My Favorite Makeup Brushes

These are my absolute favorite brushes. 

First - Brushes for the face

Nars Loose Powder Brush - This is perfect for a light dusting of powder to set your foundation.  Usually I would be using nars loose powder.  Its the perfect denseness (is that a word?)  for loose powder.

If I am buffing in a powder (like MSF natural) I used the Mac 183 brush.  This is great for bare minerals as well, or even if you are buffing in a liquid foundation.

For blush I use the Nars blush brush, I used this in a circular motion when putting blush along my cheekbone.

For bronzer - Nars Bronzing Brush - I LOVE this one.  its super dense and amazing for applying bronzer!

Nars Concealer brush - I honestly use my fingers most of the time for concealer, but if i am taking the time to do a really good job, this would be the brush I reach for.

For Eyes

The basic brush that I use the most

Mac 217, I use this for everything.  Laying down shadow on the lid, crease work, you name it and this brush can do it.

mac 224 Brush - for larger blending areas, i might used i after using the 217

Nars Eye Contour Brush- this i used for smaller crease work, like if i am blending in a darker color in the outer V

Mac 219 Pencil Brush -  This is very similar to the brush above, but i use this for highlighting on the brow and in the inner corners

Nars Smudge Brush- This is such an awesome brush!  its perfect for when you are doing a smokey eye and want to smudge shadow as a liner, or ever to smudge your eyeliner you have already put on

Nars Push Eyeliner Brush - I use this everyday.  I prefer to use powder as eyeliner, so this is essential.  this is the best thin eyeliner brush I have ever tried, and i have tried a few.   A lot of them have frayed over time, so they loose the sharp line.  This one I have had FOREVER and its still in perfect shape.  you can use it dry or if you want the thinnest line ever (the kind that you can barely see and looks like your lashes but better) this is for you!

Mac 266 Brow brush - one I don't use a ton, because i don't fill in my brows all that much, but is great when I do use it

I also got this mini brush set from the local CCO - its great for traveling.  Also the 187 is what i use for my nars sheer glow foundation.  its amazing! best foundation brush I have ever used. The other brushes are pretty good. I picked this set because it seemed to have a good variety for when i travel!

Mac 187

Mac 275

Mac 212

Mac 219

Mac 168

That is all ladies!  what are your favorite brushes??

beauty quiz!

SKINCARE
-How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice normally, if i work out in the middle of the day on the weekend maybe three times

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I have combination skin, can be oily in t-zone, and dry on cheeks

-What is your current facial wash?
neostrata facial cleanser

-Do you exfoliate?
Yes!

-What brand do you use?
i use my clarisonic daily and do a Neostrata Peel about once a week

-What moisturizer do you use?
day - darphin redness relief recovery cream
night - Creme de la mer

-Do you have freckles?
yes! more after going camping

-Do you use eye cream?
I have a few i use, still trying to find an HG. ones i like - caudalie eye creme, nars eye creme

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
only since graduating college and working full time! I get the occasional zit on my chin.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
tried it once, didnt like it. It dried out my skin too much.

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use?
lately for the summer I have been using Mac Face and Body foundation, i like that its very sheer and natural looking

-How about concealer?
cle de deau - Its AMAZING!

-Do you know your undertone color?
yes , its yellowish, nc 20-30 depending on my tan for mac, and punjab in nars

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I think they are great for a more dramatic look. I have used them a few times when going out in NYC, they are HARD to do though!

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
3 seems ridiculous. I go with 6

-What brand of mascara do you use?
nars larger than life volumizing, or shu uemura basic - both are amazing

-Sephora or MAC?
neither really. i supposed if i HAD to pick I would go with sephora since they carry nars. but i prefer neiman marcus or some other department store. my neiman marcus used to carry shu uemura so they were my favorite, but now I might go with Saks.

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
No.

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
a variation of mac and nars brushes, and my fingers

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
yes i used to use UDPP, now i am using nars eyeshadow primer

-For the face?
I occasionally use clarins perfect touch, usually I dont use one at all

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
bellisima - nars,

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
i usually use eyeshadow as a liner, like nars thunderball or mac typographic

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
never since i use a brush with shadow!

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
some are gorgeous ( blue brown is a favorite) but i dont use them that often, and i hate the new packaging!

-Do you use mineral makeup?
no. bare minerals didnt agree with me. I loved Merle Normal mineral makeup but they dont have a large color range

-What is your favorite lipstick?
mac - danse. of course its LE!

-How about lipgloss?
nars - sweet revenge, sweet dreams, and chihuahua
mac - pinkocrazy chromeglass!

