Must-Have Makeup Brushes!

There is no denying that there are tons of makeup brushes out there to choose from. There are a few that are completely useless, yet some are a staple to have in your makeup bag. I have narrowed down my favorite and must have brushes in no particular order to have in your kit; whether you are a make-up artist or just love to apply it on yourself. I will also included which brushes are a waste of money!

The best brushes I have used are definitely by MAC....but they are a little expensive. No need to worry! There are plenty of other makers that offer affordable, yet amazing quality brushes, such as Sigma. Check out their website at http://www.sigmabeauty.com. I also have a few brushes by ELF that I really love, and some are only $1 a brush.

EYE BRUSHES:

Flat Eyeshadow Brush:

This is my favorite eye brush. It is used for a basic application of eyeshadow on the lid and if used correctly, you can do quite a few other techniques, like blending for example. This is best to used to pack on a lot of color on the eyelid.

Angled Eyeliner Brush

 

This brush is AWESOME. It is my favorite brush to use to apply eyeliner (liquid or gel). The cool feature about this brush is the bent tip. It offers more control and it keeps your hand from being in the way so you can see exactly what you're doing.

Angled Eyeliner Brush:

Some people prefer to use this brush to apply eyeliner, but I love using it to smoke out my pencil liner application. For example, I line my upper lash line with a Kohl pencil, and I top it off with a black eyeshadow to set it. This brush is perfect for pressing the eyeshadow into the lash line.

Blending/Fluffy Brush:

This brush is ideal for blending out the harsh edges left from an eyeshadow application. Essential for a flawless smoky eye! It can also be used for a lighter application of eyeshadow.

Crease Brush:

A crease brush is used for, well....your crease!

A defined crease can create a very beautiful 

and dramatic effect. It can also be used on 

the outer-V area and the lower lash line.

Eyebrow Comb & Brush:

Used for brushing out unruly brows. You can also use the comb side for your lashes if your mascara is too clumpy.

FACE BRUSHES:

Kabuki Brush:

The kabuki brush is a face brush used to achieve a heavier application of powder or powder foundation, since the bristles are plentiful and closer compacted. Buff it into your skin for an air-brushed finish.

Powder Brush:

This brush is similar to the kabuki brush, but offers

a lighter application. I like to use this one to apply 

loose translucent powder after applying my foundation.

Stippling Brush:

This brush is made with two different fibers. It is

perfect for applying liquid foundation leaving with

you with an air-brushed finish. Simply pour some

foundation on the back of your hand, dip the brush 

into it and start stippling the product onto your skin 

until you get the desired effect.

Angled Blush Brush:

Used for applying blush and/or bronzer. The angle helps 

with getting a more precise application, rather than using 

a round brush. I use the fluffy side of the brush to blend out 

the edges.

BRUSHES TO PASS ON:

Fan Brush:

This brush is supposed to be used to either

sweep eyeshadow fall out, or for applying a highlighter.

Seriously? Just use a powder brush and save a few

bucks. No need for this one.

Foundation Brush:

Some people love this brush...I happen to hate it. I end 

up using way too much product and it leave my face uber

streaky, no matter what I do. I usually use my hand,

but when in need of a brush, I reach for a stippling brush.

Sponge Tip Applicators:

I hate these things! They just don't offer the control 

that I want and aren't as precise as a brush. 

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So there you have it! Those are my must-have brushes. I believe the key to a flawless looking face is using the right brushes and the correct technique. Like always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment and I will be prompt and glad to help!

XO

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How to Choose the Best Foundation for Your Skin Type (DRUGSTORE)!

Picking a foundation can definitely be tricky. You go down the aisles at the drugstore, you're bombarded by displays at Sephora, or you're pressured by an overzealous beauty consultant at a department store and you are completely overwhelmed and don't know where to begin. Sound familiar? Well, you're not alone. I've rounded up the best drugstore brand foundations for every skin type. The perfect foundation for you is out there! Keep on reading to find your foundation soul-mate. 

