Boot Crazy!: AMI Clubwear, Target & Ross

Let me take a break from makeup and spend some money on boots! I went boot crazy and I still want some more. LoL =) Enjoy all the eye candy.

AMI CLUBWEAR

I first heard of AmiClubwear (A-M-I) from reading Pursebuzz's blog, and if you haven't been on YouTube lately, everyone is raving about their shoes. I've been eyeing their boots for a while and decided to order shoes online for the first time, but I was wary because I didn't know how they'd fit. Well, if you want a straight up answer to: Do their shoes fit true to size? The answer is: YES (but read my Gray Boots review). I'm 5' 4" and I wear a size 8. All the shoes I bought were also size 8.

At the end of this section, I'll also list a price breakdown of my AmiClubwear order and the code I used to get 30% off. Yay!

Also, if you were wondering, they ship from the City of Industry (Los Angeles) and I received my package in two days. Be sure to click the green links for more info.

CHARCOAL SUEDE RUCHED ROUND TOE LOW HEEL FLAT BOOTS
(as described on their website)
(yang-01charcoalsu)

• PRICE: $12.99
• BRAND: AMI Clubwear
• MATERIAL: Smooth micro suede (as described on their website); I'd describe it as faux suede. The inside material is a soft foam and the bottom sole is a textured somewhat rubbery material. The outside is very soft.
  
• TOE SHAPE: Very blunt, round toe and not like a typical round toe (like the other two boots)
• HEEL: Flat
• TYPE: Pull-on; there's no zipper so it's hard to adjust your skinny jeans inside them. (Folding up the bottom of my jeans before putting on boots helps a bit.)
• COLORS: Also available in camel, black, brown and fuchsia
• FIT: Like most people's feet, one foot is slightly bigger than the other so I fit all my shoes to my right foot, since it's a tad bigger. I noticed my left foot fits perfectly but my right big toe hurts just a little because it fits very snugly. I tried it with socks and my left foot still fits perfectly but my right big toe hurts a bit. I'm thinking if I break these in they'll be ok, but I don't know if a half-size bigger would be too big. I can still wear them, though. You may want to consider going a half size up if you order these particular boots. I blame the very blunt, round toe shape for this problem because the other two boots fit absolutely perfect.
• QUALITY: These feel the cheapest of the three. The hard part that hugs the back of your heel feels like cardboard and the shaft is just the foam and faux suede sewn together, but it's very "cushiony." If I try to pull these on too roughly, it feels like something might rip. BUT, for the price, I still like them. Don't expect these to be the best quality - their quite "cheapy." But they're still cute.
  

TAN SOFT FAUX LEATHER KNEE HEIGHT FLAT BOOT
(tory-3tan)

• PRICE: $16.99
• BRAND: ALBA
• MATERIAL: Faux leather but the really squeaky kind. They're a little noisy when walking and if you rub them together, they sound like sneakers on a gym court. It has the same type of soft foam lining as the gray boots but not as cushioned. There's also a cute satin ribbon detail on the top of the shafts that run through four eyelets. It would be great to wear in wet weather.
• TOE SHAPE: Round toe
• HEEL: Flat; rubber non-slip sole
  
• TYPE: Pull-on; there's no zipper so it's a little hard to adjust your skinny jeans in them.
• COLORS: Also available in dark brown and black
• FIT: Fits comfortably, even with socks. The pointier toe - although still round - doesn't hurt my right toe like the gray boots. True to size.
• QUALITY: Better quality than the gray boots but if you hate squeaky faux leather, then you may want to pass on these. But I like them. EDIT: Actually, I really love them now. =)
  

BROWN SUEDE CUFFED BOOT

(as described on their website)
(cher-80brown)

• PRICE: $25.99
• BRAND: Breckelle's
• MATERIAL: Microfiber upper; I guess it's faux suede but it's not described as such in the description. It has a cushioned, soft, fabric lining.
• TOE SHAPE: Round toe
• HEEL: About a 3 1/4" stacked heel; slants toward the front of the foot so it may feel a little different from other boots with heels towards the back of the heel.
• TYPE: Has a side zipper that zips all the way to the top - easier to put on.
• COLORS: Note- This pair is dark chocolate brown, not black or light brown so don't let the flash pics fool you. Also available in gray (I want those!), tan, black, taupe, purple and light brown
• FIT: Fits perfectly, even with socks. True to size
• QUALITY: Good quality and the best quality of the three I bought. I'd recommend these and I like the split collar cuff on the outer side of the boot. What I don't like is the bottom sole because it's a little slippery on linoleum, tile and marble. Go outside and scuff the soles up when you first use them. Final words: Love 'em!

