Drugstore Makeup Bundles/Great Stocking Stuffers

Hello Foxies! I have a couple of Drugstore faves that are awesome to give as stocking stuffers or bundles this Christmas! It would be great to give them out to your family or your friends, completely customized and personalized that they will enjoy. It's fun, affordable and no wrapping involved!lol

I made 2 themed sets and placed them in to mason jars. The First one goes out to someone who is actually just starting out with makeup. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming for her on which products to try. Even though these are drugstore products, it can be a hit or miss…and if you're a newbie, you hesitate sometimes on spending. So, i did 

a 'MAKEUP ESSENTIALS' bundle for her to test out.

This contains:

- Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation ($6): Awesome for oily skin, Light- Medium coverage. I don't normally dig for drugstore foundations but this is a keeper for me. Its oil free and great for sensitive skin peeps like me.

- Maybelline's Eyestudio Copper Chic ($8.99): These are basic neutral colours that looks great on anyone! Love the packaging and pigmentation.

- Ecotools eye brush kit ($12): Comes in a travel sized pouch, easy to clean, to use and really soft. I own a couple of these and they're great!

- NYX butter gloss in Tiramisu ($5)- This smells like vanilla cupcakes. Besides that, I love that it is not sticky at all. One great lippie you can wear on its own or on top of your lipstick.

- Elf Bronzing and blush powder ($3): Yes, they kinda copied NARS' laguna and Orgasm BUT this is runs pretty close on colour and longevity. I'd still pick this though…. cmon..$3 vs $52?.

- Maybelline Falsies Waterproof version ($4-6): I've been wearing this mascara for about 2 years now. 3 things: Holds curl, lasts all day, lashes look longer. One of my faces for sure.

- Ferrero Chocolate ($2 for a pack of 5) and a lil greeting: You can never go wrong with a piece of Chocolate to enjoy and a sweet message to brighten someone's day :)

The Second set goes out to a friend who deserves all the R&R. She's just always sooo tired and busy that i put together an "AT HOME SPA" bundle that she can use one of these nights.

This contains:

- Marc Anthony's deep conditioning Hair Mask ($1.99): Leave it on damp hair for 5-10 mins preferably at the ends for instant softness and instant de-tangler! Just what your hair needs this winter!

- Simple Makeup Wipes ($1.99): I have super sensitive skin and this works well for me! The only makeup wipes i use. It takes out all makeup (even waterproof mascara), no overpowering scent and  does NOT sting your eyes or strip your skin--which is very very important!

- Shea Infused slipper socks from Bath and Body works ($6.99): Slob some Vaseline before you sleep and you wake up with super soft baby-like feet! These socks as so soft and comfy to begin with.

- Vanilla bean Noel Shower gel and lotion from B&BW ($3 ea.) : Travel size, amazing but not over powering scent, affordable and its one of those Holiday traditions you just gotta make the most out of!

- Essie's Fiji ($8.99): My favourite NP of all time. classic pinky/milky nude that goes with everything. Time to give your nails some love! This is actually the nail polish I am using on my Wedding day ;P

- Ecotools' dual cleansing pad ($5): 2-in-1! Green side lathers (lightly exfoliates) and the other side exfoliates to the next level. I like how its different from other loofas! It works well with sensitive skin, cute on display and you have more control when using it on your skin. ( you can flip the elastic thingy when you want to use the green side). I just love this brand!

Lastly, a lil piece of chocolate and card make everything better :)

Hope ya'll enjoyed!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Makeup Brushes: Cheap vs. Expensive. Worth Spending?

DOES IT EVEN MATTER?

 Brushes are key to a perfect makeup look. You use the same brushes All the time, again and again regardless of what kind of makeup you use. To me, it's worth investing on good quality of brushes. Is it worth spending so much though? Yes and No. You have to shop smart for amazing brushes, (of course patience too) and a lot of research in finding ones with great value. Feel free to have an array of different brands in your collection, not just stick to one brand.

1) Expensive brushes does not necessarily mean high quality.

- Some brands jack up their price WAY to high. For instance, MAC, CHANEL and other high-end brands. Not saying they're not good, its just for the price, its TOO much. I never pay more than $15 surplus. 

Although- I will mention that MAC brushes do last a very long time. I purchased my first MAC makeup brush about 6 years ago and have been doing makeup professionally for over 4 years. It is still in near perfect condition, and it rarely sheds given the fact i wash my brushes like crazy. But is this justification for spending over $40 on? No. 

2) Cheap/drugstore brushes does not necessarily mean poor quality.

- I remember in Makeup school, we had to purchase brushes. We had the same ones… 20 brushes for like 20$. They were the crappiest! Even though i had the greatest shadows or creams, makeup application did not turn so great. (i still passed though ;P) I have tried a ton of brushes over the years. I got lucky on some. Shedding and colour coming off when you wash 'em bother me the most!

I am confident to say: ECOTOOLS, sigma brushes, real techniques and Sonia Kashuk brushes are good ones for the price…in overall brushes. They are comparable to the high-end ones and keeps your wallet happy :) But also,

3) Every brand share their own good and bad products.

- OF COURSE! Again, for starters who are just learning/experimenting with makeup, try cheap ones first. like ELF. Eye shadow brushes are okay for $1 each. As for me, since i use it often with clients that require a lot more maintenance and cleaning, my elf brushes are dunzo after a couple of washes. Not all in MAC are at its best, same with in expensive ones.

I do have a couple of faves:

MAC's eye shader brush

MAC's 

Sigma's crease brush

Sigma's soft dome brush

Eco tool's blush brush/ powered brush and kabuki brush

Real techniques foundation brush

4) You do not have to have Millions of brushes. Less is More. Quality over quantity.

-  I would rather have a few GOOD ones. Do you really need 10 eyeshadow brushes? No. Stick to your staples. (Yes, you can live and do a full makeup look with only 10 brushes----separate post on these) :) , Brushes have MULTIPLE functions as well. There are no rules on these.



:)

How to: Winged Eyeliner Look/Cat Eye

Hello superfoxies!

  When doing an cat eye /winged liner look, its easier if you practice with GEL eyeliner and an angled brush. Once youve mastered, then we'll move on to liquid liner. (i used MAC's fluid line and eco tool's angled brush)

First line your eyes just like how you normally do. As you can see here, the before and after look on each eye:P

then from the bottom, follow the natural curve and at the end, use it as your guide to angle up your brush. this will help you to have even lines for both eyes. its up to you how high you want it to be, i did mine just medium sized wings.

then connect  and fill in!!

aaaand you're all set!

also, play it up and be different! i added purple too. simply outline the black :)

xo,

Denise