I just remembered that Mother’s Day is right around the corner (May 9), and even though my mom always says, “Oh, honey, please don’t get me anything,” I know that’s a form of code for, “You better not show up empty handed, yo.” To head off any potential problems, I’m trying to find an early gift.
Mom’s not a big time makeup junkie, but I think she’d really like these new Dolce & Gabbana brushes, products of a collaboration between D&G and world-renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath.
With prices starting near $30, the five-pieces in the brush set for eyes, face and lips are clearly for lovers of luxury, but I think they look the part with that gold lettering on those matte black handles. Sure do look lush!
The Dolce & Gabbana Brush Collection
- Powder Brush, $55
- Blush Brush, $48
- Eyeshading Brush, $30
- Blending Brush, $32
- Retracable Lip Brush, $29
Made from goat and sable hair (NOTE: Tabs is on the fence about the fact that they aren’t synthetic brush heads), they feel incredibly soft against my skin. The eye and face brushes also have a really nice bounce to ’em that helps the brushes deposit an even, controlled placement of color. The retractable lip brush works pretty darn well, too, applying lipstick and gloss smooth and dense.
Overall, I think they hold their own next to MAC’s comparably costly but wonderful brushes.
I can’t help but wonder if Dolce & Gabbana had MAC’s brushes in mind when they set their brush prices. MAC’s Large Powder Brush will set you back $52, after all, which is just three dollars shy of D&G’s $55 Powder Brush, hmm…
Despite how much these cost, I like the weight and length of the handles and how well the heads blend and deposit products. It could make ’em great treats for moms and the other makeup lovin’ lords and ladies in your life. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Rain, rain go away…
How was Tuesday? I hope you have something nice to report (but it’s okay if you don’t; I’d understand). 🙂
I felt a little blue all day long today, mostly because of the weather. I get that way when I can’t see the sun for long stretches of time.
One thing that cheered me up, though, was looking through the entries for the Tabs Loves You Fan Art Contest. Dang, you girls have some serious artistic game! Tabs is impressed.
There’s still time to enter. You have until tomorrow night at 11:59PM PST, and it doesn’t have to be an elaborate life size oil painting of Tabs; even a quick haiku or a pencil sketch counts as an entry. You never know how a piece of artwork will turn out until you try. 🙂 If you decide to enter, send your submissions to me at karen@makeupandbeautyblog.com.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. My friend Marina from Makeup 4 All just launched an AMAZING online magazine featuring spring 2010 trends and fun beauty interviews (yup, that’s Tabs on page 31!!). Please pop over and say hi. 🙂
pinksoysauce says
March 30th, 2010 at 8:23 pmThanks for the post! We’ve been having beautiful weather here in Colorado for the past few days, which is nice considering that the skies have been threatening snowstorms, rainstorms, or cloudiness for the past month. 🙂 Hope it clears up in California!
Looking forward to seeing the art contest results!
Citrine says
March 30th, 2010 at 8:27 pmI like how wide that lip brush looks but 30 bucks is a tad too much consider Paul & Joe has one in the same style for only 15…But I guess moms usually like a more toned down handle (mine doesn’t even use makeup brushes, she just apply lipstick from the tube and use the sponge for her face powder.)
.-= Citrine’s last blog post… Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lip Soother in Shine =-.
Lindsay says
March 30th, 2010 at 9:13 pmThe prices aren’t too bad and they sure are pretty with the lettering. Aww Tabs is so cute! He looks like my tabbies.
.-= Lindsay’s last blog post… Review: Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara =-.
Lindsay B says
March 30th, 2010 at 9:19 pmEh, my Tuesday was alright. As my fellow Coloradan, pinksoysauce already said, weather’s been nice. I went for a run and found a stray kitten, who was rather appreciative of having a snack once I brought her home. The Dumb Friends League is taking good care of her now.
The D&G brushes are so pretty! Curse my college student income, otherwise I’d go out and buy them right now.
Aw, Tabs is such a cutie pie. Can’t wait to see the results of the art contest.
The Crochet Queenn says
March 30th, 2010 at 9:38 pmThe brushes are super soft,And would make a great gift .If only my 6 yr old could afford those prices(heehee)
.-= The Crochet Queenn’s last blog post… 2′ by 4′ Afghan Throw Blanket,Photo Prop,converts to Fringe hammock Shown in Powder Blue,Steel Blue and Sapphire with 4 Flower Accents and Fringes, Ready to Ship =-.
