It's an exciting day for two reasons -
1. The products that I have been waiting for to do the first post in the Wedding Series arrived today.
2. Therefore, the post is going up early - WITH A GIVEAWAY
Stay tuned at the end for the prize and rules!
Today I wanted to share with you Makeup Application Tips. Since a lot of my Brides-to-Be, including myself, are deciding to take matters into their own hands and do their own makeup, I'm going to show you some tools you'll love for your big day.
All the tools I am going to be showing you today are ones I purchased myself from Sigma! You can find the link to their website right up top under my blog's banner! :)
This post is going to be picture and word heavy, I apologize for anyone not interested in that!
This post is going to be picture and word heavy, I apologize for anyone not interested in that!
I'll share with you a little bit about the company first off! With every single order you purchase that's over $30.00, you always receive a free gift, as well as various information cards on your purchase.
Usually the free gift is a travel size E25 Blending Brush - I never get tired of receiving this gift because I use this brush ALL the time. It is amazing for blending your eye shadow, but I also use it to blend my concealer under my eyes.
Sigma is known for it's superb quality, but also affordability.
Why spend 20-40 dollars on a single brush at M.A.C when you can get same (if not better) quality at Sigma?
Let's get onto the tools ...
The first product I am going to show you is the Sigma Synthetic Precision Kit
This kit retails for $49.00
In the Synthetic Precision Kit you get the four amazing brushes that will take your Wedding Makeup Application to an entirely new level of easy and flawless.
P80 - The Precision Flat Brush - The precision flat brush is a beautifully dense brush with a flat top. This is perfect for blending your foundation on tough to reach spots. It's dense bristles will soften your foundation into your hair line or around your ears. Especially if you are having an up-do for your wedding, you want to make sure that your foundation is blended into your hair line and into your ears. Obvious foundation lines are a no-no, especially when you are taking so many photographs. You don't want to look back and see that your face looks like it's wearing a mask!
P82 - The Precision Round Brush - This is one brush that I wanted desperately for awhile. The Precision Round Brush is amazing for blending concealer into your under eye area, or around your nose. Typically, Women get redness under their eyes and around their nostrils, it's important to conceal these areas properly, and the P82 will help you do that. When you start to get closer to your wedding, you're going to get less and less sleep, dark circles will be prevalent. If you blend your under eye concealer with your fingers, most of the product is going to end up soaking into your fingertips and not into your under eyes. Spray your P82 with a little MAC Fix +, apply your concealer, and watch the magic happen!
P84 - The Precision Angled Brush - There is nothing more beautiful than a gorgeous highlight under your brow for your wedding. Taking a light shade under the highest part of your brow brings light to your face and adds beautiful dimension. Take your P84 with your favorite brow highlight (mine is M.A.C's Brulee or Vanilla!) and sweep this under your brow. The angled shape of the brush allows you to easily apply the highlight under the shape of your brow.
P86 - The Precision Tapered Brush - There are several things that this brush can help you do for your big day. First of all, the tapered bristles will allow you to get just the right amount of highlight into your inner corner. I often take a bit more of a shimmery shade like M.A.C's Vanilla or Phloof for an inner corner highlight. Dip this brush into your color of choice, and apply it onto the inner corner. Because this isn't a widely dense brush, you won't get too much highlight and no fall out. Second, this brush dupes the P82 Round Brush because you can also use this to blend concealer around your nose and eyes. Anything tapered and small can blend and fit into places your normal foundation brushes will pass over.
Now you have your smaller precision work done for you, but what about the larger jobs?
For jobs like foundation, cream products, etc., you are going to need larger brushes.
The Sigma Synthetic Kabuki Kit is going to help you achieve all of these jobs.
This set retails for $59.00
F80 - The Flat Top Kabuki - The ultimate foundation brush. You will get an application unlike any other with this brush. I often rotate my foundation application routine with this brush and my Beauty Blender. The Flat Top Kabuki will allow you to stipple and blend your foundation into your face for a beautifully flawless finish. The rave about this brush is endless.