FINAL THOUGHTS ON AMI CLUBWEAR BOOTS

I'm HAPPY! I got three pairs of boots for a total of $42.80, which averages out to $14.27 for each pair. Good deal, right?

If you spend $50 or more you get free shipping and I suggest you spend at least $50 because shipping was around $15 before I used the code: AMISHIPPED. Then I used a 30% off code: AMIUSWEEKLY30 (check Retailmenot.com) for extra savings.

I would definitely order from them again, plus, they have NYX makeup so you can add that to your cart if you need a few dollars more to get free shipping.

ROSS

I was searching around two weekends ago for these exact style boots - scrunchy, split collar cuff, round toe, high heels, black, faux leather and under $25. I found these Nicole boots at Ross for $22.99. Yay for Ross! I freaking love these and they're my favorite of the bunch. The pleather material isn't squeaky like the tan boots, but I still love those, too.

TARGET

These Mossimo Kaylen gray peep toe booties are from Target and are really comfortable. It has a 4" heel (wrongly described on the website), a side knot, a side zipper and it's made from faux suede. It's a little pricey for Target shoes at $29.99 but they're really cute and the sole is so flexible.

Target also has these sexy Velicka peep toe pumps (pictured below in the Wishlist) that I want to get, also. Ah, so many shoes!

OTHER STUFF

Skinny jeans are not Badonkadonk-friendly but you gotta rock 'em with boots!

I went to Burlington Coat Factory - which is just like TJ Maxx, Ross or Marshall's, but bigger and often better - and I got this tunic length plaid top with a belt.

At Kohl's, I got a pair of skinny jeans at the lowest price of the season - only $13.99. I always passed up Kohl's So brand when it came to jeans, but they're actually pretty good; they're not thin at all.

FOREVER 21 ACCESSORIES

I can't find this bracelet on the website but they have a lot of other items. Oh, and this is the same bracelet but different sides. It has turquoise, red, orange, green, brown and white in it.

Shimmer Flower Ring
The green one is pretty, too, but I wish it was silver-toned rather than gold.

EDIT: I forgot about my really cheap leaf necklace. I think it was only $2.80.

WISHLIST

Make sure you protect your new shoes with a fabric protecting spray, especially for shoes with faux suede. I like to use Kiwi Nano Super Protector spray and it's about $6 at Walmart or Target. Test a small area first to make sure that it doesn't change the color of the material, but I've never had a problem with it. I even use it on all my handbags.

Thanks for reading! =) I had to bust out in some Yoga poses, trying to not take these boot pictures through a mirror. LoL.

Copyright © 2009, Lady Lostris

I Found a New HG Mascara! REVIEW: Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof

A REPLACEMENT

I've been looking for a replacement for my beloved Max Factor 2000 Calorie Waterproof mascara, since they don't ever have BOGOs anymore, and Max Factor products will no longer be sold in the US early next year. Boo! I'm guessing Carmen Electra wasn't such a great help for their products?

Although 2000 Calorie Aqua Lash defines, lengthens and volumizes my lashes in one coat, the one con about that mascara is that it flakes, like many waterproof mascaras. But I found something better that knocks down 2000 Calorie a notch or two...

MAYBELLINE VOLUM' EXPRESS TURBO BOOST WATERPROOF MASCARA

• PRODUCT NAME: Pay special attention to the exact name of the product since there are 4 other Volum' Express Mascaras. Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof is packaged in a black tube with a gray cap and is only available in Very Black.
  
• PRICE: ~$7 - $8
• AMOUNT: 10 ml (0.34 fl. oz.)
• WHERE: Found just about anywhere
• BRUSH/WAND TYPE: Normal type of brush; not rubber or plastic
• BRUSH/WAND SHAPE: Fairly skinny with a slight taper at the tip. When viewed on end, the brush is shaped like a rounded-off triangle.
• TEXTURE: Smooth, creamy gel-like texture that's not as wet as Clinique High Impact and not thick, dry or gloppy.
  
• PRODUCT CLAIMS: Will give you "5X volume and builds instantly." "Speed Expand waterproof formula and Turbo Brush take volume up to 5x in one clean stroke." (NOTE: The washable Turbo Boost claims to volumize 7x.)
  

