What it does:
This high-quality, face-and-body brush has innovative antibacterial bristles—playfully dipped in bright purple (in true tokidoki style). A unique square base is covered with irresistibly edgy characters.

What else you need to know:
The white high-gloss handle features a 360 degree decoration showing the Kabuki story. The ultrasoft, luxurious synthetic brush hair is white with glowing purple tips.

My Thoughts:

I was wondering around Sephora looking for a brush to apply bronzer lightly when the Tokidoki Kabuki Brush caught my eye. Look at it. I’m sure it would capture your attention too. I was super excited when I discovered the bristles were super ultra soft. The kabuki brush distributed the bronzer evenly and smoothly. The size of the kabuki brush is great for traveling or throwing into your bag but yet big enough to apply powder quickly. Even though the bristles are super soft, they are firm enough to pick up the perfect amount of powder. Even though the brush is $28, it’s a great investment.

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.

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.

]]> http://www.audreydao.com/2009/07/13/shu-uemura-mini-eyelash-curler-review/feed/ 1 http://www.audreydao.com/2009/07/09/shu-uemura-eyelash-curler-review/ http://www.audreydao.com/2009/07/09/shu-uemura-eyelash-curler-review/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:03:29 +0000 Audrey Dao http://www.audreydao.com/?p=5800 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.

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.

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.