There's A Brush For That

Brushes

Natural vs. Synthetic

&

Where to buy 'em

First things first - If you are still using your fingers or a 'cosmetic wedge' to apply your liquid foundation - stop. Just STOP. Your hands are probably one of the dirtiest places on your body, plus all of the oil ....please stop now. Sponges soak up all of your product; so if you're wanting to pay for less product just go ahead a squirt some straight into the trash. A sponge doesn't change color for no reason. 

Now now, I know what you're going to say - I like using my fingers, I don't want to buy a brush, I don't like the ''streakiness'' of brushes, don't I get better coverage....? Let me just do the whole blogging community a favor - YOU ARE WRONG. Great. Now that we are over that - let me help you find the perfect brushes for you. 

Natural hair brushes are just that - natural, and YES they come from animal hair. So if you're into taking fur that doesn't belong to you (aka Cruella DeVille) or putting more time into taking care of the brushes themselves, or trying to figure out which of the brushes your skin might have sensitivity issues, go ahead - but the rest of this blog is going to be a waste of your time. 

I prefer synthetic because:

1. Not into the animal cruelty thing

2. 'Ain't Nobody Got Time For That' - referring to all the upkeep that natural hair brushes take. Synthetic brushes don't hold onto makeup as easily and are much easier to clean.

3. $$$ Synthetic is usually cheaper. 

My favorite place to buy brushes is coastalscents.com - (no, I am not endorsed by them) They've got a great brush set that comes with it's own case for about that same price you find ONE brush at a department store. MOST of their brushes are synthetic. Plus this company is out of Tampa, Florida, so if you're anywhere on the East Coast of the United States you are going to get your shipment very quickly (like three days). 

The Body Shop is also a great place to go if you want to be absolutely sure your brushes aren't tested on or made from animals. I love their Kabuki brush. This is a little bit more expensive route, but if you hit the store at the right time, sometimes you can get a 'buy one get one' offer. 

If you're really into 'Earth Friendly' - try ecotools.com. Or if you want to just try this 'new, brush-thing' out one piece at a time - try Sonia Kashuk tools. Extreme cheapo? Elf (By the way...these brands can be found at Target) :)

Happy Hunting

<3 B

Why Haven't I Raved About This Before?!?!

Carol's Daughter

Monoi Products

It's no secret to anyone that my head sheds a ton of hair! I know, I know; all you 'experts' say that everyone loses hair everyday. But you see...I'm really attached to my hair - until it falls out. I can't run my fingers through dry hair and not at least get a strand or two. 

Carols Daughter is relatively new in hair care and it has a large, ethnic following. The rep in my department store told me to give it a try, so I bought the starter kit with all three of the products above, but in smaller sizes ($24). To me it kind of has a nutty-vanilla smell and has a medium-thick consistency. I used the shampoo everyday (or every shower), the hair mask twice a week, and conditioner on the days that I didn't use the mask. 

YOU'LL SEE NOTICE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR HAIR IMMEDIATELY

Their studies and claims say that it helps 98% of breakage issues. Even when I brushed my hair, wet or dry, there weren't nearly as many strands that came out and it detangles like crazy. 

You can pick it up at Macy's or even some Sephora's or Ulta's - but I would recommend just going straight to the Carols Daughter website (http://www.carolsdaughter.com) and signing up for their emails to get discounts and information about other products they carry. It is a bit pricey - $18 for the shampoo and $20 for the conditioner; but even when used in moderation, your hair will thank you!

It's the Slow Season....

you heard it here first

Ladies and Gentleman - if you hate shopping in the crowds - - - GO SHOPPING NOW. Seriously. 

Let me tell you why.

The fiscal year isn't over for cosmetic companies. THAT means FOR YOU - companies and now either raising their prices for spring :( OR they are changing locations (in-store product is going on sale) :) AND/OR they are phasing out products. PLUS .... nobody is shopping right now. If you already didn't know, the departments stores are least full between New Years and Valentines day. 

Case in Point: Laura Geller - this little company hit it big on the home shopping tv channels - but it's now learning it should really do some better target and interest marketing before buying up space in high-priced stores. It's a rough sell when your customers know that they can order it from their tv at a lower price. Why buy something at retail when you can buy it more wholesale just as easy? I heard from a customer today that told me all of their products were 75% off in south Florida, and I know of places up in Michigan where it is at least 50% off. So if you're a fan of their primer, blush, or waterproof liners GO GET 'EM WHILE THEY LAST!!!

On the other side of the net - expect to rising in prices where companies are feeling quite comfortable. Philosophy, for example, just raised their prices on almost all of their products :( One dollar more for every product.      LAME