INGREDIENTS

THE RESULTS

One coat = one dip, several strokes (enough to coat all lashes). Can you see the obvious difference?

Again, with one coat. It looks a little blah here in this picture but the other pics do it justice.

Top view

One coat

THE PROS & CONS

PROS

• VERY MINIMAL FLAKING - This is the only waterproof mascara I've tried with practically no flaking. I'll get about 3 - 5 itty bitty dots upon application, but they're hardly noticeable and flick off easily with my fingernail or a small fan brush. That's a wonderful thing for a waterproof mascara. (Maybelline Full 'N Soft Waterproof flakes like crazy - all over my nose and cheeks when I apply it, after I finish my makeup, before I leave the house, and while I'm out. I'll never buy that again!)
• DEFINES, LENGTHENS AND VOLUMIZES IN ONE COAT - One coat to me is one dip of the brush with several brushstrokes.
• WATERPROOF- You'll never know when you might bust out crying so I always use waterproof mascara. This holds up all day without smudging or flaking, too.
• AFFORDABLE- This is around $8 or less but even cheaper when there's a BOGO special. Drugstore mascara is so much more affordable than higher end brands.
• SKINNY BRUSH - This allows me to get close to the base of my lashes without poking my eye out, like with fuller brushes. I hardly get mascara on my eyelids, either.
  
• NO FOUL ODOR - Has a very nice, decent smell and it's not stanky like Maybelline Lash Stiletto
• BUILDABLE - One coat gives you nicely defined natural-looking lashes, but you can apply two coats for a more dramatic look. (See pics below)
• EASY TO FIND - You can find this at all drugstores, Target and Walmart
• DOESN'T CLUMP - Hardly ever applies a glob of product but if it does, just keep stroking the brush up and it will brush right off
• HOLDS CURL - Doesn't weigh down my lashes and doesn't curl down my lash tips like Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume (hate that one!)
  
• SOFT LASHES - Doesn't make my lashes feel stiff or too brittle
  

CONS

• CAP DOESN'T CLICK SHUT - On some mascaras, the cap will click into place when you've turned it to the right place. This mascara doesn't, and I feel like I have to really tighten it or else it might not be properly shut.
• LASH COMB - If you apply two or more coats, you'll probably need a lash comb to separate your lashes.
• ONE COLOR - This only comes in Very Black.
  
• NOT ENOUGH RECOGNITION - This wonderful mascara doesn't get props! I've never even heard of it, either, until I bought it on a whim.
• YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary because mascara is that one makeup item that gives different results for everyone. So I can't promise that you'll get the same results that I did.
  

DRAMA

Two coats applied for a more dramatic look.

My lashes look much thicker and darker with two coats than one. Compare this with the previous pics. I'm happy with just one coat, though.

NOTE: I had no eye makeup on before or after applying the mascara except for a light shimmery eyeshadow on the lids, inner corners and lower lashlines. No eyeliner, either.

A shout out goes to my $1 elf Eyelash Curler. I love this thing!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I LOVE Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof Mascara! The name is too dang long, though, and I don't see the wittiness in the name. Why not just call it Volume instead of Volum'?

Anyway, if you're looking for a waterproof drugstore mascara, with a skinny, non-rubber brush that doesn't flake and gives you length and volume, then you may want to check this out. Just remember, I can't promise you anything since everyone will get different results.

********************

If you have this or if you try this, let me know how it worked out for you. What's your favorite mascara?

My Favorite Mascaras Ranked in Order:

1. Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo Boost Waterproof
2. Clinique High Impact
3. Max Factor 2000 Calorie Aqua Lash
4. Maybelline Intense XXL Volume + Length Waterproof Microfiber

(Hope you ignored my bloodshot eyes.)
Copyright © 2009 Lady Lostris

elf Studio Haul & Review: Pic Heavy!

(This post is hella long, so I apologize for all the scrolling you'll have to do.)

Three weeks ago, elf had a 75% off code on their Studio Line, so mostly everything you see here - except for five items which I ordered from before - cost me only $0.75. However, elf Studio products are still very inexpensive at their regular price of $3. Their current code (EGTWOSHIP) offers $1.98 shipping on orders over $15 for a limited time only. Also, you can sign up for their newsletter for more discount code information, and you can follow elf on Twitter. Another site to go to to find codes is Retailmenot.com.

Now, on to the pics, swatches, and review...

