Snowcation! Time to clean and condition the make-up brushes!

It's looked like this here lately ->

and I even saw a pic of this in a town about 30 minutes from my house...

but, it looked like this at my house...

actually - truth is - it was still snowing when I took this...and we got much more...you couldn't barely see the post there by the rabbit. It was 20 inches...huge snow drifts. Needless to say - we and about 1/3 (at least) of the good ole' USofA was snowed in. We called it our Snowvaction!  Wheeeeee!  First time I've heard of Snow Thunder. Crazy stuff!

Anyway - besides the normal stuff of baking, sleeping, napping, hanging out, tv watching...and in our house playing music and making art...it was also a great time to wash my make-up brushes. I try to do this at least once a week.  Made me think...hmmmmm...there's something I should probably post about.

So - here's the DL on how I clean my brushes. I don't know if this is the 100% correct way to do this...but, I will say -> my brushes last a long time and look great and perform great for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time. Here's the deal - if you are going to invest in good make-up ->invest in some good make-up brushes!! You don't have to do it all at once. Buy one here and there. Find them on sale. Deplete your collection of crappy make-up brushes. Then - once you get them...maintain them like crazy! They will last a long time.

Now - I know some gals buy their brushes in the art store in the fine art supply section. I haven't done that. But - I will probably. I currently have ECO Brushes which I bought at Target. They are cheap to reasonably priced. And, of course...I have MAC brushes...which I love the most. They are not reasonably priced. But - they work great and last a long time if you take care of them.

Ok - so here's what I do to clean mine.

First fill a sink or bowl with warm water, and lay out a couple of white washcloths next to the sink.

Then I toss in all my brushes if I am using the sink - or one at a time for a bowl - and swish them around.

swish*swish*swish

Then I pour about a dime-sized amount of baby shampoo into the palm of my hand.

I use the Wal-Mart Equate brand. See...not even expensive.

I pick up each brush and rub the brush bristles into the shampoo in a circular motion. Lots of make-up comes out of those brushes. Crazy!

Then I rinse them all really well, and Shape the brush heads into a nice shape. They can take a beating through the week - so it's good to reshape them.

We're not done yet! Hang in there.

I buy this at Sephora. I love it. It smells good and works amazing! Even gets off those last traces of MAC gel eyeliner that tend to build up on my eyeliner brushes.

It says you can use it daily. I'll be honest. I don't. I'm lucky to get my brushes cleaned once a week.

Anyway....

I spray the brush bristles really well and wipe the brush on a clean white washcloth.  This way I can tell if the brush is clean and make-up free.  Mmmmmmmmmmmm....smells good.

Reshape the brush bristles and lay all your make-up brushes out to dry.

This whole process takes me about 10 minutes.  Viola! Clean Brushes.  Now -> go make your brushes happy and give them a bath. :-)

foundation

Hi friends!

OK...so - here it is...the foundation post!!! Bells & Whistles and Flashing Disco lights are going off. Pause and Enjoy for a minute.

Ok - back to the bloggity blog.

So..........I've tried so many. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many!
Cheap ones - Expensive ones - Most Popular Ones - & The One in the corner no one wants to dance with.  I've done liquid ones, powder ones, pancake ones, stick ones....so many ones!!!  I've done them all it seems.

I liked this one for a short while...in pale almond. I know! I know! It's Estee Lauder. So many of you think OLD LADY when you think Estee Lauder. But hey! I'm an old lady...or a getting old lady. whatever. I'm willing to take one for the team to try and find the mosto perfecto foundation in all the land. I'm just that nice...or, I just like make-up stuff. ;-)

It made my skin very dewy looking, and to be honest I topped it with my fav powder. So, it sort of got rid of any shiny look that it might have projected. But...I decided it wasn't really my fav, and it was kinda pricey. It just really didn't have staying power. Even with all the primers... BOO! 

Then, I decided to give this one a whirl again...

Bare Minerals in Medium Beige. Yep. I like it. I really really do. Some of my friends look AHHHHMAZING in this! Not gonna lie.  But...it still wasn't quite it for me. I did like it a lot. But, again...older skin. Sorry. The wrong foundation on "I'm getting older" skin starts to show more imperfections...like it can make emphasize your wrinkles or make your face look kinda furry at times. Sorry. I am just speaking the truth in sisterly love. Another thing...I remember my friend Marley telling me it had some bad stuff for some in it...Bismuth Oxychloride.