F84 - The Angled Kabuki Brush - This brush will be your best friend for contour. It's angled shape can help you get the best contour on your cheek bones. On your wedding day, you want your face to look slimmer and more shapely, especially in your pictures. If you have rounder cheeks and want to create the illusion of a more contoured cheek bone, or if you already have contoured cheeks and just want to accentuate them, apply your contour shade with your F84 directly into the hollows of your cheeks. It helps if you make a fishy face, you'll look like an idiot, but it will apply the shade exactly where you want it. Start back by your ear so the most color begins there, you don't want to bring too much color in because you don't want an obvious contour. Natural natural natural.
F82 - The Round Kabuki - I absolutely love this brush, not only can you use it to also apply foundation, but its great for applying blush, especially cream blushes! The synthetic bristles of any brush are made to really work well for cream products. The round shape of this brush will help you to apply your blush directly onto the apples of your cheeks.
The F86 - The Tapered Kabuki - The tapered kabuki will be amazing for highlighting your face. You really want to bring a natural highlight into your makeup routine. My favorite subtle highlighters for the face are Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl Illuminator or Too Faced By Candlelight. Some others you may want to consider are Dior's Amber Diamond, M.A.C's Pearl Cream Color Base or even taking a bit of M.A.C's Vanilla Eye Shadow. The tapered brush will allow you to apply highlight evenly across the tops of your cheek bones and down your nose. The abrupt tip will apply it beautifully and evenly without getting too much or too wide of an application. You want your highlight to sit just on the top of your cheek bones, do not over apply!
READY FOR A GIVEAWAY?
To help you get started for your big day ...
I picked up a little something for you!
I will be giving one reader a brand new Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush!
Like I said, this brush is coveted in the beauty community, and everyone's foundation application love.
TO ENTER:
-You have to have parent's permission if you are under 18. I am going to need your address if you win!
- Must be subscribed to this blog!
- Leave one comment below telling me your biggest makeup application concern!
FOR EXTRA ENTRIES
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for two additional entries. Leave your YouTube name below or simply say "And I subscribed to your youtube!" to get your entries.
YOU CAN FIND THE LINK TO MY YOUTUBE DIRECTLY UNDER MAKEUPBYCLAIRE'S BLOG BANNER.
The contest will run from this very second to FRIDAY MARCH 9TH AT 12:00 PM EST.
As always, all of my giveaways are INTERNATIONAL! :)
As always, all of my giveaways are INTERNATIONAL! :)
Thank you!
xoxo
Claire
My biggest makeup concern is working on perfecting my foundation routine.... blending, making sure the color is correct and imperfections are hidden!
ReplyDeleteand I subscribed to your youtube channel! youtube name : buxomnbeautiful
Thanks for entering Katy! I used to have the hardest time blending my foundation into my neckline, I would always look over it for some reason! But I totally think these brushes have made a huge difference in the way my makeup applies. As for matching the color, if it's drugstore I would definitely buy two foundations to custom mix and match. If it's high end, make them match it for you and apply it to your whole face, don't leave the store without making sure it blends into every inch!
DeleteI'm a redhead. There seems to be so few places to go for advice. Even in the department stores, I'm usually treated with foundations that are either too pale or too dark. I don't want to look like someone else - just a less puffy/red versino of myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering! People always assume that red heads are on the pale side. Tell them your concerns prior to them picking you out a foundation. Tell them your redness concerns and they could perhaps even offer you some skin care solutions/products to diminish any redness or puffiness. And as always, getting a color correcting concealer is essential when you have different pigmentation issues in your skin! Good luck love!
DeleteThe brushes look beautiful! I've been wanting to try Sigma for the past year or so, I might just have to now!
ReplyDeleteMy biggest makeup concern is finding a foundation that matches my extremely pale skin! It's hard to find a perfect match. I tend to waste a lot of product because I have to blend it so far down my neck so it doesn't look odd.
