Top 5 Reasons To Clean Your Makeup Brushes & Sponges

Some of us have a large amount of makeup brushes, and some have a small amount of makeup brushes. No matter the amount of makeup brushes you have, the important thing about having them is keeping them clean.

Makeup Buildup

Makeup brushes get used for all different types of makeup; from eyeshadow to liquid foundations. Overtime, that makeup builds up and collects and cakes up in the bristles, making it difficult to work with blending in makeup the next time you use them.

Bacteria

Gross, bacteria! Yes, bacteria thrives in your makeup brushes after each use of them! Leading to acne, uneven makeup and possible skin infections. Just imagine that on your skin!

Sponges Hoard Bacteria

Beauty Blenders and makeup beauty sponges all hoard lots of bacteria. They are a sponge, so they soak up whatever liquid you put on them, and they collect whatever bacteria that's on your face and give it the opportunity to thrive and grow. Be sure to wash them thoroughly at least once a week.

Bristle Health

Keeping your makeup brushes ensures the health of the bristles of your makeup brushes. Makeup build up collecting in the bristles over time can damaged the bristles, especially with liquid foundation, bronzers, blushes, contouring, etc.

Proper Cleaning

A lot of people who use makeup brushes and sponges are unaware of which cleanser to use. They're are so many on the market these days! I have one cleanser that I love and trust with cleaning my makeup brushes and it is inexpensive!



Real Techniques Makeup Brush Cleansing Gel ($9.99)

I've used this cleansing get for YEARS on my brushes. It's lightly scented which doesn't bother my face or eyes, it's a gel formula, so it doesn't run all over the place, easy to work with, gets the job done, it's expensive, and it's sold at many stores such as: Target, Walmart, Ulta, CVS, and Walgreens.

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Blogging Essentials

We all use different essentials to improve, keep create content, and maintain any type of blog, whether it be about food or mine of course, beauty! I have a few set essentials I like to use when it comes to creating content, keeping track of new and current blog post ideas, improving and maintaining my blog here. 

I use an assortment of programs, websites and equipment all for doing just that!

Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera (EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens)

This model is no longer manufacture by Canon, but it's somewhat available through Amazon and Ebay, if you're able to find this specific model. It was my first Digital SLS camera and still being used to take photos of products I share here in my blog post and in my videos over on my YouTube channel. Canon makes great quality cameras, some with multiple features and some that are basic point and shoots to get the job done. You don't need to have the most expensive camera on the market, but if I'd recommend a camera, start looking at Canon cameras while you're out looking. Looking for one that gives you macro function (as well as other photo taking specifications, interchangeable lens, rechargeable battery (or non-rechargeable batteries), SD card availability are just some of the features that you should for when on the hunt for a camera for blogging.

OttLite Creative Curves LED Desk Lamp

Unless you have a white box or photo box that you use, an OttLite is a great suggestion to have when taking photos of products for a beauty blog. It brightens up the area around the product, making editing adjustments of white balance easier if needed.

Lexar Platinum II 16GB and 64GB SD Card

I'm not saying you have to go out a buy the biggest SD card out there. Some are in high capacity for professionals who take hundreds of photos a day, but for blogging, 16GB to 32GB is more than enough space for photos. I use the 16GB mostly for photos I'm taking on my Canon and my 64GB for videos I'm filming for my YouTube channel.

Evernote

I use Evernote for more than just my blogging. I've been using their system for over 5 years now for personal things, managing different lists, inventory for my die cutting shop, Couture Paper Designs, to creating lists of new ideas of blog posts. Evernote is completely free, letting you use it on two different devices (Computer, Tablet/iPad, or Phone), but if you need to use on more than 2 devices, you have to upgrade to one of their premium plans. I have a student plan, since I'm currently attending college and also use it for school purposes as well. 

Photoshop

Photoshop is apart of Adobe and is through their Creative Cloud system. I use Photoshop mainly for making the banners I use for my YouTube channel, Twitter, Facebook, and on my blog sometimes. I also use for adjusting white balance in photos I take. It is a paid subscription to use. If you are a student, you also get a discount through them as well to use if you're a student of the arts!

