, which is the main plus.
 Dove Damage Therapy - Heat Defense Conditioner

Don't forget your lips!  Protect your pout with this "Moisure Melt" formula.  Some people don't particularly care for this product because it does feel slightly "wax-y" but that has never been something that deters me.  I like that I can really feel it soaking in and providing a solid barrier against the elements.
 Blistex Moisure Melt Lip Balm

This product was featured in a previous blog and it is still, to-date, my favorite moisturizer - for all seasons!  I use the "gel" version of this because the regular lotion tends to break me out for some reason.  This is very light but delivers a wonderful burst of hydration to your dry skin.
 Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Fall 2013 - Fashion & Home

Good evening everyone!

Fall is in our midst and with it comes new trends for your closet and your living room!  Below are my inspirations in these two departments.  However, there is a third area also affected by the change in seasons - beauty!  The onset of cold weather often creates the necessity of a new shower/makeup routine. Stay tuned for exactly how I tailor my routine for fall/winter in a new blog to be published later this week!


Fall Fashion & Home 2013

Navy-licious!  This color is the new go-to neutral.  I chose to try out this trend in a pencil skirt from Dress Barn

Two tone everything!  Cream and cognac flats from Nine West

Stripes are always a win, Dress from BananaRepublic

Paired this dress with the above shoes

Tweed and patent leather toed heels, Nine West

Side view, love the pointed toe!

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Two trends here - color-blocks and beautiful burgundy!  Both are wonderful for fall!  This came from Dress Barn

Get on the chambray band-wagon!  Transition this summery trendy into fall by layering it over a dress

Or use the same top over a bold print like this leopard top

Adorable ring holder I found at Charlotte Russe

And a necklace/bracelet holder-mannequin

Color blocked accent pillows, and my precious bicycle candle holder on my end tables that I got from Big Lots

Adorable bird tea light holders, also from Big Lots

Colorful geometric rug, Walmart

I can't let summer go completely, still have an orchid and summer-colored candle in the hallway

Spring 2013 Make-Up: New Finds and Old Favorites

Good evening bloggers!

First of all, I would like to send my prayers and condolences to those affected by the tornado in Oklahoma.  So many lives were forever changed by this devastating event and I just hope that they can realize the support that is being lifted up by their family, friends, and this nation.


In the past six months or so I have been on a mission to learn as much as I can about make-up.  I have spent many hours on Youtube learning about products and techniques.  Tonight I will be sharing some new products I have tried over the past few months, as well as some of my old favorites.


New Finds

Beauty Blender Dupe
Okay, so that's not actually what it says on the packaging but I threw away the box it came in. I got this at Marshall's for $5 which is hella cheap considering the actual brand-name beauty blender is pushing $20.  They have a few different brands at Marshall's, but I am currently using the one that is shaped like the picture shown here.  I recently purchased another one that is more comparable to the actual beauty blender in shape, so I may review it later once I have had time to see which one works better.  I will say that this gives me the most flawless finish I have ever experienced with any kind of make-up applicator.  You run it under water, squeeze out the excess, and then literally pat your foundation all over your face.  The tapered end is perfect for around your nose and applying concealer under your eyes.  Love love love love. 



 Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer 
I absolutely adore this stuff.  It is the first primer I have ever tried and believe me,  I did my research before diving into this one.  I tried this formula instead of their color correcting one because I read that this one does a better job at fine lines and pores.  It really helps the large pores on my cheeks and nose, as well as providing a sleek canvas for foundation or powder. Oh, and it smells like bread.  No joke.  I have a Bath&BodyWorks French Baguette candle and the two smell exactly alike.





Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation
This is yet another product that I had seen many Youtube tutorials on before deciding to make the purchase.  I read very mixed reviews on whether the Normal/Dry skin formula was better than the Normal/Oily.  I personally went with the oily and it has worked fine.  The main "con" I read on the oily formula was that you have to work in small areas because it dries crazy fast.  I find this to be very true, but not a big enough flaw to stop using the product. With my Clinique Super Balanced I can dab the foundation on my forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin before going back to blend them out. That is not so with this, I dab it on one area, blend, then move onto the next.  This is a full-coverage foundation so I don't use it every day.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Higlighting Concealer
Yes, that really is the full name.  I read reviews and watching tutorials on this one and it seemed legit.  People were not lying when they said it works wonders! I use it on my under-eye  area as well as higlighting the little triange from my eyes to my inner cheeks. I will say that you should not use this on blemishes because it is a higlighting product, and you do not want blemishes higlighted. I am on my second tube already because I use it every single day.  A lot of people rave about the "Radiant" shade but I find it to be too pink for me, so I stick with the "Fair" shade which has more of a yellow undertone.








L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush in "Baby Blossom"
I had been on the look-out for a natural looking blush, and came across this one.  It is a nice soft pink that adds just enough color.








  PhotoReady Pressed Powder
I know it sounds like I am a Revlon snob this season, but this blog was not meant to be brand-specific. I found that my Maybelline Mineral Power loose powder was just looking to cakey on my skin so I switched to a pressed powder.  It works splendidly!  On a regular work day, I layer this over the primer with some concealer and bronzer and call it a day. I also set my under-eye concealer with this.  It does a great job at providing a matte finish and controlling oil for most of the day.  I apply it around 6AM and don't have to blot until lunch time.



Old Favorites
I still use the following products all the time and maintain that they are some of my "all time favorites."  I am not providing photos of these, but you can find pictures and detailed reviews of them in my old blog linked here --> http://lizthefashionista.blogspot.com/2012/09/lessentials-part-two.html

• Covergirl Lash Blash Mascara
• Clinique Superbalanced Foundation
• Clinique Pressed Bronzer in "Sunkissed"
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser - I use the new Maybelline Dream Lumi more for my under-eyes, but still use this one on occasion and find that it is also better for facial blemishes than the Dream Lumi.

Spring 2013 - Fashion

Good evening bloggers,

As promised in my last blog,  I have uploaded some images of new pieces I have purchased over the past few months.  I am super excited about all of these items and feel that they will be very functional for spring/summer and will be utilized with multiple looks for maximum versatility!

Let's dive right in :)

    To the left:   Michael Kors white capris.  Marshall's  $35.  This is a little high for me for capri pants, but I have been on the market for some good ones for a while.  My waist-to-hip ratio is very large, and it is very difficult for me to find pants that fit through the hips and don't gap in the waist.  These fit perfectly - so they were worth the money to me.

    To the left:   Emerald and white striped 3/4 length shirt.  Light cotton material. I absolutely love the button-tab detail on the sleeve.  This was around $12 at Banana Republic.

 To the left:  Purple blouse with sheer sleeves and back.  My favorite part of this top is the zipper detail on the back. It fits more on the flowy side, and I plan to pair this with the white capris very soon.  $13 at American Eagle

 To the left:  Sheer striped blouse with bright stripes.  Tie detail at bottom.  Worn over a white camisole or tank top.  I love to pair this with the coral shoes below.  This was $20 at Belk, and was a splurge item for me.

Above:  Mint colored necklace from Charlotte Russe, purchase for $5 during their 2 for $10 sale

Above:  Long necklace with a cluster of pretty things at the bottom - flower, disco ball,  pearl, etc.  $5 at Charlotte Russe in 2 for $10 sale.

Above:  Long jeweled necklace.  I included a zoomed in picture because I just adore the jewels. It is a gold necklace with rose colored jewels.  $12 Banana Republic

 To the left: Blue and white striped purse with brown buckle detail and brown adjustable strap.  $12 Payless with a coupon.  I bought this because it reminded me of an expensive bag I found on Pinterest that I adore.  Inspiration pic from Pinterest below

SHOES! All shoes below are from Payless and were purchased for between $14 and $25