Reddit mentions: The best face makeup brushes

Ugh. I know how frustrating it can be to not know where to start. Hopefully we can help you!


I would agree with the previous comment. Go to Sephora and get color matched for a foundation and a color-correcting undereye concealer. You have beautiful skin and I think a light coverage, but Dewey foundation would be the best (I really like the Bare Minerals liquid foundation).


As for blush, I would stick to warmer colors to best flatter your skin tone. This Sleek blush palette in Lace would be a great place to start. Great value, great colors, and it will give you an idea about what you like.


Invest in a quality eyelash curler (important!). Curl as close to the roots as possible and work your way up. Find a drugstore mascara you love.


I'm pretty ignorant about eyeshadow, but I think the Naked 3 palette or any rose-gold palette would look gorgeous on you. You can use a concealer as an eyeshadow primer.


As far as lips go, it's a matter of experimentation. I think warm, rosy colors would look incredible on you, especially if they have a hydrating formula. Ask a Sephora makeup artist to show you different shades, and you can find similar ones at the drugstore.


Quality brushes are essential when starting out. Don't skimp and you'll never look back. You will need a foundation brush, a crease brush (you can easily use this in crease and on lid until you get a flat shader brush specifically for the lid -- just clean in between colors), and a blush brush. Later, you can invest in a fluffy crease brush
for better blending and a flat shader brush.


I hope this helps! Try some things out, and post a picture when you're gone so we can give you CC. I would use a better quality picture next time, so we can see :)


Have fun!

I think I saw some other people suggest this on here, but you could spend some time trying to make your cubicle less...cubiclely! Decorate it, make it cute and stuff. DIY some simple things that you're able to do at work- fabric covered memo board, origami decorations, inspirational quote printables, etc.

You can also exercise your mind! Try sudoku or crosswords or search the App store or Google Play for some logic puzzles. One of my absolute favorites is Unblock Me! So fun!

Become an expert on something! Research Ancient Egyptian history, the Sonic the Hedgehog gene, or learn all about Theodore Roosevelt!

And you can always go on Pinterest and pin-binge on delicious and cute cupcake recipes to make at home later. ;D

You can also do some discreet exercises in your cubicle. Might as well get paid to work out, haha! One thing that I like to do sometimes that strengthens and stretches out your legs and feet is to trace the alphabet in the air with both feet. Don't like, put your leg up in the air, just while you're sitting in your chair at your desk, just lift up your foot off the ground just enough so you aren't touching it anymore and trace through each letter of the alphabet.

You could also use your spare time to do some creative writing or drawing projects if you're into that sort of thing!

I hope some of these ideas help to break you out of your Cubicle Coma! Thank you so much for this contest!! If I win, I would love this brush! Thanks again! =D

Sounds like the brush isn't blending the powder very well.

I'm fond of the Real Techniques blush brush. It picks up a good amount of products and lays it down evenly. My issue with this guy is that he doesn't blend as well as some others because he's pretty soft so I found myself applying the blush and then reaching for another to finish the job. But if you're light handed to begin with, he's a cool little dude.

Sephora's Full Coverage Airbrush is my favorite right now for blush. I originally got him for blending out my bb cream but I like him a lot better with powder than liquid. It blends powders out so nicely. My only issue is that he's surprisingly small. I wish the handle were longer.

I just got these brandless brushes off Amazon on Saturday. So far the angled kabuki is really nice for blending powders as well. I like it almost as much as the Sephora one to be honest. The only reason why it falls a little behind is I prefer the slimmer shape of Sephora's a bit more.

Another Sephora brush is their Pro Visionary Face Blender. The shape is pretty funky but the curve of it hugs your face. I like this, but I prefer to use it for contour more than blush. I'm just adding it in as an option because the thinness of it lets you get pretty precise placement of the powder which is useful.

Happy Early Birthday! :) Sounds like a great day you have planned!

My birthday is usually a pretty low key event, and I'm OK with it. I'm usually guaranteed a Lemon Meringue pie and a home-cooked meal of my choice (usually Tuna Noodle Casserole, which I'm also totally OK with). I really can't say anything could be more ideal than that, for me anyways :)

I do have a somewhat random story to share...I share a birthday with a certain mammal that checks for shadow once a year. One of my family/friends usually does something with it....like one year I got a cake delivered to school with a large picture of a groundhog on it. Last year my Mom sent me flowers to work, with a large card just reading "Happy Groundhogs Day!". One of my co-workers finally broke down and asked me why I got flowers for groundhogs day, and if I thought it was normal!

If I won I would love to try this! Thanks for hosting! :)

I appreciate all women who commit to their shoes. I am the type who will keep their shoes on the entire time their out but will also accept if someone offers me a piggy back ride to the car.

I use mac cork as my eyebrow color and my casual every day crease color all the time. The mac naked essential palette has a color I use too. Pencils look better using the same tip to top method but I just can't make pencil look good on me so I stay with powder then gel.

