Review: Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner

Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner

If you find yourself reading this post then there's a high chance that you own a beauty blender. In that case you have probably tried or at least heard of the beauty blender solid cleanser. Well, Blvd. Cosmetics has brought us a cleansing product that sort of plays on the same concept. I introduce to you the BLVD Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner.

Blvd. Cosmetics is a natural and organic cosmetic company that offers lip products from lipsticks, liners and glosses to brush cleansers, nail polishes and body soaps.

Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner ($16/2 oz) is a mild soap that not only cleanses but moisturizes your makeup brushes and beauty sponges. It is made with natural oils and contains antibacterial and conditioning properties that leave your tools feeling smooth and looking vibrant, all while keeping the bristles of your brushes healthy and long lasting. It is 100% vegan and biodegradable.

The brush cleanser is available in (3) options: Unscented, Lemon Grass Swirl, and Lavender Swirl. The brush shampoo I have for review is the Lavender Swirl. It contains a soft lavender scent that is not overpowering and leaves your brushes smelling fresh and cleansed.

Blvd. Cosmetics Lavender Swirl Brush Shampoo & Conditioner

I have always cleaned my beauty blenders and brushes with good ole dishwashing soap mixed with a bit of extra virgin olive oil in order to disinfect and moisturize them. This cleansing method has worked for me thus far but it is time consuming as the soap creates lots of suds in my beauty blenders and brushes. The great thing about the Blvd. Cosmetics brush shampoo & conditioner is that doesn't create suds. The soap washes out very easily while removing all the product left in your tools.

Another positive factor in this shampoo is that it leaves the hair bristles on my brushes looking brighter and feeling softer. Whereas using Dawn with the olive oil feels a bit too greasy on the bristles. And let's not forget, less suds equals less time spent trying to squeeze them out. I can't tell you how many times I've thought I got every last bit out to realize that I had to take my tools back to the sink and run them under water. The joys of deep cleaning makeup brushes! (Enter sarcasm here)

Before & After on brushes & beauty blenders using Blvd. Shampoo

PACKAGING
The soap is packaged into a plastic tub with a twist on cap and contains a small round loofah. In this case the soap itself is not removable, instead you take your wet brush or beauty blender and swirl it around in the tub. In my opinion this saves the amount of soap you use when cleansing your tools as opposed to using a bar like the Beauty Blender solid cleanser. Let's not forget to mention, the Blvd. Cosmetics brush shampoo contains 2 0z. of product, double the amount of the BB solid cleanser. I was a little skeptical about scrubbing my brushes on the loofah but when you run it under water it will expand and become soft, aiding in removing any leftover product in your brushes. I suggest allowing the loofah to dry completely before trying to store it back in the tub (it won't fit if you don't).

Top view: twist off cap

Side view: 2 oz. of product

Round loofah included in packaging

Dry loofah included w/ Brush Shampoo & Conditioner

Instructions

Demo using dirty brush w/ shampoo

Wet Loofah - expands & softens when wet

I'm all for simplicity when it comes to deep cleaning my makeup tools and that is exactly what I get with the Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo. Wet your brush swirl it in the tub, gently scrub it against the wet loofah and rinse. Then lay your brush flat to dry. I don't get my hands as wet as with any other method meaning I don't dry them out with soap and water and the process doesn't take as long.

OVERALL THOUGHTS
The Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner is a must have! It helps cut down my brush cleaning in half all while leaving them clean and moisturized with a light fresh scent. At double the amount of product compared to other cleansers out in the market and the fact that it is made with natural ingredients wins in my book! Blvd. Cosmetics is on the rise and I'm sure it will become a well known brand in the beauty community. Make sure you check them out & follow on Instagram - @blvdcosmetics


Availability: Blvdcosmetics.com
Price: $16 (2oz.)

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions featured in this post as they are my own honest experiences with the product.    

Vera Mona Color Switch Duo Review

Vera Mona Color Switch Duo

The Color Switch Duo by Vera Mona ($20) is by far the most genius makeup tool I've come across in a while. It is every makeup artist/enthusiast's dream come true! This tin can contains a round black coarse sponge that allows you to change the last color used on your eyeshadow brushes without using liquid products to clean them. All you have to do is sweep the used brush around in the sponge and it instantly removes traces of the shadow from it for the next color-application.

The Duo also comes with a smaller white sponge in the middle that can be used for a wet shadow application. I haven't tried using this part of the Color Switch because I don't use water when doing a wet shadow look. I like to spray my brush with MAC Fix + or Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray because I find that they help create a more intense color application.

You could use a liquid brush spot cleaner in between colors but they are expensive and require more effort whereas the Color Switch is pretty much effortless. I especially recommend this product to makeup artists who are constantly changing shadow colors when working on a client. Using the Color Switch as opposed to brush cleaners is not only time-efficient but cost-efficient as well.

It can be used on both sides for up to 3 months in which case you should then get a refill sponge as it will begin to wear out and lose its effectiveness. A refill costs about $6-$7 compared to a 8oz bottle of Cinema Secrets brush cleaner which will run you about $30 and lasts about half the amount of time.

Clean-up for Vera Mona products embody the true definition of simplicity. Everything about them screams EASY! It will make your life that much easier when applying shadows to your eyes. Cleaning the sponge inside is just as easy as washing a beauty blender. You simply remove the sponge from the tin and wash it with soap and water then allow it to air dry.

Keep in mind that you are not disinfecting or conditioning your brushes with the Color Switch like you would be with a brush cleaner. It simply removes leftover eyeshadow from your brush and depending on the hair color and shade of the shadow it can still look dirty, but the shadow residue has been removed. At some point it is a good idea to spot clean your brushes in between deep cleanings.

Overall, I've really been enjoying the Color Switch as it's made makeup application just a bit easier. It has definitely become a staple product in my makeup kit.

Vera Mona Color Switch Duo

Availability: Vera Mona / Shop.com / Amazon / Naimies / Frends
Pricing: $20


Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions as they are my own honest experiences with the product.