Concealer

Save & Splurge: Comparing the Hakuhodo and Chanel Retractable brushes and affordable Mini Travel-sized face brushes

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After my rant about the retractable (but not) brush from Guerlain a few days ago, I was reminded of a reader request. Someone had requested my thoughts on the Chanel Les Pinceaux de Chanel Retractable Highlighter Brush as compared to the Hakuhodo Retractable Brush that I bought as a souvenir from Japan last year.

hakuhodo retractable brush, chanel les pinceaux de Chanel retractable highlighter brush

I’d kept the post at the back of my mind, intending to write about it, but never quite getting round to it for various reasons. Well, let us remedy that today! 😀

As these brushes also make good travel brushes, I will also show you a few other small/mini brushes that I use for travel purposes, or that are portable. They are affordable so stop cringing! LOL! 😀

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How has your makeup preferences changed over the years? How I do my makeup today

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I started my makeup journey with one philosophy : If it’s not seen, how would people know I’m wearing makeup?

makeup preferences change

Yes, I was not terribly secure in my application nor choice of colours, but I was into sparkles and shimmer, pink blushes and blue eyeshadow, all topped off with a bold lip. I had a lot of leeway in my place of work, and they tolerated it even if I might have pulled off some strange looks back then.

It was about then also that I started paying more attention to makeup, and the different collections that were hitting the stands. This was back in the day when new collections would take about 2-3 months to arrive on our sun-drenched shores. By that time, I’d have read all the reviews from people in the UK and USA about what was good or what to avoid. Helped save me money!

But whenever a new collection popped up with a neutral or brown eyeshadow palette, and muted colours for cheeks and lips, my interest level would drop. Brown? Neutrals? What’s the point of a nude makeup look? I’d scoff.

I cannot tell you when exactly I crossed the line from wearing “bright colourful makeup” to “understated neutral makeup” but I crossed that line quite many years ago when I woke up one day and realised that I was wearing makeup not for anyone, but for myself. The lightbulb went on!

So I’m curious to know if or how your makeup preferences has changed over the years and I’ll show you quickly how I do my looks these days – very quick, very efficient 🙂

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When searching for the Best Concealer Brush you really should think outside the box

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A while ago, I shared with you a tip on the best way to apply concealer for a lovely diffused and natural finish. I don’t know if anyone is still practising it, but I still am, and it still amazes me to this day, how effortless it is and looks.

The next question that naturally arose was what is the best concealer brush to use?

best concealer brush

I’ve been meddling around for a while since, trying to figure out which makeup brush I favoured for applying concealer, and I think I have finally found the best ones.

Do note that I will share with you the best SHAPES you should look out for, because there are many different brands of brushes out there, and you can use this guideline to find one within your budget. You may have realised by now, that my tastes run into champagne territory, not iced tea 😛Continue Reading

MAKEUP TIP: The perfect way to blend concealer with a brush for a natural, diffused effect

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One of the first concealers I’d ever used was Benefit Boi-ing, after I was gifted with a sample. Before that, I’d never used one. But it was also when I was only wearing powder, blush and a lipstick. Concealers were beyond me. Not being savvy enough, and unsure if I’d bother with more makeup malarkey (Oh look how far I’ve come! LOL!) I eschewed the use of a brush. Fingers, I read, were good enough.

My experience with concealers and my fascination with them, for transforming me from tired, dull-eyed dullard, to fresh, perky almost-human, has never waned since. But one thing never changed.

best way to apply concealer

In all the many years, and after trying countless numbers of concealers in the market, I never stopped using my fingers to blend my concealer. Why use anything else? I figured, when I had these God-given tools at the end of my arms.

I spoke to a few makeup artists, and I noticed they too used their fingers a lot when doing makeup. The warmth of your fingers does help cream products meld and blend better with your skin. I spent years using my hands and fingers to apply foundation, before graduating to using brushes. But with concealer, I’ve spent my whole makeup life, until now, using my fingers to blend.

Often, I’d dot concealer where I need it, then use my fingers to spread it out and blend and pat it into place. For the most part, it’s worked well for me. But recently, I saw a brush being used, and that piqued my interest. So I gave it a shot. OMG! What a life-changing moment! 😀

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