Here's a quote from a dermatologist about it I found online  ->

While bismuth oxychloride has proven antibacterial properties, it can irritate sensitive skin like mad.  “Bismuth oxychloride can aggravate acne, resulting in flare-ups upon use, and even cause the appearance of acne cysts,” says Manhattan-based dermatologist Judith Hellman, MD. “In addition, it may be the source of rashes in patients sensitive to it, especially those with delicate and easily irritated skin, such as rosacea and eczema patients.” No wonder many mineral makeup manufacturers are now eliminating bismuth oxychloride from their formulations.

Here's another thing about this make-up - or any mineral make-up really. I CANNOT STAND how it gets all over the bathroom counter, sink and EVERYWHERE when you are putting it on. Even if you are careful. When I travel and I use this stuff, makes me crazy trying to clean up after myself in host home. Oh well. 

DON'T BE A HATER now! ;-)  I actually still do use some Bare Escentuals stuff in their product line. I use the Mineral Veil often...practically every day. So...apparently, I'm not too afraid of Bismuth Oxychloride. 8~D!

So...once again...i went slinking into my nearest MAC counter....feeling like Nell from the Rocky & Bullwinkle show yelling..."Help! Somebody Save ME!" And....along came my Canadian Mountie in the form of a MAC rep! Pass the cheese and Pour the Wine!

So - she applied a lot of fun stuff on my face. I, of course, wanted them all! But, I left with this.

I use NC35. 

I apply it in kinda a swirly motion most often with this ->

MAC 187 Brush. Yes. I know the price is Crazy Talk. Get it anyway. It kinda gives you an airbrushed look...kinda. 

OK...so moving right along. One day I was out of the above foundation. I had not planned well to have one waiting in the wings. So - off to the MAC store I go with my mamacita. They were out of my foundation. GASP! FAINT! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Ok. I just almost have to sit down thinking about this. Oh wait. I am sitting down. Never mind. 

So - once again, I turn to my MAC rep. 

She refers me to this. She even thinks I might like it better. It gives a little more coverage. It's the same color that I have been wearing.  Blah Blah Blah. Again...I mock my MAC people. Why do they keep taking me back?! I dunno. But I love 'em!

I buy it with no other options to turn to at the moment. And........

I LOVE IT! Sold! Wrapped and in the bag! Takin it home baby! Mine! Anyway...long story longer...that is what I am currently using now. Goes on great! Stays on Great! Makes me look like a fashion model! Errrrr....or something like that. Anyway  - It's the good stuff. <3

What's your favorite foundation?

Here's a fun link to watch for foundation application ->

after watching this I feel I might need a new MAC brush...Kabuki 180 come to Mama!

Kim Kardashian tutorial with her make-up artist

Hairs Spray!

This one will be short today you beautylicious people...mostly cuz there's not too much to say about this. It's a Love-Hate deal o' the day!

LOVE!
Normally, I almost ALWAYS use this. Very satisfied. This is a WIN!!

But willing to try something new to see if there is something more I might love alongside this keeper of a product.

So...I tried something new awhile back....

HATE!
Hey! I was at Wal-Mart...thought I'd give it a whirl. It's cheaper than my usual hairspray love...and...Sometimes L'Oreal makes me happy. This time = negatory happiness.

Here is the Perp ->

Why do I HATE it??? It STINKS! Not in performance mind you...I mean literally....it STINKS! I wanted to jump back in the shower and wash it off once I sprayed my hair. NEVAH again for moi. NEVAH!  As far as performance...not so much. Return to sender.

primers....AGAIN!

AHHHHHHHHHH! Run for the hills...I'm talking about Primers again.
NO! Not really! Don't run away! Please sit down and take advantage of my research. It was "my pleasure".
(No - I don't work at Chick-Fil-A) I am happy to take one for the team where make-up play is involved. ha!

Alrighty!
Since it's been awhile since I last posted....here's an update on the foundation primer I left you with last time.

Remember when I tried this one? ->

Well....
I stopped liking it pretty soon after that last blog. I think it still sits in the back of the drawer. I need to toss it. I can't remember why I stopped liking it...but, I think it made my face break out...and it started to feel a little greasy...and, most important - I think it just didn't work like I wanted it to. I want it all I tell ya! :-)

So....after a blissful visit to Sephora -  I tried this one ->

Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer.
My BFF has used this brand for her primer...in the green tint...so, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I bought the small size...which was still stupid expensive if it doesn't do it's job. I tried the peachier colored one. I'm always looking for ways to brighten my face...dang olive complexion!

