Best products from r/muacjdiscussion

I am assuming JUST makeup because I couldn't live without my Shiseido eyelash curler as someone with stick-straight eyelashes.

• Clinique Cheek Pop in Heather Pop: I am a blush fiend and this one is the one I reach for the most. It's the most perfect pinky-muave everyday blush for my light, neutral yellow-olive skin. Igari style blush + dusted across the bridge of the nose, I get loads of compliments.
  
  
• RCMA Translucent Powder: I used to use and love RCMA No Color Powder, but this is the same exact thing but with a teeny bit of color/coverage. I didn't think the No Color Powder was THAT special til I ran out and purchased a bunch of other powders and realized I couldn't live without my RCMA...
  
  I NEVER hear ANYONE talk about this version of the RCMA powder, but it's my absolute HG for life and I'm addicted to it. It somehow keeps me matte without ever creating flakes and my FAVORITE- blurs out my skin/pores SO good and the little color in there makes me look RADIANT despite being matte. Plus, the price can't be beat. HG for life.
  
  
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light: I used to have bad acne and acne scars all throughout middle/high school/college. After years of skin care research + great products and low dose birth control pills, I don't need a ton of coverage. I can forgo foundation but not this.
  
  It doesn't have the greatest coverage or staying power, but I am OBSESSED with making my skin texture look flawless (I get daily comments about how great my skin is whenever I wear makeup lol) and this concealer offers the smoothest, most natural, skin-like coverage that I have tried. This one looks a little more natural than the Age Rewind concealer, which I also used to love. It doesn't break up or just disappear after all day of wearing it when I use it with the RCMA powder and the setting spray that I'm going to talk about next.
  
  
• Blue Marble Sealer: Another pro-makeup item. This is the everyday version of the Green Marble sealer, which professionals use to keep makeup intact doing underwater scenes on camera and such. It comes with a little marble inside (you have to shake it well before using). I've tried NYX ones and they immediately melted my makeup off, and this is WAY better than my Skindinivian (company that makes Urban Decay setting sprays) sprays.
  
  It's a little finicky in that there's a little learning curve with it; You can't use too much like you see beauty Youtubers do - just drench your face in setting spray - or it can make your base makeup look flaky (maybe it depends on your skin type).
  
  But if you just use a little bit, holy SMOKES. It makes my makeup LAST. I can NEVER get any eyebrow product to not separate/flake off/disappear and it's one of my biggest insecurities as an Eastern Asian person with like, three eyebrow hairs. That Anastasia brow pomade everyone says doesn't budge??? Nope, my brows don't give a shit, everything goes bye-bye. But with this setting spray, even powders stay. I am ALWAYS amazed at how my brows survive after cuddles + falling asleep with this.
  
  
• Etude House Dear Darling Gel Tint in PK003 Sweet Potato Red: Super affordable, GREAT lip tint/stain that I use EVERY. DAY. I LOVE Korean lip tints but HATE the color selection usually. My muted skin requires muted colors, but Korean lip tints always only come in SUPER BRIGHT colors or come in just three colors: red, cool pink, orange.
  
  This lip tint is ACTUALLY muted and it's a dustier MLBB color. Even some muted colors can look bright/contrasting on my olive skin, so this one isn't undetectably muted on me, but it's an AMAZING, everyday natural color I can just throw on and control the opacity of. I am way too lazy and paranoid about my lip color not being there/wiping off on my water bottle that I drink out of 24/7 to wear regular lipstick. And matte lip products just make my lips look like a dry asshole that needs to be watered.
  
  I like plump, juicy lips with natural just-ate lollipop look. Etude House delivers and I can just put it on and not worry about it coming off for hours and just pop nice SPF lip balm on top (fav being Carmex daily spf 15) or a lip gloss (enjoying Catrice vitamin lip treatment right now - in the warm pink color not the orange/coral). I also enjoy the Skinfood Plum Mellow Glow Lip Laquer in #1 Latte Plum (muted, dusty medium shade) and A'Pieu Water Light Tint in RD003 Bitter Rose (light-medium dusty rose MLBB color), but those are more mousse-y than gel-like like the Etude House.
  
