Search Results for: mac fan brush

How to Find a Good Mascara Fan Brush

December 15, 2015 · Leave a Comment

WHERE TO BUY A GOOD MASCARA FAN BRUSH

Here is our round up of the good and the bad when it comes to Mascara Fan Brushes. There is a wide variety of quality and prices when it comes to finding a good Mascara Fan Brush. Here are a few we have tried:

The most popular mascara fan brushes are both around $20. These are the Mac 205 Mascara Fan Brush, and the Paula Dorf Perfect Mascara Fan Brush.

The Paula Dorf is one of my favorites because it is the widest and longest, the right combo of soft enough to maneuver around lashes while stiff enough to “paint” and the easiest to wield. Found mostly on eBay.
Mac 205 Mascara Fan Brush
Mac 205 Mascara Fan Brush. Frequently used by bridal makeup artists, the MAC 205 brush is probably 40% smaller, but has tiny soft wispy guard bristles that make it easier to remove clumps. The MAC is:
- Easier for those with the steady hands of a true makeup artist than a regular makeup fanatic like myself to use. But a little practice went a long way.
- When using the MAC 205, try to load the mascara onto the shorter fan bristles, not the longer guard bristles. Do this by bending and holding the longer guard bristles away from the shorter bristles with your finger while only coating the short bristles with mascara.
  - At eBay
  - On Amazon, third party seller
  - The Mac Cosmetics 205 Mascara Fan Brush is generally available at Mac, $20.

Other Mascara fan brushes:

SEPHORA COLLECTION: Pro Lash Fan #34, $21. Not very fan-like, but quality bristles, good shape for a beginner to load mascara onto the lash, doesn’t have the ability to create wispy lashes like the Paula Dorf, Claudio Riaz or Mac 205. But, this brush can do cream and cake mascara much easier than the other fan brushes.

Surprisingly, there was only one kind of Mascara Fan brush at Sephora at this time. That seems weird. Does anyone else think that is weird?

Claudio Riaz Lash Touch Brush, at Barneys, for $65.
- The Mercedes Benz/Rolls Royce/Jaguar of Mascara Fan Brushes.
- A bit steep, but a VERY good brush with nice heft and ease of handling, which is good for klutzes like myself. Nice width to the fan which covers about half the lash line.
- Bristles are high quality and easy to work with, easy to get fluttery, wispy lashes with this one. I could argue buying a cheaper mascara or not being loyal to any one mascara or in a mascara emergency, using a drugstore brand (gasp!) and still getting a nice high-end look with the ease of use on getting a nice, clump-free look with this brush.
Royal and Langnickel BX-145 Revolution Fan Mascara Brush
- hard to find stateside, but ships to North America
- reasonably priced
- nice gentle guide feature on the bristles
- Easier to de-clump with, harder to get wispy lashes.
Ben Nye also makes a Mascara fan brush, it is around $8, haven’t tried it yet.

So far, I have not found a drugstore/beauty chain store version of a Mascara fan brush that I like. Most are too stiff to apply mascara or to wiggle it into the root of the lash line, and it is not really a fan shape, more like an eyeliner push brush.

For this reason we cannot recommend the Bdellium Tools Makeup Cosmetic Beauty Brush Travel Line – Mascara Fan Brush 731. Most drugstore and beauty supply store fan brushes seemed a variant of this overly rigid push liner brush style, but I would be happy to find a good basic mascara fan brush if anyone knows of a good one.

Meet the Stream Cosmetics Airbrush System

March 21, 2011 · 2 Comments

Are you new to using foundation? Interested in the elusive flawlessÂ “airbrush” look thatÂ models have? Want to have that kind of look everyday? You might be interested in the Stream Airbrush System.

As much as I love makeup, I’m not a fan of heavy makeup. So when it comes to foundation, I’d really rather have a weightless feel and light coverage. I’m not looking to cover, just give my skin a little edge. That’s a bit difficult with standard foundation, especially for very fair skin. That’s where airbrush makeup comes in. When the lovely Lisa sent me a Stream Airbrush System to review, we were all excited to test this new option in the consumer airbrush market.

