10 Beauty Gadgets That Really Work

Product Sent for Review Affiliate Links Bought It Myself




1. Personal Microderm Device (my Personal Microderm Device review): This is an at home version of what is offered in many dermatologist and plastic surgeons offices. Yes, it is great exfoliation, but you do need to be a bit careful with it as you can easily over do it.

2. Tria Age-Defying Laser (my Tria Age-Defying Laser review): I really loved this laser when I tried it out in the spring, and yes, I'm about to start using it again now that I've delivered my baby. This is an at home version of a non-ablative laser treatment and helps fine lines/wrinkles and evens out skin tone.

3. José Eber Therapy RX Moisture Boosting Tool (my review): It looks like a flat iron, but oh, it is so much more! This infrared hair tool helps conditioning treatments penetrate into the hair, dramatically increasing their results. I don't do this often (it does take some time and effort), but when my hair is feeling dry/damaged it really does the job.

4. Veet Infini'Silk IPL At Home Laser Hair Removal: I'm currently working on a review for this product, but it is super easy to use and really is helping to reduce hair already. I'm using it on my underarms, when I have more time I'm definitely going to use it on my legs as well!

5. Q Redew (my Q Redew review): This is amazing for refreshing your hair whether you have straight or curly hair.

6. Voloom (my Voloom review): This is definitely the best way I've found to add long lasting volume to your hair, exactly where you want it!

7. Sarah Potempa BeachWaver (my BeachWaver review): This is my favorite curling iron. It can rotate in 2 directions and has an extra long barrel to make creating beachy waves even easier!

8. Tanda Tap (my Tanda Zap review): This little hand held device really does help my blemishes go away faster. I break it out at the first sign of trouble, and instead of a 5-7 day spot I'll have 1-2 days.

9. BeLissPRO Curl Genius Professional Curl Machine (my Curl Genius review): This is the best of the curling machines that I've tried. It creates effortless curls that really do last in my hair, which I love!

10. Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solutions Set (all my Clarisonic posts): I talk about the Clarisonic a lot. And yes, you do need one! I'm currently testing out their Sonic Radiance set, and the products are really helping with my hyperpigmentation!

An InLinkz Link-up

Product Sent for Review Affiliate Links Bought It Myself

4

The 10 Best Brushes to Blend Your Makeup

Product Sent for Review I Bought It Myself Affiliate Links



If there's one thing you should change about your makeup application, it is most likely that you need to blend more. Very few of us blend our makeup properly (and I'm sure I'm included in that group most days). When I talk to makeup artists about makeup mistakes "regular" people make, blending is almost always the answer. I have to tell them I want answers that are not "blend more."

There are some pretty amazing brushes and tools out there to blend your makeup! After talking to makeup artists, bloggers and looking around myself, these are my favorites! I've included 10 in the graphic, but note that there are often similar products available at other price points, so I've listed a lot of those below as well. Happy Blending!

Eyes

All Over Blending
1. MAC 217 Blending Brush
2. Laura Mercier Finishing Eye Brush
Similar: Sephora Pro Blending Brush #27, Make Up For Ever 242 Large Blender Brush, Bobbi Brown Eye Blender Brush

Smudge
3. e.l.f. Essential Smudge Brush
4. NARS #45 Smudge Brush
Similar: Sephora Collection Pro Smudge Brush #11, Sonia Kashuk Core Tools Smudge Brush #105

Face

5. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Similar: Tom Ford Cream Foundation Brush, Shu Uemura #18 Foundation Brush (discontinued currently)

6. IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Concealer Brush
Similar: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Foundation/Concealer Brush

7. IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush

8. BeautyBlender Sponge
Similar: Sephora The Perfectionist Makeup Sponge

9. IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush
Similar: Sephora Pro Buffing Brush #62, Cover FX Liquid Foundation Brush

10. Too Faced Retractable Kabuki Makeup Brush


Product Sent for Review I Bought It Myself Affiliate Links

3

Top 10 Tuesday: My 10 Best Makeup Brushes

Affiliate Links


Today for Top 10 Tuesday the bloggers are sharing their favorite makeup brushes. I've shared some of my favorites in the past, over on eBay and Babble mostly (including the favorite makeup brushes of makeup artists).

I thought to switch things up a little bit today I'd share my favorites that together can create an entire makeup kit's worth of brushes. I was a little bit surprised, I think of myself as a cheap makeup brush girl, but that seems to mostly hold true for my eye brushes. I use a lot of ELF brushes. But, once you expand out to the face, I seem to reach mostly for higher end. The good news is that these brushes can last for a really long time if you care for them properly!

