New Stuff for Cool Girls: Real Techniques Brushes

My mom and I took a trip to the local Ulta a few weeks back and made a few purchases, one of which was a set of Real Techniques brushes that I'll be reviewing for you here.

We bought the Travel Essentials set that includes "Everything you need to create a flawless look at home and away." Brushes are "ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles, hand cut and cruelty free...extended aluminum handles are light and easy to use." It contains three full sized brushes and a case ($15):

• Essential Foundation Brush; Build flawless custom coverage with liquid foundation or concealer.
• Multi-Task Brush; For effortless application of powder, blush, and bronzer.
• Domed Shadow Brush; Tapered design smoothly shades and defines eyes.
• Panoramic Brush Case; A 2 in 1 case & stand.

These brushes were created by RealTechniques and YouTube Guru / makeup artist Samantha Chapman. They took a lot of time in creating the perfect brush, and you can really tell upon using them. What amazes me is how they produced such a great product for an incredibly reasonable price. These brushes HAD to be nothing short of perfect because Samantha Chapman was putting her name on the line and she really did a good job doing so. The taklon bristles are really soft and pick up color really well. Something else I noticed about these were the careful attention to the shape of the brush, they're perfectly cut into the right shapes to make application even easier. It's amazing something so small that I never really notice would make such a difference to me. I really hadn't had any intentions of purchasing these and didn't think I needed them, now that I own them I don't know what I would I do without them! You really can't beat the amazing quality and ease of application these brushes provide. I paid $15 for the whole set which is AMAZING, most brushes are over $15 alone. 

How Do I Use Them?
Multi-Task Brush. I don't know what I'd do without this baby in my life! I use it daily to set my foundation. It picks up powder, both pressed and loose, really well and disperses it evenly wherever I put it. It doesn't pack on too much product and it's really easy to move powders around with it. This brush is my favorite brush in the world as of now (;
Essential Foundation Brush. I use this with my M.A.C. Face & Body Foundation. After I put it on with my fingers I pop the foundation directly onto the brush and use it to cover any problem areas. It's really soft and doesn't soak up the product too much. It does a great job at blending and when used correctly can create a flawless finish with no streaks. I use this brush everyday.
Domed Shadow Brush. I use this to apply eyeshadow (duh), but I haven't really been wearing too many things on my eyes so I haven't seen how it really "blends" yet. But I swirl this into my favorite eyeshadow by M.A.C. called Grain and put it all over my lid, in the inner corners, and beneath my lash line. It disperses the colors nicely and gives me a sheer perfect finish.

Multi-Task Brush

Multi-Task Brush

Essential Foundation Brush

Domed Shadow Brush

2-in-1 Case and Stand

What's your favorite makeup tool to use? These RealTechniques brushes are definitely high up on my most used list (;

XOX,

- Mj

New Stuff for Cool Girls: M.A.C. Face and Body Foundation

M.A.C.'s website describes this as
"A water-based, water-resistant foundation that provides long-lasting natural coverage for face and/or body. Ideal for all skin types. Face and Body Foundation provides sheer, natural looking coverage in an easy to blend, water-resistant formula. The long lasting-formula is available in a wide range of colours and contains several emollients to help moisturize and condition the skin. It delivers professional looking results that meet the exacting standards of beauty photography and is ideal for perfecting the face and body." -maccosmetics.com

(Source: google.com, search MAC Face & Body images)

This is a thorough review on M.A.C.'s Face & Body Foundation that I've been working on for a while, I wanted to provide you with all the information I could and all the little details I've noticed about the product, so sorry if it's quite lengthy! Hopefully this gives you everything you need to know so you can try it if you're interested. Now, onto the good stuff...