Stream Airbrush System

If you aren’t familiar with airbrush makeup, here’s a quick rundown: instead of applyingÂ makeup with sponges or brushes, you put a few drops of liquid makeup into a small “cup” on a pen shaped stylus (usually, as is the case with the Stream Cosmetics line, there are specialized formulation to workÂ with the system, eg waterbasedÂ or silicone basedÂ product), then you pull a lever back to release a stream of makeup that is distributed gently onto your skin (and evenly, if done correctly) in a light layer.

The Stream Airbrush System is a great airbrush system for those new to airbrush makeup since it is so intuitive. Once you watch a short instructional DVD, you are ready to get started. The first step is choosing which foundation is right for you out of the color range included in the kit. I’d recommend experimenting with this part. I was a bit skeptical that even the lightest shade would be a good match to my skin, but since it is such a fine mist of makeup that goes on the skin, it was a great match. It’s like nail polish or lipstick – for good or bad, it never is as intense on as it looks in the container. On my first trial, I put on two coats of foundation and it looked pretty good. I really like how much my eyes stand out when my skin is evened out with the airbrushed lookÂ – the foundation even did a great job covering the dark circles under my eyes!

Before applying the foundation, I’d highly recommend using the moisturizing primer first. It adds a dewy look to the skin, and the foundation applies in a far more natural way. I tried the system both with and without applying the primer first, and it definitely looks better with the primer. I thought since I was wearing a moisturizing sunscreen underneath that a moisturizing primer would be redundant, but it really serves a different purpose and doesn’t leave the skin too wet if you have a hydrating product on underneath.

The Stream Extremeâ„¢ Airbrush Cosmetics System kit includes the following:

Professional multi-speed airbrush system
Airbrush Cosmetics Starter Kit (4 Foundation Shades in your choice of Fair, Medium, or Dark, a Primer, a Bronzer, a Pearlizer/Highlighter, and a Blush)
Cute Gold Travel/storage bag
110/220 AC power source (a battery pack is available separately)
Airbrush Stylus
Training DVD

But the Stream Airbrush System does far more than just foundationÂ – this week we’ll be talking about blush, concealer, highlighting, contouring, and more!

But if you are ready to give the system a try, check it out at Lisa’s page at StreamofBeauty.com!

Here’s a quick youtube tutorial on the Stream Airbrush System:

(of note: like any other review you see on Style Chicks, we’re not affiliated with the company, we are just sharing a great product with you! We do not profit from the sale of this product)

5 Weird Skincare Trends You May Want to Try

November 21, 2019 · 2 Comments

Throughout the years, the skincare industry has gone through a constant evolution of trends. Youâ€™ve probably already heard of 24-karat gold face masks, the multi-step Korean skincare routine, bubbling face masks, and scary vampire facials â€” the list goes on and on. The thing about weird skincare trends is that they tend to be more shocking and Instagram-worthy rather than helpful to your skin. While some of these trends may be questionable in terms of their efficacy, here are some recent yet slightly strange trends that come with actual skin benefits to get you that gorgeous glow in no time:

1. CBD and Hemp Infused Products

Commonly associated with marijuana, these anti-inflammatory and non-psychoactive ingredients are becoming a rapidly growing trend in the realm of skincare for their subversive nature. Elle raves about how CBD-infused lotions can help relax tired muscles and hemp oil is a fantastic moisturizer. Fun fact: The Body Shop has been using hemp in their products ever since 1992.

2. Algae Face Masks

We tend to associate algae with the green stuff growing in our aquariums or floating around in the ocean, but this natural ingredient is power-packed with a wide range of goodies for your skin. In our article â€˜Stable Waterless Vitamin C That Soothes: Kat Burki Nutrient-C Eye Creamâ€™,Â we describe how algae extract â€œconditions, hydrates, softens, refines texture and detoxifies the skin.â€ Isnâ€™t this multi-tasking amazing?