-What is your favorite blush to use?
deep throat by nars
glissade by mac

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
no, too many fakes

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
not really. Ive tried a few revlon lipsticks that weren't bad though.

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
yes! i have been to the one near the beach in NJ and Woodbury commons. love them!

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
I went to a Mac seminar once, but they asked me to be the model, so I couldn't really see what they were doing! didn't learn much

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
i think I'm pretty good! I sometimes get mascara on my eyelids though. always annoying!

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
face darker than neck!

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Neutrals!

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
Scarlett johansen, I also always love Whitney ports simple makeup

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
mascara

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
yes I do regularly

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
haha i think i look ok!

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
Nars, without a doubt

-What do you think of Makeup?
its fun!

I tag you all! Take the quiz yourself and post it in your blogs/videos!

Massive Sale

Hey Ladies! I am back from vacation and will be getting into the swing of posting again! I still have some unpacking to do, but i will try to post some of the new stuff I got this week! in the mean time heres the link to a sale of a lot of stuff I HAVENT been using.  Hopefully it will find a lovely home with someone else! 
Theres lots of Mac, some LE stuff (Stereo Rose), Nars, YSL, Shu Uemura, Chanel, Dior,  skincare, and a new Lilash!

Link to my sale!

Smashbox Ultimate Eyes Kit - for Blue Eyes

So I have mentioned before that I purchase the kit - Smashbox Master's Class: Ultimate Eyes - Blue at Sephora.  It is $59.  And yes, I bought it myself!

Heres whats included

- 0.04 oz Limitless Eye Liner in Espresso

- 0.273 oz Eye Shadow Quad in Ultimate Eyes-Blue

- 0.3 oz Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout

- 0.035 oz Artificial Light Luminizing Powder

- 0.08 oz Photo Finish Lid Primer

- 0.05 oz Cream Eye Liner in Obsidian

 

I finally got to play with it today!

I did the most natural look that is included in a booklet with three different looks.

 

 

 

So its basically just a wash of the lighter brown color over your entire lid into crease, the darker brown smudged in the outer V and under eye.  The highlighting powder in the inner corner, and I added the Obsidian as a liner.

Its a subtle look, but I really like it! The colors are most definitely flattering to blue eyes.  I am not thrilled with the liner,  I don't think Smashbox cream liners last a very long time, but it is a pretty color!

I love the quad, and all four colors. I love that they threw in a darker grey creme liner, because I sometimes think too much brown, makes your eyes look more red (warm based browns obviously) The highlighting powder is amazing! Only thing. The sponge applicator has sooo much product on it when you take it out of the tube, that you cant apply i directly to your face or you will end up with a big blob of highlighter. So i just ran my small pointed tip eyeshadow brush across the top and used that. I haven't used the brown liner yet, and I don't plan on every using the mascara (I stick with my nars and shu uemura mascara). But all in all I think the kit is definitely worth the $59.

I will try the smokier look and post the results of those looks soon!

Nars Fall 2010 Haul!

I am so excited I got my Nars Fall 2010 makeup in the mail! 
I ordered Tzarine and Rajasthan Eyeshadow Duo, Strawberry Fields Lipgoss, Daphne Eyeshadow, Douceor Blush.

My favorites of the collection are definitely Rajasthan and Douceor.

Daphne is very chalky, and doesn't have almost any color payoff. You have to mix it with a primer to get it to stick.  How they got the vivid color in the campaign photo I have no idea!

Here's the pictures and swatches!

Tzarine - a very pretty color, but I prefer darker blue/greens

Rajasthan - a metallic beigeish and a midnight blue/green 

Ive used it for a simple eye using the gold as an all over wash, and the darker color as liner.

Its also great for a smokey eye

Daphne (must have gotten other eyeshadow on it during swatching)

I thought this would be my favorite, but it was actually very disappointing.  Its completely chalky, and doesn't "stick" to your skin if you understand what I mean.  You would have to use it wet (I mixed it with Nars Eyeshadow Primer) to get any color payoff, but it would most likely be hard to blend then.  I will keep playing with it and report back.

Douceor - a very pretty non shimmery blush.  This is a great color for probably all skin tones, but is especially flatter on pinker skintones, because it balances out the pink with the brown tones in the blush.  Its definitely going to be one of my favorites!