I've been in this dewy phase for a long time now, I started with Revlon ColorStay which I loved at first but once I started using it everyday for a while I realized it didn't give me the finish or color I was looking for. I then moved to Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Foundation and it was too oily and slippery. It didn't last on my skin throughout working and running around during the day, so this didn't work for me either. I never have owned a high street brand of foundation such as MAC just because I'm a believer that you can find equally great products without spending heaps of money. Face & Body was different though, for the amount of product, quality, and price it's the best deal and the best foundation I've used as of now. I don't want to be too positive saying "Oh this is the greatest foundation on earth!" I'm just sure it's the best one for my needs that I've tried so far.

This formula is only available at MAC stores (this means they don't carry it at places like Nordstroms) and retails for $32. This might seem pricey, but compared to the extremely large amount of product (4 fl. ounces). In comparision to other high street foundations; Nars Sheer Glow and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation retail at $42 for 1 fl. ounce, it's actually a really good deal. Via makeupalley.com it's currently rated a 4.0 out of 5 and 70% of reviewers would purchase again. There are many shades available which is a double edged sword in the sense that you've got a lot of choice, but too many choices can get a little overwhelming for some. I've taken about 3 weeks of using this product everyday to give it a true, and thorough review. I was looking for a few key things for this makeup to provide me with, those are; a natural finish, builable coverage for acne spots / hyperpigmentation, true water-resistance, and a clean formula (as in it doesn't cause me more breakouts, etc.)

Here's what I found out:

• Although it's best to get samples of maybe two shades to choose from, I just went in and asked them to match a shade that would best match my chest / body (my face is a little lighter than the rest of me) and it turned up being the perfect match. If your overwhelmed by the array of shades just ask an associate to help you, simple. Face & Body was exactly what I was looking for in terms of shade match.
• I've applied this with both my fingers and a foundation brush and I've noticed that when using my fingers it gives a more natural finish, I think this is a result of the heat that's created when your fingers are massaging the product into the skin. This allows the product to sort of melt into my face, which left me with a really sheer, pretty, true skin finish. When applied using a foundation brush (RealTechniques Foundation Brush) it provides more coverage, I find this helpful if I'm having a particular issue with breakouts because it pops more product onto the needed area without leaving a cakey residue. 
• Just because those are the only two application techniques I've tried there's tons of ways to apply your makeup and you're sure to find one that does exactly what you need it to do. Some other ways off application of this makeup are; a wet sponge like the Beauty Blender or something similar, or flat top brush, Sonia Kashuk / e.l.f. have one that people rave about (I'm going to try one of these next). You can get these brushes from Target for under $10. 
• You will need to set it with a powder because it leaves a sort of tacky consistency on the skin if you don't. I kind of like this because it makes me feel like it's really sticking to my skin and will adhere to anything else I might apply. I have used BareMinerals Mineral Veil and Fit Me Powder. Both are working well. I apply after I've applied all my other face makeup.
• I've noticed I don't need a concealer when I wear this, it evens everything out so well that my under eye circles have seemed to disappear. 
• Applying e.l.f.'s Mineral Infused Primer onto my skin 2 minutes before application helps adhere the makeup to my skin and elongates the lasting power.

PROS

• Long lasting
• Really blendable, and sheer
• Can be built up to cover problem areas 
• Huge amount of product for the price and quality
• Water-resistant
• Good match with my skin [C4]
• Perfect natural finish
• Photographs beautifully, doesn't white out the face or create strange tones in pictures
• Clean, hygienic product dispense
• Doesn't dry darker on dry patches / get blotchy

CONS

• Funky smell
• Not the best if you need FULL coverage (but it does provide sufficient coverage for my acne and dark spots)
• Watery consistency (this can be a pro or a con, I think it's good because it blends really easily, if it were any thicker it would be hard to move around the skin and dry uneven)
• It's notorious for seperating in the bottle, this doesn't compromise the quality of the product as long as you just shake shake shake before applying! 
• As for red spots, I do need to apply concealer. I noticed it's difficult to cover redness with this product.

I'm really in love with this foundation. It does everything I need it to and has all of the qualities I look for in a formula. I give this a 5 out of 5 rating for quality, price, formula, shade, overall product. I recommend this for people who have similar wants from their foundation as I do. At least run to you nearest MAC store and get a sample just to see how you like it!

