M.A.C's Alluring Aquatic Collection!

Hello Glams and Geeks! Todays post is all about this summer’s most anticipated M.A.C collection, Alluring Aquatic! While everyone waited (impatiently) for the release of this gorgeous, mystical-sea inspired collection, we all caught sneak-peeks online, through various sources on the web. As the much-built hype surrounded the beautiful water specked, aqua-colored packaging, just as much excitement was expressed from M.A.C fans world-wide for the array of Extra Dimension bronzers, blushes, and shadows that were released in the collection. While all of the shades were inspired by mystical and enchanting sirens and deities of the sea, they are all perfect for the summer season, and will give you a brilliant glow thanks to the wet-look of the extra dimension finish. The collection was announced to be released online, May 15, and in stores, May 22, which brings me to my next topic for this post: M.A.C’s unannounced, day-early release.



With many anxious fans counting the days, minutes, and hours to the release of this collection, it came as a huge shock to many, including myself, when I arrived at my local M.A.C store first thing the morning of the 22^nd, just to discover that M.A.C had released the collection a day early, on the 21^st. I took to their social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), and couldn’t find an announcement about the early release anywhere. So, I worked with what I had, and was able to grab 3 items from the collection: Aphrodite’s Shell Extra Dimension Bronzer, Sea Me, Hear Me Extra Dimension Blush, and Siren Song Lustre Lipstick. I will admit that it was unfortunate to have waited so long for the collection to miss out on being able to purchase anything online, as it sold out so quickly, and even more upsetting to have gotten up early on that morning, excited to purchase all of the shades I had been eagerly awaiting, only to be let down so fast. I noticed I wasn’t the only person who was upset by this, as many people took to their social media pages to rant and rave about this issue, as well. I can only hope that M.A.C makes an effort to hear their customers out, and will actually do something to please them and keep them coming back. Enough of that, now onto the products!

As I mentioned above, I purchased Aphrodite’s Shell, Sea Me, Hear Me, and Siren Song. I absolutely love these shades as they are perfect for creating and achieving an everyday, sun-kissed, summer makeup look, and give you a gorgeous glow. As for the famous aqua, water specked packaging, it couldn’t be any more perfect! Its reflective surface, with the 3D flecks of water droplets covering the compacts of all of the packaging are just so beautiful and super realistic! I find it to be so much fun, and very summer appropriate. I think this is the best packaging I have seen M.A.C come up with, as I don't believe they’ve ever done 3D packaging like such, before. Although I couldn’t get any other colors from the collection, I noticed that all of the shades are complimentary to all skin tones. I have seen swatch photos online, and all of the colors appear very flattering and gleam brilliantly on everyone.

Top: With Flash
Bottom: Natural Light, W/O Flash

Aphrodite’s Shell Extra Dimension Bronzer is a warm, golden brown color. It contains a beautiful light gold gleam that isn’t very overwhelming, but is just right to give your skin a warm summery glow (no sun necessary!). Although this is a bronzer, I am planning to use this as a blush and a highlight, as well, as it is light enough to work with my skin tone. Because it is an Extra Dimension finish, this can be applied wet or dry and can make a significant difference in your makeup look.  I would recommend applying it wet only if it is being used as a blush or highlighter. Also, when swatched, it is a bit sheer, but is very buildable.

Top: With Flash
Bottom: Natural Light, W/O Flash

Sea Me, Hear Me Extra Dimension Blush swatches like a burnt, rose-gold color on the skin. It is a warm color, rich in pigment, and has a rosey gleam to it with a bit of a gold sheen to it. This is an opaque shade, so I recommend using a light hand, and building up to your desired opacity. This can be used wet or dry, depending on your preference, but looks gorgeous and glowy when it is used wet. 

Left: With Flash
Right: Natural Light, W/O Flash

Last, but not least, Siren Song is a Lustre Lipstick. It is a sparkling champagne shade that is sheer but buildable, and has a light gold sheen to it.  It can be worn alone, paired with a lip liner, or worn over any lipstick to add some sparkle to your lips!