Fotor

Fotor is completely free! And I use it to adjust white balance in photos, crop photos and make collages of my photos for my blog posts.

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June 2020 Favorites

June is coming to a close real fast, and with all the crazy stuff going on, even faster. I thought I'd share my favorites for the month again with you all.

Pacifica Rosemary Purify Invigorating Shampoo
For almost over a year I've suffered from a itchy shampoo from buildup, dry scalp and mostly from autoimmune disease Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis). I've tried A LOT of shampoos and conditioners from moisturizing all the way up to Head & Shoulders. I've used the Pacifica brands face wash and haven't turned back from using it since first using it, so I figured why not? This stuff is amazing! Not only does it clean all the junk out of the top and bottom of my scalp, but the minty and tingle feeling makes my scalp feel clean and fresh. I noticed the mint scent more in the shampoo, which I love!

Pacifica Rosemary Purify Invigorating Conditioner
For almost over a year I've suffered from a itchy shampoo from buildup, dry scalp and mostly from autoimmune disease Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis). I've tried A LOT of shampoos and conditioners from moisturizing all the way up to Head & Shoulders. I've used the Pacifica brands face wash and haven't turned back from using it since first using it, so I figured why not? This stuff is amazing! Not only does it clean all the junk out of the top and bottom of my scalp, but the minty and tingle feeling makes my scalp feel clean and fresh. I noticed the rosemary scent more in this conditioner than the shampoo that goes with it, which I love!

Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Hold Me Tight
For the longest time I've been using the Extra Firm Hold hairspray by Tresseme and it was favorite for holding my hair in place, especially my side bangs when I put them back for a pony tail, but I didn't like the sticky and hard feeling in my hard it left, but I dealt with it. My mom actually gave this to me to try, and I love it! It holds well and no sticky or hard feeling in my hair.

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo (Original)
I've been trying to go back into nothing by "cruelty-free, vegan and/or no animal testing" products in my life. I really enjoy them more, to be honest.

Urban Decan Naked Cherry Palette

I've actually been using this a lot before June. Probably ever since January when I purchased it, because I've been a fan of the Urban Decay Naked palettes ever since I was introduced to their Naked 2 palette. This palette gives such a smooth cranberry look. Perfectly blends, beautiful colors ranging from neutrals to smoke for any eye look. I've been using it to due neutral, everyday kind of looks.

Tree Hut Charcoal Black Sugar Scrub
This sugar sugar is literally blackish brown colored! It smells almost like licorice to me. But it works very nicely on my legs, thighs, arms, hands, elbows and under my feet. Makes them very soft and the smell is delicious.

Morphe Oval Shadow Brush (M167)

This brush has been a game changer in how I pack on eyeshadow to my eyelid. It packs the pigment on so well, with no fallout at all! The handle is of good size so I have great handling as well.

Morphe Flat Liner Definer Brush (M432)

Where has still brush been all my life! It has also been a game changer in my makeup routine for my eyebrows. For years I was using a flat liner brush by e.l.f cosmetics and it was barely sculpting them properly. But this... WOW. I have complete control of where the brush is going when I'm sculpting my eyebrows and I don't have to use much of the product I was using before.

          

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Current Favorites

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I'll be sharing a few of my current favorites that I've been obsessing over the last two weeks or so.

Morphe M554 Under Eye Setting Brush

I am so happy I was introduced to this brush. I was at Ulta awhile after Christmas and discovered they were carrying Morphe! I've always wanted to try their products and never got around to it except a few palettes I have which I love to pieces. This brush is amazing at setting my under eye power when I do my under eye concealer. It sets it smoothly and it doesn't crease at all during the length of time I wear my makeup. The bristles are soft and the handle is a good size to hold and handle when using it which is plus for me.

Morphe 213 Smudger Brush & Morphe 408 Chisel Shader Brush

I use these both in combination for doing and smudging out my under eyeshadow. They are small and precise and they don't drop a lot of fallout which I love. Soft bristles, good sized handle to use, and great performance out of these two brushes for one thing.

