Editor's Pick: Budget Friendly Makeup Brushes

Sam and Nic Chapman from Pixi Woo, teamed up with Real Techniques to launch a makeup brush line made up of synthetic, cruelty-free brushes. Their mission is to provide quality brushes that are affordable and easy to use. After hearing so much buzz around these brushes, I had to try them out myself. I must say that for the price these are excellent brushes. Using my accumulated store points and this on-line coupon from Ulta, I purchased the Core Collection for around $13. Not a bad deal, considering that I received four brushes!

{brushes left to right: foundation, detailer, contour, buffing}

Included in this kit is a pointed foundation brush, detailer brush, contour brush, and buffing brush. The set also comes with a compact black case that is excellent for travel. Since these are synthetic brushes they can be used with liquids, creams, or powders.

The pointed foundation brush is a bit small for me. I have found that it works great as a concealer brush for under the eyes and covering up blemishes.

The detailer brush doesn't look like much, but it's the brush that I  have been reaching for every day! It does several jobs well. I love using it with my powder eyeshadows as well as my gel liner to line my eyes. It also is excellent used as a lip brush.

The contour brush is the perfect size for chiseling out your cheek bones. I use it for contouring with my cream foundations, as well as with my powder bronzers.

Last, but certainly not least is the buffing brush. This is my favorite brush from the collection. It applies liquid foundation like a dream. It also is great for buffing in mineral powders. I use it for both.

I love that each of these brushes are able to fulfill more than one role. It cuts down on the number of brushes that I have to carry with me when I travel. Overall, I am impressed with these brushes. If you are new to the makeup world this is a great starter set. Even if you own a ton of brushes already, these brushes are definitely worth trying.

What are your favorite brushes? We'd love to know! Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

{photos and styling by: Rebekah Miura}

A Natural Look for Summer with Cream Based Makeup

We live in Florida... hot, humid, sticky Florida.  Make-up during the summer in this kind of climate is tricky, very tricky.  Here are a few tips to make your look stay all day without looking like you are melting: Crème based makeup during the summer is a great way to keep the skin looking fresh, hydrated and glowing and has staying power even in hot + humid weather.  When applying a cream, liquid or gel based makeup it's best to apply with a synthetic brush. Not only will it be much easier to clean, but you will get a much softer and even application. I started by prepping the skin with a light oil free moisturizer (Glo Emulsion).  Rather than using a heavy foundation, I used Glo Minerals Sheer Tint in Golden to even out her skin tone. Brow Powder in Taupe was added with an angle liner brush just to lightly fill them and define the brow.

Following the brows, I applied Glo Mineral’s crème bronzer to warm up her skin and crème blush in plumeria to the apples of her cheeks (soo pretty!).  To give that gorgeous glow we often see on celebrities, I applied Glo Minerals crème highlighter (a pretty sheer shimmery pink) to the tops of her cheek bones and down the center of her nose.  To do this I used a synthetic fan brush.

After using a lid primer, I applied Maybelline’s Color Tattoo, these little magic pots of crème eyeshadow are smudge + crease proof +very water resistant. Trust me when I tell you, they will last all day!!!  The color options in this line are awesome!  I used a brush, but you could use your finger as well.

To finish her eyes, we applied Glo Minerals Crème eyeliner in ebony to the upper and lower lash line.

Since we love love love the bright pink trend of this season and wanted to give her look some “pop”, we used Maybelline’s Lipstick from their “Vivids” line in Brazen Berry! (You can purchase Maybelline's products from any drugstore.) I love this line soo much that I purchased several of the colors and love them all!

To finish her look I lightly dusted Glo Mineral’s Perfecting Powder in her TZone to prevent shine and set her makeup.

You could tell Emily felt very comfortable in this look and she commented that she didn't even feel the makeup!

Written by Melissa Kinsey 

Melissa is a licensed skin care specialist who offers facials and complete skin care, waxing services, makeup consultations and bridal/formal makeup applications (using airbrush or Glo Mineral Makeup). To purchase Glo Mineral Makeup, you may visit the Glo Mineral website or connect directly with Melissa through her facebook page.

Photo Credit:  Elizabeth Garrard

Images Edited By: Jen Duarte