BRONZERS & BLUSH

Elf Studio bronzers are well-sized and come with 13 g of product. The packaging doesn't come with a window on the cover, like their eyeshadows and blushes, but this makes space for the huge mirror on the inside lid. And because there isn't a window to see what color you're looking at, the color name is printed on the lower front lid. (You already know that elf Studio packaging have that NARS-inspired look.)

Each bronzer has four quadrants of color, and if you use these colors individually instead of mixing them together, the blush brush is the perfect size for each quadrant. (I'll get to the blush brush review last.)

BTW, I use depotted MAC shadows as pill cases. That's what that is in the picture. =)

BRONZER PROS:

• Large amount of product -13 g
• Comes with 4 colors that are mixable
• Huge mirror
• Easy-to-open latch (just push up on it)
• Pigmented, especially the Cool Bronzer (use a light hand with the browns in that one)
• Each color can be used individually as a blush, contour or highlight
• Cool Bronzer (matte) has smoother texture than Warm Bronzer (shimmer)
• Oil-free
  

BRONZER CONS:

• Packaging may be too big
• Contains talc, which can irritate certain skin-types (like mine). But it's the second ingredient and if I use it once a week, then I'll probably be good.
• Hard to achieve the same color on each cheek when mixing colors together. Since the quadrants are so large, you might not get the same exact color on each cheek when mixing the colors together. If it was designed in a mosaic pattern, then the colors would apply more evenly when mixed.
• Comes in only 3 colors: Cool, Warm and Golden
• Only the Cool Bronzer is matte
  

BRONZER -FINAL THOUGHTS: A worthy buy. If you like mattes, pick up the Cool, but if you prefer shimmery blushes or bronzers, then go with the Warm. Since they're both inexpensive, just get both!

BRONZER INGREDIENTS: Mica, Talc, Magnesium Myristate, Zinc Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Boron Nitride. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491 CI77492 CI 77499), D&C Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), FD&C Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Red No. 40 Lake (CI 16035)

Candid Coral Blush is a peachy-coral color with golden shimmer.

BLUSH PROS:

• Same easy-to-open packaging as the bronzers, but smaller in size
• Comes with a good amount of product- 4.75 g
• Has mirror
  
• Lid has a little window so you can see the color of the product
• Layerable/buildable color (which can be a con for some people)

BLUSH CONS:

• Layerable/buildable color (which can be a pro for some people)
• Contains talc and Mineral Oil (I'm not going to use this again because of the mineral oil. I only bought it to test it out for you.)
• Comes in 6 colors and all of them are shimmery. What, no mattes?
  

BLUSH - FINAL THOUGHTS: I'm not using this again because of the mineral oil and I believe it gave me a little zit on the front of my cheek, where I hardly breakout. That's why I have to stick with oil-free face products. But if you don't have sensitive skin, weigh out the pros and cons and determine if you'll like it.

BLUSH INGREDIENTS: Talc, Mica, Nylon-12, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, Paraffinium Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Polybutene, Sodium Dehydroacetate. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491 CI77492 CI 77499), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow No. 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red No. 40 Lake (CI 16035), Ultramarine Violet (CI 77077), Blue No. 1 Lake (CI 42090).

Swatches

Swatched from left to right, top row first then bottom row

Since I don't like shimmery blushes, how about using the Warm Bronzer as an eyeshadow quad? Is it safe to use on the eyes? You're going to have to pack that color on, though.

EYESHADOWS & BROW KIT

Next up are the Studio single eyeshadows. I got all of them except for the white one called Sand Dollar.

The above picture will give you the rundown about the eyeshadow packaging, which I love. The back of all these Studio products are just the black plastic with a little circular sticker stating the color, product amount, and product numbers - a very boring photo op.

The colors
(Saddle, Coffee Bean & Mystic Moss are darker and richer than in this pic. I was rushing.)

EYESHADOW PROS:

• Again, the same easy-to-open latch, like the previous products; cute packaging overall
  
• Window in the lid shows the product color
• Has a mirror, but it's a little small
• Good amount of product - 2.75 g
• Good pigmentation over a base (not just UDPP or TFSI alone)
• Colors blend well
• Not loosely pressed like their $1 quads
• No annoying sponge-tip applicator that falls out or takes up space in the packaging
• Shimmery colors are not frosty or glittery
• Very wearable colors

EYESHADOW CONS:

• Only one matte shadow - Pebble - is offered. (I don't know about Sand Dollar)
• Only one color - Raspberry Truffle - was softer and more crumbly than the other colors
• Must use a sticky base, like a shadestick or cream eyeshadow, to make the colors pop more. But pigmentation is still good.
• If you like really shimmery colors, these won't do it for you. Only Coffee Bean and Raspberry Truffle are the most shimmery, and yet, they're not that shimmery.
• Only comes in 10 colors
• No bright colors for you bold ladies. No blues, either.
• May be cumbersome to use; if you're using 4 or 5 shadows at one time, you'll have to pop each one open and scatter it on your vanity or bed (that's where I do my makeup)
  

EYESHADOW - FINAL THOUGHTS: Weigh out the pros and cons and determine if you'll like it. I'll recommend Pebble, Amethyst, Mystic Moss and Butter Cream.