Moprhe Nature Glow Palette

I love this palette. It's been my go to everyday palette ever since I got it. I switch between this, another Morphe palette and the Jaclyn Hill x Morphe palette for everyday looks. These are such great shadows; they blend easily, are easy to work with, don't fade, don't have lots of fall out and have great outcome for everyday looks.

Shadows I've been using everyday are; Upfront, Popular, Clear, Newest, Creams, Bake, Wannabe, Choco, Riches, Glow Girl

Clarisonic Mia 2

I never knew I'd be so obsessed with this thing one day. I used to this daily, morning and night for when I washed my face and then all of a sudden I stopped using it and went back to being lazy and washing my face with my hands and my face started having terrible breakouts everywhere. I started using it again lately to help out! This keeps them all in check. It keeps my acne down, helps with the redness on my face to a degree, keeps my face feeling smooth and helps with the excess oil my face produces as well.

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-off Formula

I love this for a facial scrub. It has never done me wrong on my face. I've started using it again in my regular face routine to keep my acne in check. I use it about two to three times a week (along with my charcoal mask once a week).

Pacfica Rose Water Sleek & Shiny Shampoo & Conditioner

My hair has gotten really long since I haven't had the time to make an appointment to get it trimmed. It's become harder to manage with and keep it from becoming damaged by the environment. This has really been helping it looks nice and shiny and sleek during the day and it smells amazing! The only thing I don't like about the shampoo is that it doesn't lather up well.

Au Lait Hand Lotion

I can't remember how I obtained this hand lotion, but I love it! It makes my hands feel so soft in the morning. It's now heavily scented either so it doesn't bother my skin.

Victoria's Secret PINK Rosy Quartz Scented Mist

I got this during a sale they were having and it's a nice scent; very light and girly.

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Product I Want to Try

It's been a loooong time since I've posted a blog or a video over on my channel and I'm now coming back after a long break from both. I had a lot going in life and everything was getting crazy and I just couldn't keep up with everything. So today, you are all in for a treat! I'll be sharing my recent products I'm wanting to try!

Urban Decay Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette
Since I love cherry eyeshadow colors, I wanted to try this palette out.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette
Another palette I would like to try; It has neutrals and mauve colors!

Kat Von D Shade + Light Face Contour Palette
This was a biiiig seller when it first came out and I kept debating on buying because I was a high addict and lover of using the Anastasia contour palette and the contour palette from NYX, but now that I keep seeing it in Sephora, the more I want to try it. And it's a refillable one as well.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
This one will go along with the all night liquid foundation I'm about to talk about. They state: "up to 16 hours - without melting, fading or settling into fine lines. Tested formula is suitable for all skin types, free of oil and parabens, and features patented Temperature Control Technology. Yep, this baby actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place - even in hot and humid or cold and windy conditions." The temperature control technology sounds interesting.

Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation
I'm always wanting to try foundations that quote the "long lasting" effect. This one claims to last up to 16 hours without melting, fading or settling into fine lines. But, what I'm looking for is; Is it good for oily skin? High humidity? Is it sweatproof?

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Eyeshadow Palette
This palette has a mixture of colors I enjoy using; purples, neutrals, browns. I would love to try this one as well.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
I would consider this palette great for everyday use. Hence the name "soft glam".

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette
I saw this in Ulta about a few months after it was released and really wanted to buy it, but waited and now I want to try it. It's the shades that I like using for more everyday with an edge look. Orange and rust colors.

Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette
I've actually been wanting to try this ever since it came out, but have yet to actually purchase it. I use an oven mit with their cleaner to clean my brushes which does a great job so far, but what not try this? It's had good reviews on it and everyone seems to love it.

Kat Von D - Lolita Eyeshadow Palette
Since I love cherry eyeshadow colors, I wanted to try this palette out as well.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 15: Gifts Under $10 For Her

Blogmas 2017 Day 15: Gifts Under $10 for Her

These are great stocking stuffers or perfect little gifts for the women in your life. Significant other, sister, friend, co-worker, ect.

Mr Bubble Bubbletini Bath Bombs
These are small sized bath both that has that nice sweet and clean smell, what woman doesn't like bubble baths?

