Every morning lately I’ve been waking up with two things: 1) a 16-pound tabby on my chest (complete with janky tuna breath) and 2) dark circles.
One is cute; the other is not. 🙂
I’ve come to terms with the tabby, but I sought out Sonia Kashuk’s Straight From Nature Foundation Brush ($17, part of the Straight From Nature Brush line for spring) to help with the circles.
How’d it work?
Well, I haven’t been mistaken for one of the undead lately, and I’m back to being called “Miss” instead of “Ma’am.”
In other words, it’s glorious!
Of course, a brush is just a tool that takes a little secret sauce to work miracles. In this case that secret’s a technique I came across a few months ago. It’s called “the triangle.” It involves using a foundation brush to cover dark circles with concealer.
I had been doing the triangle with a MAC 190 Foundation Brush until Sonia’s little wonder came along… As much as I like the 190, the big brush head’s slightly unwieldy, leading me to spread my beloved Time Balm Concealer around while I have to blend, blend, blend.
With its slightly smaller head, Sonia’s more precise Straight From Nature Brush has produced the same natural, light look I want with the triangle technique. It fits perfectly into the triangle beneath my eyes, which means not having to spend as much time blending. 🙂
It also means not having to spend as much moolah, too, because for $17 it’s about half the cost of the $32 MAC 190. A big *YAY* for Sonia, once again. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+.
Strike a pose
Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it; strike a pose, there’s nothing to it — VOGUE!
Fellow Gleeks, what did you think of last night’s episode? I don’t want to spill any spoilers if you haven’t seen it yet, but I gotta say — I expected a little more. Didn’t it feel kinda rushed? Like they were trying to do too much? I don’t know… And none of the songs really blew me away.
I’m looking forward to next week’s Madonna-palooza though. As a lifelong worshiper at the altar of Madge, I expect nothing short of genius!
I did think the preview for Sue’s Vogue bit was awfully clever, ha! Could Kurt and Mercedes have been any cuter?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
DonnaN says
April 14th, 2010 at 4:14 pmKaren-girl,
You are SO right about this brush…..it is heaven on EARTH!! I finally received mine yesterday and fell in love!!
This GLEE-ker *loved* last night’s episode—I even made Hubster switch off LOST to watch it. I only liked three of the songs, which were promptly downloaded from i-Tunes this morning. Next week looks KILLER, and I loved how SPOT-ON the Sue Sylvester VOGUE video was. AWESOME!!!
Karen says
April 14th, 2010 at 4:33 pmYES! It is a great brush. That Sonia really cranks out some winners.
What songs did you end up downloading?
Also, how are you doing? I know last week was rough for you with your kitty (RIP).
DonnaN says
April 14th, 2010 at 6:56 pmYeah,, between Tigger’s death and getting robbed at the mall on Sunday, I had a hell of a week! This one’s much better thanks, although I’m spending my birthday tomorrow at the dentist’s office, having my gums scraped. YAY!
I downloaded GIVES YOU HELL, HELLO and HELLO GOODBYE. The Doors song and the one by AC/DC were just OK for me, so I passed.
Hope your HUMP DAY was exciting!!
Karen says
April 15th, 2010 at 9:44 amOh my gosh, Donna. The robbery must’ve been very frightening — I hope you (and whoever you were with) are okay.
I’m sending you some good vibes your… hope they help.
Karyn says
April 14th, 2010 at 5:01 pmKaren that SK brush looks fab (the price!) but I gotta ask, is the handle really bulky? From pictures it looks like it might be a bit unwieldy.
Karen says
April 14th, 2010 at 5:12 pmHi Karyn,
It’s not bulky at all. I actually find my fingers fit into the bamboo grooves nicely!
Karyn says
April 15th, 2010 at 3:52 amOh it’s not bulky? Cool! I’ll pop by Target this weekend then, thanks so much for your reply 🙂
jessimae says
April 14th, 2010 at 5:31 pmhi! I agree with you about the Glee episode, but i was so excited for it to be back on i really didnt care lol. I think next weeks gonna be awesome but they needed a sort of re-introductory episode.
Christina says
April 14th, 2010 at 5:33 pmI am not a Gleeker but that VIDEO. I just died a little because I could never be that fabulous. OHMYGOD.
NIna says
April 14th, 2010 at 5:35 pmI was at Target over lunch again today and was eyeing that set … I cant seem to make up my mind about it … but this has got me sold!!!
PJ says
April 14th, 2010 at 6:04 pmI love Sonia’s brushes! For the price, softness and quality they are dope. Very helpful review too. I was just at Target and fell in love with Sonia’s domed synthetic brush. It is SO soft and I use it for highlighter. I seriously want to cuddle with it, it is so soft. And that Glee video is awesome!!!
Lee says
April 14th, 2010 at 6:17 pmHey Karen 🙂
Could u please explain “The Triangle” ? ! Maybe even a vid would be cool!
I have an idea of how 2 do the technique but not sure if i have it right lol
Thanks 🙂
Karen says
April 15th, 2010 at 9:47 amHi Lee,
If you click on this link it should give you a good idea of the technique:
Use a Foundation Brush to Apply Concealer: Tips from a Chanel Master Class
Thanks for the video idea… I will see if I have time to sneak one in soon.
amy says
April 14th, 2010 at 6:40 pmI enjoyed Glee last night and I agree that they did pack to much into an episode. As much as I like Emma, her neurotics and I root for her and Will I did quite enjoy the bitchy little move Terry made against Emma, it was pure venom. Though I am a romanic pessimist these days, my heart did fluttered a bit when I heard Rachel and Jesse’s rendition of Hello.
.-= amy’s last blog post… EOTD Smokey Teals: MAC Bough Grey, Birds & Berries, Vex and Shroom =-.
Marisol says
April 14th, 2010 at 8:55 pmI think I may need this brush in my life. This one and the eye liner brush from SK.
I was disappointed. I think the R & F story were a bit rushed and same for W & E. I mean, I almost felt like I missed an episode. I wished we could have seen more of Sue trying to get back into the school and her last effort would have been what she ended up doing. And there wasn’t enough Puck in this episode. That’s all I am saying. But I am glad that it is back.
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Europe here I come! =-.
Catherine says
April 14th, 2010 at 11:10 pmHmmm. I’m actually in search of a new concealer brush right now but I actually use a fluffy blender like a traditional crease brush? Might give this one a try though. I wanted the SK crease brush last time I went to Target (it looks perfect and feels SO soft) but I am just intrigued by this brush and the triangle method you described. I’ve heard of it before but it always comes out cakey on me… but maybe that’s because I’m using the wrong brush!
That video is AWESOME!
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Birthday Coach from J ♥ =-.
Amanda says
April 15th, 2010 at 8:29 amle sigh-how I love Glee. yeah, now that you mention it it was a little rushed, but I still loved it. and that vidoe…the best part is in the “spoken word” refrain when Sue swaps our the real lyrics and say “Will Shuchester, I hate you”…hilarious.
Janine says
April 15th, 2010 at 9:12 amI’ve officially made up my mind, I will purchase from this line!! yay!
.-= Janine’s last blog post… Poppin bottles @ Jojo’s + Paintball Success =-.
jess says
April 15th, 2010 at 2:27 pmi agree with you.. it felt like they tried to pack too much into one episode and the acting/lines were a little awkward at times. the highlight was when they sang “hello” in the shop. =)) i hope next week is better