My Favorite Face Brushes

 

I have been reviewing a lot of brushes for the past years.  From high end brands to the most inexpensive ones, it is funny how I never shared my top picks!  I mean not everyone can invest on a set of brushes so today, I am sharing my top 4+1 brushes that I can't live without.

1. Foundation Brush

I never use this type of brush to "blend" my base, instead, I use this to apply the right amount of product seamlessly to my skin.  This is a nice brush to also apply concealer.  The flat side of the brush gives ample "coverage" so I don't need to use a lot of product because the brush does not absorb as much product as sponges.

Foundation brush brand: Estee Lauder

2. Oval Brush

The Oval Brush came out in the latter part of the Beauty Game.  Though I do not talk much about these type of brushes, I pick them up a lot. (if you zoom closer, you can see how worn out the this brush is!) 

How do I use this brush?  I apply a good amount of concealer (usually in Doe Foot applicator) and use this brush to blend the concealer on the undereye area and it gives off a perfect coverage.  With the extra product on brush, I sweep it on the sides of my nose, chin and other areas of my face and it immediately covers spots and redness!  I can do my makeup half the time because of this brush, 

Oval Brush Brand: Etude House

Eye Make Up Tutorial for Droopy Eyes

Happy Tuesday!
I am finally here to share to you my next Photo-torial look!  An eye makeup look that would work really well if you have droopy eyes!  Of course, even if you don't, you can still rock this look! 

Thankfully, I can really relate on this because I do have "slight" droopy eyes!  So on days I want to create some "lift", I do this trick!  Of course, feel free to use different eyeshadow shades depending on your mood!  Well, my mood is on the Romantic side so I whipped out my Sleek Make up I-Divine Vintage Romance Palette. 

And here's the look I created just for YOU :D

 As much as you and I are both tempted to do our foundation routine, skip this step as the eye make up application could be a bit messy!  So let's jump on using a cream shadow to make the eyeshadow shades appear more vibrant and long lasting.

For this tutorial, I used Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 in shade 55 Inked in Pink.

AMW Reviews: Yves Rocher Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo

Do you still remember my "This is How I Do It: Contour the Face for Day Time" tutorial?

Okay, before the remembering, I forgot to say: "HAPPY FRIDAY!!!"  Boy am I so excited for the weekend!  

Back to the topic, the Bronzing Powder that I used for the past tutorial is from Yves Rocher! By this time, you probably know the brand more than I do!  Yves Rocher has been around for quite some time locally and they're not only known for their skincare products but also their cosmetics!

Yves Rocher Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo may not have other shades available but I didn't mind picking this up as I'm a fan of using bronzers and darker powders to contour my face on a daily basis! :)

Yves Rocher says ---


Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo for a made to measure sunkissed effect
A very natural matte bronzing powder complemented by the superb radiance of pearlised powder, both worked for perfect harmony with the skin. The bronzing powder procures a very natural instant tan. Applied with a brush, a touch of pearl revives and gives face a satiny radiance.
Bronzer and shimmer powder duo contains all the natural benefits of radiance-boosting rice bran extract..

Size: 0.24 oz & 0.12 oz compact

AMW says ---
Pros

• Nice compact with huge mirror.
• 2-in-1 product.  Worth the price.
• The shimmer powder gives a natural shimmer, not-over-the-top look.  Sparkles aren't huge.
• Bronzer can be used as contouring powder (to some skin color) or blush.
• Both texture of the powders are smooth and easy to blend.
• Effect (with the right application technique) comes off super natural.
• Inexpensive.

Cons

• The Bronzer (matte portion) may not work for all skin color as a contouring powder as it may look too orange for a fair skinned individual.
• Only 1 shade available for the bronzer.

Overall

The Bronzer is a matte powder that can be used as blush or contouring powder while the shimmer powder duo can work as a blush on anyone!

