Talk About Tools - Tarte LE Magic Wands Brush Set

I’ve said it so many times now that I’m sure you all know it really well, but I’ll say it again – I love beauty tools! Seriously, I don’t feel like I can ever have too many makeup brushes. It’s not super logical because how many cosmetic brushes can one girl use? Right? But the truth is, I get really, really excited about brushes and I can’t help but collect them and when I saw the latest Tarte launch I couldn’t help but put them in my cart on Sephora.com and hit that checkout button.

If you’re unsure of what I’m talking about then let me introduce you to the limited edition Magic Wands Brush Set. Whether you’re into magic and unicorns or not you absolutely cannot deny that these particular tools are wondrous. I’ve seen them all over YouTube, Instagram, and the Blogosphere since they launched and I tried, maybe   not very hard, to resist but I obviously couldn’t for long. They’re so beautiful and they make me happy, so why not?

I wanted to get this review up pretty quickly since they’re limited edition and I didn’t want any of you who want to pick up your own set to miss out.

This set is vegan-friendly and completely cruelty-free, the bristles of the brushes are synthetic so you can rest assured that no real unicorns were harmed in creating these beauties. You get 5 brushes fit for any princess packaged in unicorn tissue paper and a lovely box. These would make a great gift for someone who needs a little magic in their life! You could easily gift these to a makeup beginner, a brush hoarder or anyone in between because I can’t see these not being a huge hit!

Each brush has a lovely golden unicorn horn handle and colored hair. You get a magenta contour brush, pink powder brush, green blending eyeshadow brush, blue shading eyeshadow brush and purple liquid foundation brush. 

They are extremely lightweight and the shape of the handle makes them very easy to work with. Each brush is beautifully shaped and super soft. There is no sign of shedding and the color doesn’t bleed, even when washed with soap and warm water. I love the shape of each brush and find that I can create an entire look using only this set. This collection is pretty much perfect and I can’t find a single bad word to say about these little gems.

You can find them on Tarte.com or at Sephora, online or in store.

Be sure to let me know what you think of these brushes! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think they’re as awesome as I do or are they too silly for you? 

(FTC: I paid for these with my own money. I am not being compensated for this post. None of the links are affiliate links)

Talk About Beauty Tools - Real Techniques Bold Metals

I really, really, really, really, really, really, really love makeup brushes. Really! Honestly, I probably have more brushes than any one human being could ever and would ever need, but I love them so much that I always add a brush or two to birthday and Christmas wish lists. Beauty tools in general are some of my favorite things and I can never get enough.

I have a lot of brands that I like and Real Techniques is definitely in the top 3, along with Japonesque and Jane Iredale. I love their regular line of brushes but have been recently been smitten with their Bold Metals line. When the line first came out I was really excited about the brushes but their price tags made me shake my head and pass on adding them to my cart. My parents surprised me with one of the brushes (the 301 Contour) over the summer when they were in Portland (for my Dad’s Bone Marrow Transplant) and I was home taking care of the furry little children and I fell hard for the super luxe brush and even harder when I received a set for Christmas.

These brushes are not your standard lightweight cosmetic tools. They have tapered tips,

weighted handles that feel substantial and heavy duty as well as the most beautiful, soft synthetic bristles. They look and feel luxurious and I really like them.

The limited edition kit I received for Christmas (but is still available at Ulta) came with an Angled Powder Brush, Oval Shadow Eye Brush, and Tapered Blush Brush. It also came with a little clutch bag but the brushes don’t actually fit in the bag, which is fine because I don’t want to hide these beauties away!

Each brush can be used for many different purposes. They work so incredibly well with any product you use, cream, liquid, powder, whatever! They also wash beautifully. They are such high quality brushes and like I said – I’m smitten! They also offer an interesting array of brush shapes and sizes unlike those from other brands. They are very unique and get the job done while being fun to use.

I really like the 301 Flat Contour Brush for applying foundation or concealer. It kind of acts like a regular paint brush but also buffs product in seamlessly for a flawless look. I also really like it for blush, contour, or highlight. Its unique shape is good for so many things.

