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Now any good make-up addict should have a brush set, why? Don't ask, never question the brush set. Not only do they tug less on your skin then your fingers but they also help create amazing looks and who doesn't love looking amazing? But if you don't already own a brush set, or are in need of a new set then this holiday is the best time to start buying m'dears! It seems as though a lot of brands are making adorable brush sets this holiday! So here are just a few brush sets from different brands to help you decide.
(Image from Sephora.com)The Makeup Artist Brush BeltNow who doesn't love pulling a brush from a belt and feeling like a total super hero ready to make someone feel totally smokin' (Or even themselves!) ? I know I'd love that feeling, sadly the price is a little heavy for me at the moment (Darn the economy) and I lack a credit card (For good reason!). There is one without brushes in there for cheaper so if you have the brushes already then the belt would be nice to keep everything in order. However Sephora brand brushes are pretty good quality and this would be a sweet investment, total must have for a make-up artist wanna-be like me. Hey that rhymed!
(Image from Temptalia.com)(Limited Edition)Though I can't find the link for this particular item it will probably be available at Nordstrom, The Bay, and Holt Renfrew. Most likely Holt Renfrew for us Canadians, eh. Dior normally has a brush set I believe, full sized too however it's a hundred something for like four brushes if I remember correctly. If luxury is your thang however this is totally the set for you. I personally like Dior brushes they are really good quality, but the fact that it's real mink fur just makes me uncomfortable using it.
(Images from Temptalia.com)Lancome travel brush sets ($55.00 USD ea.)(Limited Edition)Personally I'm not a fan of these, mainly because they look like MAC sets, except MAC looks nicer and are cheaper. Lancome brushes aren't my favorite but it looks as though they stepped up their game for these brushes, however it could just be photoshop.
(Image from MACcosmetics.com)Adoring Carmine Brush Sets (In stores Oct 16th)(Limited edition)Like last years Heirlooms and earlier this years Color forums MAC has come out with another brush set (As if we didn't see it coming). I love these brush sets, cute packaging and in my favorite colour! Sadly I bought all the sets last year and buying this one would be a little, well useless. This would be a nice little gift for anyone you know who is just getting into makeup, or perhaps you want a nice little set to travel with, maybe this will even be your main brush set but whatever the reason these sets are definitely a steal!
(Image from Sephora.com)Too Faced Teddy Bear Hair brush setCruelty-free brush set that is oooohhhh sooo soft! But I'm going to cut this post a little short because this post is getting much longer then initially planned.
(Image from Urban Decay)Big (Or little) Buddha brush setCruelty-free, soft, cool packaging.Okay so I was going to post more but honestly, this post is long enough as it is and it's getting late and I still haven't started on my paper (The boy also looks tired so I want to turn the lights off). So if you're interested here are the links to the other sites:The Body ShopQuo (From Shoppers Drug Mart)Shu UemuraJuicy Couture (Limited Edition)
Kat Von DBrush sets at Sephora (It's getting too late, so taking the lazy way out.)-Sleepy and lazy Brenda
I am always on the look-out for good eyeliners so I have accumulated a few and thrown away a few. So I decided hey why not do a review since I have a few free hours on my hands at the moment.
Estee Lauder automatic eye pencil duo in black:This is possibly one of the worst eyeliners I have ever tried (Remember these are IMO) because not only does it smudge and get all over my crease and everything it just doesn't stay. I find myself having to layer eyeshadow over it just so it will stay but considering it still transfers on my crease and I don't know why I still bother using it but my mom bought it for me so... damn... just not a good product in general. However it does come with a replacement top instead of throwing the whole pen away once you're done but I'd still rather a recycling program. Plastic.Rating:Product : 0/5Price: 2/5Packaging: 3/5Environmental: 2/5Rimmel Extreme definition eye pencil duo in black and white:Meh for a drugstore product I wasn't expecting much, not good for waterline I'll tell you that but it doesn't smudge anywhere near the extent of Estee Lauder so I'm okay with it. Staying power is okay for the price and I guess you get two colours so it's cool. Not a repeat buy for me though. Wood, plastic caps.Rating:Product: 2/5Price: 4/5Packaging: 1/5Environmental: 0/5The Body Shop eye definer shade white:This one is just too hard to be a regular eyeliner and even when you do use it for there it doesn't stay long but not enough colour payoff or staying power for the waterline, it's quite sad for me actually...At least it doesn't smudge? Wood, metal lid.Rating:Product: 1/5Price: 2/5Packaging: 2/5Environmental: 0/5Dior crayon eyeliner waterproof in Brun intense:Sadly another Dior product that failed me, this just doesn't have staying power which surprised me considering it's 'waterproof' it doesn't smudge much (If any) but still not worth the money. Damn it Dior stop ripping me