Tips

• If you are fair and you plan to use the bronzer as a contour powder, please be careful not to apply too much as the effect could be "muddy" or dirty.
• Shimmer Powder is best applied on one area on your face.  Use it to highlight your cheekbones or as an eyeshadow.  Do not use the Shimmer Powder on various places, you may end up looking like a disco ball.  (Now sing with me: "Stayin' Alive! Stayin' Alive! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!)
• Use the right brush in application, test on different brushes until you get to pick the most comfortable brush to use.
• If you have medium dark to dark skin color, feel free to apply a bit more, you'll look gorgeous nevertheless!

Will I repurchase?
Yes

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who loves bronzing powders and love to contour the face on a daily basis.

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally for Php680.00 (approx $16.19) at Yves Rocher  TriNoma Mall, SM North Edsa The Block, SM South Mall, SM Fairview and Ayala Center Cebu.

Guess what?  I got mine on sale!!! Lucky me at Php499.00 (approx $11.60)

 Photos

Left: Bronzer (matte powder that has an orange base)
Right: Shimmer Powder 

(reminded me so much of a darker version of Stila Kitten eyeshadow)

 

To give a natural contour all over my face, I pick my Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush

and lightly pick the Bronzer using the "most dense" portion of the brush.

 

Gently apply the powder with a buffing motion creating an "E" shape.

Blend! Blend! Blend!

The same powder can also be used to contour your nose IF the shade isn't too much for your skin tone.  I picked my Sigma Precision Angled P84 to contour the sides of my nose. 

Now, using the fluffier side of the Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush (which has the longest hair), I pick some of the Shimmer Powder.

Apply it on the apples of my cheeks or on the highest point of my cheeks with a dabbing motion.

Voila!  My face is contoured at the same time, I have a beautiful warm blush that makes my skin healthy and glowing!

Overall effect of Yves Rocher Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo 

applied with the light hands!

Would you give Yves Rocher Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Duo a try?
How would you use it?

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How to: Contour the Face for Daytime

Good morning AMW Readers!  I'm still suffering from colds, maybe I pushed my body to the limit, but I'm staying positive!  I may look like crap at the moment but there's always makeup to the rescue!  *shhh*

For this week's "This Is How I Do It" post, it is inspired by readers' comments on how they dislike to contour on regular days as it will look fake on them!  Well guess what?  There is such thing as contouring for daytime!  That's why I came up with a simple tutorial I do as I like to create dimension on my face but it's always subtle-looking!  

Before you scroll further down, here are some of the old articles I've written about Nose Contouring and  face contouring (super old post).  Some of the products I've used are a shade or 2 darker powder foundation, MAC sculpting powder in Lightsweep/Shadester, Stila Contouring Trio and in this tutorial, my Yves Rocher Duo Powder/Bronzer!  (reviews will be up in the future)

Hope you enjoy my mini tutorial!  Feel free to click Comment below if you have further queries! 

Let's start with the nose area...

With a soft angled eyeshadow brush or any fluffy brush, apply the contouring powder starting from the inner corner of the eyes as shown on photo below.

AMW Reviews: Sigma Synthetic Precision Kit

Happy start of the week!  How was your weekend?  Ours was rainy but nevertheless, I had fun!  Who can stop me from having fun on weekends?  NOBODY! :P

A couple of months ago, I got an invite to join the Sigma Affiliate but it was only last month that I've decided to join the program as I do love their brushes!  (Past reviews on Sigma brushes HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.)

As soon as I signed up, Vincy from Sigma immediately emailed me for my mailing address as Sigma is sending a welcome gift to me!  That's very sweet of them and in a little bit more than a week (surprised!)  I got their newest Sigma Synthetic Eye Precision Kit.  I immediately rummaged through my brush collection and guess what?  I do not own any of the 4 brushes!  *yahoo*! 

