Review: Vera Mona Color Switch Duo

I am always on the hunt for new makeup inventions that will make my life as a pro makeup artist and as a makeup addict so much easier. I have been a huge fan of

Vera Mona Color Switch Duo

 since I saw it on IG.  It literally is one of the best makeup inventions ever that I have come across.  If you only have a few makeup brushes and need to quickly clean your brush to move on to your next color, this product makes it so simple! Keep in mind that it does NOT sanitize your brushes but rubs away the pigment left from your previous shadow to move on to the next one.  This is should only be used for quick color changes if you do not have a spare brush on hand. For instance using a black shadow first and then using a white... if you don't clean the brush you will get a gray color instead of pure white.

Here are the steps:

1. Take your pigmented brush (I find that flat brushes work better MAC #252 or #242 brushes) and swipe it back and forth against the black sponge. The friction of you rubbing the hairs against the black sponge pulls the eye shadow pigment from the brush. Do this for both sides until it looks clear.

 2.  For the middle white sponge all you need to do it soak it with water and press your eye shadow brush to use it for wet makeup applications like pigments. 

 If you are a makeup addict you really need this product in your life! I've seen some other makeup enthusiast make their own. Try it and see if it works for you.  My husband was even amazed and couldn't stop playing with it. lol 

Check out the video to see it in action! 

DIY Brush Cleaner

 I have been making my own makeup essentials for the past couple of months including makeup remover and brush cleaner.  I find that these 2 products I tend to run out faster than the rest of my makeup products.  These things are expensive especially when you use these products on a daily basis and when you are professional makeup artist. 

I found this recipe on the web originally from Enkore Makeup (youtube beauty guru) I actually added the Witch Hazel (found out that my Smashbox Brush Cleaner has this ingredient in it).  When I make brush cleaner I usually double up on the measurements to make one large batch and then distribute in large bottles. Since I use brush cleaner almost every day making a lot was a better idea than having to keep making a small batch every week.  This recipe is great for deep cleaning and fast spot cleaning, I will demonstrate both methods.  

The ingredient brands are up to you, personally I like to use more natural ingredients.  All the ingredients that I used can be found at Target and are very inexpensive.  Check your local Dollar Store for supplies to mix your ingredients or for empty travel spray bottles to store the liquid.  I get all my little containers and bottles at Daiso, a Japanese dollar store (everything is actually $1.50, but the quality is very good). 

Mix the following ingredients together in a large container (I like to use a small pitcher that I designate just for making brush cleaner. The spout makes it easier to fill bottles:

- 1 cup of distilled/purified water

- 1/4 cup of 70% isopropyl alcohol

- 1/2 tbsp dish soap (I used J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care Dish Soap Grapefruit)

- 1/2 tbsp gentle shampoo (I used Comforts For Baby Body Wash/Shampoo - Mild Hypoallergenic Tear Free)

- 1 tbsp of leave-in conditioner (I used Pantene, this will help keep the hair of your brushes soft)

-2 tbsp of Witch Hazel

Gently stir to prevent suds from forming. If you do get foam just fill your bottles at an angle, the foam will stay in the pitcher. 

You can always twerk the recipe to your liking.  Don't add too much alcohol or else it will dry out your brushes and don't use too much soap as it will leave your brushes soapy if you are using it as a spot cleaner.  

all the  ingredients I used 

different bottles  to store the brush cleaner in

 To spot clean just squirt a little bit of liquid onto a paper towel.

 Take the brush and wipe it back and forth until all the pigment comes off the brush.  You will see the makeup on the paper towel.

 Deep cleaning is great if you have a ton of brushes that need to be cleaned.  I like to deep clean my personal brushes at least every other week or until I feel they are getting yuck. Place your brushes in some sort of cup or jar.

 Fill the jar with your home made brush cleanser do not exceed past the silver part of the brush (ferrule).  The bristles/hairs should be emerged in the cleaner.  For now the liquid is clear... just wait

 Swish the brushes around until you see the liquid turn color... YUCK!

 Look what the brushes left behind.. just think of all the build up if you haven't washed your brushes for lets say a month!! ACK!

Rinse your brushes with warm water while shaping the hairs.  Lay flat to dry over a table edge so that the brush head can dry all around. Do not place your brushes back into a cup or holder the water will fall into the ferrrule (silver part of the brush that holds the hairs together with glue).  Once water gets in there the glue becomes loose and hairs will start to fall off. 

---> these are my professional brushes I take with me on location.

I have used this recipe for almost 3 months now and I have not had any problems with my brushes.  I use my personal brushes every day so they do get a lot of use.  I love how it smells and it cleans my brushes very well.  Give this recipe a try, you will not need to buy brush cleanser ever again!!!

P.S. I will post my DIY makeup remover next week.. :) I love making my own makeup products!  If you have any recipes that you would like to share... please share away! :)

The Cutest Brush Roll EVER!

