How to clean your makeup brushes

Hello my lovelies,

Since I showed you in my last post my whole Real Techniques collection, I thought it would be also a good idea to show you how I clean them:)

Btw if this post looks strange to you and the appearence isn't as usual it's because I'm on holidays now. I will write the upcoming posts on my blogger app, so don't be worried about how it shows, I might edit it when I find some time.

So brush cleaning is a big theme and there are a few tips and tricks that can help you to get them so clean they will look like new.

I use brushes to apply my makeup since a few years and I think I figured out the way to clean them the best!

I'm NOT saying this is the BEST way to do it, I'm just sharing my method. And for my method you will need the following items:

- dirty brushes (of course)

- a little tank or something else you can fill in a bit of water

- brush sosp or cleanser

- a towel

So you fillyour tank with some water (cold or warmer, it doesn't matter), enought so that when you put your dirty brushes the way down into it, the hair is all in the water.

Leave them for 1-2 minutes like that!!! 

Close up! ^^

And this is like the major trick of cleaning them actually! I noticed when I washed my brushes like most of girls do, one by one or more, that the ones that got wet before I got to use any baby shampoo or whatever where cleaner and so I did test and wetend them all before doing it as usual and was fascinated. 

After 1-2 minutes you can let the water out.

Now the soap will be used! So you dip your brush in and swirl it a few times around until it's all soaped up.

 

Do that to all the brushes that need a cleaning!

At the next step you take one, swirl it in your hand until all the makeup/dirt seems to come out and then hold the brush under water. 

Repeat this to all your remaining brushes and put them once they are washed horizontally on your towel. I first swirl them also on the towel before putting them down.

If your brush isn't 100% clean after this process, repeat it! 

And if this method still doesn't help to get all the makeup out, then I suggest you to try it with some liquid dish soap ;)

And if that doesn't help... you're brush has probably reached his end and should be replaced!

I hope this was in any case usuful to you and if there are some questions left, you can leave a comment and I will reply asap.

With love,

IrSaDa

My Real Techniques Collection

Hiii peeps,

I thought it would be a great idea to do an updated post of a post I already did some years ago, have a look >>>> HERE <<<<

Real Techniques brushes are my favorite brushes because they are just so handy, their unique design and the pay-off deal you make when you buy a set or single brush. I have some that are like 4 years old and I still use them almost every day and when I wash them they might look like they are new. Not a single brush died so far or has lost a big amount of hair if no at all.

Now let's be honest, just look at those amazingly designed brushes, every single is just beautiful. And everyone who owes a set will probably understand my love for this brand. I also included a few times a set in my giveaways and I only got good responses to them. I also never heard anyone complaining about them. Just a few people claimed the stippling brush would fall apart after some time but I haven't experienced that personally.

The only brushes I don't have YET are the brushes from the Bold collections but that's because they came out only recently and I'm waiting till they are available at the shops I would normally buy them.

PURPLE COLLECTION

You see 5 brushes that are included in the Starter Set (deluxe crease brush, base shadow brush, accent brush, pixel-point eyeliner brush & brow brush), and the brushes I bought after my RT collection post are the domed shadow brush, the fine liner brush, the lash-brow groomer and recently I got the silicone liner brush.

• Deluxe crease brush: I love using this brush for my cream concealers or for zit covering
• Base shadow brush: I apply eyeshadow over the whole lid with it. The form of the hairs is well shaped, you could also blend your crease with it.
• Accent brush: Great to apply eyeshadow under the eyes and for the inner corner of the eyes.
• Pixel point eye liner brush: I only use this brush when I decide do a Cleopatra.
• Brow brush: I know I said in my previous RT brush review that I don't like this brush so much but I found a eyebrow product I can use it perfectly with and I changed my opinion about it. Althought I belive it could be a bitter thinner thought.
• Domed shadow brush: I haven't used it that much yet but I use it from time to time to apply an eyeshadow over the whole lid or to just blend my crease.
• Fine liner brush: I prefer this liner brush over the pixel point eye liner brush because it's half as thick and you can apply your liner very thin and more precise
• Lash-brow groomer: I haven't used it to brush throught my eyebrows much, I believe the hairs are way to hard for that but it's a great comb for the eyelashes thought
• Silicone liner brush: I only used it once so far to apply my new Anastasia Beverly Hills cream colors as eyeliner and I thought it did a great job.