  
• Miche Bloomin False Eyelashes in 07 Girly Cats here: The BEST, BEST BEST BEST!!! False lashes I have ever tried. The Girly Cats style is SO unique and SO beautiful. It looks funny in the packaging, with the lashes blown out towards the outer edges, but OH MAN THEY ARE SO BEAUTIFUL ON MY EYES. They look so innocent yet sexy at the same time and give me the most face-changing, face-beautifying OOMPH effect. I never had to trim them, it's like they were MADE for my eyes (well, it IS a Japanese product..).
  
  They have the thinnest, most comfortable invisible bands (INVISIBLE, not those HELLO I HAVE SUPER OBVIOUS CLEAR PLASTIC LINE ON MY EYES bands like Ardell's) and the lash hairs themselves are SO natural and tapered, not like the chunky blunt ends that most American companies have offered until very recently. They look REAL, man. And feel as light as feather. The mink Aliexpress lashes like Visofree or whatever may look beautiful with the fluffy, super real-looking lashes, but OH MAN the THICKKKK, poke-y bands and HEAVY ass feeling.. (These look more real than lashes like Kiss Looks So Natural lashes and even the other lash styles in the same Miche Blooming line, like Girly Flair, Pure Nude, and Pure Rich ones I have tried.)
  
  I clean the lashes with Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil and they last and last.
  
  PLUS (I consider this more a makeup tool than makeup?): Esqido Companion Lash Glue: I use this lash glue with the aforementioned lashes. I ABSOLUTELY freakin' hated waiting what seemed like 10 years for DUO lash glue to dry before I can put the lashes on my face. But I can put these lashes on after like, 10 seconds or something with this glue as long as I don't accidentally put too much on. I have SUPER SUPER watery eyes with constant tearing-up and I'm amazed every time how this glue keeps my lashes on throughout all of it. It doesn't stick if my eyes are wet when I first put them on, but as long as my eyes are dry when I put them on, this lash glue keeps my lashes on all throughout day and night.
  
  
• Physicians Formula Lash Booster Serum Eyeliner in Deep Brown: I really enjoy this. I've gone through many of them throughout the years, and have found that quality is not super consistent. Some of them suck and uncurls my lashes or doesn't want to transfer to my eyes (but gets better with age), and some of them are fantastic.
  
  I like my liquid liners to be natural-looking as possible, black brown in color, not SUPER DRY matte looking OR shiny looking, DON'T UNCURL MY LASHES, NOT red-brown (everything seems to pull red when you have olive skin?! Also, lots of Korean/Japanese brown liquid liners tend to be reddish brown and not cool toned brown), and in pen brush form so it's easy to use. I can't use black eyeliner as it creates too much contrast and looks too harsh on my muted skin. And this eyeliner is the only one that I have found that doesn't smudge on me and is the color I want. It's Japanese-made, which is probably why I like it so much. I've given up on Korean eyeliners too, as they smudge too. Potted gel liners have to be set with powder and sometimes I don't have the time or I'm just lazy.

I don't travel a whole lot, but I do take my makeup with me to work almost everyday. So I do prefer travel friendly products that are easy for me to take anywhere.

MAKEUP

I pretty much bring me with stuff I know works for me, versatile, and are multi-taskers. My favorites, that I almost always take are:

• Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette in "Smokey Eye Beauty": I bring this and it cuts down on so many other products I have to bring. The eye shadows are also versatile for day and night looks. Also having black hair myself, I can use the matte black shade for my brows.
  
• Heimish Artless Glow Base: this is a primer and sunscreen in one. Looks great on it's own and it looks stunning under makeup.
  
• Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in "Pillow Talk": I swear I am not sponsored lol I just love her stuff, but anyways, this shade is pretty much a MLBB. You can definitely go with a cheaper brand to find a MLBB, but I recommend bringing a liner like this. It is great on it's own topped with a gloss or underneath any lipstick. Cannot go wrong with this.
  
• I would also like to say in general, I try to find travel size versions of stuff I know I love. This is also a great way to try out stuff you don't want to commit to buying the full size.
  
