Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush

Word has it that Sigma's F80 Flat Kabuki Brush is possibly one of the absolute best brushes for flawless foundation application.  I have heard nothing but praise for this legendary brush!  Funny story...I actually got this brush at least a year ago...and then I lost it!  I didn't even get a chance to remove it from its packaging.  It was sad.  But hey...good news!  I was unpacking a few straggling boxes from my move this past summer and guess what I found?!

You have no idea how freakin' excited I was to find this brush!  The F80 is a really gorgeous piece of work.  Created to buff liquid and cream foundations onto the face, its synthetic bristles are extremely soft, densely packed, and is very professional in looks and the way it handles.  You'd think that this brush would be far more expensive than it is, however you can get yours from Sigma for only $18!

Seeing as how I recently received Urban Decay's Naked Skin foundation, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to test out the Sigma F80.

Ooooooh...sooooo soft!

Per suggestion from another beauty blogger, I dotted foundation on my face using my fingertips FIRST before buffing it in using the F80.  This being that F80's bristles are so dense, it tends to pick up too much product if one were to use it like a paintbrush.  (ie. directly dipping it into the product)

GASP!  So gorgeous!  I was completely floored by how perfect my complexion looked after using the F80!  I've tried so many other modes of application: stipple brushes, flat foundation brushes, sponges, etc.  No other method I've used has performed as well as this one.   Coverage was soft, even, and absolutely flawless!  What's more, not a single bristle was shed during application...something I seldom experience when using new brushes.  Totally exceeded my expectations!

Needless to say, I am beyond happy with this brush!  I was THIS close to purchasing Urban Decay's Good Karma Optical Blurring brush for my foundation routine, but I find this to be absolutely unnecessary at this point.

Anyways, to complete today's look, I did a natural, soft smoke with my new Urban Decay Naked palette using Half Baked, Darkhorse, Creep, and Virgin:

No lashes today!

And I finished with a happy pink lip using Revlon's Lip Butter in Sweet Tart:

Overall look:

That's MAC Powder Blush in Mocha on my cheeks, btw.

I'd say I'm pretty pleased with my FOTD!  Hope everyone enjoys a safe and happy new year!  Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Hugs,
Cat

FFOTD!

FFOTD...is there such thing?  Well, if there isn't, there is now!  Face AND fashion of the day!  Got a busy day ahead of me and thought I'd do something simple, but spectacular!  Well...I wouldn't call myself spectacular, but I like using alliteration. :)  So I went for my favorite go-to look of the summer, neutral eyes with a color-pop lip:

Yes, I'm still in my sleep tee...lol!

Gawd!  My hair is getting so unmanageably LONG!  Which is why I'm off to Danny's for a haircut today.  Will post my new 'do tonight! :D  But, anyhoo...here's the breakdown of today's makeup look:

FACE

Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Bright Fit in Honey Beige

(been slow to post the review on this...sorry!)

BROWS

Etude House Drawing Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Gray

EYES

Coastal Scents 28 Neutral Palette

CHEEKS
ELF Studio Blush in Pink Passion

LIPS

Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

Feelin' kinda blah today because the weather is on the cooler side...below 70 degrees F, so I figured I'd liven things up with some colorful denim:

As you can see, my fashion photographer has been too busy to fulfill his duties as of late, so you guys are going to have to bear with these self-shots via iPhone for awhile, lol.  Hope you don't mind!  The cami and cardigan are from Hollister, mint denim (although they look more aqua here) is from ASOS Petite Collection, and the linen bow slingback heels are by Rampage.

Hope everyone's having a good hump day (Wednesday) so far!  Can't wait to show off the new hair later!

Hugs,

Cat

Revlon Lip Butters

I like keeping my pout soft and moisturized...almost nothing feels more aggravating to me than dry, cracked lips!  My moisturizer of choice for dry lips is Aquaphor, hands down, but you know how I love color!  Therefore you can imagine how I've been dying to try Revlon Color Burst Lip Butters.  Yeah, I know they've been around for awhile, but I found it difficult to justify purchasing while I have so much makeup I haven't been able to get to yet!  However, Walgreen's was having a BOGO sale the other day and I decided it was finally a good time to try!  I chose Cherry Tart and Sweet Tart:

The first color I tried was Cherry Tart.  It's a warm red shade with a hint of sparkle.  The formula glides on buttery smooth, as described by the name, and feels whisper-light, not at all heavy or cake-y like a lipstick.  I found the color to be more pigmented than expected...usually colored balms are on the more sheer side.  For me, I don't necessarily consider this a bad thing.

Today, I'm wearing Sweet Tart, a creamy, Barbie-pink with a semi-gloss finish.  Formula-wise, it feels just like Cherry Tart.

Haha, you guys miss this mug?  Such a lazy photo, I just got out of the shower and barely blow-dried my hair, but I really wanted you to see how the color looks since I wasn't able to get a proper close-up because of weird lighting.  Notice the change in scenery?  I'm trying to get used to my new bathroom as well, lol.

All in all, I'd say that I like the Lip Butters just fine.  They look and feel good.  My only complaint is that they seem to dry out quickly, meaning that from the moment I apply them, the moisturizing sensation only lasts about 2-3 hours and then I feel the need to reapply, even though they look just fine.  Maybe I'm just used to the ultra-moisturizing feeling of wearing liquid glosses most of the time.  It also wouldn't hurt to get a little sun protection.   Still, I wouldn't throw these out!  Glad I finally got a chance to try them! :D

Hugs,
Cat