Cleaning & Caring for Makeup Brushes

There are a variety of ways to wash your makeup brushes, and even the experts debate on which method is best.  My basic method until recently was to use a mixture of anti-acne facial cleanser and moisturizing shampoo, rinse, blot with a wash cloth and then lay them flat until dry.  However, this video featuring Michelle Phan's cleaning method using olive oil and dishsoap intrigued me and made me question my cleaning methods.  I tried this method for the first time about this time last year. Before I started, I watched the video again and took notes because I am an obessive note-taker.  I got out all my brushes and followed her directions.  After my brushes dried, I pulled out my Tarte airbrush foundation brush and ran it across my hand.  The bristles were wonderfully soft, shiny, and glorious.  I then looked at my beloved Tokidoki kabuki brush...and damn near cried.  I thought my brush was ruined.  Even fully dry, the bristles were stuck together and stiff, not full and soft like it should be.  I had to rewash the brush probably three times in my original method to get it back to its original shape, and I know I probably damaged it in the process which ticks me off.

Michelle recommends using Brush Guards to help maintain your brush's shape during the drying process, and I have to admit I love these things.  You can buy them online, but I've found them in several Walmart stores (in the Huntington area, they're only at the South Point Walmart).  You get a few different sizes that fit everything to a kabuki brush to lip brushes.  Don't cut them, though, because they're woven and will unravel.  I learned that the hard way.  They help keep debris off the brushes and I can't imagine traveling without them.  I did stop using them in my brush washing method because it takes forever for my brushes to dry with them on.  My big Tarte brush takes almost a week to fully dry with a Brush Guard on which I find rather ridiculous.

I have since changed my makeup brush washing ways.  I only use Michelle's olive oil method on a select few brushes, and use an anti-bacterial soap/moisturizing shampoo mix on the rest.  To dry them, I elevate one side of a cookie cooling rack and cover it with a towel.  I then lay the brushes so the handles are on the elevated sides so that water doesn't sit in the metal parts loosening the glue on the bristles.  I like my new method and it's getting my brushes good and clean.

How do you wash your brushes?

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 28

Buy it here!

I try to wash my makeup brushes every two weeks or so, but sometimes that doesn't really work out (AKA most of the time).  In between washings, I like to use Sephora's daily anti-bacterial cleaning spray.  You can spray the bristles directly, but I spray it on a cotton round and whisk the brush over that.  I like to see the makeup come off so I know it's getting clean.  This stuff can be a bit drying on natural bristle brushes, so I'd use it sparingly on those.

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 26

 

Buy it here!

This is Stila's the Makeup Player, the first cosmetics case that has a headphone jack.  As you can see in the picture, you can hook up your MP3 player to listen to music or watch videos Stila made for the player.  It's a nifty idea.  I bought mine a few years ago and I use it all the time, mostly for travel.  It also comes with the makeup shown in the picture, which I also received.  The lip gloss is a meh at most, but I use the eyeshadow all the time.  I can't recommend this case enough if you travel or have a small makeup collection.

BGP: Maybelline's Lots of Lashes and Baby Lips Balm

 

I've been needing some new mascara, so I decided to try Maybelline's Lots of Lashes.  I've heard amazing things about it and I like their Great Lash line, with Lots of Lashes (LOL, heh) being the latest addition.  With it's unique heart-shaped wand, it's supposed to help you get all those little lashes that normally get missed, while the formula lengthenss and adds volume.  The brush takes a little bit of getting used to it as I stabbed myself in the eyes several times trying to use the tip to get those pesky inner eye lashes.  I also got some major clumping, although I'm not sure if it's the formula or my inability to use the wand correctly.  I think the only reason I would keep it around it to use just the little end on my outer lashes, I  just can't fathom using as my everyday mascara.

I bought both the Lots of Lashes mascara and the Baby Lips lip balm together in a set for $5 at Walmart.  Two birds, one stone.  There are a couple of different Baby Lips flavors you can choose from but I chose the blue tube, which is clear with 20 SPF.  It has a nice sheen, a weird floral/candy scent (it isn't too bad), and a strange taste which is probably the sunscreen.  This balm seemed to make lip drier than before I put it on.  It also hardly lasted 10 minutes before my lips felt dry again and I needed to put more on.  For the same amount the Baby Lips is, $2.99, you can get much better lip balms.  This stuff just really sucks.