On the contouring I'm happy to say I've also had that issue and I've figured it out I use a flat top kabuki brush to make very solid thin lines with the side of the brush then use the flat top part to buff it out. I bought these on a whim before christmas and they actually are pretty solid and a good choice. I have to condition them after washing but it worth the extra work for how well they work/the price

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSE4WJG/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944579862&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00F008GFQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=19WB2Q6684RFVH40BJSK

Hey- real life vampire here. Here's my vampire makeup advice, modified for a beginner.

The main thing you wanna focus on here is red, white and black. Make your hair darker, your skin more pale (contour(define)) your cheekbones and put red under your eyes.

Before you start, gather these things:

1. Clown White
   
2. Liquid foundation of some kind (match for your skin or not, doesn't really matter)
   
3. Eyeshadow (with red and black and white) or oil face paints (same colors)
   
4. Possibly a brown/black eyeliner pencil for your eyebrows
   
5. An ashy contour colour (just a brown, greyish color)
   > 6. A contour brush. Some people will insist that you need more brushes but honestly you can probably get away with using your hands.
   
   Tutorial:
   
   
6. Put on some Joy Division. Mix together some of the clown white and foundation and apply it to make your face seem more pale. Try to make it even, and the consistency shouldn't be too thick. If it is, add more foundation. Also, put this over your lips so that they look super pale.
   
7. Put white eyeshadow on your eyelid. Then, take just a bit of black eyeshadow and try to blend them to make grey. The eyeshadow should get darker towards the outer corners.
   
8. Take some of the red eyeshadow (on the tip of your finger) and dab it on the lower lash line (not your waterline. don't try to stick your finger in your eye!!!). Smear that downwards so that it blends in with the foundation you have on. Try to make it look natural, like your eyes are really red. After all, you are a vampire.
   
9. Use the ashy contour colour and the contour brush to make your cheeks look gaunt. This will help you look more dead. Also, contour your temples. Blend it in to the white so that the lines aren't harsh (you don't need to use that much product, and start in the hairline and work out.)
   
10. If you don't have a widow's peak, make one with your eyeshadow and contour. Use the brush for this, and just try to be subtle with it, moving in a swooping heart shape out from the point in the centre. You might need to pack more product in at the hairline.
    
11. If your eyebrows need to be defined, define them. You can make them look more evil/intense by adding a dark line along the bottom and then angling in like this. You don't have to do this though, and you could even white out your eyebrows (not all vamps have them after all.)
    
12. If you want to, do lines of black eyeliner on your eyelids. You can smudge this if you want, and I suggest only doing the top so that on the bottom the main focus is the red.
    
    If you want any more help/explanations don't hesitate to ask, I could send you more pictures if you want. Here is a picture of drag queen Aquaria with a vampy look: she might be a bit too shiny for what we're going for here, but the eye makeup is a good example (and the expression.)
    
    
    

So I don't actually have the Lorac Pro Palette yet, but it's gonna happen...lol. And my fall shade is gonna be Garnet for sure! I mean come on, look at it, it's stunning!


If I get picked I'd like the Sigma Small Contour Brush. I also have my eye on TheBalm Down Boy blush...but surprises are fun too!

I'm gonna tag /u/StormyHiccups, just because :)


Thank you for hosting and happy birthday!!

We have very similar eyes! Down to the coloring and everything—seriously, we could be related. I LOVE the Norvina palette; so flattering. What shades did you use?

Regardless, I agree that this look isn't bringing the best out of your eyes. (Which are gorgeous, if I do say so myself, lol.) Personally, I don't like bringing dark or matte shadow more than 2/3 of the way into my eyes for an everyday look. If it goes past the iris looking straight on, it's not doing anything for you IMO. As for the outside edges, my favorite ever tip for figuring out the right shape and placement actually came from Safiya Nygard—she draws a straight line in concealer from the outer corner to the end of her brow, and that's where she puts her wing. And once she's done, she just blends the concealer away. GENIUS.

I also think that ending your eyeliner halfway through your eye like that, while impressive (dat tiny little line tho), looks a little unfinished. Just a little tightlining to continue the line to the corner would make a huge difference in this look.

I like my eye makeup to make my eyes look even wider, rounder, and more lifted than they already do. I actually wanted to demonstrate, so I did one eye of my go-to look with Norvina so you can see it. (Keep in mind that the pics are of a quick-n-dirty hack job, though. Blend it more than I did. Do as I say, not as I do.)

I generally do: Base all over the lid. (Keep your brush for this handy to buff out any weird-looking edges, especially along the wing edge.) Take Love and kind of stab it straight in the crease, starting on the outer 1/3 and blending to either side, out over orbital bone and into a wing-y shape. (I use a FLUFFY-ASS brush for this; mine is a Wet n Wild one I got on Amazon.) It will fluff up above the crease, which is good—that means the color will still be visible when your eye is open. So to keep there from being a weird dip in the color where my eye socket is, I almost want this color to make a straight line from the middle of my orbital bone out to my wing. Then, I take Incense on the fluffy end of the brush included in the palette and put it in basically the same place; it will just stay in a slightly tighter area because the brush is smaller. Then I use either Volatile or Passion (I used Passion in the pics above) on a denser brush (the other end of the one in the palette will work) and put it in the outer V. It really is a V-shape when I do it, because I don't want to weigh it down with too much color and get too smoky for daytime. I'll take that color a little bit along the lash line and a little bit into the crease, but only just up to about where I started applying color in the first step. Keep it more concentrated than any of the other colors. Then, I'll use one of the fluffier brushes to blend into the lighter colors. Now, up until this point, we've been ignoring the rest of the lid—don't worry! Just take a very small packing brush and brighten it alllll up. You can use any light shade, and it should hide anything weird going on on your lid. (Kind of like a cut crease without the annoying concealer part. Or any of the precision.) I used Dreamer in the pics, but you can use Base, your setting powder, your highlighter, whatever. If you have Subculture, I'm currently a HUGE fan of Cube, and I think it would look BOMB with this look. Finally, I think my eyes look a little naked without ANYTHING on the lower lash line, so I'll put just a little bit of Incense from the outer corner to about halfway in, and do mascara about that far as well.

