In My Kit

My Makeup Vanity/Storage/Armoire

Over a year ago my boyfriend and I moved in together, buying a condo in the city.  I love living in the city but finding room to fit both of our "things" in a 850 sq ft condo was very tricky.  I will admit I had a lot of "things" from clothes, makeup, and craft supplies scattered all over the condo, which then made our place look cluttered.  The biggest problem was my makeup collection and not having a place for me to sit down and get ready.  The lighting in the bathroom wasn't so great, I love doing makeup in natural daylight.  When we moved in I took over a little corner near the dining room table with all my plastic storage containers.  The boyfriend hated looking at all my makeup scattered all over the dining room table and not having  a place to eat.  Our 2 week project was set into action.  Both of us searched everywhere for something that would be practical, functional and at the same time look amazing out in the open in our condo.  I came across a website called

IKEA HACKERS

, a gentleman made a vanity makeup armoire for his hairstylist girlfriend.  They too had the same problem as ours, small space but need stylish storage. We twerked the design a little to fit all my needs; a place for me to get ready, storage for all my makeup and a nice area for me to do makeup on clients when they come over. 

I am completely in LOVE with the final outcome of my own little area, it is everything I ever wished for.  It took many trips back and forth to Ikea and a hefty amount of $$$ but it was all worth it.  This couldn't have been done without my loving, supportive boyfriend who puts up with me and my makeup collection.  Hope you enjoy my pictures!

The makeup armoire consist of 2 bookshelf type storage.  At Ikea you can customize the side of the frame, size, drawers, wood, and etc. The smaller unit with the mirror is where I have my clients sit in front of.  I use the top of the unit as a table to lay out all my products I will be using.  The mirror is a great add on for clients to see their new look. 

Behind the longer door is where you will find the "vanity" portion of my makeup booth.  The lights are powered by an outlet behind the unit, the boyfriend drilled a hole to wire the plugs to the back.  There is also a working power strip inside for me to plug in my curling iron and hair straightener, it is also wired to the outlet in the back of the unit.  The pull out table is so handy, and the magnetic brush board makes everything clutter free.  

The drawers filled with all sorts of makeup goodness! My palettes are organized by a CD/DVD liner to make the palettes stand.  

This is what is inside of the 2nd smaller unit.  Basically supplies, and surplus/brand new makeup.  The white storage containers are filled with MAC pigments.  

Can't forget my Zuca and MAC briefcase for on-location work.  I'll post pictures later of all the makeup that's inside this little guy. 

Now you know why I am so in love with my makeup armoire.  

Let me know what you guys think.

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.