Love your blog! I subscribed to your YouTube also. My username is Qions. Have a lovely day. :)
Appreciate the pale skin! You probably are going to age far slower than everyone who sits in the sun! If you are really pale, I know MAC is coming or has come out with the new Match Master foundations, otherwise, you can buy a mixing medium that's white from various companies to make your foundation lighter. I know a lot of makeup artists keep white foundation or black to darken their colors! Good luck!
DeleteFoundation application is definitely my biggest concern. I have tried so many different methods to get a good application and it never turns out very well.
ReplyDeleteI subscribed to your blog and your youtube channel! I'm GirlieReview on both.
Cheers,
indie
I hear you! Foundation was always really hard for me for several reasons. It was always streaky, not blended, or it sort of sat on top of the lovely little white hairs I have on my cheeks. Not to mention in the summer I have very oily skin, so getting good lasting application is a challenge. I would suggest (unless you win the giveaway!) to really look into the Sigmax brushes. The bristles allow you to really get a great application. Also, look into the Beauty Blender and other damp application sponges. It may change your life! But don't worry, as I will be doing a lot of foundation videos and blogs for the wedding series!
DeleteMy biggest application concern is probably liquid eyeliner! I never manage to create the perfect line- it's always too thick, too thin or the worst... WOBBLY!!
ReplyDeleteSubscribed to youtube under the user name Doryrayy and on here too :)
xx
Let me assure you, even those of us that are beauty junkies have the hardest time with liquid or gel eye liner. I am just getting used to it all. I can get a perfect application on one eye, and the other looks awful. It's something you really need to practice with. It can also be that you are using the wrong eye liner. Some people find that they prefer brush tip applicators over felt tip. Experiment!
DeleteI've wanted to try sigma for so long, but it's so expensive to get in the UK. I've been so tempted by that specific brush for ages as I've heard so many good things about it. I'm not sure if this competition is open internationally, but just in case I thought I'd enter anyway :) My biggest beauty concern is having a foundation with great coverage that doesn't go all streaky. I think the key thing to this is a great make-up brush!
ReplyDeleteThanks :D
Charlotte
www.charbuckss.blogspot.com
I just updated the blog post, I am so sorry I forgot to leave that piece of info out. As always, all of my giveaways are international! I have so many international followers that I would NEVER do giveaways that wouldn't cater to them too! I love and appreciate all of you! :)
DeleteI have heard that Sigma's shipping can get a little bit steep which is unfortunate. You are absolutely correct - good tools lead to good application. Keep an eye out for further wedding series posts where I actually show you these babies in action. Good luck on the giveaway!
My biggest application concern is having my make up looking too cakey or streaky. Or it looks really dry and ashy. I'm also following you youtube as LGAPrincess.
ReplyDelete-LeShe
These are really common issues that can be easily solved. Streaky usually means that you are wiping your brush in a certain direction more often than not. Try buffing instead of swiping. If it's cakey, you might be over applying the powder. Also, when you use a cream foundation and a lot of cream products over top, it tends to get cakey. Also remember to keep your skin moisturized and exfoliated so that your foundation doesn't cake on top of dry patches. To solve the dry or ashy issue - Three things - moisturize and use a moisturizing foundation! Third, try a damp application for your foundation. If you're using your brushes, spray a little water on the brushes or MAC Fix +, if you use a sponge like the beauty blender or its equivalents, soak it in water, ring it out, and apply your foundation with that.
DeleteGood luck love!
My biggest application concern is covering spots. I don´t get them all the time but when I do they´re big! I always seem to make them look worse when I put on concealer/foundation.My second biggest concern is matching foundation to my yellow-toned skin without looking even yellower- my boyfriend calls me Simpson!
ReplyDeleteTha nks for the giveaway. I´ve subscribed to Youtube too : @heylinguine.
Tell your boyfriend that prominent undertones are tricky! Try using a more neutral foundation if your skin isn't extremely yellow. As for covering spots, you really need to experiment with your concealers, as well as when you put them on in your routine. Bobbi Brown and the Maybelline SuperStay Concealer are my favorites. You can put them on before or after foundation and the spots don't look cakey at all. Second, make sure that your night and morning time skin routine uses products to diminish blemishes or dark spot correcting. Always exfoliate to get any dead skin around the blemish or spot as well,cause that will definitely make covering it harder. Good luck!