I honestly wear this look without liner or with just a little tightlining (no wing) most of the time, because it defines my eyes enough and I feel like liner takes it to a more ~evening~ place. But if you want to add liner, I would take your wing out a little farther just so it's a little more present. The way it is now almost blends into your lashes. Don't be afraid to add a little more; you can almost draw a triangle and it will still come out with that nice swoop you have in your pictures because of the way the skin folds when you open your eyes. Just experiment! It's just eyeliner, it's not that serious. You'll wash it off at the end of the day and try again tomorrow, so it's not a huge deal if it's not perfect today.

But in the meantime, mascara (or falsies if you're feeling fancy) will hide most eye makeup sins. In my pics, I'm still wearing this morning's crusty mascara that's half flaked off, but if you put on a totally fresh coat, voila! Beautiful, every time.

I've had that happen from a random foundation brush I got at TJ Maxx! My nose started breaking out and peeling and itching; it's like it was exfoliating my skin and I was maybe also allergic to it. Bad times.

Like someone else said, Elf brushes are great! I also LIVE for the basic EcoTools duo and this Wet n Wild blending brush. I can do pretty much all my eye looks with just those three brushes. I've also got a couple from Sonia Kashuk (which I think is Target-exclusive, so hopefully you're in the US) that are quite nice. And, like others have said, Real Techniques is really nice too! I highly recommend their face brushes and their blending sponge. (I do NOT recommend the EcoTools sponge. I've never hated a sponge more.)

You don't have to spend a ton! You can get a really great set of brushes, curated by you for your own needs, just in the drugstore/Target.

That is AWESOME! Great job! :)

If I were to win I would love this amazing Sigma brush! :)

edit - BIG MONEY!

Sorry for the delay in replying! So I got the brushes from this link: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I3VHKVK/ and this link: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EWBYUDU/ for a great variety of basic eye and face brushes. Paid about 16 bucks total, and that should still be the price! The bristles on the first set are so dense that I needed a separate dusting brush for brushing off loose powder/finishing my foundation beat, and luckily i already had one. If you don't, this one looks excellent: https://smile.amazon.com/EcoTools-Sustainable-Materials-Synthetic-Packaging/dp/B001KYVLSU/

As far as wigs are concerned, I look at wigs marketed to both white women and women of color, since they both have different, excellent attributes. If you want something silky and smooth that you can style yoursef, do a search for K'ryssma wigs and pay attention to the reviews! I got this one: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XJ3BGJC/, and it was gorgeous. Needed some work on the hairline (I plucked out some of the hair from the lace so the hairline looked more natural). K'ryssma wigs are machine made and come in a wide range of styles. The one I got had a LOT of hair, which was great! I was looking for a base wig to stack on and style myself, so the straight/slightly wavy style was perfect for me.

Many of the wigs for black women's hair have phenomenal texture (like straightened kinky hair) which gives them great body and fullness. Not as much movement, but not everyone needs that! The one I got for myself was the NEESHA wig (tons of YouTube reviews! this one is very popular) at this link:https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B3GZTBO/. Haven't tried to stye it yet, and the lace is quite stiff/hard but this wig has a TON of hair.

BEFORE YOU BUY A WIG decide if you are going to try to style it yourself or if you need one that's mostly good right out of the box. That way you can avoid ending up with a wig you can't use without buying a ton of other styling products. Check out onlinekyne on YouTube--he has a ton of styling and baby queen tutorials, and isn't so experienced that his stuff is intimidating to watch. I also watch Mr. Villberg's wig transformation tutorials for ideas.

That's all I have time for now, but I will try to get back to you later today with more info! Best of luck, and let me know if you have any other questions!

I have a few colors in mind for this fall, but the one I'm most excited about is Limecrime Salem. I know they're controversial, but this color was calling to me, so I ordered it from Urban Outfitters. Here's a swatch on my lips (if that's ok).

I'm going to tag /u/Elle_Woods to do this giveaway!

If I won, I'd want this Sigma brush or this Anastasia Beauty Genius.

