e.l.f. Neutral Glossy Gloss Swatches

I will admit I am a BIG lip gloss addict.  I am always on the lookout for a great lip gloss out there and I do have some favorites.  The e.l.f. Glossy Glosses are my favorite glosses that have no shimmer nor do they have that tacky feeling on your lips.  I bought one gloss just out of curosity, to see if the description and the reviews were actually true.  YES! Finally a lip gloss that does not make my lips peel after I put it on. Not only do you get lots of high impact shine but nice full color as well.   The only thing that bugs me is the smell/taste; smells like grape.  I hate things that smell on my face, but I can live with that.  I always wear neutral colors on my lips because I like to make my eyes dramatic.  But, I am going to buy some of the brighter colors just to have.  Here are some swatches of the colors that I have added to my lip gloss collection.

Glossy up Ladies!!

elf cream liner vs. mac fluidline

click picture to enlarge

I have started this elf revolution with my girlfriends, seriously.  It first started when e.l.f. had their birthday sale, then finding it at Target, and now collecting everything like crazy.  As a professional makeup artist I love this brand for myself and for my clients. One of my favorite products  are the Studio Cream Eye Liners because of the color variety and the longevity of the product.  The cream liners are comparable to the MAC fluidline eye liners.  In my opinion the fluidline is a little bit thicker in consistency than the cream liners but overall the quality of both products are the same.  Both proclaim they are smudge-proof and long wearing which I totally agree. I even use these liners for lining the top (so easy to give a little wing) and bottom (yes it does stay one).   I wanted to see how many colors the fluidline comes in, it seems they have discontinued a few than when I use to work for the company.  Now they only carry 7 and elf carries 11.

If you are wondering how the colors compare to each other take a peek at the picture.   Overall both liners are great.  Have fun creating the perfect line!

 ps. If you want to check out out the cream liners in action watch some of my videos, it's practically the only eyeliners I use. :D

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.