 Thank you for reading today's post, and I hope you've enjoyed it! I hope everyone was able to get what they wanted from the collection, and if not, no worries! The Kelly and Sharon Osbourne Collection hits stores this June with plenty of gorgeous shades for everyone!

Unveiling my Influenster Uni Vox Box Products!

Hey Glam and Geeks! Today’s post is all about my Influenster Uni Vox Box that I received last month in the mail. For those of you who are not familiar with Influenster, it is an online community in which people can review products that they’ve tried, and based on how active they are in this community, they can become eligible to receive a complimentary “vox box” every so often. These boxes are comprised of a variety of products, and are put together based on your interests. There are “Badges” you can unlock by completing surveys, doing product reviews, and other activities. The higher you score when unlocking badges, the better the chance of you receiving new boxes and being eligible to partake in events. These boxes are absolutely free, and are sent to people solely for testing and reviewing purposes. Which brings me to today’s post in which I will be doing a review, showing you what came in my Uni Vox Box, and sharing my thoughts on all of the goodies I received.

Here, you can see the contents of my box :)

The theme of the Vox Box I received is College Life, which is why it is called a “Uni Vox Box”, short for university. It contains a few products that are intended to be helpful in my college experience, and that are also budget friendly for college students. I received a box of Playtex Sport Fresh Balance tampons, a Pilot Acroball Pure White Pen, Red Rose Real Tea water enhancer in the flavor Blackcurrant Raspberry, Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation in the shade Soft Beige, NYC Expert Last Lipstick in the shade Forever Fuchsia, and Broadway Nails imPress Press-On Manicure in #130 Control Freak. So, without further ado, let’s dig in and talk about these goodies!

First, I will start with the Playtex Sport Fresh Balance tampons. I received a 16-count box of regular absorbency, lightly scented tampons. The tampons have a few unique features, such as the 360°™ Sport Level Protection®, which is designed to fit you comfortably during physical activity, and prevent any leakage during movement with its protective leakage barrier. It also has FlexFit™, which are fibers used in the tampons to trap leaks quickly. Lastly, the contoured applicator is designed to ensure comfortable insertion. As someone who typically prefers pads over tampons, I found these to be comfortable. I barely even noticed they were there, unlike other tampons which sit uncomfortably and make me cramp more than usual. Overall, these seem great for anyone who is on their monthly and wants to partake in physical activities such as playing sports, exercising, swimming, etc. without having to worry about discomfort or leakage.

Second goodie from my box is the Pilot Acroball Pure White pen. The sleek white barrel and vibrant yellow grip are appealing, while also being comfortable for taking notes or writing in your journal. The pen features a fine, ballpoint tip containing black advanced ink to allow you to write easily without experiencing any ink-jams or blots. These pens are intended to be stylish and fun, while making your writing experience one of comfort and ease. With my pen, I received a coupon that will take $1.50 off of a 2-pack of these pens, which I plan to use upon returning to school in the fall!

The third item I received in my box is the Red Rose Real Tea water enhancer in the flavor Blackcurrant Raspberry. I was surprisingly impressed with this as I typically do not enjoy the taste of water enhancers. Upon trying Red Rose Real Tea enhancer, I immediately noticed that this tastes like fresh-made iced tea. I mixed it with ice-water to try it out, and it was pleasant. The flavor isn’t overpowering or unbearable, rather it is refreshing and quenches your thirst. Red Rose Real Tea is only 5 calories per serving (24 servings out of a 1.62 oz. bottle), and does not contain any dyes or coloring. It is also gluten-free and lightly sweetened, which makes this even better for anyone looking to swap out soda or sugary, fruit juices for a healthier alternative.  There are two other flavors available from Red Rose Real Tea, such as the Earl Grey and Black Tea water enhancers, which I plan on trying, using the $1.00 off coupon included in my box.



