April Beauty Haul

There's something that just makes me so excited about new beauty products.

I'm super excited to try all of these things out. Some are old favorites (Clump Crusher Extensions and Becca Ever Matte Primer) and others are things that I can't wait to use (Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, Beautyblender Solid, Deborah Lippman Blue Orchid, Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in RSVP, and Benefit Gimme Brow).

Sephora Gift Card Haul

Hi there!

For Christmas my aunt gave me a gift card to Sephora, which was pretty much like having a second Christmas in my book. See, I usually buy my higher-end stuff from Ulta because I like their rewards point system better (although, maybe it's just the Ulta stores in my area, but I always seem to come across the snottiest employees, so I definitely don't visit there for the customer service or their coupon policy), so I don't get to play around with brands such as NARS or some of the other awesome stuff at Sephora.

I knew coming into Sephora that I really wanted some new face products. As much I love the Garner BB cream for combination/oily skin, I know deep inside that the shade is just too dark and yellow for me. And I really wanted to dabble in some higher-end stuff while I could.

After talking to a makeup artist and getting my skin color matched with their new computer program (seriously, I have no clue how it works, but it was beyond cool to watch), she recommended for me the Stila CC Cream. She matched me to the lightest shade, which I would have never thought would match me, but I think it looks pretty good.

In all honestly, I had never heard of it before. In a week or so I'll give a better first look at it, but so far I really like it.

I also picked up some more face powder (she recommended the Sephora brand, which I'm kinda skeptical about, but I'm too lazy to drive to MAC to pick up more of the Studio Fix powder).

Two total random things I never intended on buying were the Josie Maran Bear Naked nail polish removing wipes and Deborah Lippmann's Daytripper. The wipes called me because they have polar bears and peppermint scent and Daytripper is a color I've been lusting over for just about two or three years.

Overall, I thought it was a successful trip to Sephora.

And in case that wasn't enough shopping, I then went to Ulta to do some more damage. I had triple rewards points for the week, and I couldn't pass that down (why does it seem every time I actually have a good coupon or deal at Ulta, is when I don't need to buy anything? I think they plan this...).

 

 

I needed a new Urban Decay De-Slick spray really bad, so  picked up another full-size one.

 

Everything else I got was just truly impulse shopping and the promise of 3x reward points.

 

They had Body Shop lip balms 50% off, so I got this set of three (coconut, shea butter, and mango flavors) for $6.99. Which means that I essentially got 2 of them free, which is awesome.

 

And this Too Faced Beauty Blogger kit totally called me. Mostly because it has a sample of the Chocolate Soleil bronzer and the Better than Sex mascara. First of all, if something promises to smell like chocolate, you know I'll be all over it. Second, I love mascara. And I love products with kind of dirty names (one of the main reasons why I own the two NARS blushes that I do, although the colors are definitely worth it even if they weren't named anything raunchy). And I love samples. So I snatched this up fast.

 

Finally, I picked up this Real Techniques blush brush because I've heard amazing things about their brushes and thought this was a good place to start.

 

 

Last but not least, I had to pick up a new floral/fruity body wash. And Victoria's Secret always comes through for me.

 

 

 

 

I'd say it was a successful trip. I love trying out new things and I think I have a lot of great new options.

 

Have you gone shopping recently? Let me know if there's any products I should try out? 

 

Summer Park Meadows Haul

Hey everyone!

My summer school classes finally wrapped up, but I’ve been super busy getting my life together and starting summer in between. But I did manage to sneak in some time and visit a dear friend and do some major shopping recently.

Pretty much all the stores I bought stuff from are ones that I only get to visit a couple times a year, if that. I seriously wish I lived closer to these (maybe it’s a good thing though?). Anyway, let's take a look at some of the fun things I got!

 

 

My friend and I went to the Vera Bradley pajama party launch, and the first 50 or so guests got a free reusable shopping bag! So that was fun to get! I also picked up the set of three cosmetic bags in Summer Cottage. It was 40% off and I really couldn't help it! I think the set of three cosmetic bags are not only cute, but super practical for traveling and makeup storage! Plus the colors are perfect for the 4th of July! (I adore the little daisies on them as well!)

I also shopped around at Lush a little. I had been in Lush only once before, and after sniffing around, I wasn't really impressed. But I decided to try out some products at the recommendations of the salesgirls there. I picked up American Cream Conditioner, Cynthia Sylvia Stout shampoo, and Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face mask. So far I've tried all these products out and I'd say I liked them pretty well for a first impression!
 

Then I went to Urban Outfitters and picked up a couple more of the BDG V-neck tees. I love the prints on them and I think they are so cute for summer! Both have floral prints and I can't wait to wear them.

And inside Forever 21 I picked up a brush I was eyeing a while back in my monthly lusts post and a little bow necklace that was only $1.80. I don't know if other people feel the same way, but I absolutely hate shopping in the store at Forever 21. I get way too overwhelmed with everything there.



 

Finally what's a trip to the mall without stopping to look at some makeup at MAC and Sephora? At Sephora I decided to finally invest in a nice bronzer (Tarte's Park Avenue Princess) and I got decided I wanted to try Tarte's blushes then many people rave about them. The makeup artist suggest I try Dazzled (which is described as a soft rose/kind of plum shade). So far I really liked both!

I also stopped by the MAC store and picked up another Technakohl eyeliner, which I'm almost out of. I also picked up a couple of eyeshadows in Jest(the one on left and wedge, the one on the right). So I'm excited to try those out!

So overall it was a fun trip and I can't wait to go back!

 

 

 

Bow Obsessed

Hey everyone!

Lately I can’t get enough of bows. I’ve seen so many cute pairs of bow sandals on Pinterest, but everyone I look them up, they are always super duper expensive.

So you can imagine my utter surprise (and joy!) when I saw these little gems. Can you guess where? Let’s try Kmart. Yes! For only $20 too!

Let me know what kind of amazing deals you've come across this spring/almost summer!

April Lusts

Hi guys!

It’s time again to take a look at things that I’m currently eyeing. It’s always interesting to see how my wants change over the course of a month. 1.



1. Essie "First Timer," 2. Euro Wallet in"Go Wild," 3. Mini Hipster "Go Wild," 4. Bow Tank, 5. Monogramed Bow Phone Case, 6. Naked Basics Palette, 7. Vera Bradley DrawerOrganizer

 

 

1. Essie First Timer

I saw this color recently on Youtube and decided that it looks super fun and pretty for spring and summer. It's a sort of like turquoise mixed with mint. Hopefully I can find this!

2. Vera Bradley Euro Wallet in Go Wild

As you know from last month, I've had my eye on a new wallet, hopefully in the really fun print Go Wild. I love the subtle leopard print! I decided I wanted this wallet because it is compact enough to fit inside the mini hipster. But let me know if I should match the print to the purse, or switch it up and have two different prints going on.

3. Vera Bradley Mini Hipster in Go Wild

This looks like the perfect summer purse. Hopefully I can fit all my stuff in it.

4. Forever 21 Bow Tank

I've been eyeing this tank for what seems like forever! I think it looks adorable! Plus I totally have an obsession for bows right now!

5. Monogrammed Bow Phone Case

This case contains two things that I love: bows and monograms! Isn't it cute? Plus, the price is really good!

6. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

So when I first saw this palette I wasn't impressed. It's pretty much the most boring palette that's ever existed. But right now I'm really interested in neutral, natural looks with my eyeshadow, so this seems perfect. Plus I need to use my Ulta rewards points, so I could get at least $8 off of this.

7. Vera Bradley Drawer Organizer

Recently I came up with what seems like the most ingenious idead ever: using a drawer organizer for pretty and functional makeup storage! And of course it would be perfect with this one from Vera Bradley! (Nate Berkus at Target also has the cutest little yellow one too for $18 less...)

I think that pretty much sums up everything I've been lusting over this month so far. What things have caught your eye? I know I'm currently obsessed with cute tank tops! Even though the weather in Colorado is anything but springy...

A Trip to Ulta

Hi everyone!

Yesterday I went to Ulta for a sample of the Macadamia hair mask that I’ve been lusting over for pretty much forever. However, I didn’t just walk out of there with the sample.