Face

1. IT Cosmetics Dual Airbrush Foundation Concealer Brush: This brush is super soft and the bristles are very dense. I use it for applying product and blending it.

2. Clinique Blush Brush: I've had this brush, or something so similar that I can't tell the difference, since 1995. Really. The same brush. Mine is just now starting to shed and look a little less than great, so I'll be buying a new one soon. 19 years is pretty good for a makeup brush! I love that this is just the right size for getting blush on to the apples of my cheeks. No other brush has ever worked as well for me.

3. IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush: This is great for foundation, but I mostly use it to apply translucent powder and then buff it in to my skin.

4. Urban Decay Naked Flushed Double-Ended Brush: This brush isn't very big, it's actually just the right size to use with the new Urban Decay Flush Palettes. I like to use the flat side to pick up the highlighter and apply it to the upper cheekbone while the angled side is what I use with the bronzer to apply a light contour under my cheekbones and around my temples.

5. BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge Applicator: Not a brush, but kind of the same because it applies/blends makeup, right? I really love my BeautyBlender. I use it every day to blend my makeup, it works best with bouncing it on your skin.

Eyes

6. e.l.f. Essential Eye Shadow Brush: I own about 7 of this brush, it's my basic brush for applying shadow all over my lid.

7. e.l.f. Studio Contour Brush: The perfect size/shape for applying shadow into my crease.

8. NARS #45 Smudge Brush: In an effort to replace my beloved Sonia Kashuk smudge brush (the exact brush I loved was changed and then discontinued), I've looked at basically every smudge brush out there and this one from NARS is the closest. The bristles are dense and fairly stiff, the brush is a bit thicker as well. It's great for smudging the liner in my upper lash line.

9. e.l.f. Essential Smudge Brush: This smudge brush is a bit more flexible, I like it for smudging shadows (instead of liners). It's perfect for when I've applied a little shadow over a liner and need to blend it out a little.

10. Laura Mercier Smudge Brush: This brush is smaller than it looks, it's actually the perfect small size for adding a little extra pop of color under my lower lash line!

An InLinkz Link-up

Affiliate Links

14

Essential Makeup Brushes

New over on eBay!

Essential Makeup Brushes


All About Makeup Primers



Don't forget my other posts there:
• Pedicure 101: Quick and Easy Spa Pedicure At Home
• Great Multi-Tasking Beauty Products
• The Best Concealers For Covering Everything

1

Does it Work? Tria Age Defying Laser Review

Sponsored Post



Have you seen the Tria Age-Defying Laser yet? Recently I've been getting a lot of emails from readers asking me about this anti-aging laser, so I started to look into the technology. The more I read about it, the more excited I was about it! When they asked if I would want to try it out, you can bet I excitedly emailed them back immediately!





At the top is a quick peek at what comes inside the box. It's pretty simple, there's the handheld anti-aging laser device, a small information booklet and a small cord that plugs into the stand up base.

The info on the device is very straight forward in the booklet, but basically you turn it on and there's an LED indicator at the very top telling you if you're on level 1, 2 or 3. It’s recommended to start on level 1 to adjust to the sensation. Then you can choose to increase the levels as your treatments progress, I worked my way up to 3 but you could stick with level 1 or 2 if you want. More on the levels later.




Once the device is turned on, it won't start shooting the laser unless it is against your face (there are sensors so it will know if it is against your skin or not). There's a little map that Tria has created to show the areas of treatment, and it really is easiest if you just follow it. It is best to use the Age-Defying Laser right after you wash your face, and I recommend waiting a minute or two to ensure that your face is really dry, gliding is much easier on very dry skin. Run the laser back and forth over your skin, you'll hear the fan and see the purple light on the side illuminated indicating the laser is on.

The Age-Defying Laser will automatically time your treatment, beeping at you when it is time to move on to the next zone. When you're finished it will automatically turn off. I recommend keeping the laser in the charging base between uses, it really does use up a lot of energy and when you get to the higher levels you'll only get 1 or 2 uses in between fully charging the device.

How does it work?

The Tria Age-Defying Laser is a non-ablative, fractionallaser, and is the same technology available in a doctor's office.

The Age-Defying Laser is 1440 nm, and depending upon the level will put out 5, 10 or 12 J/pulse. As you go up in levels each zone will be treated for longer periods of time and the laser will create more MTZs (Microscopic columnar thermal zones, I'll explain those below). So, the Age Defying Laser has the same wavelength as many professional devices, quite a bit of energy, and it creates little things called MTZs.



