Makeup brushes - How many do we really need?

After my last post on my favourite makeup brushes (here), I started thinking about how many makeup brushes does a girl really need? I've collected my brushes over the years, some bought on a whim, some I'd coveted for a while before I bought. If I was to lose them all, how many would I repurchase?

My Makeup Brushes!

There is a dazzling array of makeup brushes available these days for the prosumer makeup crowd (a word I came across when reading about lower-end DSLR cameras – referring to items that are in between ‘professional’ and ‘consumer’), and it’s really easy to get caught up in the latest ‘best brush in the world’ hype (MAC #187 anyone? It’s a good brush, but hardly the ‘can apply ANYTHING’ brush – as I found out after I bought it!)

So, if you’re not a professional makeup artist and don’t have an hour each morning to do your makeup (and an hour every week to wash your brushes) – what brushes do you really need?

I got by in my very first few years with makeup by just using the applicators that came with the product (tiny blush brushes!) and my fingers! But then my brush collection grew, and grew...

So of all my brushes, the ones I use on a daily basis and cannot go without are...

• Bobbi Brown Face Brush for a light dusting of my powder foundation (if I’m wearing liquid, I tend to use my fingers or a damp non-latex sponge, I just can’t be bothered stippling everyday)
• Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Brush - 8 years and still looks like the day I bought it!
• MAC blush brush or angled contour brush – for my pop of colour on my cheeks 
• Napoleon Perdis 2h brush for eyeliner and for filling in my brows

For everything else…there’s fingers! 

Favourite Makeup Brushes

Over the years I've collected many makeup brushes - I love the feeling of a soft, luxuriant brush against my face and have always looked at makeup brushes as the best investment in terms of beauty products (they last forever if you look after them, and good ones do make a difference to application!)

What do I look for in a good makeup brush? The top 3 things I look for are:

• It must be soft and not scratchy, yet not too soft so it doesn't hold it's shape (the shape of the brush is key to good application)
• The fibres must be dense enough to pick up enough product
• No hair shedding! this is the sign of a well made brush

Here are some of my favourites (and why I love them)

Left: MAC #187, Right: MAC foundation

MAC stippling brush #187

The cult brush which probably disappointed me slightly because my expectations were much too high (I had read about it being able to apply foundation, blush, powder, everything!)

It’s a good brush for stippling on liquid foundation when you have time and it really does give a beautiful finish. (Stipple foundation on in quick dabbing motions, then blend in small circles for an even finish)

I've seen many copies of it but have found most of them too harsh or prickly for stippling, the original MAC seems to be the only one so far just firm enough for stippling but not too firm so that it's prickly on the face!

I don’t like it for applying anything else, though it may be that my technique is lacking.

MAC foundation brush #190

A classic foundation brush, my go-to for liquid foundation (I'm too lazy to stipple everyday...)

Left: MAC Angled Contour brush, Right MAC Blush Brush

MAC blush brush #129

A good blush brush which is firm and dense enough to pick up enough pigment, and a good size for depositing just the right amount on the apples of your cheeks with one sweep. 

MAC Large angled contour brush #168

A good brush for applying blush as well, the angle and the smaller denser fibres make blush or bronzer application more precise.

I prefer to contour with creams and my fingers (the Scott Barnes method!) so I don’t really use this brush for contouring.

Bobbi Brown Face Brush

Bobbi Brown Face brush

This is a cute little kabuki brush which I use to apply powder foundation and mineral makeup, and it feels really soft and luxurious.

However, I find it a bit too dense for loose/pressed powder application, and when I wash it, it takes 48hrs to dry!

Left to Right: Bobbie Brown Smudge Brush, NARS 15, Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Brush

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow brush

A great eyeshadow brush. I got this brush eight years ago and it’s still going strong with multiple washings, travelling, etc. A MUST for any makeup bag, and soft enough to pick up pigment and wash it over eyelids, but also dense enough when you want to press on eyeshadow for a more intense look.