IF YOU HAVE OILY/COMBINATION SKIN:

If this is your type, chances are your skin is acne prone as well. Avoid any foundations that are labeled as, "Luminous", "Dewy", etc. and make sure it says "Oil-Free". This is my skin type and the best foundation that I have found that works for me is surprisingly, a drugstore brand. Try:

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation for Oily/Combination skin. $9-$12

• Coverage: Full
• Type: Liquid
• SPF: 6 
• Finish: Matte
• Available at most drugstores and discount department stores

I would recommend applying this foundation with clean hands as the formula is a little thick and dries kind of quickly. Using your hands will help warm the product, thus allowing you to fully blend it into your skin, and will give you the most natural looking finish. If you are working on a client, use a sponge applicator or a foundation/stippling brush.

IF YOU HAVE DRY SKIN:

If your skin is dry, you most likely feel tightness and have flakes mostly around your nose, chin and forehead. If this is the case, look for foundations that are labeled as "Moisturizing" or "Luminous". Try: 

Covergirl Olay Simply Ageless Foundation, $10-$15

I know this is marketed for more mature skin, but that doesn't mean a thing! Anyone can use this foundation, young or old. It has olay moisturizers swirled into it and it will leave your skin looking radiant and hydrated without looking greasy.

• Coverage: Medium
• Type: Liquid/Cream
• SPF: 22
• Finish: Luminous 
• Available at most drugstores and discount department stores

IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN:

If your skin is sensitive, breaks out easily and is constantly irritated, aim for foundations that are labeled as "Oil-free", "Hypoallergenic", and/or "Non-Comedegenic." Try:

Almay Nearly Naked Foundation, $9-$12

• Coverage: Medium, but buidable.
• Type: Liquid
• SPF: 15
• Finish: Natural
• Available at most drugstore and discount department stores.

IF YOU HAVE MATURE/AGING SKIN:

If gravity is starting to catch up on you and you're starting to notice fine lines, age spots and wrinkles, then you should look into an anti-aging foundation. These are typically formulated with hydrating and firming ingredients to help your skin look younger and more radiant. Try:

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind, $7-$10

  

• Coverage: Medium
• Type: Liquid
• SPF: 18
• Finish: Luminous
• Available at most drugstore and discount department stores.

No matter what foundation you end up using, always remember to have nicely exfoliated skin and never forget to set your foundation with a loose, translucent powder. It will stay put all day long!

Well, I hope this has helped you in some way. I know it still might be a little difficult to find the right foundation for you as these might not be the soul-mate for your skin. You just need to try them out for yourself and give them a go. I suggest purchasing them at CVS as they let you return and/or exchange cosmetics even if they've been used. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments! Good luck!

XO

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How to Determine Your Undertone & How to Choose the Perfect Red Lip Color!

Contrary to popular belief, anyone and everyone can pull off a red lip! It's a very classic and sexy look. All you need to do is know what the undertone of your skin is. It can be warm, cool, or like mine, neutral. Here are a few ways to figure out your undertone if you don't already know:

THE JEWELERY TEST

One of the most known ways to identify your skin tone is to simply compare gold or silver jewelry against your skin.

If GOLD looks best on you, then your undertone is warm. You'll notice that the gold color will instantly brighten up your skin. Usually people with warm undertones have ivory, peachy, golden brown, golden beige, or coppery skin color. Eyes typically have warm undertones as well, such as hazel, honey brown, amber or dark golden brown. Hair is usually chestnut, golden brown, auburn, and coppery red.

If SILVER looks best, then you have a cool undertone. Your skin is most likely rosy pink, rosy beige, dark brown, ebony, or dark olive. Eyes are usually blue, almost black or green. The silver should bring out the blue/rosy tones of your complexion. Hair is typically dark brown, black, light blonde, and ashy blonde.