I picked up some spring nail polishes from London Butter (these are the first from that brand I’ve ever bought, so hopefully they are as nice as everyone one says they are).

Fiver and Trout Pout

 

And I randomly picked up a travel size of Urban Decay’s De-Slick makeup setting spray. Hey, it was at the checkout and my face was oily. So I'd say I had a successful shopping trip. And I'll let you know what I think of the nail polish, the mask, and the Urban Decay De-Slick.

March Lusts

Hi again!

I thought once again I’d share some things that I’m lusting over this month. For me, I always find it really fun to have things that I’m excited about or striving to get, even if I never get them (ugh NARS Deepthroat blush haha). So here is a bunch of things that I’ve been eyeing this month!

1. Old Navy Scarf, 2. Lilac Blossom Candle, 3. WildPeach Poppies Shower Gel, 4. Go Wild Wallet, 5. Macadamia Hair Masque, 6. NARSDeepthroat, 7. Old Navy Eyelet Dress

1.      Old Navy Bird Scarf

On a recent trip to Old Navy, this scarf instantly caught my attention. The floral and the birds in the print are so cute and perfect for spring. I can’t decide though between the neutral gray one or this beautiful, striking blue version. Ugh, the choices!

2.     Bath and Body Works Lilac Blossom Candle

One of my all-time favorite scents, I’m definitely looking forward to getting the candle version of this. Nothing screams spring more to me, than lilacs (seriously, when I have a house, my backyard will have these bushes all over them!

3.     Bath and Body Works Wild Peach Poppies Shower Gel

There is something about poppies that instantly makes me happy. I just love those flowers, so it makes sense this shower gel caught my eye. This scent is like the perfect combination of fruity and flowery, so hopefully soon I can get my hands on this!

4.    Vera Bradley Turn Lock Wallet in “Go Wild”

My best friend in the entire world gave me a $10 gift card for Valentine’s Day for Vera, and when I saw this wallet the other day, I was very tempted to get it. I don’t own anything in Go Wild yet, but I love how this print is neutral, but super fun with the subtle leopard spots. So cute!

5.     Macadamia Deep Repair Masque

This was featured in last month’s lusts, and I’m still lusting away. What’s keeping me from buying this is definitely the price tag. It’s a little steep. But like I’ve said before, I’m in the process of trying to grow my hair out, so maybe that will help me finally just buy it. I’ve never smelled this product, but I just imagine it smelling amazing. If you have tried it, let me know if you’d recommend it!!

6.    NARS Deepthroat Blush

This blush is a given on my monthly lust posts. I’ve been lusting over this since last summer, and I’ve still yet to buy it.

7.    Old Navy Eyelet Dress

Old Navy’s spring stuff is just so cute! This dress caught my eye both online and in store. It’s super cute! I tried it on and everything, but couldn’t decide whether I wanted to make it mine or not. I love sundresses, and this is perfect for spring.

L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara Review

Hey guys!

With all the new mascaras coming out in the drugstore, it seems like I’m in a constant state of trying things out, without a definite favorite. About a month ago, I picked up the L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions mascara because I saw some reviews of it on Youtube that made it look like pretty much like the best mascara ever. Knowing that in the past I have liked the L’Oreal mascara I had tried, I wanted to take a look at this.

The first thing I noticed about this mascara was the brush. I knew from watching videos, that it was going to be a tiny, skinny brush. But what surprised me, which pictures on places like Makeupalley don’t really show, is that the bristles are so far apart. Basically over half of the brush is made up blank space, which I instantly was turned off about. Plus, when I put into the mascara, it wouldn’t fully coat the brush in those blank spaces, which kind of irritated me as well. But I went ahead and tested it.

The first few times I used, I was so disappointed! What I got was nothing like what I saw on Youtube (huge long lashes and tons of volume). I got short, very darkly coated, clumpy lashes. Not so pretty. I was disappointed that it seemed to flake as well throughout the day. Deciding to go back to the Rocket or my Cat Eyes mascara, I ignored it for a few weeks before trying it again.

