Makeup Brushes | Moxie Reviews™

IT Cosmetics Jumbo Heavenly Luxe Powder Mega-Brush

December 3, 2012 by moxiereviews 14 Comments

IT Cosmetics makeup brush is exactly as it’s name: jumbo, heavenly, and it is most definitely a mega-brush! All of the IT Cosmetics products that I have tried have been great, and they have never disappointed me. A recent IT Cosmetics product that I tested was their Brow Power Pencil. Not only do I love it, but it was wonderful to know that IT Cosmetics donated a Brow Pencil to the American Cancer Society’s Look Good, Feel Better program for every one that they sold!

IT Cosmetics Products

It Cosmetics products are all cruelty free, and are developed with the help of plastic surgeons to include ingredients that make you “look and feel your most beautiful at the same time!” Here are some links for It Cosmetics:

IT Cosmetics Website

IT Cosmetics on Twitter

IT Cosmetics on Facebook

The product that I received to review is the:

IT Cosmetics Jumbo Heavenly Luxe Powder Mega-Brush

The brush was designed to give your products the look of an airbrushed application; diffusing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Here is the Brush in it’s packaging. If you click on the photo you will see that there is a label that reads Made In China. It Cosmetics assures it’s customers that it is 100% cruelty free.

It Cosmetics does not sell their products in China, and is certified cruelty free by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

The length of the It Cosmetics Brush is a little over 8 inches, and the bristles are almost 2 inches.

The ferrule, what binds the bristles of the brush to its handle, is very securely attached. (Before I knew better, I used to purchase makeup brushes that either immediately after unpacking would have a loose ferrule, or after a short amount of time, would loosen.) Now that I am little more educated, that’s one of the things that I check for!

As you can see from the above photo, there is a nice long rubberized handle. This makes it extremely easy to handle, and apply your powder, blush, and bronzer.

I hope the photos above and below, show how incredibly soft and, yes, luxe, the Brush really is. It has over 120,000 bristles, and therefore, is really densely packed.

The brush is available for $58.00 on the IT Cosmetics Website. Do I think this brush is worth the price? Yes! This cruelty free, soft brush is designed to last a lifetime, so you don’t need to ever purchase another one. It can be used for many purposes: powder, blush, and bronzer.

**UPDATE: Check out the Giveaway on Giveaway of this IT Cosmetics Jumbo Heavenly Luxe Powder Mega Brush! http://moxiereviews.com/2012/12/06/giveaway-of-it-cosmetics-jumbo-heavenly-luxe-powder-mega-brush/ **

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Disclosure: Product provided for review. All links are for your convenience only.

Moxie Reviews™ 2012. Content copyright. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner, Moxie, is strictly prohibited.

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Filed Under: It Cosmetics, makeup brushes Tagged With: Cosmetics, cruelty free, it Cosmetics, makeup brush

Real Techniques Core Collection Makeup Brushes

October 24, 2012 by moxiereviews 14 Comments

The Real Techniques Core Collection Makeup Brushes!

Real Techniques Core Collection Makeup Brushes were designed by Sam Chapman, a Mom, makeup artist, blogger, and sister of Nic (Pixiwoo). This is the second Collection that I have purchased. The previous Collection reviewed: your eyes/enhanced, Starter Set. I also purchased one brush that was not part of a kit, and I’ll review that in another post.

The mission of Real Techniques: “high-tech brushes and industry-quality makeup tutorials make you the expert.”

Ways to Connect:

Pixiwoo YouTube Twitter

Sam promises that by using the brushes in the Core Collection, your foundation will be “flawless.” Read on to find out my thoughts.

When you take the Real Techniques Core Collection out of the box, you will see the plastic (form) that keeps each brush safe during shipment and before use. (You can click on the photo for a closer look).

The Core Collection has four brushes, all of which are incredibly soft Taklon bristles. These bristles are synthetic, making them cruelty free. They also all have aluminum handles, which makes them incredibly lightweight. For those starting a makeup brush collection, I think it’s a great idea to have the brush names on each one. I have had the brushes for over two months now, and I have not had any shedding after washing; plus, they go right back to to their nice fluffy shape.

