Kabuki Brushes and Cream Blushes!!

Kabuki brushes are so cute and fun but other than being just great looking brushes, they have a great history and a variety of uses.  The traditional use of a Kabuki brush dates back centuries ago in Japan's Kabuki Theatres.  These brushes were used to create a flawless finish with thick makeup.

In recent years, the Kabuki brush has become popular again with the introduction of mineral makeup.  Mineral powder foundation was one of the products Kabuki brushes were introduced for.  Application of the product involves picking up the powder with the brush and applying it to the face in a circular motion. 

These days, I've seen Kabuki brushes being used for more than just powder products.  They can be used to apply liquid foundation and cream blushes too.  Similar with powder products, the finish is beautiful and flawless. 

I'm going to show you the difference between using your fingers and a Kabuki brush to apply a cream blush.  I'll be using the same amount of product for each application

Application Using Fingers:

Notice that the finish looks a bit thicker.

Application Using a Kabuki Brush:

The finish is more dewy and natural looking. 

Important Tips:
1) If you do have a cream blush, want a very natural flush on your cheeks but don't have a Kabuki brush, a good trick to create a natural look is to apply your cream blush on your cheeks before applying foundation. 

2) Kabuki brushes should be soft but sturdy.  It shouldn't be as soft and limp as the hairs on your powder or blush brush.  I bought a cheep Kabuki brush (even though I tell you not to) and was very disappointed that the length of the hairs were too long and moved around too much when applying product in a circular motion.  I did a quick fix by tying a hair elastic at the base of the brush but will definitely invest in a good quality Kabuki brush this year. 

3) If you have very oily skin or live in a hot and humid country, a powder blush is a better option.  Cream blushes should be used by people with dry skin or live in countries that make your skin dryer than usual. 

4) If you are using a Kabuki brush to apply your cream blush, get some product on your fingers then transfer it on to your mixing palette first.  Do not grab the product out of it's container using the Kabuki brush.  You'll get way too much on it.

If you know about a great Kabuki Brush other than MAC 182, let me know all about it!!! 

My 2012 Makeup Wish List!!!

In 2011 I tried out several new makeup products.  My Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up highlighter and K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner became my all time favourites.  This year, I have my eye on several products that I've heard great reviews about as well as some products that I've wanted for a while but never got around to getting.  Here is my 2012 wish list!!! 

1) Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter lipsticks
(http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Lips/Lipcolor/Revlon-ColorBurst-Lip-Butter.aspx)

This product has been around for a little while internationally but has not come to the UK.  Bloggers have been raving about this product and I heard it should be here by March 2012.  It's said to be an amazing lipstick that moisturizes and gives lips a beautiful, dewy colour!! 

2) MAC 182 Buffer Brush
(http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=mac+182+buffer+brush+reviews&hl=en&prmd=imvns&resnum=4&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=649&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=7388240362358743526&sa=X&ei=a_UBT_SqI4mphAe389GqAQ&ved=0CFYQ8wIwAA)

This type of brush is also called a Kabuki brush.  It's usually used to blend powder products such as loose mineral powder foundation.  However, Kim Kardashian's makeup artist uses it to apply her cream blush and foundation and it works beautifully, giving her that gorgeous, natural looking glow she has.  I've been using a cheap Kabuki brush and it's time for an upgrade. 

3) Inglot Eyeshadow Palette
(http://www.inglotcosmetics.com/eye.shadow/products/146/165)

This is a Scandinavian makeup company that was never available in any of the countries I've lived in previously.  However, they are available in Europe, Asia and North America and have been a cult favourite for quite some time.  They are said to have professional quality, long-lasting eyeshadow.  What makes them unique is their "Freedom System".  You can create your own palettes and it's cheaper than just buying individual colours separately. 


4) MAC Lipstick in Red, Russian Red or Chilli (http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/168/310/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl)

Every girl should have a classic red lipstick.  It suits every skin tone and on days where you want a glamorous and polished look but don't have too much time, a red lipstick is the perfect solution.  Paired with simple eye makeup, it will dress you up with minimal effort.

5) Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Belladonna (http://www.illamasqua.com/shop/catalogue/category/lips/products/intense-lipgloss/28/)

This colour is a little brighter than what I normally use but it's gorgeous.  It is said to last for hours, even after eating and drinking.  Best of all, it's not sticky!!

6) L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow
(http://www.loreal-paris.co.uk/cosmetics/eyes/color-infallible.aspx)

This is another product I have heard great reviews about.  It's an extremely affordable eyeshadow with a range of intense colours that are said to last all day long. 

 And that's my wish list for 2012!!! 

I'm sure this list will get bigger as I start to read about and discover future makeup launches but these are just some of the products I've been reading about and can't wait to try!!!  Products that are raved about by bloggers all over the world usually end up being as amazing as they sound.  I would recommend you try any of these too and let me know what you think about them if you get to them before I do!!!