Tools of the Trade: My Favorite Makeup Brushes

As someone who's played with A LOT of makeup from all different price points, I've learned a bit of a valuable lesson when it comes to putting your best face forward. Whether your eyeshadow costs $3 or $30, if you're using a junk brush to apply it, the end result is bound to disappoint you. Show of hands, how many of you have bought a pretty eyeshadow compact from the drugstore and used the little sponge tipped applicator inside to put it on? And how many of you were ready to swear off makeup when you ended up looking like a streaky, unblended mess? I am here to tell you - it's not your fault! The game was rigged before you even got started.

The truth of makeup is that a great formula is only half the battle. You need a few awesome tools at your disposal to get the most out of your product. Whether you're talking foundation, blush, or shadow, the right brush can make a HUGE difference in application and finish and take your makeup game to a whole new level. And, just like the makeup you're putting on, great brushes don't have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are tons of budget friendly options in the market, some of which I even prefer to ones that cost ten times the price!

Which brings us to why you're here today. I'm sharing my favorite brushes, from $3 miracles to super luxe finds from Sephora. Whether you're just starting out your brush collection, or are one of those there-is-no-such-thing-as-too-many-brushes beauty addicts, hopefully you'll find these recommendations helpful!

December 2015 Birchbox

It's hard to believe that December only has a few days left. All the anticipation and festivities leading up to Christmas make this month fly by, although I can't really complain with all the good times that've been had. Today's post is all about my favorite gift that keeps on giving year round - my monthly Birchbox! This month's theme is All Wrapped Up, and the box is beautiful as any present you might have had under your tree. So, without any further rambling from me, let's see what's hiding under that tissue paper!

Birthday Beauty Wishlist

When I was a kid I used to hate that my birthday fell on a holiday weekend, and in the summer at that. It was impossible to have a well attended party with all of my friends traveling or with busy with family plans, and I never got to have cupcakes to celebrate at school (such a travesty, I know). Now that I'm a bit more grown up, though, I couldn't imagine a better birthday. I always get a day off, either on my actual birthday, or the day after, and I get some pretty sweet fireworks to celebrate! So far I'm not entirely sure what my actual plans are for today aside from dinner with my bestie, but I'm sure that as a whole I'll have a lovely long weekend.

I'm also a big advocate of self gifting for birthdays. At this point in my life I'm mostly past parties and presents and other celebratory activities, so I usually take it upon myself to make sure I feel a little extra special. And of course, my favorite way to treat myself is almost always with a little bit of retail therapy. I've always got a pretty lengthy beauty wish list, but here are the items I'm currently coveting the most!

January 2015 Glambag

A fresh start. I certainly applaud the idea, Ipsy. The beginning of a new year is for most of us the perfect time to mentally start a new chapter in our day to day life. Most of the time I'm not really sure how the products I get in my Glambag relate to the monthly theme, but I think this time it's a much more understandable fit. Let me show you what I got!

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette

A recent impulse purchase of mine (after hoarding Birchbox points) was the Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette. It debuted a while ago, but as per the usual I was a bit late to the party. This gorgeous palette features 20 different neutral shadows that lean toward the rose and pink-toned end of the spectrum. I couldn't remember ever having tried any Coastal Scents products before, but with amazing reviews I thought this palette might be a good place to start. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.