makeup brushes

cost cutting, cutie, drugstore cosmetics

Brand: Ecotools
Product: Bamboo Six Piece

I had lunch this weekend with a girlfriend who surprised me with an early birthday gift. I love presents! Don’t you? I especially love girly-girl presents like the six piece makeup brush set with which my friend gifted me. The set was produced by a company called Ecotools that specializes in “earth friendly beauty”. What could be better than a girly-girl present? Why, an eco-friendly girly-girl present, of course!

My friend snagged this set for me thinking that I could review it for the blog. She scored it at Walgreens for a measly $11 and change. The set includes a blush brush, eye shading brush, angled eyeliner brush, lash and brow groomer, and concealer brush all tucked inside a brush roll made of hemp and cotton. The handles are made from bamboo, which the packaging explains is a highly sustainable plant and thus has a low impact on the earth’s resources. The bristles are completely synthetic and cruelty free. Even the ferrule attaching the bristles to the handles are made from recycled aluminum. That a company would put this much thought and effort into producing a product in such a responsible manner is remarkable. The fact that they could manufacture such a product and offer it to the public at such a reasonable price is truly breathtaking.

Now, I’m far from being an environmental crusader. I can do better, a lot better. Often times I sacrifice what’s best for the environment for what’s best for me. I must say that I make no sacrifice when I use these brushes. Admittedly, I’ve only been using them for three days, but I’m hooked. The quality is superb, and the bristles are luxuriously soft, and they out-perform my previous set of budget brushes from Sonia Kashuk (which cost about twice as much as Ecotools). Support Ecotools and support a company with a conscience. These sets make great girlfriend gifts and stocking stuffers. Just don’t forget to gift yourself with one too!

Cut Costs Cuties!
Gemma

cost cutting, cutie, drugstore cosmetics

Product: Sonia Kashuk makeup brushes


Listen up ladies. If you’re like me and you can’t stand to use the impractical makeup brushes that come packaged with your drugstore makeup, ditch them. Get thee to your local Target and buy yourself a set of Sonia Kashuk makeup brushes for $19.99. These are one of the best beauty investments you’ll make. Each set comes with a blush brush, eyelash comb/brush, concealer brush, and several eyeshadow brushes. They are synthetic, super soft and rarely shed, unlike my Bare Escentuals set that leaves me looking like a golden retriever sat on my face after I use them. My Sonia Kashuk set has lasted me about five years and the brushes show no sign of deteriorating any time soon. Other brands from artists like Bobbi Brown and Trish McEvoy go for several times the amount I paid for my Sonia Kashuk set.
Oh, and by the way, Sonia Kashuk brushes can be wiped clean with your Pond’s facial wipes daily and left out to air dry. On the occasions when you feel they need a deeper clean, wash them with Cetaphil and water. Don’t spring for a bottle of brush cleaner ladies, it’s a waste.

Cut Costs Cuties!