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 25

Buy it here!

This Hello Kitty palette came out this past spring, and I looked at it several times before I bit the bullet this weekend and bought it.  What drew me in was the obviously cute packaging but I was iffy because it's a palette of mostly pastels.  While going through some fashion week shows, I noticed the trend of pastel eyeshadow and decided it's something I should look into because I really haven't been into pastels since high school (it was the late 90s/early 00s so it was okay).  While surfing Sephora's website I came across the Hello Kitty palette again and bought it without second thought.  I haven't gotten it yet so I can't attest to its qualitites, but it has overall good reviews.  If this seems like something you might like to try, you're going to want to buy this palette ASAP. Once Sephora puts something on sale, especially this low (it was originally $42), they go ridiculously fast.

Stay Golden

 

I typically don't cover award show style, because, well, everyone else does.  But after seeing not just one or two but several of these bright yellow dresses I thought I needed to mention it.  Yes, these dresses could light up the runway at Yeager Airport, but since I'm sort of anti-neon for fall/winter it's a bit of an unexpected surprise.  I'm really loving this color and think it would be a great way to spice up your fall wardrobe while still staying in season.



 

Purchase information here.

Here are some ideas for incorporating bright yellow into your closet.  I'm really loving the chain bracelet, which is only $13.  The nail polish is from the Thakoon line for Nars and is available in Sephora stores (but not the ones inside JC Penney's). The key to this trend is making sure the yellow is saturated and bright and bordering on neon but not quite there.  Think of the fields and roadsides that are currently in full bloom with goldenrod and ragweed and are making everyone sneeze, that's the color you want to aim for.

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 24

 

Buy it here!

I hadn't been on the Sephora website in quite awhile as it has a nifty habit of swallowing my entire paycheck.  While I only bought a few small things this time, I came across this collection from Tarte and my job dropped.  24 full-sized eyeshadows, a blush brush, full-sized blush, and eight travel-sized lip glosses and a setting powder.  Not to mention this gorgeous case which holds everything, along with a mirror the size of your head.  I can't tell you how badly I want this set.  I'm trying to be a good fashion blogger and let my parents get it for me as a birthday gift in a few weeks but I'm not sure I can wait that long.

Tarte makes the best makeup sets.  I bought this beautiful vanity set last year, and I use it more than anything else.  Sadly, it doesn't travel well at all, and I'm getting ready to do a bunch of traveling for my job so sadly it's going to be left behind, making the Carried Away collection all more appealing.

Beauty Trends that Need to End

 

I've been mulling over this post for a while.  At first I was afraid to post it because I didn't want to lose readership.  However, as a fashion & style blogger I feel it's a part of my duty to keep y'all looking your best.  I'm looking at this as tough love.  But seriously, these trends need to go.  Your time is up, it's been great knowing you, we'll probably see you later.

I can't say which one needs to go first.  They have their own quirks about them and like a mother trying to choose her favorite child, I just can't do it.  So I'll just start in the upper right-hand corner and go counter-clockwise.

Cat's Eye Liner: I'm just tired of seeing this.  At first it started off cute and a little bit edgy, now I see it on 60 year old women and 12 year olds.  It's also not a classic look, we went several decades without it being popular and makeup honestly looked a lot better.  You'll see me make this statement often, but it's time to move on and get innovative with eyeliner looks.

Glittery Cosmetics: A little glitter never hurt anyone, and I think glitter is fine in moderation.  It's in everything now, blush, lip gloss, highlighter, etc.  I can take sparkle on your eyes, and a hint on the cheeks, but anywhere --lips especially--looks like a young child did your makeup and is that really attractive?

Ombre Hair: Or ombre anything.  I can't get on Pinterest without seeing ombre anything and it's just getting over saturated.

Nail Art: To be fair, I do like simple nail art.  Polka dots, maybe some chevrons or stripes.  If I'm eating in downtown Huntington and my waitress has an MU logo on her nails, that's fine.  Nail art has really taken over and it's just getting insane and utterly ridiculous.  If you work in a professional setting, I can't take you seriously when you have bumblebees painted on your fingers. It surprises me that these women don't know any better.