Oddly enough, I used it and got really long, pretty lashes! This doesn’t make sense! Why is it so inconsistent? I’d still say that it was on the clumpy side (seriously, you can get spider lashes fast with this formula, so be careful!). When it worked, it was really pretty. But when it doesn’t, it’s a huge miss.

Overall, would I buy this mascara again? Yeah, I probably would. I've noticed that the key to this mascara is to have your lashes really well curled before putting it on. If they aren't you will definitely struggle. But I love the long, dramatic look. I think the staying power is as decent as other non-waterproof versions for sale. And overall, there are definitely more difficult mascaras to use out there.

Here’s the breakdown:

 

Spring Haul!

Hi everyone!

A few days ago I went shopping and picked up some fun spring things that I would like to share with you! I don’t know about you, but I love shopping when the weather is nice. It just has such a happy feeling to it!

The first thing I picked up at my college's bookstore. I'd been eyeing these guys since they came out awhile back, but I couldn't justify spending the $11 on highlighters. However, this week I dediced I needed some nice spring highlighters, so I went for it. I absolutly love the ones in Go Wild, Jazzy Blooms, and Midnight Blues!

Later, I went to Victoria's Secret, which is always a huge downfall for me. I love that place so much. Recently, I heard some beauty guru talking about Vanilla Lace, which is a scent that I used to wear like back in early high school. Deciding that I wanted to try out something new, I bought the shower gel in it. What I didn't realize until I bought it, is that is smells so much like Vanilla Bean Noel from Bath and Body Works! Maybe that's why I liked it? But as I've mentioned before, I'm loving sweet smells,. and this is totally perfect! Plus, is it just me, or does Victoria's Secret shower gels leave a stronger scent behind that BBW?

 

Also at Victoria's Secret, I decided to buy a couple more of my favorite things in the entire world: their V-neck t-shirts. I love love love these guys. Not only are they super soft and comfy, but they always come in great colors (brights, neons, pale blushes, and essential colors like black). I can't say enough great things about them. I love layering them under a cardi and with a scarf, for a simple cute outfit. I'd been wanting a black one really bad, so I picked up that and since they are 2 for $30 (hopefully it bothers other people that two months ago these were 2 for $28 like it does me), I also got a pretty mint green one. Both are perfect for spring! 

 

And since Bath and Body Works was next door, I couldn't stop myself. The first thing I saw when I walked in was this adorable plug in for Wallflowers. Seriously, how cute is this guy? Now I know it's probably meant to be daisies, but I told myself they are daffodils (which are my favorite flower), so that meant I had to get it for my room at school to ring in spring. Seriously, see that bow? And the yellow? So cute.

 

Also while I was there, I was totally sucked into the 2 for $22 candle sale. My logic was that at home for spring break I'd want some nice fresh, spring smells for my room. So I picked up First Bloom, which has the cutest packaging ever, I might add. It's description says, "This fragrant blend of peony, apple blossom, and plumeria captures the essence of the very first blooms of the season." It is one of the true spring smells for me (next to lilac, which is my all time favorite. I'd say the description is pretty much what it smells like: very flowery, kinda perfume-y, and I can must definitely smell the apple in there. I'm a sucker also for floral scents, especially roses, which this is kinda like.

The second candle I got was of course, Frosted Cupcake. I've been obsessed with cupcakes, and I thought I should invest in a candle to make my room smell like one. The description says, "A true food-lover's deligh-fresh vanilla been, sugar, cake batter, and rich buttercream frosting mix it up and create an irresistable scent." It smells truly like the best bakery ever. I love it!

 

What's funny, is the reason I actually went shopping in the first place was this dress. See, a couple weeks ago when I was in Dallas for my sorority's District Day, I tried this on at a Macy's for fun. I loved the color, the lace, and how it fit, but I wasn't completely sold. Fast forward two weeks, and I wanted it bad (mostly because I had pointed it out to my boyfriend who said it would look beautiful on me, and then I decided I needed it). So thankfully the Macy's closest to me had it still in my size, so I did it. It's the perfect spring dress. I just picture it looking lovely with wavy curls in my hair and my riding boots (or maybe my gold flip flops depdending on the weather and whether my toes are painted it or haha). I have an obsession with lace dresses. If it weren't already obvious.

