Hello Snowflakes!
Brushes are an essential part to anyone's makeup kit, but let's be real.. they can get REALLY expensive! To make things worse, you see these makeup collection videos on Youtube, and they have hundreds of brushes in their collections! How many brushes does one girl need, and how does one aqquire them without going broke?? Don't worry, I have got ya covered ;)
First off, how many brushes do you need? I am a hoarder, and have mulitiples of everything, but one of each of the following would suffice:
~Complexion/Powder brush
~ Foundation Brush
~ Flat Shader brush
~Crease Brush (can double as blending brush)
~ Angled liner brush
So, contrary to populr belief, you don't HAVE to splash out alot on brushes. Several brands offer very affordable options. Here are my top 3 choices!
~ E.L.F. offers their normal line of brushes for just $1 each. These are not super quality, but they do function. Their Studio Line is much better quality, and each of those brushes is offered for just $3 a brush.
~ For those of you who are looking to get as many brushes as possible for your money, I got a fabulous brush set at Target. They are the Sonja Kashuk dual sided brushes. Each brush has a dual end, so they each function as 2 when you turn them over. The brushes are amazing quality, and I only paid $19.99 for the set!!
~Target's own brand also offers makeup brushes. I have seen them range from $2-6 depending on the purpose of the brush. I absolutely love these brushes! Excellent quality!
I hope some of you found this helpful, happy brush shopping!!
X's and O's,
Amanda
Showing posts with label E.L.F.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label E.L.F.. Show all posts
Monday, November 26, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Want to Try: ELF's HD blush!
Hey beauties!
I have been hearing some big hype about how wonderful elf's new hd blush is! I am anxious to possibly give it a whirl! If any of you have tried this PLEASE let me know how you like it!
X's and O's
Amanda
I have been hearing some big hype about how wonderful elf's new hd blush is! I am anxious to possibly give it a whirl! If any of you have tried this PLEASE let me know how you like it!
X's and O's
Amanda
Friday, August 10, 2012
My Wedding Makeup!
Hey Beauties,
Today I wanted to share with you the tutorial that inspired my wedding makeup look, and share the products that I used! But first, a little backround:
I was having such a hard time choosing my wedding makeup look. The main reasons were A) I would be doing it myself, and B) I needed a look that would translate well. I searched hundreds of photos and tutorials looking for looks that fit my personality, the message I wanted to send, and something with in my capability level. As I mentioned in my Wedding Things post about makeup, it can be really tricky to find the right look. Alot of websites and professionals suggest minimal makeup because you "don't want to look like a whole other person", but if you're like me, I wouldn't look myself with bare minimal makeup on. I love playing up my eyes, so I wanted to find a look that was smokey, but not overdone. I wanted it to be bold enough to show up well on camera, but no racoon eyes! About 2 weeks before the wedding, I found this tutorial, and it was perfect:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx8cGodgONs&list=PL302355F434506208&index=23&feature=plpp_video
I did tweak it a little to match up to my personal preferences, and I did add some steps to ensure that the look would last long. Instead of the pink lipgloss that Laura uses here, I did a berry-pink-roseish lipstick. I also used setting spray to hold all of my face makeup, and used a dark brown pencil liner on my lower lashline. The products I used (including face) were:
Cliniques Superbalanced Makeup in Petal
UMA Cosmetics Face Powder in Light
UMA Cosmetics Blush in Romantic Rose
Biju Cosmetics Sun Powder (bronzer)
Rimmel London's Fix and Perfect Foundation Primer
Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter
Astor Cosmetics Concealer in Sand
NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Color
Benefit's Eyeshadow in Pink Fancy
MAC Matte Eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown
Benefit's Eyeshdow in Posh Amethyst
Rimmel London's Kohl pencil in Panama
Maybelline's Master Drama Kohl Liner in Ultra Black
ELF Liquid Liner in Black
Maybelline's Falsies Mascara in Black Waterproof
ELF Makeup Setting Spray
Rimmel London's Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink
I used an assortment of brushes.
This look photographed beautifully, and was not way too overdone. It also held in place really well throughout the hot/ humid weather, kissing, and dancing. I think you could customize the lips to day or night, etc.
I hope you all enjoyed this look!!
