NEW Sigma Dry N Shape System For Perfect Brushes

Tired of waiting for your brushes to dry after washing them? Sigma Beauty has just released their new Dry’n Shape system! The Dry’n Shape was designed to completely dry and shape your most dense brushes (regardless of the brand) within 4 to 6 hours, guaranteed. That includes the super thick and much raved about Sigma HD Sigmax brush.

The Dry’n Shape looks like a regular brush roll, but provides the necessary pressure to bristles to quickly and efficiently remove water from every fibre (CHECK OUT THE VIDEO HERE). The fabric used to shape the bristles was specially engineered to accelerate water evaporation, resulting in a faster drying time for your brushes.

The Dry’n Shape is an easy, quick, and effective way to quickly dry and shape your makeup brushes. Follow these three easy steps for best results:

STEP 1:
Wash your brushes using a mild shampoo or brush cleanser.

STEP 2:
Gently press the bristles to remove any excess water. Place the clean, damp brushes into the Dry’n Shape using the smallest band the brush will fit into. Make sure that all bristles are firmly compressed.

STEP 3:
<Wait 4 to 6 hours and your brushes will be completely dry and ready to use! In addition to being completely dry, the bristles will be reshaped to their original form. Your brushes will be perfect for your makeup application!

You now have a convenient option to wash and use your brushes as often as you’d like without them losing their shape!

New Sigma F80 Brush (Sigmax Collection) + Review

UPDATE: 6 weeks since I first used it and I'm still using it every single day! I just can't get over how QUICK and flawless this brush buffs in my foundation. I use it and have my foundation applied in less then 30 seconds. 

Still high from my shoe shopping yesterday, I came home to find my Sigma package at home, sitting on the table. I eagerly tried ripping open the box and 3 minutes later I was holding the much talked about Sigma F80 brush! *insert angels singing* (FYI They have a discount coupon ending this week: STYLE2011 for 10% off and sales going on)


Sigma describes this brush as a:

Flat top synthetic kabuki designed to deliver flawless makeup application. The Sigma Makeup F80 is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder or liquid products. The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff your liquid foundation.
The synthetic fibers are ideal to be used with liquid products and can be easily cleaned. Made of Synthetic Sigmax HD filament.

(Sigma also sells the retractable kabuki with a cover for travel or throwing in your purse.)



Density:
As soon as I looked at it, I thought it looked alot of my MAC 130 brush, but much... much denser! It's packed so thick you can barely see the bottom of the brush and the bristles don't seperate easy. This makes it PERFECT for quickly applying make-up. And even better: your make-up doesn't absorb or sink into the bristles so you use less product! :D

The difference between the Sigma F80 ($16), MAC 187and the MAC 130 brush:
Both MAC brushes are duo fiber, while the Sigma is synthetic. These synthetic bristles are extremely soft; I'm impressed! The first day I got the brush, I couldn't stop touching it, as the feeling of it against your skin as amazing.


So what makes it different and why is it a good addition?

MAC 130 ($40): Over time I've come to find it rather time consuming to get even coverage over my entire face, because the MAC 130 is so small. But don't get me wrong, it's still a good brush, just not my preferred anymore. I've now stashed it away.

MAC 187 ($42): I prefer the MAC 187 to the MAC 130 for foundation because it's larger, but it does leave minor streaking compared to the Sigma F80.

These brushes aren't comparable when it comes to shape.

The only way to compare them would be by the application and results they give.
The Sigma F80 spreads out foundation evenly, giving a fully airbrushed look. Thanks to the flat, full brush you also get none of the cakey look some foundations can give.  You can choose which way you want to apply your foundation: stippling or buffing in. And you waste less foundation because it doesn't get absorbed into the brush.

Shedding / Cleaning:
I haven't had any shedding problems with it, and I suppose that's also because of the synthetic bristles.

As far as cleaning goes: it's dense so it takes while to dry! I guess you could try using a blow drier from far?
And deep cleansing is required from time to time, so you avoid staining. Also,I haven't had any bleeding issues.

Other uses for this brush:
Bronzing and contouring.

If I had to recommend just ONE brush from Sigma I'd say this is it! Of course, being a make-up enthousiast, I'd recommend alot of the other ones too, but this one is their most raved about brush of the moment- and I now see why.


Also, I have to add that I truly love the fact that the brushes come with protectors. Am I alone on this? It really irks me that my expensive MAC brushes don't, and when they're drying or over time they tend to look frayed.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Sigma make-up Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sigma Brush & Makeup Sale!

If you're looking for Sigma makeup discount coupons or promo codes, don't despair! Sigma is offering savings on their brush sets right now. (I'm not sure though how long the sale will go on, but hurry!)

Check out the sale here!

Coupon code for 10% OFF any purchase: Valentines or People2011

August Beauty Favorites!

For the past 2 months I've been trying to wear as little make-up as possible. Now that definitly means something else to every person.
I haven't been using too many new products, but instead I've found new ways to use products I already own/was using. These are all surprisingly super budget friendly too.:)

1) Tinted moisturizer: I haven't managed to find a tinted moisturizer that gives coverage. Most just go on sheer or make me look way darker. So I make the perfect combination (to my liking) by blending my holy grail moisturizer Proactive Oil-Free with SPF 15 and Revlon Colorstay Foundation. It gives the perfect light coverage to even out my skin tone, plus stays put all day (thanks to the Colorstay Foundation which is known for that).

2) Rimmel Eyeshadow in Jet Black ($4): I've actually been using this (wet) as a liner on my top lashline and it's sooo pigmented. The only thing is this method isn't as longlasting as liquid liner.

3) Coastal Scents concealer Camo quads (in Medium) ($7). (My full review of it here).



4) Sonia Kashuk angled blush brush: I got this for about $12 at Target. I love this because it has a smaller brush head compared to regular blush brushes, and allows for more precise placement/blush contouring.

5) Korres Lip Butter in Mango ($10) (My full review here).

6) Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel ($8): I've been breaking out like crazy the past week. So of course I turn to my trusty on the spot gel. This one also gets a big thumbs up from me. It's slightly more affective then the regular Neutrogena On The Spot creams/gels. Plus it helps fade acne marks.

7) Tutti Dolci Crème Brulee Body Wash ($7): I got this on sale at Bath and Body Works and my ggggod does this smell devine! I was never a huge fan of spending money on bath products (I'm just more of a soap bar girl... or should I say I WAS). This is so rich and moisturizing, it feels like satin on the skin and leaves it smooth, which makes it great for shaving too. And true to it's name it does smell like Tutti Fruity Candy or gelato. Needless to say this is my favorite bath product at the moment and if I ever come across it again I'm buying 2 backups. Yummm..

So what are some of your August favorites?

Essential Make Up Brushes

For make-up beginners like myself, Marlena from Makeupgeek.com broke down everything you need to know into one short video. Picking brushes when there are so many choices can be a frustrating task and even then, chances are you may still not be satisfied.

She also gives a few cheaper versions of brushes you can buy at Target and Sephora. Because let's be honest: sometimes spending $30 on a brush just doesn't seem right when there are cheaper alternatives which get the job done just as well.