Nuest Cosmetics Emoji Inspired Silisponges

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

Nuest Cosmetics Emoji Inspired Silisponges are the cutest makeup applicator sponges that I have ever seen, and because they are non-porous silicone you don't waste any makeup due to sponge absorption. They are soft, flexible and the point at the top of the teardrop shape allows you to get to hard to reach parts of the face. Because the Silisponges do not absorb makeup, they are very easy to clean, and as a result they don't waste excessive water. Furthermore, they are non-toxic, hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.

Product Features:
• Non-absorbent – save money using less product
• Made of hypoallergenic, cruelty-free silicone
• Flexible, teardrop shape for hard to reach areas
• Easy to clean, rinse and reuse – the planet will love you
• Available in 6 popular emoji styles (JK, OG, G2G, LOL, OIC and OMG)

According to Nuest Cosmetics,

Express yourself! Be original and embrace what makes you unique. To capture your makeup mood, Nuest Cosmetics created emoji inspired Silisponges. As the perfect companion – flexible and ready to go where you go, these hypoallergenic, cruelty-free silicone makeup sponges won’t soak up all of your expensive makeup.

Directions: The tear drop shape effortlessly gets into those hard to reach places. Simply spread, smooth, blend and dab yourself to a flawless finish saving your makeup for your face. Plus, it’s easy to clean.

Tips & Additional Details from Nuest:

Stop Wasting Your Makeup: With this amazing cute Silisponge, you will never lose a drop of your favorite makeup or concealing cream again. Its non-porous and non-hairy design doesn’t absorb any makeup at all!

Create Flawless Skin: Ditch your old sponges and brushes and substitute them with this top-notch product. Put a small amount of makeup on your face and then spread it in a circular and dabbing motion. You will be amazed by the final result!

Ideal for Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin or you are suffering from skin conditions like acne or eczema, then this product is going to rock your world! It is anti-bacterial and its risk-free construction will provide you with a clean surfaced silicone sponge each time you use it.

Easy to Clean: Silisponges need just a little water and soap in order to be cleaned. It dries easily by simply wiping with a dry cloth so you can reuse it right after cleaning.

Multi-Purpose: If you have a passion for beauty products, then this is a must-have for your collection. Not only is the sponge useful for makeup blending, but it is also ideal for your favorite highlighter, concealer, bronzer and blush.

Overall Assessment: While these makeup sponges are super cute, they are remarkably effective, they prevent the waste of pricey foundations, they prevent the waste of water while cleaning them, and they are fun to use. I have used mine every day since receiving it, and I am planning to buy another for my travel bag.

$15.00 each and $30.00 for a 3-Pack from Nuest Cosmetics (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2018 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Real Techniques Brushes & Tools to Covet for their 5th Birthday #RTParty

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

In honor of their 5th Birthday, Real Techniques was kind enough to send me a selection of some of their favorite products to try. Believe it or not, I didn't own a single Real Techniques brush, but had been meaning to pick up a couple– therefore, I thrilled to have the opportunity to test out some of their most beloved products.

About Real Techniques,

Samantha and Nicola Chapman grew up surrounded by makeup. Their aunt was a top makeup artist in London, working with clients like David Bowie and Princess Diana. Their mum was makeup-involved too, always trying out the latest trends and being creative with her looks. As young girls, they experimented on one another, and of course Nic was the test subject, since Sam was the older sister. When it came time to choose their career path, it was clear that makeup artistry was the way to go. They were talented, creative, and keen to follow in the footsteps of their successful aunt. But, most importantly — they were passionate about beauty.

In 2010, when the Pixiwoo channel had reached around 30,000 subscribers, the idea behind Real Techniques began to formulate. One of the most important things behind makeup artistry is using the right tools, and for many women, they’re not quite sure where to start. The majority have grown up using triangle wedges, eye applicators, powder puffs, and even their fingers to apply makeup. Now that YouTube was coming alive as a way to learn the pro secrets, brushes seemed like the perfect fit. Plus, social media now makes it easier than ever to hear exactly what women are looking for, and to create products that are tailored just for them.

In 2011, the Real Techniques brush collection was launched. Unbelievable brush quality was paired with professional, interesting, fun education from Sam and Nic. The launch day was memorable, as women from around the world started pouring to the website to learn more about this new brand. Fairly quickly, a global community of women who loved makeup began to form. Not only do they have a strong connection to Sam & Nic, but they also connect with one another — piping in on social media to answer questions and give input.

Real Techniques brushes and sponges are made of quality construction, they are incredibly durable, and they are very affordable.

Real Techniques brushes are Cruelty-Free

Real Techniques Shading Brush ($6.00 from Real Techniques, Ulta and Target): This eyeshadow brush lays down color and blends shadows effortlessly. The soft, and ultra-plush, bristles never irritate the skin– and are perfect for even the most sensitive skin. The densely-packed Taklon bristles work equally well for powder and cream formulas.