  TOOLS
  
  In the same bag as my makeup, I will always bring an eyelash curler. This is a necessity for me. Currently I do bring a regular one, but I am aware that travel size eyelash curlers exist (I just haven't found one yet that I like). I also toss two alligator clips in my bag to hold my hair back. I tend to skip the beauty sponge because it takes up a bit of room and also the hassle of having to wet it, it is just too much for me lol. So I exclusively stick to brushes for travel. In general, I carry something for foundation, concealer, powder, blush, highlight, contour, 2 eye blending brushes, and a liner brush. I carry quite a few, but I'll only mention the shining stars:
  
  
• Morphe M536: recent discovery and favorite. I love this for foundation. I have a small face so it works fine for me, but it may be too small for most people.
  
• It Cosmetics #103: I loved this for concealer. My brush is kinda falling apart, so I may get a new brush (possibly Morphe cause it is cheaper lmao).
  
• Besame Cosmetics Rouge Brush: kinda a random discovery, but I really like this for powder. Sets the face beautifully.
  
  HOW I PACK
  
  So far with any real traveling I have done (in which I had to check my luggage...rip), I found my makeup holds up really well in those Glossier pink pouches. What I love about them is they are bubble wrapped and TSA approved. Unfortunately, I think you can only get this if you order something from them and the one I specifically like is the bigger pouch they offer (with body products or buying a shit ton of products). As for brushes, I found a sturdy brush roll on Amazon and it has held up pretty well, and doubles as a brush holder when I am doing my makeup.

First off, totally not stupid.

Synthetic hairs tend to hold up better to hardcore washing. You can also spray them with alcohol to sanitize so that they're totally sanitized -- and this is also a great way to get pigment off and not have to deep clean so often. They also tend to be scratchier, which means that they'll often pic up pigment oddly and maybe not distribute them as nicely. Ecotools makes good synthetic brushes (they are my go-to "makeup brush newbie" brand rec), but I find that Sigma's synthetic brushes are much nicer.

I really like goat hair for brushes; it picks up and blends pigment gorgeously. Hakuhodo is my natural hair brand of choice. Again, though: natural hair brushes are an investment. You have to be more gentle with them. I have some natural hair brushes that are literally two decades old (thanks for the hand-me-downs, Mom!) and still in fabulous shape, so it's for sure doable. But if you're in on the "throwing your brushes in your makeup bag or purse and washing them with hand soap when you feel like it" end of the scale, investing in nicer synthetics is probably a better plan.

Both the Sephora brand and IT Cosmetics make really fucking nice synthetic brushes that are %100 worth your money and time. I'd also recommend you pick up some brush cleaning spray (don't bother paying more than elf prices; it's literally just alcohol and fragrance) and some brush guards, which will help your brushes stay clean and well-shaped.

I'm a bit of a tools nerd (clearly) so if you have more questions, feel free to ask!

It sounds like your moisturizer is not sinking into your skin because the whole point of a moisturizer is to lock in moisture.

When you told me your skin feels tight after a shower i automatically think dehydrated skin. SkincareAddiction has a good post on dehydration

What moisturizer do you use?

If I were you id use products with hyaluronic acid, like a serum or toner and then a gel based moisturizer and then at night a layer of moisturizer over that.

I also would take a break from harsh scrubs, cleansers and masks and only use the gentlest products.


Here is what I would recommend (Asian Beauty Skincare Exchange often has decants (aka small samples of products) so you can see and test out what works for you.

To get your skin back and hydrated :

AM:
Rinse skin with water -I don't know your skin type so if you're oily, use a very gentle cleanser (which i can recommend to you if needed)

Toner/Serum Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion Moist - many people on the skincare reddits I am active in rave about this product, because its super cheap for the amount you get and its soooo moisturizing. I personally think it is too light for me (I am veryyy dry and dehydrated, stupid midwestern weather lol) and I use the premium version of it. Some people complain about it breaking them out, but everyone's skin is so different. But I think doing a layer of this morning and night will really help.

Moisturizing Gel - this will add moisture and hydration to your skin. My favorites are Hada Labo Plumping Gel Cream and Mizon Snail Cream
You only need a little of these, but I find they are super hydrating and comforting. The Mizon Snail is an all in one miracle.

