2015 has been quite the year! It’s hard to believe 2016 is right around the corner but I’m looking forward to a romantic evening with my husband. Even though we don’t have any fancy plans, I still love getting all dolled up. I’m sharing my New Year’s Eve beauty look featuring EcoTools limited-edition holiday brush sets PLUS a chance to win your own set of EcoTools brushes. The Four-Piece Beautiful Complexion Set, Festive & Flawless Face Set and Mini Essentials Holiday Set are must-haves to keep you looking beautiful in 2016!
I can’t believe the holiday season is right around the corner! This month has gone by so fast so I’m trying to soak in every moment because this is also my favorite time of the year. I’ve been testing a bevy of holiday makeup releases, including three new Ecotools brush kits that are perfect for getting all dolled up for the season. The Festive & Flawless Set features five face brushes (two of which can double for eyeshadow), and the Mini Essentials Holiday Set (ideal for those who are traveling). Personally, I’m a huge fan of the Four-Piece Beautiful Complexion Set, which couples all the essentials for a festive beauty look. Psss—you can get $3 off in-store at Ulta on the Four Piece Beautiful Complexion Set.
Here’s a step-by-step holiday makeup tutorial to achieving a flawless festive beauty look—complete with a sexy red lip!
Step 1. First, take your Skin Perfecting Brush and apply your favorite foundation.
Step 2. Next, take the Precision Foundation Brush from the Festive and Flawless Face Set and use it to apply your concealer under your eyes, around your mouth, and a bit into the center of your forehead to highlight and conceal.
Step 3. Using the Buffing Concealer brush in this set, begin blending the concealer in small circular motions for flawless coverage.
When it’s a hundred degrees outside, you just know your makeup won’t cut it. Last Saturday I went to a baseball game with my fiancé and less than an hour later, my makeup had melted off my face and in to my mojito. It was my own fault for missing a crucial step in my summer beauty routine… makeup setting spray. If you’re on the hunt for a product to keep your makeup in tact, don’t sweat it. I’ve got you covered with Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist. It’s infused with a rose water and green tea formula that feels light and refreshing. I like applying this on my T-zone and cheeks and refresh throughout the day. I read a couple negative reviews online saying the mist felt heavy but as long as you keep it a fair distance when spritzing it shouldn’t feel heavy on your skin at all (at least it didn’t for me). If you need eye makeup to stay put, spray this formula on your brushes and sponges to help prolong wear and keep from makeup settling into fine lines or pores. It really does work wonders for those long, hot summer days.
Right now my skin routine can be described in one word: minimalistic. And by minimalistic I mean: one facial cleanser, one eye cream, a day moisturizer, a night moisturizer, and the best daily scrub under $8. While most of my skin products are high-end beauty brands, my Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub complements my entire beauty routine. This formula is infused with moisture-rich soy extract with microbeads to gently exfoliate and wipe away dead skin cells, only to leave a smooth clean canvas (but not overly dry like most facial scrubs). While I normally stay away from exfoliating on a frequent basis, this tube is gentle enough to use daily—no redness or irritation. Goodbye flaky skin, hello smooth and bright complexion!
A few readers have been asking me for recommendations on quality makeup brushes. Almost always, price is a valid concern and while there are a bevy of affordable makeup brushes on the market, there are only a few brands I’d actually recommend that are effective.
If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend the EcoTools Complexion Collection, a bundle of natural makeup brushes perfectly priced together for under $25. These duo fiber brushes are made with soft, cruelty-free bristles, recycled aluminum ferrules and sleek bamboo handles. These brushes are super soft and easy to clean. I’ve been using these on a daily basis and today I’m sharing a few of my favorites that I’ve incorporated in to my beauty routine.
The Correcting Concealer Brush is my go-to when I’m applying my Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener. Normally I apply concealer in the shape of a piece of pie and blend with my finger or sponge but by lightly patting product on with this brush this really perfects my look for an even finish.
The Skin Perfecting Brush is my favorite brush from the collection and here’s why: I really don’t like the feeling of applying tinted moisturizers (like NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer) and other BB creams with my bare hands. This round edge brush is precise when I’m applying around my nose and under my eyes.
The Mattifying Finish Brush is perhaps the softest makeup brush I’ve ever used (yes, even better than high-end brushes). You can use this for loose or pressed powder. I’ve been using this brush when applying my Stila Custom Color Blush.
Special thanks to EcoTools for sponsoring this post.
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