When treating your skin with the Age-Defying Laser, the laser energy goes into the skin, down through the epidermis and into the dermis. The laser actually creates very small areas of damage (those MTZs, Microscopic columnar thermal zones). The damage is due to heat and coagulation of proteins, and it is in very discrete areas. Each MTZ is created to be very small, and while it is in both the epidermis and the dermis, it leaves the very outer layer of the epidermis (the stratum corneum) intact. Which means while your skin has been treated by the laser, on the outer surface you won't see a wound!

The MTZs are small enough that in less than 24 hours, skin cells from surrounding areas come into the damaged areas and start repairing the skin. As the skin starts to repair itself, there is an increase in collagen production, which is great for those of us with any wrinkles. In addition, damaged cells are shed within 3-7 days




After the Age-Defying Laser has been used, you'll have these small areas of MTZs that have healed, and due to the skin turning over those areas will be smoother. The dermis has created more collagen, so skin will be firmer and your wrinkles will be diminished.

While I've shown a few MTZs near each other in the skin, the idea is that over time as the MTZs accumulate and heal, your skin will continue to improve and you'll notice a big difference when you look in the mirror. Tria says that you can start to see a more youthful, radiant and refreshed look in as little as two weeks, and based on my experience, they're right.



Working with a dermatologist, Tria created some great anti-aging skin care products to go with the Age-Defying Laser. While there isn't anything really "different" about these products that prevents you from using other products, I really did like them a lot and recommend trying them out. You'll get samples of the products when you purchase the laser, you can buy them on your own as well.

Note that when using the Age-Defying Laser, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun, so using a full spectrum sunscreen everyday is even more important than usual!




Here you can see my before and after pictures, which are taken after only 3 weeks of use. The images are huge, so they're shrunken to fit more easily on the page. Click on the images to open them much bigger in a new page.

After 3 weeks of use I had:
• Smoother skin, I felt this was especially seen on my forehead
• Fewer fine lines around my eyes
• More even skin tone


Tria sent me their clinical data, and after reading through their (very well done) study, I'm not surprised that these were the results:
Tria sent me their clinical data, and after reading through their (very well done) study, I'm not surprised that these were the results:
• 93% of users had significant improvement in the smoothness of their skin
• 82% of users had significant improvement in periorbital wrinkles (around the eyes)




Tria-Age Defying Laser is $495, and is available at TriaBeauty.com.

Sponsored Post
This post was sponsored by Tria Beauty and Style Coalition, but all opinions are honest and my own!

73

Worth the Splurge: Sam Villa Blow Dryer

Product Sent for Review


Recently, I was on the market for a new blow dryer. My concentrator nozzle had broken and I couldn't find another to fit on my Hana Pro Blow Dryer, and I admit that I was pretty stubborn about it. I tried using it for months without a concentrator, even though it took longer and my hair didn't look quite as nice. But, I really like my Hana and I wasn't quite ready to give it up. I'm usually one of those girls that won't spend more than $40 on a dryer, and I was spoiled by more more expensive dyer.

Then, one day, this Sam Villa dryer showed up on my doorstep. I was pretty amazed and a bit nervous. This was pretty expensive... would I have bought this on my own? No, probably not. Even on sale (it retails for about $200 but is sometimes $40 off), that's about 4x my typical blow dryer budget. I was a bit afraid to touch it! What if I broke it?



This is a super sturdy dryer, it feels substantial and the cord is very heavy duty. It's a bit smaller than other dryers that I've used, and somehow it is incredibly lightweight, it weighs under a pound! I love that the outside is very easy to grip without dropping it, the plastic has those lines and it is a matte-rubbery texture. (Think NARS products, but without the propensity for collecting dusty fingerprints.)

When you turn it out, there are a couple of speed and heat options. I obviously am a bad girl that uses it on high heat and speed, but it is still pretty quiet. The cord is 9 feet long so I can walk just about any where I need to while still drying my hair. I use one of the 2 included concentrator nozzles, one is for just drying long, wet hair and the thinner one is to help with finishing a style. I haven't really noticed a difference in which nozzle that I use, but it's good to have a backup!

This is probably the best blow dryer that I've ever owned, and if I broke it tomorrow I would repurchase the exact same dyer. But, I'm not really expecting that to happen for quite a while.