Pictured Above: Left Hand- Nothing vs. Right Hand: Rimmel Stay Matte

Next up, we have the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in the shade 200-Sand Beige. This is said to be a light-weight, shine-control foundation, as well as natural looking and easy to blend. My first impression when trying this on was that it does feel a bit heavy for my taste. I am someone who prefers sheer coverage foundations, so this was definitely different from what I normally use. I did find that once it is blended out, it settles smoothly and evenly onto the face, mattifying the skin, while providing full coverage. The consistency of the foundation is a bit thick, so in this case, less is more. I would recommend building up to your desired coverage, as this may look heavy or cakey on the skin. I recommend this for anyone who does have a preference for full-coverage foundations. This may be your new go-to, as it does mattify the skin, as well as blends in evenly, and controls shine.

This next item is my personal favorite from the Uni Vox Box, and that would be the NYC Expert Last Lipstick in Forever Fuchsia. The first thing I noticed and loved about this lipstick was how richly pigmented it is. The color is very vibrant, making it perfect for the spring and summer seasons. I also love that while it is opaque, it is also very creamy. The lipstick seems to have a slight frosty sheen to it, but isn’t something very distracting or noticeable once it’s applied to the lips. The wear-time for this lipstick before it needs any touch ups is about 4-5 hours (without eating or drinking). The only downside is that there may be a bit of staining on your lips after wearing this color, but nothing that won’t come off with some makeup remover.

Last, but not least, the Broadway Nails imPress Press-On Manicure in #130 Control Freak. Personally, I am not one for artificial or press-on nails as I feel that they are very obvious and do not suit me very well. But, I was surprised with how natural these look when they are applied. I was sent the short-length nails, which I liked, but the color, not so much. These shiny, hot-fuchsia nails seem more appropriate for younger girls, but the brand does offer a wide range of colors and prints, as well as clean and simple French manicure press-ons. I did not wear the nails long enough to say how well they hold up and for how long, but during the one day that I had them on, I found them to be quite comfortable. The adhesive on the inner part of the nail really held them in place, allowing me to type, text, and use my hands freely without worrying that a nail would come off. If you are looking for a quick and easy alternative to having long nails for an event or a night out, and do not wish to damage your natural nails, these are a safe and affordable option, as well as very quick and easy to apply on your own.

Thank you for reading today’s blog post! I hope you’ve enjoyed my Influenster Uni Vox Box Unveiling! If you are interested in becoming an Influenster member, click here for more information and to create an account!

DISCLAIMER: All products included in this box were sent to me free, courtesy of Influenster's Vox Box program. These products are strictly for testing and reviewing purposes. I was not paid to review these products, and all thoughts and opinions are purely my own. Thank you. :)

Beginner's Guide to Contouring and Highlighting



Photo by Samer Khouzami, makeup artist and master of the contouring and highlighting technique!
 

Hey Glams and Geeks! Today’s post will be focusing on a very popular technique that will help you define your facial features: Contouring and Highlighting! Contouring is such a great technique because it allows you to sculpt your face, making the bone structure appear more prominent and chiseled. Highlighting compliments this technique, making the face seem more lifted and supple, as it makes your face appear more youthful and defined. Once you’ve mastered these two, you are on your way to beautifully defining your face!

Choosing your Products: Natural and Full-On Contour/Highlight

Kim Kardashian is a perfect example for this topic as she is well known for having her face contoured and highlighted by her makeup artists. On the left, she is wearing minimal to no makeup, allowing you to see her natural facial definition and bone structure. On the right, she is obviously contoured and highlighted and we can see where her face has been defined: Nose, cheeks, and forehead.

First, I wanted to talk a bit about the difference between natural and full-on contouring and highlighting. For everyday makeup, I’d suggest opting for nice, natural contouring and highlighting. What I mean by this is that when going for this method, try using powder products rather than liquid or cream. Liquid and cream products may be heavier, or best used for an event, photographic purposes, or for those who prefer fuller coverage. For full-on contouring and highlighting, I definitely recommend using cream or liquid based products to achieve a more flawless, photo-ready face. So if you’re in the mood for that “No Makeup” makeup look, but would like to incorporate contouring/highlighting to your routine, go for light and easy powder products. If you prefer fuller coverage, or you’re going to a wedding, special event, or will be taking photos, go for the cream-liquid products!