So....verdict was. Ok in a pinch. Didn't make my make-up stay on like crazy mad...which is what I am after.  Not worth the money. Move along.

So....then I tried this one ->

Bare Escentuals Prime Time Foundation Primer.
I use some of the Bare Escentuals make-up. Well, honestly I only use the Mineral Veil and a blush on occasion. Sorry you people who swear by it...I think it makes older skin show every wrinkle "we" are trying to camo...at least on ME anyway. Dries my old skin out....anyway - back to the primer ->
What I love about this is that it is super light. I love how my skin feels after I use it. I also love that my face NEVER breaks out after I use it. BUUUUUUUUUT! I don't love that my make-up really doesn't seem to stay on much longer...it's almost like I didn't even use it. And......also, I don't love that it seems to be used up really fast so you have to purchase it more frequently. I used this for an extended period of time. I kept trying to convince myself of it's awesomeness.  I mean...come on! Have you seen that Bare Escentuals lady apply this stuff on her make-up models on tv...she's darn convincing! Finally, decided it was time to quit the charade. Time to face the music.  So - I use it every once in awhile now while I am using up the bottle.  Mostly I use it if I don't plan on wearing make-up much for the day, but I won't be buying it any more. Sorry Prime Time.

So....finally....I ended up back at the MAC counter. It's like I always seem to find myself back there after two-timing MAC. MAC always takes me back with open arms. I love MAC.  Anyway, after whining to my fav MAC consultant at the Pinnacle Mall in Rogers, Arkansas - she brought out this magic ->

MAC Prep + Prime.
I have used this for quite a long while now. I LOVE it. It lasts a long time. It feels great when you put it on. My make-up lasts a long time. BUT! Yep...there is a "BUT"...if I use too much in one application...I do notice that my face might break out a teeny tiny bit. Nothing big...it's just like..."Woah...where did you come from all the sudden Mr. Ugly Pimp!"...and then it's gone pretty fast. So...................verdict is.......
....drum roll please...
I'm back with MAC!!!
Shout it from the roof tops!
I'M BACK WITH MAC!!!
(at least for my foundation Primer, anyway)  :-)

Well, ladies - that's the DL update on foundation primers.  So - this leads us to the next question -> What foundation do I use on top of this most excellent MAC Prep + Prime. Well - that will have to wait until next time....but, until then ->

What's in your vanity that you love?

Benefit Lemon Aid

It's kind of funny.  I usually do a quick scan on the internet to see what other reviews say about a product before I post it on here. No one ever agrees. Ha!  I don't care.  This is one of my favorite's in my make-up drawers.  I use it every day now.  I feel like I stumbled onto something great when I bought this on a whim at Sephora one day. I think it was around $20.  I think it's gonna last foreva eva eva. Hip Hip Hooray!  My eyelids need some color correcting and primed before I put on eyeshadow if I want it to stay put longer than 2 hours.  My eyelids have this reddish tint that needs covering instead of the black or blue some people fight.  Probably comes with age. So - This stuff works!  It also seems to be an instant eye lift to my eyes. YAY!  I will say that it is very yellow when you put it on your eyelids at first...a bit alarming. :-)  But - your eyeshadow softens it and you can never tell it's there once you have eyeshadow on.  Bonus for me is that it doesn't crease...melt...or look cakey. That might be a bonus for you too. :-)  My eyeshadow stays on for a really long time...I only have to lightly freshen once during the day if I use this. I will admit putting on all the primers and putting on your make-up takes extra time...but, it seems worth it to me to make my make-up last and last and last....Primer...another word for the concept Energizer Bunny.

So...final word on this from me...

this one is a keeper and will be on top Must Haves for me. 

Yeah, I like it THAT much.

In other news...today is the first day of Spring and it is snowing here in smallish town Missouri. Farewell to the crocus and daffodils that had been blooming in my yard! Ack!  Oh well - it will be sunny again soon.

L'OREAL Studio Secrets Professional Primer

So.........yesterday i was at Target picking up some laundry detergent...and thought...hmmm....i will head over to the make-up...i am almost out of foundation...and, want to try something new. i like what i have been using...but, not sure it will be good for summer.  ANYWAY.....i stumbled on this new primer by L'Oreal.  I like some L'Oreal products...so, thought I'd give it a try. 

Cost:  $10.99 at my Target here in smallish town Missouri

Here's what L'Oreal says...