Once you have figured out your undertone, you want to choose a red that has the same tones as your skin - warm & warm, cool & cool, or if you're lucky enough to have neutral skin, you can pull off both!

THE VEIN METHOD

I believe this is the quickest and easiest way to determine your undertone, and it is the way that I found out mine. All of the other techniques that I've tried were really hard to tell, as my skin is neutral. Simply hold out you inner wrist, preferably in natural day light and examine the color of your veins. Are your veins BLUE? Congrats, your tone is cool! Are they GREEN? Yup, your tone is warm, buddy! If your veins appear to be TURQUOISE, then you are one lucky duck because your undertone is neutral, meaning you can pretty much pull off any color.

SOME EXAMPLES:

Reese Witherspoon has a COOL skin tone.

Natalie Portman is WARM.

Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Aniston are two great examples of NEUTRAL skin tones.

Now that you have figured out the undertone of your skin, it's time to pick out a red lip color! Since red is such a bold color, you want to stay away from anything glossy or glittery. You want to pick a matte shade and keep the rest of the makeup on your face simple, since the main focus will be on your lips. 

Here are some suggestions for you guys. I have included both affordable and high end options:

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WARM:

Chili by MAC, $14.50

Fatal Red by Maybelline, $5.99

COOL: Russian Red by MAC, $14.50 

       Revlon Really Red Matte $7.99

UNIVERSAL REDS!

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Enthusiast, $30

Snow White by NYX, $4.99

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And there you have it! You should have absolutely no trouble getting the perfect shade of red for your complexion. I hope this was helpful to you, and have fun sporting your sexy, red lips! 

XO

              

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Shall I introduce myself?

Hey! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm very excited that I finally decided to start a makeup/beauty blog and I hope that you will stick around and enjoy it!


I'm Veronica, aka Ronnie. I am 25 years old, married, no kids and I live in beautiful Los Angeles, California. I am what some call, a makeup ADDICT. (Like it's a bad thing!)

A little back story about how I got into makeup.....

I've always been into the arts and I've always loved anything to do with creativity. I was constantly drawing as a kid and painting on my toy easel. It helped me escape into my own little world. I was just like many other little girls - I would get into my mom's makeup stash and go crazy! I was probably about 4 or 5 when I really started taking interest. My favorite product of hers (besides her amazing perfumes) were THE cutest mini lipsticks! They were about an inch tall, and about half a centimeter thick. Soon it got to the point to where she went ahead and bought me my very own makeup palette! I was the happiest girl alive.

Fast forward a few years to middle school. Awkward, hormonal middle school--where we all thought we looked cute with our frosty white eyeshadow, blue mascara and lips covered in so much lip gloss that we looked like we were drooling. No wonder the boys seemed to be scared of me. Hmph. Did I mention that I was a fan of over tweezing? Not a pretty sight....at all. 

Basically....

I went through a lot of makeup phases (and faux pas) in high school. During my freshman year, I kept it pretty simple and natural looking. Mascara, some black liner in my water line, blush , clear lip gloss and I was good to go. My hair was at it all time best too (it was virgin!). Sophomore year was pretty similar. Now.....when I think back to Junior and Senior year, I cringe. Extremely heavy black liner (a la Taylor Momsen), too light foundation, hot pink lips and blush, and let's not even get started with my fashion taste. Those of you who know me personally know exactly what I'm talking about.

It took me lots and lots of years of practice to get to where I am today. I've learned the techniques, tricks, and I even have taught myself special effects makeup. I am by no means a professional or an expert, nor a makeup artist. I just do what I love to do, and I am still learning new things everyday. No one is perfect, not even with a flawless makeup application. We should all feel comfortable and confident in our own natural skin, but sometimes, we just need an extra oomph. You gotta admit that it feels amazing wearing a kick ass red lip and sexy winged liner. There is no problem in wanting to feel even better, right?

I apologize if this was a little long. My future posts won't be this way, I promise! Thank you for reading, and welcome again!

XO

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