ProductWhores

The Best Synthetic Brushes

I am a huge fan of Sigma Beauty's synthetic brushes!  They are super-durable, so insanely soft, easy to clean and definitely affordable.  They have taken over all the department store brands for me and I have shared with friends and family who have also become obsessed.  Two kits which are being buzzed about right now are their Synthetic Kabuki Kit and their Synthetic Precision Kit.  The Kabuki Kit comes with four different shaped kabuki brushes (flat, round, angled and tapered).  They are fantastic for applying both liquid and powder products onto the face as the brushes were specifically designed so that no product is absorbed into the fibers.  Shockingly smooth application and I was stunned at how much better my foundation looks with using these brushes!  The second kit I'm all about right now is the Synthetic Precision Kit which contains four smaller face brushes which are designed to mimic your fingers as far as applying products to the face.  Each brush in the kit was uniquely designed to apply eyeshadow primer or concealor or to put foundation and concealor on the smaller areas of the face such as sides of the nose.  All-around great brushes - you will be so happy with them whether you buy a kit or individual brushes.  Plus, they come packaged in pink ribbon - perfect for holiday gift-giving.

Note:  A sample of the above was sent to me by a PR representative working with Sigma Beauty.  All photos are courtesy of www.sigmabeauty.com

Brush Up On Your Favorites

Hhhm, I was just browsing around on Sephora's website as I do every so often (fine, every night) and I stumbled upon this Collector's Edition I.T. Brush Set from SEPHORA COLLECTION.  I really, really want it.  I know I already have a bunch of great brushes, but these have the coolest look to them and they come complete with a brush stand so I could easily display them in my bathroom instead of hiding them away in a drawer like I do now.  I can't really justify spending the $80 right now (damn you, Christmas presents still to buy!) but if the set goes on sale, it is so coming home with me.  Make it happen, Sephora Gods!

Flat Top Kabuki

Sigma Beauty makes the best synthetic brushes!  Who knew face brushes could ignite such a passion within me, but wow, they make such a difference.  I have been religiously using their exclusive Flat Top Kabuki brush which is perfect for applying powder or liquid foundation beautifully.  I keep the brush in my purse because it works so much better than any of those weird flat sponges that come with all pressed powder.  The brush is super soft, doesn't shed and washes well with some baby shampoo.  It also contains an exclusive Sigmax filament which means the liquid and powder won't be absorbed into the brush fibers.  All I really know is this is one fabulous brush and I can only imagine the rest of the collection is equally perfect.

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Sigma Beauty

A Definite Beauty Addict

I don't know how I've missed out on trying products from Beauty Addicts until now but man, I'm so glad to jump in for the lovefest.  Their bronzing powder - Hydra SUNRays is fantastic.  I am usually not someone who bronzes, but this product converted me!  The perfect, sheer formula gives a sun-kissed glow even to the uber-pale (myself) and looks really natural, which I adore.  I was shocked when one of my co-workers asked me if I had gotten a good night's sleep because because my face looked refreshed (no, I am not well-rested, but Hydra SUNRays fooled them into thinking I was actually getting 8 hours a night). 

Another stand-out is their brand new line of synthetic brushes, which are absolutely amazing!  I seriously have never used better brushes that weren't real hair before.  Beauty Addicts brushes are super soft, don't have that weird smell that a lot of synthetic brushes have, and stay intact when you use them (I've had so many synthetic brushes just fall apart on my face, dragging lone bristles across my cheeks before).  The brushes are not yet available online (gasp!) but I'll be sure to keep you all posted as soon as they release.**Update:  I am told the brushes are available at participating salons/spas (check the site for details) or you can call (888) 327-8692 to order.  Sweet!  Nothing like instant satisfaction.

Note:  A sample of these products were given to me by a PR representative working with Beauty Addicts

I Must Have These

Usually brushes are like, the least exciting part of my makeup process, but ever since I saw these new Double-Ended brushes on Sephora.com, I can't stop thinking about them.  I don't know if it's because they come in bright, funky colors, or because I really like the idea of having brushes on both sides to lessen down the load in my makeup bag, but I want them all.  The hot pink one is the Double-Ended Perfect Complexion Brush and the red one is the Double-Ended Grab'n Go Brush.  There's also a Double-Ended Every Day Eye Brush and a Double-Ended Smokey Eye Brush, which comes in a bright purple and might be the first one I buy because as much as I love a good smokey eye, I need all the help I can get when trying to create one.  I might have to make a special trip to the mall this week to check them out in person, which is really tempting fate because I do not need to be spending money on brushes right now.  Rent, yes.  Makeup brushes, no.  I must keep repeating that to myself so I don't just whip out my credit card.  Rent, yes.  Makeup brushes, no.  Rent yes, makeup brushes, no. 

Dammit.  It's really not working.  It's just making me want them more... 

Don't Give These The Brush Off

To be perfectly honest, I hate spending money for makeup brushes. I know they're necessary and I can definitely see the difference in how the makeup goes on when I use good brushes vs. cheap, drugstore ones, but really, who wants to spend all that money and come home without a single lipstick or eyeshadow? There's just something about it that seems like a waste to me, especially when they're so expensive. So if you're going to buy them, you're probably better off getting them in a set, like the different ones they offer at Sephora. Last year, I bought this one and I really like it. The powder brush is very thick and soft and it spreads the powder evenly, which I came to appreciate when I forgot it on a weekend trip and the smaller brush I was forced to apply bronzer with made me look like I had brown eyeshadow patches all over my face. (Trust me, it was even less attractive then it sounds). The only brush I don't use in the set is the lip brush, but that's only because I'm lazy and it doesn't really seem worth it. (Aren't lipsticks and glosses MADE to be applied directly to your lips? What's the point of painting it on with a brush? It's like a whole extra step that cuts into valuable Pop Tart eating time in the morning). The packaging is cute too - it comes in a brush portfolio that rolls up to easily fit in your makeup drawer or luggage. I'm slightly jealous because the one I bought last year came in all black and now they're selling them in a much cuter red/black combo, but I'm going to have to live with that since my brushes are all still in perfect condition and I can't justify buying another set. (I know, I know... My life is so tragic. They should really make a Lifetime movie about it, don't you think? But only if I get casting approval - you give that up and there's no telling what can happen). So if you need brushes, check out the sets at Sephora. And if anyone out there has another use for a lip brush, let me know. I hate to let a good purchase go to waste...

Learn Your Brush Strokes

I always was under the impression that you had to spend top dollar to get good makeup brushes.  While I believe that the synthetic cheaper brushes tend to be inferior – falling apart as you swipe them across your face – you really shouldn’t have to put a brush on layaway to know that you’re going to have a fabulous tool.  I am a fan of Sonia Kashuk brushes from Target.  While my brush collection is a bit schitzo – a few from MAC, a few from Laura Mercier and a lone Tarte brush – I find that the Sonia Kashuk brushes last as long, clean just as well, and spread color just as evenly.  Also, her large eyeshadow brush blends color beautifully.  With her low prices (compare a MAC powder brush at $42.00 and a Sonia one at $17.99) you can’t resist but have her full collection. What you save in brushes, you can easily spend on bags and shoes.  Or maybe that’s just how I justify my spending.  She has also just released her new contoured brushes collection which is a little more expensive, but still very worth the money.  Also, the contouring makes the brushes just sit perfectly between your fingers.  Now that you’re armed with the perfect brushes, if you screw up the application that’s your own problem.