 

Then the next day when I was hanging out with my boyfriend, we stopped at another Macy's. This one has a MAC counter in it, so of course I had to pay it a visit (seeing as how the nearest MAC counter to my college is 30 minutes away). So I picked up my absolutely favorite: Techna Kohl liner in Graphblack. And after using it, I remembered why I love it so much! It's so rich and creamy. It doesn't take any pressure to create a dark line. And it stays! It doesn't change to being a gray color like the Physican's Forumla liner I'd been using for about the last five months. It's simply amazing!

By the way, how amazing is my boyfriend? He knew I wanted to visit the MAC counter so bad, and even though he despises makeup (especially MAC because he thinks it's too expensive), he led me to Macy's, and patiently waited as I swatched eyeshadows and blushes. He didn't even complain a bit! Seriously, I'm so lucky to have him. Plus, he surprised me with breakfast the next morning! Boyfriend of the year without a doubt.

What spring things are you tempted to buy? Do you notice yourself shopping more when the weather is nice?

 

 

February Lusts

Hey everyone!

My life has been kept busy with school and sorority stuff! Sometimes that’s how it goes I guess. The wonders of 17 credit hours haha. Anyway, I wanted to share with you some things that I’ve been lusting over for the month of February. I love showing the products/things that I really wish to get my hands on!

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque

Ulta

So if you watch Youtube, I'm sure you've heard rave reviews about this hair mask/deep conditioner. It's apparently supposed to make your hair really soft and smooth and strong, at least that's what the reviews say. The one thing that's holding me back from trying it out: the price! It's $33 for just 8 oz. Target has a deal where it's essentially buy one, get one free, but I still don't like the idea of getting that much product just in case I don't like it. It's so tempting though because I'm in the process of growing my hair out (literally, I want it to get long as fast as possible haha), so I was hoping this would keep it healthy and promote growth.

Soft Neon Orange Infinity Scarf

Target

First off, I love scarves. It's a huge problem. I pretty much wear a scarf every day because I'm so obsessed. Recently I found pretty neon scarves (in the ever popular coral and mint colors that are huge for spring) at Gap. I walked away with the mint one for $20, but I was dying to get another in coral or pink. Well, imagine how excited I got when I walked into Target and that they had pretty much the exact same scarves, only for $15!! I instantly snatched up the neon pink one, but this soft orange/coral one is also calling me.

MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch

MAC

I love MAC eyeshadows a lot! Actually, I'd say that MAC is probably my favorite makeup brand in general. And recently I just got this urge to buy more eyeshadow from there. I've been wanting Naked Lunch forever, so I currently am lusting over it. If you have any other suggestions of favorite MAC eyeshadows let me know! I absolutely love champagne colors and I honestly think you can never have enough! I'm really wanting a MAC palette. When I bought all my other MAC eyeshadows, I bought them individually because I thought a palette would be too difficult to store, but now I'm realizing that I think the palettes are much more efficent.

Vera Bradley Sorority Shirt Urban Outfitters Chevron Duvet

The Monogram Express

Another thing that I've been lusting over is a new Vera Bradley letter shirt for my sorority. I found this site, the Monogram Express, that makes them and I have at least three shirts I would love. I also really like how they give you the option of an American Apparel v-neck. It's tough deciding between Go Wild, Summer Cottage, English Rose, and Camelia. I think you can never have enough good block letters! Now if only I'd actually buy them.

 

 Urban Outfitters Chevron Duvet

Chevron Bedding

 Anything chevron! Seriously, I know that technically design experts are saying that chevron is out. But I can't get enough of it. I know I definitely have my eye on Urban Outfitters chevron duvet for my apartment next year...

 

 

 

There Seems to be a Pattern...

It’s funny how when you love something, you buy thing that have the same characteristics, sometimes without even noticing it, sometimes, fully aware of the similarities. Usually for me, it’s Vera Bradley or dots, or lace, or something along those lines.

Well, on a trip to Kohl’s today, I picked up this super cute tank top. I love flowy tops, but it was the pattern of this one that instantly caught me eyes. Yep! Those are in fact Scottie dogs. And little red hearts. And Scottie dogs with hearts attached to their collars. I knew I had to have it. 

