Throwback Thursday: My 2010 Makeup Kit!

I was cleaning up my files and I chanced upon some old pictures of my makeup collection dated August 2010, way back when I wasn't even blogging yet! Having just graduated for a few months, my kit was filled mostly with affordable drugstore brands.

Face:

• Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine Free Face Powder
• Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Healthy Natural Liquid Foundation
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Healthy Natural Concealer
  Maybelline Angelfit Powder Foundation (Refill)
• Clinique Liquid Foundation (Sample)

Cheeks:

• Fanny Serrano Powder Blush (2)
• Nichido Cheek Tint
• Maybelline BlushStudio Mousse
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Blush (2)

Eyes:

• Fanny Serrano Eyelash Curler
• Fashion 21 Eyebrow Duo
• e.l.f. Brightening Eye Color
• MAC Smolder Eye Kohl
• Maybelline Vivid & Smooth Liner
• Maybelline Impact Express Smooth Felt Liner
• Maybelline Unstoppable Shiny Black Mascara

Lips:

• Maybelline Fruity Jelly Lip Gloss
• Maybelline Lip Smooth Color & Care Lip Balm
• The Body Shop Born Lippy Strawberry Lip Balm
• Becca Glossy Lip Tint

• The Body Shop Delipscious Sheer Lip Color
• Maybelline ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipstick
• Maybelline Watershine Pure Natural Water Lipstick
• Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick
• Fanny Serrano Moisturific Gold Lipstick

Did we have the same items in our kit? Can you guess which item from these pictures I'm still using until now? :)

Love,

Helen 

e.l.f. Total Face Brush

One of the very first brushes in my kit is e.l.f.'s Total Face Brush. I bought this almost a year ago, because I was looking for a blush/powder brush and read in a magazine that dome-shaped ones worked best. There are actually 2 versions of e.l.f.'s Total Face Brush, one is travel-sized, and the other is the full-sized. I have here the full sized version because I'm not comfortable with using small brushes.

e.l.f. Total Face Brush

Soft, caressing facial bristles allow for soothing application of facial and bronzing powder for quick full-face touch-ups.

It comes with a plastic sleeve that keeps the brush in shape.

The handle's length is just right. I've read reviews about this brush where the handle came off. I've had mine for about a year now, and I can feel the handle loosening from the silver part of the brush.

Its bristles look thick and dome-shaped, but it is not dense. It bled red the first time I washed it because of the dye. It did not shed so much, but the bristles are coarse and stiff. It feels scratchy when I do not wash it after several uses.

Tip: Wash this brush before using to make it feel softer when you apply makeup.

Overall, this brush is fine for its price. You get what you pay for after all. It's inexpensive, but it gets the job done! I use this as a blush brush and a powder brush and I've had this for almost a year now, and it's still in one piece. :P

Would I repurchase? No.

Price: P129.75

Available in all leading department stores.

Where do you get your makeup brushes? :)

Love,

Helen

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Brush

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today, the product I will review is the famous e.l.f. Eyeshadow Brush. According to the Youtube gurus, this one is either a hit or miss, because for $1.00 you can't be assured of its quality. Well, here in the Philippines, the regular line of e.l.f. cosmetics and tools are at P129.75 each (except for the Studio Line which is P249.75 and for the palettes and sets). It's still affordable so it's a great brand to try especially if you're just starting to practice putting on makeup (or are bored and just want a little thing to perk you up). I got this eyeshadow brush months ago (together with my e.l.f. Total Face Brush) so here's my review.

e.l.f. says:

Expertly blends multiple eye shades while softening dramatic edges and fine lines

Brush can also multitask, use it to set powder or liquid concealer

While this brush works great for applying eyeshadow, I don't think it is for blending or setting of liquid concealers.

Pros:

• Minimal shedding. It just shed 1 or 2 pieces of hair upon the first wash.
• No bleeding upon the first wash.
• The length of the bristles give adequate control when it comes to picking up eyeshadow.
• The bristles pack the right amount of color/pigment.
• The bristles are not too rough or scratchy. But don't expect it to be soft because of its price.
• The brush handle is not too short or too long, it's just right.
• Even if it is not $1.00 (or P45.00) here, it is still inexpensive compared to high-end brands.

Cons:

• The inconsistent quality that other buyers have experienced. I hope that the silver part of the brush does not break off from its handle.
• When cleaning, I find it hard to squeeze out and thoroughly remove the shampoo that I used to clean this brush.

Will I repurchase? Yes. This is one of the most inexpensive tools you can find that is worthy of repurchase.

Price: P129.75

Available in leading department stores.

Love,

Helen