EYESHADOW INGREDIENTS: Talc, Mica, Nylon-12, Silica, Iso-Octyl Palmitate, Magnesium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone, Triacontanyl PVP, Sodium Dehydroacetate. May Contain Iron Oxides (CI 77491 CI 77492 CI 77499), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow No. 5 (CI 19140), Red No. 40 Lake (CI 16035), Ultramarine Violet (CI 77077), Blue No. 1 Lake (CI 42090).

Swatched over Scandalous Eyeshadow Magnet

EYESHADOW COLOR DESCRIPTIONS:

• BUTTER CREAM* - soft shimmer; creamy yellow-gold
• WILD WHEAT - very soft shimmer; peachy-tan (hardly shows up on my medium skin-tone so I don't really like this one)
• PEBBLE* - matte; mid-tone taupe; good to fill in eyebrows with; reminds me of a matte NYX Rootbeer
• SADDLE* - soft shimmer; mid-tone coppery-brown
• COFFEE BEAN - shimmer; dark bronze-brown with bronze shimmer
• AMETHYST* - soft shimmer; mid-tone violet purple
• RASPBERRY TRUFFLE - shimmer; dark maroon/burgundy with reddish shimmer; turns muddy brown if packed on and reminds me of the top-right color in the 28-color neutral palette, which does the same thing. However, on a white base, it looks good, huh?
  
• MYSTIC MOSS* - soft shimmer; deep forest green
• CHARCOAL - soft shimmer; your basic dark gray or soft black

(* indicates favorites)

Eyebrow Kit - 2 g of product total. NOTE: The wax is labeled as a gel on the packaging.

This is the last brow product I will try from elf. I don't like the $1 brow gel because it doesn't set my brows well, and I hate the Studio Eyebrow Treat & Tame because of it's strange peachy color and its useless "Treat" end. Then there's this...

EYEBROW KIT IN "DARK" PROS:

• Convenient packaging that includes a brow gel (soft wax), brow powder, and double-ended applicator (but wait for the cons)
  
• Has mirror

EYEBROW KIT IN "DARK" CONS:

• Not dark at all! It's way too light for my black eyebrows
• Too warm-toned and not ashy or taupe enough for more naturally-looking filled in brows (Try Pebble eyeshadow instead)
  
• Stubby brush is not user-friendly
• Powder is somewhat too soft in texture
  
• Brow gel/soft wax color is dark enough, but it's greasy/oily and smudges easily
• Gel/wax contains mineral oil, in fact, it's the first ingredient
  

EYEBROW KIT - FINAL THOUGHTS: Stay very far away from this. If you have it, do you like it?

EYEBROW KIT GEL INGREDIENTS: Paraffinium Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Ricinus Comunis (Castor) Seed Oil, Talc, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Ozokerite, Methylisothiazolinone, Caprylyl Glycol. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491 CI 77492 CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

EYEBROW KIT POWDER INGREDIENTS: Talc, Mica, Caprylic/Caprictri Glycerides, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Dehydroacetate. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491 CI 77492 CI 77499).

EYELASHES

Pictured above are the elf Studio Eyelash Curler and the Mini-sized one. Both come with two black silicone pads, or lips.

Look what came with my Mini Eyelash Curler - someone's nasty azz dirty fingerprint! Bleck! I had to scrub, wash, and swipe that thing with alcohol ten times before I felt comfortable using it. It was some sort of thick residue on the packager's thumb. I want a new one! Anyway, despite that foulness, I like this mini curler because it can catch those hard-to-reach lashes on the outer and inner corners that a regular curler can miss.