The 300 Tapered Blush Brush has a small head that works so well for blush or highlight. I love the size!

The 200 Oval Shadow Brush is perfect for blending shadow through the crease, packing color on to the lid, or even using to set under eye makeup. I have also used it to apply highlighter.

The 103 Angled Powder Brush is huge! This was also exclusive to the set. It’s a great brush to use for powder foundation, bronzer, or to apply setting powder. It’s plush, large, and superbly soft like the rest of the line. I think using it to warm up my face with bronzer is my favorite way to use it because it is so large it leaves a really natural bronze behind.

Also, I love Sam and Nic Chapman – the ladies behind the brand. I’ve been watching their YouTube channel, Pixiwoo, for years! They know how to make amazing brushes.

Have you tried any of the Bold Metals brushes or have your eye on any of them? What about from the regular Real Techniques line? Who makes your favorite brushes?

(FTC: These brushes were gifts from my wonderful parents. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.) 

Jade Roller Review

I asked for a Jade Roller for Christmas this year after seeing them all over the internet and Santa (aka my Mom!) made sure to wrap one and place it under the tree. I’m a beauty tool loving kind of gal so I thought I would really enjoy it but, I had no clue how much I would truly fall in love with the pretty little green skin care tool.

I’m not going to go into depth about the history of Jade Rollers or anything, but you can google it to learn more. The one I have is from GingerChi and they have really great customer service, which is something that really matters to me. You can check out their website by clicking here.

This is going to sound quite dramatic since I’ve only been using my Jade Roller for exactly a month, but I have seen a massive, enormous, really big difference in my skin! It’s actually kind of insane. I have some fine lines around my eyes, mouth and forehead (I am almost 30, after all!) and a lot of puffiness under my eyes as well.

This tool has somehow smoothed my skin out so much and my fine lines, although still there, have diminished quite a bit and the (3) lines on my forehead have been reduced by at least half. The puffiness under my eyes has gotten so much better and I forgot to tell you about my chronic sinusitis! It has helped my sinus pain, buildup, and pressure so much. It’s unbelievable! I love how cold the stones feel and how it leaves my skin looking and feeling. I’ve been doing it every night and I can see myself continuing the ritual for years and years to come.

I kept this review pretty short but my love for this handy little tool is immense and I highly recommend it to every one of you!

(FTC: This product was a Christmas gift from my wonderful parents. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.) 

Talk About Tools - José Eber QuickShine Infrared Blow Dryer

I used the same dryer for over 10 years. It was pink and perfect and I absolutely loved it. I remember getting it the day before my family and I went on vacation for spring break in Cabo San Lucas my senior year in high school. We had to drive an hour and a half away to get to the airport and we had an early flight so we stayed the night before and did some shopping at the mall (since we don’t have one in the tiny country town where we live). We got it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It was around $40 and I remember thinking that was kind of expensive at the time but it lasted so long and was a perfect hair dryer through college and beyond.

Sadly, it passed away in May and at the same time I was offered the chance to test out and possibly review the José Eber QuickShine Infrared Blow Dryer. The timing was ideal and even though I was sad about the death of my beloved dryer, I was so excited to try a new one, especially from a hair genius like José Eber. I’m always trying to incorporate reviews of tools and other beauty related products to the Beautiful Basics roster.

 At $160 this particular model isn’t cheap but it works beautifully, leaving my hair dry, soft, and surprisingly luminous. It claims to dry hair at least 50% more quickly than standard dryers and while I haven’t timed my drying process (ever) I can verify that my hair is dried really quickly but gently without any damage.  It leaves my strands shiny and smooth.

The unit itself is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. It fits perfectly in my hand and easy use to hold up and handle. I absolutely love the size of this dryer. It’s small but packs a full size punch that can compete with any blow dryer around. It’s also fairly quiet.

Here are some of the advertised features of this blow dryer from their website:

- Far infrared light infuses gentle, healthy heat into the core of the cuticle - not the surface of the hair shaft like traditional blow dryers - providing high shine and smoothness.