3. Dry Brushing

Originating from ancient Chinese medical practices, dry brushing involves using a soft bristle brush across your entire body from the bottom to the top to get rid of dead skin cells. Parsley Health explains that dry brushing may have a surprise health benefit, in the fact that it simulates the lymphatic system. The idea behind dry brushing is that youâ€™re brushing towards the heart, working with the bodyâ€™s natural lymph flow while exfoliating dead skin. Itâ€™s the perfect stress-reducing addition to your routine before taking your bath or shower.

4. Probiotic Skin Care

Okay, putting bacteria on your face might sound weird at first, but as long as itâ€™s the good kind it can actually repair your skin barrier. In fact, using harsh facial cleansers and antibacterial soap can lead to dryness and irritation, but ForbesÂ suggests that probiotics function as a â€œprotective shield against bad bacteria, dialing down inflammation, preventing premature aging in the skinâ€ and even reducing acne.

5. AI Personal Customization

Would you trust a machine to make skincare recommendations for you? A brand called Proven may be your best bet yet. It was founded by a team from Stanford University and relies purely on algorithms and artificial intelligence, gathering and analyzing data related to â€œindividual ingredient efficacy to consumer testimonials and scientific-journal reportsâ€ to deliver top-notch personalized skincare. After all, robots are getting smarter and so should we in terms of the decisions we make regarding our skin.

At the end of it all, skincare trends always come and go. Something to keep in mind before trying any skincare trend itâ€™s that it is always important to do your own research and conduct a patch test to prevent any negative skin reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin or any allergies.

TIPS & TRICKS for Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

January 19, 2018 · 3 Comments

I wondered about Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, how could I not, it’s everywhere, even my Mom said I should try it. But every mascara makes claims, and every mascara had its’ die-hard fans. Many “BIG LASH” mascaras seem like shellac-like lash-clumpers that turn into fallout and flakes. I want full but defined lashes from a mascara that stays put. I’ll shell out the big bucks if it works, but that’s a big IF. Here are our thoughts on Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and how to get the most out of it.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara comes in regular formula and waterproof

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara comes in a regular and waterproof formula

MY FANTASY MASCARA THEORY

I was a big fan of two discontinued Shu Uemura Mascaras, the Basic and the Fiber Extensions. I’ve never really gotten over them and I haven’t found something I ADORED since, but as faithful StyleChicks readers know, we’ve tried plenty of mascaras to forget my long-lost mascara loves. I want it to be BLACK BLACK dark, lengthening and separating, and to be able to keep a curl. I like a major lash, but reasonably natural looking, not a terrible mess of clumps and smudges and flakes.

TOO FACED’S CULT-FOLLOWING

There were the devotees who said this was the best…but I didn’t believe it until became mascara desperate and saw a 2-pack at Ulta that had a full size with a free waterproof mini. It is also $12 for the mini, which is not so little considering the full size is absolutely huge. With Ulta’s amazing return policy, what do you have to lose?

Picked up Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara with a free Waterproof mini on an Ulta haul.

PUTTING TOO FACED BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA TO THE TEST

I found the regular and the waterproof to be very similar, albeit the waterproof seems a little drier, not in a dried out way, just a slightly less wet formula.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara brush has an hourglass shape, clumps tend to accumulate at the tip and require attention to clean

THE WAND: I do like the wand brush that comes with this mascara, and it works well if you do only one coat for the day.

BUT, I prefer to do three VERY thin coats throughout the day, and this way, I get NO clumps and virtually no fallout. I apply first in the morning at home during my typical makeup routine, then a coat before lunch to refresh the curl and add some intensity. Then a fuller, more dramatic lash for dinner and after-hours plans. That sounds like a lot of mascara, but hear me out, it looks natural if applied carefully.

HOW I APPLY TOO FACED BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA

Each coat I do VERY lightly by dipping a disposable mascara wand into the tube just once per eye for both upper and lower lashes. Then I comb through with a dry disposable mascara wand or my trusty MAC or Paula Dorf Mascara Fan Brush.

