Makeup by Hawiza

Updates…

I have been using this foundation over Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Correcting Primer and the finish is AMAZING!

I will make this review short and sweet. Before I start, you should know that my skin type is combination/oily and my color is 340 Early Tan.  I have been using it for a week and have used my fingers, foundation brush, a stippling brush and a dense buffing brush to apply this foundation.  I also tried it with and without primer. 

Pros -

• Good full coverage
• Long lasting
• Looks better the longer you wear it
• Wide range of color choices
• Has 2 different formulas – normal/dry and oily/combination
• Inexpensive - $12.99 – $13.99  and there is always a sale

Cons -

• Feels heavy on my face
• Dries out too quickly, don’t have a lot of time to work/play with
• Tends to settle in your pores so if you have large pores, definitely use a primer

Overall -

I really like this foundation but I started to breakout along my jawline so I won’t be using it on a regular basis.  Your skin might react to the formula differently so try it and see if it will work for you. My favorite way to apply is with a stippling brush or a dense buffing brush.

A good way to get a good tan any time of the year is to use self tanners.  Here are some of my favorite self tanners to use on my clients.

1) Sun Laboratories Tanning Set

• Has a wonderful scent.
• The set comes with the self tanner, exfoliating body gel and a moisturizer.    
• It is currently on sale for $39.95 and you can get it here – http://www.sunlabsonline.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=17
• Made for sensitive skin.
• Instant color, you will see the color right away.

2) Tan Towel

• No messy creams, no drip.
• No streak.
• Has a little smell but not overpowering.
• Two options – Tan Towel Classic (if you are fair and wants some color) & Tan Towel Plus (if you already have some color but wants to be darker).
• You can purchase it at HSN.com – http://beauty.hsn.com/tantowel_c-bs_a-896_xc.aspx?prev=hp!sf 

3) St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mouse

• Slight smell but not overpowering
• Comes out dark so you see the colors while you are putting it on.
• Dries in 60 seconds.
• Lightweight
• Parabens FREE!
• You can purchase it here – http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P261322&categoryId=B70

With all self tanners it is important that you exfoliate before use.  Exfoliating will make your skin smoother and get rid of all the dead skins that can cause an uneven tan.  When your skin is smoother, the self tanners can go on nice and even.

I have been hearing and reading a lot of great reviews on the Borghese pro brush set from Costco.  I was very curious at the quality and at a price of $29.99 for 10 brushes and a brush bag, I thought I woud give it a try.  I have used it for about 2 weeks and washed it twice. 

The set includes:

1. Powder kabuki brush – LOVE!!! So soft!

2. Angled contour brush – reminds me of MAC 168.  Great contour brush.

3. Duo-Fiber blending brush – great for light application of blush or foundation.

4. Round foundation brush – LOVE!  It is not your typical flat foundation brush.  I love that it is round and dense.  Great for liquid foundation. 

5. Concealer brush – just another concealer brush.  I prefer to use a brush like MAC 224 for concealer instead of a brush like this.  I use mine for lipstick placement.

6. Eye powder fluff brush – for a blending brush, it is very large.  I prefer to use it for the face instead of the eyes.  I use it for highlighting.

7. Eyeshadow brush – also very large but great for product placement.

8. Angle eye contour brush – great crease brush.

9. Domed smudge brush – I usually use smudge brush to blend out eyeliner for a smoky look but in my opinion this brush is too large.  You can use this brush for blending in the crease.

10. Angle eye/brow brush – great eyebrow brush.

11. Brush bag – an okay bag to carry your brushes.  The kabuki brush will not fit in the bag.

Here are some pros and cons:

Pros -

1. The handles are beautiful – I love that it is pewter instead of silver.

2. The brushes are soft.

3. So far no shedding.

4. Value - $29.99 at Costco,  I ordered mine online and shipping were free.

5. Pick up products really well.

Cons -

1. Chemical smell – clean them really well before use.  I clean mine with a mix of antibacterial Dawn and olive oil. 

For the value and the quality, I definitely recommend these brushes.

Real Techniques brushes were designed by makeup artist and vlogger, Sam Chapman.  If you are looking for 100% cruelty-free and synthetic makeup brushes that are inexpensive, these brushes are for you.  Each brush head is hand-cut and made with taklon bristles.  I picked up the Core Collection and the Starter Kit and was pleasantly suprise at the quality and price.

Pros -

• Synthetic
• 100% cruelty-free
• Very soft
• The brushes are color-coded so you know what to use them for
• Do not shed
• Cost – Core Collection is $15.99 for 4 brushes and the Starter Kit is $15.99 for 5 brushes. 

Cons -

• The foundation brush that comes in the core collection set is very small.
• The handles on the bigger brushes are awkward.  This is just my preference, you might like it.

Overall -

It is definitely worth trying.  I love most of the brushes and will definitely try the other brushes in the collection. 

You can purchase these brushes at Ulta and right now you can get these discounts:

• $3.50 off $10 with code 65728 – Expires May 8
• $10 off $50 with code SAVE10ON50. Exclusions Apply