DeleteMy biggest concern is making my foundation not look cakey. I have extremely dry skin and I can't find a foundation that helps with this. I use moisturizer too. I don't know which foundations are for dry skin.
ReplyDeleteGlad you asked! Seems a lot of my readers have been having issues with dry skin. If you are a drugstore shopper, look for the description of the foundation, steer clear away from anything that says "Matte" or "Oil Free", look for "Hydrating", "Natural Coverage", "Moisturizing". If you are a high end lover, nearly every brand has a range of foundations catering to each skin type. When you go to pick one out, clearly state to the department store clerk that you have VERY dry skin and this is an issue for you! Some good high end foundations for you could be the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, Dior Skin Nude Hydrating, Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating, etc. Also, try using the damp application technique like I've said before to other readers. Spray a water solution onto your brush, or dip your sponge in water and ring it out before applying foundation with it. The added moisture will help you tremendously! Good luck love!
Deletemy biggest concern is applying my concealer under my eyes and doing it right because it never covers it good maybe im using the wrong shade and also having the foundation not look cakey but more natural.
ReplyDeleteTypically when using under eye concealer, people go for a shade lighter to really brighten up the area. If you just want some coverage under there with no added effect, I would just simply add a little more of your foundation. Make sure you are moisturizing your eye area before any application because rough skin under that area can produce a streaky or messy application. Play with different concealers, some settle in lines, some are too heavy, some are just right. As for foundation, moisturize your skin prior to application, avoid excessive powdering and try applying your foundation with a damp sponge such as the beauty blender or a brush sprayed with a little water, the added moisture will give a more air brushed finish. If you have dry skin look for hydrating foundations, no matte or oil free :) Good luck!
DeleteI just really need to cover up a few of my bigger freckles, but when i try, you can tell.
ReplyDeleteTry a color correcting concealer first, then apply your normal shade over top. Good luck!
DeleteMy biggest concern is the perfect foundation application. Cakey foundation is my nighmare so I always search for lighweight ones that do not fully cover imperfections. One day I hope I'll find my HG!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Sub on YouTube under the name NatalieDouka. Thanks :D
I hear you, as makeup lovers we are always searching for our Holy Grail products. My best advice is to go into your department store or Sephora and get samples of everything! Even foundations that are cheap/expensive. Get every sample you can (I once went into sephora and got 11 foundation samples in one day!) and just try every single one. That way you're not wasting time or money on products not worth your time!
DeleteI'll do, thanks hun! I love samples but I always forget to ask for them! They are a great way to try new products! :D
DeleteMy greatest concern is to conceal the dark purple circles under my eyes, I look like a panda bear.
ReplyDeleteI subscribed to your youtube, my username is "sofialibera"
Try a salmon toned concealer! Eve Pearl makes one, as well as Bobbi Brown and I think I've seen one from Coastal Scents if you are looking for a more affordable option! Good luck!
DeleteMy greatest concern is blending my foundation flawlessly.I hate it when foundation is not blended properly & it looks like there is a mask over the skin.
ReplyDeleteFollowed on twitter> Name : lilotezlo93
You are probably applying the wrong shade, the finish is not correct for your skin type, or over applying the foundation or setting powder. Get a foundation that matches your skin type (oily, dry, normal/combo), make sure you also moisturize prior to every foundation application. Apply your lotion and let it sit on your skin for about 5-10 minutes so that it gets a chance to fully soak in. Go easy with the powder as well. Also, I would try applying your foundation with a wet sponge like the beauty blender. This will allow a more even moisturizing coverage.