Discover the secret to perfect skin texture. Introducing Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base for instant smoothing results. Get the perfect skin texture, instantly and all day. The silky, lightweight formula glides onto skin and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Skin looks and feels smoothed and resurfaced. The result—a unified matte finish that’s flawless.

Suitable for all skin types. Dermatologist tested. Non-comedogenic.

Science Behind the Beauty

Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base boasts a high elastomer content, which gives the primer its unique, cushiony texture. The unique, creamy formula smoothes on easily to disguise fine lines, wrinkles and pores, while a combination of soft, light powders gives skin a matte look and silky finish. The formula is 100% oil- and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. Dermatologist tested.

Here's what I say...

I put it on last night before heading out for the evening.  It was pretty smooth. Not cakey feeling.  Kind of has a thick lotion appearance and feel, but it goes on easily.  I am a big believer in primers...so, I've tried a few.  This one seems like it's going to be awesome!  It definitely worked last night. I will try it for a few more days to make sure...but, I think this is a keeper. I will do a follow up later...but, I am definitely not taking it back immediately. YAY!
 
Cons:  I am not sure it is going to last too long...meaning, I think it will need to be replaced often. hmmm....
i don't love that, but it's part of the deal.

I also bought "a new to me" foundation to try.  I think I like it. I need to try it out a little more before I say.  It was also at Target.  I have been wanting to find a "cheaper" every day foundation...so, we'll see.  Last time I tried a foundation by this company - even though I liked it...my face started having more break outs...that is a definite NO Likey.

Anyway - give the primer a whirl and let me know what you think.

L

Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Make-up Review & a eyelash curler tip

Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Make-up

What Maybelline says about the product:

-SuperStay™ 24HR Makeup stays comfortable and 

  looks naturally flawless all day
-Micro-Flex formula provides 24-hour wear and No Transfer
-Withstands heat, sweat and humidity
-Oil-free, dermatologist tested, fragrance-free. Suitable for all skin types

I am not gonna lie!  I am always trying to find the dream foundation at "Wal-Mart prices".  Always!  I've tried a boatload of different ones.  All us girls must be trying to do this same thing.  I even would like it if I could find one I "mostly love" so that on days where I am just running around town or want a little coverage when I go to the gym...I could use my cheaper foundation...and then I would use my "more expensive but worth it" foundation for the times when I want my make-up to look really great.  Every time I do this...I am disappointed over the long term.  I know I am not the only girl who is searching.  The other day I ran into a gal (at Target) I know who was returning some foundation that she was trying out and hoping it would be "the one". So.....before I review this...I just want to remind you friend that I am a middle-aged woman...my skin does not respond as kindly to make up as it did when I was younger...I can't really just wear anything and it be awesome!  I don't want just a sheer coverage...that means things show through...aging skin needs to be covered up a little more.  It's all smoke and mirrors here girls. :-)  And...then here's the other issue...if you put too much coverage on...then your skin shows every wrinkle or hair and it looks caked on.  YUK A DUCK A DOO!  

drum roll please.....

Here's the short answer....I took it back.  I did not like it.  Did you know that if you buy make-up at Wal-Mart or Target and you don't like it...you can take it back?  Well, you can. 

Here's the long answer.  I tried it 3 times.  I think I tried Sand Beige.  I can't remember.  It wasn't really the color that bugged me.  What bugged me that was as soon as I put it on it looked liked it kind of oxidized in places on my face....before I put any powder(Bare Escentuals Tinted Mineral Veil) over it.  It was comfortable, and it went on very easy.  Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Make-up did not have a bad cheap make-up smell! Whew! I hate that smell.  I think it stayed on fairly well...but, not like a dream answer. I definitely don't think it stayed on for 24 hours by any means.  I worked out one day at the Y pretty intensely and let's just say I got a good sweat on.  When I got in the car I did a little inspection...and I didn't think I looked like I still had foundation on. I also totally had make-up transfer onto my cell phone...ew!  So, all in all - i wasn't impressed.  I kicked it to the curb.  I read other reviews about this product, and they are mixed.  So - you might love it...but as for me...

...I'll keep searching.  

OK - now for the Tip!

This is a GOOOOOOD one!

I read this tip in MORE magazine...and it works works works!  Heat the curling end of your eyelash curler for about 4-5 seconds with your blow dryer.  Touch the curler to your arm to make sure it's not too hot...it is metal...it just needs to be slightly warm.  Then curl your lashes with your warmed up curler.  It works so well!!! Try it! Your lashes will thank you.