Nic's Picks Set

 

This is a limited edition set, grab it if you can before it's too late!!!!!!

I forgot the eyeliner brush on this picuture but I will update this picture when all of them are clean again. Sorry lol

• Eyeliner brush: Only used it once since it's very much new but I like it. The angled head gives you optimal control for your eyeliner. This is a set exclusive, so you won't be able to get it as a single brush, another reason to buy this set.
• Base shadow brush: This is the same brush as the the one that comes in the Starter set. 
• Angled shadow brush: Also a set exclusive! Perfect for layering eyeshadow in the crease, kind of of a blending brush.
• Cheek brush: And another set exclusive!!!! I LOVE this brush, great to apply blush or bronzer on and under your cheeks, great for contouring.
• Duo-fiber face brush: I like to use this brush for loose powder or to remove eyeshadow that fell off on under my eyes.

Base shadow brush:

 

The new vs. the old!!!

I think the new one has a slightly thicker shape than the old one. And of course they have different colors but only because they are from two different sets. They do the same job thought, I haven't noticed any difference in that and that's what counts. ^^

Duo-fiber face brush:

The old vs. the new!!!

 

Same brush and I can only say the same about these two as I did about the base shadow brush! The new one is slightly thicker when it comes to the shape, different color but same feeling while working with it.

DUO-FIBER COLLECTION:

Not such a big fan of this set. I believe you don't really need any of these brushes really.

• Duo-fiber face brush: As mentioned above for lightweight application
• Duo-fiber contour brush: I sometimes use this brush for my cream blushes or to apply loose powder under my eyes
• Duo-fiber eye brush: For finishing touches to the eye.  

PINK COLLECTION

From left to right: Setting brush, stippling brush,  multi task brush and the blush brush. I bought all of these as single brushes!

• Setting brush: Great to apply hightlighter to the cheeks and powder under the eyes.
• Stippling brush: My favorite stippling brush! Self-standing, handy and blends in foundation like a dream.
• Multi task brush: For effortless powder, blush & bronzer application.
• Blush brush: Another brush favorite! Beautiful and also photogenic brush lol And does the blush job so well

Collector's Edition Sculpting Set:

One of the newer sets that came out, it has a high-shine pink instead of the classic matte and it's a LIMITED EDITION!!!!!

• Setting brush: Great to apply hightlighter to the cheeks and powder under the eyes.
• Fan brush: Whisks away any excess of makeup.
• Sculpting brush: Love, love, love this brush!!! The angled form of the brush allows to creat a defined contoured look but I also love to use it to apply my foundation and it does a really well job for that too.

Setting brush:

The new vs. the old!!!

 

Same brush I would same except for the high-shine pink instead of the matte.

ORANGE COLLECTION

From left to right: Powder brush, contour brush, essential foundation brush, expert face brush & buffing brush. Three of these brushes are from the Core Collection, I actually forgot to include the detailer brush in this picture, maybe because I never use it.

• Powder brush: Great to apply hightlighter to the cheeks and powder under the eyes.
• Contour brush: To contour or to create a sheer, soft focus finish
• Essential foundation brush: I think this brush was renamed in the new core collection set. It's supposed for liquid foundations but I never use htis brush unless all my foundation brushes are dirty. Not a big fan of it, it has nothing special to me.
• Expert face brush: Must have brush! I love the design, works so well for so many different things but mostly for foundation applying.
• Buffing brush: Full coverage application of powder, mineral foundation and also great to apply blush or blend it in. My most used brush of all I have! You can see that I use it very often since the color of the brush washed out .

