A Great Foundation Brush for Under $2

I intimated (in an earlier post) that I use a foundation brush to apply my Shiseido Sunscreen and this E.L.F. Foundation Brush is my favorite for that purpose. The fiber is synthetic which prevents it from absorbing a lot of (expensive) product. It features a rounded head with flat, elongated bristles that pick up a good amount of product and enable one to apply quickly and evenly. I have used the same E.L.F. Foundation Brush for several years now, washing it daily, without so much as a hair shed or out of place. And the brush has more than paid for itself as it has prevented me from using too much of the more expensive skincare products I own.

While I would wholeheartedly suggest the E.L.F. Foundation Brush for use with moisturizers, primers, sunscreens and masks, I don't find that its as good for achieving its intended purpose (applying foundation) because of the very fact that it does not absorb much product. In the case of foundation, all of it ends up on your face and makes for a caked on effect. Since I'm an advocate of the "airbrushed foundation" look, I prefer to use stippling brushes such as the MAC 187.

Image Source: Drugstore.com

Rimmel Eye Twist for Shadestick Users

MAC Shadesticks are generally used as an eyeshadow base or to create an all-over wash of shadow in a hurry. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative or have eyelids that are too oily for Shadestick, give Rimmel's Eye Twist a shot! There is a creamy eyeshadow on one side and a matching eyeliner on the other for only a fraction of the Shadestick price; Eye Twist retails for approximately $4 in drugstores. The cream shadow applies easily without pressure, dries to a shimmery, powder finish and managed to stay crease-free on my oily eyelids all day long (without a primer underneath). Unfortunately, the eyeliner side has not seen much action because it is too thick to draw a precise line. I have tried the NYX Jumbo Pencils and found that they crease without a base whereas the Rimmel Eye Twist does not. The color I own is Double Trouble: A peachy, champagne shadow on one side and a dark, coffee brown eyeliner on the other.

Image Credit: Rimmel (the color featured is Two's Company).