Sam Villa
Product Sent for Review

7

MAC's Masterclass Brushes: Yes, This is the Review of Makeup Toothbrushes

I Bought It


I debated and debated about it, but I kept hearing that these new MAC makeup brushes were life changing. So I snapped them up. Or, I ordered them online. Whatever. And, no. They're not toothbrushes. Well, not really.

First, you should know that although they look like toothbrushes, they're super soft. They remind me quite a bit of my favorite brushes from IT Cosmetics (I don't own this set, just some random ones, but I really want this set), because they're normal makeup brush bristles that are very densely packed. What's interesting about the bristles is that they're so dense that rather than getting down into the brush, makeup seems to float on surface.

Did I mention they're really soft?



There are currently only 3 brushes available, but you can see from their names that there must be more planned. You can see that the handles are also pretty unique for makeup brushes. Instead of looking like paint brushes, they are wide and ergonomic with rubber to help you grip them.


I've been using these brushes for a few days now, though I did do quite a few looks for future posts so probably it's a week worth of use. Before starting them, I watched an amazing video from Karen over on Makeup and Beauty Blog. She went to the MAC Pro Shop in San Francisco and spent some time with one of their artists, he showed her some great tips and tricks! Go and watch Karen's MAC Masterclass Makeup Brush Video before you use them!

I think my current favorite of the trio is the Oval 6 brush. In the video, he shows Karen how to use it with a primer for mattifying, and it really does work! The MAC Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone can be used even over makeup with this brush (tip: I've been using a few other mattifying products with it, I'll spill the beans soon, I promise!) This is also great for foundation or blush. You rub it over your skin like it is gliding around, pushing very slightly. It's not for dabbing and stippling like other brushes. I'm not sure if you can tell in the top pic there, but the bristles are slightly bent. Run it back and forth, the bristles should slightly bend, but it shouldn't be with a lot of pressure.

The Liner 1 brush is my new best friend for eye liner. You can either just pat it along your lash line or run it along slightly. Either way, it is thinner than the smudge brush that I usually use, and I'm loving it! I'm sure there are other uses for this brush, but I'm going to reserve it for liner. Liner, liner, liner. Which I love.

The last brush is the Oval 3 brush, and this is the one I haven't really mastered yet. I've been using it to pat or sweep shadow onto my entire lid, but I'm still awkward with it. Nothing seems to be very precise yet when I use this brush, so I need more practice. At about 12:50 in Karen's MAC Masterclass Makeup Brush Video, Victor shows her how to use this brush for her crease and even contouring on the side of her nose. I tried this. I looked crazy, it was way too big! I swear I'll master this technique!

Have you bought these brushes? I want to know how you're using them!

MAC
I Bought It

11

A More Intensive Hair Treatment: Jose Eber Therapy Rx Review

Product Sent for Review


I know what you're thinking. Another flat iron? Yawn.

But, it isn't a flat iron. Using this thing will affect your hair, but it isn't going to be straightening (or curling) anything. I have to confess that I was about to buy this, when Jose Eber sent me one to try out. I really, really wanted to try it out. I was convinced it wouldn't work and would be a waste of money. But if I was wrong, how could would that be?

I'm proud to report that I was wrong.


So, what exactly is this thing? It's an infrared iron that also uses ultrasonic vibration. The idea is that you apply something conditioning to your hair, then use the Therapy Rx on your hair. Per Jose Eber:

Used in conjunction with any hair conditioner or oil, the Therapy RX penetrates the cuticle, breaks down the conditioner or oil into nano particles, and pushes it into your hair giving your hair an incredible moisture blast.

You apply whatever product you want to your hair after a shower, turn on the Therapy Rx (there's a simple switch) and you'll see the lights go on. Simply run the iron over your hair. There's no heat, and it feels like you couldn't possibly be doing anything to your hair. Once you think you've done this enough, just style your hair like usual.

So, while I didn't think I was really doing much to my hair, I can tell you that I definitely noticed a difference right away! Using the Therapy Rx definitely seems to do something to conditioners. My hair was immediately softer than it should have been with the leave in conditioner I used (or at least, than it usually is). It was especially effective when combined with Darshana (check out my review of Darshana Hair Oil). Using the Therapy Rx is like leaving Darshana on your hair for another 6 hours.

So, while I rarely rave on and on about a product, I have to say that I really do think this tool is worth the $200. It does pop up on occasion on sites like Hautelook, so snag one if you see it. This is a must have if your hair is damaged, you color your hair or do a lot of heat styling.

