The NordstromAnniversary Sale opens to the public sale on Friday, July 20 and runs through August 5. There are so many amazing things available, and it is definitely one of the very best times of the year to shop. I have selected some of my favorites that I either already have, want, or have ordered from this sale!
Important Dates: July 20-August 5: their biggest sale of the year opens to the public.Click on the individual product links for detailed information about each of the items featured.
When the MAKEUP WARS! Team decided to feature each of our favorite makeup brushes, I knew that I had to partake– because I have a nearly irrational love of makeup brushes, and while I have accumulated more than I could ever need or use– I knew that there were three brands that I use all of the time, and that warranted being a part of this feature. I had pondered washing all of them for you, but then it occurred to me that showing them filled with pigment would give you a more accurate view of how well loves these brushes are!
I don't know why I don't talk more about my TOM FORD makeup brushes, but they are among my most coveted, and indeed most used, makeup brushes. Their quality is exquisite, they are perfectly balanced, and using them is a true joy. They are definitely ultra-luxe, but it was money well-spent given how often I actually use them. Most of the TOM FORD brushes are made from natural (goat, I believe) hair with wooden handles and rich golden ferrules. There are a few synthetic brushes in the collection, but I do not have any of them.
TOM FORD Beauty Bronzer Brush ($115.00 from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods): While this colossal brush, with its largely fluffy bristles, is perfect for applying bronzer with a light hand, it also does an exemplary job applying setting powder for a light finish. The bristles are soft and silky-smooth against the skin, and experiencing it is a decadent, luxurious experience.
According to TOM FORD Beauty,
Disperse powder evenly all of your face with the bronzer brush by Tom Ford. The soft, natural hair bristles are designed to pick up the optimal amount of product so you achieve gorgeous, radiant skin. You can also use it as an allover face blending tool to smooth lines after makeup application.
TOM FORD Beauty Cheek Brush ($78.00 from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods): Oh how I love this brush, and as you can see from the group picture above (second brush from the left) mine is well used and loved. This brush picks up and lays down blush with precision, and it blends it to absolute perfection. While I have a huge number of blush brushes, this is my most reached for, and most adored among them.
According to TOM FORD Beauty,
Achieve concise and effortless cheek color application with an ultrasoft, natural hair brush by Tom Ford. It's designed for versatility, enabling you to layer color to your desired intensity or sheer it down to transparency.
TOM FORD Beauty Cream Foundation Brush ($72.00 from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods): There is no question that this foundation brush does an exemplary job applying and blending cream and liquid foundations, but is also does an extraordinary job with cream and powder blushes as well. In fact, the smaller head size makes it a great tool for applying luminizers, highlighters and just about anything else that I have tried.
According to TOM FORD Beauty,
The Tom Ford cream foundation brush with its natural hair bristles is the perfect brush for the application of creamy foundation. It blends the product into your skin flawlessly so it looks invisible and your skin looks gorgeous.
TOM FORD Beauty Eyeshadow Brush ($56.00 from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods): This soft brush picks up shadows and deposits them effortlessly, and then blends to perfection. It is, without question, my go-to brush for laying down a nice wash of color. It is, in my estimation, the perfect eyeshadow brush. The paddle is large enough to grab the shadow, and soft enough to blend. Sometimes it is the only brush that I use!
According to TOM FORD Beauty,
The Tom Ford eyeshadow brush features natural hair bristles designed to give you a soft, allover eyeshadow effect. It picks up color with ease and glides it effortlessly onto your skin for beautiful makeup application every time.
The eyeshadow blend brush by Tom Ford creates perfect shade gradation for a flawless look every time. It's made with natural hair bristles to ensure soft application and precision blending with a range of differently textured eyeshadows.
The Smoky Eye brush by Tom Ford is designed to give you beautiful, dramatic eyes for a head-turning look. Winner of Allure magazine’s 'Best of Beauty' Award for Best Eyeshadow Makeup Brush, 2014.
