My Favorite Makeup Brushes

I used to think makeup brushes weren't that important and that there probably wasn't much variation from brand to brand. Well...that's because I had never used good brushes. I finally have discovered a brand of brushes that I LOVE. I can promise you, I will never buy from another, as long as they remain on the market. 

Before I reveal my favorite brushes that I think are must haves for all of YOU, let me give you the run-down of my process to finally finding the perfect brushes.

When I first started wearing makeup, I applied my powder from a compact with the puffer it came with. When I started to care a little more about applying makeup properly, my mom let me try out the Bare Minerals starting kit. I used Bare Minerals from my freshman year of high school up until this past summer. While I think Bare Minerals is a great concept and amazing product line, I feel as if I have grown out of it. And not to mention, their lifespan of their brushes isn't that great. (If you have used or currently use it, you know what I mean. Two words: scratchy brushes.) In the midst of using Bare Minerals and my high school years, I discovered MakeupByTiffanyD. Hands down, she has taught me more about makeup than anyone else ever has or will. If you know me, you know how much I enjoy watching her videos and following her life via social networks. :) TiffanyD started using brushes by Sigma Beauty. She loved them so much, so slowly stopped using her MAC brushes (which are known for their quality as well). I had a few of the brushes on my wish list for quite some time, but didn't know whether to buy a kit, or just a few individually. This winter, I heard TiffanyD was having a meet-up at the new Sigma store at the Mall of America. Of course I had to go, beings I am only a couple of hours from the MOA. That day, I was fortunate enough to meet her, as well as purchase a few brushes from their gorgeous new store. Since I have purchased the brushes, my makeup routine has become so easy! It is amazing what good brushes can do for your look as a whole. I am beyond impressed and hope to purchase more in the near future.

Here are my leading ladies!

Sigma F80

This flat kabuki brush from the Sigmax collection is the perfect brush for applying liquid foundation. Because it is made of synthetic fibers, it does not absorb and waste the product. It does a great job of buffing out the products and doesn't leave streaks. 

Sigma F86

This tapered kabuki brush is also from the Sigmax collection. It is made of the same fibers as the F80. I like to use the brush for more precise areas such as under the eye and around the nose. 

Tarte Buffer Airbrush Finish

Yes, I realize this isn't a Sigma brush, but I had to mention it, because I do grab for this often enough that I should share it with you. This particular brush came with a Tarte set called "Journey to Natural" that I ordered off of QVC a few months back. The brush paired with their Amazonian Clay foundation is excellent. It gives great coverage, but still leaves a natural look. (I still like to be able to see my freckles. This does a great job!)

Sigma F40

Following behind the two foundation brushes from Sigma, this is by far a top favorite of mine. This Large Angled Contour brush does the trick every time for a great blush look. This brush can also be used for bronzer in the hollow of your cheek to create a line of contour and add definition. 

I thought I would mention my favorite eye brushes as well. They are: 

Sigma E55

This eye shading brush does an excellent job of packing on the color of your favorite shadow. I use this brush on my lid only.

Sigma E25

The tapered blending brush is great for transferring a dark color to your crease as well as going over color you have already laid, and cleaning up its edges. 

I think by the end of this post you have realized that I truly do love Sigma brushes. Like I said, I have been beyond impressed and have not a bad thing to say about them. I'll also add, they are quite affordable in comparison to competing brands. So if you haven't already, go check out sigmabeauty.com! 

I'd love to hear about your favorite brushes!

Fabulous Floral Fashion

I can't help but smile when I see new spring fashion in stores. Looking in the windows I see bright pops of color and life in the store. Don't get me wrong; I love a basic black cardigan paired with trouser jeans. But I also LOVE spring fashion. Spring is great for me because I don't have to worry about bearing my arms and legs just yet, but I also don't have to worry about bundling up for the harsh winds and possible chances of snow. 

Lately, in magazines, on celebrities, in stores, and online I am seeing a TON of floral prints. And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. Not only in blouses and tops, but in pants, accessories, and even shoes! When floral is done right, I can't hardly say no. 

Here are a few things I have spotted over the past month and am loving. (I am hopeful they make their way into my closet at some point!) 

Nine West

Ok, seriously... I MUST HAVE THESE FLATS! I will be ordering these tonight. They are absolutely perfect. 

Forever 21

Steve Madden

Tory Burch

On the Move!

Many of you may know that I am transferring to a new school this summer. While that in itself is exciting enough, I also am beyond thrilled to be moving to a new city and into a new place! I haven't been able to get my mind off of how I want to decorate my new apartment. So as of late, I am obsessed with interior decorating blogs and of course...online shopping for things I'd like to purchase. 