Jose Eber
Product Sent for Review

12

5 Reasons You Want the Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush

Nothing to Disclose


I have some "stuff" going on in my real life this week, which I'm not quite ready to share (Yes, I'll be fine. No, I'm not pregnant.) Some of my best blogging friends have offered guest posts to help me out for this week. Today, my friend Marcia from Beauty Info Zone is sharing one of her favorite foundation brushes!


There’s a very good reason that Urban Decay’s Good Karma Optical Blurring brush is often out of stock for a long time both on the UD site and at Sephora. The brush is fabulous. Yes, fabulous.

When the Makeup Wars team did a post about our favorite brushes I saw it was loved by others but I kept remembering that I have a lot of foundation brushes and I don’t use them much. I’ve pretty much given up on the flat paddle type foundation brushes that were the first to come out. When I’m playing with a new foundation and I’m not sure which is the best tool for that type I’ll try a paddle brush but it’s rare that I use them. I semi-like a skunk type brush since some foundations need that type of diffusion. I have other brushes that look similar to the Good Karma brush. So did I need it?

Y.E.S. and so do you.

1. Even though the brush was developed to be used with Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation, it works with every foundation and BB/CC cream I’ve tried it with. I have a ‘problem’ with foundation buying so I’ve had a lot of experience with it!

2. The bristles on the brush are incredibly soft. I tried a brush that I thought I loved one day when my UD brush wasn’t clean and instantly felt the difference. The synthetic, cruelty-free hairs on Urban Decay's brush are divine. No scratching or tickling.

3. It cleans up so easily and dries fast without any yucky smell or colors dripping out of it.

4. It’s a medium size brush with a domed head. It’s easy to manipulate it around your nose area, chin, and eyes so that blending foundation everywhere is a breeze.

5. It really does the job it’s made for – optical blurring.

While the name, Urban Decay’s Good Karma Optical Blurring brush, is a bit unwieldy the brush isn’t. The name tells you exactly what the brush is going to do – give an optical blurring effect to those fine lines. My method of application is to put the foundation on the back of my hand or a clean steel palette and pick it up from there with the brush. I use the brush in a circular motion. When I look in my mirror, especially a magnifying mirror, I see an air-brushed finish. Urban Decay created a winner with this brush and I thank my fellow bloggers like Phyrra who showed me the light. This is $25 that was well spent. Are you going to put this on your list? I’m glad I did.


Marcia is half the blogging team at Beauty Info Zone. She is obsessed with anything for the face so a good brush is part and parcel of that obsession

3

Makeup Wars: My Favorite Hair Tools

Product Sent for Review


1. Goody TangleFix Brush: I don't use this for my hair, it's actually the brush we use most often on my 2 year old daughter. This this is amazing! It detangles everything without pulling, even if she's brushing her own hair (which you know means she isn't starting gently at the bottom of her hair). Perfect for toddlers!

2. Goody QuikStyle Round Brush: I love using this to dry my hair. I noticed a big difference with this brush when my hair was longer (drying was faster with better results) and now that I have my long bob the half round shape is the perfect curve for the ends of my hair.

3. HANAair Professional Hair Dryer: I've been using this blow dryer since I first reviewed it, and I love how easy it is to use. Having a button to toggle, rather than slide, is a big deal for me when my hands are wet! My only regret is that the nozzle doesn't seem to want to stay on currently, I haven't started researching a new nozzle yet (I'm hoping to purchase a nozzle rather than a new dryer).

4. ghd Classic 1 Inch Flat Iron (like this one): I love that it heats up quickly, the heat stays consistent across the plates and there's a nicely rounded edge. I've been using this a lot to gently guide the ends of my long bob under, since when they flip out too much I feel like a 1950's housewife!



Product Sent for Review

12

Tools that Jose Eber Thinks You Need!

Nothing to Disclose

Remember Jose Eber? The man that basically ruled hair in the 1980's? (I might be dating myself with being so in awe of him. I don't care.)

He's still around, making hair fabulous and wearing his hats. He has a line of hair tools out right now that are a bit more than you're used to from hair tools. The line is pretty extensive, but I asked for a few of his favorites and who they are best for.


Short Hair:
"To style shorter hair, I use my World's Fastest Flat Iron. Because of its slim design, it is easy to create a smooth, beautiful look."

For Dry & Damaged Hair:
"I recommend my Therapy Rx Moisture Boosting Tool. This tool breaks down leave-in conditioning products into particles small enough for the hair cuticle to absorb, leaving hair soft and silky."

For Color Treated Hair:
When your hair is color treated you don't want to lose the beautiful color. The infrared technology of my Infrared Blow Dryer helps to preserve the vibrancy of color treated hair.