Choosing Your Color

For this technique, it is best to select a shade that is at least two to three shades darker than your complexion. The reason for this is that when blended out, the darker shade will help to define the bone structure in your face, making your features appear prominent and well-sculpted.

When selecting a highlight color, opt for a shade that is two to three shades lighter than your complexion. This will help with the “lifting” of the appearance, making you look more youthful, awake and refreshed. Next, it is up to you to decide whether or not you would like to use other highlighting products to emphasize other facial features. For example, you can use a powder product that contains a light gleam to give a nice, velvety inner glow upon the cheek bones and the bridge of your nose. That would best compliment matte makeup looks. You can opt for a cream highlighter with minimal shimmer to enhance your cream-based look, making your cheeks, nose, and chin appear very luminous and dewy. Or, you can choose a liquid highlighter with tiny flecks of glimmer to create a natural, “naked skin” makeup look, by applying a few drops along the cheek bones and bridge of the nose.

Remember, when choosing your shades, go 2 to 3 shades darker for contour, and 2 to 3 shades lighter for highlight. Going any darker will make the face appear too dark or unnatural, and will not blend well.

How to use Powder, Cream, and Liquid Products

When using powder products for this technique, start by applying your primer, followed by your foundation (preferably powder foundation, loose or pressed). Once this is done, apply your contour color onto the regions depicted in your designated face chart below. Apply the powder product in swiping motions, using a light hand as you do so. Next, apply your highlighter, applying it the same way as you did with the contour color.

When using liquid products, the application process becomes a bit more involved on your behalf. Start by priming the skin, followed by your foundation (only if using cream or liquid). Once foundation is well blended on your face, start applying your contour color to the regions depicted on your designated face chart below. Then, using a blending brush, buff the contour color into the skin, working it in circular motions. Once this is done, apply your highlight color under the eyes, down along the sides of the nose, and outwards onto the apples of your cheeks, and up towards the temples. Envision a right-triangular shape under your eyes, and on your cheeks. Now, with your clean blending brush, buff this out, starting from the sides of your nose, and outwards towards the temple, using circular motions. For this process, you may also use a blending sponge to create a more natural coverage and to lessen the appearance of lines or streaks. This last step is optional depending on the look you’re going for, but set your contour with a nice bronzer, using a light sweeping motion, and set your highlight with a loose translucent setting powder.

Identifying Your Face Shape

It’s been said that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and for this technique, it is important to know the shape of your face. Using the diagram above, try to observe and identify the shape of your face in order to know where to apply your contour color as well as your highlight!

Diamond Shape

Features: Pointed/Oval chin, High, prominent cheek bones, and a narrow hairline.

Contour: Using your contour brush, use a light, sweeping motion to apply your contour color along the hollows of your cheeks, in a slanted motion, and onto the edges of your jaw. This will define your cheek structure and emphasize the shape of your jaw.

Highlight: Starting at the center of the forehead, apply your highlighter in a swiping motion, and then bringing it down along the bridge of your nose. You may also apply highlighter just along your cheek bones and up towards your temples to create some dimension for your cheek bones. If you’re going for a dewy look, you may apply a bit of highlighter along your cupid’s bow, just above your lip, and also on your chin. If you prefer a matte look, only apply the highlight on your forehead and the bridge of your nose.

Heart Shape

Features: Long pointed chin, cheeks are a bit wider than the hairline, hairline may come into a pointed tip (a.k.a. widow’s peak), jawline is a bit narrow, slightly curved into the pointed chin.

Contour: Using your contour brush, start at the hollows of the cheeks, using a light, sweeping motion. Slowly, work your way up along your hairline towards the temples. This will define the cheeks, and emphasize your heart shaped face.

Highlight: Begin at the center of the forehead, applying your highlighter in a circular motion, then bringing it down along the bridge of your nose. You may also apply highlighter just along your cheek bones and up towards your temples to define your cheek bones. If you’re going for a dewy look, you may apply a bit of highlighter along your cupid’s bow, just above your lip, and also on your chin. If you prefer a matte look, only apply the highlight on your forehead and the bridge of your nose. 