Sunscreen- pretty important step (in my opinion), some sunscreens have occlusives in it. Occlusives mean it is holding all the moisture in. Sunscreen choice really depends on your skin type (which I am happy to recommend you as well)

PM:

Double Cleanse but gently. First an oil cleanser (to remove makeup) and then a gentle water based one.

Same as morning

Then seal it all in with your moisturizer. I am so dry that I even put vaseline on my face at night and I wake up comfortable and hydrated.

As far as trying out products, if you're in the US, /u/Gothickornchic sells decants on Asian Skincare Exchange. She ships super fast and is so nice, and helpful. you can find her post here

If you don't want to do that, Amazon and most places have great exchange and return policies. Skin is very weird and its all trial and error :[ but i hope my recs help and if you need more recs let me know!

Honestly (honestly) I've actually had good luck with cheapo Amazon brushes. Granted I love my IT Cosmetics blending brush, but for the price I don't love it thaaat much more than my cheaper brushes.

This is probably my favorite set that I've bought, and it comes in a nice cardboard tube that will be useful for traveling. It has over 6000 reviews and a 4.8 star rating!

I have another set that I got from r/mue, but I haven't come across it yet on Amazon (pretty sure that's where it was originally from). I bought the set because it was cheap and pretty, but I actually use them every day! So I wouldn't shy away from cheaper sets. Manufacturers are able to make pretty good brush sets for pretty cheap these days!

I don't use many face brushes, but I love my RT powder brush. So big and fluffy!

Super oily girl here--so far the best primer I've used is actually not a primer at all, but is fairly miraculous in the difference it makes in controlling oil and creating a good base for makeup. I've tried a TON of different primers, from drugstore to $100/bottle stuff, but this combination is the best for me.

• Step One: The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid. Someone on this sub suggested I use this rather than Salicylic Acid, and I'm so grateful. I've repurchased it five times. It absolutely does control oil, and I think it makes my skin better over time. Now, this formula DOES have silicone, which probably helps with the oil control, and it's an ingredient that I actually really like, but take that as you may.
  
• Step Two: Skin Aqua sun screen. You've likely heard that Japanese sunscreens are different, and they are. This one is particularly good for oily skin, and also good for all skin since you should use sunscreen (especially with an acid). But regardless, there's something about these two ingredients that just makes the whole thing work.
  
  It's important to do the steps in this order--it's an utter mess to switch it up. But I now do this every day I wear makeup, and it's made unwearable foundations work, and made my good foundations look expensive. It's really been the absolute best thing I did for my base makeup.
  
  Again, not technically a primer, but it's what I use in place of primer now. If you're dead set on a specific primer, the best is probably Becca's Ever Mat, but I found it ridiculously tricky to work with. The formula pills easily, but worse, it would sometimes leave white streaks on my face where it didn't sink into my skin. But it DOES dry oily skin out, so there's that.

If you have an invasive skincare routine (AKA more than moisturizer and maybe a micellar water, you're inevitably making your skin more sensitive, and it needs SPF.

Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth, and it's SPF's job to prevent sun damage, not just to prevent sunburns, but the long term effects sun exposure on your skin. Aging, sun spots, rashes, discoloration, and exposure damage (sun and possibly blue screen light, though it's yet to be entirely proven it's something to be concerned about, better safe than sorry!), and if you weaken your skin from skincare things like acids, serums, and essences. It's important to sunscreen all exposed skin, especially if you work in front of a window, drive a lot, go for a ten minute walk, ect. I always put on sunscreen, personally, regardless of what I'm doing, and i do it on my hands, chest, neck, and face, minimally. Your moisturizer and foundation aren't going to be an enough of a concentrated even layer to properly protect you, nor the rest of your body. I highly recommend AT LEAST 30 SPF. SPF 30 keeps out 97 percent and SPF 50 keeps out 98 percent of UVB rays.

