Beautiful Basics 5th Blogiversary

I’m 28 years old (turning 29 on April 10th) and since 2009 I’ve been living with chronic illness. I’m disabled and unable to live the typical life of a twenty something, but I don’t let that stop me from living a happy and positive life. Life is what we make it so it’s really important to keep an open and positive mind and to embrace every day and every moment. Life is short but life is also beautiful.

Beautiful Basics was born when I became ill. I have Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Migraine, and some other not very fun stuff as well. The original thought and hope when I first became sick was that I would get better but as time passes I find myself getting worse and worse. It was really hard for me to go from working to being disabled and unable to do much of anything so I sat down and thought long and hard about what I could do and what I wanted to do with my time. 

I have a passion for all things beauty and green living and I’ve always loved reading beauty blogs and watching vlogs on YouTube so I decided to try my hand at blogging. Beautiful Basics was originally a place where I shared very basic beauty tips and hacks but it somehow morphed into a natural beauty blog. I now primarily review natural and organic beauty products. It kind of took on a mind of its own and continues to change right in front of my eyes. I never could have imagined how much my little piece of the Internet would grow and what it would become. Something born out of desperation for something resembling normalcy and out of a feeling of uselessness and hopelessness has become a wonderful outlet for me to write, which I love to do, and talk about beauty, which I also love. 

The past 5 years of creating content for Beautiful Basics and being able to interact with all of you has given me hope and something I absolutely love to do. I appreciate this all so much more than you could ever know. I could have never imagined how many people would read my words or what companies would want to work with me. Each day brings something new and exciting in to my life. Each like and comment you leave me means a lot and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow Beautiful Basics. I can’t wait to see what the next 5 years will bring about!

As a thank you to all of you, whether you’ve been here since the beginning or if you somehow stumbled upon my blog today, I want to give you all the chance to win some fun goodies that I’ve been collecting. You can enter 1, 2, 3 or all 4 giveaways if you would like; However, you can only win one of the prizes. Each giveaway has a separate comment option so you can leave several comments down below. Each giveaway will be open until the 15th. 

There is only one mandatory entry for each giveaway and after that you can do as many or as few of the options as you would like. Be sure to check out the terms and conditions to see where each prize can be shipped. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

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Clean but not Green - theBalm Blushes

Today we are continuing with the Clean but not Green series and talking about theBalm. If you’re unfamiliar with the brand they make some really gorgeous, fun, innovative, and unique cosmetics and I’m particularly in love with two of their blushes. My Mom’s go-to eyeshadow palette is the Nude Dude palette from theBalm so we’re both lovers of the line.

If you’re a vegan these products aren’t for you because they do contain carmine but they are cruelty free, and made in the US. The two products I’m going to talking about today each score a 1 on EWG’s Skin Deep, meaning they are totally safe but depending on your preferences I suggest you check out the ingredients list and make the decision for yourself.

Each of theBalm’s products are housed in ultra adorable packaging with vintage looking ladies (or men) and are just so fun! The company in general seems to have a really upbeat and uber cool personality that is completely different than your typical beauty brand.

Up first on the agenda is BalmDesert. This beautiful shade is the perfect hybrid between a blush and a bronzer. It’s a rosy brown shade that leaves a lovely looking sheen on the cheeks. It’s glowy but not shimmery or frosty. It’s slightly sheer but can be built up for more intensity if desired. The formula is lightweight but longwearing and super silky and soft without a powdery feeling or finish. It amps up the cheeks but still looks natural and effortless. I also like using this on my eyes. FYI, the majority of theBalm’s cheek products can be used on cheeks and lids so you’re getting a product that pulls double duty. It applies easily and blends seamlessly. This shade is perfect for adding a touch of warmth and can be used solo to create a complete look that makes you look healthy and sunkissed. I like it all year round and reach for it often.

And I’m originally from Palm Springs so I feel a strange connection to this product for that reason. It reminds me of home. Is that weird or what?

Downboy is a really pretty baby pink that adds a flirty flush to the apples of the cheeks. I often use this in conjunction with a bronzer and love the totally natural and fresh look it provides. Like Balm Desert, this powder is so soft and smooth and easy to apply and blend. Their formula is beyond dreamy. If you’re a blush newbie or an old pro you’ll love the way these go on and how they wear throughout the day.