As for their regular Studio Lash Curler (pictured two pics above), I prefer the spring-loaded, or Mechanical, $1 Eyelash Curler, which also comes with 2 silicone pads, or lips. This curler - pictured on the left below - is so good and it hasn't broke on me, either. After more than a year, I'm still using the pad it came with but I think I need to change it, since I noticed a little groove in it this morning. But, it never pinches my eyelids and it makes my lashes stick up nicely. I think I like the old handle design better. It just curls better than the Studio one and you don't have to apply a lot of pressure.

I haven't tried on the lashes from the Hollywood Eyelashes Kit yet, but I took pictures of it. It comes with a pair of full and dramatic lashes, a stand, an applicator with rubberized tips, and a dinky tube of useless glue. The band of the lashes is black, which is good. The stand is cute but I feel it doesn't keep the shape of the curl - the tray would be better for that. The applicator is also cute, but I'm not sure if it even makes application easier. I'm going to have to play around with it more. If you have this, how do you like it? Honestly, I'm not much of a wearer of falsies.

EYELASHES - FINAL THOUGHTS: The non-Studio eyelash curler ($1) is a must-have, while the Mini Curler would be something nice to try, since I never see mini-sized curlers at drugstores. I hope you won't get a thick, crusty thumbprint on yours!

BRUSHES

How lovely does this Kabuki Face Brush look? It's my new love and completely worth the $5, even if I only paid $1.25 for it. As stated in the picture above, the bristle height is 4.5 cm, while the bristles at their widest part is 5.5 cm. (The Metric system is so much easier, America!) It may look a little small but it's a very nice-sized Kabuki. Elf also offers a new Kabuki Body Brush, which I assume is larger than this.

FACE KABUKI PROS:

• Dense, fluffy, SOFT, full, smoothly dome-shaped: good stuff
• Hasn't shed on me
• The black dye didn't bleed on to the paper towel after washing
  
• Not too small and not overly large, either
• Can be used for body, or the décolleté area
• Great to use with finishing powders or any loose powder
• Great for buffing out your blush or face makeup
  
• Covers a large area in a few swipes
• Will look really cute on your vanity!
  

FACE KABUKI CONS:

• Despite the chemical smell when I first got it, after the first washing, there's no longer an odor
• Doesn't come with a satchel or case, but it does come in a box
• Costs $2 more than most elf Studio items, but well worth the $5
  

FACE KABUKI INGREDIENTS: Just kidding...

And finally (whew!), here's the blush brush, which is about half the size of the Complexion Brush. I can't recommend this brush and it's too bad that I have two of them now. Everyone needs to get the Complexion Brush because it's the perfect size for blush, bronzer, finishing powders, and even contouring.

BLUSH BRUSH PROS:

• Very soft bristles, just like all the elf Studio face brushes
• Tapered head
  
• Doesn't shed or bleed
• Matte, black plastic handle, instead of painted wood like their $1 brushes (even though some of those brushes are really good)
• Good to use when picking up color in separate quadrants of the Studio Bronzers (it fits perfectly)

BLUSH BRUSH CONS:

• Brush head is too small for applying blush, since it covers a small part of your cheek. If you like precise blush placement, then you may not mind this.
• Instead for blush, it's probably better to use for highlighting or contouring your cheeks
• Comes with a brush guard but the brush slides right through the bottom hole =/ That doesn't happen with the Complexion and Powder brushes.
  

I think they should rename their Blush Brush to "Highlighter Brush", their Complexion Brush to "Blush or Powder Brush", and their Powder Brush to "Flat-Top Brush." It makes better sense. At least they got the Kabuki name right.

BRUSHES - FINAL THOUGHTS: The must-have brushes are the Face Kabuki, Complexion Brush, Powder Brush, and if you like a thin, precise line for eyeliner, then consider the Small Angled Brush.

RELATED LINK

For my previous elf Studio Haul & Review, click here.
I highly recommend the Studio Complexion Brush (my fave) and the Powder Brush.

SIDE NOTE: I don't give ratings to products (i. e. 6/10 or 8 out of 10) because what does that really tell you? I'd prefer you weigh out the pros and cons and determine whether or not it will appeal to you, since we are all different. A pro to me might be a con for you, or a con may be a pro for you. I'll only give ratings if I'm comparing similar products and want to rank them.

******************************
Whew! That took me HOURS to do. LoL. All the picture-taking, swatching, cropping, labeling, uploading, writing and proof-reading takes a long time, and I do it all for YOU. =) Since that's out of the way, I'm going to take a little break from bloggin'. I'll try to post something in a couple weeks.

Thanks for reading and I hope this helped. Have a great day everyone =)

Copyright © 2009, Lady Lostris