Strawberry Fields

Very pretty and pigmented lipgloss. Scares me a bit becuse it is a little darker than  I had expected, but its the most perfect bright pink.   Hopefully I will have the guts to wear it!

left -Strawberry Fields, Daphne,

top right - Rajasthan, Tzarine under it

Here I have on Rajasthan Eyeshadow and Douceor Blush. The blush is a great color anyone with a pink undertone. It tones down the pink in your skin

And here is Strawberry Fields Lipgloss

I would love to hear from other people that got items from the Nars Fall 2010 Collection! please comment with your experiences!

Nars Fall 2010 Collection

As I've mentioned before, I LOVE Nars!  I always get so excited when I start seeing info on the new collections.   Nars has new collections ever season, but they are relatively small (compared to Mac at least). 

From the pictures I've seen I will most definitely be getting the blush, the purple eyeshadow single, both eyeshadow duos, and the lipgloss.   In my experience, Nars eyeshadow duos are sheerer than the singles, which I prefer.  Some of the singles lately have been chalky, and hard to blend.   I will be getting the purple anyway just because I LOVE purple!  The rest I will have to see in person before I can decide! 

The Nars 2010 Fall Collection will be available on July 15 online, and in August in stores.  

(Usually its available at department stores a few weeks before it hits Sephora, so it wouldn't be available at Sephora until mid to late August)

Here's pictures and descriptions of the collection!



Douceur Blush ($26.00)-soft pink brown


A soft pink-brown hue that lightly imparts a honeyed brown kiss of innocence on cheeks. Unique to the Fall 2010 collection, the powder is lightly etched with the NARS logo. Use to contour from the apple of the cheek upward; warm forehead, jaw line and nose.

Daphne Eyeshadow ($23.00)– royal purple


Style icon. Designer. Model. Heiress of haute couture. Named after Daphne Guinness herself—François Nars’ inimitable muse—this hypnotizing matte, deep-violet single eyeshadow exudes excitement. Apply liberally across the lid up to the brow, blending outward. Head-turning.

Mangrove Eyeshadow ($23.00) (Limited Edition)– rich lemon yellow -green

The magnificence of this tropical tree, captured in the softest, mellow yellow laced with lime. Richly pigmented and crease-resistant, use this single eyeshadow to highlight the inner corner of the eye, as a bright base shade for the lid or to diffuse a deeper shade by sweeping it into the bridge.

Coconut Grove Eyeshadow ($23.00)– chocolate brown

Grooving in the Grove—Miami’s magical neighborhood on Biscayne Bay—has attracted musicians, artists, and writers for decades. Dense, dramatic, and daring, this dark chocolate-cum-taupe confection increases depth on the lid and doubles as a lash liner when used wet.

Rouge Basque Lipstick ($24.00) (Limited Edition)– a quintessential red

Inspired by the inside cover of a book from the famed French countryside, François Nars envisioned the quintessential red from the Basque region. The result is lipstick with a luminous satin finish. It is as deeply pigmented as the region’s history and as bold as the wine for which the area is known. Pair with NARS pencils, or apply with a NARS lip brush.

Strawberry Fields Lip Gloss ($24.00) (Limited Edition) strawberry purple shade

Imagine juicy, mouthwatering strawberries, just picked. Then delight in the serious, yet sexy shine of this bright pink confection. Worn alone or over NARS lip products, the gloss’ Vitamin-E enriched formula seals in moisture. Lips feel supple and hydrated.

Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil ($24.00) (Limited Edition)

Once the NYC hot-spot, characterized by glamour, glitz, and decadence. This sparkling turquoise soft touch shadow pencil rocks with all the vibrancy and sex appeal of its namesake. Layer it with other NARS eye products—or go it alone—to line, accent, highlight or illuminate unforgettable eyes.

Tzarine Eyeshadow Duo ($32.00)(Russia inspired) – bright yellow and bold gold gray

Love, sex and power. Russia’s empresses had it all. Inspired by royalty, the eyeshadow duo pairs the majesty of platinum gold infused with silver reflections with a bold, steel grey. Swipe and shadow along the upper lid or smudge along the lower. Positively regal.

Rajasthan Eyeshadow Duo ($32.00) Limited Edition(Indian inspired) – golden light and cool blue ink


Sacred temples and scorching deserts. Bengalese tigers and Bagaru prints. India’s largest state fascinates and tantalizes. Like its namesake, the Rajasthan Eyeshadow duo is an exotic palette, playing glazed almond against cool charcoal. Worn solo, blended or layered, the look signals drama.

Mac Into The Groove and Chanel Haul

The famous Stereo Rose!

I purchased

from Mac -
Stereo Rose, Jazzed lipstick, Soften the Mood Mineralize Eyeshadow Trio

Chanel
Enigma Quad, Rose Dilema Lipgloss