How I Deep Clean My Makeup Brushes--Super Easy

Greetings!

Today I come with a post that pertains to something that we all hate to do but certainly must and that is washing our makeup brushes.  For years I took the route of washing my brushes, no matter the bristle type, with baby shampoo and then rinsing them off with lukewarm water.  That method took longer than I liked and to be honest I wasn't noticing that deep clean that one should notice when they spend Saturday nights deep cleaning their makeup brushes.  I would always notice residual product in my brushes which would force me to re-wash my brushes with the baby shampoo a number of times before all product was completely washed out.  I'm not about that life.

Enter my new found love:

As we already know, I love Shea Moisture products and recently I came across this post by the lovely beauty blogger, Fancie of Fancieland.  Needless to say she sold me on the product and a few days later I was hitting the pavement to get my own bar of soap.  Let me just tell you that it only takes one wash to get ANY brush completely washed, this is love.  It does not leave a scent behind once dry but when the brushes are wet you can smell a mix of lemon and ginger which thankfully dries down.  Below are before and after pictures of my dirty brushes, I've compiled them side by side so that you can have a clear picture of the sorcery that happens after cleaning them with the soap. 

 You'll need about a cup of water and of course the bar of soap handy. :)

First I dip the bristles into the cup of water and then I swish the brush around the bar of soap making sure to build up a lather, then I gently massage the brush and proceed to rinse with lukewarm water and voila!  My brushes are still soft and none them fell victim to shedding.

See that?  My e.l.f. foundation brush is practically like new again because of this hefty soap.  8 ounces of this soap is sure to last me a while and at $4.99 I would say it's a steal because of the amount of product you're getting, it's dual purpose (you can also use this to shower/bathe), and it's an all natural product.  I would definitely recommend if you're in the market for a brush cleaner that actually works and won't break the bank. 

Have you tried this before?  I'd love to hear from you!    

CoverGirl Queen 3-in-1 Foundation Review

Hey All!

It's been a while and I thank you all for your continued support of my blog.  I want to let you know that I appreciate it and look forward to providing you all with content that is useful to you.  :)

Today I come with a review on a monthly favorite that was last seen on this post.  Since then I have been using this foundation for all of my looks because it really is that good.  Normally I would provide a picture of my bottle of foundation but since my bottle looks a mess I'd rather spare you and instead insert a stock picture so you know what to look for the next time you're in your favorite drugstore or mass supermarket chain.

Let's begin with the coverage of this foundation, this is a medium to full coverage foundation but can easily be considered in the full coverage arena because of the thickness of this product.  I'd recommend steering away from this product if you're more on the "less is more" spectrum of makeup wearers because I'd consider this  a foundation for those of us that are more interested in the flawless, "beat face" categories.  It can be mixed with your daily moisturizer to be a tinted moisturizer but then it'd limit the full capacity of such a great foundation.

What I like about this foundation the most is its ability to provide your face with an even canvas without looking overdone, it just looks like you were born with great skin.  A lot of times full coverage foundations can make us look "cakey" with little product, not the case with this, it offers a beautiful finish and because it is a part of the Queen line it comes in several brown girl friendly shades that range from light skin to dark almond skin tones.  For your reference my shade is in rich mink.

There is no discernible scent to this product and that is much appreciated because I am not a fan of scented foundations because those always seem to irritate my skin.  I also appreciate the fact that this comes with a pump for easy usage and a clear glass bottle so that you are able to see how much product is left over time.

It's been a while since I last finished a bottle of foundation and that's because I always felt the need to switch things up for different occasions but for this I was able to switch this product for work, a late dinner, and for glamorous events.  It's definitely multifaceted in that it can be built up or can be muted and I really like that!  I would definitely recommend this to everyone because it certainly is worth it since it is reasonably priced and easy to locate.  As an oily skin consumer this is also the cream of the crop because this foundation was able to keep my face matte for the majority of the day and leaving me semi-matte in the later hours so if you're looking for a foundation that won't grease you up, this is it.