- Never feels too hot, the Infrared Blow Dryer emits a cooler heat as it dries, eliminating burns and hot spots to the hair and scalp.

- Quick drying time by 50%. Even with a cooler heat, the QuickShine Dryer dries hair in half the time.

- Four variable speed and heat settings allow great control and adjustment ability for any hair type. Plus, a cool shot button helps set any style.

- Ultra Lightweight design.

- Built with a lightweight D/C motor. 

- 1500 watts

If you’re in the market for a new dryer I highly recommend this one. You can learn more about this particular model by clicking here or you can visit the José Eber website by clicking here.

(FTC: This product was provided to me free of charge for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.)

Talk About It - Face Effects by Spa Sonic

I'm a tool kind of girl, and I don't mean hammers or drills. Skin care and cosmetic tools are some of my favorite things in the world and I know I'm not alone. If you're like me and love a good beauty tool than you're going to love Face Effects by Spa Sonic.



Several of you have asked for my thoughts on Clarisonic and their Skin Cleansing Systems but with cheaper alternatives like this, that work super well, I just can't justify the cost. The Face Effects Face Perfecting Polisher works so well I have no interest in trying any other systems.

This facial cleansing brush makes my skin smoother, clearer, cleaner, and a lot brighter. This system gets my skin really clean, deep down to each pore. It also seems to really help my serums and moisturizers absorb more easily, which I greatly appreciate.



The Spa Sonic Face Effects Face Perfecting Polisher 6 Piece Professional Kit includes:
Cleansing Unit - which comes in several designs: Zebra, Cheetah, Polka Dot and metallic Gold and Silver
Facial Brush – a super soft bristled brush that cleanses the skin
Pore Minimizer – a grooved silicone attachment perfect for deep cleaning and tightening pores
Facial Sponge – a latex head that is great for applying moisturizer
Storage Case
Battery 2-Pack



The Face Effects Polisher is water resistant so you can use it in the shower or at the sink without having to worry about ruining the unit. This tool has two speed settings so you can pick whichever speed you prefer. It also comes with batteries so once you've put it together it's all set to go!

I think one of the coolest extra bits is the hard acse in which the brush and heads comes in. It's perfect for storing in your bathroom to keep it safe and clean. I think the case is the perfect addition!

The Spa Sonic Face Effects Face Perfecting Polisher has a price tag of $59.99. You can purchase this system online here and here.

Talk About Cosmetics - Red Apple Lipstick Eyeshadow Review

Way back in October of 2012, I posted a review of a couple of gluten free and glam cosmetics from a company called Red Apple Lipstick. Jay Harper, the man behind the brand, had a dream to create a line of safe, healthy, and gorgeous products made from high quality ingredients and in 2007, the dream became a reality. The brand is constantly growing and expanding to include more and more gluten free, paraben free, lead free, soy free, vegan and cruelty free healthy cosmetics that are made in the US.

While the company does include the word Lipstick in their name it doesn't mean lipstick is all they do. Their product offering includes: lipsticks, glosses, lip pencils, eyeshadows, a newly launched mascara, eyeliner, an exfoliating stick and a lip balm called Rallye Balm. They have an awesome selection of shades so everyone can find colored cosmetics that set their heart aflutter.



When I did my first review of Red Apple Lipstick in 2012 I fell hard for their eyeshadow in Twinkle Taupe. The color payoff, texture, and wear absolutely stole my heart and I'm so excited to be able to share my review of their City Starter Palette today. The company offers individual shadows that you can purchase, (they come in pan form so you can put them into a magnetic palette, which is also available for purchase on the website), or pre-designed palettes that come complete with a special Red Apple Lipstick Z-Palette.



For under $70 The City Starter Palette comes with 3 mattes and a shimmer in wearable shades; Porcelain, Iced Mocha, Brownie Points, and Espresso. This palette is great for makeup beginners, or cosmetic addicts looking for the perfect collection of shadows that can be worn every day.



Here is a breakdown of the shades included in the City Starter Palette:
Porcelain is a matte creamy off-white color
Iced Mocha is a shimmery taupe that leans a little on the purple/lilac side
Brownie Points is a matte medium brown that is described as a red based brown but looks neutral on me
Espresso is a matte dark brown

The formula of these shadows is divine. They are beyond creamy and superbly soft. If you're looking for powdery, chalky, dry eyeshadows you might want to look somewhere else because you'll be disappointed in these ones. They feel like silk or cashmere or any other luxurious material you can think of. They apply evenly and blend seamlessly. They wear incredibly well throughout the day, with or without primer. The color payoff is absolutely stunning. These shadows pack a serious punch. Fall out? What's fall out?



I also want to quickly talk about their Professional Angled Eye Brush and Wet/Dry Eye Shadow Brush. I don't know if you know this about me but I'm a big time makeup brush junkie, seriously. I love brushes but I'm actually pretty picky so I'm happy to be able to tell you that I really like these vegan brushes! The synthetic fibers are soft and gentle but firm and effective. I really like the handles as well. The Wet/Dry Brush is great for packing on color with the Angled Eye Brush makes a fantastic liner brush.

Talk About It - Benjabelle Brush Tree

A couple of weeks ago I received a Benjabelle Brush Tree in the mail and I have to tell you, it just might be the coolest thing EVER! A lot of you have been asking me how to take better care of your brushes and this is a total must have for treating your tools with the respect they deserve. I'm absolutely in love with the Benjabelle Brush Tree and I'm so excited to get to introduce this innovative product to you today!

Benjabelle was born in 2012 at the hands of Ben and Jan of Madison, Wisconsin. Jan wanted something to hang her cosmetic brushes with after cleaning to allow them to dry quickly and take up less space than if they were just laying on the counter. The pair sat down and designed the Brush Tree. Each and every Brush Tree ordered is handmade and assembled by Ben or Jan.

The Brush Tree retails for $34.95 and the shipping is also very reasonable. They even ship worldwide; you can find the rates by clicking here. It comes in three sleek shades including chic black, classic white, and pretty pink.



The Brush Tree itself is easy to assemble, as well as to disband for easy storage, and easy to clean (just wipe down with warm water and a soft cloth). To use the Brush Tree all you have to do is insert brushes from below, allow the brushes to dry, and then pull them through the top when they're finished. It's so simple, yet incredibly brilliant.



The Brush Tree allows brushes to dry upside down, which keeps water from entering the ferrule (if water gets into the ferrule it can cause the glue that holds the fibers together to break down and fall apart; it can also cause mildew problems). The way the brushes hang also allows them to dry to their proper shape. I can't tell you how many times I have laid a brush flat on the counter to dry and come back to a misshapen brush! You can even use it to store your brushes!



The coolest thing about the Brush Tree is that the special slots fit any and every size of brush handle. I have many different brands and types of brushes from short handled, travel sized, long handled, thick and thin, and every brush is able to be hung up to dry. The thinner brushes do hang at an angle but it doesn't effect the way they dry.

To learn more about the Benjabelle Brush Tree, or to purchase one of your own, check out their website by clicking here. You can also visit them on Facebook or Twitter or check out their Brush Tree Intro video on YouTube.
(FTC: This product was so generously provided to me for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated to write this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Spring Cleaning

Every artist in the world knows how important it is to take care of their brushes. Cleaning paintbrushes properly is crucial to their craft. The same can be said about makeup artists, enthusiast, and wearers.

Think about it for a second – bacteria, old makeup, dust and dirt; these things all accumulate on your makeup brushes. Do you want to push bacteria around your face every morning? I didn't think so!

Lots of companies sell brush cleaner but there are a lot of simple options you can find or make at home. You can wash your brushes with the same cleanser you use on your face. If it's gentle enough for your face, it should be gentle enough for your brushes. Don't use anything with acne fighting medications, exfoliators, or other harsh ingredients. It's important to use something gentle and simple. I've never used a bar soap, so I cannot attest to if that works in the same way or not.