I feel like I'm going through a style change, which may have to do with my attitudes towards some trends.  I'm in a more professional job (for the construction industry that means clean clothes), I'm working more with clients and have to present myself more professionally.  I can see those changes starting to reflect in my wardrobe.  I'm no longer reaching for jeans and tees at Old Navy anymore, I'm looking for skirts and blazers. Granted I can do most of my meetings in a company polo and khakis, but why not go above that?

If I'm trying to sell you $100k+ in construction materials and labor, would you trust me if I have leopard print nails and enough glitter on my face to compete on Toddlers & Tiaras?  Probably not.

What do you think?  Still in love with ombre hair, or are you as tired of glitter gloss as I am?  Did I miss any other trends that need to die?

 

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 19

 

Buy it here!

Typically I don't like showing clothes this expensive, but this blazer is just too beautiful.  The cut, the color, and the it is just so perfect. Tuckernuck, the website this blazer is sold on, is probably my favorite new website.  It's pretty preppy, but it has a ton of great classics for your wardrobe and a jewelry selection to die for.  Also, this tote is probably my next handbag purchase.

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 19

 

Buy it here!

I'm pretty happy now that I think I can post sweaters.  At least I'm hoping so, but I don't doubt a stray 90+ day popping up between here and the first frost.

I like this sweater because it uses lace, which is one of the hottest trends for fall.  I also really like it because there is lining behind the lace, making this safe to wear to work.  I think this sweater would look good with black pencil skirt or slacks.

My Daily Hair Routine

I've mentioned before that I'm pretty bad with hair.  I have no idea how to french or fishtail braid it--it's not long enough, anyways--and my sock bun attempt was pathetic at best.  I balance it out with the ability to give myself a professional-looking manicures so I don't worry too much if I'm rocking a ponytail for the millionth day in a row.  While I may wear my hair up 365 days a year, I do have a routine to keep it looking its best:



 

Joico Daily Care shampoo | Organix Awapuhi Ginger conditioner | One 'n Only Argan Oil
Bumble and bumble Styling Creme | got2b CrazySleek
Goody Boar Blend round brush | Wigo hair dryer

1. A lot of shampoos and I don't get along.  Most are either too drying or didn't get my hair clean enough.  Almost two months ago I bought Joico Daily Care shampoo at Marshalls on a whim.  I love it, it's amazing.  It gives my hair shine no other shampoo or product has been able to give it, and it stays clean for longer than a day.  I don't love the price tag, though, as I got my bottle for $8. That's a bargain considering I'm going to have to shell out $12-16 bucks when I pick it up from Drug Emporium when I run out.

2. I use Organix's awapuhi ginger conditioner as it's the one of the few conditioners that doesn't make my hair oily when I use it on my roots.  It makes my mildly coarse hair super soft which is no small feat.  The matching shampoo is pretty good, but it's too moisturizing for my hair on a daily basis.

3. When I first heard about argan oil, I automatically assumed it wouldn't work on my oily hair.  At the time, I was making weekly trips to Sally Beauty Supply for nail polish supplies (I had a bad addiction at that time), one of the salespeople talked me into buying a .99 sample.  I used the bottle for a month and then purchased the big bottle.  I use it even if I'm not blow drying my hair.  I just love the softness and shine.

4. My aunt gave me this Bumble and bumble Styling Creme because she had tried it and didn't like it.  The bottle says it's not quite a mousse nor is it a true gel.  I can't describe what it is, but I use it to help hold the body and volume in my hair.

5. got2b CrazySleek.  This is my heat protectant.  It's super easy to find on store shelves due to its unique bottle.  I use three to four squirts on my shoulder-length thick hair.  I find it a bit greasy to use near my roots, but it's amazing on my ends.

6. I think it was my second year at Tech when my first and only round brush broke.  I didn't have a car then, so my shopping was mostly limited to CVS and the Super Dollar Store (it really is a great store).  The CVS selection left a lot to be desired in the round brush department, there was a few small ones and then there was this behemoth for $12.  I thought that was too much to pay for a brush, but I bought it anyways.  I still use it close to seven years later.  It straightens my hair beautifully, and adds enough volume to any Texas beauty pageant queen would be proud of.  I've also found it has the added bonus of doubling as a goalie stick for the Capitals player Michal Neuvirth.

