Bargain Beauty: A holy grail brush!!!

Okay, I'm going to try and keep this review short and sweet (which isn't in my nature!) because there's only so many ways I can say something is AMAZING.

The "Studio Tools - Crease Brush" can be found at Target... I checked the website and it says it's an In-Store Item, only.... sort of stinks for you online shopping junkies - but it's worth the trip!

This brush might not look especially impressive, but it is! First of all the average price is $3.00 and when I tell you this brush feels HIGH QUALITY... I mean it! It's weighty and super soft, it cleans wonderfully and it's shaped perfectly. It's probably the best 3 bucks I've spent in recent memory. I bought this brush on a whim, I needed a new/nice fluffy blending brush and figured the price was right... and I loved it sooooooooo much -

That I went back and bought a second - I use one for my crease work the other I use for my under eye concealer... most likely I'll get a third, reserved strictly for blending!

I can't recommend this brush enough! Go target go!



E.L.F. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder.... a review

I'm fairly new to ELF - not for any particular reason, it's just not something I've been too familiar with. About 2 months ago I placed an order (http://eyeslipsface.com) and the one product I knew I was looking for was the Contouring Blush & Bronzer duo, any bronzer that has a peachy blush next to it is worth trying, at least in my opinion.... and for $3.00 it's definitely worth a shot!

Now this product is a clear "knock-off" of the Nars powder duo, in Laguna and Orgasm... even the packaging of this product, and their whole studio line is STRONGLY "inspired" by Nars. I'm fine with it... the packaging feels weighty and substantial and it doesn't cost me $40 like the Nars one does!!!!

The colors might be compared to orgasm and laguna but they really aren't that similar.... Orgasm Blush is actually a much darker shade than the ELF one.... it's much more pigmented and it's a whole lot more shimmery! They are both pinky/peachy colors with a golden sheen - but the one by ELF is much more subdued (ps I love it!). The bronzer doesn't even look that similar to Laguna in the pan, and it definitely doesn't on the skin.... even though laguna is a great non-ommpa-loompa shade, I think it is just a teeeny bit more orange than the ELF... and the shimmer in the ELF bronzer shows up far less on the face than Laguna.

I am thrilled with this product and wear it almost everyday... don't get me wrong, there's a lot to be said for the Nars duo.... pigmentation, softness and blend-ability of the powder, staying power. BUT for 3 dollars the ELF duo is not just a cheap alternative - it's an excellent product, all on it's own!

^ Here's a closeup of the duo with overhead light... pretty

^ Here's a closeup in natural light.... much more subtle!

^ And here's the duo on my mug :) I have foundation on, a setting powder and TONS of both the bronzer & the blush (which is just me.... I did this for work, not just for the photo!)