Thanks for the giveaway :)

I'm still organizing it, but my "kit" includes:

• DSLR Camera, prime lenses, camera bag
  
  
• Wooden yard stick (Scale bar and setting depth of field)
  
  
• IR remote control for camera (more steady camera triggering)
  
  
• Tripod on casters for faster shot setups
  
  
• Athlete's foot spray ($1 each at the dollar store)
  
  
• Developer's spray / Dulling spray
  
  
• temporary/removable rubberized paint (basecoat before spraying perm. paint) example
  
  
• Multi-colored textured spray paint Example
  
  
• Powder duster for applying inexpensive dust to objects. I haven't perfected this process. It's messy and the powder can change appearance between camera shots and spoil your entire photoshoot. I'd still like to figure out a better way because flour, baking soda, baby powder, and other dusty substances are far cheaper than spraypaint and athlete's foot spray.
  
  
• retractable kabuki brush for applying powder. I'm still experimenting with this, but it's a standard item included with the NextEngine 3D Scanner and they recommend applying talc powder to a lanolin base.
  
  
• Smart phone with lightmeter app, depth-of-field calculator app
  
  
• "Muslin" quick-clamps to drape a bedsheet behind object to diffuse lighting
  
  
• log book for optimal camera settings (dry erase board is faster for me)
  
  
• dry erase board for snapping a pic of my settings
  
  
• stickers for registration marks. I have only tried ordinary circular stickers without the computer generated encoded targets and have so far been disappointed with the results.
  
  There's probably more, but that's all I can think of for now.
  
  FUTURE ITEMS:
  
  
• $10 Lazy susan turntable from Ikea
  
  
• CNC controlled camera gantry for automated image capturing
  
  
• Field monitor for easier camera focusing. It's much harder on the small camera display.
  
  
• WiFi enabled camera or a WiFi enabled SD memory card
  
  
• A light tent - preferably with an entire setup with variable LED lighting from reddit user /u/Iontrades_
  
  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iontrades/lite-studio-all-in-one-photo-studio-and-3d-scanner
  
  
• Green screen backdrop for experimenting with the automask feature in 3DF Zephyr software. I may also experiment with other backdrop colors, threadcounts, and thicknesses to optimize contrast (between the workpiece and backdrop) and optimize lighting.
  
  
• Experimental mixture of white baby powder, black pepper, and acetone to make it stick together. I haven't tried this yet, but I'm hoping that the acetone would help it stick to the workpiece and quickly evaporate.

Sure thing! Step-by-step, comin' at you.

1. Make sure area is clean and dry. Put face moisturizer on it and let it soak in.
   
2. Put primer on, not just on the marks but all over the area. This is actually an important step because sweat and clothing are going to be working against you all day so having primer on there will help the makeup adhere to your skin mo' betta. And it'll just look smoother.
   
3. Put a color-correcting concealer on. I used green, but yellow would probably also work (green cancels out red tones, yellow cancels out purple). Put the color correcting concealer ONLY on the marks, not the surrounding skin (aside from a little bit of blending so the edges aren't too sharp). I used this flat foundation brush, but fingers might work as well.
   
4. Put on your normal, skin-tone concealer. Apply this directly on top of the color correcting one, and also into the surrounding areas to blend it. I used this brush to stipple it on. She can look up youtube videos of how to stipple, but it's basically just bouncing the product onto your skin.
   
5. Brush on a thin layer of translucent powder. This helps set the first layer of concealer so that you can pile on more layers without them muddying or blending together, since you want to create a layer effect and not a puddle of concealer. I used this powder and this brush to do so. Any translucent powder and large brush will do the trick!
   
6. Repeat step #4!
   
7. Then repeat step #5!
   
8. Use your normal foundation and stipple brush for a final layer that should be pretty seamless with the rest of your skin.
   
9. I chose to do a final layer of translucent powder, but that's because I live in Southern California and it's hot and I need to be prepared for the gym. I'm sweating a lot of the time. She could probably go without.
   
   Good luck!

You don't really need to replace your brushes if they aren't raggedy and falling apart or shedding. If you're cleaning and taking care of them regularly t hey should be absolutely fine to keep.


That being said, I think the Elf Studio brushes and Eco tools are great.


This is my favorite foundation brush of all time: http://www.amazon.com/e-l-f-Studio-Powder-Brush-elf/dp/B002B4GGUG


I've replaced them a few times to be honest because it starts shedding after about a year but I love everything about how this brush is designed and how it works. You can really control the amount of coverage, stipple, blend. It works with all textures of foundation from cream to liquid to powder. Love it. 6 bucks!

More (albeit only slightly discounted) items:

Real Techniques Cruelty Free Mini MC Sponges, (Pack of 4) $5 vs $7.50 retail.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01N1A00VH/ref=sr_1_65_olp?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1522086265&sr=1-65&condition=used

Ecotools Cruelty Free and Eco Friendly Precision Blush $3 vs $4.50

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01BSBTI1Q/ref=sr_1_43_olp?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1522086237&sr=1-43&condition=used

Revlon PhotoReady Primer, Shadow + Sparkle, Metropolitan $5 vs $8

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009QZILFQ/ref=sr_1_113_olp?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1522086422&sr=1-113&condition=used

Some generic brushes here - not sure about quality for $6. https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B017LR4848/ref=sr_1_204_olp?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1522086650&sr=1-204&condition=used

EcoTools Holiday Soft Smokey Eye Set $6 vs $10? https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B075R5L1BT/ref=sr_1_494_olp?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1522087016&sr=1-494&condition=used