The Sigma Synthetic Precision Kit

4 unique brushes made from synthetic bristles

 for eyes or face

Sigma says ---

The Sigma Beauty Synthetic Precision Kit contains four face brushes developed to mimic your fingertips when applying makeup on the most sensitive and precise areas of your face. The brushes in this kit feature exclusive Sigmax fibers, uniquely designed to apply powder, cream and liquid products without absorption into the bristles. 

Dimensions 

• P80 - 7 1/8 in. (18 cm)
• P82 - 7 in. (17.9 cm)
• P84 - 7 3/16 in. (18.2 cm)
• P86 - 7 7/16 in. (18.8 cm)

AMW says ---

Pros

• Each brush were packed carefully with plastic.You can even reuse the plastic to maintain the shape of bristles.

• Best brush set to apply cream/liquid or powder products.
• No bleeding nor shedding even on first wash.
• No weird scent.
• The shape looks as good as new no matter how many times I've washed it.
• Saves your makeup as you do not grab as much product as opposed to using your fingers or sponge.
• All of the 4 brushes are dense.

Cons

• Online ordering and need to wait for shipping.

Overall

These brushes may not be for everyone as I call these my "more professional" brushes.  These brushes are great to apply cream or liquid products and works so well on concealing! 

Tips
 from Sigma

• P80 - Precision Flat: Stipple concealer on sun spots, blemishes, and other small imperfections.
• P82 - Precision Round: Apply eye shadow base or primer onto the lid.
• P84 - Precision Angled: Apply product to areas such as the sides of the nose and the hollows of the cheeks.
• P86 - Precision Tapered: Exact placement of concealer in harder to reach areas such as around the eyes and nose, chin, and around the mouth.

 from AMW

• Wipe your brushes with makeup cleaner or makeup cleaner wipes after every use.
• Do a weekly deep cleaning with baby shampoo.
• Tips on how to use each brush and maximize the usage?  Scroll further down for photos.

Will I repurchase?
All my Sigma Brushes are still doing well at the moment so I doubt I need to repurchase.  I would definitely highly recommend this set though!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who loves to apply makeup using good makeup tools!

Where to purchase and how much?
 At Sigma website for USD49.00 (approx Php2,107.00).

Photos

Sigma Precision Round P82

 

I like to use this brush to spot conceal or apply under eye concealer using a stippling motion and the rounded portion makes it easy to "feather out" the harsh edges of concealer mark.  This brush can also used on powdered products, it's a nice tool to "set" your concealer too!

Sigma Precision Flat P80

A super mini version of a flat top kabuki brush.  You may use this to apply concealer with a stippling motion, in my case, I prefer using this as my "setting brush".  I like to set the areas were I conceal with the P80 brush at the same time, I use this brush to highlight the high points of my cheeks also the brow bone!

Sigma Precision Tapered P86

Since the tip of this brush is pointed and very easy to manage, I love to use this brush to conceal areas of my face that are hard to reach.  Most of the time, it's the sides of my nose, I also use this to apply concealer on my lip area after lipstick application for a clean finish!

 

Sigma Precision Angled P84

I use this brush on lazy days I just want a soft wash of colors on my lids!  But the best way that I found in using this brush is as a nose contouring brush!  The brush is dense and soft at the same time making it easy to create a very natural contour!

 

So far, I am very happy with my 4 new synthetic brushes!  I am tempted to bring this along with me during makeup gigs but I'm having a bit of a separation anxiety!  It's personal use for now! *winks*

Has any of the Precision brushes I mentioned interests you?
Which one and how would you want to use it?

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How to Spot Conceal

Happy Tuesday girls and boys!  "This is How I do it" is back with more tricks and tips!  Thank you so much AMW readers for taking the time to email me just to show me some love!  And to those who have special requests for this portion, thank you!  I'll do my best to accommodate them because I love to share what I learn through years of makeup artistry!

Concealing - a very important yet tricky step in makeup application!  I used to apply concealer and not see any differences so I totally gave up on it!  Until I went to makeup school, my thoughts on concealing shifted 360 degrees!  It can definitely make or break any makeup look!  Bottom line though, you need to take a lot of practice to master the art of concealing.  (Personal note: I'm definitely not a concealing master, but I always strive to do my best with loads of practice.)