Have you tried this product yet?  Did you like it?  Tell me in the comments.

Sinful Colors Has Got You Covered with Oasis

Greetings!

As you may already know, I never shy away from a pink nail color, pink lipstick?  Yes, but pink nail polish?  I'm all over it, KNOW ME.  Now that we've got that out of the way, let me introduce to you what's adorning my nails this week. 

Sinful Colors in Oasis

Sinful Colors is a drugstore brand that offers reasonably priced beauty products, my favorite from them are their nail colors because you can find an array of colors for $2 a piece, not bad.  I've never had a problem with the consistency changing in warmer temperatures so that's a plus.  The color is not unique but it is pretty so if you're in the market for a pink nail color, you should try this one out. 

What are you wearing on your nails this week?  Tell me in the comments! :)

May 2013 Hit List (Favorites)

Greetings!

This month was a great one makeup wise, I was reminded of the things that I love wearing when I went rummaging through the stash to decide what adjustments were needed for the new season.  I came to the realization that "less is more" and my makeup is more reflective of that notion.  So here are the things I reached for the most this past month.

Clockwise:  CoverGirl 3-in-1 Foundation in Rick Mink, CVS brand Sunscreen (SPF 30), MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Glorify & C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

 CoverGirl 3-in-1 Foundation-- I can't get enough of this foundation, it provides great medium to full coverage and keeps my face semi-matte, I do find that the power of this foundation is based on the face primer you use underneath.  I tried two different kinds and one definitely had me looking greasy in contrast to the other.  Of course my Revlon PhotoReady face primer was the one that kept my oilies at bay, the other one, not so much.  My shade is in Rich Mink if you're curious.

CVS brand sunscreen in SPF 30-- Honestly, it doesn't matter what sunscreen you use just as long as it's sunscreen over SPF 30, it's summertime folks, be safe out there and don't get burned!  :)

MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Glorify-- Of course this glorious invention was discontinued but unlike it's collection sisters, Superb and Whisper of Gilt, from it's original release last summer this one did not receive as much shine.  I think this shade looks stunning on darker skinned women and when applied on the high points of the face all you have to do is turn around and watch your skin beam with radiance.

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve--  Summer staple under all of my bright colored matte lipsticks from MAC, because let's be honest those things dry out your lips but with this underneath you are saved from chapped and cracked lips.

Want a full review on any of the products mentioned?  You got it, just tell me for which one in the comment section.  :)

Could It Be That I've Found the Greatest Pink Lip Ever?

Greetings!

Let's get this clear, I'm not a huge pink lipstick wearer, I'm more partial to the red, nude, and orange persuasion so that fact that I decide to even pick one up and to then proceed on applying is a big deal.  When I picked this particular color up one day while perusing Target I figured I'd try it out, I mean if I don't like it I can always return it, right?  Right.  A few days pass and I don't wear it, a week passes, still, no luck, fast forward two weeks and I'm in a rush out the door and it's the first tube I see on my way out the door, I haphazardly apply it on my lips in my car and to my surprise it's nothing like what I expected which is a good thing.  

Enter said lipstick here:

CoverGirl Lip Perfection in shade Tempt, 355, is everything I would want a pink lipstick to be, it is not gaudy and is dark enough not to be considered childish in the office.   I think it is a very sexy color on it's own but if you'd like you could darken it up even more by applying a dark lip liner or wear it straight like I do.  The consistency is very smooth and glides on the lips, it does have a sheen but isn't glossy, it feels moisturizing on the lips and lasts pretty much all day, even through eating.  At lunch time I gnawed on a Subway sandwich and after checking my lip situation the color was still there, THIS BABY STAINS!  I love the fact that it is long wearing and for those who hate reapplying throughout the day, this is for you.  

Overall, lovely shade and the price is very reasonable, so go check it out and tell them I sent you (well, not really, they won't know who you're talking about but you get my drift, lol).  

Are you on your way to the store yet?  Go!