The Tom Ford eyeshadow contour brush is crafted with natural hair bristles to ensure flawless eyeshadow application on both the crease and corner of your eyes.
TOM FORD Beauty Eyeliner and Definer Brush ($52.00-$88.00 from David Jones and Tom Ford Beauty): I noticed that most retailers seem to have sold out of this amazing brush, and that is making me think that I need to buy a back-up since it is one of my all-time most used makeup brushes! This is the brush that I reach for every single time that I apply a gel or powder eyeliner. It is the perfect size and shape to create a perfect cat eye effortlessly!
According to TOM FORD Beauty,
Tom Ford's brush collection is designed to bring ease and luxury to the process of creating your look they make expert makeup application completely effortless. Line and define the eye with perfection with the Tom Ford Eyeliner and Definer brush, made with natural hair. Designed to ensure an absolute precise line, it may be used with powder eye shadow and/or Tom Ford''s Noir Absolute. Handle is designed for true comfort and balance.
Artis brushes are so wildly popular that it seems as though more and more companies have sought to copy their amazing quality brushes. I have quite a few of them, but these three brushes, discussed below, are my most reached-for among them.
Artis Palm Brush ($65.00 from Space NK, Net-A-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, Spring and Dillards): The Artis Palm Brush is essentially the Oval 10 Brush without the handle, and while the Oval 10 has been among the holiest of holy grail brushes for me– I must say, without reservation, that I actually prefer the Artis Palm Brush. Both cover the same surface area, both feature the densely packed cruelty-free CosmeFibre bundle brush head, and both are astonishingly soft against the skin. The primary difference is that the Artis Palm Brush offers greater control and efficacy because there is no handle to that diffuses control of the brush. It fits effortlessly, and comfortably, in the palm of your hand and is so easy to use. It blends and buffs effortlessly, and the shape, size and lack of a handle considerably enhance the efficacy of this hard working brush.
The size of both the Artis Palm and Oval 10 brushes are absolute perfection for blending foundations and finishing powders on the face. Not only are they ultra effective, but they also feel utterly divine against the skin.
Artis Elite Oval 10 ($77.00 from Space NK, Net-A-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Spring, Harrods and Dillards): The Oval 10 is a very large oval brush, as the name suggests, that boasts an extraordinarily densely packed head of bristles. Yet it is so soft to the touch, and feels so amazing as it caresses the skin, that I find myself seeking excuses to use it even when I don't actually need to. This brush was created to apply setting powders and powder foundations to the face, but it can also apply shimmering luminizers to the face and body. In addition to being a perfect choice to apply powder-based products it also does a phenomenal job applying foundations, tinted moisturizers, and BB and CC Creams.
This brush effortlessly creates the most amazing airbrushed finish, and because of its large surface area it does so swiftly and to absolute perfection. It feels more heavenly against the skin than any other brush that I have tried– there is just something absolutely amazing about how soft and silky it feels against the skin. Add to this that it is able to spread and blend liquid, cream and powder products to perfection, and one is left marveling at this visionary brush.
One of the really superb design choices can be experienced in the flexibility of the handle that gently flexes as it glides across the skin rather than offering resistance. This very flexibility allows for even distribution and fuss-free blending and buffing of the products being used.
Artis Elite Oval 6 ($57.00 from Space NK, Net-A-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Spring, Dillards and Harrods): Artis Oval 6 Brush boasts an extraordinarily densely packed head of CosmeFibres, and yet it is so soft to the touch. It feels amazing as it gently caresses the skin, and only the lightest touch is needed to get perfectly blended airbrushed results.
This brush does a perfect job applying blush, setting powders, powder foundations and liquid and cream foundations to the face. Additionally, it can be used to apply shimmering luminizers and bronzers to the face with great precision. Some even opt to use this brush to apply a simple wash of color to the eyelids, but if you have small eyes this brush may prove to be a bit large for you.