Just in case you wonder, yes, I have zits once in awhile.  Just in time for this post, tiny red spots appeared on my right cheek and I immediately turned this bad situation into our advantage!  The best time to share some tips and tricks on Spot Concealing.  

(I'm turning the situation into a positive one but I'm not really looking forward for more of these ok? Pimple gods?  hihihi)

Step 1:

Before you start with any makeup application, it is best to do your usual skincare regimen.  Sun block, moisturizer, primers or BB creams --- whatever your hearts desire.

AMW Reviews: Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush (F80)

I was sent Sigma brushes from Sigma USA for reviews in the past, and I have local readers asking me on how to purchase and I felt bad advising them to purchase online because I know how frustrating it is to wait, to pay extra for shipping and sometimes, getting the chance to lose your package on its way from West to East.  

I am super excited, when my previous Dollface Personal Makeup Seminar Batch 2 student Trisha messaged me telling me she brought down Sigma to our shores!  And it's not the pre-order type!  All brushes are actually on hand and I've seen them displayed during The Events Factory Bazaar at Eastwod Libis. 

I know I have enough brushes, yes, for professional use!  But I'm still alright for personal use and when it comes to my ultimate favorite K-brushes, it's all for me babey!!!!  She brought in individual brushes and it was wonderful to see a full size version of the Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush for foundation users out there!  

I've used this for weeks, even brought this along on my Korea Trip, I told Trish I won't but it's just too cute to leave behind!  Here's what I have to say to the Sigma Flat Top Synthetic K-Brush...

Sigma Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki says ---
This exclusive flat top synthetic kabuki was designed to deliver a flawless makeup application. The Sigma Makeup F80 is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder or liquid products. The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff your liquid foundation. The long handle adds comfort to your makeup application. The synthetic fibers are ideal to be used with liquid products and can be easily cleaned.

AMW says ---
Pros

• During shipment: packed really well by the seller and the brush is well protected.

• No bleeding, no shedding during wash. (first wash til the very moent)
• Bristles are super soft!  No scratchy feel even if you swirl all over your face even under the eye area.
• No weird scent as compare to other new brushes!
• Handle length is just right for both personal and professional use.
• Multi-functional: can be used on powder, liquid or cream foundation/concealer.
• If used with liquid foundation: no need to use a lot as this does not absorb the liquid foundation due to its density! 
• Can be used on mineral and traditional makeup.
• Works for both medium to heavy coverage, because of its shorter bristles' length, heavy coverage is easy to achieve!

• Ferrule is attached to bristles really well!  Very sturdy.
• Density: the most dense flat top k-brush I've owned to date!

• Not expensive for its durability and quality!  I've owned several Sigma brushes and they are still good as new (as long as you take care of it)

Cons

• Will stain if you did not clean this properly (please check tips on how to clean this brush especially if you use cream/liquid type foundation)
• Takes a bit longer to dry up again, due to its density!

Overall

Worth the investment!  I even use this on clients to buff additional "setting powder" under the eye area!  The length of the brush is just perfect to use professionallyl!

Tips

• For that airbrush use, apply using stippling motion with a liquid foundation.
• For that super nice coverage, apply with powder or liquid foundation using buffing motion!  
• Do not forget to add additional coverage with stippling motion under the eye area, sides of the nose, corners of the mouth for that "bright/awake" look!
• Deep cleansing: swirl this brush with Olive Oil to remove liquid or even powder makeup!  Proceed with using baby shampoo + mild dish washing detergent to remove excess oil! 
• After washing, gently squeeze off excess and swirl the brush on a clean towel, leave it laying flat on the towel for air drying.  
• Never blowdry or add heat for quick drying!
• If you are a type who like to carry this along during travel, purchase a Brush Guard to protect the bristles, or better?  Purchase this cutie!!!