off for these eyeliners, I trusted you, I really did. Wood, metal bits.Rating:Product: 3/5Price: 1/5Packaging: 2/5Environmental: 0/5Lancome le stylo waterproof in prune:This is an okay eyeliner, I believe I paid $27 for it just so I could get a gift at Holt Renfrew. Hard and tugs on the skin a bit but it's decent, lasting power is okay, doesn't smudge unless you really try to, howeverrrrrr whoever designed this product must not have been the brightest considering if you twist up a bit too much product it doesn't go back down. Plastic.Rating:Product: 4/5Price: 2/5Packaging: 1/5Environmental: 0/5MAC eye Kohl in Fascinating:This died after I took a nap at the school, lasted about 5 hours on the waterline (Sort of, at least it was visible to an extent). Smooth application, soft, nice product though doesn't last too long against touching but at least it comes off with grace and isn't everywhere. Wood, plastic cap, no recycling program for this one.Rating:Product: 3/5Price: 3/5Packaging: 3/5Environmental: 0/5MAC powerpoint eye pencil in engraved:For the waterline this one is also a no, but for around the eye, this doesn't move! It stays where I put it and is still visible by the end of the night (Which I love) perfect essential eyeliner for sure, I love it. Carbon, plastic cap, no recycling program for this one as well.Rating:Product: 5/5Price: 4/5Packaging: 3/5Environmental: 2/5Overall I'm fairly okay with MAC and Lancome, MAC more so for the price of what you're getting. For the waterline however I'm still on the look-out, I believe I will be trying Power Kohl from MAC (In Feline) a little later considering it is still available at one of The Bays I went to, perhaps Urban Decays 24/7 eyeliner as well (In Yeyo). Anyways how is everyone today, sorry I missed yesterday after that Spanish exam I just wanted to crawl into a hole and die but I'm back today.BTW has anyone seen the new Guerlain holiday collection? Can you say 'GORGEOUS' ? (It's on Temptalia but I'll be posting pictures of it later ;D )
Okay ladies, like Christina I have a crazy obsession but it's not over mascaras, no mine is liquid eyeliners. I love the dramatic look I get from these but I have to admit I have yet to find one that meets my expectations.Here is a review of 3 liquid eyeliners I have tried recently.Lancome Artliner in NoirDiorliner 098The Body Shop 01Lancome Artliner: Of the three I tried this one was sadly the worst (Sorry Christina I know you love this one) but I put it through a little test as soon as I got it. Sadly it didn't last and just flaked off, compared to the rest it did not last long at all, not to mention for $36.00 CAD I was expecting so much from it. Only thing that interested me mildly was the thin felt tip applicator, but what I question is why the applicator has to be so darn long?! Wonder if I can return it...(Note: Me and Christina conducted a test today and Artliner DOES work on her and does not move the slightest, however on me it just didn't stay so remember products are different depending on the person!)Diorliner: Oh god, it seems as though these big label brands are not the best to turn to for liquids but this one also failed me. Though the lasting power was better then the Lancome Artliner and it dried much faster, it smudged like crazy! Don't even think about touching your eyes before it's set or you'll just end up doing your makeup all over again. The brush is good but requires accuracy but also in the $30's CAD, in the end is it worth it? No.The Body Shop: Now this surprised me, out of the three I tested this one lasted the longest with minimal smudging and flaking. I'm not normally a fan of The Body Shop but I must admit, at least it stayed on! And it is much cheaper then Lancome for sure for $20 something CAD it comes with TWICE the amount provided in Artliner. This shall be my go to liquid eyeliner for the time being since it has a sharpie like applicator which is totally sweet for me however my Bobbi Brown gel liner still reigns supreme.Overall summaryRating system is in the quick guideLancome Artliner:
1 product 1 price 3 packaging 1 environmental Diorliner:
2 product 1 price 4 packaging 2 environmentalThe Body Shop:
4 product 2 price 2 packaging3 environmentalWhat's your favorite liquid eyeliner? Give me some suggestions people I'm an eyeliner addict in need of a better product!Note: When I say environmental I mean how eco-friendly the packaging is and if they have a recycling program (ie. MAC, which is also cruelty-free fyi), I have not included cruelty-free factors just because so many companies are not, if you would like a quick list of some brands that do or do not test on animals I shall provide a few links below.Helpful links for cruelty-free buyers:http://www.ethicalbeauty.com/cruelty-free.htmlhttp://search.caringconsumer.com/search.aspxhttp://www.caringconsumer.com/pdfs/companiesDontTest.pdfhttp://www.uncaged.co.uk/crueltyfree.htmEven though I have provided you with a few links, it is important to do your own research because some lists have not been updated, since then many companies have decided to go cruelty-free, this is only a little bit of help the rest is up to you.- The most impulsive buyer you will ever know, Brenda
P.S Near the end of this month I'll be going to a Dior Makeup class taught by a Dior makeup artist who's been in the business for 10 years. I'm definitely going to take some notes dolls so be sure to stay tuned!