*SWATCHES COMING SOON (My camera broke, I'm in the midst of fixing it and upon that I will update with swatches)

Here's some photo's of me wearing MAC Face & Body Foundation

What's your favorite foundation and what finish do you like?

XOX,
- Mj

New Stuff for Cool Girls: e.l.f. haul

e.l.f. (eyes, lips, face) is a company sold at target and a couple other similar stores. Their prices are just about the cheapest you can get when it comes to makeup. Usually when we think of things being very cheap we also assume they're low quality or bad products. In the case of e.l.f. this is completely untrue. I did a little research on the company and here's what I found:

"e.l.f.'s philosophy is that beauty comes from within and it's our goal to enable every woman to look and feel her personal best through the perfect blend of both the inner and outer person. With that goal in mind, e.l.f. cosmetics was born - a line of simple, luxurious, problem-solution tools... We at e.l.f. believe that innovative technology, quality ingredients, and supurb delivery systems should not be limited to prestige retailers. Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budet."


I really liked this philosophy and it's very similar to mine; beauty comes from not only the outside but from an inner confidence and way of carrying one's self. I really do love this company and the products they produce. Upon reading a little about what others thought of the company I've learned that people do like some of their products but it's either a hit or miss with them, keep in mind this is with most cosmetic companies even high end. I'm going to be doing a day one review of the products I received from them. The items I received are:

• Mineral Infused Facial Primer 
• Luscious Liquid Lipstick [Strawberry]
• Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder Duo
• Brightening Eyeshadow Quad [Drama]

This wasn't the full of my order, I had actually ordered a second Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips, but it was out of stock. I also ordered the Studio Blusher in Peachy Keen which I was quite looking forward too, there was a bit of a billing discrepancy so that definitely brings down my feelings for the company. But I won't speak too soon, I might change my opinions on the company (only ordering from the web, this is not reflective of in-store products) depending on how the problem is resolved. I received this order a few weeks ago but I wanted a good amount of time for me to figure out how I felt about each product. Typically, I LOVE everything I get the first couple days I have it, but after the exciting part of having a new product wears off the true feelings come out. That is what I tried achieving with this order, and it seemed to work well!

Here's what I thought
Mineral Infused Facial Primer I have to admit this was the first primer I've ever owned. That being said, I was hoping I fall in love with it because everyone always speaks so highly of primers and how much they love them. Unfortunately, this product didn't sit well with me. It make tiny dry spots I frequently have look much more large and noticeable. Also, the staying power of my makeup wasn't really any different that when I didn't use a primer. So all in all this just came off as another step in the morning that I just don't have time for. If I'm going to try another primer, I think I'll go for a more hydrating primer formula. UPDATE: Change of plans! I just found using this under my M.A.C. Face & Body Foundation makes it last so much longer and creates a really nice base for the makeup to stick to. I totally changed my mind and use this everyday now. (;

Luscious Liquid Lipstick [Strawberry] What I love most about this is the moisturizing formula. Although, I wouldn't call it a lipstick, it's more of a pigmented lipgloss. So, aside from thinking it would be a little more opaque, I really fell in love with this. To make it last a little longer and be more opaque I put a base underneath it MAC Lipstick [Myth]. I love the color turnout (especially with a base). It's a great pop of color for summer and great to take with you on hot days when you're afraid your lipsticks might melt in your bag.

Contouring Blush & Bronzer Duo It's like this duo was made for me! The blush gives me a perfect pink peachy flush and the bronzer is just lovely. The only thing I will say that could be considered a con about this product is that the bronzer isn't my type of contour, I like my contour to be matte, which this is not. Both the blush and bronzer have flex of sparkle and some shimmer in them. But as a bronzer for days when I'm not in the mood for blush, it's an amazing color! It seems that this duo has potential to work well for a large array of skin tones, as long as you apply it the right way (if you have lighter skin, just be sure to apply with a light hand). This is a really great product that I definitely recommend. The price is amazing too!