Oblong Shape

Features: Elongated face, prominent cheeks, narrowed jawline and chin

Contour: Because this face shape is so long and narrow, contouring along the cheek bones is optional, but not necessary as they are already prominent, and may appear sunken into your face. You can, however, contour along your chin to create a more oval-like shape/appearance.

Highlight: You may apply highlight to your forehead, along your nose, and cheek bones, lips and chin are optional. Begin at the forehead, applying the highlight in a small triangular shape, bringing it down onto the nose, cupid’s bow and chin.

Blush: Apply blush ONLY on the apples of the cheeks. If it is applied too high up along the cheek bones, this could create a narrower shape for your face, making it look too elongated/thin.

Oval Shape

Features: Face shape is well proportioned, forehead is typically wider than rest of face, narrowing chin, and prominent cheek bones.

Contour: Because this face shape is so well proportioned and the cheek bones typically protrude, contouring is more optional than necessary. If you choose to contour, start at the hollows of the cheeks, using light, swiping motions, and bring the contour up towards the temples.

Highlight: Start by applying your highlighter in circular motions on your forehead, and bring it down onto the bridge of your nose, and under the eyes. You may apply it to the cheek bones and chin to emphasize the cheek structure and to give the appearance of dimensional features. Upper lip is optional. This will create a lit-from-within glow.

Rectangular Shape

Features: Has wide cheek bones and jaw structure, jaw typically is the widest part of the face, the length of the face is usually longer than the width.

Contour: Start by applying your contour in a swiping motion along the temples, bringing it down into the hollows of the cheeks, and work your contour color downwards along the jawline. This will make your face appear well proportioned all around rather than elongated.

Highlight: Highlighting is optional for this face shape, but it will help to create a more proportional appearance. Apply highlight along the bridge of the nose, cheek bones, and just above your contour color along your jaw bones.

Round Face

Features: Is well proportioned all around, jaw is rounded and less structured, cheeks are fuller, forehead and jawline are the same width, and hair line is rounded.

Contour: Begin contour along the temples, using light, swiping motions, working your way down into the hollows of the cheeks, and along the jaw line. This will help create some dimension, as well as give the appearance of prominent features.

Highlight: Begin applying highlighter in circular motions on the forehead, working it down onto the bridge of the nose, and also on the cheek bones and chin. This contributes to creating dimensional face features.

Square Face

Features: Has sharp, prominent jaw bones, forehead and jawline are evenly wide, cheek bones are sharp and protruding.

Contour: Just like the rectangular face shape, start applying your contour color along the temples, and using a light hand, bring it into the hollows of the cheeks, and down along the jaw bones. This will create the same effect for the square shape, as for the rectangular shape, creating a more proportional appearance.

Highlight: Start by applying highlighter in circular motions on the forehead, bringing it down along the bridge of the nose, and also on the cheek bones and chin. This contributes to creating dimensional face features.

Features: Long face shape, chin is square/flat in shape, cheekbones are straight and taper off from the jaw to the forehead, the jaw is the widest section of this face shape. 

Contour: Begin by contouring at the temples, lightly buffing your contour shade onto your skin, and bringing it down along your cheekbones in a sweeping motion, followed by sweeping the brush back up along your cheekbones, then downwards along the jawline. This 3 shape along each side will help to create the appearance of a more slender, well-proportioned face shape.

Highlight: Start by applying your highlighter on the center of the forehead, buffing it in light, circular motions. Along the under eye area, apply the highlighter starting from the inner corner of your eye bringing it down along the bridge of the nose, and extending it outwards towards your temple. This right-triangle shape will help to create a slimmer effect and contribute to evening out face-shape proportions. Lastly, dab highlighter on the center of the chin. 

 Nose Contouring

Here you can see the difference between before her face was 

contoured, and after. Focus on how her nose was defined. You can see

where the contour color was placed, as well as the highlight.

If you would like to define the shape of your nose, use a small fluffy brush and your contour powder. Using a light hand, start at the inner edge of the brow, working the product onto the skin in a swirling motion, working your brush down the side of the bridge of the nose, and out over the top curve of the nostril. This will create a slimming effect on your nose, and will define the shape of it as well. Then, using your highlight and your highlighting brush, apply your highlighter starting at the tip of your nose, and softly blend it upwards towards the forehead, stopping just between the brows. Make sure your nose is not too shiny, as this will look poorly done, and very obvious.