X's and O's,
Amanda
Today I wanted to share with you the tutorial that inspired my wedding makeup look, and share the products that I used! But first, a little backround:
I was having such a hard time choosing my wedding makeup look. The main reasons were A) I would be doing it myself, and B) I needed a look that would translate well. I searched hundreds of photos and tutorials looking for looks that fit my personality, the message I wanted to send, and something with in my capability level. As I mentioned in my Wedding Things post about makeup, it can be really tricky to find the right look. Alot of websites and professionals suggest minimal makeup because you "don't want to look like a whole other person", but if you're like me, I wouldn't look myself with bare minimal makeup on. I love playing up my eyes, so I wanted to find a look that was smokey, but not overdone. I wanted it to be bold enough to show up well on camera, but no racoon eyes! About 2 weeks before the wedding, I found this tutorial, and it was perfect:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx8cGodgONs&list=PL302355F434506208&index=23&feature=plpp_video
I did tweak it a little to match up to my personal preferences, and I did add some steps to ensure that the look would last long. Instead of the pink lipgloss that Laura uses here, I did a berry-pink-roseish lipstick. I also used setting spray to hold all of my face makeup, and used a dark brown pencil liner on my lower lashline. The products I used (including face) were:
Cliniques Superbalanced Makeup in Petal
UMA Cosmetics Face Powder in Light
UMA Cosmetics Blush in Romantic Rose
Biju Cosmetics Sun Powder (bronzer)
Rimmel London's Fix and Perfect Foundation Primer
Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter
Astor Cosmetics Concealer in Sand
NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Color
Benefit's Eyeshadow in Pink Fancy
MAC Matte Eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown
Benefit's Eyeshdow in Posh Amethyst
Rimmel London's Kohl pencil in Panama
Maybelline's Master Drama Kohl Liner in Ultra Black
ELF Liquid Liner in Black
Maybelline's Falsies Mascara in Black Waterproof
ELF Makeup Setting Spray
Rimmel London's Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink
I used an assortment of brushes.
This look photographed beautifully, and was not way too overdone. It also held in place really well throughout the hot/ humid weather, kissing, and dancing. I think you could customize the lips to day or night, etc.
I hope you all enjoyed this look!!
X's and O's,
Amanda
Saturday, June 23, 2012
10 Drugstore Beauty Products under $10
Hey Beauties!
Today I wanted to do a Tag Post, and I chose 10 Drugstore Beauty Products Under $10 tag! I think it is great for gurus to expose fabulous, affordable products. Not every girl can afford "Luxury" brands, and I think it's awesome to showcase beauty for EVERY price range!
1. Maybelline's Falsies Mascara. My all-time fave mascara. It beats every other brand I have ever used! This retails around $5! Affordable and Fabulous!
2. Rimmel London's Moisture Renew Lipstick. I have also reviewed this lipstick, but it is very hydrating, and long lasting! I paid $5.49 at Target.
3. EOS lipbalm. Other than the cute packaging (I know, i'm such a sucker!), this lipbalm is very hydrating, and keeps the lips soft for hours! I believe I paid about $3.
4. Rimmel London Pencil Liners. These liners apply wonderfully and are long lasting. Vast color selection as well. My current favorite is their color Panama. A beautiful dark brown, I use it so often!
5. E.L.F blotting sheets. Blotting sheets are an essential, but they can be pricey! E.l.f. is only $1, and gets the job done!
6. Loreal's True Match Foundation. This foundation is very comparable with higher-end brands. The color selection is amazing, and you're sure to find a perfect match! at $8, this is almost too good to be true.
7. Pond's Dry Skin Cream. My favorite drug-store moisturizer. It is so hydrating! It will not clog your pores, and will surely solve your dry skin problems. The best bonus is that you get a TON of product at a great price! A big tub is around $5.
8. Rimmel London's Stay Matte Powder. This powder is perfect for mattifying the skin for hours. I use it to set my makeup, and I don't have to reapply for about 5 hours or so! It costs about $3.50.
9. Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara. This was my very first beauty product ever! For as long as I can remember, my mom and grandmother have always used this. Although it really isn't my favorite, it is good for beginners with makeup with a smaller budget. It goes for around $4.