If you seek the perfectly sized brush to apply foundations, tinted moisturizers, and BB and CC Creams, then you will be tremendously impressed by the phenomenal job achieved by the Artis Oval 6. Given the sheer density of the CosmeFibres coupled with their remarkable silky softness, one is able to achieve the perfect airbrushed finish effortlessly. Some may have the tendency to apply more pressure than needed to compensate for the softness of the CosmeFibres, but this impedes the efficacy of the brush and may lead to pulling the skin. Instead, one only needs to use a light touch for maximum efficacy and stunning results. The handle is flexible, and therefore offers a very gentle application, and the ergonomic curved handle grip makes it very comfortable to hold.
HOURGLASS is unquestionably one of my all-time favorite luxe makeup brands, and their brushes are just as fantastic!
Key Benefits:
• The rounded end is ideally shaped for applying finishing powder and adding bronzer to the temples and hollows of cheeks, while the tapered side is shaped to flawlessly apply blush and highlighter.
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristles.
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application.
• Perfectly sized to work with all Ambient® Lighting Palettes and travel-sized compacts.
To Clean: Gently clean brush with mild soap and water. Lay flat to dry
According to HOURGLASS,
A multi-tasking brush featuring two versatile brush heads that can be used for an array of products including powder, blush, bronzer and highlighter. This double-ended brush can be used with powder, cream and liquid formulas for the most flawless finish. Perfectly-sized to be used with the Ambient® Lighting Edit.
HOURGLASS Cosmetics Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush ($46.00 from Hourglass Cosmetics, Space NK, Sephora, Barneys New York, Nordstrom and Blue Mercury): HOURGLASS Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush ($46.00) is an ultra-soft brush with synthetic Taklon bristles that was specifically created to be used in tandem with the Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, and there is no question that they work exceptionally well together. The slightly angled brush head, that boasts very densely packed bristles, is very soft and smooth against the skin, and yet the sheer density of the bristles are firm enough to create a flawless airbrushed finish. Furthermore, the short handle, the brush is almost 4.5 inches long, allows for meticulous control of the brush– which facilitates perfect application. The results are consistently streak-free– whether the brush is used with Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, or any other foundation that I have tried, and it has quickly become my Holy-Grail foundation brush.
Overall Assessment: These are my tried and true holy grail makeup brushes that get so much love from me. If you had to select your very favorite makeup brushes, what would they be?
Admittedly, and unsurprisingly, I have accumulated a rather large makeup brush collection. Artis brushes rank among my favorites, and the Artis Oval 10 (Shown below and reviewed HERE) is one of the few brushes that I use every single day. It is a large face and body brush, but I favor using it to blend foundations and blushes for the perfect finish. However, since I began using the Artis Palm Brush, I have been reaching for it even more than the Artis Oval 10.
The Artis Palm Brush($65.00 fromSpace NK): is essentially the Oval 10 Brush without the handle, and while the Oval 10 has been among the holiest of holy grail brushes for me– I must say, without reservation, that I actually prefer the Artis Palm Brush. Both cover the same surface area, both feature the densely packed cruelty-free CosmeFibre bundle brush head, and both are astonishingly soft against the skin. The primary difference is that the Artis Palm Brush offers greater control and efficacy because there is no handle to that diffuses control of the brush. It fits effortlessly, and comfortably, in the palm of your hand and is so easy to use. It blends and buffs effortlessly, and the shape, size and lack of a handle considerably enhance the efficacy of this hard working brush.
According to Artis,
The Artis® Palm Brush was designed to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand without the need for a handle. With its ultra-minimalist design, the Palm Brush is destined to be a universal favorite among women and men alike. This brush applies and blends foundation, blush, highlighters and setting powder over the face and body with a few gentle gliding or circular movements. The Palm Brush can also be used to apply skincare formulas, like moisturizer and sunscreen to your face and body, or to extend your summer glow with your favorite sunless tanner or bronzing product.