PARWIN PRO 1 Inch Dual Voltage Flat Iron with Tourmaline Ceramic Plate $11 vs $35 (not great reviews though) https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B06XFPFG9T/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

ETERNITY Professional Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron Hair Straightener for All Hair Types,1 Inch Floating Plate $11 (no reviews, not sure what retail is for this) https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B073Z8Y7QX/ref=sr_1_773_olp?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1522087385&sr=1-773&condition=used

Makeup Brush Cleaner Kit in Seconds to Clean Makeup Brushes and Dry in 360 Rotation with 8 Rubber Collars for All Makeup Brushes Cleaning (just one of those generic brush cleaner things) $12 (seems like a good way to try it out) https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B075LKF775/ref=sr_1_811_olp?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1522087437&sr=1-811&condition=used

Winsor & Newton Artisan Brush, Size 12, Flat $3 vs $13 https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001AC8RLQ/ref=sr_1_833_olp?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1522087455&sr=1-833&condition=used

Kess InHouse Everything Bag, Tapered Pouch, Heidi Jennings "Shadows" Dark Circles, 8.5 x 4 Inches (HJ1011AEP03) $3 (inexpensive makeup bag?) https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00X87EEHW/ref=dp_olp_used_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=used&m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ

Here are pictures of my entire brush collection, my favorite brushes and a bonus pic of my first brushes!

I got my first brushes from one of those Free Ulta Beauty Bags you get with a $15 or so ulta purchase. I haven't used them in ages, and I can't believe how rough they are!

My holy grail brush would probably be This ecotools beauty. I want to start learning how to use blush, so i'd like a brush just for blush!

BrushLove!

Start with these three simple things:

1. Liquid Foundation (https://www.amazon.com/Maybelline-New-York-Foundation-Packaging/dp/B001Q8568G/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1466479185&sr=1-3&keywords=liquid+foundation)
   
   
2. A brush to apply the Liquid Foundation (https://www.amazon.com/EcoTools-1202-Flat-Foundation-Brush/dp/B001KYVOJQ/ref=sr_1_13_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1466479200&sr=1-13&keywords=liquid+foundation+brush)
   
   
3. A powder foundation (https://www.amazon.com/Maybelline-New-York-Poreless-Porcelain/dp/B00PFCSNWK/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1466479234&sr=1-1&keywords=powder+foundation) and this includes a pad brush inside of it.
   
   You apply the (1) liquid foundation to your face very evenly with (2) the brush (especially around your eyes) and then 'set' it with the (3) powder foundation by just tapping it all around your face until you can't see any of the shine from the liquid foundation anymore. Good luck!! And welcome to the makeup club; you're in for life. :P
   
   P.S. it's called a 'foundation' because it's meant to cover up your whole face and make it look perfect. Once you get good at this, you can move on to more fun things but this will make you look nice :)

• Link your go-to "I'm bored on the internet" site: Always something interesting here - http://www.boredpanda.com/
  
  
• Describe your perfect birthday meal: My family do a special birthday breakfast meal - the table is decorated just like this from my birthday this year and we open presents while drinking Bucks Fizz! Breakfast is cereals (the nice ones with chocolates in them!) and boiled eggs with solders (pretty much the only time we do boiled eggs!). It doesn't sound like much but its our tradition. And sometimes we get cake after breakfast.
  
  
• Link me an item or list of items from your wishlist at the $20 point (before shipping). - I'd love this Real Techniques Kabuki Brush from Amazon UK £10.95 inc postage or Amazon US $25.99 inc postage
  
  
• Share a random factoid that you recently learned - On the radio this morning I learnt that 92% of instructions get thrown away without being used. Sounds very true - if you try to use Ikea instructions you can get even more confused!
  
  
• Add the reddit raffle phrase: Flash This Flash Ahhh!
  

My favorite movie is Jurassic Park :D I was obsessed with dinosaurs growing up and I really do blame this movie for that. Also my love for Jeff Goldblum, he seemed to be in all the cool, actiony films of the 90's lol. I can still sit for a couple hours and get lost in the wonder and excitement I felt when I first watched it. I'd like to win the prize pack for my sister because she went in for a moderately invasive surgery today and it would be a great surprise for her. She'll be stuck in the house for about a month and I'm going to go visit her for a couple days to torture her with my presence(in return she'll torture me with makeup) ;p

This is would be my amazon item: Kabuki brush!. I'm gonna go with Bubble.

I have two RealTechniques brush sets: RT Core Collection and the RT Starter Set. I've been pretty happy with all of the brushes and I know they're pretty well liked. In addition to those, I use the Urban Decay shadow/blending brush and I have the Bespoke Brush Set from amazon that I use almost every day. I am by no means a pro, but I've been pretty happy with mine so far.

I love love love my [ecotools retractable kabuki] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MX89Y8/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1). It's sooo soft and it glides powder onto my face really well.

You're wonderful and I love you and I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

Also, I freaking love all of your stuff. Seriously.

Bag - Space galaxy planets or Star Wars

Polish - Tardis or Binary Stars or I'm a Doctor or Teal DeGrasse Tyson

Eyeshadow - Surprise Me

Jewelry - Earrings

Lip Balm - Surprise Me

Brush on my wishlist

I ain't scared of no ghost!

