Makeup Tools

10 Top Beauty Tools

January 30th, 2010 by Karen 61 Comments

Last week I asked you about your favorite beauty tools and mentioned a couple of mine. Here are 10 of our favorites among favorites — the beauty tools we can’t live without.

1. Tweezerman Tweezers

An Allure Best of Beauty winner nine years running, the Tweezerman just might be the finest general purpose tweezer in the world! Whether you’re an eyebrow artist or the girl next door, the Slant Tweezer’s ($20) perfectly aligned, hand-filed tips will grab every hair, every time. Available in classic stainless steel finish, Signature Red, Neon Pink, Blooming Lilac and Khaki Gold.

TIP: Tweeze in the direction your hairs grow to keep from breaking strands. Tweezing is also easier after a hot shower, or you can use a warm washcloth to open pores. To close pores when you’re finished (and reduce redness and irritation), rinse with cold water.

2. MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush

I like everything about the MAC 239 ($24.50). It’s soft and dense (just like Tabs!), and shades and blends eyeshadows like a dream. The head is tapered and rounded, with smooth, firm fibers that deposit lots of color. It’s one of the beauty tools I’m not sure I could (or would rather not) live without.

TIP: You can use it to apply powders AND creams, and when you’re done using it, if you don’t have time for a thorough brush cleaning with brush cleaner or a gentle shampoo, you can wipe the bristles down with a Wet Ones Wipe.

3. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($19) is practically iconic! — a legendary beauty tool, perfectly balanced and precise like a ninja’s sword. The shape of the curling surface, frame length, ergonomic handles and hinge help it to deliver the right amount of pressure to delicate eyelashes. Amazingly enough, it also suits just about every eye shape out there.

TIP: Curl before applying your mascara to reduce the risk of pulling out or breaking your lashes, and here’s a tip to get a natural lash curl.

4. MAC 217 Blending Brush

An everyday brush for shading and/or blending color or cream products. With fine, densely packed fibers and an oval head, the MAC 217 ($22.50) will take your makeup game to the next level.

TIP: A super versatile brush you can even use as a crease brush or to apply/blend cream or liquid products (like concealer).

5. Clarisonic Skincare Brush

Heavy duty hardware like the Clarisonic ($195), a gentle, sonic micro-massager (ala the Sonicare Toothbrush), removes makeup better than anything I’ve ever used before. Gentle enough to use twice/day, it also helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches, blemishes and the appearance of visible pores, fine lines and wrinkles.

TIP: If you’re gonna pick one up, shop at a store with a good return policy (like Sephora) because it may take a couple weeks to see results (and they’re HELLA expensive). You want the option of being able to take it back if you need to.
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A Rainbow of Wristlets and Clutches

January 3rd, 2010 by Karen 43 Comments

wristlet-round-up

So, now I have a new excuse to accessorize. 🙂 I’m looking for a cute way to tote around my two newly prescribed inhalers, which will be joining the tubes of lipgloss, cans of cat food and random acorns I usually have on me at any given time.

I spent this morning scouring the Net for a sassy wristlet/clutch and found these 12 colorful options, each one priced for either budget babes or lavish ladies. 🙂

And check it: you don’t need to have a medical condition to get down with one of these little bags. No, ma’am. They’d also make perfect companions for on-the-go makeup essentials like lipglosses, blotting papers and purse-sized perfumes!

Lauren Merkin Zip Pouch in Tomato

red-splurge

Wondercandy Jemima Red Dove Wristlet

red-steal

J. Crew Lolly Mini Clutch in Cantaloupe

orange-splurge

By Judianne Pleated Wristlet

orange-steal

Kate Spade Tutti Fruitti Jodi in Chartreuse

yellow-splurge

Rennes Le Chateau Mini Zoe Leather Zip Pouch in Bright Yellow

yellow-steal
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Lancome’s Deluxe Brush Set and Fashion Case Is Like Little Purple Kisses

November 23rd, 2009 by Karen 59 Comments

Lancome-Deluxe-Brush-Set-Expert-Collection-powder-brush

Yes, it’s pricey with short little handles (I prefer ’em long), and the giant plastic gems on the clutch look *hella* cheesy, but DAGNABBIT if these brush heads aren’t softer than a baby’s kiss.

Lancome’s Deluxe Brush Set ($60), one of two Lancome limited edition brush sets for the holidays, makes me wanna shoop!

Lancome-Deluxe-Brush-Set-Expert-Collection-brushes-and-case
Brushes on left, clutch on right

Lancome-Deluxe-Brush-Set-Expert-Collection-all
From left to right: powder brush, foundation brush, domed blending brush, dual-ended concealer/angled liner brush and flat eyeshadow brush

Deluxe comes with five basic eye and face brushes, complete with a matching clutch. The brushes apply and blend like dreams — good dreams. 🙂 My favorite, the powder brush, feels more luxurious than cashmere against my skin. I’d wear it like a sweater if I could.
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Sonia Kashuk Twist and Shout Kabuki Blush Brush: How Fast Can You Say Magic?

November 18th, 2009 by Karen 26 Comments

sonia kashuk twist and shout

In a perfect world, I’d always have at least 45 minutes to do my makeup. Not because it always takes that long, but because I like being able to take my time and relax.

Unfortunately, the clock doesn’t always cooperate, especially with the holidays approaching fast.

That’s why ’tis the season for makeup shortcuts! 🙂 I’m always looking for makeup time-savers, and one of my new favorites is Sonia Kashuk’s Twist & Shout Kabuki Blush Brush ($13).

