BEST BRUSH SETS

Posted by Pretty Pleased

Makeup brushes can get really expensive and if you don’t know where to start, a brush set can be your best bet. You get a collection of commonly used brushes that, when bought together, saves you a little dough. There are a wide range of brushes on the market, from cheap to wildly expensive. And while it’s not necessary to spend a whole month’s paycheck on brushes, some of the nicer ones tend to last a little longer (as long as you take care of them!) due to their construction. Below I’ve rounded up some of my favorite brush sets that have a nice selection of basics but won’t break the bank! And for tips on how to wash your brushes, click here.

Antonym Cosmetics Travel Set

Best of Sigma Brush Set

Beautycounter Cosmetics Brush Collection

Louise Young Cosmetics Brush Set

Sephora Collection Prestige Luxe Brush Set

Charlotte Tilbury Color Brush Set

MONTHLY OBSESSION

Posted by Pretty Pleased

I’m very much in favor of anything that speeds up my morning makeup routine. Having a toddler means virtually zero alone time, and these days the morning minutes seem to disappear virtually instantly. Sometimes a little mascara and concealer just doesn’t cut it and I want to bring it up a notch. This is where Charlotte Tilbury’s ‘Color Chameleon’ Color Morphing Eyeshadow Pencil comes into play. Since the pro makeup artist launched her new line, it’s been getting rave reviews. I’m a fan of many of her products (and more reviews of the ones I like are to come), but I especially love the versatility of these pencils. They glide on silky smooth and are blendable, but stay put until you take them off. You can sharpen them to a point for more of a precision liner, or smudge them all over the top and bottom lashes for a smokier look. So far I’m loving the bronzy “Amber Haze” color for my green eyes, but I definitely plan to pick up a few of (if not all!) the rest.

GETTING CHEEKY

Posted by Pretty Pleased

The “I woke up like this” look is everywhere, and part of the no makeup, makeup look includes healthy, glowing skin. A quick and easy way to give yourself a natural flush with minimal makeup, is a heavy cheek. Don’t be scared – I’m not talking the 80’s pink stripe here, but more like the creamy, blended version (taking inspiration from Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2015 runway show). A heavy cheek requires little else but your fingers, black mascara, some concealer and a neutral lip. It’s a quick and easy way to look refreshed and happy, despite that resting bitch face.