10. Neutrogena's Nourishing Eye quads. These eyeshadows are beautiful and long lasting. The formula is really silky as well. These quads are around $ 8.50
I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I will start doing tags more often, they're fun! What are your 10 favorite beauty products under $10 sold at drugstores? Let me know!!!
X's and O's
Amanda
Today I wanted to do a Tag Post, and I chose 10 Drugstore Beauty Products Under $10 tag! I think it is great for gurus to expose fabulous, affordable products. Not every girl can afford "Luxury" brands, and I think it's awesome to showcase beauty for EVERY price range!
1. Maybelline's Falsies Mascara. My all-time fave mascara. It beats every other brand I have ever used! This retails around $5! Affordable and Fabulous!
2. Rimmel London's Moisture Renew Lipstick. I have also reviewed this lipstick, but it is very hydrating, and long lasting! I paid $5.49 at Target.
3. EOS lipbalm. Other than the cute packaging (I know, i'm such a sucker!), this lipbalm is very hydrating, and keeps the lips soft for hours! I believe I paid about $3.
4. Rimmel London Pencil Liners. These liners apply wonderfully and are long lasting. Vast color selection as well. My current favorite is their color Panama. A beautiful dark brown, I use it so often!
5. E.L.F blotting sheets. Blotting sheets are an essential, but they can be pricey! E.l.f. is only $1, and gets the job done!
6. Loreal's True Match Foundation. This foundation is very comparable with higher-end brands. The color selection is amazing, and you're sure to find a perfect match! at $8, this is almost too good to be true.
7. Pond's Dry Skin Cream. My favorite drug-store moisturizer. It is so hydrating! It will not clog your pores, and will surely solve your dry skin problems. The best bonus is that you get a TON of product at a great price! A big tub is around $5.
8. Rimmel London's Stay Matte Powder. This powder is perfect for mattifying the skin for hours. I use it to set my makeup, and I don't have to reapply for about 5 hours or so! It costs about $3.50.
9. Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara. This was my very first beauty product ever! For as long as I can remember, my mom and grandmother have always used this. Although it really isn't my favorite, it is good for beginners with makeup with a smaller budget. It goes for around $4.
10. Neutrogena's Nourishing Eye quads. These eyeshadows are beautiful and long lasting. The formula is really silky as well. These quads are around $ 8.50
I hope you guys enjoyed this post! I will start doing tags more often, they're fun! What are your 10 favorite beauty products under $10 sold at drugstores? Let me know!!!
X's and O's
Amanda
Friday, June 15, 2012
Brand Review :E.L.F
Hey there, Beauties!
Today, I want to review the brand E.L.F. I was originally going to review products from the brand, but there were so many, I thought I would review the brand as a whole. So here it goes...
The biggest attraction consumers have to this brand is very clear: the ridiculously cheap price tag on all of the items. Now more than ever, people are always on the hunt for the best bargain they can get. Especially with beauty products. With tighter budgets, alot of drugstore makeup is considered expensive. And don't even talk about department store brands. When a 8 dollar drugstore foundation is expensive to you, you'd fall over at the sight of department store prices! So women are looking for the best deals they can get at their local drugstores. E.L.F has been the most inexpensive brand I have seen to date (you can get a 100 piece shadow pallete for 10 dollars). But is it really a bargain? Are you getting what you pay for?
I have mixed opinions. Sure, it's awesome that you can buy makeup brushes for a dollar each. But just how good of quality are those brushes/lipglosses, etc? Here are some mini review on various products:
Brushes: In my experience, it's really a hit and miss with elf brushes. I have some brushes from the brand that I have had for a while now, and are still going strong. On the same token, I have purchased brushes that lasted for a week, or fell apart after 2 washes. I bought 2 of the same shadow brushes, and one was flexible and soft, the other was stiff and a little rough. I will say that the brushes from their studio line are awesome quality, and I have never had an issue.
Shadows: I own the 100 piece palette from the brand, and I do like it. It was 10 dollars, which was stupidly cheap. I feel like the palette contains a good mix of matte and shimmer shades, and while it has every color you could imagine wearing on your eyes, alot of the colors are very wearable for everyday. The pigmentation is also pretty good.