When I got it home and laid it out, I instantly noticed that it looked pretty similar to something else that I absolutely love.... 

My fleece Scottie dog blanket! I love Scottie dogs, and I especially like one that are red or black or have some sort of hearts or polka dots. 

I think it would be such a cool idea for HGTV to do a decorating show based on the things people have in their closets. I would watch it. 

Anyway, do you notice themes of things you love? Like Scottie dogs? 

January Lusts

Hey everyone!

With more time spent on Pinterest lately, and watching my favorite Youtubers and reading blogs, there are some things that I’ve definitely loving right now, all of which I wish I could get my hands on. With Christmas right behind us, and needing to buy books for the new semester here soon, it’s doubtful I’ll actually get my hands on anything of these. But a girl can dream? Right?

Anyway, here is the list of what I love right now:

NARS Deep Throat Blush

Source

This was featured in my November lusts post, and here I am, still lusting away. Part of it is that I haven’t been to Sephora in months. But most of it is because I just don’t want to spend the $28 on just a blush! Ugh! I keep telling myself that NARS Orgasm is working out for me, and it’s a color that many would die to try out too, so I should just be happy with that, but Deep Throat is still calling me. Maybe this month? (probably not) If you have a favorite natural MAC blush you love, please tell me! I'm always so tempted by MAC blushes, but when I swatched Pink Swoon and Fleur, they kinda scared me because they were so pigmented. So help me out here! 

Stila Kitten Eyeshadow

{Source}

So it wasn’t until recently that I started hearing about this eyeshadow, but now it seems to be absolutely everywhere. It looks like such a pretty shimmery color and I would love to add it to my collection! Only problem, it’s $18! That practically as much as the blush that I don’t want to spend so much on! We’ll see. Since Stila is sold at Ulta, they actually have coupons, so I might actually buy it with my $3.50 off coupon or something.

MAC Technakohl Liner in Graphblack

Source

This is another product that I talk about almost non-stop. This costs $15, which is a tad steep for eyeliner. But I am out of my Physcian’s Formula almost, so maybe that will be a good enough excuse to pick some of this up.

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer

Source

This is a new lust of mine. I’ve actually been using the Sephora Perfecting Primer for about the last 6 months, especially when I just use my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. And while it’s worked pretty well, I wanted to see if there is a difference between a high end primer and the Sephora one (which is pretty inexpensive when compared to other brands). I worry a little bit about if this will break me out or make me oily, but I do love Tarte and I would love to try a new primer.

Scarves

I can’t get enough of them! I would really love more infinity scarves (I’m so addicted to them right now). I would love to get a few knit ones, a gray, red, and black one, and this white one I spied at Pac Sun a few days after Christmas (which they probably don’t have any more).

Vera Bradley Double Zip Backpack in Island Blooms

Source

I recently checked out the Double Zip backpack in person and decided that after ranting about its smaller size, that it’s not too bad. However, if the Island Blooms Laptop Backpack ever is not sold out on line, I’d probably take that first.

Old Navy Rockstar Jeggings in Black
 

I’ve been wanting a skinny pair of black pants a lot recently, and I really want to check out these by Old Navy. I have a pair in the normal jean color and they are really good.

Chalkboard


Source

I’ve been seeing all these awesome huge chalkboards online, and I’ve decided that I need one. Well, need to build one. Only problem, how do I make my handwriting and drawing that good? This one from Littlebabygarvin makes me seriously want to have one! Plus, she is so artistic! I know my writing would never be that good!

MAC Studio Fix Powder

Source

So I'm pretty much obsessed with my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural. But sometimes, I wonder if I should try out this out because it offers a medium to full coverage. Only thing I'm kinda concerned about is looking cakey and breaking out. I don't usually have very sensitive skin, but I don't want to learn that this bothers me after spending $27.

Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm

Source

I saw these at Target in this big display, and I was totally drawn to them! I'm not a huge lip product person, but I feel like this type of style would be perfect for me! And the colors looked really gorgeous!