Kate & Zena says
March 30th, 2010 at 9:41 pmMy Tuesday was okay. We’ve finally heated up to 58 degrees today! We’re finally out of the 40s (yay!!!!!!!!). We’re supposed to get up to 76 tomorrow so that makes me slap happy.
Zena whined INCESSANTLY until I took her on a long walk. I can’t stand it when she whines! I swear she sounds worse than hyper guinea pig running around her cage and squealing for something at midnight (oh, those nights annoyed me to no end). Zena not only has the power to make you love her and hate her at the exact same time.
I would enter my little pink Post-It Mad Hatter Tabs, but my scanner won’t cooperate with Linux (have I mentioned that I ABHOR linux/ubuntu? NO ITUNES!!! I. Want. Windows. Back. NOW!) and one seethingly annoying brother took the camera. It’s so cute too! Oh well, you’ll have to wait until Saturday to see it. Phoey.
By the way, did you watch DWTS yesterday and the results today? We, my mom and I, are not DWTS fans by any means (we’re watching it mainly for Evan Lysacek) but I cannot believe Kate didn’t get voted off. I need to pray to the Dancing Gods to please spare me the agony of watching Kate “dance” again. Or at least make her go first so I can watch Lysacek without having to agonize about Hurricane Kate. I cannot express in words what it was like to sit through the 3 minutes Kate was on television.
marisol says
March 30th, 2010 at 10:55 pmWe are having some crazy weather. It was pouring this morning when I drove to lunch and by lunch time the sun was shining.
Now I gotta think what to get my mom for Mother’s Day.
.-= marisol’s last blog post… Liberty of London haul =-.
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:51 amI know! I just want it to be sunny already. I’m looking forward to living in a place that actually gets warm. 🙂
Marina says
March 30th, 2010 at 11:50 pmYou and Tabs are so cute 🙂 And I am VERY happy to hear that you liked the magazine x
.-= Marina’s last blog post… Makeup4All Magazine:Everything You Need to Know About Spring 2010 Beauty Trends =-.
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:51 amHi Marina,
It’s really beautiful! Great job. 🙂
Rica says
March 30th, 2010 at 11:55 pmD&G brushes… hmmm… despite the price, it might be great. But I’m gonna stick with MAC, or even drugstore… D&G is such a luxury to have! I rather get a mani lol.
I was doing quite well on my Tuesday. I stuck with my diet and just be good. I even got up and go for a walk outside with the man =D.
Speaking of mother’s day, I really don’t know what to do. My mom would think I’m wasting my money if I get her anything. She made me return my Christmas present to her last year = =. What should I do?
.-= Rica’s last blog post… WLC self reflection #1 =-.
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:50 amMaybe get her something that she can’t return? Like, take her out to lunch or something. Or, go get a mani/pedi with her so you guys can hang out together. That might be fun!
gio says
March 31st, 2010 at 5:11 amThose brushes look pretty and they seem soft too, too bad they are so expensive! 29$ for a lip brush is a bit too much!
.-= gio’s last blog post… Sunday Beauty Reads, 28/03/10 =-.
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:50 amYeah, I wouldn’t mind $10 or $15 off!
NINA says
March 31st, 2010 at 5:11 amThose brushes look LUXE!!!
I am really obsessed with blending brushes of all kinds (I have several, both from Target, MAC and other brands) so I am for sure curious about that one …
Heya Tabs – youre lookin good, right thurrrr!!! 😉
Hi Karen – I hope the sun shines for you today!
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:49 amHi Nina,
I love blending brushes too. Do you have the MAC 217? It’s one of my faves.
The sun peeked out a little this morning… now it’s disappearing again, boo.
How are things with you? Don’t you have a short work week?
NINA says
March 31st, 2010 at 2:27 pmYep I do have the MAC 217 … id have to say it is one of my most prized make up possessions!!!
I might even get a back up … maybe if I get to a CCO and they have it.
Its sunny but cool here today. Kinda humid though. My allergies have been kicking my bootay bad this week!
Things are okay – busy-ish but not bad. Tomorrow is my Friday – woohooo!!!!
Maygan says
April 26th, 2010 at 5:45 pmThe 217 and the 219 are my two brush I cant live without! Try using a clean 217 for concealer..its amazing!