7. So your best friend is getting married and the entire wedding party plus assorted guest are staying at a beautiful inn outside of Charlottesville, Virginia.  You might imagine somewhere in the tangle of women someone would have remembered to bring a hair dryer.  To say the least, I had to run out to a luckily nearby Ulta to get a hair dryer.  The cheapest dryers ran about $30 and I didn't want to spend that much so I picked up a hot pink with polka dots Wigo hair dryer for $17.  I didn't expect much from it, and Wigo, I apologize.  This hair dryer is amazing.  Even though my hair isn't very long, I have a ton of it and blow drying would take at least 15 minutes.  The Wigo cut my drying time in half and I'm actually blow drying my hair every time I wash my hair.  It came with a pik attachment instead of a diffuser.  I assume they do a similar job, but I'm not coordinated enough to figure out how to use the pik.  It's there if you'd like it.

You may have noticed there are no curling or straightening irons.  While I have them, I maybe use them less than five times a year each.  Drying my hair straightens it, so I only use the straightner if I need my hair to look good when I let it air dry.  Getting my hair to hold a curl requires an entire bottle of hairspray and an act of Congress so I typically just don't use it.

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 18

 

Yes, this is a bedazzled J.Crew sweatshirt that costs a $115 more than it's worth.  However, I do think it's cute and would fit in well with many wardrobes.  I was thinking of buying a sweatshirt and sewing on some sequins to get a similar shirt, but I can't find one that's fitted that's also not $40.  I may just buy one and tailor it before I break out the bedazzler and glitter fabric paint.

Leopard Print & Oxblood

 

Oxblood was declared by many in the fashion industry to be the hottest color for fall, and it was seen in many of the fall runway shows. It's not really maroon or burgundy, it's a brown mixed with red, if that makes sense.  To dress up this simple outfit of a leopard print cardigan and oxblood skinnies, I added some shirts to choose from depending on your style daring.

Simple: I chose a basic white shirt.  You could also use a brown or black shirt/cami/tank and get the same effect.  Since this is a solid color top, you can mix the brown accessories I chose here, or use tan or black instead.

Chic: for a hint of Parisian chic, I chose a striped black and white shirt.  Because the stripes are simple and in the same color family, it doesn't look too busy or clashing.  However, for this paticular outfit I would go with black accessories.

Daring: Truly for the fashion foward.  Pastels are huge for the coming spring, and I saw this shade of blue on at least 12 different runway shows, along with mint green and a delicate aqua.  You don't have to jump in on the spring trends until spring, but if you want to get a head start, this blue compliments to oxblood skinnies.  I love this blouse, but a simpler top can be subsituited.  I would keep accessories to black, brown, or a mixture of both.  Too many colors will take away from the impact of the blue or whatever color you pick (avoid neons, though).

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 17

 

I bought a leopard print cardigan maybe 2-3 weeks ago and I think I've already worn it like 10 times.
Leopard print is generally considered a classic now, and its ease in pairing with just about anything makes it a worthwhile investment.

Check back at 1:00 to see how to pair it with the hottest color for fall, oxblood.

New York Fashion Week, Now on Pinterest!

Be sure to join me over on Pinterest, where I have over 500 of the best looks from New York Fashion Week.  And there's more coming.
Follow me and I'll keep you updated on the latest looks as they come down the runway, what to avoid, and all sorts of other fun stuff.

You can also find me here:

 

LOOKBOOK Sept. 12

No, I don't expect anyone to run out and buy these, but aren't they adorable?
(And yes they're out of season but I'd still wear 'em because they are that cute.)

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 11

I love Stella & Dot jewelry, even though it's eerily similar to J.Crew and Kate Spade's designs.
However, it is crazy expensive, and I think I can get the J.Crew designs cheaper.

"Baubles" have become a thing lately, and prices vary.  These similar bangles from Baublebar are similar in color and design, but for much less.  If you want to get them cheaper, Claire's probably has something close for under $15.

In Memoriam

REVIEW: Ole Henriksen's African Red Tea Kit

About two months ago, I first wrote about trying the Ole Henriksen African Red Tea kit.  I have heard so many people rave about it, so many bloggers loved it.  I had no hesitatations when I bought it, and jumped right in to test it out.

