My Make-up Brushes & Cleaning tips

Okay I'm here for my make-up brushes.  As you can see, they're from e.l.f. again (but not all).  Yeah, I'm really really loving elf!! Just so you know, I've started to collect make-up brushes only this year - same time that I've been collecting make-up and majority of them are from you know where!  During my younger years, when it comes to make-up - I'm only addicted to lipstick.  Yeah lipstick and love to collect different shades.  In addition to my make-up history, I only buy pressed powder and only last years that I've started using BB cream (as introduced by my friend).  Also, I only buy mascara, one set of eyeshadow, and a blush.  Like for my blusher, I usually buy blush with blush brush - it was just that simple.  Believe me, that's all I have before.  So only this year when I've learned about elf products which are known to be cheap but quality products.  Geez, I just can't stop wanting more elf!!

To date, these are all my brushes.  I'm planning to purchase brushes for the eyeshadow soon :D. Well,  I have the following:

1. E.l.f. Studio Powder Brush #84003 - I use it for my e.l.f. HD powder; 


2. E.l.f. Studio Complexion Brush #84002 - I use it for my blush;


3. E.l.f. Studio Angled Foundation Brush #84005 - I sometimes use it for my BB cream;


4. E.l.f. Studio Kabuki Face Brush #85011 - I use it for my e.l.f. mineral foundation;


5. E.l.f. Studio Angled Eyeliner Brush #84013 - I use it for my e.l.f. cream eyeliner;


6. E.l.f. Studio Stipple Brush #8401 - at the moment, I try to use for my e.l.f. bronzer :D


7. E.l.f. Bronzing Brush #1805 - I seldom use it for my e.l.f. bronzer; and


8. non elf products like etude and generic useful brushes :P

My favorite brushes?  All Studio brushes are amazing and  I love using them especially the kabuki brush!  If you want to try elf brushes...buy from their studio line, really works best!  Sad, I'm not happy with their elf bronzing brush - the brush hair sheds everywhere and can hardly pick-up a product.  I hope they come up with a good one.  I believe that's their old line of make-up brushes and maybe its time to face out those old ones.

Here's more on elf studio brushes:

I also have their elf brush shampoo and also a good product.  Actually, this is not a must have to clean your brushes and just continue using what you have.  But I would also like to have their elf daily brush cleaner :) ...already in my cart and hope to have it soon :P  

Brush Shampoo Directions:  Cleanse brush regularly by massaging a small amount of the shampoo with water and working it through the bristles from the base of the brush, outward.  Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water.  Reshape the bristles and lay flat on a clean cloth to fully dry before next use.  

So just a quick note:  Just don't forget to first wash your make-up brush before use to remove whatever harmful chemicals.  And clean them at least once every two weeks.  And here's a video on how to clean make-up brushes:

E.l.f. Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara

I both used the wet gloss/clear mascara for my eyelash and eyebrow.  For the lash, I use it as a primer then I apply a regular waterproof mascara.  For the brow, I use it to set my brow and makeup in place (when I use brow/eyeshadow powder).  That way, it locks the brow makeup and stays longer.  In addition about the lash,  I noticed that my waterproof mascara doesn't break after long hours.  One time, when we went to the pool and I still had my make-up on - my eyebrow and eyelash both with elf wet gloss lash & brow clear mascara, I showered my face and wet my face many times at the pool without rubbing it and it stayed on and both didn't break.  I was surprised and even love the product even more.  The only downside is the bristle on the brow side - it is big.  Like if I put back the bristle the gel comes out.  That's the only problem I encountered. 

Elf Studio Cream Eyeliner

Coffee

Creates smooth lines that are defined and precise.  Smudge-proof, budge proof, water resistant coverage.  Achieve thin or bold lined eyes with ease. 