Bobbi Brown Eye Smudge brush

A smaller, denser version of the eyeshadow brush, which I hardly ever use as it’s something in between my eyeshadow brush and my NARS smudge brush. It's very good for picking up eyeshadow and pressing it onto lids for a darker colour, and I use it to achieve a quick smoky eye, but if I could only get one brush for my eyes it would be my eyeshadow brush, not this one.

NARS 15 smudge brush

The cutest brush I own, tiny dense fibres which work well to smudge eyeliner. If I could buy it again though I would get one with a shorter handle, for self-application it's a bit unwieldy given I have to work pretty quick before my eyeliner sets.

Larger brush: Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner, Smaller brush: Napoleon Perdis 2h brush

Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner brush

The eyeliner brush I bought when I got the Bobbi Brown Gel eyeliner, though when I discovered the Napoleon Perdis brush I converted to using that for eyeliner – it gives me much more control!

Napoleon Perdis 2h

A tiny, tiny brush which gives excellent control with gel eyeliners, using eyeshadow as eyeliners and most recently, for filling in my brows (I discovered it gives the most natural finish I have EVER had compared to brow gels, pencils, waxes, etc)

Benefit Box o' Goodies

My Benefit order has arrived, after a month of waiting!!

It was with much excitement that I discovered the Benefit website finally shipped to Australia! I have long been complaining of the enormous mark-ups we have on cosmetics here in Australia.

I have always been a fan of the Benefit packaging – I think their kitschy boudoir chic is one of the cleverest marketing campaigns out there.

On the US site, their prices online are similar to many supermarket brands here – So I decided to buy a bunch of things as a 'test-buy' to see how long they'd take to arrive (longer than I thought, one whole month) and also to try out some things from Benefit I'd always wanted to try but couldn't justify the Aussie prices.

Here they are finally in all their glory!

All wrapped up - look I got some free samples too!

And unwrapped!

I got Hoola, Dallas and Coralista – Benefit’s blushers/bronzers whimsically called Box O' Powder, which I'd always wanted to try but wasn't sure if they were worth AUD $51. (I got them for USD $28, a bargain!)

Also the big beautiful eyes Palette (USD $32, but here AUD $59!), which I got purely to try out their boi-ing concealer. 

First Impressions:

Left to Right: Dallas, Coralista and Hoola

Dallas: Looks muddy in the box, but once on my cheeks springs to life as a rosy tan (makes me look like I have both blush and bronzer on and my cheeks actually look quite sculpted!)

Coralista: A pinky peach blush, beautiful. Quite shiny though so has to be used sparingly to prevent a sheen. 

Hoola: A nice, natural looking yellow brown bronzer with no shimmer (one of the few with no shimmer!) - looks very very natural on my NC25-30 asian skin

The powders are very finely milled and have a good amount of pigment, though not as highly pigmented as the NARS blushes. The brushes that came with them are cute but a bit small, I prefer my proper blush brush, but these would be fine for touch-ups!

All about eyes, complete with instructions!

Boi-ing appears to be a good match, and the eyeshadow colours are nice basic colours that are very usable. I especially like the little brushes that come with them, so cute and they also work quite well.

Proper reviews and swatches to follow after I’ve used them for a bit!

Given the amount I've purchased - and I definitely would not have purchased this many in one go at a Benefit counter, I think the other companies would be wise to follow in Benefit's footsteps and offer us Aussies online shopping at US prices! I think they could double their Aussie makeup sales if they did! 

I'm already planning my next Benefit shopping spree... 

www.benefitcosmetics.com

Clinique Chubby Sticks: Swatches!

So many yummy colours! What's not to love about this lip balm-lipstick-lipgloss-large crayon hybrid?


I like the non-stickiness of the chubbystick, and the sheer wash of colour (it doesn't even matter if you colour a little out of the lines) and the way it makes my lips feel soft and moisturised without acting as a magnet for my hair (Juicy Tubes, I'm looking at you!)


But what I like most about it is the fact that it twists up and I don't have to sharpen it, less product-waste and so convenient :)


It may even replace my other favourite lip balm from Burt's Bees - their Lip Shimmers.


