So Fresh, So Clean

Brushes are a great tool to apply makeup. I have quite the collection considering I do makeup on the side. I also have some brushes that are the same shape just so I always have one clean when I'm out doing makeup. In order to keep them clean in between people when I'm out I spritz alcohol on them and swipe them on a cloth or paper towel to remove excess product and bacteria. But I can only do this so many times before the brush starts to loose its softness, and therefore it's effectiveness.

Clear signs that your brushes need cleaning are:

• you are breaking out suddenly
• your brushes feel prickly
• they look dirty
• they've been used quite a few times

This is how I clean my brushes:
Put equal parts dish soap and olive oil on a plate.



Wet your brush and dip it in both the soap and olive oil.
Twirl the soapy brush in the palm of your hand to get a good lather. Squeeze out excess soap under water.


Repeat process until water runs clear.


Lay the brushes on paper towel to have some of the moisture be absorbed.


Use the brush guards to dry your brushes: (Really inexpensive...comes in different sizes too)


Place the brush guard on the brush making sure you leave some room at the top.


Put brushes upside down in some kind of cup or container. Do not let them dry upwards or else moisture will get into the ferrule and loosen the bristles.


Just to be extra cleanly I spritz alcohol on my brush holders and wipe them down in order to insure I kill all bacteria and get rid of any excess product.

Moisturizer is where it's at!

We all lotion our bodies to keep our skin hydrated and feeling fresh, so why wouldn't we also moisturize our face which is exposed to the most torment through the day?
Reasons to wear moisturizer:
*Prevents Wrinkles
*Creates a smooth canvas for your makeup
(otherwise your foundation will be absorbed into the dry areas and will result in an uneven, splotchy effect)
*Keeps skin young and hydrated
*Could double as a daily sunscreen

Find a product designated for your skin type!
Do you have oily skin? You still should be wearing moisturizer, but one designated for oily skin!
If your face is dry, it produces oils to make up for the lack of moisture. So if you have oily skin, and on top of it you don't use moisturizer you're just contributing to the cycle of oiliness.

If you have dry or combination skin, look for the specifications on the label while shopping for your skin type.

What are some good moisturizers?
Some women swear by all Oil of Olay products. I have not tried their products yet though.
I have tried the following:

Garnier Ultra Lift with SPF 15


Garnier Skin Renew SPF 28


I also highly suggest all KOHL's Beauty Dept. Skin Care!
Pomegranate Super Anti-Oxidant Cream


Eye Cream:
Eye cream is also very important seeing as how this is the most delicate area on your face! Apply your moisturizer and makeup around this area with your ring finger to be gentle!

Garnier Ultra Lift Eye Cream


Night Cream:
If you really want to be on top of things, you can take advantage of your sleep time and apply an even more concentrated beauty replenishing cream at night to re-fuel your face!

American Beauty (Kohl's) Beauty Boost


Bliss - The Youth As We Know It (Sephora)

My "Go-To's"

If you've ever wondered what my "go-to" beauty products are, now is your chance to find out!
I had work at 9:00 and woke up at 8:00. About 10 minutes of my time was designated to makeup.

• First I used my *MAC Mattifying Primer* focused under my eyes but then spread it outwards
  
• Then used my *Coastal Scents Concealer Wheel* for under my eye area
• I used my *Urban Decay Primer Potion* on my eyes (not pictured)
• Then powdered my whole face with *MAC's Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium*
• Bronzer time lol I use *MAC's Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze*
• For eyes I use *MAC's Cork* eyeshadow and *NYX's Earthy* in my crease.
• Then I use *MAC's Carbon (Black) Eyeshadow* as my liner with an angled brush
• I curl my lashes before applying my fav mascara - *Loreal's Voluminous in Carbon Black*
• Lastly I apply my *MAC blush in Melba* to the apples of my cheek and sweep it back

I use all these products everyday as part of my 10 minute face. As you can see I do use a lot of MAC products because it works best for me and I find their products last longer and the pigmentation is better. What are some of your "go-to" items?

The Most Magnificent Mascara

Mascara is a basic staple in one's makeup collection. It's one of those products that can instantly transform a face...but there can also be some hassle involved such as clumping, grouping of lashes, thickness of product...etc. After using Rimmel, Maybelline, and Dior Products, I came across Loreal's Voluminous Mascara!

Here are the benefits I have found:
-Little clumping
-No grouping of lashes
-Lengthens lashes
-Darkens lashes
-Thickens lashes
-Adds volume
-Keeps a curl
-Layerable (dry or wet)

I still need to try Maybelline's Falsie Mascara though because I have heard good things. Do you have either of these mascaras? Which ones work for you?

What's Primer all About?

Primer
Not every woman incorporates Primer into their daily beauty regime. But why spend all that time putting your makeup on, just for it to slip off during the day? This is what primer is for:
-Creates a smooth even surface for your makeup
-"Catches" and keeps the makeup you put on
-Minimizes pores
-Makes makeup last longer throughout the day
-Allows makeup's truest colors to be seen

Primers come in all price ranges from drugstore to designer.
Here are some I have tried:
Rimmel's Fix and Perfect - Approx. $8
Looks like a skin toned foundation. I will definitely repurchase this item.


Loreal's Studio Fix Primer Approx. $12
Fluffy Feeling - "A dab will do ya" - I will repurchase.


MAC's Mattifying Primer $18
A Pea size amount is good. A slick (but not greasy finish.)
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/793/343/Matte/index.tmpl


Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer $32 (Sephora)
One small pump is enough. Product must be stored upside down or else it will not pump out. Very similar to MAC's Mattifying Primer.


After using all these products, I feel they have all worked about the same. I wear a primer every day.


EYESHADOW PRIMER!!!
I highly highly highly recommend every woman to wear eyeshadow primer!
It does everything above and:
-prevents creasing!!
-allows the eyeshadow's true color to show

I have used and will not stop using Urban Decay's Primer Potion $18 (Sephora)
Though it may seem pricey, all you need is a swipe and your shadow is in place ALL day and you get the most bang for your buck with no reapplication and no creasing!!
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P74310&categoryId=B70


Have you used any of these products? What do you think? Are you going to purchase any of them now? Comment below!