March 21, 2014

Giddyup, Illamasqua's Blending Brush

March 21, 2014/ Nicole McIntyre

I've been toting around the MAC 217 for years and it's really starting to show its age. Chalk it up to getting wedged inside my makeup bag, as well as repeated use with very few baths between application.

Around my makeup mirror I don't practice what I preach.

Then fate stepped in a few weeks ago right around the same time I was considering buying a 217 back-up; Rebecca of Illamasqua introduced me to the Blending Brush.

Side by side comparison: MAC's 217 (bottom) and Illamasqua's Blending Brush (top)

It was love at first touch.

I heard, "now I'm going to blend out wah wa wha wha wha." In that moment Rebecca sounded like Charlie Brown's elementary school teacher.

The bristles are so silky soft to the point where it feels like each bristle (synthetic and cruelty-free) is skating across the eyelid. The blending brush also enjoys a good windshield wiper motion, patting, tapping and general all over sweeping.

In addition to its smooth moves, those aforementioned synthetic bristles refuse to absorb product. The 217 can be a real b*%@h to clean thanks to the creamy white goat hair bristles -- my OCD goes into overdrive whenever they get stained from product.

MAC 217 don't be offended when you're relegated to the back of the drawer from time to time.

Brushes are always an investment, ultimately choose what feels right (and works) on you.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Illamasqua's Blending Brush:

$35.00 AUS / $32.50 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

9 out of 10 bags — Illamasqua's Blending brush is my little work horse.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

The Shattered Star Nail Varnish in Trilliant gave me pause.

December 23, 2013

Are you really The One?

December 23, 2013/ Nicole McIntyre

It's one thing to have your makeup done by a professional and another to try to replicate their handiwork at home, especially with the tools they used.

The One Perfecting Brush came into my life a few weeks ago after Kristi used it in order to create a flawless and natural looking complexion.

This stout brush is a cross between the kabuki and a traditional paint brush. The handle is finished with rubberised plastic to help keep the brush from slipping out of your hands and the bristles are made of super soft goat hair. The abundance of hair and the manner in which it was perfectly trimmed lends itself to getting the makeup onto your face, instead of seeping down and gunking up the base of your brush.

Profile

So far I've used The One to apply my powder foundation, bronzer (to contour), blush and finishing powder -- its ability to align itself with the hollows of my cheeks is unreal. Talk about contour heaven!

The One washes up quite nicely too. Lukewarm water and gentle soap works like a charm.

Becca promises The One will replace your foundation brush, powder brush, highlighter brush, contour brush, precision brush and sponge. That's at least six brushes you could potentially stow away, toss or not even consider adding to your makeup bag.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Becca's The One Perfecting Brush:

$65.00 AUS / $49.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

9 out of 10 bags — My other brushes are shaking in their boots.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

I've been told to keep an eye out for an exciting release in early 2014. Yay!

October 12, 2013

Cheap & Reliable: EcoTools Airbrush Concealer Brush

October 12, 2013/ Nicole McIntyre

Where have you been hiding? And who knew I was looking past such a trusty brush‽

Their "Earth-Friendly" ethos extends to their products in terms of quality and composition. Comprised of a bamboo handle, recycled aluminium and soft artificial bristles, these cruelty-free brushes are where it's at.

On a whim I purchased the Airbrush Concealer Brush to replace my much-loved Deluxe Concealer Brush -- I wanted a far more petite brush head that has the ability to sneak and sweep in and around the eye area.

Another amazing thing about this brush is it doesn't steal product. I found the Deluxe Concealer Brush, while useful, glommed onto more product than it should; therefore, depriving my eyes of much-needed coverage. Talk about product wastage, too!

EcoTools' Airbrush Concealer Brush is a diamond in the rough. I've been known to drop beaucoup bucks for makeup brushes, but I think EcoTools really has something special to offer.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Philosophy's Miracle Worker: