Foundation - Brush Application Review and Comparison

Hi everyone! I hope that everyone is having a great weekend! We are going to watch the Perseids meteor shower so hopefully there will be clear sky for great visibility. Superstitious or not, I have some wishes to make and I hope that I will be able to land a job soon!

Today I'll be sharing a foundation application comparison with 4 different brushes that all the beauties out there commonly use. Note it may differ from brushes to brushes depending on the quality! I'm using the ones that I have in my collection.

BEFORE

To begin with, like usual I'll be showing you my bare face. I received my Kiehl's Dark Spot Corrector yesterday and started using it. I hope that it will fade out some of my scars and freckles! 

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation in 005 Natural Beige

As mentioned in my last post, I figured that I had to switch up a shade to match my skin colour. I'm continuously getting tanner but it will all fade away as the cold weather comes. Toronto seems to be getting gloomier as we are speaking! I hope that it will be all sunny and warm for my cousin-in-law's wedding end of this month!!!!!

One pump!

This is how much I'll be using for each application, half a face. Usually I use this amount for a full face application.

1. Conventional Paddle Brush

On this side of my face, I used the conventional paddle brush. My experience with brushes like this are usually not as good in comparison to the rest. It takes more time to apply and blend, and also the brush tends to absorb a lot of the product.

One pump of foundation was used in this half face application.

Result

Foundation on the left side of my face (your right)

As you can see, it does cover up some red spots but most of it are still visible. My skin looks as if it only has a very thin layer of foundation. Most of it went to the brush!

2. ELF Studio Powder Brush

This is one of the popular  affordable brushes for foundation application. This is my first time using it with a liquid foundation. My usual routine on a lazy day, I will use this to apply my powder foundation all over as it gives the best coverage!

Result

This brush also took up all the products for a half face application. Due to the black bristles, I can't tell whether how much of the foundation retain on the brush.

DIRECT COMPARISON - Hair ribbon side (Paddle brush); The other side (ELF brush)

The finish and coverage seems to be very similar. Although the flat top brush took a lot less time and effort for application and blending. They are both slightly scratchy to blend. A better quality brush might be different!

3.  Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki

I've been using this brush for foundation application religiously since I purchased it.. early last year? I like this because it's super soft and provides a quick and even application. Let's begin with my freshly washed face!

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER with flash

Quick application and smooth finish. I did not need to use all the foundation for a half face medium to full coverage application.

Remaining foundation

To compare this to the paddle brush and ELF flat top brush, this is not scratchy at all and gives a better coverage with less product. If you are working with a foundation that is more tacky/ thicker consistency, I recommend you to use a brush like this for an easier application.

4. Sigma SS187/ F50 Duo Fibre Large Stippling Brush

I particularly like stippling brush for bronzer and blush application if the product is exceptionally pigmented. The brush will pick up just the right about of product so you won't end up having stark lines on your face.. haha!

AFTER

AFTER with flash

If you have oily skin but fairly clear skin, this is the brush to go. It uses a only small amount of your foundation and gives a medium coverage!

As you can see I barely used anything for that one pump for such great coverage. I don't like it so much to blend because of the sparse bristles, and it could be slightly scratchy compare to a dense brush. I applied the foundation in a stippling motion so it takes a bit more time to work with compared to a flat brush. If you are always in a hurry this could be a problem for you.. unless you have a tiny face!

DIRECT COMPARISON - Ribbon side (Sigma F80 Kabuki); Normal hair side (Sigma F50 Dup Fibre)

The Flat top kabuki provides more coverage, though I did use more of the foundation. I have dry skin and using a dense brush with blending motion will provide a smoother finish with less dry patches. Again, if you are someone with oily skin and enjoys light application, go with the duo fibre brush and stipple away!!

Thank you for all the support and I will be working on YouTube videos soon! Please check them out!

Wedding Series - Smoky Look

In continuation of the wedding makeup request, I am here to today to share makeup number 2 of 3 - Smoky Look! Check out the first look I created for the series here.

