Audrey Dao

MAC 266 Angle Brush Review ($19.50) For creating sharp, precise lines. This brush has fibres which are carefully arranged to form a perfect angle. M·A·C professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature wood handles and nickel-plated brass ferrules. (15 cm in length)

My Thoughts:

I love this angled brush. It has lasted me for years and is still going strong. I use this to apply gel, cream, or powder liners (perfect for the cat eye flick!) and sometimes to fill in my brows. The bristles are firm and thin and not scratchy at all. It is suprisingly very soft. It is very well made and you won’t experience shedding. You can never go wrong with MAC brushes.

Shadow Shields ($9.99 for 30) Shadow Shields are disposable, light-weight adhesives that easily attach under the eye to catch falling makeup residue and prevent the need for unnecessary touch-ups! The adhesive on the back of the shield is strong enough to hold it in place so users can keep their hands free, while also being gentle enough for the sensitive skin around the eyes.

My Thoughts:

So, I was meandering around Sephora when I discovered a new product: Shadow Shields. My immediate thought was : “Ooo…! I wanna try these out!” Since I didn’t know much about them, I went home and googled Shadow Shields. I found their site and a review from one of the many many beauty blogs I follow: Musings of a Muse.  After reading about it, what did I do? I placed my order. I recently got my order of Shadow Shields. I would just like to first mention how quickly I received my order. The order was placed during the weekend. I forgot which day. You wanna know when I received them? The following Tuesday! How quick was that!? My order was processed, packaged, mailed, and received all by Tuesday. That is just two business days! Usually when you order something online, it takes about a week or maybe longer for your package to get to you. I am still in complete awe.

Anyways, back to the review. So as many of you know, I love smoky eyes. One of the negative things about applying eyeshadow is the fallouts and the smearing you get when you apply eyeshadow. Shadow Shields is a complete God sent gift. No more fallouts. No more smearing. No more holding a tissue underneath your eye with one hand and trying to apply eye makeup with the other. With Shadow Shields, I can now pile on all the eyeshadow I want and not have to worry about anything.

The adhesive is divided into 3 pieces: 2 corner and a middle strip. I find that all I need to use is the 2 corner adhesives and the Shadow Shield stays in place. If you feel you need a stronger hold, use the middle strip also. I heard some people complaining that the adhesive is too strong and when they peel it off, it tugs on their skin. I don’t have that problem, because when I stick it on, I just lightly stick it to my undereye. I don’t press down on the adhesive. There is no need to. Lightly placing the Shadow Shield underneath your eye is good enough for it to stay in place. Also, by applying it lightly to your undereye, you eliminate the risk of the adhesive ruining your face makeup. If you’re worried about not knowing how to use it/apply it, Shadow Shields comes with easy-to-follow directions with pictures. See picture below. I really recommend you give Shadow Shields a try.

I suggest you order from the Shadow Shields site instead of getting it from Sephora. The Shadow Shields site sells a box of 30 for $9.99. At Sephora, a box of 30 costs $16. Even with the cost of shipping, it still comes out to be less than $16.

(Photos from Temptalia)

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MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Do-the-Trick Buff and Line Brush Set ($49.50)

An exclusive brush kit of five key buff-and-line brushes: 168SE, 187SE, 209SE, 219SE and 252SE in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl, the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. Limited edition.

MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Morning Noon & Knight Everything Eye Brush Set ($49.50)

An exclusive kit of five key brushes: 194SE, 204SE, 224SE, 266SE and 275SE in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl, the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. Limited edition.

MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Wave of a Wand Sweep and Define Brush Set ($49.50)

An exclusive kit of five key brushes: 129SE, 190SE, 212SE, 227SE and 275SE in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl, the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. Limited edition.

My Thoughts:

I actually didn’t get any of the brush sets from this collection. Why? I mean it seems like a great deal right? You get 5 brushes for the cost of 2-3 brushes. I used to think like that too. That is why I used to get the brush sets from MAC instead of buying them individually. It turns out, the brushes that come in the brush sets do not perform as well as the regular full-size brushes. I found the brush sets would shed so much more than the regular brushes. Also, the brush sets do not feel as soft as the regular brushes. The regular brushes are much better quality because they are hand-made while the brush sets are manufactured. Even though you are saving money by buying the brush sets, it’s better to spend more money and invest in quality brushes that will last you a life time.

Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler ($17) shu uemura’s emblematic eyelash curler is now available in a smaller size! With the new Mini Eyelash Curler, you can achieve the utmost precision in eyelash curling plus the convenience of portability. When coupled with the full-sized curler, the mini curler enables professional control over creating the perfect curl. The mini curler’s unique smaller head allows you to accentuate even the smallest lashes, especially those on the inner and outer corners of the eyes for an elegant expression.