Furthermore, Artis asserts,
Encircling the base of the domed chrome finish top is a grip band that allows fingertips to easily maneuver the brush during use. There is also an index finger indent in the dome section to assist with stability. The trademarked CosmeFibre bundle delivers streak-free application of makeup and skincare to all parts of the body.
At Artis, the goal is to create brushes and tools that deliver the highest-quality application and are beautifully designed to complement the lifestyle of the customers and fans they serve. By paring down the extraneous, the Palm Brush becomes an expression of ultra-minimalism in a makeup brush, perfect for those who appreciate pure simplicity of lifestyle. The result: a beautifully-sculpted brush that fits in the palm of your hand, is easy to use and highly efficient, and delivers the high standard of application for which Artis is known.
Artis Palm Brush Uses:
Foundation on face and body
Concealer on face and body
Setting powder on face
Contour on face
Highlight on face and body
Bronzer on face and body
Self-tanner on face and body
Moisturizer on face and body
Sunscreen/sunblock on face and body
Note the index finger indent in the dome section to assist with stability.
The size of the Artis Oval 10 and the Artis Palm Brush compared
The size of both the Artis Palm and Oval 10 brushes are absolute perfection for blending foundations and finishing powders on the face. Not only are they ultra effective, but they also feel utterly divine against the skin.
Artis Brush Cleaning Pad ($55.00 from Space NK): is an ingenious tabletop cleaning unit that is very easy to use. It features an ultra-plush antimicrobial microfiber cloth that effectively and gently removes makeup from the brush without damaging or drying out the Cosmefibres themselves.
According to Artis,
The Artis Brush Cleaning Pad is the modern approach to cleaning makeup brushes. The special plush Antimicrobial Microfibre Cloth has approximately one million fibres per square inch, which help gently grab and remove makeup product residue from the brush fibres without causing damage to the brush fibre itself. The cloth fibres are also treated to create an antimicrobial barrier to help keep your brushes fresh. The base of the unit is a rigid slip-resistant frame which helps hold the cloth in place so that the user can simply stroke/wipe the brushes across the surface of the cloth to clean and freshen.
Directions:
'Clearing' or nominal cleaning use: When using mostly powder products, the Artis brushes can be 'cleared' from one powder to another by simply wiping the brush tips several times across the dry surface of the microfiber cloth. This action pulls the powder residue from the tips, making the brush ready to accept another powder product for application. This method is particular useful when applying eye shadows and switching from one colour to another without the need to completely wash the brush. “Full” cleansing use: apply a small amount of Artis® Brush Cleansing Foam to the surface of the cloth or to the brush fibres. Then stroke/wipe the brush across the antimicrobial microfiber cloth until the makeup residue is transferred to the cloth, leaving the brush clean and sanitized. Reshape the brush and allow to dry. To replace the cloth: pull apart the top and bottom sections of the Brush Cleaning Pad. The cloth is held onto the top section by an elasticized band. Pull/stretch the cloth away from the top section and discard appropriately. Place a new cloth over the top section by adjusting the elastic until it fits snugly. The loop/pile side of the cloth should face up. Align the top and bottom sections of the pad and push together until the top is snug against the bottom. You should consider cleaning your brushes daily or weekly, and replace the microfiber cloth with an appropriate frequency.
ARTIS Brush Cleansing Foam ($25.00 for 7.1 oz. from Space NK): This foaming cleanser effectively and gently cleans all makeup brushes, and can be used on its own for deep cleaning, or in conjunction with the Artis Brush Cleaning Pad.
According to Artis,
This superior cleanser dispenses as a foam to help the cleansing ingredients work around each fibre of the brush without over soaking the fibre bundle. The bubble action cleans and helps the brushes dry within minutes. The foam not only cleanses, but also sanitizes while it works. This unique formula leaves your brushes cleansed, sanitized and fresh smelling.
Directions: Unlock the cap by rotating the neck. Press the cap down to dispense foam onto the fibre bundle of the brush or onto a moist paper towel or microfibre cloth. Wipe the fibre bundle back and forth across the paper towel or cloth until the cosmetic residue is released from the fibres. Re-shape the fibre bundle into the desired shape and let dry.