MAC 205 Mascara Fan Brush Bristles allow for defined wispy mascara application

A fan brush eliminates any clumps and gives lashes a wispy look. I bring extra disposable wands with me for use during the day, and my trusty mascara fan brush, and a few cotton swabs just in case.

STYLECHICKS hack: Apply wet mascaras with disposable wands for maximum control

FIRST COAT: Thin first coat, lashes feel soft, it is difficult to hold a curl, but it is fine for the morning in the office, gives the effect of tight-lining the upper lashes
SECOND COAT: midday quick one-stroke coat to refresh for lunch plans.
THIRD COAT: A final third coat before dinner plans gives GIANT bombshell eyes. GIANT. For best curl hold all evening, I do a final thin coat of the Waterproof mascara after allowing the final coat to dry, give a quick curl, and the Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara nicely sets the curl.

After application, comb through wet lashes with a dry, clean disposable mascara wand for a well-defined lash finish that won’t clump

USING DISPOSABLE WANDS

I use Wayne Goss’ trick of bending the brush head of the mascara wand, but I use a clean disposable wand, this gives me the best access to upper and lower lashes and allows me to use the least mascara to get the best effect. I can also get in nice and close to the actual lash line, which gives a tight line effect and makes eyeliner use somewhat optional or minimal.

How to Apply Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Bend a disposable mascara wand for optimal control and to get in close on bottom lashes

The angled bent brush gives the best access to little lashes even in corners

I Forgo eyeliner other than tight lining or upper rim only for when I really want to bring it. Full-on liner is just too much, like crazy eye kind of big eye. If using eyeliner, do so very gingerly, perhaps something with a soft metallic such as a copper or taupe, or a smudge of shadow for some definition.

CONCLUSION

Currently, this is my favorite mascara, I don’t use anything else. At $23 it is a bit steep, but it lasts for as long as one should hold onto a mascara (three months). The $12 mini is not so mini, it can last you a good six weeks to two months.

Lashes can look huge with one coat from the full specially shaped brush, and it is buildable, like how I use it in multiple coats throughout the day. It does not get stiff, so lashes remain workable, but this is more difficult to curl. The waterproof leaves lashes more curl-able, with no discernable difference to me in appearance, only in the feel of the application. I personally found any of the reported Better Than Sex Mascara dupes to be flaky, whereas actually Better Than stays put. It eliminates the need for eyeliner on most days and defines the eye so well, I don’t need much else as far as eye makeup for a dramatic yet natural looking eye.

PROS:

No flaking. I mean none
Dark black that makes eyes look huge
Nice lush looking lashline

CONS:

Removing the mascara at the end of the day. I use safflower oil-soaked cotton pads, let them sit on my closed eyes for about 30 seconds to melt it all, then wash my face. Not dramatically worse than other mascaras, and there is no tugging involved if a proper oil remover is used.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has a thick brush with an hourglass shape

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara at TooFaced.com, Ulta, Macy’s, and Sephora

Z Skin Organic Anti-Aging System: Organic Beauty Cocktail with Fast Results

June 14, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Skin changes in the mid-thirties. Seeking an effective yet entirely organic anti-aging solution? The Z Skin Age Defying System contains eight 100% organic products with an astounding array of fast-acting, beauty superhero, all-natural ingredients.

Z Skin is all natural, organic ingredients, including ancient beauty remedies and state of the art new organic discoveries

Z Skin is all natural, organic ingredients, including ancient beauty remedies such as Aveduredic time proven skin care and the latest state of the art, new organic discoveries like highly effective Apple Stem Cells

Z Skin combines ingredients proven effective individually and when used in tandem, are marvelous. The combination of ingredients intrigued us, there is such an amazing cocktail of combinations used within the line. Ingredients include both National Institute of Health studied, state of the art newly discovered Apple Stem Cells for wrinkle reduction to centuries-old methods used is Aveduredic medicine for skin and hair beauty. There are three reasons we find this particularly interesting.

