Archive for March, 2009
Brush Cleaning Basics: A Dirty Brush Will Give You Zits
You MUST do this. MUST.
I clean my brushes regularly – Both my own personal brushes, as well as the set of brushes I use professionally. I just assumed everyone did this since it makes so much sense to do so. Brushes touch product, brushes touch your face which has natural oil – Basically, brushes get DIRTY.
Just the other night, I’m doing my regular weekly deep brush cleaning, and both of my roommates ask ‘What are you doing?’
When I explain they shout ‘OMG I DIDN’T KNOW I HAD TO DO THAT!’ And proceeded to break out their own (very poorly cared for) brushes. When I saw the state of their brushes I cringed, and couldn’t help but wonder if they had any idea what kind of nasty bacteria was probably residing in them – And worse, if they had any idea what kind of bacteria they were passing on to their own face! Dirty, ill maintained brushes can be one of the top reasons behind a breakout. Plus, the better care you take of your brushes, the longer they will last you. With good quality brushes running anywhere from $35 dollars to well over $100 dollars a brush, it’s probably better for your wallet if you learn to make them last.
It had never occurred to me to post about brush maintenance – But, it seems that not everyone is in the know. So, I’m going show you 2 simple ways to keep your brushes clean which will reduce breakouts and also give your brushes some longevity.
1. FOR DAILY MAINTENANCE: Invest in a brush cleaner. Sephora carries several brush cleaners in a variety of price ranges starting around $6 bucks. 
I have tried them all, and honestly there isn’t a big difference between the brands. You can use the cheapest one and it will work fine as long as you use a daily brush cleaner as written…DAILY. It’s amazing to me how the package says daily, and some people think they can use this here and there when it suits them. This is not a substitute for a deep cleaning product. I needed to say that, before you assume brush cleaner is enough. Brush cleaner is, however, a good way to minimize the amount of bacteria and product build up that develops between deep cleanings. I like to spritz my brushes with this cleaner every night, so that they are dry and ready to be used again by morning.
2. FOR DEEP CLEANING ONCE A WEEK: Add two capfuls of a gentle shampoo (I like to use Baby Shampoo), 
to a bowl full of water. Take your brushes and swirl each one around in the bowl several times. I promise you will gag when you see the buildup at the bottom of the bowl. Once you’ve gotten the gag reflex under control, rinse the brush under running water, and wipe off any remaining product on a tissue. Reshape the brush, and stand upright in a bowl with the bristles facing up. Allow brushes to air dry over night.
Awesome 80s by Debra
These images are courtesy of Debra:
I got Debrah these fabulous loose pigment shadows, at The Make-up Show two years ago. They are from Naked Cosmetics and come in a little tower with 6 different colors. Debra is wearing the “shock effect” collection.
The great thing about Naked powders, is that you can use them as shadow or liner. They can even be added to clear lipgloss to create a custom blended color, or mixed with lotion for a subtle body shimmer.
I’ve mixed the colors into clear nail polish too. While the polish LOOKS great, it does leave a funny taste on my hands which can transfer to food – So, I’ve stopped using the pigments in that way because it made everything taste weird.
Good job Debra – Thanks for sharing!
R.I.P: Mac Blush in Prism
I killed this blush. KILLED IT.
I don’t do this very often. Mostly because I have so much makeup (and I’m not talking about my professional kit, I’m referring to my own personal collection), AND I’m obsessed with new product. Usually my ADD kicks in after I use something a few times which keeps me constantly trying something new.
Products hardly ever die by my own hand. Except for mascara. I go through mascara like water – Probably a tube every 3 weeks. But, that’s about the only product I’m killin’ on a regular basis…So when I finish something, it’s MAJOR.
I loved this blush. Not initially though – It was not love at first swipe AT ALL. This blush sat at the bottom of a drawer for a year before I touched it after using it one time. Then one day I felt like changing things up, and re-discovered it, and suddenly it had a new life.
And it’s been love ever since. It’s really obvious if you look at the remains:
I even busted the clear part of the top off. It’s THAT deep.
Prism blush from MAC was my every day staple. I used it constantly. And when I had to go somewhere at night, I would dress it up with a shimmer highlight, or use it as a contour blush by pairing it with another color.
I would buy it again, but there are so many products out there, and life is too short for me to only wear one blush.
Prism, you will be missed. You gave great face. Thank you.
What was the last product you completely emptied out???
Eyeliner Modeled After Mont Blanc Pens? Fact or Fiction?
Usually I’m pretty good at being in the know about anything and everything beauty related. But, occasionally someone around me hears about a cool product and puts me on to something I hadn’t even noticed. Such is the case with a particular eyeliner from the French cosmetic line Le Metier.
My friend Charles claims that Le Metier based their eyeliner design on Mont Blanc pens. The reason? Apparently Mont Blanc pens are so expertly crafted that they write under any circumstances. And so, by basing an eyeliner on Mont Blanc technology, the result is an eyeliner that will draw a perfect line every time it’s handled. Supposedly even the shakiest of hands, and the most cosmetically challenged can achieve line perfection when armed with this eyeliner.
I haven’t tested it yet, but I’m planning a trip to Bergdorf next week to check it out and will let you know what I think.
Have any of you heard about this? Is this just another urban legend, or is this eyeliner the real deal?
Is this the Holy Grail of eyeliner?
Chic Shopper Chick: 5 Minutes to Fabulous
I have a new post up at Chic Shopper Chick – A must read for anyone who thinks it’s impossible to squeeze a make-up routine into a hectic morning. By incorporating 3 easy steps into your morning, I promise you’ll look pulled together in 5 minutes or less!
Chaos Mag: Brooklyn Boys
Chaos Mag Issue 2. Photos: Marley Kate. Styling: Allison Miller. Grooming: Me!
NEW LRG: Spring 09 ft. Pete Rock, Alchemist and Masters at Work!
I know I’ve said this before, but, I LOVE THIS JOB.
To be fair I’ve been really fortunate to have had many great experiences while shooting with a variety of clients. But, even with that said, LRG remains my favorite shoot of all.
There is no other job where I can get dropped on my head and still feel the love. There is no better place to be dragged across the floor by my ankles while protesting. All while still getting it done.
See?
There I am. Working. On the Alchemist.
…
DOPE.
<– Photo: Aly
Anyway, every season the ads get even better than the last. Seriously. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new ads which are already running in magazines (I spied one in Complex a few weeks ago).
Below are three of the new LRG ads for Spring 09 featuring: Pete Rock, Alchemist, and Masters at Work (Louie Vega and Kenny Dope).
Photos: The illustrious Kareem Black
Backstage at Alexander Berardi
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