According to Real Techniques,

Boost your look with effortlessly enhanced eyes. From subtle to dramatic, this brush is ideal for creating flawless high-definition results.

Features:

• Look pixel-perfect even in harsh light
• Ultra-plush, synthetic Taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free
• Extended aluminum handle is light and easy to use
• bristles are tapered cut for max color pickup and even distribution
• ideal for powdered or cream eye shadows

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush ($9.00 from Real Techniques, Ulta, Target, Drugstore.com and Walgreens): This ultra soft brush, with its densely packed head of Taklon bristles, is firm enough to do an exemplary job applying and blending cream and liquid foundations. The end result is an airbrushed looking finish that is both flawless and natural in appearance.

According to Real Techniques,

The Expert Face Brush is ultra firm and broad for application and blending of cream or liquid foundation. Our #1 best-selling brush.

Features:

• UltraPlush™Bristles
• Synthetic Bristles
• No Product Build Up
• Easy Clean
• Long Lasting
• No Streaks
• Flawless Results

Real Techniques Blush Brush ($9.00 from Real Techniques, Ulta, Target and Walgreens): This ultra-soft, and densely packed, Taklon blush brush effortlessly deposits color and blends powder products to perfection. It is an equally great brush choice for blush and bronzer, and it is so affordable the it is worth getting two– one for cream and one for powder products.

According to Real Techniques,

The final step is a perfect finish. Contour and define cheeks for flawlessly blended, high-definition results with this blush brush by Real Techniques. Our blush brush is custom-cut to contour and define cheeks for flawlessly blended, high definition results.

Features:

• Ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free
• Self-standing for easy storage
• Extended aluminum handle is light and easy to use
• Tapered cut to blend like a pro
• Ideal for cream or powder blush

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($6.00 from Real Techniques, Ulta and Target): If you love makeup sponges, then you owe it to yourself to try this ultra-affordable version– because it really stands up to the high-priced competition. The rounded sides perfectly blend foundation on the large surfaces of the face, while the flat edge works perfectly around the smaller contours of the face– like around the eyes and nose. It is latex-free, and therefore people with latex sensitivities will not be adversely impacted.

According to Real Techniques,

It's a 3-in-1 multi-functional makeup sponge by Real Techniques. The rounded side blends larger areas of the face. The precision tip covers blemishes/imperfections and the flat edge contours around the eyes and the nose, leaving you with a complexion that's smooth, enhanced and gorgeous!

This versatile beauty tool was designed with a revolutionary foam technology to evenly blend makeup for a smooth, enhanced finish. Use damp for a dewy glow or dry for a full coverage.

Features:

• Rounded sides blend large areas of the face with a dabbing motion
• Precision tip covers blemishes and imperfections
• Flat edge for contouring around the eyes and nose
• Ideal for liquid foundation
• Latex-free

About the new Real Techniques Bold Metals Brushes,

Introducing a new line of luxury makeup brushes designed with sisters Sam & Nic Chapman, the stars behind the top-rated YouTube channel Pixiwoo. The Bold Metals Collection by Real Techniques pairs unbelievably soft bristles with striking metallic detail. Handles are weighted for optimal control and comfort. Refined artistry cuts offer high performance and mastery of any look. Let your brush do the work of perfect makeup application. 

Color-coded system corresponds to the key steps of makeup application:

Gold = Base

Platinum = Eye

Rose Gold = Finish

Real Techniques Bold Metals 100 Arched Powder Brush ($21.00 from Real Techniques, Ulta, Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond): The densely packed dome-shaped head, made of synthetic bristles, efficiently picks up and deposits loose and pressed powders, and blends them to perfection. The bristles are soft as silk against the skin– making this a very pleasant, and effective, brush to use.

According to Real Techniques,

The domed cut sweeps perfectly across the face for flawless application of pressed or loose powders.

Features:

• Softer than ever bristles, for our most luxe feel to date
• Weighted for optimal control and comfort — brushes are engineered for perfect weight distribution when tipped toward the face for use
• Refined artistry cuts offer high performance for ultimate application of makeup

Real Techniques Bold Metals 300 Tapered Blush ($19.00 from Real Techniques, Ulta, Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond): I'm a bit of a blush brush fanatic, and my preference is for shorter dome-shaped bristles that are densely packed, but ultra-soft against the skin. This particular shape tends to pick-up, lay down and blend blush effortlessly, and this is precisely what the Real Techniques Bold Metals 300 Tapered Blush does. Furthermore, the synthetic bristles are ultra-soft and therefore feel fantastic against the skin.