I haven't used the Escali shaving brush, but I've heard lousy things about it. The brush sheds, and it irritates the skin. Escali uses black badger, and the only black badger brush I've ever used lathered great but stung my face. Consider getting an Omega boar brush, which can be had for like ten bucks. Boar brushes feel coarse at first, but they soften up as the bristles split at the ends. The brush also smells like hairy pig until the break-in phase is over. Alternatively, you could get an Ecotools Kabuki brush, which is made from bamboo and is considered to be a good starter brush.

If you want a cheaper alternative to the kit you have, you can go to Maggard Razors. They have their own brand of razors that seems to be based in part on the Edwin Jagger line. I can't speak to the quality of their razors (I use an Edwin Jagger and I like it a lot), but everyone who buys one seems to like it. You can get a kit with a razor, brush, shave soap, and alum for $40-50, and you can pick and choose your own blade sampler as well. The owners of the website are also frequent posters, and you can shoot /u/kcbeemo a message if you have a question about a product.

I have this Sigma set and I love it. It's got every brush I ever need, and the brush holder it comes with is sturdy, beautiful, and portable. In addition to these brushes, I also have this Sigma flat top kabuki. They are all amazing brushes.

Yeah no problem! Here’s some links to the ones I use, you mostly want to look for something with a dense amount of bristles so you get an even coverage.

real techniques face brush set (I’m not sure if can use amazon but this is a good shape to use)

And another place I get brushes is BH Cosmetics, they have some of the best affordable sets and they’re super soft. (And they’re having a sale!!) https://www.bhcosmetics.com/collections/brush-sets

I think this contest is fun! Thanks for doing it again! Time is running out

I picked the same prize as last night. If I won it would be brush guards.
Thank you!

It's my party!

If it was my birthday I think I would want some eye makeup. Colors make me nervous but I think this purple palette would suit me and of course I'd need Milk with it. I also need a new kabuki brush, a new face brush and some beauty blenders. I'd probably ask for one of these "sets" or a combination of these items.

Happy birthday and thanks for hosting!

• item
  
  
• Super Junior- yay kpop boy bands!
  
  
• Moon Knight!
  
  Thanks for the contest!

Good luck on your interview! I would love this brush!

edit: changed the product!

I have the mark Blush + Bronzer brush to apply my mineral foundation, and it works well. Granted, it sheds bristles, but it actually applies the powder foundation well. I have the Sigma F82 Round Kabuki on my Amazon wish list for when I get paid. My old brushes just aren't cutting it anymore!

Thanks for holding this contest!

I just got a foundation/bb cream and it's the first one that's ever matched me, so now I need something to apply it with :D

These sponges would be so lovely~
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A51LI1O/ref=aw_ls__2?colid=13I2PKH014VF8&coliid=I2LZWBBWVWB888

If add-on items are okay, then this kabuki would be even better!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00373HS7K/ref=aw_ls__7?colid=13I2PKH014VF8&coliid=I1V0M2X4D1B93V

Please <3

• Here is my entire brush collection, including my favorite(s).
  
  
• My first brush probably came with a classic cover girl blush...but for real, real, it was the Clinque set my sister got me for Christmas approximately 12-15 years ago. They sat dormant for a while, and about 6 years ago, I started using them, and still do. I guess I've just taken good care of them.
  
  
• This is my coveted/holy grail/ dream brush.
  
  Brush love...obviously lol
  

The most inexpensive angled contour brush I can think and love of is actually a drugstore brand. Wet n Wild has this one, and you can find it in stores anywhere from 0.99$ to 2$. It's not as densely packed as others might be, though it is very soft and I find it perfect for contouring under my cheekbones/jawline/the edges of my face.

Edit: It's also only 0.59$ on Amazon, which is a ridiculously good deal to me!

Snow White and yes, that's a tomato, got a problem with it?!?!?!??!! LOL

Pretty please

Thanks for hosting, this was fun!!!

brushes
brushes are the way to go
more and more brushes
wedges
beauty blender
brush
brush

honestly though go to /r/MakeupAddiction and ask them what drug store products they would recommend. its better to shop in store for this kind of thing in my opinion

Ok here goes:

Weber polished DE
EcoTools Retractable Kabuki
4x Arko shave stick
200x Big Ben Stainless blades (these are my go to blades YMMV)
4x Arko Citrus ASB with Allantoin

The whole lot is pretty minimal and would be pretty reasonable at $135 even if you had to buy everything new right now.

I found all the stuff! Time is running out!!

My lipstick is Burt's Bees Red Dahlia so hopefully that counts. My gold is an Altoid tin, a whole branch from my friends backyard, a book I gave the same friend a while ago, and Roscoe says hello. http://i.imgur.com/kpUJJxE.jpg

Here is a link to my Amazon item: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSPVDE8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=21KHPTB35LXYD&coliid=I1PHNJ60VWUHXO&psc=1

I use a stippling brush. One with a lot of bristles and is somewhat sturdy, like this one. I've used it wish all kinds of foundations with success.

I'm super pale, so my favorite contouring products are the Hourglass Ambient Light Palette and Taupe blush by NYX.