In my new place, I really want to keep things fresh. I like crisp whites complemented with fun colors. I like a modern look with a garden-y feel. I've been using visuals from Pinterest for my inspiration. I hope to do a lot of DIY crafts, making for a fun and hopefully not too expensive transition and move to my new apartment. 

Since moving day will be here before you know it, I thought I'd share a little bit of my ideas and some of my inspiration of how I'd like to decorate. 

How adorable is this DIY wreath?
This would look great inside or out!

Great for blank hall space or near the kitchen

I love this color combo & the idea of using
books to give height difference to the vases and frames

These DIY plates would look great on a coffee
table or desk (modge podge map on clear glass plate)

OBSESSED with this room

Liking the chevron prints and of course, the bouquet!

Beauty 101: Tips and Secrets for a Better Looking You!

While I'd love to consider myself an expert of the field, I am not. I cannot call myself a makeup artist, I do not have a cosmetology degree, and to be honest, I have never officially studied anything specifically beauty related. I like to call myself "self taught" and better yet, just a girl who is obsessed with learning all about the world of products that can make us look and feel like a better version of ourselves.

Growing up, I've always enjoyed reading beauty and fashion magazines, and in the past few years, I have become crazed with watching YouTube tutorials and reading beauty blogs in hopes of learning even more. 

Today, I'd like to share with you a list of helpful tips, reminders, and secrets that I have picked up over time and personally feel are important when it comes to maintaining healthy skin, having a flawless makeup look and looking & feeling great overall.

Skin:
1. DRINK WATER- I'm sure everyone tells you this, so I am going to too. Drinking the appropriate amount of water per day can provide SO many benefits! Not only does drinking water help moisturize your skin but it also increases its elasticity and helps you look awake and bright.

2. MOISTURIZE- Lotioning your skin even a couple times a week is better than none. Just like we get thirsty, so does our skin. Don't deprive your skin of moisture just because you don't feel like taking the few extra minutes to lather it on. In the long run, you will be glad you did! And as far as face moisturizing, I recommend you use a lighter lotion with SPF for the morning and day, followed by a thicker, richer cream for night time. 

[I use Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer & Skin MD Naturals in the morning. I use Origins Night-a-Mins Renewal Cream at night.]

3. ROUTINE- Get into a routine that works for YOU. Just because a product worked for your friend or a beauty guru, doesn't necessarily mean it will work great for you. But when you find the product that does, make sure you get into the routine of using it regularly. If you don't, your skin won't adjust appropriately and the product won't work as effectively. 

Makeup:
1. AGING- Even if you are in your 20's, buying an anti-aging concealer (or any other product) IS NOT bad. Actually, this is a good idea. Anti-aging products are commonly made with a technology designed to not settle into fine lines (or wrinkles). Just because you or I may not have wrinkles, doesn't mean I want my non anti-aging product to settle into my lines (or visible pores). 

2. BRUSHES- If there has been any amazing transition I have made in my all-time makeup routine, it has been the addition and use of foundation brushes. Using a dense and fluffy brush to apply foundation to the skin has changed my life. Sigma has THEE best brushes. I never plan to buy from another brand again. Forget them all. SERIOUS! (check back soon for a NEW post on my favorite brushes!) Not only can you customize your finish of the foundation according to your brush choice, but it is a sanitary method of application. No dirty fingers, old sponges, or mess for that matter. 

3. PRIME- While, a face primer isn't necessary for every day use, I think an eyelid primer is. If you plan to wear a fun shadow look, you best use a primer or your hard work won't be worth it. Not only does a good eye primer make a great base and grab on to the color you lay on top of it, but it also prevents creasing throughout the day. 

[I use Urban Decay Primer Potion in the shade Eden.]

Others
1. TEETH- Using something as little as a whitening toothpaste morning and night can make a world of difference in the brightness and whiteness of your teeth. I have also found the flossing makes for whiter teeth as well! 

[I alternate use of Crest 3D White vivid & BriteSmile toothpaste.]

2. GROOM- If you know me, you know that I think eyebrows are life. Seriously. I could talk all day about eyebrows. If you have bushy, thick brows, you of all people should know how important it is to keep them groomed and cleaned up. However, even if you don't have dark, coarse brows, it is still key to keep them shaped. Light and unnoticeable brows can easily be more visible and dramatic with a little filling in. When your brows are shaped, you have a better guide or stencil to follow. 