I also have the Bahama Mama bronzer but I’ve used it so much it’s not pretty enough to be photographed anymore. I also depotted it, which is easy to do with these products because they come in a cardboard package that is sturdy but easy to disassemble.

If you’re looking for flawless and finely milled blushes and bronzers you might want to check out theBalm. I absolutely adore the products I’ve tried from them. On my beauty wish list is Mary-Lou Manizer. I’ve almost bought it SO many times but until recently I didn’t love the idea of applying a highly pigmented highligter to my cheekbones but somewhere along the way I became of fan of the luminized look. 

Have you ever tried theBalm? Have a favorite product or one you would like to try? Let me know.

Talk About Lip Care - Kari Gran WonderWhip

Kari Gran is one of the beauty brands of my life. I love this line and their lovely roster of pure skincare and cosmetics. I also love what the company stands for and especially what they’re doing with their later Lip Whip launch, WonderWhip.

WonderWhip is the classic Naked Lip Whip, but with a little something special added to the mix, a hint of sparkle. Not only is this rich, luxurious, and shiny lip balm absolutely beautiful and nourishing on the lips on a daily basis it’s also helping to change lives and make the world a little brighter. 50% of all proceeds from the sale of WonderWhip will be donated to WonderWork, a non-profit organization that provides free, life-changing surgeries for blindness, clubfoot, and burns to children and adults in more than 58 developing countries.

This kind-hearted organization takes local surgeons in the poorest countries in the world and provides them with free training, equipment and financial support to help children, and adults, who need a miracle.

Like all Kari Gran Lip Whips, WonderWhip is intensely hydrating, nourishing, and soothing without being sticky or heavy. It’s perfect alone for a bit of shiny moisture or layered with other lip products. It is housed in the standard beautiful glass pot that all Lip Whips come in and is made with only healthy, organic ingredients (*Castor Seed Oil, *Beeswax, *Avocado Oil, *Camellia Seed Oil, *Olive Oil, *Sunflower Oil, *Calendula Oil, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, non-GMO Vitamin E, and *Peppermint Oil. *Organic)

You can learn more about WonderWork by clicking here. If you want to know more about Kari Gran and their products you can click here. You can also find Kari Gran on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

(FTC: This product was provided to me for free by the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Talk About Cosmetics - Pacifica Dream Big Mascara

How old were you when you first started wearing mascara? I think I was 12 or 13, and I haven’t stopped wearing it since then. Mascara is one of those life-changing products that you can’t ever quit using. Okay, maybe life changing is a bit strong but it is eye opening, seriously, and does a great job of making us look wide awake.

Did you know that mascara dates all the way back to approximately 4000 BC? Ancient Egyptians lined their eyes, covered their lashes, and coated their brows with a mixture of kohl, water, dung, and honey. Mascara was used throughout the centuries and in 1917 the first commercial mascara was created and put on the market. It was a not so healthy combination of petroleum and black coal dust. These days there a hundreds (maybe even thousands) of different mascara formulations available and luckily for green gals (and guys) like us every day more natural options are popping up and gaining popularity.

Because, let’s be real, who wants to coat their lashes in poo or toxic chemicals? I certainly don’t and neither do the lovely folks at Pacifica who have recently launched a brand new mascara guaranteed to give lashes length and volume without harming our bodies, being tested on our furry friends, or causing damage to our beautiful planet. As always, Pacifica products are vegan and cruelty free as well as free from any toxic or harmful ingredients.

The Dream Big Lash Extending 7 in 1 Mascara makes a lot of claims, but it backs them up. This mascara promises to lengthen lashes, lift and separate, volumize, condition, provide rich color, feed your lashes with a built in lash serum, and comes with a really cool 2 in 1 brush. You get a long lengthening brush that turns into a shorter more dense brush with just a simple twist of the base of the wand. This plastic bristled brush can be used one way or the other depending on the look you’re going for but can also be combined. The box suggests applying your first layer of product with the long side, letting it dry, then twisting the wand and applying a second coat with the shorter brush. You can then layer from there as you wish.