I love supporting independent shop owners who make their own handmade goods like the ones you can find on

Etsy

.  Recently I have been addicted to Etsy, all these cute things that I want to buy.  For the past several year I have been on the lookout for the PERFECT brush roll.  You might be wondering what is the perfect brush roll in my eyes? Well, I must have lots and lots of pockets to hold my valuable tools.  Pockets not only for different size brushes but  for must have products that I use on all my clients such as eye liners, eyelash glue, setting spray in a small travel size bottle and etc.  A protected flap that would protect my brushes when they were not in use. Many brush organizers out there are belts.  I am a petite filipino girl and a belt loaded up with brushes weighs me down.  Even when I worked for MAC I did not wear my brush belt around my waist instead I wore is over my shoulder like a messenger bag.  Even if the organizer wasn't a belt it would be a roll but it wouldn't be able to hold all my brushes. Yes, I could just bring a few brushes with my when I am on location but I like to be prepared.  It's hard when you have a big wedding party, doing makeup one after the other and having to clean your 1 set of brushes after each person.  I rather put away the dirty brushes to clean at a later time when I am not busy and start on the new client right away.  Being in the industry for over 10 years I have not found anything that met my standards but I knew someday I would be able to find something.

Ever since I found the wonderful site Etsy, I have a been a big fan of Lotus from

asoftblackstar on Etsy

.  She makes

makeup brush rolls,  makeup bags, flat irons,  and jewelry cases with cute fabrics that can match your personality.  I happened to browse through her store and BEHOLD a brush belt that looked like it would be big enough to hold all my makeup goodies... BUT it was a belt and you know how I feel about belts.  I send Lotus a message via Etsy for a custom made brush roll, instead of a belt if she can design a roll.  Lotus is so sweet and wonderful, she asked questions to determine and needs and wants that I had, listened, created and delivered!  For the fabric I chose a pink and white polka dot inside with cheetah print for the pockets and the outside

. I am so happy how my roll turned out.

It is advised that you spray the brush roll with Scotch Guard before you use it, to make it stain and water resistant.  It's great because if it gets dirty you can just throw it in the wash.  Since my special request Lotus is now offering this design as a regular item in her shop.  For all the makeup artists out there.. YOU NEED THIS! Cute and functional! 

Here are some pics... ENJOY!  

This is what it looks like when it's rolled up.  

Unrolled and ready to use!

close up of the roll 

Face Brushes

Sigma Face Brushes

A month ago I blogged about some of my favorite eye brushes at an affordable price.(

Sigma Eye Brushes

)  I showcased some of the top Sigma eye brushes at that time and forgot to mention some face brushes.  The following brushes would be great additions to your makeup brush collections.

Concealer - F75 

Synthetic concealer brush

Use for cream products

I use this for concealer underneath the eye, great precision because of it's rounded tip.

Large Angled Contour - F40

Have you ever wanted to contour your face but didn't know how, this would be your BFF for this job.  The chiseled dome makes contouring a piece of cake. 

Can also be used for blush and highlighting.

Small Contour - F05

If you pay close attention to some of my videos I use this brush all the time.  I use it for everything from liquid foundation (it is the best!! makes your face look airbrushed), blush, bronzer, highlighting, etc.  All purpose brush for me. 

Large Powder - F30

Your collection would not be complete if you don't have one of these bad boys!! It's always good to have a larger domed brush for loose or pressed powders.  I wouldn't recommend this brush for blush or highlighting though.  

Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki - F80

I have not personally used this brush but I have heard wonderful things about it.  Perfect for buffing in liquid or cream products into the skin for a perfect flawless application.  

Foundation - F60

Synthetic foundation brush.  I use this brush like a paintbrush, can't really buff your cream or liquids into the skin.  Love using this brush to apply cream blush, FLAWLESS! 

Ready to shop??

Hope this helps some of you build your brush collections.  Don't hesitate to contact me if you need help picking out brushes.  

Do you have the right brushes?

You can use the most inexpensive makeup but create wonderful results just by the quality of your brushes.  I have compiled a list of brushes from Sigma Beauty.  They are known for their value and quality of their brushes.

This is from their website

"The Sigma Makeup brand is synonymous with quality and functionality. Our products are handmade and were developed to satisfy the highest quality standards. We offer a complete line of professional brushes specifically designed to highlight eyes and face. Each brush was individually tested for performance, resistance, and durability."

 I believe in brushes they will be your BFF's, trust me.  When I was a teenager I couldn't afford good quality brushes and now that I am a makeup artist I collect brushes of all shapes, sizes and uses.  Do I use all of them in one makeup sitting or when I'm on location? No, but I just like looking at them. LOL

I have complied a list of brushes that are must have's for any makeup user of any level. I have searched high and low for makeup brushes for myself, friends and clients for affordable brushes that won't break the bank but yield great results in your makeup application.

For today I will list the eye brushes

E60 Large Shader

-packing brush for lid area

-width of brush is perfect size to do 2 pats on your lid

-use with cream, and powder products

-great brush to put on your concealer with especially underneath your eyes.

Tapered Blending

-my one brush I cannot do my makeup with

-must have blending brush

-use the tip of brush only

- do not press so hard, use in circular motion to blend

Small Angle - E65

-use for powder, cream, and or gel to apply eyeliner

-use to apply brow products

Blending - E25

-favorite brush for highlight colors

-pat and then blend into other colors to remove harsh edges

Stay tuned sometime this week I'll list my favorite face brushes.