Miracle Complexion Sponge

Last but not least, the miracle complexion sponge! I love this sponge, one of the best on the market so far.

• Grounded sides blend large areas of the face with a repeated dabbing or stippling motion.
• Precision tip covers blemishes and imperfections.
• Falt edge for the contours around the eyes and nose.

And you could probably do a lot more things with it. I have two of these :D 

They are made from polyurethane foam which is latex free. They recommand you to replace this sponge every 3 months.

And that's it for my Real Techniques Collection show off!!! I wish you a great weekend and I hope you'll read more soon.

With much love,

IrSaDa

Maybelline Fit Me Anti-shine Sticks!

Hi.

Today's post is dedicated to the Maybelline Fit Me Anti-shine Sticks.

What you didn't know about these? OMG You are missing out on something!

Long story short:

What L'Oréal says about them:

Our first gel stick foundation with an anti-shine core
Fresh gel foundation blends to a natural matte finish
Lightweight powders in the anti-shine core instantly dissolve excess oil

Why You'll Love It

It’s one-step perfection.
The first of its kind – lightweight gel stick foundation with an anti-shine powder core:

• Powder core instantly dissolves excess oil.
• For flawless, shine-free skin and tailor-made natural matte coverage.
• Easy to apply and great on-the go.
• Available in 12 oil-free shades.

For Best Results

Apply to your face and blend evenly with your fingertips.

These are really amazing!!! I hated the Fit me foundation, bought a bottle and the foundation was not my skin tone at all and the formula was gross too. But these little sticks are quite awesome. Very handy, you can put them in your bag and carry them with you whenever you feel like you're makeup's gonna need a refreshing or what I like to do with them is that I use the lightest and darkest colors I owe (Vanilla and Moka) for contouring and highlighting (which you can see below) and the middle color 250 Beige Soleil I use when I go swimming and I know I'm going to the city, to the mall or I'm meeting up with friends, then I only use this stick because you can apply it easily on your whole face and then you use your fingers to blend it in. No foundation brush or powder afterwards needed. :) It's practical when it has to be done quickly!

BEFORE contouring/highlighting:

I already prepared my face using firstly a Nivea day cream (normal to mixed skin) then the Revlon Photo Ready foundation in 004 Nude, I also filled in my eyebrows with the MAC Satin Taupe eyeshadow. L'Oréal False Eyelash Extensions mascara in magnetic black on my lashes and the Maybelline Baby Lips balm in mint fresh.

I like to blend the darker color with my Real Techniques expert face brush and the highlight color with my Real Techniques stippling brush.

AFTER

The Result!!! :) I think the finish is clearly a more flawless face. I added a bit of Benefit Coralista Blush on my cheeks and I powered it with Rimmel Stay Matte powder in 006 Warm Beige. My fache might look on all pictures a bit oily or shiny but actually it wasn't at all, this is probably only because of the flash light, my face was actually matte on each of them.

I carry one of these little sticks every where I go. So easy to apply to the whole face and great for touch ups on the move. Leaves me with a natural flawless finish. Love the gel formula of it = Perfection. Only con, these are pretty expensive, at least here in Luxembourg where I live, about 10-11€. I always try to buy them when I'm in Germany and go to DM, they are cheaper there, 6-7€.

HAVE YOU TRIED THEM ALREADY OUT?

Please leave a comment below! ^^

Have a nice evening! 

IrSaDa

My 2 Years Blog Anniversary Giveaway!!!

LADIES,

Since I'm celebrating my blogs anniversary these days again, it's time to give something away to ONE LUCKY follower of mine ^^

 

From giveaway to giveaway it gets harder to pick the right stuff to give away! But I hope you like what I choosed this time ;)

PRICE TO WIN!!!

Nails inc.  Bling It On Midnight Set

 

 'Encrust your nails like never before with Bling It On Midnight. Instant embellishment for dazzling nails'

Contains:

• 2 x Bling It On Midnight pots
• 1 x Blenheim Terrace nail polish
• 1 x Kensington Caviar Top Coat
• 1 x application tray
• 1 x dusting brush

Benefit they're REAL mascara

 

 full size & travel size

'They're real! mascara lenghtens, curls, volumizes, lifts & separates beyond belief. The jet black, long-wearing formula is smudge-proof & budge-proof... and the specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!'