Covergirl Nail Polish

Source

This was also in the giant display at Target and these too were calling my name! The colors looked so lovely! The color above is Toasted Almond and it looks so pretty!
 

Review of Kirkland Makeup Brushes

Hey everyone!

Did you know that Costco’s brand Kirkland sells makeup brushes? Well, you probably do, because a lot of people talk about them. Recently on a trip to Costco, I came across these and couldn’t help myself. I’ve heard from a lot of different people that these makeup brushes are quite the steal, so I wanted to try them out for myself. Plus, the gold, champagne colored handles totally sold me too.
Here's a look at the packaging:

As you can see, it's a pretty big. By the way, I searched pretty much the entire building for it. I found it really close to the pharmacy, so it's probably in that area. I like that you can see what the brushes look like in the package (I always get the ones in the back because I think people mess with them less. I wonder if that actually works?).

Now we'll take a closer look at the individual brushes in the kit! There are 8 brushes total, plus a brush travel bag.

So first up is this powder brush. It's very large! I would say this brush would be fantastic with your are using something bronzer, since it's generous, fluffy, but not densely enough packed to make you look orange. I noticed a couple hairs shedding, but nothing obnoxious.

I was super excited about this duo fiber brush! I currently do not own a brush like this that can be used for wet or dry products. I have yet to use this, but I was very impressed with the density. I've heard complaints in the past that the Sigma version is too floppy to apply things like blush. But because this isn't too long, I feel like it would be a great job. I can see myself using this with blush, and maybe even if I try out a liquid foundation.

 Here is there large angled contour brush (very similar to my MAC 168 and my Sigma F40). First thing I noticed about this, is that it's kind of the middle ground between the 168 and the F40. The 168 has short bristles that are very dense! It makes applying color to my cheeks extremely easy and pigmented. The F40 is slightly harder to use because it's hair is much longer. It can be hard to sweep color because of the length (it just wants to bend over if that makes sense). The Kirkland brush on the other hand is a little in between. First, let me say, it packs color on fast! Using my NARS Orgasm, I was shocked that just 2 (yes two!!) sweeps of blush totally coated my cheeks! It's not as dense at the 168, but super soft and a lot easier to use than the F40.

Here is the usual flat foundation brush that is recommended to be used with liquid foundation. I have never used any brush like this, so I can't say for sure if this is a winner (I don't think a lot of people use this style any more for foundation, but I could be wrong! That's why I like powder...so much easier!). Here are the eye brushes that were included in the set.

On the top, if the crease brush. It's really precise and fine point. I didn't think it would be worth a hill of beans honestly. But, I tried it out with Snakebite from my Naked 2 palette and was surprised! It would be fantastic when you want to precisely apply a dark color to the outer V.

 

Next is the angled brush for defining eyebrows or eyeliner. On the end of that brush is a spoolie (is that what it's called?). I desperately needed this addition! I'm not sure if it's for eyebrows or eyelashes, but it has already saved me from a mascara mishap!

 

The third brush is a huge all over eye shader. It's huge. I really don't see a use for it for me personally, although they say it's one of the only synthetic brushes in the kit, so it could be used with like my MAC Paint Pot or something like that.

 

And last is the eye shader. At first I was super impressed, I didn't think it'd pack color very well. But it's been great! I love it a lot! No complaints! It does exactly what you want your eye shader to do: apply color evenly and quickly over a big surface area!

 

And finally, this is the pretty brush travel case it came with! I love it! It has the same champagne colored outside (like faux alligator) and a zipper around the edges.

On one side is has a pouch, perfect for my Covergirl Shimmering Sands or a few MAC single eyeshadows. And the otherside has places to put the brushes. Super helpful and great for traveling.

Overall, my thoughts on this set are pretty positive. Honestly, I don't think the brushes are remotely close to being MAC quality. But, the cost of this entire set when I bought it ($24.99) is the cost of one brush at MAC. But for the average makeup wearer, someone that wants brushes that are slightly better than ELF, these are fantastic. I would most definitely recommend them to anyone starting out with makeup and needs a set, or someone that wants an extra few brushes on hand.

 

Have you ever tried a Kirkland brand brush kit? What were your thoughts?