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm
You can buy tons of these in different flavors and they can be put everywhere; purse, car, backpack, vanity, work desk, bed side table. I've used them and they are one of my favorites!

Ardell Studio Effects Wispies Lashes
These are absolute favorite lashes to wear! They are easy to apply, don't fall off and aren't too long or too short.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub
These sugar scrubs come in different kinds of scents and I love using them on my legs, arms, feet, elbows and hands. These are very gentle on the skin.

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream
I love this stuff. It's a great hand cream to put anywhere, it's not greasy, soaks into the skin quickly and lasts for hours through hand washing.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
This hands down one of my favorite foundation applying beauty sponges. It makes it easy to apply most of my liquid foundations, easy to handle and lasts a long time before it needs replacement

Snow-fetti Mini Sponge Set
This set has a variety of different makeup sponges; all-over coverage, chiseling, contouring, strobing, backing and specialize application. So if you know someone who is a fan of beauty bleander or makeup sponges in general, this is for them!

Sephora Collection Sleeping Mask - Pearl
Sleeping masks are great since our faces do a lot of damage repairing through the night from all the makeup wearing, oil, dirt, dust, and whatever else gets into our skin during the skin. this mask helps to minimize irregularities for a more brighter complexion.

Sephora Collection Lip Mask - Rose
I love lip masks! They are especially great top use when I wear a lot of lip products such as lipsticks, lip liners, and long wearing lip products. This mask helps to exfoliate, moisturize and soften lips as well and protect them from getting chapped or over dried.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 13: Christmas Wishlist

Blogmas 2017 Day 13: Christmas Wishlist

I'm not sure what I really want this year. It's been a rough year finally for me and some close people to me, mainly due to the impact of Hurricane Irma. Many of us lost jobs, homes and family members.

I have a few things I've wanted to try this year or would like to have refills on.

Clarisonic Cleansing Brush Drying Stand
I saw this online and thought, how cool is that. I normally put mine on a seperate towel on my bathroom counter with the brush head facing down to let it air dry.

Clarisonic Cleansing Brush Head Replacement (Normal)
I really need a new one.

Beautyblender Pro Beauty Sponge
I use the pro version on their blotting sponge and I love it for blotting myself throughout the day. Maybe the beauty sponge is just as good. I hear the different colors have different benefits? Who knows.

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette
I love orange to rusty eyeshadow colors and I've been wanting to have this ever since it came out.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette
I love this brands eyeshadow and contour palettes. This palette is another one of those everyday looks that isn't too dark or too light for me.

Morphe Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette
I love Morphe eyeshadow and I'm a huge fan of Jaclyn Hill (I met her in person)

Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner Pen
I love this eyeliner pen. It's an exact dupe for the Kat Von D one. Only difference is the price, $2 cheaper.

Too Faced White Chocolate Bar
Not sure if this is still in stores but I love their chocolate bar palettes and I love white chocolate. Does it smell like white chocolate?

Sephora or Ulta Gift Card
Sometimes people forget or don't how to find makeup for me, so they just get me a gift card to there instead so I can the makeup I asked for.
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IKEA Alex 9 or 5 Drawer Unit
I already have the 9 drawer unit that is sharing makeup and crafting supplies. I'd like either of the sized to replace my sterilite drawer system that has my crafting supplies in it. It's just not practical anymore.

Michael's Gift Card
I'm a huge crafter so I would like to have one of these!

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Blogmas 2017 Day 12: Favorite Christmas Songs

Blogmas 2017 Day 12: Favorite Christmas Songs

I love holiday songs, specifically around Christmas. Here are some of my favorite Christmas songs;

- A Charlie Brown Christmas (Soundtrack)

- O Holy Night

- We Three Kings

- The Grinch Theme

- Jingle Bell Rock

- Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

- Frosty the Snowman

- Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

- Silent Night

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Blogmas 2017 Day 10: Favorite Christmas Nails

Blogmas 2017 Day 10: Christmas Nails

My Pinterest board "Christmas Nails" has all of my favorite Christmas nails but, I decided to share some of them on this post.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 9: Animal Lovers Gift Guide

Blogmas 2017 Day 9: Animal Lovers Gift Guide

I know it's not makeup or beauty related but, some of us (such as myself) love animals and our pets as much as we do beauty and makeup! I love my birds and I love things that resemble birds from scarves to journals!