DeleteHi, I have 2 major makeup application concerns.First is I have dark circles under my eyes and even my eye lids are a bit dark so it's really difficult for me to conceal those and secondly my skin is very sensitive to sunlight I have a bit of rosacea on my cheeks when I go out door after like 5 or 7 min my cheeks turn red even if I am wearing a very strong spf so Finding the right foundation and to apply it correctly so that it could hide that redness and still not look cakey is a big problem for me :(
ReplyDeleteI subscribed to your you tube channel as szaidik
Thanks xx
There are so many amazing products out on the market right now to diminish dark circles. Keep an eye out for my next post in the Wedding Series which will be on skin care, because there are some new exciting products out that have really changed my dark circles!
DeleteAs for your redness, there are creams to help with the effects of rosacea. Second of all, make sure you are always wearing sunscreen! You might want to get a foundation with added SPF as well as full coverage. Next, try using a green toned concealer under your foundation. Green tones neutralize red tones. Good luck!
I'll be waiting for your post on skin care and thanks for the tip I have never tried a green tone concealer before I'll do that :)
DeleteMy biggest makeup application concern is to find a perfect concealer shade and I still don't know how to apply it correctly.
ReplyDeleteGFC: gaby
Youtube: gaby63322
Email: gabjuk@hotmail.com
Concealer is a rough item, you have to be careful with it because it can often look cakey or it will settle into any dry patches or blemishes/fine lines that you have. My best advice, if you are a drugstore fan, is to try out the Maybelline Super Stay Concealer, or the Instant Age Rewind concealer, my two favorties. Apply them with a dense rounded brush, like the P82 shown above. If you are more into high end brands, get the customer service reps to test products out on you and take home as many samples as you want! Good luck!
DeleteI am loving your blog! My biggest makeup concern is doing my eyebrows. Lately I have been trying to watch more tutorials on how to fill them in and how to give that sharp eyebrow look to my face. I do have very thick eyebrows and its hard to get that look I want. All the people who do this eyebrow look I want, has thin or hardly no eyebrows at all lol. I really don't want to glue stick my eyebrows off though! Maybe I just need to wax my eyebrows thinner? I don't know! BTW I subscribed to your YouTube and my YT name is CassandraDelores. Thanks Claire!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I am so glad that you are enjoying it, I love to hear that! My eyebrows have been tricky for me as well, considering I had an oops moment with my waxer and now made one too thin. My best advice is DON'T over tweeze or wax. I would suggest going to get your eye brows threaded. I have heard from a lot of people with thicker brows that threading has completely changed their life!
DeleteWow! Threading? I heard it hurt so much, but hey if it works I would def. try it! Thanks so much cause I never would of considered threading til now.
DeleteIt's nothing that you can't handle, trust me! And it works wonders for girls with thicker brows! :) Just make sure you go somewhere reputable!
DeleteI always apply my makeup with my hands or the sponge that comes with it(which is nw old) I would love to win this! I'm not an expert with make up so tutorials help me out! And I subscribed to your youtube! Please show us how to flawlessly apply foundation using the kabuki bruch
ReplyDeleteI will be showing my updated foundation routine soon! That will probably be a video on my YouTube channel! Good luck!
DeleteI am always afraid of having an uneven foundation application. I have crappy brushes that make everything 100x more difficult to put on my face & actually have it look good all day. I subscribed to your youtube channel, my username is lexxiemariekyle <3 thanks for this awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBrushes are definitely key to having an excellent application. I would definitely suggest taking the plunge and investing in Sigma's Synthetic Face Kit, or even investing in one of their complete brush sets! The brushes will change your life. Some other great brands like Real Techniques or Eco Tools can also help you achieve better applications of various products! Good luck!
Deletemy biggest concern is not blending well or leaving streaky foundation! Also I have never tried Sigma brushes but have heard so much about them!!
ReplyDeleteI subscribd tp your youtube!!:)
youtube: themissvicky
Avoiding streaks is something that you can do easily, instead of swiping your foundation in up/down motions on your face, use a thicker brush and buff it in circular motions. This will help you blend and will help avoid streaks. I hope you get the chance to try some Sigma brushes! They will change your life! :) Good Luck!