L/R: blush, bronzed applied over primer, blush and bronzer applied without primer

Brightening Eye Shadow Quad [Drama] This quad contains the ingredients for a perfect, budget friendly smokey eye. If you're always playing guessing games when figuring out what to use for a smokey eye, this quad was made for you. It comes with four triangle shaped pots; a matte white, a shimmery silver, a darker gray with large sparkles, and a black with large sparkles. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a good photo of my swatches for this one and I don't really use these colors (I'm not a smokey eye kinda gal) so I don't have any photos of a look using this quad. The pigmentation is okay, for the price I didn't expect anything much better. But I do love the white, it's a great inner corner highlight. I also loved mixing the silver with the gray as an all over lid color. I apply this really lightly and it gives a really pretty turnout.

All in all I was happy with this order. I did end up receiving my missing products which I'll review in the future for you. I really enjoy e.l.f. products because they offer great items for amazing prices. They're a great brand if you're just starting to play in makeup and figure out what you like and what you don't. Remember to check makeupalley.com for reviews, they have just about every e.l.f. product reviewed on there with helpful insights and thoughts. Before I buy anything I always check it on MUA (however, don't not buy something you really think you'll love just because it got bad reviews, you never know, you might love something that's not too popular with others!)

What are some of your favorite e.l.f. or budget friendly brands?

- Mj

New Stuff for Cool Girls: M.A.C. Haul

Hello friends! Sorry about the technical difficulties we had on the site today in regards to photos, thankfully, everything is back to normal and everyone's happy! Yay! So anyways, a lovely friend of mine just gifted me some holy grail M.A.C. products. Since I'm new to the makeup world I have never owned any of these products and thought it would be perfect to share me experiences with them on here to share with all of you! Since I just got them today I want to wait about a week to give my review, just so that it's thorough and I have time to build my opinions and learn the optimal ways these products are used. As of right now sitting here looking at them is even wonderful so I'm sure I'll enjoy them even more when I put them on! Haha! The products are as follows:

• M.A.C. Cream Colour Base in Pearl. "Versatile and multi-purpose, Cream Colour Base can be applied directly to bare skin, or layered over foundation, moisturizer, or powder. Apply with a brush, sponge, or fingers.  Colour effects range from a light veil to highly dramatic, depending on method of application. Fragrance-free." 

• M.A.C. Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Springsheen. "Colour for the cheeks and face. Various formulas. Different looks...Highly pigmented, long-lasting powder. Applies evenly. Blends well. Stays put. Remains consistent. Strong payoff."

• M.A.C. Fix + Skin Refresher and Setting Mist. "An aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!"

(Source: http://www.maccosmetics.com)

Thoughts so far

Cream Colour Base (CCB) in Pearl. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this as the pot the product comes in was larger than I expected. This will definitely last me a long time! The color is a sheer (but buildable) pearl with a hint of gold highlight. Upon reading reviews from makeupalley.com I learned this product can be used in a number of ways; some of those being, on the cheek as a highlight (underneath or over other products), down the bridge of the nose, and on the eyelid as a base (this will make whatever color you put over it POP (;  

Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Springsheen. This color is described on Specktra.net as a pinky / coral with a slight gold shimmer. When I swatched it, it seemed really sheer. That's something I need in a blush because I don't do the whole red circles on the cheeks like a doll look. My blushes need to be blendable and have a natural colored base so it almost looks as if I'm not wearing any. But blush addicts, don't let this deter you! Springsheen is super buildable and will give you a fresh peach from princess land look if that's what you heart so desires. A swatch for this can be found here.

Fix +. I haven't had much experience at all with this but it's intended for applying before and after you've put on your face makeup (I'd spray it before mascara to prevent any bleeding / fallout). It's supposed to set everything and soften it all up. I'm hoping to achieve a creamy satin finish with this so we'll see how everything goes tomorrow.

*I will be posting swatches and looks using these items and do a full review in about a week.

XOX,

- Mj <3