According to Real Techniques,

Real Techniques Bold Metals 300 Tapered Blush Brush has an expert-designed bristle shape which provides focused application of cheek color. Highlights and sculpts across cheeks for a seamless finish. Bristles are perfectly spaced for an air-brushed, buildable application. Easily apply color to apples of the cheeks, and blend to your personal preference.

Features:

Bristles: Softer than ever for the most luxe feel to date. White bristles show exactly how much makeup is on the brush before application.

Ferrules: Premium quality brass ferrules for maximum durability.

Handles: The brushes are weighted for perfect in-hand balance, optimal control, and comfort. Unique geometric handles help brushes stay still on your dressing table without rolling away. Handles taper to a diamond tip that easily slides out of pro brush belts.

Cuts: Refined, hand crafted artistry cuts offer high performance for ultimate application of makeup.

Tips: Individually tapered, synthetic tips allow for advanced product pickup and a buildable, pristine finish.

Real Techniques 203 Tapered Shadow ($13.00 from Real Techniques, Ulta, Target and Beauty Expert): The ultra densely packed synthetic bristles pickup, lay down and blend eyeshadow effortlessly. The bristles are soft, and therefore very comfortable against the skin, but not so soft as to be rendered ineffective for the application and blending of your favorite shadows.

According to Real Techniques,

Densely packed and precision cut for blending shadow into the crease and eyelid for a seamless finish.

Features:

• UltraPlush™ high performance brushes
• Irresistibly soft
• Weighted brass ferrule
• Shed-resistant properties
• Advanced pick-up and release of makeup

Overall Assessment: These brushes and makeup sponge are very effective tools that are as joyful to use as they are affordable to purchase. If you are looking to add some effective and affordable beauty tools into your collection, then you really should consider Real Techniques. Happy 5th Birthday, Real Techniques!

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Beauty Box 5 June 2016 Unveiling and Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Each month BB5 curates a theme-based box, and their June offerings, Made in the Shade, are all about the summer-ready sun-kissed complexion sans soleil!

The Contents:

Prestige Cosmetics Brow & Lash Brush (Retail: $3.25): This double-ended brow and lash brush tames brows, and it combs out clumps of mascara. It's also 1small enough to stow away in your makeup bag. #prestigecosmetics

Manna Kadar Radiance Bronzer & Highlighter (Full Size. Retail $24.00): This gorgeous duo, which is silky smooth and ultra-finely pigmented, produces the perfect sun-kissed glow.  Bronze, highlight  and contour with this beauty, but you might also want to use it as an eyeshadow as well! #mannakadar

Sweep Oval Contour & Highlighting Brush (Retail $15.00): Use this perfectly-sized oval head to gently dust on highlighter, and to precisely place and blend your bronzer or blush. The ultra-soft, and densely packed, bristles allow for effortless application. #sweepbeauty

Versaspa Gradual Tanning Face Moisturizer (Deluxe Sample. Retail Full Size $35.00): "Hydrate skin, blur fine lines and gradually create a beautiful tan with this daily face moisturizer. Apply this weightless formula to your face and neck in a circular motion and allow 4-6 hours before getting wet to reveal renewed skin!" #versaspa

Pur-Lisse Blue Lotus Treatment Sheet Mask (Retail $8.00): This natural fiber mask is infused with Blue Lotus and restorative Asian botanicals that deliver antioxidants to nourish skin and improve its texture. #purlisse

Manna Kadar Radiance Bronzer & Highlighter

Overall Assessment: The June BB5 box is such a great value, and it features five really nice summer-ready products. Two beauty tools, a bronzer/highlighter duo, a sheet mask and a gradual tanning moisturizer make this a great value, and a perfect summer-ready box for sun-kissed skin without the sun.

Have you tried BB5 yet? What you you think about the May Box?

About Beautybox Five: Beauty Box Five is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.

Select the subscription plan that works best for you. Every month we will send you a mixture of carefully selected travel, deluxe and full-size samples. Their monthly plans begin at $12.00, but they offer a quarterly plan for $30.00 and a yearly plan for $99.00.

All members receive free shipping. Receive exclusive discounts from our partner brands.

Press Sample Courtesy of www.beautybox5.com All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate links).

Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Brilliant Strobe Light | Review and Swatches

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders and the Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor are the latest releases from HOURGLASS, and they absolutely live up to, if not exceed, expectations.

The Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders are stunning highlighting powders that are ultra finely milled, that glide across the skin effortlessly, and that deposit pigmentation evenly. They neither settle into pores, nor do they emphasize fine lines. They are absolutely stunning, and leave skin with a gorgeous ethereal glow. 

The Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor is essentially a variant on the ever-popular makeup sponge, but it was specifically conceived to use in conjunction with the Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders. It is remarkably effective in its ability to apply and blend the Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders with exceptional precision, great ease and without a steep learning curve.

HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder Features:

• Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powders are formulated in a sheer base with concentrated ultra-fine mico pearl particles in varying sizes and refraction levels to give off a naturally luminescent highlight to the skin without a heavy metallic finish. 