3. TRIM- I am guilty of not doing this as much as I should. Being a female with longer hair, I am quite attached to my locks. But as I have gotten older, I have learned the importance of getting a trim. If you are nervous, make sure your hair dresser knows you only wish to cut off the ends, or maybe even a centimeter! Even if you think your hair still looks great after 8-10 weeks, (and it might), you should still get a trim (another happy routine to get into). And in the mean time, use a deep conditioner a couple times a week to keep those ends healthy! :)

I hope all of these tips and words of advice were helpful to you! 
Be sure to subscribe to my blog so you never miss out on whats going on! 

NEW MAC Cosmetics & a Skincare Product

I'm always looking for a good recommendation for skin and beauty products. As of late, I really have gotten into MAC products. I love their variety as well as their quality. I used to steer clear of MAC because I thought it was so expensive, but I'm learning its no more expensive, if not cheaper, than some of the leading brands like NARS and Urban Decay. Over the years, watching various YouTube beauty gurus, I have heard about the go-to products that MAC offers. I've started to get a few more products in my collection, and today I decided to swing by my local counter and pick up a few more things.

1) MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation with SPF 15. I am in the shade NW25. I originally purchased the MAC Studio Fix, but found it was more for people with dry skin, and I am very oily. I returned that, and purchased this instead. It is a medium to full coverage foundation, meaning it builds nicely. 

2) This new blush I picked up from MAC is a Mineralize Blush in the shade Gentle. Because this blush is in the Mineralize collection, it applies very naturally and settles on the skin well. I chose this shade because it is completely different than any other blush I own. The majority of my blushes are coral-ly, golden shades or else hot pink and peachy colors. What I like about Gentle is that it has a cool, almost blue undertone, and appears almost 'berry' like on the cheek. 

3) The MAC Prep+Prime Highlighter in the shade Radiant Rose is something I have been wanting for a while. This product is to be used under your eyes, on the tops on your cheeks, and any other high plane of your face that you wish to highlight. If you have heavy dark circles under your eyes, you might still want to use a concealer and top with this for brightening, as this is a more sheer application than your average under eye concealer. 

4) MAC's Angel lipstick has a frost finish and is absolutely beautiful on the lips. You may have heard about this colors, as Kim Kardashian has made it quite popular. This is the most perfect frosted soft cool pink for the lips. It doesn't pale you out like some baby pinks can do, which is why I love this lip color so much! 

5) Last, but certainly not least, I have a new skincare product! Thanks to the recommendation from MakeupbyTiffanyD and my good friend who is a **NEW BLOGGER** Amanda (check her blog out here), I have finally purchased a bottle of the Skin MD Shielding Lotion. This lotion is equally good for being used as a face moisturizer as well as a body lotion. It is non-greasy and seems to be super hydrating. 

My Favorite Nail Polishes

Over the past few years, I have become nail polish crazed. I'm always on the look out for highly recommended staple polishes as well as new and unique shades to try. While my collection has grown, I can't help but fall back on my handful of favorites. Without further ado, here they are!

Colors L to R: Orly Fancy Fuchsia, Essie Geranium, Essie Smokin' Hot,
Essie Turquoise & Caicos, Essie Go Overboard, Butter London Royal Navy

1) Orly Fancy Fuchsia is THEE MOST PERFECT hot pink for fingers and toes. This color lives on my toes in the summer. I love how tan it makes me look and how opaque it is. Can't say enough things about this polish.

2) Essie Geranium is a beautiful tomato-y red/orange. This color is great for spring, but can be worn nicely all year long.

3) Essie Smokin' Hot is by far one of my favorite purpley, dark grays. This colors make for a very flattering neutral manicure.

4) Essie Turquoise & Caicos is an all time favorite. I love minty colors for the nail. This polish is a must have for your collection.

5) Essie Go Overboard is surprisingly one of thee most gorgeous nail colors. What I love of about this specific polish is how beautifully it coats the nail. It leaves such a smooth and shiny finish, a top coat is hardly necessary. 

6) Butter London Royal Navy is a very dark, yet bright navy that is perfect for any occasion. 

A new favorite: Essie Bikini So Teeny

My latest and greatest, recommended by MakeupbyTiffanyD,
Loreal Paris Check Me Out (featured in my NOTD here)

Out The Door super fast drying top coat

What are your favorite nail polishes? :)

Ipsy- March Glam Bag Reveal

As many of you may have read, I decided to join ipsy. This is a $10/month subscription for a small cosmetic bag that contains new items featured on the ipsy website. This website is co-founded by Michelle Phan, one of YouTube's top beauty gurus. The website associated with the monthly gam bag is a community for discovering and sharing new and best rated beauty products. While last month, I was a little disappointed with my first glam bag, I am somewhat more pleased this month.