Real Techniques miracle complexion sponge

 

> high defintion results

> online tutorials make you the expert

'Redefine your skin with our miracle compexion sponge. It's versatile design evenly blends makeup for a smooth, enhanced finish.'

Benefit Rockateur blush

'It's time to rock! For a "rush of heat," sweep this provocative powder on cheeks... it's a show-stopping flush.'

Swatches:

I swatched my blush for you but you'll get of course a brand new one ;)

flash & without flash

To be able to enter this giveaway you have to fill out the form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
All the products are brand new and haven't been used yet.
The giveaways starts on 30th October and ends on 6th December 2013!!!

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!  

I will mark the giveaway as a gift so that you won't be charged by any additional costs ;)

The winners entries will be verified, so writing your name or e-mail in EVERY field will disqualify you from this contest!!!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

In Love,

IrSaDa

MY NEW GIVEAWAYS!!!

Hello girls,

it's been some time since my last giveaway since I was looking for some goodies that would be really great for the next (this one) and I hope you like it ;)

This is the main price you can win!!!!!

The Ciaté Caviar mini bar:

 

The set has 4 nailpolish colors and 4 bottles of caviar pearls + 1 tunnel and of course the description how it works ;)

These are the colors it includes:

The Urban Decay 24/7 shadow pencil stash:

  

The Real Techniques Core Collection:

 

which I reviewed HERE

To be able to enter this giveaway you have to fill out the form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 And there will be a 2nd WINNER!!!

The 2nd price is this Urban Decay nailpolish set:

without flash

with flash

Urban Decay nailpolish colors from L to R: 

Bluesky blonde - crash + brun - blitz - fringe - delinquent - hellbent

 +

30$ on iHerb.com for Real Techniques brushes

(this can be 1 set + 1 brush or 3 maybe 4 single brushes)

The second winner will NOT be chosen randomly but personally by me! I might choose somebody that entered the first giveaway but didn't win or someone who comments regularly... ;)

All the products are brand new and haven't been used yet.
The giveaways start on 18th March and end on 3rd May 2013!!!
OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!  

I will mark the giveaway as a gift so that you won't be charged by any additional costs ;)

The winners entries will be verified, so writing your name or e-mail in EVERY field will disqualify you from this contest!!!!!

GOOD LUCK!

And stay tuned,

XoXo

Irsada

NEW BRUSHES!!! + Giveaway announcement!

Hi chicas,

I received on Friday on order I placed just 2 days before. It was kind of a surprise, I wasn't expecting such a fast delivery but the sooner the better. I ordered at iHerb.com and if you want/need a coupon code of 10$ off just let me know ;) It actually allows me to put on my giveaway already this weekend. I'm gonna start preparing everything after this post!

So here is what I actually got:

So I got more Real Techniques brushes, now I got them almost all except 1 or 2 :D

And I ordered 3 ecoTools brushes that catched my eye. Do you have some? What do you think about them?

Gonna review them in the coming days ;)

So now I need to start the next post which will be my newest giveaway. You can enter it from tomorrow on (Europe) and after midnight if you live in the US. And I'll try to put some other great giveaway on my blogroll!!!

And guess what? You will have the chance to win the Real Techniques Core Collection :D

and some other great prices heheee

Much love,

Irsada

My Real Techniques brushes + REVIEW!

Welcome,

First of all, I'm really sorry that this post wasn't on earlier since I promised to do it 2-3 months ago xD Don't kill me. I finally found the time! Enjoy :)

So these review is about my Real Techniques brushes that are designed by the wonderful make-up artist Samantha Chapman, which is one of the famous pixiwoo sisters. If you don't know them yet go follow them on Twitter, you will not deny it, they are just great. (to follow them immediately just click here on PIXIWOO)

Starting with the Core Collection which includes a set of four brushes!

