My 3 Essential Brushes

Hey guys! So lately, I've been realizing that I reach for the same brushes over and over again: my Sigma F80 for face, my MAC 168 for cheeks, and my MAC 217 for the eyes. Here I'll give you a review and overview of each brush!

top to bottom - F80, 168, 217

Sigma F80 Brush
Design: Flat-topped, synthetic bristles densely packed in a circle.
What it does: Perfectly blends out concealer, applies foundation or tinted moisturizer, or applies cream blush.
Why I love it: It cuts down so much time in my getting-ready routine! I especially love it for blending out concealer - the finish is flawless without losing coverage. See my review.

MAC 168
Design: Softly angled, super soft natural bristles; just enough pressure to pick up blush.
What it does: Beautifully applies bronzer as a contour, blush, and highlights! It's versatile too - turn it on its side for a thinner line, or use it wider to cover the apples of the cheeks. (See my 168 tutorial here!)
Why I love it: It's so convenient to have one brush for every cheek product!

MAC 217
Design: Domed, flexible bristles in an ellipse shape.
What it does: Easily creates an eye look! Can be used in the crease, on the lid, for blending, highlighting, or even under the eye.
Why I love it: Again, convenience wins out here! The quality is outstanding as well.

All for now! What are your favorite brushes??
Love, Val

I received the Sigma brush for review; I am not being compensated, nor am I affiliated with Sigma.

I want! Makeup Palettes.

Makeup palettes are so tempting - yet, they tend to be quite expensive. For this reason, I'll try and limit myself to just obsessing over them.

Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules Palette

Picture from Fete A Fete

Urban Decay Rollergirl Palette

Picture from Fruity Lashes

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette

Picture from The Daily Cookie

Sigma Bare Palette (not yet released)

Picture from Beauty Moments

What palettes are you longing for??
Love, Val

February Faves!

It is once again time for my monthly favorites post!

Makeup

1. Revlon Berry Haute Lipstick: I love it so much! See my review here.
2. Stila Perfecting Concealer (in 'C'): It's a great full-coverage liquid concealer. I use tiny dots on my under eyes and any blemishes for a beautiful flawless look!
3. gloMinerals loose base (in 'Natural Light'): This I use over the concealer. It sets my makeup, mattifies, and adds some coverage. I love how natural it looks.
4. Benefit Coralista Blush: It's such a beautiful, flattering color! This is definitely my Holy Grail/go-to blush.
5. Urban Decay 24/7 liner (in 'Bourbon'): This rich brown with shimmer starts out super creamy and blendable, but within 30 seconds sets and stays all day! I love the fabulous pigmentation as well. (This is a mini that I got with my Summer of Love set.)

Tools

1. Sigma F80 Brush: (not pictured) So multi-purpose! I use it to blend out my concealer, to apply foundation when I need it, for powder.... The list goes on! See my review here.

All for now! What are you loving??
Love, Val

P.S. Results from my most recent poll!
"I like to play up..."
75% said "my eyes"
37% said "my clear skin"
25% said "my lips"
12% said "my cheeks"

Review: Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki

So a couple weeks ago Sigma sent me their Sigmax Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki. After testing it out for a while - I've used it for foundation, bronzer, and blush! - I've compiled a review for you all. Enjoy!

Basics

This brush is from Sigma's "Sigmax" collection, meaning it is dense and synthetic. These brushes were made to be used for high definition makeup and flawless application of liquid, powder, or cream products.

Design

Unlike most kabukis, this brush has a handle. The bristles are short, very dense, and firm but flexible. This makes the brush excellent for stippling or buffing. Also, the bristles are super soft, a total plus in my opinion!

Washing

This brush washes quite easily. Wash it as soon as you get it to eliminate shedding (I haven't experienced any after the first wash.) Using the white bristles on makeup will leave them stained, but it's easy to fix. Just buff it into a towel with brush shampoo and water, and your brush will have white tips again.

Application

Foundation - This brush is excellent for liquid foundation. I've found it makes application a lot quicker than a typical "flat" foundation brush. Simply distribute the foundation, then buff or stipple your way to a clearer complexion. (I haven't tried it with cream foundation, and the brush is too dense/small for powder foundations, which work better with fluffy brushes.)

stippled foundation onto a mirror using F80

buffing foundation onto a mirror using F80

what a flat foundation brush does

Cream Blush - I'm so glad to have finally found a brush for my cream blushes! Pick up some blush, apply it to your cheeks, and blend well. Be sure to spread the blush well; the brush doesn't cover a whole cheek.

Powder Blush - This isn't the best for most powder brushes; the firm bristles pick up a lot of product instantly, so you'll likely end up with "clown cheeks!" If you are very cautious it can work, but I'd recommend a fluffier brush instead.

Bronzer - For dramatic, chiseled cheeks, this brush is great. Try using the brush with bronzer around the borders of your face (hairline, temples, cheekbones, jawline). With a lighter hand, you can achieve "everyday" contouring as well. However, this brush cannot replace a fluffy powder brush for lightly sunkissed cheeks.

Overall

This is a great addition to any brush collection. If you're looking for a way to 1) apply your liquid foundation, 2) apply your cream blush, or 3) chisel out your face with bronzer, this is the brush for you!

Where to Buy

Purchase this brush for $16 at Sigma's website. They ship internationally!

Love, Val

This brush was sent to me for free from Sigma. I am not being paid to do this review. All opinions and words are my own.