Begin with a clean palette and prime your face with a moisturiser or face primer.

Complete Look

BEFORE

Sigma F80; Revlon Photo Ready Foundation in 004 Nude

Similar to my last post, I would like to remind you to avoid using any sun screen or a foundation that contains high sun protection. This is create a white cast on your face during flash photography. This foundation colour is definitely getting slightly too light for me, I'll be switching it up a shade!

Remember to fix your eyebrows too!

Water Strong W Eyebrow; Spoolie

Candy Doll Concealer in colour 1

I like to apply concealer after the foundation. This way I won't need to apply many layers of foundation and cover up the areas that require more coverage with a concealer. You can also blend it the concealer on areas that you wish to highlight.

haha!

Now let's continue on to the eyes..

Where to tight line?

I never skip tight lining my eyes whenever I do a makeup look. It is important for sparse lash girls like me as it will create a fuller looking lash line and also make your eyes appear more awake.

There!!!

I know it looks quite creepy.. At this step you don't have to worry for it to look perfect!

Prime your lids

Use Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin to prime your lids. This prevents your eyeshadow from creasing and enhances the colours that we will be applying later!

Majorlica Majorca in BE286

Use a shimmery pinky/ coraly  colour and apply it on the inner 1/2 of your eyelids.

Like so..

MAC Eyeshadow in Club

With the same brush, apply colour Club on the outer 1/2 of your lids. Remember to always look straight and check where you want the eyeshadows to end.

I highly recommend this MAC colour! It is a duo chrome brown/green base with coral when blended out. 

Always check where your eyeshadow ends!!

Blend it out so that there won't be a harsh line on your lids. Use a fluffy brush like the one below.

Sigma Blending Brush

Blended

MILANI Liquif'Eye Eyeliner Pencil in Black

With the same eyeliner that we used for tight lining, line your lash line and blend it out with a black shadow using a pencil brush.

Pencil Brush; Matte Black Shadow

Blend out the liner

With the remaining left on the pencil brush, blend it slightly onto the lower lash line. Use the tip of the shadow brush and apply the shimmery colour in the inner corner of the lower lash line.

Almost there!

Tapered Brush; NYC Sunny Bronzer

With a matte bronzer or a dark powder, contour the sides of your face and nose.

Lightly contoured

For this look I recommend to use a coral colour blush.

Small Stippling Brush; Pantone + Sephora Blush in Apricot Brandy

I recommend to always use a stippling brush when dealing with blushes or bronzers that are extremely pigmented. 

Yay!!

Now to complete the look..

Tarte LipSurgence in Smitten

This product is absolutely moisturising and long lasting! If you are not intending to reapply very frequently, use this!!! You can purchase this at Sephora! It comes in many colours and I really want to get more of them!!

Close up

Last but not least..

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Spray

Make sure you can dance for all night long at your wedding reception!

Complete Look!!!

Thank you for your support and please follow me on Twitter if you wish to chat with me!

Follow @AivysBeautyBlog

Wedding Makeup Series - Purple Haze

Hi beauties! I'll be doing a wedding makeup series consisting 3 different looks starting today. This is a special request from my friend Christyn, for her friend, who will be getting marry at the end of this year. Congratulations!! 

I'll be sharing some of my tips and tricks to make your makeup last for the entire day in 99% humidity. This was personally trial and tested in Malaysia.

My look today is roughly based on my own wedding celebration back in Malaysia. 

 A bride still has to eat right?? 

Let's begin!

BEFORE

Because a bride will be taking a lot of pictures, and chances of camera flashing your face it high, I recommend to not use a sun screen or choose a foundation with low sun protection. This will prevent your face from looking much whiter than the rest of your skin.

MAC Prep + Prime

There are many face primers in the market, I am not recommending this in particular. You can use whatever product that you have.