The brushes I use are Sigma F84 Contour Kabuki for the contour, [Sigma F82 Round Kabuki brush] (http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-F82-Round-Kabuki-TM/dp/B0045W22SW/ref=sr_1_15?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1412465163&sr=1-15&keywords=sigma+brush), and a crappy liquid foundation brush like this one only WAY crappier for the lighlighting.I'm definitely looking to replace that old crappy brush...lol.

Here are a couple of video tutorials that I found to be really helpful:

How to Highlight & Contour

Flawless Skin Tutorial by Wayne Goss

So something like this would be ok? I know nothing about makeup brushes and which ones have softer bristles lol.

You know, no where does it say what brand it is! This is the link to the listing though. I pulled them out of their packages to feel the quality, etc and they're soooo nice!

I'm very excited to try them out tomorrow morning! :)

The Wiki has a ton of useful information, it's what I went off of before taking the plunge about a month ago.

There are some great kits that are also available in the sidebar, sorted by price range, but personalized kits will take a little longer to understand and build up. I'm still on all of my first everything (save for blades) so I'm taking my time with everything. I personally used the Van Der Hagen Deluxe Shave Set because I found it at Target for $20. The brush is apparently terrible, but I've not had an issue with it's shedding just yet and someone earlier was saying they lost theirs and miss it terribly.

I'm not quite sure if this is the one regularly linked, but the EcoTools Kabuki is a regularly recommended brush from /u/LeisureGuy, who has some fantastic advice to be given out.

Going around doing some reading on this sub and the wiki will help you get a lot of the information that you'll need in order to actually put your kit together. There are several videos on YouTube (geofatboy and mantis are the popular ones) that show you how to lather, how to shave, how to maintain your razor, and how to change out blades, anything really.

I also use a generic Lord razor currently, it's a good price for a decent razor, something to consider, there is a less expensive one available, but the reviews are mixed on it.

the second set is more expensive because it has far more brushes, and believe me, like artists brushes, makeup brushes can set you back a pretty penny, if you want to go all out.

I have a set of Real Techniques and I do like them a lot, so I'd go with them, especially if she's mentioned them, If you want to get a little crazy get here these two things to go along with the brushes, they're for cleaning purposes:

[Brush Cleaner] (http://www.amazon.com/Coastal-Scents-Makeup-Shampoo-Cleanser/dp/B00ED6FV5G/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1417813820&sr=8-16&keywords=makeup+brush+cleaner)

[brush guards - used to keep brushes in shape and for drying, after cleaning] (http://www.amazon.com/Easygoby-Makeup-Cosmetic-Netting-Protector/dp/B00BSPVDE8/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1417813923&sr=8-14&keywords=makeup+brush+cleaner)

ALSO, here are more items to add to the Real Techniques set

[stippling brush] (http://www.amazon.com/Real-Techniques-RLT-1408-Stippling-Brush/dp/B004TSFE6Y/ref=pd_sim_bt_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0Y62RVEG9G08C9179CYC)

[this page has options for different combos of the brushes] (http://www.amazon.com/Real-Techniques-Collection-Starter-Essentials/dp/B00OP2OU00/ref=pd_sbs_bt_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=0BSTZ51PMTQS05C1RN9X)

Don't get overwhelmed, lol

I do! For anyone in the US here's the sigma dupes, and here is the RT dupes. Also I found the bamboo set and this one comes with an extra brush I totally wish came with mine. Not sure of the quality of these as I haven't tried them myself but i'd guess its pretty similar.

The ecotools brush I have is this one and it's just very large. Like it's good if I want to do an overall bronzing, but not if I wan't to contour/bronze. Maybe I'm just using it wrong.

That makes sense for the saikoho brushes, thank you! I guess I want a concentrated picking up of product, which to me means a smaller, denser brush, not one that necessarily floofs out all over the place. The J531 looks nice too!

I think a carmel hair color would look nice on you, especially for this time of year. As far as a hair cut maybe this?

I'd love this
Edit: Rainbow!

Just take a big fluffy brush, get a little black matte eye shadow, and lightly dust it from the top of your ear down towards the corner of your mouth. I also apply a little bit more black shadow up by my ear and blend it down lightly.

I actually use this Elf Brush. It's loosely packed so it picks up just a little product, and it works fabulously. It's also like a dollar. Lol

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CL6DTM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_eiBuub1JHXDZN

I have the real techniques eye set and I looove them. I also got a super soft set on Amazon that are excellent for blending.
The face brushes are pretty small but I actually use the quite a bit.

The absolute best brushes I've ever used in my life are these Bestope face brushes from Amazon. They're a set of 8 for $8, and they're the softest things ever. They're the perfect density, and I've had them for a year and there's been no shedding or any problems. I reach for these more than my Sephora brushes!

So I bought the [Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer] (https://www.sephora.com/product/ambient-bronzer-P395697) recently and I have to say I am not impressed whatsoever, especially considering the price. I currently apply it with my [Ecotools bronzing brush] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BSB5FLI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) but am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for better application? I'm really want to make it work but am considering returning it soon if not.