I use asian sunscreens on my face, and right now i'm using this on my face, and this on the rest of my body. The facial sunscreen has been working well, not even my nose has gotten sun touched this summer, and I find it isn't really dewy or matte, so it doesn't effect my base layer. (I have dry skin for reference). Whatever you decide to use I recommend avoiding non-facial sunscreens, and ones with high zinc levels (since they are typically prone to making makeup break up and causing break outs). Coola also might be worth looking into, since they make a variety of sunscreens for various skin types, though it is a wee bit more expensive. Both last a really long time, so it's not a seriously heavy cost investment, but so worth it. I hope you come around to appreciate a good sunscreen!

https://www.dermasence.de/produkte/p/solvinea-med-lsf-50-plus

That's the one I currently use and like very much. It's the most elegant Western sunscreen I've found so far, and does not leave a white cast on my skin. Plus it has a boatload of filters (6!). And tube is a pretty generous 150ml, retailing for ca. 20€. This is a great all-over sunscreen for the summer because it is not at all gross and greasy. Survives 5-10km runs in the evening no problem.

The Japanese SS I've been happiest with is the Skin Aqua Sarafit Essence (https://www.amazon.com/Rohto-SARAFIT-Essence-SPF50-JAPAN/dp/B01BM1UQS6) It is less greasy and heavy than the white bottle-UV moisture gel and only needs a light dusting of powder to completely set. It plays well with most foundations and susncreens and is completely invisible. Also, cheap - 80ml for 5-8$ on Amazon :) I use this as my winter sunscreen because there is no sweat and less chance to tan anyway.

Both are fragrance free if that's important to you. The Skin Aqua is not alcohol denat free, thought I think the Dermasence is.

Oh I love getting this question haha, I've been fine-tuning for years.

Night: After applying my Retin-A (the main reason my skin is so dry in the first place) I slather on rosehip seed oil since it's really hydrating, generally doesn't break people out, and soaks in really well, then I use the Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (especially in the winter), and then I use the Cerave lotion that advertises HA and Ceramides on the bottle, and I top it with Aquaphor or Vaseline or whatever I have of that nature on my driest spots.

Day: Acne-actives (BP, tea tree, the works), the same cerave lotion (or the HA if it's a particularly rough day), and I use this sunscreen. I really love this sunscreen because it's not drying or greasy and has a great finish.

The biggest things are honestly the HA and the rosehip oil though. I love that stuff. I also just started using Cosrx's snail mucin essence and when I woke up today my skin was crazy dewy but I haven't used it long enough to safely recommend it yet.

So I recently had a beach vacation and with the humidity I wanted to keep it light, neutral and waterproof. This is what I took:

• Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
  
• Glossier Cloud Paint in Dawn - this is looks great in the sunlight on my now NC30 skin
  
• Glossier Play Nite Shine in Platinum Rose
  
• Nars Light Reflecting Powder Compact
  
• Urban Decay Blackout Single Eyeshadow to sketch out and and set eyeliner
  
• Essence Waterproof Eyeliner Pen - I've tried the expensive stuff and this is still the best
  
• Covergirl Eyeshadow Primer
  
• Maybelline Tattoo Eyeshadow pot in Creamy Beige - I think it got discontinued, though. I would now take Revlon's Colorstay Cream Eyeshadow in Cappuccino
  
• Maybelline Full n Soft Waterproof Mascara
  
• Anastasia Brow Wiz in Chocolate
  
• Glossier Boy Brow in Brown
  
• Nyx Dewy Finish Setting Spray
  
• Real Techniques Setting Brush - Game changer for blending out concealer
  
• Real Techniques Multi-purpose brush - for power and blush
  
• The Real Techniques Dome Eyeshadow Brush that comes in the the Essentials kit - the best I've found for blending out cream eyeshadow
  
• Anastasia Matte Lipstick in Hollywood - Good everyday peachy nude
  
  It sounds like a lot but I fit the brushes and long tube items in this brush carrying case which is great for keep you organized at the hotel, and the rest of the items in a glossier pink bag. I had all my skin care in travel bottles in another glossier bag, and my body and haircare in travel bottles in a 3rd glossier bag.

