June 30, 2010

BRUSHES 101!!!

This is a comprehensive list of the various types of makeup brushes (both natural hair and synthetic) available for purchase.  I have included a picture and description of what each brush is used for. This post is for all the women who didn’t know what brush to buy or for those who have received a brush set but didn’t have a clue what all the brushes were used for. Hopefully this article will clear up the confusion and put you on the road to a more beautiful and blended face! 

Foundation Brush
A synthetic brush that allows you to create a flawless finish in either spot application or total coverage using cream or liquid foundation.

Stipling Brush
The synthetic Taklon hairs allow you to use it with wet and creamy or dry products like compact foundation or bronzer for flawless complexion.The two levels of bristles let you layer product and determine how sheer or heavy you want your coverage to be.

Concealer Brush
A small synthetic brush that you use to apply and blend cream concealer, eyeshadow base, and/or cream eye color.

Mineral Powder Brush
Ideal for buffing and blending loose and/or pressed mineral powders to achieve a smooth and flawless finish to the skin.

Powder Brush
A large rounded and soft brush that distributes loose powder for a flawless, finished look.

Kabuki/Bronzer
Designed to apply an even dusting of bronzer, powder or blush with a single sweep.  Also ideal for using with mineral makeup.

Fan Brush
Used to “finish” the face - for dusting excess powder from the face and/or for adding powder highlighter.

Blush Brush
A slightly domed, mid-sized brush that accentuate the apples of your cheeks with a soft wash of color.  Can also be used to apply bronzer.

Angled Blush Brush
Perfect for contouring (use color 2 shades darker) and highlighting (use color 2 shades lighter) the face.

Brow/Lash Comb
Use comb to separate lashes after applying mascara. Either side can be used to shape and define the brow line.
Angled Brow Brush
Use with brow powder or pencil to soften, shape and define the brows.
Crease Eye Shadow Brush
Use to build depth to the eye. Apply color in crease area using a windshield wiper (back-and-forth) motion to achieve depth and definition. Tapered shape allows you to easily add darker shadow colors in the crease.  Lays shadow on and blends it at the same.
Large Fluff Eye Shadow Brush
One of the most basic brushes.  Use it to set concealer under eyes and around the contours of the face with loose powder. Can also be used to apply a wash of color to eyelids. 

Medium Fluff Eye Shadow Brush
Shade lid and brow area with powder color and highlighter. Use it to sweep a basic neutral shade across the eyelid.
Smudger Brush
Soften liner color for a smoky effect. You can use with either powder shadow, cake liner or pencil and then use a fluff brush to swipe off excess to create the smoky look desired.
Flat Eyeliner Brush
Place against lash line and tap across eyelid to easily line eye without drawing.
Medium Eye Detailer Brush
Designed for smudging and softening liner or placing color on lid and outer corner of the eye.
 
Mini Eye Detailer Brush
Apply shadow along lower lash line or smudge pencil liner for a softer look. Ideal for applying precise color to outer corner of the lid.
Lip Brush
Synthetic brush for smooth and precise application of all lip products (lipstick, lipgloss, lip balm, etc.). It’s best to use a retractable lip brush for your handbag so it doesn't dirty your makeup bag or other cosmetics.



Brush Recommendations:
 ADesign – great resource for synthetic brushes in a range of styles and shapes, especially for professional Makeup Artists.
Japonesque – high quality brushes at slightly discounted prices from department stores.
Sephora – wide selection of brushes from a variety of cosmetic companies.
M.A.C. Cosmetics – huge array of brushes for the professional and the consumer.

Discount Makeup Brushes:
Essence of Beauty at CVS
Sonia Kashuk at Target


Please feel free to drop me a note if you still have any questions regarding makeup brushes.

June 29, 2010

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK - Jao Goe Oil


I was lucky enough to try a sample of Jao Goe Oil at The Makeup Show in New York about 2 years ago. I was already a big fan of their Jao Hand Refresher, but I totally fell in love with this product. I can't tell you how happy I was when I was finally able to purchase it! I like it even better than *gasp* Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and that's saying alot!

Jao Goe Oil is a combination of 28 plant fruit and flower oils and butters. Lightly scented with Monoi from Tahiti it quickly melts into the skin leaving it feeling super soft and smooth. Lighter than a typical body butter, longer lasting than a moisturizer, Joe Oil is formulated with a high percentage of Jojoba oil which is not technically an oil. Jojoboa Oil is a polyunsaturated liquid wax which is similar to sebum. And as you may or may not know, sebum is secreted by the human sebaceous glands to lubricate and protect the skin and hair (your own natural moisturizer).  No wonder this stuff is so fantastic!

Jao Goe Oil  unique formulation includes Rosehip, Hemp, Meadowfoam, and Rice Bran oils which are all high in omega and essential fatty acids. Avocado, Grapeseed, Mango and Pumpkin Seed butters which are rich in vitamins A, E, C, B, G, and Beta Carotene. Kukuinut oil to protect the skin. And Chamomile and Calendula which are excellent for calming irritated skin.

Here are some uses I found for Jao Goe Oil:
  • soften cuticles, smooth dry feet and rough heels
  • soothes bug bites and burns (at least it did for me)
  • hand and body massage oil
  • hair styling aid to tame flyaways and add lustre
  • post-shaving to soothe legs and/or bikini area
  • eye make up remover
  • moisturize chapped nose due to cold or allergies
  • moisturizer for all over the body post shower
In the summer I keep my Jao Goe Oil in the refrigerator because it liquiefies in warmer temperatures. When I squeeze the tube it comes out like a paste which let's me better control the amount of product I'm using but it melts effortlessly into the skin. So yummy! I also recommend checking out their new Jao Sumer Survival Supplies kit.  It's awesome!!!

June 21, 2010

BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED!!!

Hello my Lovelies!

Announcing the lucky winner of the Karen's World of Beauty "One Year Blogiversary Giveaway" who is going to receive over $150 worth of awesome beauty products!!! Congratulations to:

Havilland Savage
HavillandSavage@yahoo.com

A sincere and heartfelt "thank you" to all my loyal Karen's World of Beauty Readers/Subscribers whether you entered the contest or not.  I truly appreciate your support and love over the past year...without you dear Readers this blog would just be the ramblings of a beauty obsessed Diva. I hope you continue to find this blog a valuable source of unique and helpful advice in the world of beauty.

Smooches!
Karen (aka MakUpDiva)


**Please note if you are a contest winner you must respond to my email with your mailing address within a week after the end of the drawing in order to receive your prize. I am not responsible for anything that happens once prizes are mailed out. If it gets lost, damaged or melts, etc., I'm sorry but I can’t replace it.  Thank you!