• Developed with Photoluminescent Technology to capture, diffuse and soften surrounding light to refine the appearance of the skin.

• Can be used wet or dry for varying levels of intensity, taking you from day to night - from an everyday, wearable strobe highlight to a dramatic evening strobe highlight.

• Available in 4 universally flattering shades for all skin tones.

• Designed to be used with the Ambient® Strobe Light Sculptor for the most effortless application.

Left to Right: Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Brilliant Strobe Light and Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe Light (reviewed here). 

Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Brilliant Strobe Light is described as a, "shimmering gold powder imparting a lustrous highlight." It is a stunning pale gold powder that is ultra-finely milled to the extent that it has a rather creamy consistency. This ethereal and refined gold shade will flatter a variety of skin tones, and it is even flattering on cooler-toned skin, like mine. It spreads across the skin and deposits color effortlessly and evenly, and it neither settle into fine lines, nor does it accentuate pores. Instead of depositing discernible glitter, that looks decidedly artificial, it leaves skin with a stunning luminous glow. 

The Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders are formulated to be used wet or dry whether one opts to use a  brush or the Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor that was created specifically for the Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders. HOURGLASS suggests that it is best applied with the Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor, and that whether used wet or dry one can easily "achieve varying levels of intensity, taking you from day to night."

Whether you prefer to use a brush or the Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor, Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Brilliant Strobe Light and Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe Light could not be easier to use. Simply dip your tool of choice into the powder and sweep it wherever a luminous finish and ethereal glow is desired. 

Brilliant Strobe Light: A shimmering gold powder imparting a lustrous highlight.

Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Brilliant Strobe Light

As was the case with Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe Light, I actually prefer applying Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Brilliant Strobe Light wet rather than dry. One might surmise that it would create a metallic foiled effect, when, in fact, it creates a more luminous finish than it does when applied dry. I found that the damp application accentuated the pale golden hue without appearing harsh or metallic. There is a more pronounced, albeit subtle, sheen that occurs when it is applied damp.

Available in 4 shades:

• Iridescent Strobe Light: An illuminating pink powder imparting a soft highlight.

• Incandescent Strobe Light: An opalescent pearl powder bestowing a celestial highlight. 

• Euphoric Strobe Light: A pearlescent beige powder bestowing a natural highlight.

• Brilliant Strobe Light: A shimmering gold powder imparting a lustrous highlight.

Ingredients: Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Alumina, Water/Aqua, Benzoic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Diamond Powder, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-7, Polyacrylamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sorbic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tin Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate. May Contain (+/-): Bismuth Oxychloride (Ci 77163), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

Ambient® Strobe Light Sculptor is, "an innovative highlighting tool uniquely designed to add light and dimension to the face to create a refined, natural highlight. Designed to be used with the Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powders, the dual-ended sculptor features an angled side to fit perfectly on the high points of the face, and a velvety-soft flocked side to soften and blend for the most natural and smooth finish."

As I stated in my Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe Light review, I thought that I might prefer using a traditional brush to the Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor, but after some experimentation I concluded that the Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor offers greater precision than a brush. It is firm enough not to yield too much against the skin, and the angled side offers perfect placement wherever you want to highlight the face. 

The Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor is a wonderful angled sponge made to apply the Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders to the skin either wet or dry, and it is nothing short of a brilliant tool to apply these gorgeous powders. 

Suggested Use:

For a soft, sheer highlight - Sweep the angled side of the Ambient® Strobe Light Sculptor across the powder and apply to the tops of your cheekbones, bridge of nose and cupid's bow. Gently blend in with the flocked side for a smooth finish. 

For a more intense highlight - Dampen the angled side of the Ambient® Strobe Light Sculptor and sweep across the powder. Apply to the tops of your cheekbones, bridge of nose and cupid's bow. Gently blend in with the flocked side for a smooth finish.

Ambient® Strobe Light Sculptor Features:

• Cut at the optimal angle to effortlessly highlight the high points of the face.

• Velvety-soft flocked side softens and blends for a natural, smooth finish.

• Dense texture picks up the perfect amount of highlighting powder to achieve a natural strobing effect. 

• Composed of high-grade, anti-microbial material. 

• Can be used wet for a more intense highlight.

Overall Assessment: HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Brilliant Strobe Light is a gorgeous golden highlighter of the highest quality, and it is stunning whether applied wet or dry. The overall effect is a lovely and refined luminosity– rather than a more pronounced metallic glitter. If you love highlighters, then you really need at least one of these beauties in your life.

HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders $38.00 each from HOURGLASS, Nordstrom, Space NK, Barneys New York and Sephora.

HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor $22.00 from HOURGLASS, Nordstrom, Space NK, Barneys New York, Sephora and Net-A-Porter. 

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).

Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.