Click on any photo you wish to see enlarged!

The Core Collection’s panoramic case, a carrier/stand, makes it easy to set up your brushes, and to take them with you when you travel. There is a velcro closure on the case, which is great to keep all the brushes safely securely.

A toggle allows for this to be used/positioned as a panoramic brush case.

The Real Techniques 2-in-1 case and stand above.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the brushes in the Collection.

detailer brush: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition

buffing brush: ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation

The Real Techniques Contour Brush:

The contour brush is used to, obviously, contour; can be used to create a sheer finish. You can the contour brush use this to apply highlighter and bronzer.

The Real Techniques Foundation Brush is, as you can see below, pointed.

Due to the pointed tip, it can easily be used exactly where you want to apply your foundation, or your tinted moisturizer. You can get the brush into those areas that you don’t want to overload with foundation, such as around the nose, under the eyes, etc.

The Detailer Brush is a great size:

Because you should only use concealer where you need it, you want a small brush, with the right shape, to help you accomplish this task. Sam has reminded us in her videos that when you use this, you need to push the brush—in other words, do not drag the brush. That’s how you get more coverage. Do you need to add concealer under your eyes, or around your nose where you have some redness? Bonus of this is that the Detailer Brush can also be used as a lipstick brush!

The last of the four brushes is the Buffing Brush:

This brush can be used for mineral foundation, if you have a creme to powder foundation, to apply bronzer, highlighter, and to apply blusher. Finally, this brush has the perfect shape to set your concealer and foundation (with loose powder or pressed powder so you do not have any shine on your face.)

I believe that this Core Collection does succeed in having your foundation flawless, and I am glad that I purchased it.

Disclosure: I have nothing to disclose.

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Real Techniques Makeup Brushes by Sam Chapman

September 13, 2012 by moxiereviews 16 Comments

Samantha Chapman describes herself as a “makeup artist, vlogger, blogger, beauty bootcamp instructor, mom, and more!” I feel slightly silly writing about her since I bet everyone knows who Samantha (Sam), and her sister, Nicola (Nic) are! However, for those completely out of touch…Pixiwoo: Sam and Nic are famous makeup artists and sisters; Sam has been a professional artist for fifteen years. Samantha believes that great artistry is only as good as your techniques and tools, and that’s why she created Real Techniques, a makeup brush collection. Real Techniques’ mission: “high-tech brushes and industry-quality makeup tutorials make you the expert.”

Here are some ways to Connect:

Pixiwoo YouTube Twitter

I purchased two Real Techniques brush sets, and one brush that was not part of a kit. The first of the posts to share with you is the “your eyes/enhanced, Starter Set.”

(Click on any of the photos to enlarge.)

Notice the toggle at the top of the case

That toggle allows for this to be used/positioned as a panoramic brush case.

The Real Techniques 2-in-1 case and stand from another angle:

The eye definition starter kit has five brushes. They all have aluminum handles, which makes them incredibly lightweight. All of the brushes have Taklon bristles, which are synthetic. That means they are 100% cruelty-free. They are all very plush and soft, and after several weeks of testing them, none of the brushes have shed!! I also like that they all have the brush names on them for those just starting.

Below is the base shadow brush. This was the perfect size for my eyelid to apply an eye shadow base.

Here is the crease brush, which is perfectly shaped for contouring.

The accent brush was designed by Samantha for the following: precision detailing, spotlighting, highlighting, and smudging. Yes, it really is a multi-purpose brush and is able to it all!

As you can see from the photo, the eyeliner brush is tapered cut. It was designed that way to be able to apply your eyeliner very fine, or very densely.

The fifth brush in the set is the brow brush. It’s advertised as being able to easily define eyebrows, and I would agree. The bristles are just perfect to easily shape your brows.

I can’t think of any cons. They are priced competitively, and when they’re on sale, in my opinion, they’re a real bargain! Excellent quality and cruelty free. I had high expectations from brushes that were designed by Sam, and she did not disappoint. I love the brushes, and recommend!!

Disclosure: I have nothing to disclose. All links are for your convenience only.

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IT Cosmetics: Vitality Anti-Aging Collection

July 24, 2012 by moxiereviews 12 Comments

IT Cosmetics!

IT Cosmetics has a new Collection! That’s exciting because not only does it Cosmetics, by Jamie Kern, have “innovative technology cosmetics,” but it is also certified cruelty free by Peta!

Connect with it Cosmetics:

Website

Twitter

it Cosmetics generously sent several products for me to review.

These are the five pieces in IT Cosmetics Vitality Anti-Aging Collection:

Live, Love, Laugh Vitality Face Disc, Bye Bye Under Eye, two cosmetic brushes, and Vitality Lip Flush. Keep reading to find out all about them!

First to be reviewed: IT Cosmetics Live, Love, Laugh Vitality Face Disc:

As I pulled the large disc out of the box, I was happy to see that it is enclosed in extra cardboard (white, pictured below) so that not only did my bronzer, blush, and illuminator arrive safely, but the large mirror was unbroken!

Live, Love, Laugh Vitality Face Disk is a waterproof anti-aging matte bronzer, brightening blush tint, and radiance illuminator:

It Cosmetics Vitality Face Disc is quite large in size (22.22 g 0.78 oz.), and includes a large mirror inside. It is infused with anti-aging, hydrating ingredients. The disc has hydrolyzed collagen, peptides & drops of light™ technology, plus vitamins A, C, E, grapeseed, green tea, slim and aloe.

Ingredients: Mica, Dimethicone, Magnesium Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis (Leaf) Extract (Green Tea Extract), Collagen Amino Acids, Acai. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Black Iron Oxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Red Iron Oxide, Manganese Violet, Ultramarines, Mica Iron Oxides, Mica Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide.

This is free of: talc, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, and phthalates. It is hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. Those wishing to avoid “cones” should note that there is dimethicone in this product.

How do you use IT Cosmetics Vitality Face Disc?

Full directions, with a color diagram, are given on the back of the box.

You can use the Jumbo Mega Luxe Powder Brush (reviewed later in the post), and apply the bronzer to those areas of your face that you would like a little more color. For example, you can use the bronzer for color across your forehead, nose and chin; also the bronzer is excellent to put underneath your cheekbones and your jawline for dimension.

Use the luminating radiance powder on the areas of your face where you want light and illumination; this would be along the top-side of your cheek bones and your brow bones.

The vitality blush may be applied to the apples of your cheeks for a really nice looking glow.

If you want a little shimmer in your bronzer, you just have to swirl your brush in both the matte bronzer, and the laminating powder.

I love that this is waterproof, and that, when applied correctly, is sure to give your face, as advertised, “a naturally pretty glow of health and vitality to your face….” I’ve always read that using bronzer is the secret to always having a youthful glow, and it Cosmetics Vitality Disc will most certainly help you to achieve that. I would completely agree with it Cosmetics that the Vitality Face Disc is an “all-in-one makeup must-have.”

The second product I received to review: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye

Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Vitamin K & Collagen Concealer was created to be a full coverage concealer, one that would allow someone to use it and say, “bye – bye” to under eye issues. What’s great about Bye Bye Under Eye? Find a color match, and you have a waterproof formula that will not budge. It contains Vitamins K, A, C, E and Collagen, which it Cosmetics has written has been “clinically proven to reduce under eye puffiness and discoloration while strengthening the delicate skin of the under eye area.”

It is hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. Make sure you do your usual morning routine of moisturizing, and sunscreen, etc., and then pat the tiniest amount on areas that you want covered. When I write the tiniest, I mean it. This will cover an amazing amount with the smallest drop. Put a little bit of powder over it, and you’re set. It won’t come off until you remove it. Really great formula!

To help you with your color choice, the above photo is courtesy of it Cosmetics, as I only can describe the light color. I have a very fair complexion; therefore, light worked perfectly for me. However, as you can see, the medium would work for 70% of skin tones.

Bye Bye Under Eye has been a bestseller product for it Cosmetics, and now a super-size (1 oz.) is available! I just can’t imagine how long it is going to last. You need just a drop of the product to cover a lot of area, so to have this super size is incredible.

IT Cosmetics: Cosmetic Brushes!