To Create Beachy Waves:
"I like to blow dry the hair with a large round brush to maximize the volume. Then I curl with one of my Clipless Curling Irons. The 25mm or 32mm are both perfect to create natural looking waves. Once the whole head is curled, I then shake the hair out with my fingers gently for an effortless finish."

1

Foreo's Luna: A New Alternative to the Clarisonic, A Silicone Deep Facial Cleanser

Product Sent for Review

Recently, Foreo sent me their Luna, a totally new way to clean your face. It's just now hitting the market here in the US, and it promises to be a new alternative to the Clarisonic. So, they asked me to take it for a spin and let my readers know how I liked it.

Read on to take a peek at the Luna and see how I liked using it.

8

Loving This: Hold Me's Amazing Cosmetic Brush and Makeup Travel Bag

Product Sent for Review

I feel like I've been talking about this bag nonstop since it was sent to me, though maybe it was mostly with my friends, over email and Facebook because somehow, somehow this hasn't made it to the blog yet.

This is the most amazing travel makeup bag ever. Seriously, ever.

The bag comes in 2 sizes, I have the larger size, but there's a "baby" size as well. The outside is a vegan suede product, but mostly I love it because it is super durable and I don't think anything could ruin that fabric! Inside it is a laminated print (mine is the cute bird print you see here, there are lots of options), which means all spills should be super easy to clean up.

There are 2 main reasons that I love this bag:
1. They kept it simple with 1 big compartment for your makeup. You can put a lot of stuff in there, but it is all really easy to see and there's enough space even for a big compact. I love that it is a big flat area and therefore easy to find stuff, not a lot of digging around. I hate travelling with a bag that has too many compartments or is too deep. You have to dig around for too long to find your mascara!

2. That brush area. Seriously, how could you not love it? It has slots for 15 brushes, though I don't use all of them. With other bags it's always a debate: To use a different bag for them? Hunt down my travel brush bag (which is too short for many of my faves, and still a separate item), or just throw them in with the makeup and risk it? This is separated from the makeup so my brushes are protected, but super easy to find what I need and they're right there with the brushes! No losing my brush bag and finding it in a shoe on the last day of vacation... not that it has happened to me before...


This is what my bag looked like a few weeks ago when I took my toddler to Grammy and Papa's house for a few days (Daddy was out of town for work, we went to play!) You can see I just threw everything I needed in there with a bunch of brushes. It was really easy to get ready each morning since I could just open the bag and everything was laid out and easy to find.

Genius!


You can get them directly from Hold Me Bags
Also available online at:
Amazon
Open Sky
Product Sent for Review

8

Long Lasting Curls: A Hair Curling Tutorial and ISO Hair Wand Review

Product Sent for Review

A few days ago, when I posted about how I do my eyebrows, PinkPirate asked how I had curled my hair. I've had pictures taken for a review and tutorial for a while, I just needed to finally get going and put the post together!

There are two ways that I curl my hair. The first is detailed in my Easy Beachy Curls Tutorial. I prep my hair, curl it all over with my BeachWaver. I love the BeachWaver because I can adjust the temperature and the auto-curl button is very easy. The BeachWaver waves last for days and need minimal touch up. But, the curls can be a bit too tight (I wish the barrel was about 1/2 inch bigger), so they look best as next day hair. In addition, due to the size of the curls, I can't really use the BeachWaver for touchup. I need a bigger curl for the look I want.

Recently, the nice people from ISO Beauty sent me their 5 Piece Curling Iron Set to review. Since it arrived at my house, I've been in love with this product! It's basically a clipless curling iron, execept that it has 5 different wands to use with it! I've been using the wand for curling all over my head and for occasional touch ups.

The curling wand set comes with 5 different interchangeable wands, which I love! They are Tourmaline and once changed out on the barrel they feel very stable, not like it was added on. I love the option of changing to a different size, definitely a space and time saver.

Sizes included:
32 mm
25 mm
19 mm
18-25 mm
9-18 mm


In order to change out the wand, you need to press the buttons on the top and bottom at the same time and pull. It's not hard, but it isn't exactly easy either. I haven't tried this when the wand is hot, but it's hard enough when it is cool that I really wouldn't recommend doing it until everything has cooled off. So, pick a size for the day and stick with it! I've mostly been using the 32 mm and 25 mm sizes.

The controls are very easy to use. Turn it on, adjust the temp as needed. I'm usually about 400 degrees.