Personalized Dog Bone Ornament ($16.00)

These are so cute. They are made of wire and you can get them personalized with your dogs name on them! 

Etsy Seller: Foxblossom

Sterling Silver Dog Bone Charm ($15.00)

Have a charm bracelet? Have a dog? Why not put their name on a cute dog bone on your bracelet?

Etsy Seller: UnmistakablyMine

Bird Mom Mug ($12.59)

I died when I saw this! I have two birds myself and I just think this is adorable!

Etsy Seller: StrictlyBusinessMugs

Cat Mom & Dad Cat Lovers Mugs (19.95+)

These are absolutely adorable. If you're a cat dad or cat mom, these are for you!

Etsy Seller: ErikaLesavageDesign

Customizable Cat Necklace ($12.50+)

These are also adorable for car lovers. You can personalize them with the initial or your cats name on them! 

Etsy Seller: MignonandMignon

DISCLAIMER: ALL photos are credited and belong to their original owners. They were used only for this blog for gift guides and to also help the sellers. I DO NOT own these photos. If the owners of the photos have any concerns, please contact me.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 5: Who will you be spending this Christmas with?

Blogmas 2017 Day 5: Who will you be spending Christmas with?

This is going to be a very, very short post. 

I will be spending Christmas with my parents, just like every year! We don't usually travel anywhere during the holiday so it will be at home.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 2: Favorite Christmas Drinks

When it comes to Christmas time, I'm all about the drinks, food, candy... everything! Ever since I was a young girl, I loved having the special drinks around Christmas time. They just brought so much joy to me during the time and I still have such great memories of them. I do have a few favorite drinks.

Silk Soy Original Nog

I used to drink regular dairy egg nog as a child but, since I no longer consume dairy products (I haven't drank cow milk since high school ... or a lot of dairy products either), I drink soy or almond milk. I discovered Silk brands egg nog a few years ago. It is so good!

Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa

I usually get these in their K-Cups, these are so delicious!

Starbucks Holiday Blend 2017

I also get these in their K-Cups. Every year, it seems to change a bit on the notes but overall, this blend is hands down, the best dark roast coffee during Christmas time!

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Review! Mary Kay Satin Lips Set!

Hello beautifuls! Short review of a new product that I've been trying and loving for the past week. As you know, I've recently become a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant and my first May Kay product was their Satin Lips Set on the first facial night I attended. 

I wanted to really try this product out for a week to see it's full potential, it affects, and if it really worked before I raved about on here. You all know I'm a huge fan of lip products!

The packaging is simple but still classic looking, not bulky at all!

Both packages provide ingredients, distributor information, where they're made, how much of the product you get, and how to use it! First package is the lip mask and second package is the lip balm.

Both the lip mask and balm are in squeeze tubes, making it easy not to waste the product. The lip mask it a skinny squeeze applicator while the balm is a slanted applicator perfect for lip application.

Application: The lip mask ideally can be used two to three times a week, while the balm can used however many times you wish. 

Lip Mask: apply the lip mask (it has a slight white look to it and tiny beads which help exfoliate your lips) and you wait 10 minutes. I liked doing this while I do my eyebrows and eye makeup before moving on to my foundation that way I don't mess up the process of the lip mask. Next, wipe mask off with a clean wet tissue. Lip Balm apply the lip balm. The lip balm moisturizes for up to 6 hours and provides a barrier from harmful environmental elements.

Pros:

Inexpensive

Does what it says it does

Made my lips feel smoother and product application smoother

Cons:

Online Ordering

Final Thoughts:

Besides the con of being online ordering, I really loved this product. I would order it online, it's $18 plus shipping?  Not bad at all and it did what it said it was supposed to do. If you would like to order this product or find out about it you can go to it's page here: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set

❤

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