Length brush

Volume Brush

 I’ve been using this mascara, and only this mascara, and I’m really impressed. I have been applying as the box suggests and applying several layers. This formula leaves my lashes looking natural but plumped up, long, and richly pigmented. It never clumps and never flakes. It also doesn’t irritate my eyes and is easy to remove at the end of the day, which is important to me. It doesn’t drag my lashes down or leave them looking limp and tired.

Top photo: No mascara
Middle photo: Length mascara on left side only, none on right
Bottom photot: Both steps on both eyes

I have tried the other formulas Pacifica offers and I like them, but I love the way Dream Big makes my lashes look. I can’t attest to the lash serum factor of this mascara yet, but I can tell you that my lashes feel soft and extremely healthy.

Have you tried any of Pacifica’s mascaras? What do you think about the really cool brush that Dream Big has? Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

(FTC: This mascara was provided to me for free by the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Talk About Fragrance - Pacifica (+GIVEAWAY!)

While I’m someone who prefers to go be fragrance free a lot of you have told me that the thing you miss most since going green is perfume, so today I’m here to tell you that you can smell beautiful without dousing yourself with highly toxic and dangerous chemicals.

Pacifica has mastered the art of fragrance and has a line of solid, spray, and rollerball perfumes created with only healthy, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients. They have so many different scents, whether you’re a fruity or floral kind of gal, and you are bound to have something you’ll fall head over heels for.

Even I, the Queen of Unscented, has found a Pacifica fragrance that I really like (Hawaiian Ruby Guava) and don’t mind when my Mom wears their products around me. Each of their fragrances is true to life and pure so there is no gross chemical smell or lingering stench.

I was recently sent some of their lovely fragrances in the form of the Daydreamer Roll On Trio as well as the Hand Cream Duo.

The Daydreamer Roll On Trio comes with .33 oz Roll On Perfumes in Tahitian Gardenia, Indian Coconut Nectar, and Tuscan Blood Orange. This trio has a $36 value but it sells for $19. This would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves fragrance! Each one is travel friendly and pops easily into any handbag for scent touch ups anywhere, anytime.

Tuscan Blood Orange is a “sparkling orange, spicy Italian mandarin and red raspberry notes”.

Indian Coconut Nectar is a “warm, sultry blend of coconut and delicate creamy vanilla”.

Tahitian Gardeina is a “sweet, smooth and slightly citrusy aroma reminiscent of jasmine, sweet orange and tea leaves”.

My Mom is a huge fan of Tuscan Blood Orange, in any form, and loves this rollerball and it’s matching hand cream. She likes to apply it on her pulse points and wears it on a daily basis. This is such a sweet and fresh fruity scent and it’s really nice. My favorite, however, is Indian Coconut Nectar. This fragrance is so rich and warm but also light and fun. It reminds me of summer and I really like it.

I have not been able to test out the Tahitian Gardenia because I’m allergic, but my Mom has smelled this scent before and she really likes it. Since I can’t use it and my Mom can’t use it around me, I’m giving this away to one of you! Read through to the end to see how you can enter to win.

 The Pacifica Hand Creams are ultra rich and hydrating and combine an ultra moisturizing formula with a fragrance that isn’t overpowering. The scent is nice and lasts without being too strong. The tube that houses this hand cream is perfect for keeping on your desk, because it’s gorgeous, or popping into your purse for revitalizing and soothing your hands on the go. 

Have you tried any fragrances from Pacifica? Do you have a favorite? Let me know what you think about the line in the comments. If you want to be entered to win the Tahitian Gardenia Roll On simply use the Rafflecopter form below. US only. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

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(FTC: These products were provided to me for free from the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Talk About Lip Care - Favorite Lip Products

For the second post in my Lip Lovers 2016 series I’m talking about all of the lip products I’m loving (besides the lipsticks I talked about on Tuesday, because obviously those got their own post!). Keep in mind that I try a lot of products and like a lot of them, but these are just the ones I’m constantly reaching for at the moment.

Let’s start with lip balm. This one from Eco Lips that I kind of created myself is one of my all-time favorite balms. I say kind of created because they give you a list of things you can choose from so you make it but it’s still really just an Eco Lips balm if that makes any sense. I kept it simple and selected Sunflower Oil, Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Vitamin E. It’s minimal but it’s great and I really like using it. My ridiculous and over the top lips really drink this stuff in and I love that I made the tube purple and named it after my blog. It has a nice slip but isn’t shiny or tacky. It’s got a really lovely formula that lasts all day. I’ll have to make some more of these for you guys in the future. Maybe I’ll even make a tinted one!