I got it in Fuller Fig, here are the other colours!

I'm missing 2 colours I think, Clinique didn't have them :( will have to update later with the other two. Click for a clearer picture!

Apply them over a lipliner for a polished lipstick look without the heavier feel of lipstick!

Wedding Makeup: Should you do your own?

I've been umm-ing and ahh-ing over whether I should attempt to do my own makeup for my upcoming wedding.

Can a hiring makeup artist guarantee that I look my best on my wedding day?

While I am in no way a professional makeup artist, and have often been in awe when I see one at work, I do have some features (e.g. my eyes) which have many-a-time thwarted makeup counter makeup artists by refusing to follow the rules of eye makeup application.

I have spent years practicing on my eyes (and the rest of my face) to discover just how to apply makeup on them, and instead of just one trial with the makeup artist, I can have unlimited trials with myself and test photography in all sorts of lighting (including flash!) to try-out my wedding look (Yes, yes…I have been bitten by the bridezilla bug...)

However, I certainly don’t have the skill or experience of a professional makeup artist, and perhaps I would do well not to add to the stress of a wedding day by attempting to do my own makeup!

After going back and forth a number of times, my conclusions are:

Consider doing your own makeup for your wedding/other special occasion if:

• You are experienced at applying your makeup, and wear makeup often

• You already have enough quality tools (brushes, etc) – or are willing to buy them (I would discourage buying an entirely new set of brushes though, it’s a better if you already have a set you know how to use. If you buy a brand new expensive set and realise you can't use them properly, you may have been better off spending that money on a good makeup artist instead...)

• You already have a collection of makeup, and are familiar with different makeup techniques (or at least, what looks best on you)

• You don’t want/can’t afford the cost of hiring a professional makeup artist (though again, this is debatable. Most of the time you will have to spend a bit of money on new makeup and practicing etc)

• You don’t know any good makeup artists in your city/area and don’t have friends who can recommend one (a friend with similar looks/style! There’s no point getting a friend who likes a completely different style of makeup to recommend her makeup artist…)

• You are willing to practice, practice, practice

• You have a steady hand and steely nerves in time of stress (remember, one wrong line and you may have to start all over again while your guests are already waiting for your entrance!)

• You are sure you won’t regret doing your makeup yourself in the years to come!

Consider hiring a professional makeup artist if:

• You don’t usually wear makeup, or usually only wear minimal makeup (think a slick of lipgloss and mascara)

• You don’t like playing with makeup and experimenting with different looks (this is essential as you will have to practice a lot, to make up for lack of experience!)

• You have a minimal makeup collection (or very little makeup that would be wedding suitable) and don’t own any makeup tools

• You know a makeup artist that has the same style as you have, or want, and is willing to listen to you, and you’ve seen examples of her work (which you love, of course)

• And even if none of the above are true for you, if you simply don’t want the stress and responsibility of making sure you look perfect on the day – hire a professional (but HAVE A TRIAL FIRST! I’ll never forget (and not in a good way) my first professional makeup application where I went in without having a trial prior for my year 12 formal…)

The essence of Wedding makeup or any special occasion makeup is really:

• You looking the best version of yourself (Classic, rather than theatrical makeup)
• Your makeup lasting the whole day - without you having to worry about multiple touch-ups (there are better things to focus on that day!)
• Looking good in person as well as in photos and videos (I mean, if you’re spending a fortune on the photography and videography…why skimp on yourself?

Whether you hire someone professional or go it youself, make sure you keep those aims in mind!

Meanwhile I’ll continue going back and forth about it…

Pictures by stock.xchng - I don't have my own wedding pics yet :)

I sign up to technorati: 42HKWU86WUNV

I'm new to blogging, but apparently all blogs must sign up to Technorati! so here goes :)


In other news, Clinique is having a Gift with Purchase at David Jones....hmm might be the time for me to get my hands on one of their new Chubbysticks! 

