Battle Of the contour

Contour has been all the rage lately. Every makeup brand has come out with products claiming you will achieve the perfect contour. There's creams, powders, sticks. Brushes that are flat, rounded, pointed etc you name it, it's out there. Well actually contouring has been hyped for quite some time, I think due in part to Kim Kardashian's perfectly sculpted cheek bones.  

 I have always been a fan of contouring but getting the technique down, ala Kim Kardashian style hasn't been so simple. I've tried almost every contour brush & contour powder/bronzers out there to help me achieve the perfect contour or as close to I can get to it as possible. The main issue for me has been getting my cheeks not to look "muddy"

After trying countless contouring brushes I've narrowed it down to my top 2 faves.

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Shape Contour and Blush Brush No. 15

My favorite hands down is the Marc Jacobs, shape contour & blush brush 15. At first glance this might look like it would be to thick for fitting in the curves of the cheeks. But this brush blends like a dream! I credit this brush for my cheeks not coming out looking muddy. (Along with using the Kevyn Aucoin sculpting powder. which I will mention in another post)

Sedona Lace Flat Contour Brush - 316

A close second is the Sedona Lace flat contour brush 316 . This fits perfectly in the hollows of the cheeks. I like to use this brush to apply the contour powder & blend out with the MJ's brush. Although this one  blends out really nicely too and costs less than the MJ's, so if new to contouring, I would recommend starting with this one.

**What are your favorite brushes for contour?

Marc jacobs contour brush costs $38 & can be purchased here: http://www.sephora.com/the-shape-contour-blush-brush-P392348?skuId=1651298

Sedona Lace contour brush costs $16 & can be purchased here: http://www.sedonalace.com/Default.aspx


*All opinions expressed here are solely my own. I have purchased all products with my own $.

IPSY Glam Bag Subscription Serivce

I have been subscribed to IPSY for around 6 months now. I can honestly say, for the most I've been very pleased with what I've received every month thus far. I discovered a lot of different and great brands that I otherwise have never heard of. Two of my current favorite makeup brushes actually came out of IPSY. One from a brand Luxie Beauty & 1 from Crown brushes.

What I like about IPSY that sets it apart from other subscription services is that they keep it makeup related which is always what I hope to receive in a beauty subscription box. I also like that it includes full size products.. 

Ipsy is $10 per month, but each box usually adds up to more than that, so I definitely feel I am getting my money's worth. As an added bonus it comes in a cute makeup bag every month.

There are different variations of products for each person based off a survey you fill out of your likes & dislikes. 

IPSY sign up 

Cargo Magic Brush

I am a brush junkie. I have tried almost every brand from the most expensive to the cheapest. I finally found my holy grail foundation brush. This Cargo magic brush is phenomenal. It blends my current favorite, foundation, Diorskin nude air, like a dream. Not only does it work great for liquid foundation but it's great for powder as well. In fact the bristles act like a magnet so powder doesn't get everywhere. Leaves the skin looking airbrushed and flawless. I like using a circular buffing motion for best results.

This is the brush I reach for daily. In fact I plan on buying a backup soon just so I'm never without. Very easy to clean too which is always a bonus when it comes to brushes.

This brush also works great for contouring and highlighting.

Brush costs $35. The only drawback is it does have  a small handle for those that prefer a larger one. Can be found at Ulta & Nordstrom.

Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum

Described as a powerful serum that understands your skin’s needs, targeting uneven skin tone, lines, and wrinkles for firmer, more radiant skin.
I've been using this religiously for around 2 months now & I can honestly say this is one of the best serums I have ever used. I have noticed that I get less breakouts and my pores have been visibly reduced. I use at morning and at night. I do have oily skin & find this doesn't do much to combat that problem but for the rest of the skin care benefits this provides, it is worth it.

I purchased the 1 oz bottle for $59.50. They do have a 1.7 oz & 3.4 oz which I will be purchasing next. I don't want to ever be without it.