Another favorite from Eco Lips is the Medicated Lip Balm. I use this every single night before going to bed. It keeps my lips looking and feeling so healthy and nourished. It’s a bit medicinal (it is called Medicated, after all) and I really adore this stuff. It keeps my lips happy and I can’t live without it. I’ve gone through 3 tubes and I’m currently halfway through my 4th. 

I also really like the Unscented Portland Bee Balm, which I’ve talked about a lot, and the Booda Butter Naked Lip Balm, which has also been talked about a lot of Beautiful Basics.

I have talked about Kari Gran on the blog a lot and for good reason. I love the company and their amazing products as a whole. I’m not going to talk about these too much since they’ve gotten individual reviews here, here and here but I couldn’t make a lip post without sharing my love for my favorite Lip Whips; Cinnamon Pimenta Berry Naked, Marsala, and Jolene.

Ilia Shell Shock Tinted Lip Conditioner is my signature lip product. I love the shade with all of my heart and the way it makes me look and feel. I always look so healthy and vibrant when I’m wearing it. The formula is also dreamy and hydrating.

I’ve been really into Bite Beauty and while some of these shades were limited edition I still wanted to mention them. I love the shade range of the line and the formula. They’re made using pure pigment and food grade ingredients. The Matte Crème Lip Crayons are so fun and easy to use and provide such a pretty pop of color. These 4 were part of a limited edition set but they have so many awesome shades and I highly recommend the formula. I also love the Luminous Crème Lipstick, which I have a cute little duo of in Fig and Date (not pictured). 

What lip products and/or brands do you love? Do you have a favorite lip balm? A signature shade? Tell me about your lip product love down below.

Talk About Cosmetics - Kosås Cosmetics

When asked what type of cosmetic is my favorite I would have a hard time deciding between lipstick and blush/bronzer, but I can tell you that I have a new lipstick love, Kosås Cosmetics. This line consists of four absolutely beautiful, yet totally wearable lip colors that I recently got my hands on and was able to take for a test drive. These square, black tubes house some seriously amazing lipsticks and I’m excited to get to talk about them and introduce you all to the line.

These beautifully formulated lippies are made in small, handmade batches in Los Angeles and are cruelty free, hydrating, long wearing and super flattering. Each one is dreamy, creamy, weightless yet moisturizing and provide the lips with a beyond stunning color. These look like a lipstick and feel like a super smooth lip balm. They also smell (and taste!) nice.

You know how my lips are crazy sensitive and highly reactive? These do nothing but nourish my lips and somehow all four colors seem to suit me. There is something really magical about a line of products that feels nice, looks great and seems to be universally flattering. They aren’t your typical high maintenance lip product but all four shades do something really wonderful. Nothing makes me feel more put together than a swipe or two of a pretty lipstick.

Up first, I’d like you to meet Rosewater. This lipstick is potentially my favorite, maybe ever. That’s a huge statement, right? But I mean it. At least it’s tied for first with my Ilia Shell Shock Lip Conditioner. Anyway, this pretty neutral pink is a MLBB (My Lips But Better) kind of shade that is so pretty. I can’t even explain to you how much I adore this color. Also, this lipstick makes my lips look really full and plump. It’s like I had a really fantastic plastic surgeon but all I did was apply some of this gorgeous pink lipstick. Talk about a perfect lip shade! This pink packs a punch that makes me feel so lovely and feminine. It’s easy to wear and goes with any and all makeup looks.

Undone is the perfect fully opaque and semi-matte not naked nude color. By not naked I mean it’s a nude but it doesn’t make me look washed out or ill. It falls perfectly between brown and pink so it pumps up your lip color without looking over the top. This one is also an easy color to wear that goes with everything.

Next up is Fringe, a fresh semi-matte red shade that is described as “earthy” on the website, but appears more bright when applied to my lips. I think I’ll really like wearing this one in the summer because it’s fun and does a great job of brightening up my complexion. It can also be built up for more intensity so it does double duty.

