Cosmetic Brushes

I have tried many, many brushes over the last few years especially. Lately, I have had so many requests and questions concerning brushes for cosmetics. I am going to tell you about my personal favorite brushes, and I hope you all get the chance to try them too! I am going to go through my favorite brushes, brush sets, what I look for in a brush, and what I am willing to give up in a brush.

A good brush shouldn't cause you to 'break the bank.' A fantastic brush, should mean even the price is fantastic!

#1 Face/Complexion Brush:

MaryKay Mineral Foundation Brush- $10

This brush works great for applying mineral powders. It has a flat top, which actually works great for smoothing your complexion and getting an extremely even application. This definitely is my favorite Powder Brush!

#1 Blush Brush

 Revlon Blush Brush- $12.99

This brush is excellent at applying blush. First off- it grabs up the product. It doesn't let the product fall down your cheek no matter how much product you pack into those perfect, soft bristles. I do not believe it is real hair, so I was surprised at the quality of this brush. I've had this brush for about 6 months now, and it stills seems like brand new. This brush is so amazing, it makes you blush!

#1 Eye Shadow 'C' Brush 

 Revlon Eye Shadow Brush- $9.99

 I brought this eye brush, the same time as the blush brush shown above. I love them both because of the long handles, which is hard to find in brushes these days. Everything is 'travel' sized. This brush, along with the blush, is so good at picking up the product and holding it in. It does not let any shadow fall underneath your eye, which is always problematic leaving marks, smears and discoloration. This is so soft, and is so easy to use! It blends so well, and really is just an amazing brush. Love this!

#1 Brush Set

Bundle Monster 34 piece Studio Pro Make Up Brush Set- Amazon: $34.99

 Before you look at the price- look at the quantity of brushes! 34 brushes for $34.99! When I first saw this on amazon, I thought it was too good to be true. I was so timid of buying them before for that price, they have to be horrid brushes! And so cheap! But... I bought them anyway, despite lots of bad reviews. And I do NOT regret it. I love these brushes! The smaller brushes for eyes, lips, and brows are better than the larger face brushes. However, all of the brushes apply product so evenly, hold it so well, and also they all last very long. I haven't had this problem forever, but I was reading the reviews and the biggest complaint was about the smell of the leather holding case it comes in, and also that the brushes shed. I haven't had much problems at all with them shedding~ The large fan brush sheds a little bit, but not terribly or anything out of the ordinary. I didn't realize how big this set was until it arrived, I knew it was big upon purchase, but i didn't realize how HUGE it was until it arrived!
 *Again, I love the long handles!*
  This stretches more than 3 feet long! I didn't measure it so I can't 'fact' that but I bet it is. It's hard to use it in the leather case, because it's bigger than all the vanities and counters I have used it upon. I love these brushes, buy them and you will not regret it! Best Brush Deal EVER!

 You can look at it more or purchase it at this link:

http://www.amazon.com/Bundle-Monster-Studio-Cosmetic-Leather/dp/B003G0UO48/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1300339344&sr=8-1


 What I look for in a brush:

  The first thing I always look for in a brush, is quality and content. Those two things go together like peanut butter and jelly. Content=Quality. Quality=Content. Whatever the content is, will show the initial and potential quality in a product. I don't necessarily pass on a brush just because it is not real hair, or all natural though. I usually look for natural brushes, this is true. But in times when I need a fantastic brush- I want to keep all my options open to find the brush that fits me and my style best. I look for style in my brushes too. Something that shows my style through the design of the brush, and the practicality of the brush. Like I said many times- I can not stand the little travel size brushes they always have now. I love brushes with a long handle- not only for the control but also for the look. I love the elegant look of them, and also enjoy the way they feel and look in my hand.
 I also look for application power. A brush that is fine or brittle isn't go to go very far during the application process.

 Of course price is also an issue. I want a brush that is the best possible quality for my money. Something that is going to stretch my buck without me later wishing I would've just spent the extra couple cents that I couldn't afford at the time. Let's face it- not all of us can afford Mac and Clinique every time we need something. The perfect brush for you won't only fit your style- but it will fit your wallet too!