My first cream eyeliner and had never use any eyeliner product.  Though I use only brown eyeshadow just below my waterline.  I watched a lot of eyeliner tutorial before buying the product.  Well, I am an elf lover and found good reviews on the product :P

At first I had a hard time using the product with the small eyeliner brush (included in the package), its not because of the product that is not good but I'm having hard time to control my hands.  I know it takes practice but I can't do it as much as I want to because I have to wash my eyes thoroughly cos its hard to remove the product, so re-doing it is not that easy for me.  The product dries up quickly when applied and its true it is smudge proof and water resistant.  I chose brown because I thought it would look natural on me.  I hope in time I would know how to use it as the product seems promising.  

Update:  Yay!! I'm so happy I purchased e.l.f angled eyeliner brush so it made the application more easier for me and I love it! So if you buy a cream eyeliner, the angled eyeliner is a must have! :)

Elf High Definition Powder

The high definition loose powder creates a "soft focus" effect to the skin.  Masks fine lines and imperfections for a radiant complexion.  The incredibly soft and invisible powder is great for on screen and everyday wear. 

When I read the reviews on makeupalley, I got excited to buy this product.  I even bought elf powder brush with it as mostly had recommended.  Well to be honest, I'm not use to other make-up brush except for blush and eyebrow brush.  So on my first try, I think I put on too much cos the whiteness was visible.  On other days, I thought it was okay but when I took photo on my face - there's some white lines on my face so I didn't blend it well.  Like I said, I'm not use to the brush so it really takes practice.  Then after several tries, I believed I got it.  Its hard to explain actually but I like my face even better :d when I use this product :) It's like my face had glowed but no shimmery and soft-like (I guest that's it).  Hmm, can't explain further, but I'm loving the product on every use.  I must say to others that don't like the product...better check and read the forums / reviews cos there are plenty of suggestions of how to use the product.  Might as well watch the video tutorials cos it helps a lot :)

Elf Studio Eyebrow Kit

e.l.f. studio eyebrow kit in ash powder #81304

It has gel and ash powder.  It also includes mirror and dual brush applicator

Creates brows that are fuller, thicker, and more defined

Shapes and sets your eyebrows

Gives lasting color definition for naturally beautiful look

Directions:  Use the pigment brow gel to define and shape the brows with the angled brush for precise lines.  Set the color in with the brow powder and fill in with the blending brush 

for a natural finished look.

One of my favorite e.l.f products.  This is my almost everyday use when I feel like wearing just a face powder and highlighting my eyebrow.  The application process only takes a minute so I like using this when I'm in a hurry.  The dual brush is good and I also use it for the product.  The packaging is okay for me.  I like the shade, it is light and really gives you a natural look.  Usually, when I am in a good mood and have time especially when going out on weekend with family or friends, I'd rather highlight my brows with  brown brown/eyeshadow powder for more define brows and apply a clear mascara also from e.l.f. wet gloss lash brow & clear mascara (will make a review on that soon).  Well, if I want to be just natural, I use the ash brown.  They also have other shades which are darker.  Con: if you're in a habit to rub your brow please note that this product will also rub-off. 

Elf Studio Conditioning Lip Balm with SPF 15

Relieves and conditions lips with nourishing Vitamins A & E

My first purchased of ELF via online shopping. Learned about ELF products thru make-up video tutorials. Famous to be a cheap yet very good brand. Best dupe option for expensive products.

For the lip balm, I chose the shade of mellow melon over peaceful pink (available only that time). First, the bulky package really makes up space in my bag orgaizer/make-up pouch.  On the other hand, it is easier to find because of the bulkiness :D  It's a like a tinted lip balm and near to moisture lipstick though it not pigmented as a regular lipstick.  It comes naturally on my lips.  It does moisturize my lips, not sticky and stays for hours too.  I also like the mild make-up scent and taste.  The only downside, sometimes I noticed after a few hours of wearing it and when I re-apply with the same lip balm, skin of my lips pealed so I have to wipe my lips very well with tissue.  But over-all, I like the product.  In fact, I'm planning to purchase the other three shades (Romantic Rouge, Blissful Berry and Bombshell Brown) that are now available online.