While I wasn't expecting miracles, I wasn't sure what to expect.  Everyone told me I would notice the difference in my skin.  After the first few days of using the system as prescribed, I saw an amazing glow to my skin I haven't seen in a long time.  My mom and sisters both told me my skin looked great, and I actually had one of those moments when a stranger asked me what I was using because I looked "great."  She was expecting makeup, not a skincare line.  So yes, the Ole Henriksen skin miracles are true.


Waiting for the plot twist?  The entire time I used this kit I got deep, horrible cystic acne.  The likes I haven't seen since I was a teenager.  I know that starting a new skin product can cause minor breakouts, and I know hormones and stress can do evil things to your skin.  I also wash my hands before I wash my face.  However, my stress levels haven't been high, and I know what a hormone breakout looks like on me because it's the same everytime.  I had several pimples on my cheeks that were so big I could see them without having to look down.  I do think I found the culprit, either the exfolient or the mask included in the kit.

Acne aside, there are some great products in the kit.  The best thing is the foaming facial wash.  It has a fruity smell, dissolves makeup well, and leaves my skin feeling like silk.  I'm pretty addicted to that feel, it's like a face wash high.  The moisturizer is also really good, although it's a bit on the heavy side for my oily skin.  Come winter, though, I think it will be perfect.  I used the eye cream twice a day and didn't see any results.  Not counting the acne, the exfolient was fair, I've used better.  Also minus the acne thing, the mask really didn't do anything for me.

Do I recommend this kit?  I recommend that if you're looking for anti-aging products that you might consider giving it a try.  If I wasn't concerned about my budget right now, I'd buy the face wash in a heartbeat.  I really wanted to love this set, but in the end, it just didn't work out for me.

LOOKBOOK and a debate: Sept. 10

After my post on bad trends in lipstick, I spent part of the weekend looking for a dark lipstick that wouldn't age a person.
The other part of the weekend was pinning New York Fashion Week runway looks.


I explained what I was looking for to the MAC rep, and she pointed me to their new Style Seeker collection.
The color pictured here, Eden Rogue, has enough red and pink (I guess that would make it a rose), to keep it
looking youthful, but enough berry to give the darkness that's in style.

If you're looking for a dark color, ask the counter rep for a grape, berry, or rose shade without any brown in it.
I'm pretty sure it's the brown in the in the lipstick that gives that aging factor.

And now, for a debate:

I read on a blog last week that women 30 and over should wear lipstick or stains instead of gloss.  The main reason that the shiny/sparkly nature of gloss wasn't professional. Personally, I'm not a fan of gloss.  I don't like the "wet lips" look and it doesn't last very long. My other issues with gloss is that a lot of it is unnecessarily sparkly, or it has this weird streaky milk look on my lips.

But to stop wearing gloss altogether after 30?  I'm not so sure.  Yes, it's inappropriate if you put it on every 15 minutes at work.
Would I question it on a 40-something lawyer I may have to work with? No, unless it's sparkly and then I would start to get all fashion-judgey.

What do you think?  Is gloss just limited to teens and college kids?

LOOKBOOK: Sept. 7

Sorry about the lack of posts for the past few days. I've had the project from hell at work.

It's been a long, hard week.  Thankfully it's done, but I'm still stressed out.

So here are a bunch of weird looking shoes I'd actually wear.

I really love the embroidered ones in the top lefthand corner.  There's something so Art Nouveau about them.

LOOKBOOK: September 4

 

Smashbox the Master Class Palette | Sephora, $59

If you've been thinking about investing in any of the eyeshadow palettes (such as Urban Decay's Naked2), I'd skip them and go with this Smashbox one.  I'm probably the only fashion blogger who isn't madly in love with Naked2.  It's decent but it's just too shimmery for my tastes.  I've been noticing on Pinterest and other blogs that the matte look for eyes is starting to come in, and this palette gives a great selection along with some shimmers.  Smashbox products are all super pigmented so a little will go a long way.  I also love that this palette gives two blushes, four glosses, three highlighters, four creme liners, and four brow powders.  This palette is perfect for traveling, it's perfect if you're in a beauty rut or are looking to expand your look.  Palette perfection.