 Products

In my previous post, Makeup Brush Guide- Face Brushes, I listed which brushes to use for which makeup processes, and there you can find which brushes I recommend for contouring and highlighting. 

Contour/Highlight- Powder

E.L.F Studio Baked Bronzer $3

Eyeslipsface.com

Sephora Collection Micro Smooth Baked Luminizer $12

Sephora.com

Contour/Highlight-Liquid

Nyx HD Concealer Wand $5

NyxCosmetics.com

Nyx Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator $7.50

NyxCosmetics.com

Contour/Highlight- Cream

Flower Beauty

-Skincognito Foundation Stick $8.98

FlowerBeauty.com

-Glisten Up! Chubby Highlighting Stick $9.98

FlowerBeauty.com

Contour/Highlight Palettes

Sleek Makeup’s Face Contour Kit ($9.99) and Face Form ($14.99)

SleekMakeup.com

Nyx Highlight and Contour Powder $9

NyxCosmetics.com

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit $40

Anastasia.net

Thank you so much for reading my Beginner's Guide to Contouring and Highlighting! I hope this post has been helpful for anyone who has been wanting to try this technique but did not know where to begin. As always, feedback is appreciated and be sure to follow me on Instagram to find out about upcoming blog posts, beauty tips, product reviews, and much more @TheGlamGeekConfessional

Makeup Brush Guide- Other Tools and Brush Maintenance

Hey Glams and Geeks! Today is the third and final part of my Makeup Brush Guide Series. So far, we have talked about face brushes to help you prime, prep, and enhance your face. Then, we looked at brushes that help to create your desired eye looks from a neutral eye to a smokey eye. Now, we will be discussing a few more tools that are essential to helping you achieve your best face yet. Let’s begin!

 Brush: Lip Brush

Purpose: The purpose of the lip brush is to apply lip products (lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, etc.) to your lips without needing to use your fingers.

Tips: A lip brush is a great tool to have on hand for a few reasons. If you have reached the end of your lip stick, but there is still a bit more product left in the base of the tube, use a lip brush to gather the remaining product and apply it to your lips, or if there’s enough, transfer the excess into a plastic container. Another great use is to achieve clean, crisp lines when working with some brighter or darker colors, line your lips with a lip liner, and apply your desired lipstick color to your lips, using your lip brush.

Recommendation: Eco Tools Detailed Lip Brush, $3.99, can be purchased online at EcoTools.com or in stores at your local Walmart, Target, or participating Eco Tools retailer.

Brush: Shield Brush

Purpose: The shield brush is meant to protect your face makeup from shadow fallout or mascara smudges. Simply hold it under your eye during your eye shadow or mascara application to prevent any mistakes.

Tips: Before using the shield, try applying a generous amount of setting powder beneath your eyes and let it sit. Apply your shadow or mascara, then remove your shield. Now blend out your setting powder to finish your look!

Recommendation: E.L.F Cosmetics Studio Mascara and Shadow Shield, $3, can be purchased online at Eyeslipsface.com or in stores at your local Target location.

Tool: Lash Curler

Purpose: This one is also pretty self-explanatory, but is such an important step prior to applying your mascara to achieve lengthy, curled lashes!

Tips: To get a curl that lasts all day, heat up your lash curler by holding it before a blow dryer for no longer than 5 to 10 seconds. This will have the same effect that a curling iron would on your hair, creating a long lasting curl. After, coat your lashes with 1 or 2 strokes of mascara to complete your look.

Recommendation: Revlon Extra Curl Eyelash Curler, $6, can be purchased in stores at your participating Revlon retailer. Details of this tool can be reviewed at Revlon.com

 Tool: Tweezers

Purpose: Tweezers are an essential beauty tool as you can use these to clean up any sparse hairs on your brows, between your regular brow grooming appointments.