From left to right:

• Contour brush: I use this brush to apply highlighter, liquid concealer, to contour the hollows of the cheeks to create a sheer soft focus finish and sometimes to put on liquid foundation
• Pointed foundation brush: I use it for liquid foundation, pretty good coverage and to blend concealer 
• Detailer brush: I use this little brush mostly for my lips because it's so easy to create a perfect contour of my lips with it but you can also use it for little concealing problem areas
• Buffing brush: This is one of my favorite brushes among all I have! You can see that I use it very often since the color of the brush washed out a bit. I use it almost everyday to apply liquid foundation or powder and mineral foundation because as the name is saying it it buffs it perfectly into the skin and gives it the perfect finishing touch.

There is also a brush case that goes with this set. You can close it which is perfect when you travel or you can make it stand and take the brushes out easily for application and then put them back after you finished (pictures HERE).

• Foundation brush: I use it for liquid foundation

• Blush brush: I use it to apply blush and bronzer on my cheeks. This brush is really good defining/contouring the cheeks and it feels so good on the cheeks as it is so fluffy. It feels like a massage for the cheeks ;) Which makes it also one of my favorite brushes!

• Stippling brush: I use this brush for stippling the foundation really into the skin for a full coverage and to take away the hardness of contour or blush on my cheeks going slightly over them. It is a dual fibre brush for creating an airbrushed high definition effect with any type of makeup (described by them).This would be my third favorite brush from all.

The second set I have is the Starter Set for the eyes! It includes five brushes and the same case as the Core Collection set with the same properties.

From left to right:

• Deluxe crease brush: I use this brush for my eye contouring, to blend the color in my socket, to apply cream concealer under my eyes or to remove eyeshadow that fell off from under my eyes/on my checks
• Base shadow brush: I use it to apply the eyeshadow on the lid and for blending it. By far the best eyeshadow brush ever. I just love the form of it, it allows a flawless application.
• Accent brush: I use this brush to apply eyeshadow under my eyes, in the inner corner of my eyes of for some details depending on my eye make-up look.
• Pixel point eye liner brush: I use this brush to apply a fine line of gel eyeliner. But I have to be honest I don't like it very much since it's kind of hard to create a thin line, you need lots of practice, so I only use it for thick lines.
• Brow brush: This brush is for brow definition but I barely use it that way since it's pretty thick. I use it sometimes for eyeshadow under my eyes. But I'm not a fan of it.

• Fine liner brush: I use this brush for thin lines when I use gel liner.

Here you can see it comparing to the thicker pixel point eye liner brush! Big difference.

Pixel Point Eye Liner Brush - Fine Liner Brush

So this is my whole collection!!! In case you are wondering why they have all different colors it's because those colors are well-ordered by their function. The orange ones are mostly for foundation, the ones that aren't for foundation but still for the face itself are pink and the once concetrating on the eyes and brows are purple.

LAST THOUGHTS: Since I LOVE these brushes so much I'm definitely gonna order more of them because I don't have them all yet. I need the Expert Face Brush, the Setting Brush and maybe I'm going to order also the Kabuki Brush ^^

I saw in some Youtube videos (before ordering the first time) that there are girls that have the stippling brush, the blush brush and the expert face brush a few times (like 5-6) and thought to myself one of them is enough but now that I used them already for months I really can understand why, you really can't have enought of them.

Since those kind of brushes need to be cleaned very often it's very time-consuming so it's easier to have them a few times but also very expensive in that case. I prefer cleaing mine after use with a daily makeup brush cleaner and once a week I wash them with a soft shampoo and water!

The price of a kit or one single brush is quite okay and inexpensive if you look at the price-performance ratio ;)
The only thing I didn't like is that (as mentionned above) my buffing brush lost its color so now I'm paying more attention when I clean them under water to not get that part wet.

This review turned again into a roman, sorry for that! We are done now ;)

Have a nice day!

XoXo

Irsada