DeleteMy biggest makeup concern is blending my concealer correctly! I have horrrrribbbllleee under eye circles, so I have to use concealer that are quite thick, but I don't want it to look cakey! Thanks :) following you! ashleybrookeblog@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCheck out my latest review on the Loreal Magic Lumi Concealer Pen! It will work wonders for you! Try applying your concealer with a dense rounded top brush - like the P82 from sigma! Good luck girl!
DeleteMy biggest makeup concern is the little globs you get in the corner of your eyes...I check ALL day long!
ReplyDeleteemail:ct1980@hotmail.com
youtube:ctorkos
That could be little excess eyeliner globbing up in your eyes. Try setting your eyeliner with a powder. I think those can also just occur naturally if you have watery eyes. That's a good thing to look into!
Deleteactually i have lots of make up applying concerns: foundation - it seems like i put it right, but then in different light i notice streaks (maybe i am just too quick that and inaccurate with that, or maybe i just need to apply it differently, i don't know). then liquid eyeliner - never do that because i get frustrated because i have to try 4-7 times to make it more or less ok, and it's just annoying and takes a lot of time. anyway, i guess applying make up right just takes years of practice.
ReplyDeleteAs for streaks, you really do need to blend it carefully and not rush too much in your routine. It could also be the tool you are using. Stippling brushes sometimes can leave behind streaks. It's a good idea to take a buffing brush and buff your foundation into your skin afterwards. Liquid eyeliner is purely practice! Trust me, there's no tip or trick, just go slow and practice. Experiment with different applicators too. You may find that a felt tip works better than a brush tip, or vice versa
DeleteWow! I would looove to win that brush! My biggest makeup concern is covering redness in mt T-zone.
ReplyDeleteI also subscribed to your youtube. Username: Omeleko
Xo
Try using a green toned concealer with a dense fluffy brush. This will neutralize any red tones. Good luck girl!
DeleteI need to find a concealer that is pigmented enough to cover up my dark circles!
ReplyDeleteGFC: evil_eva12
Check out my newest review on the LOREAL MagicLumi Concealer Pen! May work wonders for you! Good luck!
DeleteThanks for having this contest! I guess my biggest makeup concern would be trying to blend out eyeshadows so that you get that gorgeous gradient effect that you see.
ReplyDeleteI subscribed to your YouTube as well! - My Username: GlitterNoir
Use a clean fluffier blending brush and just work the colors in windshield wiper motions into each other. This will help them blend together without any harsh lines.
DeleteI would have to say my biggest makeup concerns are fine lines and wrinkles, dark under eye circles and oily t-zone. I love a full coverage foundation but my "smile lines" around my eyes don't.
ReplyDeleteAs far as fine lines and wrinkles, I would check out face creams that work to smooth fine lines and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Reviva Labs makes some wonderful products, tried and true! For dark under eye concealers, use a salmon toned concealer to neutralize the color, and then to brighten it up! For oily t-zone, make sure you are using oil free foundation and a mattifying primer, as well as powder to set it! :)
DeleteMy biggest concern is blending well enough.
ReplyDeleteI follow GFC- soccermom1
And I subscribed to your youtube- rondah s
rjs682 at yahoo dot com
My advice for blending is to always use a fluffier clean brush and blend blend blend. When you think you've blended enough, blend some more :)
DeleteMy biggest makeup concern is concealer application. I have really bad under eye circles and I can never cover them up correctly, it gets into my fine lines and cakes up.
ReplyDeleteYou may be using something that's too heavy for your under eye area. Try checking out my review on the new LOREAL MagicLumi Concealer Pen! :)
DeleteGreat giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGFC: smurfette
My biggest application makeup concern is: I can't blend eye shadow for nothing. It always looks lop-sided, uneven, etc.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
I'm sorry, the giveaway ended earlier today. Keep an eye out however, I have another giveaway going live in about an hour. And many more to follow!
DeleteAdditional entry for YT #1
ReplyDeleteAnd I subscribed to your youtube!
My YouTube name: FrangiePani
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
Additional entry for YT #2
ReplyDeleteAnd I subscribed to your youtube!
My YouTube name: FrangiePani
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com