Here's a quick peek at the products I use for long lasting curls. I've been really loving the hold from about an egg size amount of Italy Hair Fashion's mousse. I also add in a few sprays of the L'Oreal Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray (adds shine and heat protection).

After I'm done curling, a little spritz of Elnett is all I need. (And yes, somehow that little bit of Elnett does make a big difference, without it my hair is straight faster.) This is my current favorite trio of products, whether I'm using my BeachWaver or the clipless curling iron.

So, it is really easy to use the curling wand. I hold it upside down, just grab some hair, curl it around and hold for about 10 seconds or so, then release. You have a lot of control over the curls since you're the one wrapping your hair and you pick which rod to use (I think this is the 32 mm size pictured). I generally like bigger curls, hence the larger rods and bigger chunks of hair. Make sure you wear the heat protection glove!

In these pictures, on the left I have 1 day old hair that was curled with the BeachWaver and the front parts were touched up with the clipless curling iron (really, those are the main curls that you see, they are from the 25 mm rod). On the right I've done more random sections with the 32 mm rod, so things are a bit more natural and casual.



ISO Beauty
Product Sent for Review

15

How I Apply Liquid Foundation for a Flawless (and Natural) Finish!

Products sent for review

Now that I'm a "little" older (not really that old, I'm 35), it is definitely harder to get a great finish with my foundation. I don't have wrinkles, but I swear it's like a foundation can settle into every little dry spot or imperfection. Just by applying via my "old" way (aka- my young self just slathering on with fingers and maybe blending a little by the nose with a sponge) can result in disaster. Truly. And it isn't even the fault of the foundation, it's me!

After reading some online about foundation application, watching a ton of YouTube videos and breaking out my old Kevin Aucoin makeup books (the man was a master), I've tried out a ton of different foundation techniques. This is what I've settled on as the quickest and best method for a flawless foundation application. And really, it isn't that quick. Sigh.

I prep my skin with a lightweight moisturizer (or BB cream that doesn't have much coverage, I like the Stila 10 in 1) and an eye cream. I wait a few minutes for it to sink in and then start on foundation. I apply a little to the back of my hand, if I need to mix other shades in then I do it there.

I use a dense brush. This is the IT Cosmetics foundation brush from this set at QVC, but I also really like the Urban Decay Optical Blur Brush. I know there's great love for the MAC skunk brush here, but I'm just not really a fan for some reason.

I dab a little onto the brush and then put that onto the areas I'll want to cover with dotting. I put it on my nose, the middle of my forehead, chin and cheeks, though really very close to my nose. I apply most of my foundation to the center of my face and use less as I get to the edges, so I have almost none really on my actual cheeks and on my forehead.

Once I have my foundation roughly where I want it, I stipple the area to spread out the foundation into an even application. I let that sit for a minute or two, and I wipe off any excess foundation from my brush onto a kleenex. Then I go back with the same brush and go over the areas with small round circles. If I'm applying concealer, this is when I do it (I apply in a less exaggerated triangle that is suddenly all the rage. More details in my how to use concealer post.)

Next I grab my Beauty Blender sponge. And yeah, it kind of does need to be the Beauty Blender. None of the "dupes" have quite the right consistency, so they don't have the same results. I bounce the sponge all over the place, using the smaller end around my eyes and nose and the wide end on my forehead and cheeks.

Then I wait a few minutes. If I haven't done my eyes, this is a good time to do it. But if my eye makeup is a bit more intense, I usually start with my eyes (so I can wipe off any fallout without messing up my foundation) and then do my face. So, I'll go and do my hair now.

I think the real secret to why this look works is the kleenex. I learned this about 5 years ago from Elke Von Freudenberg, and I had stopped for a few years, but now I'm obsessed again! Take a kleenex and gently blot your face. Be gentle, you don't want to remove the pigment, but instead you'll take out some of the oil and "liquid" of the foundation. I usually don't blot my nose much, somehow that seems to mess up my nose. But this is a must for my chin, cheeks and forehead.

Finally, I apply a very lightweight powder to set everything. I put it under my eyes and in my t-zone only. Lately I've really been loving this Aqualillies for tarte Amazonian clay finishing powder. It's lightweight like the MUFE HD, but more mattifying. It's apparently limited edition, but I hope Tarte sees the light and keeps it around!





Products sent for review

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How Hot is Too Hot? The New John Frieda Flat Iron Tests the Limits

I fully admit that I'm not afraid of heat when styling my hair. (Remember when I totally fried my hair last year? And as a result I've been babying it with hair masks for about 9 months now?) As part of my hair rehab, I've been avoiding using heat over 400 degrees, though when I found out that John Frieda and Conair recently released a Titanium Plated Flat Iron to mass market retailers, I thought this was something worth looking in to further.

