Monday, August 16, 2010

E.L.F. Train Case

Originally submitted at EyesLipsFace.com

The ultimate case for ALL your beauty needs! The trendy design delivers complete storage, while the easy grip handle allows for ease of traveling. Great for everyday or your travel carry-all, it’s the case for keeping your beauty products stylishly by your side anywhere!

5out of 5

Pros: Roomy, Versatile, Waterproof

Cons: Not Enough Pockets

Best Uses: Short Trips, Travel, Home, Long Trips

So I recently discovered elf, and like everyone else became addicted. What better way to store ALL my elf things than in a giant elf train case! The case is soft and bendable, but still holds its shape well. I got the case in Silver and was pleasantly surprised. I didn't want something super metallic and shiny, so if this is what you want, don't go with the silver. The color is actually a muted, matte silver. There was a lot more room than I expected. This bag fits my 11-brush makeup set from the Studio line perfectly, and then I pile all my other things on top.

This case comes with a mirror attached to the top, but I just want to mention that you'd have to prop the top against something to be able to use it. There is also only one big section to hold things. There are no extra pockets inside.

When I travel, I can easily dump all my shampoo, conditioner, face products, etc in along with my makeup. It truly does hold everything. Love it!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Brush Guard

For anyone who owns a makeup brush, you should know by now that the conventional way of cleaning the brush and then laying them flat to dry makes the brush wear out faster. The best way for a brush to dry is with the brush part facing down. This way, the water will not run back into the handle and destroy the glue. Once the glue holding the bristles wear down, the brush is rendered useless.

After learning that this is the most effective way to let a brush dry, I tried many different methods of my own to dry them. I tried making my own little brush stands but none of them were porous enough to let the brushes dry the way they should until I came upon this product:



The Brush Guard: http://www.thebrushguard.com/

These brush guards are $5.50 for a package (including shipping and handling). They come in 4 sizes. Ex-small fits the eyeliner brush or lip brush. Small fits my eyeshadow, concealer, and smudge brushes. Medium fits blush or foundation brushes, and Large fits the powder brush and kabuki.

This product works great! It's a mesh-like material that lets the brush dry even when inside the brush guard. The guard also works to protect your brushes when you put them in your purse. I use them to dry out my brushes the correct way:


After washing, I place the guard over my brush by sliding it in from the top of the handle, and them placing them in a cup to dry overnight. This method works great and it always keeps my brushes in its original shape.

For only $5.50 a pack, I would recommend you get at least one to try out. This company ships from California, and shipping internationally will cost extra.



Disclaimer: These products were purchased with my own money and this is my honest opinion about them.