A large pencil (that's a lipgloss/lipstick hybrid) - I'll get it just for the nostalgia of using crayons!
It's twistable too - so no sharpening! 
Review and swatches to follow...

I discover Trilogy! The Cream Cleanser and How to use it

As it got colder I found it harder and harder to keep my skin moisturized with my normal foaming cleanser and rose hip oil (RHO) as my moisturizer. This is probably because RHO is slightly exfoliating (due to the Vitamin A that’s in it), and I know some people layer moisturizer over RHO, but I held back for fear that it might be too rich and break me out.

As I was starting to get that tight, skin stretched thin feeling after cleansing, I decided it was time for a change!

Having previously tried the Oil Cleansing Method last Winter and somewhat liking it, I toyed with using an oil cleanser again.

However, while using RHO I didn’t want to put oil on oil…it just seemed like, well, too much oil!

But then I discovered Trilogy's Cream Cleanser! Trilogy is a New Zealand skincare brand (so a fellow antipodean!) heavily centered around rose hip oil.

Trilogy's description:

“With pure plant oils and extracts this cleanser delivers soft, clear, completely clean skin and gently removes eye make up. This cleanser is a true beauty product; it does more than just remove makeup and impurities from face and eye. Its emollient action leaves skin supple and is the perfect preparation for your skin, morning and night. Includes nourishing Rosehip and Evening Primrose oils and Aloe Vera to moisturise and soften your skin.”

I must say, it’s quite possibly the best cleanser I’ve ever used!

It’s cream, so it removes all my makeup (like the oil cleansing method) in one step, but doesn’t leave as much oil residue.

For AUD $36 you get 200ml in a large glass pump bottle, which looks lovely in my bathroom, and a little bit goes a long way.

I do use it a bit differently from the instructions on the bottle, with fantastic results! 

What I do is:

• Remove eye makeup with eye makeup remover. 
• (While this cleanser is supposed to remove eye makeup, I find I don’t like massaging the cream into my eyelids)
• Then I splash some water on my face (with full makeup on) and then pump half a pump (or 2 pea-sizes) and massage that WELL into my face, makeup and all
• I then wet a cotton pad in warm water and squeeze it dry
• it’s essential to use good quality ones – so you don’t end up with cotton fibres everywhere, I use Swisspers
• Then use the damp cotton pad to wipe the cream cleanser off my face, repeating with as many cotton pads as needed –
• this is my lazy, time-saving way of the ‘use a muslin facecloth to remove cream cleanser’ method (I hate laundering facecloths…)
• it’s also extremely satisfying to see the makeup come off on the cotton pads
• and I feel like the cotton pads are exfoliating as well! (make sure they are damp, as dry cotton pads I find are too abrasive)
• Rinse face after

Bronzer and blush, post Cream Cleanser! Eww, right?? but oh so satisfying to see it come off!

My skin is soft, clean and I never have that tight feeling after cleansing. The cotton pads are convenient, and I feel like the warmth of the hot water dampened cotton pad opens up my pores for a deeper cleanse, while the physical action of wiping it off is exfoliating.

On lazy days though, when I’m in a hurry, and when I’m not wearing as much makeup, or if I run out of cotton pads… I simply wash off the cream cleanser after massaging it in!

I also bought the Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream (AUD $39) and Trilogy Moisturising Shampoo (AUD $20), reviews to come :)

Where to buy: www.trilogyproducts.com, Myer, Pricelines…and many more!

Books: Scott Barnes' About Face (a.k.a. Pure Genius)

I’ve been following American Idol pretty closely this season, given that there’s been an explosion of entertaining talent this time (credit to the new judges perhaps!), compared to the last eight seasons which I just didn’t bother with.

Besides the singing, is anyone else watching how JLo manages to look different but fantastic in pretty much every episode? Seriously, that woman never has a bad hair/makeup day.

So when I came across a book by Scott Barnes, JLo’s personal makeup artist and the man credited with coming up with her trademark ‘glow’, I had to buy it.