Eye Primer: I wasn't overly impressed with the eye primer, but for a dollar, I couldn't complain. It does work, however I found that my shadow started creasing around the 4th hour . Will it work for a long day? probably not. But it does its job of saturating shadow colors and helping them last. I reccomend Using a powder on your lid to set the primer before you apply shadow. This will help prolong the primer.
Lipgloss: Personally, not a fan. The colors are nice, but the formula is awful. Very thick and VERY sticky.
Cream Liner: The cream liner is good, however the angled brush they provide is poor quality. I defintely reccomend using your own brush. Also, they don't last long. Mine hardened after a few weeks with the lid tightly secured. Hmm..
Mascara: WORST.MASCARA.EVER. ok, so it is probably ok for a 12 year old who is starting out with makeup, but I was not a fan of the brush or formula!
Conclusion: All in all, I think the brand is a good one. Is it stellar? I wouldn't say so. However for the price you pay, it's pretty decent. Some products were really good, and others not. I would suggest checking out the line to younger girls who are just begining with makeup. It is affordable, and the products are more appropriate for people who are younger. But I also suggest everyone try it for themselves, because let's face it, if you buy a product for a dollar and you hate it, it's no biggie!
What do you think of this brand? What is your favorite product by E.L.F? Let me know!
X's and O's,
Amanda
Today, I want to review the brand E.L.F. I was originally going to review products from the brand, but there were so many, I thought I would review the brand as a whole. So here it goes...
The biggest attraction consumers have to this brand is very clear: the ridiculously cheap price tag on all of the items. Now more than ever, people are always on the hunt for the best bargain they can get. Especially with beauty products. With tighter budgets, alot of drugstore makeup is considered expensive. And don't even talk about department store brands. When a 8 dollar drugstore foundation is expensive to you, you'd fall over at the sight of department store prices! So women are looking for the best deals they can get at their local drugstores. E.L.F has been the most inexpensive brand I have seen to date (you can get a 100 piece shadow pallete for 10 dollars). But is it really a bargain? Are you getting what you pay for?
I have mixed opinions. Sure, it's awesome that you can buy makeup brushes for a dollar each. But just how good of quality are those brushes/lipglosses, etc? Here are some mini review on various products:
Brushes: In my experience, it's really a hit and miss with elf brushes. I have some brushes from the brand that I have had for a while now, and are still going strong. On the same token, I have purchased brushes that lasted for a week, or fell apart after 2 washes. I bought 2 of the same shadow brushes, and one was flexible and soft, the other was stiff and a little rough. I will say that the brushes from their studio line are awesome quality, and I have never had an issue.
Shadows: I own the 100 piece palette from the brand, and I do like it. It was 10 dollars, which was stupidly cheap. I feel like the palette contains a good mix of matte and shimmer shades, and while it has every color you could imagine wearing on your eyes, alot of the colors are very wearable for everyday. The pigmentation is also pretty good.
Eye Primer: I wasn't overly impressed with the eye primer, but for a dollar, I couldn't complain. It does work, however I found that my shadow started creasing around the 4th hour . Will it work for a long day? probably not. But it does its job of saturating shadow colors and helping them last. I reccomend Using a powder on your lid to set the primer before you apply shadow. This will help prolong the primer.
Lipgloss: Personally, not a fan. The colors are nice, but the formula is awful. Very thick and VERY sticky.
Cream Liner: The cream liner is good, however the angled brush they provide is poor quality. I defintely reccomend using your own brush. Also, they don't last long. Mine hardened after a few weeks with the lid tightly secured. Hmm..
Mascara: WORST.MASCARA.EVER. ok, so it is probably ok for a 12 year old who is starting out with makeup, but I was not a fan of the brush or formula!
Conclusion: All in all, I think the brand is a good one. Is it stellar? I wouldn't say so. However for the price you pay, it's pretty decent. Some products were really good, and others not. I would suggest checking out the line to younger girls who are just begining with makeup. It is affordable, and the products are more appropriate for people who are younger. But I also suggest everyone try it for themselves, because let's face it, if you buy a product for a dollar and you hate it, it's no biggie!
What do you think of this brand? What is your favorite product by E.L.F? Let me know!
X's and O's,
Amanda
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