 

**photo from Sigma

Will I repurchase?
No need, this one is enough for me and it looks like it going to last!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes medium to heavy coverage!  Great if you want to hide those pimple marks!  Works best on Mineral Makeup Foundation!

Where to purchase and how much?
International readers can purchase at Sigma Beauty Website.

Locally at Pink Slippers Boutique for Php1,100 (approx $25.00) plus shipping.
To save up on shipping and if you want to checkout products in person, they are at Moonlit Bazaar this October 15, 16 and 17 at Rockwell.
Add them up on Facebook: PinkSlippersboutique Ph/ Pink Slippers Boutique

Just because, I want to show you the Sigma FT Synthetic K-brush against my first Flat Top K-brush love EDM Flat Top Brush !  Length comparison as shown on photo below!

The reason why Sigma FT K-brush gives a nice heavy coverage aside from its density is its brush lenth!  Shorter than EDM.. (aaaww, they look so sweet..teehee)

Well, I rest my case!  I am impressed and will remain so unless something happens to it!  Will revisit if there's any changes (whether good or bad). 

Do you even use Flat Top K-Brushes?  
I do, especially on days my skin is acting up!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Sigma Travel Kit Nice in Pink

And you thought the addiction on makeup brushes stop!  It never will I tell you!  If guys have addiction for cars, I would say mine are the brushes.  Makeup brushes are considered one of the most important tool especially on my career as a makeup artist.  I don't mind owning a lot as I do believe it will last because I take care of them!  

As everyone knows, Sigma Brushes has been coming up with several brush collections and each set is created more unique and interesting as collection goes by.  Sigma recently sent me another set, a Pink Travel Set for review.  They probably sniffed the makeup brush addiction from the opposite side of the world!  Here's my review on the said brush set after a couple of weeks' usage!

Sigma Travel Kit Nice in Pink says ---

The Sigma Makeup travel kit Nice in Pink contains 7 essential brushes to achieve a flawless look on the go. Take Nice in Pink to your favorite travel destination or keep it in your purse for a quick touch-up during the day or a night out. All brushes are individually stored in a stylish metallic pink clutch equipped with a convenient pouch to carry all your must-have makeup items.

Clutch Dimensions (closed): 7 x 4 inches.
Face Brushes: 5 inches total
Eyes/Concealer Brush: 4 inches total

Large Powder Brush

Very dense with a rounded top.  Ideal to apply powder products on face and body.  Natural bristles.

Pros

• non-scratchy
• no shedding upon first wash or even after several washes
• stiffness is just right for powder foundation application (light to medium coverage)
• for that nice rosey cheeks, this is a perfect brush too
• once washed a couple of times, brush gets a bit fluffier which is actually nicer

Cons

• bleeds a super tiny bit on first wash, probably the dirt from manufacturer

Duo Fiber Brush

Specially designed to generate an 'airbrushed' finish when used to apply liquid foundation.  It can also be used to apply blush, highlight shades and loose pigments.  Blend of synthetic and natural bristles

Pros 

• no shedding nor bleeding when washed
• stiffness is just right to apply using 'stipple' motion
• saves up liquid foundation
• perfect for cream blush application
• no scratchy feel

Cons

• takes quite some time to finish up the whole face if used for liquid foundation application and on a 'stippling' motion

Large Angled Contour Brush

The angled shape makes this brush ideal to apply blush or contour shades.  Natural bristles.

Pros

• very soft for a natural bristled contour brush
• no shedding upon first wash and during usage
• does not feel scratchy on skin

Cons

• has a bit of fly-aways after several washes
• I find this brush works better as blush brush as compared to contour brush.  The longest portion of the hair is not stiff enough.

Tapered Blending Brush

Rounded and tapered top.  Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease.  Natural bristles.

