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. 

Real Techniques Core Collection Brushes Review

REAL TECHNIQUES CORE COLLECTION BRUSHES

If you haven't heard of the Real Techniques brushes you've been living under a rock. Created by the very talented Samantha Chapman from Pixiwoo on youtube, her collection of makeup brushes have become a hot commodity within the beauty community. At an affordable price accompanied with great quality, why wouldn't these brushes be so popular?!

Contour brush, pointed foundation brush, detailer brush, buffing brush

The Core Collection was my very first Real Techniques purchase. It comes with (4) essential brushes and (1) carrying case:

• Detailer Brush: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition. I use the detailer brush when I need to apply concealer on smaller sections of my face; to clean up my eyebrow makeup and to keep my bold lip colors from bleeding out.

Detailer Brush



• Pointed Foundation Brush: use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage. I don't reach for this brush as much as the other but when I tend to mix my foundations with it or use it to apply cream highlights on the top apple of my cheeks. It can also be used to apply a highlight to the bridge of your nose and your cupids bow.

Pointed Foundation Brush



• Buffing Brush: ideal for full coverage application of powder or mineral foundation. This is an amazing brush for buffing in your foundation. I only use liquid foundations so this is what I apply them with when I'm not using my beauty blender or Sigma Flat Top Kabuki brush.

Buffing Brush



• Contour Brush: delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish. This brush is my go-to brush for contouring the hallows of my cheeks. I then go over it with a slanted contour brush and bronzer and continue with bronzing the rest of my face like the temples of my forehead, jawline and neck. 

Contour Brush



• Panaromic Brush Case: 2-in-2 case + stand This stand/case was pretty much useless to me. It got tossed away in a makeup draw the second I removed the brushes from it. It's only worth using as a carrying case when traveling but even then I don't use it. It is way too small for all the brushes I carry. And yes, the brushes do look pretty in it when being used as a stand but it is impractical and inconvenient to me. The brushes get stuck within the bands and when applying makeup, I like to be able to switch back and forth with my brushes without the hassle.

Compared to other makeup brushes these are super lightweight and easy to deep wash since they have these sleek aluminum handles, meaning no worrying about getting water in the ferrule of your brushes here. Best yet, they are very easy to wash as far as getting product out of the hairs. If there is one thing I can't stand is trying to get my Sigma Flat Top Kabuki brush 100% clean. It takes me many so long to get that brush clean and getting the foundation out of the Real Techniques Buffing Brush is a breeze compared to the Sigma brush. Each brush has its name imprinted on the side of the handle. To ensure that it doesn't get rubbed off through wear-and-tear I applied a bit of clear nail polish over the names of them.

Soft dense synthetic bristles

All of the brushes made by Real Techniques have very soft, dense synthetic taklon bristles that have been hand-cut and are 100% cruelty-free. If you are vegan or just choose to not use animal hair products then these brushes are perfect for you. When choosing makeup brushes regardless of the brand I opt for synthetic bristles above all else. Choosing synthetic bristles over other options, like animal hair, comes with its benefits. But, if you prefer to choose otherwise that is fine, it all depends on what the person is looking for in a makeup brush. For me the following benefits aid in my choice..

• synthetic brushes are easier to maintain clean since they don't absorb pigments as much as other brushes-meaning less cleaning time.
• synthetic brushes create a more airbrushed look on the skin-offering a more natural makeup look.
• synthetic brushes are less prone to being damaged by makeup products you use or brush cleansers.
• if you have allergies to certain animal hairs, synthetic brushes are your best friend. I have sensitive skin and am known to having allergies to certain animal hair so al around I just try to stay away from brushes made of animal hairs.

Description of brushes located on back of the box

Beauty lovers will be happy to know that Real Techniques brushes are very affordable. Makeup brushes can get very expensive especially when looking for good quality brushes. At $18 for the set, that's $4.50 a brush. I got my set about a year ago from Ulta and used their usual $3.50/$10 coupon making the set under $15. I've been very happy wit my Real Techniques brushes and have yet to experience any shedding from any of them. Go get yours today!

Price: $18

Availability: RealTechniques / Ulta / Walmart

HAVE YOU TRIED REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES? WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Breaking Out?! It May Be Your Makeup Brushes!!

When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes?

It is very important to clean your brushes! Over time, all the makeup you apply to your face with your brushes begins to build up and becomes a huge breeding ground for bacteria. In turn, bacteria will clog your pores and cause your skin to break out! Now, I know the task of cleaning your brushes may seem to be a big burden, or sometimes we may mean to do it but it crosses our minds and by the time you remember you're already 15 minutes late for girls night out. I try to clean my brushes after every 2-3 applications but I must confess that I too forget or get lazy. But ladies, it is a must! Plus, if you want your brushes to last you longer then cleaning them helps you achieve that..

E.L.F. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner - E.L.F. Eyeshadow "C" Brush

I cleaned my brushes not too long ago and took a few pictures for my readers.. I have heard before that you can use your on-hand shampoo to wash them but some stores do sell liquids or wipes made especially to disinfect your brushes. I've never used the shampoo method so I have no place in recommending that. But, I do use E.L.F. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner. I bought it when I placed a haul through the website and paid less than $2 for it because of a promotion that was going on. But regular retail is only $3 and you get a good size 8.5 oz spray bottle for your 3 bucks! (Size comparison shown above) And as for quality, I think it is pretty amazing for such a low price. The liquid does have a bit of an alcohol aroma but isn't that a given? If its purpose is to disinfect it usually smells like rubbing alcohol. At least it doesn't smell 100% like rubbing alcohol. E.L.F. also sells a brush shampoo for the same price but I've never tried it before.

Follow these steps to clean your brushes:

1. Gather all your lovely dirty brushes and your brush cleaner. Also grab a few pieces of paper towel. You might want to do this in your bathroom so you don't make a mess on your lovely comforter or mess up your desk.

Spraying powder brush w/ E.L.F. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner

Paper towel after cleaning brushes, went through 3 of these.

2. Clean one brush at a time (daunting, I know) by spraying some of the liquid directly onto the brush. Gently wipe the brush onto a clean paper towel until all makeup has been removed from the brush. When the brush no longer exudes anything, you can then move onto the next one.

Clean brushes set aside to air dry.

3. Set your brushes aside on a clean paper towel and allow them to air dry. They typically need a few hours. I let them dry until the next day. Now, you're all set to use your newly anti-bacteria brushes again. Don't forget to repeat this process every few uses in order to keep that face clean and beautiful!


E.L.F. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner - Ingredients (eyeslipsface.com):
Water(Aqua), Alcohol Denat,Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Methylparaben.

What do you use to clean your makeup brushes? Any other tips on cleaning them?

Leave a comment/question below..