  Softness and Durability.
 It's hard to find a brush that is soft enough to feel good to your skin, but still has the power to apply evenly, while being super durable. A good brush will feel good against your skin, not scratchy or spiky. It will also apply evenly without being hard on your skin, or irritating it. And it will last through more than just a few months of every day application.

  Every brush has at least one bad review, so you really can't take someone elses advice too seriously. Sometimes it can be helpful- but just because 'Suzanne' didn't like it- doesn't mean you won't love it!
 You have to try different things, and find what you like. When you buy a new brush, keep the packaging and the receipt until you have used it a couple times. If you don't like it or it irritated your skin- or even worse: If it broke, most stores will let you return it. Especially if you bring it back soon after the purchase.
 Have fun experimenting and don't forget that you don't have to go bankrupt over cosmetics or brushes- and that you don't have to stick to brand names, or even any name. You can find stuff you love that maybe.... you even make yourself.

  What's your favorite brush?

Make Your Own Mani-Pedi

 I have had so many manicures and pedicures at spas, that just don't seem to turn out great, even for those jaw dropping prices.
 I wanted to try out some new at home treatments, and share them with you.
 Here are some easy, fast and delicious home made spa treatments, that you can make at home to help you save money, and time.
 They are all natural, and can be completely organic! *If you use organic ingredients*


             Divine Hand and Foot Scrub 

 To make:
     Mix:
1/4 cup oatmeal or 1 packet instant oatmeal

     With: 

 3 TABLEspoons Olive Oil

 Application:
Massage into feet and/or hands for 3-5 minutes. Rinse well with luke warm water. 

Personal Opinion: I loved this. I did this for a spa day with my baby sister, and we both just adored it. The oatmeal works great for scrubbing and removing the dead skin cells, and the olive oil and paste that the wet oatmeal creates works wonderfully to smooth, and polish your hands and feet. This leaves your hands feeling soft, and looking healthier and shinier.

Second Opinion: "I really liked this one. It feels so wonderful when you are massaging it, and the affects of this lasted for days! Much longer than any professional manicure or pedicure I've gotten!"

            Strawberry Exfoliating Scrub 

Ingredients:

4-6 Strawberries (If larger use 4, if smaller or average sized use 6)
3 TABLEspoons Dark Brown Sugar
2 TABLEspoons Olive Oil

To Make:
Mash or puree strawberries. (I took my fingers, and just squished them up really, really well. *Be careful- it's juicy!*)
  Add Olive Oil and Sugar to the bowl. (*Strawberries are high in Alpha Hydroxy acids, which work wonders as an exfoliator! The seeds also work well and help to scrub away dead skin cells*)

Application:
Just rub and massage into your feet and hands for many minutes or as long as desired. Don't forget to rinse! 


Personal Opinion: I loved this. It smelled so wonderful, and it works as the perfect polish after you do the oatmeal scrub. It seriously, smells so good! And it leaves your hands and feet with this irresistible scent of strawberries! This works great for exfoliating, and I just loved it!

Second Opinion: "I loved it. It felt kind of cold, tickles and weird when you first apply- but once you start massaging, it feels wonderful! I love the way it smells especially. It smells so good- it makes you want to eat it! I just like the whole product a lot, it made my hands feel wonderful!" -Kaitlyn, Sister & Friend   



Friendly Tips and Advice:
 *This works great if you are planning a unique spa day with you and the girls- it's so much more affordable than going to a spa, and it's fast and easy!
 If you still want the joy of having someone else do this to you, have each other take turns doing it to each other. That leaves lots of time for that meaningful girl talk we all love!* 

I think that the 'Strawberry Exfoliating Scrub' would also work great as a hand or foot soak- but you would need lots of ingredients, so it would get a lot more expensive.

***Caution*** When you apply this, make sure your pets are secure! My Labrador Retriever could not hold himself back from licking the treatments from our toes! Especially the Strawberry one, it drove him crazy! So make sure to keep your pets out of 'smell' when doing this or they will try and eat your hands and feet! 


 Most Importantly: 

Have fun and enjoy yourself! 

Don't forget to finish off with your favorite finger nail polish!