Pros

• no bleeding upon first wash
• wonderful brush to blend eyeshadow for people with large lid spaces
• perfect to apply powder foundation under the eye area
• used to highlight smaller areas like nose bridge, forehead and above the lip

Cons

• fly-aways drives my tiny lids crazy!  This is perfect for people with bigger eyelids for blending.
• sheds a total of 2-4 hairs after my first few usages

Eye Shading Brush

Soft and dense with a rounded finish.  Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments.  Ideal to build intense color on the eyelid.  Natural bristles.

Pros

• no bleeding nor shedding
• super soft on lids, no scratchy feel
• since its not too dense, I find this brush perfect to apply contouring powder on the nose area
• nice brush to use as highlighter on the brow bone area

Cons

• does not grab a lot of pigments as expected
• bristles too soft so no control on packing eyeshadow pigments.

Concealer Brush

The rounded, tapered, flat shape makes this brush ideal to conceal the under eye area.  It is also recommended for a precise application in small areas.  Synthetic bristles.

Pros

• no bleeding, shedding and scratchy feel
• brush looks exactly the same even after several washes
• perfect brush to highlight the nose bridge, corners of the mouth and brow bone area using cream products.
• best brush to use for spot concealing

Cons

• I find this concealer brush is a bit tiny for under eye concealing, tends to go back to one area over and over again which makes you drag your under eye circles even more

Pencil Brush

Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, and upper and lower lashline.  Also ideal to smudge out pencil liner.  Natural bristles

Pros

• the pointed tip makes it easier to smudge out pencil liner minus the messy look, has nice control
• no shedding 
• no fly-aways
• can grab pigments pretty well!

Cons

• has a scratchy feel, it actually hurts my lids during precise application
• Sigma brushes mostly are non-scratchy, but if you ask me, this is the scratchiest brush in this set

On some orders, Sigma Makeup would throw in "A Gift For You!" which I like because there's an element of surprise there!  Together with this set, the special gift I got is a Foundation Brush.  Made of synthetic bristles

Again even the individual brush is covered and protected quite well.

Concealer Brush

Pros

• no shedding, bleeding and scratchy feel
• once dried, looks exactly as brand new
• perfect for liquid foundation, cream foundation, cream blush and concealer application
• has a nice "stiffness" that gives a nice control during application

Cons

• none
  

Overall

• What I love about Sigma is the way they package the brushes. This is my second time to have a brush set sent to me and I find that they take care of the way they present their product consistently.  Look at the nice pink mesh pouch they've used!

• Casing is really nice, perfect for pink lovers and non-pink lovers as it's not the "overly girly" pink shade
• Brush handle is not too shiny nor matte, just right and it does not get scratched easily.  Sticky substance gets to be attracted to this though, I have to clean the brush handle well as there's this "sticker residue" in which I originally thought was dirt.
• Handle length is just right for both personal application and even a perfect length to use for other people
• Has a zipper for you to put those cotton buds or cotton pads.

•  It has a nice flap which protects the bristles once you fold the leather pouch.

• Each brush are protected during transit with a plastic on the handles and a plastic protector on bigger sized brushes

• Each handle has "Sigma Makeup" printed together with the name and number of the brushes.  They also engraved "Made in PRC" on the wooden handle, at least people know right off the bat where these are made of!

• Size is perfect for travel, not bulky at all.  I find myself willing to carry this along on "emergency" makeover for friends!  I guess the pouch really has a lot to say!

• Here's a size comparison with a PSP player for your reference

*whew* This is quite long right?  I have nothing more to say but positive things about the brushes I got.  I would say the only downside of this is probably the fact that people outside of the USA have to wait for shipping.  Sigma Makeup ships worldwide and it took me approximately 3 weeks to receive this package and this is actually considered quite fast!  

The Sigma Travel Kit "Nice in Pink" costs USD49.00 (approx Php2,200) plus shipping depending on where you'll have it sent.  You can click Sigma Makeup Website to check out their other brush collections.  You can even start building your own kit!!! 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Disclaimer: Products sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)