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.

Spring Fashion Wish List

Hey everyone!
Lately I've been lusting after spring fashions, and this could be because of all the magazines coming in (Seventeen, Teen Vogue, InStyle...) or because of the weather warming up (it's getting into the 70's!). In either case, it's time to go spring shopping! Here are a few things on my wish list.

Free People Printed Warrior Halter

Urban Outfitters Cooperative Button-Up Skirt

Delia's Savina Tonal Bracelets

Gap Roll-up Shorts

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Mitered Layer Tank

Rebels Shira Beaded Ankle Sandal

A lot of these are out of my price range but... a girl can dream! What's on your spring fashion wish list?

Love, Val

January Favorites

Hey guys! It's time for my (always belated) favorites post!

The month of January was a month of great hair and minimal makeup. I tried to use as little face makeup as possible, paired with bare eyes (save for some mascara) and a bright pink lip. I played around with my new haircut, trying out some blowouts!

Makeup

• GloMinerals Loose Base (in Natural Light) is what I've been using as my foundation and concealer this past month. It gives a nice, natural coverage and never looks cakey. On my face I use it with a large powder brush, and for concealer I use it with a small eyeshadow brush. 

• Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara (in black) was given to me as a sample at Bobbi's Beauty Rules book signing! (I will post about the book & signing soon!) It's a really nice, natural mascara, but it can easily be built up to high lengths and volume.

• Revlon Just Bitten Lip Balm & Stain (in Passion) is a pretty, fuchsia lip stain. I love the pop of color it gives to my look and the balm on the other side is really convenient and moisturizing. I've even used it in a tutorial!

• Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss (in Pink Pop) looks beautiful over the lip stain for a higher-intensity pink. Or, it works just as well on its own!

Hair
I've been wearing my hair straight, shiny, and swingy all month! I like to blow it out in the mornings with some Chi Silk Infusion and my Revlon Blow dryer. I start by getting my hair mostly dry, then I get a round brush, section off my hair, and start more intricate blow dryer work. Would you be interested in a post on this...?

All for now! Thanks SO much for following and commenting. I appreciate it so much.

Love, Val

Rosy & Frosty: A Tutorial

Hey guys! First, thanks so much for following my blog and entering my giveaway!!

Second, I have a tutorial for you all! It's a super-quick way to embrace the season. I like to think of it as a caught-up-in-a-snowstorm look. Enjoy!

1) Foundation. I like to skip powder for a nice dewy finish in winter. (Revlon Colorstay in Nude mixed with moisturizer)

2) Rosy stain. Time for a winter flush! Add the liquid stain to your cheeks, temple, lips, and even the outer corner of the eyelid for an allover rosy look. (Benefit's Benetint)

3) Now, to incorporate the frost! Dust shimmery white shadow all over the lid. I also used mine on the bridge of the nose, tops of cheek bones, and cupid's bow for some facial highlighting. (Sephora Mono eyeshadow in Aspen Summit)

4) Add mascara. For fun and a twinkly surprise, I added more of the white shadow to the tips of my lashes afterwards. (L'Oreal Telescopic clean definition in black)

5) Finish off your lips with balm to protect from the harsh winter dryness! (eos lip balm in sweet mint)

Done! You should look rosy and frosty, and you can be out the door in five minutes with this one.

All for now-
Love, Val

Project 10 Pan

Hey guys! First, thanks to all who have entered my giveaway! Still plenty of time to enter. :)

Second, I am officially committing to Project 10 Pan. For those who don't know, Project 10 Pan was first done by the lovely blogger lollipop26. You have to use up 10 of your makeup products completely (or to the pan if there is one) before you can buy any new makeup.

From lollipop26's blog

This does a few great things; one, saves you money; two, teaches you to value your items; and three, makes you use and appreciate the makeup you already own.

It's going to be a tough journey, but a beneficial one. :) Join me in the challenge if you have too much makeup and need to save some money!

Love, Val

P.S. Sorry for such a post-barren January. It's been such a busy/quick month. I'll pick things up. :)

*CLOSED* New Year's GIVEAWAY!!

Hey girls and thanks for 50+ followers! To thank you all for supporting me, I've compiled a little giveaway for you all. Enjoy! :)

Rules
1) You must be a follower of my blog to enter - because I want this to be a gift to a follower. :) It's easy and free!
2) You must be a) 18 or over, or b) have a parent's permission (so I can ship it to you).
3) Just fill out the form below to enter. 
4) You get one entry for following via Google Friend Connect, but there are three bonus entries available.
5) This contest is open internationally and I will pay shipping!
6) Contest closes February 25th at 11:59 PM PST. I will choose the winner using this website by numbering off the entries and then generating a random number.


Enter



Prizes - one lucky winner will recieve:
-Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in "Tattle Tale"
A very pretty, shimmery light gold color. great for all-over lid, and lasts all day!
-Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara in "black/brown"
I've read the reviews for this one and it sounds like a great mascara!
-Stila Custom Color Blush in "Self-Adjusting"
Really awesome - it'll change color to suit your skin tone.
-Pink Body Mist in "pretty & pure"
I tested out all the scents and this one was my fave!
-Beauty Rush lip gloss in "melonrageous"
Very comparable to Clinique Moisturebalm in Raspberry, which is a favorite of mine.
-Korres Quince Lip Butter
Highly acclaimed lip butter to keep your lips moist during winter!


Good luck! If you have any questions, feel free to email me (valzcloset@gmail.com) or leave a comment below.


Love, Val

New Hair!

  Hey guys, well I finally went to get my hair cut today! I had been growing it out for a bet with my mom, but the bet ended New Year's. So here's a couple photos. :) (I didn't use the good camera because I'm still trying to find out how to use the self-timer. Haha)

  I asked for 4 inches off the bottom, and some long layers starting at chin level. My stylist was soo amazing, even with my insanely thick hair, and even had enough patience to give me a movie star blowout! That is quite a feat, let me tell you. I get tired after 5 minutes of trying to blow my hair out. FYI, he used a rounded brush to create the curls, and added some shine serum afterwards.

Anyways, that's all for today. Stay tuned, I may have a giveaway coming soon... :)

Love, Val