The DG blending brush is not as loosly packed as the 217 and the hairs are not as long so you get good blending but more concentration than the 217 🙂 Happy Blending
.-= Maygan’s last blog post… MayCupChic2: @EarlyMorningMan she goes to Keene =-.
Shannon says
March 31st, 2010 at 5:21 amAny type of make-up with Pat McGrath’s name attached to it is worth a look. She’s one of my favorites! It would be a dream to shadow her during Fashion Week.
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:48 amYes it would. I would love to spend an afternoon just watching her doing eye makeup!
diane says
March 31st, 2010 at 5:36 amI love your mouse with that big red button or whatever that is 😀
kiss
.-= diane’s last blog post… Turquoise =-.
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:47 amIt’s a trackball mouse! I can’t use regular ones because they hurt my wrist.
BeckBeck says
March 31st, 2010 at 6:25 amWho did the “Tabs pouncing on Lipglass” sketch? It’s actually pretty awesome. Is that a Karen original? 😉
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:47 amHi Beck,
Yes, but I used Photoshop to do it. 🙂 I wish I could sketch like that for reals!
Frances says
March 31st, 2010 at 8:27 amWhile the collaboration with Pat McGrath is certainly a draw, I’m not compelled to rush out and find these brushes. I like my MAC brushes just fine.
I love that pic of you and Tabs!
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:46 amHi Frances,
What are your favorite MAC brushes? I love the 266 and the 239.
JJ says
March 31st, 2010 at 9:32 amThese brushes are kind of ‘meh’ to me. If not for the D&G lettering on the side and thick handles, these would be yer run’o’the mill brushes… but don’t mind me. I’ve overly practical.
The weather has been quite nice here in Chicago. Someone is mowing their lawn as I type. Spring. Is. Here!
I love Tabs. What a sweetie pumpkin pie 🙂
Karen says
March 31st, 2010 at 10:46 amHi JJ,
I’ve always wanted to go to Chicago. When is the best time of the year to visit?
Kate & Zena says
March 31st, 2010 at 11:56 amKaren,
Spring is ideal. It’s always a little cooler in Chicago than it is in the burbs where I live as the lake is like RIGHT THERE rather than a few miles away. It’s not a huge difference but it is a couple of degrees. It’s the opposite in winter, it’s actually a tiny bit warmer at the lake front than it is in the interior. It’s weird, I know.
Summer is okay to visit if you don’t mind the humidity and the heat (80% humidity is normal). The wind does help with humidity but not much. Chicago and its ‘burbs (aka where I live) are notorious for being windy year round; it isn’t called the Windy City for no reason. The wind is worse in fall, winter and early spring as it’ll be brutally cold (frozen lake) but in late spring it’s nice.
Pack a few sweaters, even if you visit in summer. The weather is notorious for changing on a dime. It can be sunny in the morning, brewing a thunderstorm in the afternoon and thunderstorming in the evening.
Unless you plan on freezing, don’t come in mid-to-late fall and winter. As someone who spent a vast many years in warm weather, the winters are brutally cold dipping into -20s with wind chill. The colors are pretty in fall, but it’s not worth freezing your butt off for!
Summer Staff says
March 31st, 2010 at 12:48 pmAWW! You and Tabs look adorable, when he’s looking up at you like “Oh, I love you so much!’ He’s adorable. Not joking, he could be a kitty model 🙂
I like these brushes…but honestly? If I am going to pay that much for brushes they have got to be out of this worlllddd amazing.
Scientific Housewife says
March 31st, 2010 at 1:32 pmI was just wondering today about what you do with all the stuff you review. Do you use it all or does it go to a magical place?
Catherine says
March 31st, 2010 at 2:11 pmHaha, I wish I could get my mom to use brushes! Well… she does – she only uses mineral foundation and blush and she never washes her brushes (and for a while she was using those horrid Sheer Cover ones, which are just SO scratchy and she couldn’t even tell how bad they were ’till I sent her new EDM ones). I yell at her to wash her brushes all the time – it makes me cringe lol…
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… NOTW – Purple Holo & Lace =-.
Instant Karma (formerly L) says
April 1st, 2010 at 12:46 amAw, man, I wanted to make something with Aisha and Tigger for your Tabs contest but I’ve been sick for the past few days 🙁 🙁 :(. Maybe I’ll do it I’m feeling better anyway just for the hell of it, lol.