Scott Barnes’ unconventional approach to makeup application – e.g. contour and highlight first, everything else later, is a revelation.

Unlike some other makeup books which focus on basic techniques and variations of looks on the same models, About Face goes through a series of ‘transformations’ where Scott Barnes puts his trademark glow on women of all ages and ethnicities (though mostly very beautiful women!) and explains (with pictures!) how he has gone about doing that.

On each transformation it’s not just the glow he focuses on (that’s a given) but based on their lifestyle, face type or occasion he demonstates a different look for each woman. (So we get to learn more techniques as well!) 

What blew me away was instead of a completely un-made-up ‘before’ picture with harsh lighting, the women were asked to come in with their own makeup applied for the ‘before’ picture (one of them even confessed to applying more makeup that usual because she was worried about her picture). It’s absolutely amazing how much he is able improve on their own makeup routines (the ‘after’ photos are astounding), and given the step by step pictures you know it’s mostly makeup and not photoshop (though I think there is a smidgen of that...who doesn't these days!)

My personal favourite was of course, the transformation of Danielle, a mono-lidded asian woman (hello!) who, though pretty before, is made to look like a supermodel with some master contouring and eye makeup.

I tried this look on myself and was amazed at the success, a testament to his easy to follow instructions and sound techniques! (I hate it when I try to follow a book look and end up looking completely different.)

He also writes in a conversational way which flows well and is a pleasure to read. It feels like he’s a friendly voice in the same room (albeit a very talented one) advising you on what to do.


Some of his looks (especially the heavily contoured ones), though amazing, is a lot of makeup and perhaps more suited to night, but most of the tips and techniques are applicable most of the time and a welcome addition to any beauty routine.

One of the few makeup books which has seriously changed the way in which I apply makeup and in my opinion, a must-read.

Available at bookstores for AUD $34.99

I got the Kindle version for only US $9.99 – a bargain! But I’m considering getting the book version too, I love the physical feel of books…

I also found his website: www.scottbarnes.com, what can I say – I’m a fan!

How to: Apply Rose Hip Oil for maximal effect

In my last post I talked about Rose Hip Oil (RHO) and whether it does all it claims to do (on me) – read it here if you haven’t yet!

In using RHO, I think it’s essential to apply it the correct way. The brand I use is Kosmea (AUD $24.95 for a 20ml bottle), but there are many others out there.

Applying it wrongly at first (just straight on dry skin like a moisturizer) broke me out, and also I think it’s important to vary the amount of rose hip oil according to your skin (oily, dry, or combination) and according to the weather (if your skin is temperamental like mine and becomes dry in Winter).

The Proper Way (or the way that worked best on me…)

1. Wash face with usual cleanser
2. Use toner if that’s what you usually do (I do in Summer but not in Winter)
3. After toner has evaporated, wet face again by splashing water on it (if you don’t use toner, simply leave your face wet after rinsing off the cleanser)
4. Put 1-2 drops of RHO on your wet fingertips and rub together
5. Apply all over wet face, massaging in – the water on your face seems to ‘dilute’ the RHO and help it spread all over your face, ensuring a thin layer is applied evenly

If you find that 1-2 drops is not moisturizing enough, by all means increase that, but I would start with a smaller amount to see just exactly how much you need. After applying I usually leave it to evaporate and my skin ends up moisturized, and after half an hour or so it seems to absorb completely and I end up with baby soft skin for a while!

I only do it as a nighttime treatment, however there are many who do it twice a day.

I also discovered by chance one day that RHO is actually an excellent hand and nail moisturizer! I had put too many drops out and ended up rubbing it all over my hands, and they thirstily absorbed all of it – and ended up super soft.

After a few days of applying it on my hands, I noticed my nails – even after I’d washed my hands the next morning, were really, really shiny, exactly like as if I’d just given them a good buffing. And this shinyness persisted after showers, multiple handwashings etc so I think my nails are just healthier!

Just make sure your hands are wet as well when you apply, and let it fully dry before you touch things (though I don’t always do this).

Hope it works for you too!