1.10.2010

This is a review (more like a rave!) of the Kirkland brush set I received for Christmas. I got a few requests to do this, and I apologize for the late post. This set can still be found at your local Costco to my knowledge. Because this was a gift, I do not know the actual price, but I was told it's around twenty dollars which is amazing! Here is a reminder of what the entire set looks like:




It comes with eight full sized brushes, a black quilted brush roll, an eyelash curler, and a mini four piece brush set with a tiny roll to travel with, or in my case, to keep in my purse!

I've decided to share with you girls my favorite brushes from the collection: Sorry for the appearance, they are a bit dirty at the moment from using them this morning!



The HUGE fluffy powder brush is so soft! All of these brushes are super soft, much softer than any of my EcoTools, Essence of Beauty, and even my MAC brushes! The powder brush is perfect for applying...well, powder of course! I use it to set my makeup. I could touch it to my face all day long, it feels so nice and soothing! The flat top brush is great for contouring and applying bronzer. The flat eyeshadow brush reminds me very much of MAC's 239 brush, which I have always wanted to own. Not so after this kit! Similarly, the crease brush is THE PERFECT crease brush for my small lid space. I find a lot of crease brushes to be too fluffy, but the one here is small enough to be precise. It fits right into the creases of my eyes. Lastly, the double ended angled brush with spoolie works for taming my brows, as well as applying gel eyeliner.


Now on to the brushes I don't care for:


The angled brush is just a bit strange. It is very flat. I guess I could use it to apply a powder highlight to my cheekbones, but I never find myself reaching for this brush. It feels kind of flimsy to me. The sponge tip applicator is a waste in my opinion. I would have much rather prefered an actual smudger brush, like MAC's 219 instead. The sponge tip is a total filler item in this (almost) perfect set.


I also want to mention the brush bag and the mini set of baby brushes. The bag is really nice, and I am currently using it to store old brushes that I have no use for at the moment. Brushes of all sizes fit nicely into it. This will come in handy when I travel. The mini brushes I keep in my makeup bag are sort of flimsy, but they are perfect for mid-day touch ups .




 ~Pros~
* Great value for everything you get. Just one MAC brush costs more than twenty dollars, and in this kit you get eight!
* The quality of the brushes is amazing. They are so soft and well-made! I have not noticed any shedding whatsoever with any of them. I want to mention that these are synthetic. They are not skunk brushes. The tips of them are just dyed white.
* The handles are sturdy and the black makes them look very chic.

~Cons~
* I just don't particularly care for the two brushes that I mentioned. But...that is my only con!

~Overall~
If you are in the market for affordable, yet well-made brushes, then definitely go to your nearest Costco and at least check them out! I reach for these now more than any of my other brushes, and I am so happy with them.


In other random news, I got a few requests in my last haul to post swatches of my new lipsticks as well as the Sephora by OPI nail polish in Nonfat Soy Half Caff.
Here are the lippies:
                                                                                

                              
  Left to Right: Make Me Pink, Pink Please (Maybelline) and Myself (MAC)


And here is a NOTD featuring the polish. I must say, I am not thrilled with the color. I thought it looked much more beautiful in the bottle. On my nails, it just looks a bit orange. Plus, I needed three coats just to get any semblance of actual color. I might return it, since Sephora is so lenient on their return policy. What do you girls think? Be honest!

 



Wow, that was a long post! I hope my review was helpful. If you guys have any further questions, please feel free to ask! And let me know what you think about the polish!
♥ Noelle




1.07.2010

Hey Girls, I just wanted to do a quick post featuring some new makeup I bought recently. I went to CVS, MAC, and Sephora. The best part is I used gift cards at the MAC counter and Sephora, and CVS was having  a buy one get one 50% off on Maybelline products. I am so excited to use my new finds. If a product doesn't meet my expectations, or if a product exceeds them, I will let you know!


All of my goodies ;)




Maybelline Color Sensational Lippies: Make Me Pink (Left) and Pink Please (Right)





From MAC's New Collection "All Ages, All Races, All Sexes." Beauty Powder Blush in Personal Style and Lustre L/S in Myself. Love these natural, go-with-everything neutrals! I am wearing the l/s right now and it is my new favorite aside from Way To Love and Nude Rose ♥





From Sephora: NARS Albatross Highlighter (a cult fave), MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation in 30, and another (yes, another) Sephora by O.P.I. polish in Nonfat Soy Half Caff ( perfect nude-pink).



So that's my haul. I never, ever buy this much at once but then again, that's the beauty of gift cards. I am really hoping that the MUFE foundation works for me. I have heard really good things about it and the girl who helped me at Sephora said it's good for combo/oily skin like mine. We shall see! If you guys have used it, please let me know what your thoughts are. If you want any reviews or swatches, also feel free to ask!
♥ Noelle

1.05.2010



Gosh, I have been so busy the past few weeks that I haven't quite had time to thank three lovely bloggers who have nominated me for their awards. I apologize that this is so late girls! But thank you so much for including me amongst your winners. It is always a heart-felt honor.


1. The first comes from Cynthia: Thank you so much!





2. The second award comes from Natalie. I believe I have received this before, but am unsure if I am allowed to accept another one. Any thoughts girls? It is still appreciated anyway!





3. Lastly (whew!), the third comes from Kate Gene. I love reading her blog!



Again, if you don't already follow these three beautiful bloggers, definitely check them out. You will love reading their posts as much I do, I'm sure. I'm supposed to nominate more blogs for these three awards, but I want to award all of my new readers instead. You know who you are!
♥ Noelle