Baby Shampoo is a very popular brush cleanser, but I personally can't stand the smell. Is that weird? Instead of baby shampoo you can use a gentle, conditioning shampoo instead. Something with little to no fragrance is best. I'm currently using my Earth Science Fragrance Free Shampoo to clean my brushes.

You can also make your own brush cleanser by combining natural liquid dish soap (I use Seventh Generation) and olive oil. Just mix them together (more soap than oil) and saturate damp brushes with the mixture. The soap cleans the brush while the olive oil conditions.

Once you have found your preferred cleaner, all you need to do is get the bristles of the brush wet under warm running water. Make sure to hold your brushes down. You only want to get the bristles wet. If water gets in to the metal part, the ferrule, it can cause rust, mold, mildew and other bad things. No one wants that! Once the brush is wet, work your cleanser into the bristles, kind of like how you shampoo your hair. Rinse until the water runs clear again. Once all of the cleanser is rinsed out, reshape your brush and lay flat to dry.



You should clean your brushes at least once a month, but doing so more often ensures a flawless makeup application, longer lasting brushes, and cleaner skin! Keep in mind that some brushes can take quite a while to dry, so don't try this hours before a big event. I always let mine dry for 24 hours, just to be safe!

If you want to quickly santitize your brushes in between deep cleanings you can spritz a little witch hazel or rubbing alcohol onto the bristles. Once wet you can wipe the brush on a towel, gently, to get rid of the makeup. Let them air dry and once they are finished they will be cleaner and sanitized.

Do you have any other brush cleaner recipes or tricks? I'd love to hear them! Send them my way if you do!

Basic Brushes

If you wear makeup having the proper tools can make all the difference in the way you wear and apply your cosmetics. Makeup brushes are really important things to have at your fingertips but there are a lot of options out there. One of my readers (and good friend!) asked me what kinds of brushes she should have so I decided to do this brush guide. This is just my opinion on what basic brushes a girl should have. Keep in mind there are a lot of different brush sizes, brands, bristles, shapes and handles out there. The one thing I always look out for is cruelty free brushes.



Okay, let's get started. If you wear liquid foundation, cream foundation, or tinted moisturizer investing in a standard foundation brush is a good idea. It's a lot less messy than using your fingers and provides a more opaque base. If you want a sheerer look, you can dampen the brush first. I find foundation brushes a lot easier to use than sponges although all foundations are different so some may work better with fingers or other application tools. There are a lot of different foundation brushes but I really enjoy the standard, slightly pointed brush.

A big fluffy powder brush is essential for applying setting powder. I tend to think that the fluffier the better for powder as it will provide a lighter, more natural type of finish than a more dense brush would. It's also great for giving your face a very light dusting of bronzer to perk up the skin a bit.

For mineral or powder foundation, I like to use a more dense brush. It picks up more product so it provides more coverage. My favorite is not very large, and the bristles aren't packed as tightly as others but it is much more dense than the fluffy brush I mentioned. It's perfect for evening out the complexion.

If you like to have a slight flush on your cheeks then having a smaller blush brush is a great idea. I have various blush brushes but my favorite is a smaller slightly tapered blush brush. It's great for giving the right amount of color each time and it is easier to put the color right where I want.

Another brush I reach for daily is my angled blush brush. I use this brush for applying my contour (or darker, matte bronzer) to the hollows of my cheekbones. You can also use this brush to apply blush or highlighter (although I like to use a spare eyeshadow blending brush for my highlight).



Speaking of an eyeshadow blending brush – this may be the most important brush you can own if you wear eye shadow. Blending is your best friend! Nobody wants harsh, unnatural shadow swept across their lids. You can also use a fluffy blending brush to apply a wash of color all over the lid or to apply highlighter.

Next up is a flat eyeshadow brush. These brushes are used for applying shadow to the lid or packing on color. They pick up more color and lay down the shadow in a more precise way than the blending brush does.

The last must have eyeshadow brush is an angled brush. Angled brushes are used for applying shadow, cream, or gel to the upper or lower lash line. You can also use this brush to fill in your brows.

What is your favorite type or brand of brush?