Heavenly Luxe Ultra-Plush Jumbo Powder Brush and Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Concealer/Foundation Brush

The makeup brushes arrived nicely package in a tube, and they quickly fluffed right out and felt unbelievably soft. If you notice the label on the top brush container (there is also one on the container below that is not showing) it reads: Made in China.

However! I emailed it Cosmetics, and they have assured me, in writing, “Our brushes and all of our products are cruelty free. Our brushes are made of cruelty free synthetic hair and we never test on animals.”

So, admire away! The top brush is the Jumbo Mega Luxe Powder Brush. It really is luxe; there are more than 120,000 hairs used to create this brush.

The Dual Airbrush Foundation/Concealer Brush will help you achieve a flawless application.

Not only do I love that the brushes are cruelty free and animal free, but I would never know that they are synthetic. They are beautifully made, of nice weight, and I had no issues with losing any of the hairs on the brushes.

The fifth product in IT Cosmetics Vitality Anti-Aging Collection:

Do you just want a “flush of color on your lips?” Then check out it Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush in Je Ne Sais Quoi.

The color is a sheer pink, and here’s a swatch:

Vitality Lip Flush is a 4-in-1 Natural Anti-Aging Lipstick Stains that will take the place of four products: lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and lip stain. The all natural formula contains plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe and jojoba. anti-aging anti-oxidants including Vitamins A, C, E, Acai, Green Tea and White Tea to protect and ward off free-radicals. It was incredibly hydrating and the color for me was really beautiful. I love that it really is just a little bit of color, and is perfect for my skin tone!

Vitality Lip Flush is free of talc, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, and phthalate free. It’s also hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.

I will have a post to remind you, but all of the above products will be available for one day only on Friday, July 27th, exclusively at QVC. Total retail value of the TSV (Today’s Special Value) is $236.00. The TSV price on July 27th will be $59.94

Disclosure: Products sent for review. All links are for your convenience only!

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Filed Under: blush tint, Bye Bye Under Eye, concealer, It Cosmetics, Jamie Kern, Laugh Vitality Face Disc, lip stain, makeup brushes, matte bronzer, radiance illuminator, Vitality Lip Flush Tagged With: anti-aging, Cosmetics, it Cosmetics, makeup, makeup brushes

It Cosmetics No-Tug Dual Eyeshadow Brush

March 1, 2012 by moxiereviews 12 Comments

Did you know that I love makeup brushes? It Cosmetics must have known, and that’s why they sent the following brush to me for review:

Connect with It Cosmetics

Twitter

Facebook

This is It Cosmetics’ No-Tug Heavenly Luxe Dual Eyeshadow Brush. It Cosmetics has designed this cruelty-free crease and smudge liner brush so you can have a “flawless, airbrushed” application every time.

Why is “no-tug” important?

You are not supposed to be tugging and/or tugging on your very delicate eyelids while you’re applying eyeshadow. It can promote collagen-breakdown, which eventually may lead to sagging of your skin. Even if you don’t feel you have to worry about that, it’s your eye, so you should be gentle!

Since you’re not able to pick it up and feel it, I’ll describe it for you. The brush “hairs” are very luxurious, very soft. The handle is rubberized, which makes it easy to grip and apply eyeshadow.

I enlarged the two ends of the brushes so you could get a better look at them. Click on each picture to enlarge more.

To use, It Comsetics suggests:

Swirl the brush into your pressed or loose eyeshadow and softly apply in sweeping motions over your lid

Use the large, flat-side for all over shadow and eye lid application

Use the “no-tug” crease brush by turning the large end sideways, using back-and-forth windshield-wiper like motions

Use the smaller smudge brush end below your lower lash line for a thick or think airbrushed liner effect

It Cosmetics’ No-Tug Heavenly Luxe Dual Eyeshadow Brush is high-quality, and most certainly a luxe multi-tasker. I recommend!

Cost is US $24.00

Availabilty: QVC and QVC It Cosmetics http://www.itcosmetics.com and The Shopping Channel

Disclosure: The brush was provided for review. All links are for your convenience only!

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Moxie Reviews™ 2012. Content copyright. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner, Moxie, is strictly prohibited.

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