The final shade in the collection is Darkroom, which is the deepest of the four. On me this lipstick turns out to be the most perfect berry shade. This one is also buildable so you can wear it sheer like a stain or full like a rich lipstick. I absolutely love the way this looks on my lips!

I seriously cannot find one bad thing about Kosås or any of their lipsticks. I honestly don’t understand how I can love all four colors as much as I do but I guess I can’t complain about adding these beauties to my rotation. I think that these four lipsticks make up a complete lip wardrobe and that’s pretty awesome. They each cost $24 but these shades are seriously worth it.

You can learn more about Kosås by visiting their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Leave me a comment and let me know which color catches your eye most?

Talk About Soap - Olga Bobbi and Company

Soap is one of my favorite simple pleasures in life. I love a good bar of soap and I really enjoy trying new ones! I feel like I have pretty high standards when it comes to soap and I was recently contacted by the owner of a company whose soaps meets all of my requirements. Cheryl of Olga Bobbi and Company creates gentle, nourishing, cruelty free bars of soap (and other products) that are a pleasure to suds up with.

The first thing I need to mention before I start talking about the company and their product lineup is that Cheryl is so kind. She checked out my blog and noticed that I’m incredibly sensitive to scent so she sent me only unscented products. I was incredibly touched by that and that sort of attention to detail makes me fall hard for companies. Good customer service matters to me. A lot.

Anyway, Cheryl started making soap 17 years ago to help her infant daughter with eczema with natural ingredients and has been making soap with fresh herbs, essential oils, spices, seeds, clays, salts, coffee and other totally safe and pure ingredients ever since. You’ll never find anything artificial or toxic in any Olga Bobbi product. Each bar is made in a small batch, cold pressed, hand cut, and cured for at least 6 weeks.

Oh, and if you’re wondering about the company’s name Cheryl named it after her 92 year-old Mother-in-law.

I was kindly sent 3 full sized bars (Buttah, Cucumber & Yogurt, and Russian Poppy) and 4 samples (ActivatedCharcoal, Java Scrub, Bliss and Oh Baby) to try out and I’ve been enjoying them. My Dad took the Java Scrub sample because he’s a massive coffee fiend and my Mom is currently cleansing with the Buttah bar and I’m rotating between the Cucumber and Yogurt and Russian Poppy Bars.

 If you’re a lover of soap with scent you’ll be happy to know that the company has many options (without artificial fragrance) so you’re bound to find something you’ll absolutely love. If you’re like me you’ll be extremely excited to know that the company has 9 bars without scent. How cool is that?

Anyway, these bars are not only beautifully formulated but are also lovely. Once you open the simple, but super cute, outer packaging you’ll discover a gorgeous bar of soap with the company’s name embedded in the bar. Each soap has it’s own distinctive look and formula.

I can’t decide if my favorite is Russian Poppy or Cucumber and Yogurt but I can tell you that I’ve really been loving them both. They’re gentle and nourishing on my sensitive skin (and nose!) but do a fantastic job of leaving me feeling clean and refreshed. They are moisturizing and hydrating and not at all heavy so you don’t have to worry about any residue being left behind. They create a lot of rich and creamy lather and rinse off easily leaving behind skin that is silky soft, clean, and conditioned.

I’m a big fan of the products that I’ve tried and the company as a whole. Check out their website and let me know which of their soaps sounds like something you would love!

(FTC: These were sent to me by the company for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Goodbeing Giveaway

If you have been reading my blog and the last few Goodbeing reviews (if you haven’t you can check out my reviews from December, January, and February) and thinking you want to try this green and eco-friendly subscription box for yourself you are in luck, my beautiful friend!

I’m giving a box away to one of you! This giveaway is only open to those of you in the US, sorry International beauties but there will be giveaways open to you coming very soon. To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

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February Goodbeing Box

Something exciting happened yesterday… My February Goodbeing box found it’s way to my postal box! Receiving a box full of natural and healthy products every month is so much fun and the theme of this particular box is “Love Thyself and Others”! I can’t lie and tell you I wasn’t stalking social media to see what other people got before mine arrived, so I knew a couple of things that I would be receiving but it was still a pleasant surprise to see everything in person.