I also have chronically dry and chapped lips, and so few products actually do anything to help them. In my experience, stay away from anything with salicylic acid (such as carmex, it's an ingredient that's in acne-fighting skincare, which has no business being in a product for chapped lips) or mint, which is an irritant on top of already irritated skin. With that said, there are a few products I would recommend

• O'Keeffe's lip repair balm (in the squeeze tube, not the swivel stick. and the original flavor orange tube, not the blue mint. here: https://www.amazon.com/OKeeffes-Unscented-Repair-Balm-Cracked/dp/B01LX90S6V/ref=sr_1_13?crid=19SPM4XJMX86S&keywords=o%27keefes+lip+repair&qid=1571527112&sprefix=o%27keefes+lip%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-13 ). This stuff is like no other lip balm I've ever tried before. It's almost like a light lotion texture, and it really does sink into your lips. This is one of the only lip balms I can remember fully finishing a tube of and repurchasing
  
• Laneige lip sleeping mask (not the glowy balm in the squeeze tube, that's an entirely different product). This lip mask is a cult favorite product for a reason. I use this during the day too, not just at night. It's overpriced on Sephora, but you can get it on AB sites like Jolse a lot cheaper. And the jar is really big, so it lasts a long time. Also a super unique product, I can't think of anything that's even close to being a dupe of this, it's kind of magical
  
  Honorable mentions go to
  
  
• Crazy Rumors lip balm
  
• Epically Epic lip balm
  
  for being the only swivel stick formulas that actually feel good on my lips, and not just like a waxy layer sitting on top of them. Both are smaller brands with their own websites, and both have a large assortment of pleasant and interesting scents

So many Japanese creams are like this!!

Hado lado has one on Amazon for $14 Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream 1.76 FL OZ - with Super Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen - 24 Hour Moisture & Visible Line Plumping fragrance and paraben free non-comedogenic (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I4BUBN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JRhwCbT088CAF


I like the laneiege one too but it's about $40.


MANY Japanese and Korean skin care lines carry a water cream, water gel. Most of them are affordable and amazing for oily skin. I also prefer them since they are less scented :)

No pictures because I'm not home, but I have 3 of these little, stackable sterlite containers, 3 large z-palettes, one of these acrylic organizers that fits nicely onto of the sterilite drawers, & a brush bag to hold my brushes that I rarely use but can't seem to part with. Any pressed powder that I could de-pot & place in the z-palette, I did, which really help towards space saving. I also have done multiple de-clutters over the past year, in order to get rid of colors that were too similar or products that I didn't really like/use. I managed to get my collection down to fit everything in these storage containers, including my brushes/tools that I use daily. Everything except my brush bag fits on 1 shelf in my bathroom cabinet (I have built in set up just like this), & I place the bag in a drawer that has a bunch of necessary, but rarely used things, so it's accessible, but out of the way. I share a house with my cousin, so I have a 1 shelf/2 drawer limit with no counter space to speak of. If I can't fit my stuff neatly into my designated space, I have to get rid of things. Unfortunately, I don't have a proper vanity; I have 7 dogs & their beds/crates take up all the spare space (& then some) in my bedroom. It's a sacrifice I'm more than happy to make.

not a chapstick exactly and you might have to order it online, but the Aritaum Ginger Sugar lip mask is really nice. I usually use a sugar/scrub of some kind (you can make your own or lots of brands have them, lots of people like Lush and the ELF lip exfoliators are really cheap and work well, too). then I throw some of this mask on and wake up to soft, non-chapped lips. for day to day balms, I use glossier balm dot com or Epically Epic lip balms (she uses vegan ingredients and has so many nice "flavours" and scents! I love the balms, they are so moisturizing and fun).

I think I bought my lip mask from roseroseshop's eBay and it was cheaper than Amazon.

When I set up my new vanity space, the lighting was not working at all. The room I am in has one lamp and a lot of windows, but my desk couldn't really go in front of any of them. I have a window on my left that provides nice light, but I would keep having to turn toward the window to check on how things were looking. So I turned to amazon to find a desk lighting solution. Granted I know very little about how different lighting makes makeup look, but I found a solution that really works for me. I use [these lamps] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F2TH560/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) one on each side of where I sit. They have a few different "temperature" options and they dim as well. $40 for 2 was right in my budget and they work so well for me. I can't speak to their lasting power, but so far so good.