Remember Sonia’s Twist of Fate brush set last week? Well, her new kabuki brush models the same twisted faux silver handle, which, like its sisters, broadcasts every smudgy fingerprint (aargh!), a flaw I can easily forgive.

Why?

Baby, you’re much too fast!

Twist & Shout screams! With it I’m able to apply and blend blush in half the time it takes me with a regular blush brush. Fantastic when I don’t have minutes to spare.

sonia kashuk twist and shout closeup

Like a wand, this brush exudes magic. When I rest Twist & Shout’s wide and slightly flattened brush head against my cheek, it covers the entire apple — a large swath of cheek! It’s able to blanket almost my entire cheek with a light-to-medium layer of color in just a couple quick swipes.
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The Sonia Kashuk Twist of Fate Brush Set for Holiday 2009: Elegant, But Do They Bring It?

November 10th, 2009 by Karen 72 Comments

sonia kashuk holiday 2009 twist of fate brushes in clutch
Sonia Kashuk Twist of Fate Brush Set, $20

Earlier this decade, Sonia Kashuk reinvented the budget brush market, making drugstore makeup brushes cool. For the holidays this year, she’s taking that budget luxe philosophy another big step forward by introducing a line with twisted faux-sliver handles that won’t break the bank.

But looks aren’t everything, and to find out if Sonia’s new brushes bring the noise, I put ’em to the test.

The six-piece limited edition Twist of Fate Brush Set ($20, on sale now at Target), Sonia’s premium collection of brushes for the holidays, joins five limited edition holiday makeup palettes and accessories (also on sale at Target).

Sonia Kashuk Twist of Fate

With a black clutch purse to carry them in (one that looks like it could cost more than $20 by itself), these six short-handled brushes will be traveling in style.

A powder/blush brush
A foundation brush
A crease brush
An eyeshadow brush
An eyeliner brush
A brow/lash comb

sonia kashuk holiday 2009 twist of fate brush heads

Pros

Look expensive
Brush heads feel soft against my skin and apply/blend product well
Clutch purse fits everything with room to spare
Brushes feel lightweight — perfect for girls on the go!
Fantastic deal; breaks down to $2.86/per item (including the clutch)

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Is Sephora’s Professional Platinum Lash and Eyebrow Comb Worth Your Moolah?

October 19th, 2009 by Karen 41 Comments

sephora-platinum-teeth

The first time I gave it a try, it took me a good five minutes in front of the mirror to build up the courage to raise Sephora’s Professional Platinum Lash & Eyebrow Comb ($10) to my eyes.

I kept imagining myself scratching an eyeball with its pointy metal teeth. Compared to the cheap plastic drugstore lash combs I’ve always used, this metal monster looked downright frightening!

But after breaking three of the plastic ones so far this year, I was fed up and ready to try something new.

sephora-platinum-top

Having heard nothing but good things about metal lash combs, I took a few deep breaths, made the sign of the cross and went for it.

“Go towards the light, Carol Anne! Towards the light!!”

As luck would have it, all my fears were for naught. Sephora’s metal monster isn’t frightening at all.
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Four of My Favorite Breast Cancer Awareness Products

October 15th, 2009 by Karen 16 Comments

bca-round-up

Good morning, girls. Hope you slept well. 🙂 I wanted to touch base before running off to the Convention Center.

Each October (admittedly, more now than in past years), I get a few limited-edition breast cancer awareness (BCA) products for myself and to give as gifts to friends and family.

I’m amazed by how much Breast Cancer Awareness Month has changed over the past few years. Like almost everything else in our part of the world, the event’s been heavily commodified and commercialized, but I’m okay with that. If the sight of those little pink ribbons in every nook and cranny of our lives increases our awareness of the disease (even if we don’t always like the way some choose to use it), I think it benefits us all.

So here are four of my BCA favorites of the year. 🙂 *LOVE* the Foot Petals heart-shaped pad…

Sonia Kashuk Bag Lady Cosmetic Case

sonia-kashuk-bag-lady

How ’bout the print and dual zippers on this pretty pink makeup bag? It’s one of several items from Sonia Kashuk’s Shop Pink Do More collection from breast cancer survivor and beauty genius Sonia Kashuk.

sonia-kashuk-bag-lady-2

Cute, right? It holds a ton of makeup, and 15% of the purchase price goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Where to buy: $12, check your local Target store

Papyrus Blank BCA Notecards

papyrus-note-cards

I first spied these cute blank notecards at Papyrus a few months ago.

The colors and designs always bring a smile to my face…

Each box comes with four different illustrations (20 cards total), with 10% of the price going toward The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and this is something they’re doing not just throughout October but year round.
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Shu Uemura Portable Natural Brush 14: A Friend to Dark Circles Everywhere

September 16th, 2009 by Karen 25 Comments

ponies effin rule beeyotch

A mini pony = awesomeness.

A mini pony brush = even more awesomeness!

shu uemura 14 pony review

Say howdy to Shu Uemura’s Portable Natural Brush 14 ($30) — a friend to dark circles everywhere.

I spend a lot of time not sleeping. It’s one of my hobbies… not sleeping. Consequently, I rely on under-eye concealer to hide my dark circles, and to set it I’ll use a little bit of powder and Shu’s Natural Brush 14.

The smallish, fluffy brush head (made with pony hair) fits perfectly into the nook under my eyes. It’s one of the softest brushes in my arsenal and feels like a kiss from Tabs on my delicate skin. Just one swipe applies a sheer veil of powder — natural, not heavy or cakey at all.

shu uemura 14 pony review 2

At $30 it’s not a cheap tool, but ladies who take makeup seriously could consider it an investment.

Why? Because this pony multitasks!
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