If you buy these ingredients individually if you can find them, they are often pricey. The aforementioned Apple Stem Cell sells for at least $30 as a serum. Some ingredients are practically impossible to find in organic skincare.
Typically, there are two or three main ingredients in a product with supporting ingredients, but nearly ALL of the ingredients in these lines are each “beauty stars” all on their own. There aren’t the filler ingredients typically seen even in organic skin care lines. Â And each product boasts numerous skincare superstars.
Z Skin reports that because there are so many active, effective ingredients, that it works 30 times faster than their competitors to erase fine lines, wrinkles, dark age spots, restoring hydration, all while lifting and firming. That sounds like a big get, so we decided to test the Z Skin Age Defying System for ourselves.

ABOUT THE Z SKIN AGE DEFYING SYSTEM

The Z Skin 100% Organic Age Defying System contains eight organic anti aging products for eyes, face, and neck.

It is suitable for men and women and uses numerous natural ingredients combined together to create a beauty cocktail for the skin.Â There is no scent to each product, but adding scent is optional.

There are a staggering number of active, organic ingredients in each product and within the line as a whole, so when used in tandem, the results are excellent. The entire line is 100% organic, anti-aging, all natural, vegan, USDA, paraben free and preservative free.

PRODUCTS IN THE Z SKIN AGE DEFYING SYSTEMÂ SET

Face Lift Toner

Face Lift Toner contains Rosehips, Jojoba, Vitamin E, Orange, Grape, Safflower, Flaxseed, Baobab, Myrrh, Juniper Berry, Papaya, Neem, and Castor.

RESULTS: I am normally not a fan of toner because it stings and makes my face feel tight, but all of the ingredients in this toner are more hydrating and soothing than skin-stripping.

Face Lift Wash

Face Lift Wash is a lightly exfoliating cleanser that uses pumpkin, sorbic acid, bitter melon and raspberries to gently remove dry, dead skin. It also contains several humectants including honey and olive to soothe the skin. Follow using the wash with the lotion.

RESULT: Skin feels soft, hydrated and not tight or dry after use. The exfoliation is mild, but I don’t see dead skin or flakes on the surface of my skin and my face feels smooth, similar to when using a sonic facial brush.

Z Skin Lift Lotion

Z Skin Lift Lotion is an SPF 45 lotion that helps tighten, lift and lighten discoloration. Apply twice a day after washing the face. It contains:

Maca reduces the effects of aging and gives the skin strength.
Triphala is used in Averudic medicine to remove toxins.
Hibiscus naturally firms skin. It also contains Vitamin C to treat acne, scars, and eczema. It is called the Botox plant because it retains the skin’s elasticity, making it look younger for longer, and treats fine lines.
Amalaki is Amla or Indian Gooseberry, which prevents damage to skin and soothes redness.
Bhringarai is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an Antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
Vitamin A & D is a natural Retinol
Wakame is a seaweed used in several of the products.
Cream Tartar is excellent for adult acne.
Rooibos is an anti-inflammatory
Kelp has powerful anti-aging properties
Apple Stem Cells are a highly effective form of stem cells which target wrinkles.
Rosehip is a concentrated Vitamin C that soothes skin
Red Algae enhances the skin’s barrier function, replenishes moisture, and increases its moisture retention capabilities.
Hyaluronic acid holds its’ weight in moisturizer, plumping the skin, making fine wrinkles and mild sagging disappear temporarily. It also drives active ingredients to deep skin layers for better results.

Z Skin Face Firming Lotion contains Rosehip, Apple stem cells, Cinnamon, Coconut, Almond, Lavender, Aloe & a host of other organic goodies

RESULT: This feels light but supple on the skin, it goes on light, absorbs well and is not greasy, but does have a light dewy after the finish that I like.

DAYTIME EYE CREAM

The Daytime Eye Cream has an SPF 8 for protection around the delicate eye area. It targets dark circles, puffiness and eye bags.

Unique ingredients include Wakeme, a type of seaweed, Chamomile to soothe and Coffee to combat puffiness. Another super ingredient is Spirulina, which removes darkness around the eyes, and the slew of vitamins Spirulina contains nourishes skin until it glows.