Overall Assessment: The Artis Palm Brush is such a welcome addition to my brush collection, and it is very nice to have a second brush that it is the same size as the Artis Oval 10. Thus, while one brush is being cleaned the other can be used. Of the two, I prefer the added control that the Palm Brush affords, but you really can't go wrong with either, and once you begin using either one of them, you will be hooked. The cleaning pad and cleansing foam are really nice to have, and are both more convenient and more effective that my normal method of using an ultra gentle shampoo diluted with water clean my brushes, and I definitely plan to replace the cleansing foam once I finish up this bottle.
On Friday, September 9th, Space NK will host the “Autumn Beauty Edit” event across all of our 27 US locations. During this special shopping event, customers will be perfectly prepped for the new season as we present the latest in autumn trends and looks from our AW16 campaign. Guests can meet with experts from some of our finest brands for makeovers, facials, advice and tips. Event times, featured experts and services vary by location. Exclusively for the event, and while supplies last, shoppers who spend $250 or more will receive a gift with a selection of must-haves from 29 of our featured brands. Our loyal N.Dulge members will have early access to the gift on September 7-8, before the offer opens up to the public on September 9th. This gift with purchase will sell out in stores early, but will also be available to online shoppers at spacenk.com on September 9th USE CODE: ESSENTIALS16 (US only). @spacenkusa / #SNKbeautyedit
With your purchase of $250.00 or more, receive the Space NK Autumn Beauty Edit Gift Bag!
· Space NK Limited Edition Cosmetic Bag
· 111SKIN Space Anti Age Day Cream NAC Y2 (15ml)
· Aquareveal Satin Bright Soft Water Peel for Face (15ml)
· By Terry Baume de Rose Crystalline (2.3g)
· Derm Institute Anti-Oxidant Hydration Gel Masque (2 x 3ml)
· Diptyque Eau De Toilette (10ml, assorted scents)
· Diptyque Le Redouté Scented Candle (35g)
· Dermarché Labs FullFill (2g)
· Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum (0.16oz)
· Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser (50ml)
· Goldfaden MD Brightening Elixir (5ml)
· Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon (1g)
· Juara Candlenut Body Crème (1.5oz)
· Kat Burki complete b Bio-Correcting Face Crème (5ml)
· Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Mascara (4g)
· Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick (1.5g)
· Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer (1oz)
· MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 (0.25oz)
· Mila Moursi Lifting Serum (4ml)
· Miriam Quevedo Platinum & Diamond Serum (50ml)
· Natura Bissé The Cure Cream (5ml)
· Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask (5ml)
· Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo (15ml)
· Ouai Finishing Crème (0.5oz)
· Philip B. Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Crème Rinse (2oz) or Maui Wowie Volumizing & Thickening Beach Mist (2oz)
· R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray (1.7oz)
· Ren Flash Hydro Boost (10ml)
· Rodial Bee Venom Moisturizer (5ml)
· Smith & Cult Lip Gloss in Life in Photographs (0.08ml)
· Sunday Riley Good Genes (10ml)
Fall 16: The Expert Edition: The Contoured Complexion
Enhance your natural bone structure with subtle sculpting touches.
“The power of contouring is amazing: you can completely change someone’s face to make them unrecognizable. We’re not doing that – we want to strengthen the things we find beautiful.” - Karen Alder, makeup artist
AW “The Expert Edition” campaign, including looks created by MUA Karen Alder and the Space NK pro artistry team to produce The Contoured Complexion look using products from Artis, HOURGLASS Beauty, SURRATT Beauty, Kevyn Aucoin, NUDESTIX, Jenny Patinkin, Chantecaille, By Terry, Rodial, LILAH B., and Lord & Berry.
The campaign, that launched in stores and on spacenk.com this week, features 6 Space NK customers who entered a contest for the opportunity to be featured as their models for 6 different looks for the season.