I've cosplayed Marcaline and had my (ex)bf do Marshal Lee so I can definitely help!
Snazaroo Grey Face Paint for all over color. You get a cheapie Foundation brush and dip it lightly in water, then brush the paint, then paint cho face!
The makeup you cannot buy traditional powder makeup and use face paint with. It's difficult to get it to go on evenly and doesn't blend AT ALL. I would suggest contouring with another face paint like pale blue
The two eye products used in the video look to be a cream eyeliner in black
and Blue liquid liner

They look like these. :)

This is a great brush: https://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Beauty-Flat-Kabuki-F80/dp/B003UH0528/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1469635317&sr=8-1&keywords=sigma

I used it last summer on several days when I was out in the sun all day long. It works really well for me. I carry the compact with me and this retractable brush and reapply every hour or so. My skin is very pale and burns easily and throughout the entire summer I only got very slightly burnt once and that was only because I forgot to reapply.

EDIT: Forgot a word.

[Real Techniques Ultimate Base Set] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G74I1PI/)
Deal begins at 3:39 pm CST
Sale price not yet listed.



butter LONDON LIPPY Liquid Lipstick
35% off in checkout comes to $11.70 USD (vs $18.00 USD with Prime). It looks like this applies to many butter London products as well. Look for the Prime Day banner on butter London products here.

L'Oreal Paris products 15% at checkout

Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrips $29.50. Not a make up product, but I can't rock a bold lip with stained teeth and I drink a lot more red wine and coffee than I should. Apparently they can often be found cheaper on Amazon.

And what look is complete without an $11 Golden Grill?

Edit: Updating as I go.

Thanks for the feedback! I saw TheTaylaa review one the other day (this rainbow one from Amazon) and think I'll give that one a try!

I got this brush on Amazon and really like it for contouring

[i really like this one](Docolor Professional Kabuki Flat Contour Trimming Brush Face Makeup Cosmetic Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5HYZSE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_81yWzbM9AS0Z2) I don't have the Ita so I'm not sure if they're identical but it works well for me.

hopscotch! And this brush please :) http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004TSF95U/ref=pd_aw_sbs_bt_5?pi=SY115

you want a flat foundation brush, not a kabuki brush. this is the one i usually use, cheap and easy to find in any drug store.

here is a little demo on my arm.

Thanks! And I just realized when I read ecotool that I actually have ecotool brushes not RT. I have this set and this set


I'm guessing the one you use is this brush (says for bronzer) or [this brush] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9BUU73/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TqNuzbWE8SCZF). Do either look familiar?

Bring a cart or two, a stick of Arko, and a small kabuki make-up brush like this, and shave like a boss anywhere, any time, with no hassle.

I am a squall. When I decide I want to be busy- I get busy. I'll have a lazy morning, drinking my coffee, then when I start working I go-go-GO! I cannot slow down. I speed up and get worked up as if I'm racing myself. I got to do anything and everything and it's all gotta come out fabulous!

P.S I'll be doing a eyeshadow look shortly. Not sure when it's midnight your time but I'll edit when a picture soon!

Edit: Here is my look. I wanted something intense. Also here is my item- I'm not sure if it's really under $20 since I can't see the price for shipping without prime. If not, this is my second pick.

Here are the purple ones, and these are the original "Brush Guards" (which she glammed me earlier this year)

It's a soft brush, like this one. For this use, the softer, the better. I'm always very careful with hairy guys/hairy areas, but as soft as this brush is, it's much less likely to get tangled in hair (it didn't even happen once in this session). For comparison purposes, I had a feather in a drill that I used on the same sub, and it got tangled in his chest hair once even though only the tip was touching his abs. Fortunately, I take precautions so I can quickly stop things just in case the unforeseen happens, so no damage was done. ;)

I use this one. Its angled and fluffy so I can "shape" the blush well and blend it out too.

I'd really like this ELF kabuki brush, it's $4.29

pesky addons!

https://www.amazon.com/EcoTools-PP1200-Large-Powder-Brush/dp/B001KYVLSU/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1483305149&sr=8-2&keywords=ecotools
that one isn't bad! (i use it for powder, not dusting, but it's soft and fluffy) the longer the bristles are the better/more fluffy it will be C:

I have. The first kabuki brush I tried was a wonderful goat-hair kabuki. It did not work as a shaving brush: too dense. And I tried the Ecotools travel kabuki, which also did not work so well---and again, density was the problem. Though people complain that the regular Ecotools is not terribly dense, I think that could be the secret of its lathering power.

Here are my items!

Brush guards, a makeup bag, and seche vite!

This sigma kabuki brush is going on sale at 5:30PM EST

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UH0528

89!! Because E.L.F rocks

Non-mobile: foundation brush

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

I bought this set and I've had no issues with any of the brushes.

I know they're not handcrafted Japanese quality, but for the price I do think they're really decent. I will not pay anymore for a brush set until the need presents itself and I know exactly what I'm looking for and can justify the price.

I need this Giant blush brush because mine is gross. I tried to wash it, and it's...not..the...same.

Thanks for the contest!

my prime pick is this kabuki face brush as I've been in need of new makeup supplies for about a year now, but with a 1 year old and little time, those kinds of things end up by the wayside :(