Every shu uemura curler is curved to suit all eye shapes and have features developed by professional make-up artists, including:

- rounded firm silicone rubber to curl gently while providing a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety – ergonomic handles shaped and sized for optimum curl as well as stability and control

My Thoughts:

I only use the mini eyelash curler for curling my inner and outer lashes. I wouldn’t use it to curl all of your lashes because it’s really difficult to give all of your lashes a uniform curl. I don’t think it’s necessary or essential to have a mini eyelash curler. I mean I hardly ever use mine. Once you find your holy grail eyelash curler (mine is Shiseido Eyelash Curler), you will rarely use this. Save your money.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($19) The emblematic shu uemura Eyelash Curler featuring enhanced design and upgraded features for ultimate precision that delivers the perfect curl.

• Upgraded silicone pad in a new “mushroom” shape provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety and optimum curl.
• Upgraded patented hinge with precise engineering applies perfect amount of pressure on eyelashes
• Curved angle suits all eye shapes
• Calculated shape and size of frame length and ergonomic handles ensure stability and control

My Thoughts:

This is the most popular eyelash curler known to mankind. It is everywhere and has won so many awards! I must be one of the few who don’t use this. It is a wonderful eyelash curler that doesn’t pinch and does an excellent job of curling my Asian lashes. The reason I don’t use this is because it doesn’t curl all of my lashes. I have to use the Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler to get the inner lashes. I very much prefer the Shiseido Eyelash Curler over this one.

Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($17.50) An eyelash curler curved to fit the eyelids perfectly and equipped with flexible rubber linings which allow you to curl with ease.

My Thoughts:

This is by far the best eyelash curler I have ever used. The curved curler fits my Asian eyes perfectly and curls every single one of my lashes. No need to use a mini eyelash curler to get the corner lashes. I love how the Shiseido Eyelash Curler gives my lashes a natural curl and not a crimp or dent in my lashes. It also has never pinched my eyelids either! Absolutely the best thus far.

Smashbox Arced Liner Brush #21 ($20) Apply liner like a pro with our best-selling precision brush. The same brush head as our popular EYE LINER BRUSH #8 with an ergonomic bend to conform to the shape of the eyes, providing better control and flawless application in one quick, easy stroke. Use it to apply CREAM EYE LINER, JET SET WATERPROOF EYE LINER, or any EYE SHADOW along the lashline and inner rim.

My Thoughts:

This brush makes applying makeup along the lashline so easy. The bent tip allows for easy control and precise application. I love how thin the brush is too. This brush holds up very well and has lasted through many washes. If you find appying liquid, gel, or cream liner difficult, I highly recommend this brush.

Smashbox Fan Brush #22 ($18) This feather-light fan brush softly and seamlessly applies FUNCTION5 SELF-ADJUSTING POWDER FOUNDATION, SOFT LIGHTS, FUSION SOFT LIGHTS, BRONZE LIGHTS, and BLUSH. Use it to apply even the darkest shades lightly for a perfect, natural finish every time. It’s also a must-have tool for lifting away any excess shadow that may have fallen during application without disturbing makeup.

My Thoughts:

I mainly use this brush to apply highlighter/bronzer. It’s really light and soft. It hasn’t shed a  hair after many washes and it still works like it’s new. Besides using it  to apply highlighter/bronzer, it’s great for sweeping away loose powders and shadows and applying blush.  It doesn’t pick up a lot of product, which I love. You don’t have to worry about going over board with color.

Sephora Professionnel Smudge Brush #14 ($13)

What it is:
This brush applies shadow with precision, blends colors, and diffuses smudge lines along the eye area.

What it does:
The short bristles offer maximum color control and move shadows easily for a smoky effect. It’s a must-have for creating an optimal smoky eye—and is small enough to use over the entire lid if you choose.

My Thoughts:

I love this brush. I use it to smudge my liner for the perfect smoky eye. The bristles are stiff, but yet soft. The handle is small for easy control and great for traveling. I’ve washed this brush so many times and it hasn’t fallen apart. A great quality brush!

It is very important to pick a good foundation brush, because it is the key to a flawless face. Foundation brushes should be flat, firm, and made of synthetic bristles. I feel the 2 best foundation brushes are Lancome Foundation Brush #2 and Chanel Foundation Brush #16. Both provide a natural, flawless, streak less application. Both these brushes are very sturdy, and the bristles can handle a good washing.

Lancome Foundaton Brush #2 ($33)

Chanel Foundation Brush #16 ($40)

Even though these brushes are on the pricey side, they are a good investment. You will not have to buy another foundation brush for years. By years, I mean 20. The best way to buy these brushes is to buy them in a set instead of individually.

Lancome Holiday Travel Brush Set–Face costs $55 (valued at $125). The foundation brush alone is valued at $33. So you will be getting an additional 3 brushes for $22. The set includes:

• Powder Brush #1 (valued at $45)
• Highlighting Brush #3 (valued at $26.50)
• Foundation Brush #2 (valued at $33)
• Concealer Brush #8 (valued at $25)

Chanel Professional Makeup Brush Set costs $120. The foundation brush is worth $40. So you will be getting 3 brushes for $80. The set includes:

• Shadow/linear Brush #4 (valued at $27)
• Eyeshadow #2 (valued at $29)
• Foundation #16 (valued at $40)
• Blush #7 (valued at $46)

Both the Lancome and Chanel foundation brushes work equally well. I personally chose Lancome, because I am not going to shell out extra money for the “Chanel” logo.