Why? Are titanium plates any different from the typical "ceramic" we usually see?

Yes, they really are. Usually you'll see titanium only in very high end flat irons (such as the BaByliss), and to see it at this price point (this flat iron is about $55) is basically a steal (no pun intended).

Titanium will distribute heat more evenly than ceramic, will be more durable, and puts off more negative ions when used (which hair looooves. I found a few references on-line stating that hair can handle higher temps from a titanium flat iron because there is more "slip", so when your hair is moving more easily through the plates you won't have as much damage, and when combined with better overall heat distribution and the negative ions, the titanium is better for your hair.

But does that mean you should test the upper limits of a flat iron that can go up to 455??

To find out, I asked one of my favorite hair stylists, David Hensley, the Chief Creative Officer for Laid Brand Hair Care, and who has done a great job of answering hair questions on 15 Minute Beauty in the past.

@15minbeauty @LAIDbrand different hair types&cond. Is the determining factor for correct temp. settings! I use the BaByliss Nano Titanium pro

— David L. Hensley jr. (@RockerStylist) March 6, 2013

@15minbeauty @LAIDbrand this iron has temp settings from 300~450 degrees! Fine, soft , or over processed hair should always have a low to med

— David L. Hensley jr. (@RockerStylist) March 6, 2013

@15minbeauty @LAIDbrand more coarse hair or stronger wavy hair can have the highest setting to achieve a smoother&straighter look!

— David L. Hensley jr. (@RockerStylist) March 6, 2013

So, basically, just because the flat iron can go that high, does not mean that you should set it that high! If you have fine hair or like me you've processed your hair to death, you should probably still be under 400. Higher temps really are for the girls with coarser or more difficult to style hair. Which means that the girls who have had a hard time finding a flat iron at a "regular" store should rejoice! There's an option for you!

@15minbeauty @LAIDbrand it's MOST IMPORTANT that any hair type or cond. use a heat protectant to control and minimize breakage!

— David L. Hensley jr. (@RockerStylist) March 6, 2013

@15minbeauty @LAIDbrand and what better thermal protectant than LAID Brands 'Straight Kinky'!!! laidbrand.com

— David L. Hensley jr. (@RockerStylist) March 6, 2013

Yes! Any time you are applying heat to the hair you must not skip your heat protectant spray. A lesson I learned the hard way. The product David mentions, LAID Brand Straight Kinky is a multi-purpose spray that helps to make hair easier to style, protects from heat and UV, adds shine, prevents frizz, etc. You name it, this spray does it! I love that it makes my hair easier to manage.

If you want a less expensive heat protectant option, there's John Fried Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray, though I haven't tried it out.

John Frieda
LAID Brand

I've received Straight Kinky in the past from LAID Brand. Though, I really do like it!

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Ask a Beauty Blogger: Cream Blush Picks for Fair Skin

I'm really loving cream blushes lately. They're great for creating a pretty and natural flushed look, but when layered they make your blush last for hours. Seriously, all day. I like to use a cream blush directly over my foundation, set it with powder, and then add a little more cream blush or a powder blush. The layering is key for a long lasting look.

Shannon recently asked for some cream blush picks for fair skin, so I enlisted the help of my friend Pam from Pammy Blogs Beauty. She has fair skin similar to mine, and I knew that she'd have some great picks as well! I haven't tried any of the products she mentioned, so you know I'll be adding them to my shopping list!



New York Color Blushable Creme Stick in Plaza Pink
NYX Stick Blush in Pink Poppy
Revlon Photoready Blush in Pinched



Like Pam, I like 2 forms of cream blushes. The stick form (the NARS Multiple) I usually swipe across my cheek and then blend a little with my fingers. A cream blush that comes from a palette like the Bouncy Blush I will apply with my finger tips or a brush. My favorite blush is a small round brush that I got in a Clinique gift with purchase years and years ago. The closest I've found is the Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush, which is a bit denser but has a the correct shape and is about the same size. The Juice Beauty Buki Brush looks about the same on the ULTA website, though I haven't seen it in person.

When picking blush colors, I tend to go for either a light pinky-rose color or a light peach. The NARS Orgasm shade is a combination of both of those, so it really works for pretty much any situation.


Do you have any other blush picks for Shannon?



Do you have a question you want me to feature? Be sure to ask!

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