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

Shiseido Suncreen: A Wortwhile Spend

My skin is the Paris Hilton of the skin world: High maintenance, finicky, reactive and overall...annoying! I break out at the drop of a hat and am noticing some wrinkles I hadn't anticipated on dealing with until my 30's (at the earliest). I am truly kicking myself for not getting into a consistent habit of using sunscreen and advise you to avoid repeating my mistake.

Why was I so negligent about using sunscreen? Simply put, it was too greasy and made me break out. I wish I learned of Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA+++ sooner. This is the only sunscreen (and I've tried many) that is not oily on my skin (some find this more mattifying than others) and has not led to a single breakout. And while I do note a bit of a white cast, it isn't nearly as bad as with other sunscreens. I apply this with a foundation brush to ensure an even coating and to avoid that dry, filmy feeling it tends to leave on my fingertips. The cream version of this product (in a tube) is not recommended for oily, acne-prone skin. This sunscreen with an SPF 55 that works well for my skin type is a great purchase even at $37 for a 3.3 oz bottle.

In case you are curious, the "PA+++" indicates the level of UVA protection (the scale ranges from "+" to "+++") whereas SPF is a measurement of protection against UVB rays. The combination of the two makes for superior, broad scale protection against the sun. This sunscreen is water resistant and boasts of ingredients that improve the condition of your skin although frankly, I have yet to notice anything beyond it's superior power to prevent sunburn.