Thank you! I ended up getting this to practice with, the reviews say they were comparable (or even better) than Sigma brushes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0173H85KO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

I am going to go to the makeup counters a little more as well and see how much of a difference experimenting with different brushes make, because if my skills are still underwhelming I'm not going to notice anything.

​

Hopefully by the time Black Friday rolls around I'll have a better understanding of what I'm doing! Appreciate the thoughtful responses everyone!

My favorite way to depot is the floss method. Admittedly it’s a bit fiddly and takes a few tries to do without accidentally stabbing your pan with a pin, but it works great and doesn’t involve heat or flame. I’ve also used a hair straightener for heat where heat is required.
My tool to depot is a spatula that came with a cheap amazon makeup mixing palette like this.
I honestly haven’t found a palette I like yet to hold depotted things. I have a mix of empty MAC palettes and Z Palettes but I find Z Palettes to be too flimsy for the price (acrylic window also shatters during travel) and the MAC is annoying because I have to buy magnet stickers for my products.

I take a bath about once a week. One thing that is a MUST HAVE for me is a bath cushion for my back. Specifically this one from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZRWMCXY. It makes relaxing so much easier. I also love the bubble bath from Honest :) Or if it happens to be after a workout, I will add scented epsom salt (usually from Target).

For a "scrub," I have eschewed various "scrubby" products, and use a Korean scrub glove. You can get a package of 4 at Amazon for like, $6.00 USD. here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C8DR1U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (not affiliated). Bought a set for my sister, too, who constantly complains about rough knees/elbows. Anyway, these are cheap and they are simply wonderful. I've been a dry-brusher for decades, and I've replaced that with these. Easier to use, you can sort of choose how "scrubby" you want to go, and my skin feels like the proverbial baby's bottom. HIGHLY recommend.

I bought these for my makeup vanity and absolutely love them. Mine came with a dimmer switch so I can change it from outdoor, natural white light to ultra bright white light similar to the bright florescent lighting in my office. https://www.amazon.com/Water-resistance-Waterproof-Flexible-Cuttable-Lighting/dp/B01HRMOM8O/ref=sr_1_5?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1526783338&sr=1-5&keywords=strip+led+lighting

I use Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen. I should honestly just set up an Amazon subscription at this rate - definitely HG status. It sinks in so well without feeling greasy! Asian sunscreens are the best in the game imo.

American Classics Gelous! Available at Sally Beauty Supply if you're in the states, too. You can use it as a base and top coat. Bonus tip: if you want a rock solid mani, use it as a base, top, AND in-between layer. I've extended regular non-gel polish to 2 weeks with minimal tip-wear and chips with this method.

Also awesome: Maybelline Colossal Kajal
https://www.amazon.ca/Maybelline-Colossal-Kajal-Perfect-Intensity/dp/B0079Z48S4/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1526654258&sr=1-1&keywords=maybelline+colossal+kajal

And the Rimmel one is great too - it's cheap, it's jet black, it wears away without giving me insane racoon eyes.... https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00DNK5UR2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Info | Details
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Amazon Product | LED Desk Lamp, Lemontec LED Table Lamp Eye-caring LED Lamp (12W, Dimmable, Touch Control, 5 Color Modes, USB Charging Port) Black 2 Pack
>Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. By using the link above you get to support a chairty and help keep this bot running through affiliate programs all at zero cost to you.

Close..this is the one similar to what I have, but I am sure that one would work as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Hair-Art-HairArt-Brush-Cleaner/dp/B0041TF5YW

I'm a nibbler. I've been wearing the ginger sugar lip mask when I feel I'm likely to nervous chew, and it's thick enough to keep me in check. It also doesn't budge if I leave it alone, and works well with a bit of lip stick/liner as a tinted balm. (It's also pretty good at helping me avoid peelies when I use it for the intended purpose, especially if I remember to wait until after I hydrate/moisturize so it can really lock that stuff in)

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Hair-Art-HairArt-Brush-Cleaner/dp/B0041TF5YW

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Does anyone have a rec for a brush roll/case? I don't have a ton of brushes or anything, so nothing huge or crazy, but my main concern is holding a few of my larger brushes such as my RT powder brush and Morphe E41. One I'm looking at is this. I like this design or something similar if anyone has any recommendations!