Tips: Tweezers are a great tool for applying lashes! Whether applying strip or single lashes, simply grab your lashes by the tips of the hairs and apply a layer of lash glue. Let this sit for 20 to 30 seconds, and begin applying your lashes at the center. Make sure its settled just above your lash-line and that its secured in place, then proceed in applying it to the inner and outer corners.

Recommendation: E.L.F Cosmetics Gem Tweezer with Pouch, $4, can be purchased online at Eyeslipsface.com or at your local Target location.

Tool: Spray Bottle

Purpose: The spray bottle is meant to be filled with water, and used for various beauty techniques, such as to wet your shadow brush prior to applying metallic/shimmery shadows or pigments or to mist your beauty blender prior to blending out for makeup.

Tips: Fill your bottle 2/3 with water, and 1/3 with Rose Water for a gentle rose aroma every time you mist your brushes/sponges. Also, Rose Water is great for the skin so you have the added benefit of applying antioxidants to your skin while you apply your makeup!

Recommendation: Spray bottles can be purchased at your local Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc. and can be found in the travel section. Bottles should not cost more than $2.

Tool: Towelettes

Purpose: These are good to have on hand to wipe off any excess makeup from your hands or brushes, and are great to quickly clean brushes before applying your makeup.

Tips: Keep these towels close by, by storing them near your designated makeup area. That way, you’ll always have them near you when you need them most! To clean your brushes with these, mist your brushes with your brush cleansing spray and gently wipe your brush back and forth to remove the makeup, then dry it on a separate towel.

Recommendation: Equate w/ Chamomile, Vitamin E, and Triple Tea Complex Cleansing Towelettes, $3.97, can be purchased online at Walmart.com or in stores at your local Walmart location.

 Tool: Brush Cleansing Spray

Purpose: Brush cleansing spray is great to help maintain your brushes clean between washes.

Tip: If you like DIY projects, here is an opportunity to make your own brush cleansing spray! Using a spray bottle to hold your cleanser, mix 2 cups of distilled (or filtered) water, ½ cup of Isopropyl Alcohol (with a high alcohol content to sanitize brushes!), 2 tbs of Dish Soap (or baby shampoo for a gentler formula), 2 tbs of Leave-In conditioner, and this last one is optional, either 2 tbs of Rose Water or your choice of scented essential oil to make it smell lovely!

Recommendation: Sonia Kashuk Brush and Sponge Cleanser, $6.99, can be purchased online at Target.com or at your local Target location.

 Tool: Brush Shampoo

Purpose: Brush shampoo is extremely necessary in the maintenance of your brushes. Shampooing extends the durability of brushes, as well as prevents breakouts, so be sure to have some on hand!

Tip: If you want to save some money or prefer a gentle cleanser for your brushes, go for baby shampoo. It will leave brushes super soft and clean. If you have sensitive skin, go for Antibacterial soap. It will deep clean your brushes and remove any bacteria that could be buried between the bristles.

How-To: For anyone who may wonder how you should shampoo your brushes, here’s a quick step-by-step explanation.

You will need a sink, your brush shampoo, a towel, and a space to leave your brushes out to dry overnight.

Start by running your brushes under lukewarm water. Place a quarter-sized amount of shampoo into your palm and begin to swirl your brush into the shampoo. Once you’ve built up a good lather, use your fingers to scrub between the bristles as you would your own hair. Rinse, and repeat to really get all of the product out from your brush. After, gently dry your brush with towel, and lay it out to dry. Do not place your brushes to dry upwards in your brush holder as water can seep into the bristles and prevent the brush from drying or can make your brushes shed, or even worse, come apart at the base. So always make sure to lay them out to dry overnight.

Recommendation: E.L.F Cosmetics Studio Brush Shampoo, $3, can be purchased online at Eyeslipsface.com or in stores at your local Target location.

Thanks for reading my Makeup Brush Guide series! I hope this was able to provide some knowledge on the essential makeup brushes, their intended purpose, some tips to help you use them to their full potential, as well as which brushes offer amazing quality for affordable prices. Be sure to follow me on Instagram to stay up to date on upcoming posts, for quick product reviews, swatches, and beauty tips, and much more. @TheGlamGeekConfessional