RESULT: Let it sink in for a few minutes before applying eye makeup, but it is light and absorbs very well.

Daytime EyeCream contains Willow Bark, Camoille, Coconut, Coffee, Algae and Seaweed

Daytime EyeCream contains Willow Bark, Camomille, Coconut, Coffee, Algae and Seaweed

NIGHTIME EYE CREAM

TARGETS: tightening, fights Crow’s feet and fine lines
CONSISTENCY: light, absorbs well

Also contains Spirulina, Wakeme, and many of the ingredients used in the rest of the product line. It also contains Tumeric, Elder Flower, Bacopa and Rose Absolute.

Turmeric fights inflammation, dryness, and redness.
Elder Flower is rich in bioflavonoids that help prevent wrinkles
Bacopa is Brahmi, long used in India for hair and skin. It is a free-radical fighter, which means you look younger longer.
Rose Absolute rejuvenates and firms skin

RESULT: I like that my eyes are not puffy in the morning after wearing this cream. My eye area does seem smoother and brighter. Crow’s feet do look a little better even after about a week.

The Nighttime Eye Cream really brings it with Almond, Coconut, Tumeric, Apple Stem Cells, Chamomile, Spirulina, Cinnamon, Willow Bark,

The Nighttime Eye Cream really brings it with Almond, Coconut, Tumeric, Apple Stem Cells, Chamomile, Spirulina, Cinnamon, Lavender, and Willow Bark

AGE DEFYING EXTREME MOISTURIZER

Age Defying Extreme Moisturizer contains deeply hydrating and moisturizing ingredients such as nutrient rich carrier oils like safflower, avocado, almond, coconut, honey, shea butter, as well as grapefruit, ginger, and cinnamon. It is for use on chapped, dry, red and irritated areas of skin.
RESULT: Really hydrating, very useful after sun exposure, and on dry chapped lips. I like to apply it after using the Hydroxy Face Mask.

Extreme Moisturizer contains nourishing Almond, Coconut, Cinnamon, Ginger and other organic moisturizers

AGE DEFYING HYDROXY FACE MASK

TARGETS: Discoloration, scars, restores healthy skin
Hydroxy comes in various forms, better known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (from citrus, in this case, an acid from lemons) lactic acids (from milk) and glycolic acid, which comes from sugar, all in one mask. It is combined with several skin-supporting ingredients to fade scars and promote skin rejuvenation.
RESULT: I was surprised this was as effective as an all-natural product. It is an every other evening type of mask, not as powerful as a weekly or monthly treatment, but there is no dryness or redness, no recovery time. Â As a side benefit, I noticed some of my stubborn blackheads loosened up. I liked the results on my throat, it reduces the appearance of the horizontalÂ lines mid-neck. It smells of the Tartar and lemon upon application, but the scent dissipates as it dries, and I didn’t mind it since it is a treatment, not a lotion to wear all day.

AGE DEFYING NECK CREAM

Deeply hydrating, it nourishes and restores the skin with organic Shea Butter, Grape Seed, Vitamin E, Almond, Rosehip, and Orange. Grape seed is the foundation for high-end skin care lines like Caudalie and is highly effective in restoring delicate skin on areas like the throat, while still being light and easy to absorb.

TIP: Apply from jawline to chest

COLLECTIVE RESULTS

The result, when used together, makes for a formidable skin care program. I did not expect to see results as quickly as was promised, but I was especially impressed with how quickly my skin had a glow, and the improvement in fine lines and crow feet around my eyes looked better within the week. I particularly like how skin improves without redness, irritation or peeling skin.

Z SKIN IN THE NEWS

Z Skin was Featured on Product Runway! Â See the video here to learn more about the products, the backstory behind Z Skin products.

The Z Skin Eight Piece Age Defying System

WHERE TO BUY

Find the entire Z Skin line including products for acne, pre-aging, and sun skin care at:Â http://www.zskincosmetics.com/product-page/complete-age-defying-kit

Style Chicks received the Z Skin Organic Anti-Aging System for evaluation purposes in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.