If you’re wondering what Goodbeing it is a customizable subscription service with several different plans to choose from. You can purchase a subscription or a single box for yourself or as a gift for someone else. Depending on which plan you purchase you can pay as little as $18 for a subscription or $21 per box if you would prefer to pay as you go. Each month you will receive 4-5 trial-sized (and sometimes even full sized) products that have been selected for you based on your member profile. You get to tell Goodbeing exactly what you like and dislike in the in depth survey you are asked to fill out when you sign up. You can specify scents you like and dislike, particular shades of cosmetics you’re interested in, and what your skin is like.

If you are curious about past boxes and want to see what I received in my January Goodbeing Box you can click here or here to check out my December box.

By now you’re probably wondering what I received so without any further ado here is what I found inside my February Goodbeing box:
Me to We Health Rafiki Health Bracelet ($10)
Mullein and Sparrow Tinted Lip and Cheek Balm (Full size worth $22)
Bedrock and Bloom Smart Ash Teeth Whitener + Detoxifier
She Radiance Unscented Cream
Shea Radiance Intense Moisture Balm
Shea Radiance Anti-oxidant Body Cream
Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum x3

I’m most excited about the bracelet, which is gorgeous, and can be worn as a headband, necklace, and anklet as well. It’s really pretty and I’m kind of in love with it. Each one of Me to We bracelets are handmade in Kenya by women who are able to earn a living and provide for her, her family, and her community. Each bracelet has a different mission and this bracelet actually helps provide health care to a child in a developing community. I’m also really into the Smart Ash Teeth Whitener + Detoxifier! I first heard about this product a few months ago and have been really curious to try it so I’m so happy this was included in the box this month. I have only used it once so far but I really, really like it!

If you’re interested in signing up for Goodbeing click on the banner below and you’ll get a free bonus item in your first box.

(FTC: I am a Goodbeing Ambassador so I received this box for free. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Acure Organics Facial Scrubs

Acure Organics is an amazing brand that is perfect for green newbies and natural beauty experts alike. They have a wide selection of products for any and every skin and hair type and personal preference you can imagine. You would be really hard pressed to find a greenie who doesn’t like them, their stance on personal care, and/or their products. They’re kind of like the rock stars of affordable and healthy beauty. As a side note, you should also be following them on Instagram because they have a social media superstar who posts awesome and hilarious things on a daily basis.

Anyway, the point of this post is to talk about their scrubs. My all time, absolute favorite facial scrub is their Brightening Facial Scrub. It’s amazing. The scent reminds me so much of Tazo’s Zen Green Tea. It’s fresh and lively, and maybe just a bit earthy, with a hint of spearmint. It provides a powerful exfoliation, while still being gentle, that leaves my skin looking so fresh and radiant. I absolutely adore this green grit that is not too coarse, but still leaves you feeling like it’s getting the job done, and getting it done right. I use this scrub about 3 times a week and love the way it leaves my skin feeling. It truly is brightening and does an excellent job of making my skin look brand bright and new.

I ran out of my dearly beloved and ordered their newest facial scrub offering instead. Their Pore Minimizing Scrub is very gentle with a super fine texture and a sweet berry scent. I don’t see a noticeable difference in my skin after using this but I can definitely feel it because it leaves skin feeling silky soft and smooth. It doesn’t have much grit to it so I can see it becoming a favorite for someone with highly reactive, sensitive skin. I don’t really love the smell but it’s not awful, either. I don’t personally love the Pore Minimizing Scrub but I think it’s only because I love the Brightening version so much. I’m passing this one on to my Mom because I think it will really suit her skin.

Remember, something that works for me might not work for you and something that I didn’t care for might be your perfect product. Always keep that in mind when reading blog reviews.

I also want to mention that Acure has incredible customer service. I mentioned that I didn’t love the Pore Minimizing Scrub and they contacted me and offered to sned me a tube of the Brightening Scrub. How nice is that? I really appreciate and admire companies who have such wonderful customer service. In a world where there are so many different companies and places to shop I will always choose to spend my money at stores and on companies who are kind.

Which scrub is the one you think you would like most? Do you have a favorite product from Acure? Let me know!

(FTC: I purchased both of these with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not being compensated for this review.)

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.)