Sigma F80; Revlon Photo Ready Foundation in 004 Nude

I like this foundation and think that it looks great in pictures. It has a low SPF 20 so it will not reflect like as much. REMEMBER, pick a colour that matches your neck. DO NOT try to look fair by picking one that is way too light for you!! You want to look natural and beautiful on your big day!

Doll Face Concealer in 01 (available in SASA)

After foundation application, apply your concealer to spots that needs more coverage. If you like, you can apply it to areas that you wish to highlight.

Concealer application

Blend it out with the same flat top brush. You will see a drastic difference. Try not to put on too much foundation in the initial step, your concealer should to the job for you.

After blending out the concealer..

Here comes the brows. If you don't know how to do it properly, practise! Otherwise use a pencil or eyeshadow that is a shade lighter than your eyebrows. Try to make it as natural as possible, it's not a time to go adventurous with them as you will keep these pictures forever...

Spoolie; Water Strong W Eyebrow Pencil

I highly recommend this eyebrow pencil if you are able to purchase it. Blend out the pencil with spoolie.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Prior to any eye makeup, apply a VERY SMALL amount of this onto your lids and some on your lower lash line. This is a must if you do not want your makeup to crease. Urban Decay Primer Potion is another good substitute. (Sephora)

MAC Blacktrack Fluidline; Angled eyeliner brush

Tight line your eyes to make your lashes look fuller. Unless you are already gifted with beautiful lashes you can skip this step. If you are uncomfortable with using a gel liner, use a VERY water resistant pencil liner.

Tight lined

Now to the eyeshadows!

Fizz (Smashbox Photo Op Palette)

Use a flat shader brush with a light beige colour with a sheen and apply if on to the 1/2 of your upper lid and 1/2 of your lower lash line.

As such..

Amethyst 

Flip the brush and apply colour Amethyst. This is an eyeshadow that has a purple base, but as you blend out, it creates a slight brown tone.

With Amethyst

Remember to always open your eyes and look straight to check where the eyeshadow ends. For special occasions, I like to bring it up slightly higher than usual to create an illusion of bigger eyes.

Check where your eyeshadow ends!

Rose; Tapered Blending Brush

With a lighter purple colour, place it on the middle of the eye lid and slightly blend it across the top (where the eyeshadow ends).

Doe

Flip the brush to another side, use a brown that is 2 shades lighter than you, blend it at the top outer corner to give the look some warmth.

Blended

Vanilla; Blending Brush

Use a matte highlight colour and clean the area underneath the eyebrows for a polished look.

Line your eyes with the same gel liner and angled eyeliner brush. Remember to keep as close to your lash line as possible.

Use the tip of the flat shader brush, take a brown shade and shade the outer corner of the lower lash line.

Progress so far...

You can choose to use false lashes, but since I'm not actually going anywhere fancy, I applied mascara only.

ELF Blush in Passion Pink

Apply a blush that has a slight sheen, this will act as a cheek highlight as well as blusher. I do not recommend to highlight your face because it will already be shiny easily with the humidity.

NYC Sunny Bronzer, ELF Complexion Brush; Sigma F35

Remember to contour LIGHTLY!!! I use the complexion brush for the sides of my face and the tapered brush for the sides of my nose.

Right side contoured; Left only blush

You want to look slimmer in your pictures I suppose? I want to anyways! =P

Almost there..

Use your favourite nude lipstick, preferably one that does not make you look too pale.

Complete look!!!!

Here comes my secret...

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Spray

Get this at Sephora! I only have the trial size but this is all I need. I don't really go to events that last for an entire day so I use this on special occasions! THIS IS AMAZINGGGGG!! 

Spray it generously (without making your face wet) across your face. Make sure only to gently dap your face with tissue paper with you are getting rid of the sweat. Try not to wipe. 

If you wish you can bring a powder and brush to touch up your face during the day. Beware, it can look cakey after too many layers.

To end this post, a photo of my husband and I in the bridal car!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!!!