This months theme is "The Great Escape". I like that they chose travel essentials and handy travel items, as many people are traveling this time of year for spring break.

1)The GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette was made exclusively for ipsy Glam Bag subscribers. The magnetic base is the perfect spot to store pan-only eyeshadows.

2 & 3) yaby Eyeshadow Refill: Whether you want to make a dramatic statement or just add a veil of color to your eyes, the yaby eyeshadow refills are extremely easy to work with. Can be used wet or dry and the smooth texture allows blending with ease. All shadows are vegan friendly and the pans are reusable for mixing. (These pans go great in the GlamRX palette, as well as the Coastal Scents eyeshadows provided in last months Glam Bag!)

4) Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist tones, hydrates, and refreshes your face and hair while on the go, anytime of the day. Hydrate with the refreshing blends of organic juices for a fresh, radiant complexion. (I noticed this doesn't smell all that great, but haven't tried it to have an opinion of it yet)

5) La Fresh® Travel Lite® portable towlette wipes are perfect for jetsetters, go-getters, outdoor enthusiasts and multi-taskers everywhere. Towlette packets are small in size, designed for practicality and are easy to use. These travel-friendly makeup remover wipes can be easily stored in a purse, carry-on or backpack!

This months travel-friendly samples came in a small navy and white anchor pattern zipper top pouch! :)







*SPRING-SPIRATION*

  

While I have had spring fever for quite some time, I'm convinced spring is around the corner for real now, I can just feel IT! :) One of my favorite things about spring is fresh blossoms and the return of color to the outdoors. I love the beauty of new life and the freshness to spring. To get myself even more excited, I really have been into looking at flower arrangements and bouquets on Pinterest. While most of these are wedding bouquets, I am IN LOVE with the colors and assortments of flowers. They scream spring to me! This spring, I hope to get in the habit of have fresh flowers at home.

By far, my favorite flower right now is the dahlia.
Absolutely in LOVE!

 

Oh For the Love of Pink {nail of the day}

Two pink manicures in one week you ask?! What can I say, I really am loving hot pink manis for this cold and dreary season. This new Loreal Check Me Out nail polish is a bit sheer, but two coats does the trick! I topped it with my new favorite "Out the Door" fast drying top coat. Overall, this pink is perfect and not to mention affordable! :)

apps used: picframe & lumie

A Night Out on The Town

Can you believe it is already the 6th day of March? Slow down 2013, is what I'm thinking! This past weekend, a few of my really good friends came to town for a weekend visit. I love having them as guests and always look forward to the memories we will make together, because we always do ;) We decided to have a night out on the town in celebration of us all being together. I didn't hesitate for one second when it came to what I would wear, because I recently made a trip to the mall. I accidentally stumbled upon a pair of shoes I couldn't live without. Not to mention, they were a heck of a steal! But I'll tell you more about that in a minute. After I picked up the shoes, I knew immediately how I should style them.

I really like to consider this look very "House of Harlow 1960" (Nicole Riche's jewelry and accessory line) inspired. While this statement necklace is not a piece of hers, it reminds me a lot of her collection. Paired with a dark top, these smoldering heels, and a bold lip, everything flows together!

Back to my shoe story! A week or so ago, I was browsing one of my favorite style blogs, Lily's Style, and saw in one of her newest looks, the most sexy and stunning wedges I'd seen in a while. These pointed toe, burgundy wedges are currently sold on Sole Society for $59.99. I had originally planned to purchase them, but when I made a trip to the mall, I ironically came across a pair of heels so similar, yet different, to the pair I wanted. These heels also just so happened to be on the clearance rack with an ADDITIONAL 70% off the lowest price, resulting in my new beauties only costing me a whopping $18!!! There was no way I could pass that up!

What looks inspire you for a night on the town?

Outfit details:
Blouse (ties at waist): Forever 21
Necklace: Forever 21
Heels: Younkers- Victor Alfaro
Lip color: Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet paired with Clinque's Black Honey gloss for a little shine
Phone case- J. Crew

Hot for Pink! {nail of the day}

After a series of neutral and dark nails, I decided to change it up. Fancy Fuchsia by Orly is by far one of my favorite polish colors for hands AND feet. This color can be found on my toes almost all summer long. I love this pink because it is neon and fun, but not juvenile.

What are some of your all time favorite polishes?