Tag: brushes

Back to cult classic : Nars Laguna Bronzer

This article is the start of a new series on Le Beauty Journal, about cult classic makeup items, that are either really worth the hype, or maybe not so much. Because with new makeup and skincare launches almost every single day, I feel like it’s also interesting to revisit classic products that maybe are not talked about that much anymore.

I first discovered Nars Laguna Bronzer when I bought the gorgeous Nars Virtual Domination blush palette, because I’m a blush addict, and it had the bronzer in it. I still have the palette, and completely used up the bronzer. It is brilliant. Though I have to say, it was far less pigmented in the palette that it actually is on its own, which apparently, often happen with limited edition items. I decided to buy the original version because I missed it and love it even more, because a little goes a long way !

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Anyway, I LOVE this bronzer. It looks dark but really, applied with the right brush, it’s fabulous. It has a slight shimmer running through but it’s barely noticeable. I’m not big on shimmers so no worries, you won’t look like a disco ball, I promise !

Laguna gives an instant glow. It’s a very creamy powder which might sound weird but basically, it glides on the skin and does not ever look patchy. The color has quite a bit of red in it and I believe that’s why I enjoy it so much. You know when you naturally tan, how at first it can look a tiny bit red ? Not sunburned, but simply slightly red. Well, Nars Laguna has the power to replicate a real tan in my opinion. Not only that, it also provides a gorgeous sheen that makes you look like a bronzed goddess. I know.

It’s also great as eyeshadow, and instantly gives depth to the eyes, when applied and subtly blended in the crease. It’s so versatile, and really has my back when I feel a bit meh, or want to look like I actually have experienced sun… which to be honest, I don’t even remember how it feels like !

No brainer, game changer. Do you have a favorite bronzer ?

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Face brushes 101

A few of my friends have asked me questions about brushes, and it seems like it can be a whole unknown world so I decided I’d tell you all about the ones I own and why ! I don’t tend to wear eye makeup, and when I do I usually apply products with my fingers. I might use one or two brushes but to be honest, I’m not at the stage where I feel I can’t you give advice on that yet. Today’s article is about complexion a.k.a bronzer, blusher, setting powders, concealer, that’s it.

First off I think – if you don’t own any brushes – to get a good base to work with, you should definitely check out Real Techniques. That’s what I did. Created by the makeup artists sisters Sam and Nic Chapman, they are great, well priced, soft, and super well made brushes. I got the “Core Collection” featuring all the essentials : contour brush, pointed foundation brush, detailer brush and a buffing brush. I only really use the contour brush to, well, contour but also to set concealer with a little powder and sometimes to blend concealer (works nicely). I also like the buffing brush to apply concealer all over the face, or blend a CC/BB cream, though I have to admit I truly prefer using a beauty blender to seamlessly blend the product. Real Techniques is simply the perfect entry point to your brushes collection.

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Now, let’s get more into this. Here are the only brushes I use day to day. Oh also, they have names and are meant to be used for this or that… I don’t really care for that.

Actually lots of makeup artists, Sam and Nic Chapman included, say that you should use them how you want to. Brushes are versatile, don’t be put off by the name and think “oh this is a foundation brush, I can’t use it for bronzer then”. Just give it a try and experiment !

Real Techniques Powder brush

I use this big powder brush to diffuse bronzer all over my face, or to set my makeup with a light powder with not much coverage. It’s a quick and easy brush, great for all over, not so much for precision.

Real Techniques Blush Brush

I would not necessarily use this brush for blusher, because it’s a bit too big for my cheeks. I love it for bronzer though, like the Nars Laguna, and I do use it for blusher that are super pigmented because the bristles on the brush diffuse pigments in a light way which is perfect if you don’t want to look like a clown with red cheeks.

Real Techniques Stippling brush

This one is amazing for cream and liquid blush. I put the product on the back of my hand, swirl the brush in it, and then gently dab on the cheeks for a super fast and gorgeous finish. I’ve recently discovered how good it is for foundation. Its super soft bristles really distribute the product evenly and it gives a soft finish, with good coverage because it does not drink up all the product. Perfect combination with Daniel Sandler’s watercolor liquid blushers and Glossier Cloud Paints.

Real Techniques Powder bleu Soft Finishing Brush

I LOVE this new addition to my brushes collection. It’s perfect for powder blush, AND bronzer if you want to be quite precise with your application and slightly contour. Extremely soft and amazingly gentle for my sensitive skin.

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Eco Tool Precision Blush brush

Again, good for powder blush, if you really want to go for it. Its bristles are densely packed so the brush does give a good amount of pigment, better to use with a blush or a bronzer that’s not too pigmented or too bright. I love it with the Max Factor Cream Puff Powder Blushers.

Kiko Face Stippling Foundation Brush

This is my go-to for bronzer, because of the two levers of bristles on it : it gives a lovely light yet noticeable result. It has stayed really soft and is gorgeous to use if you want to build up a healthy glow with something like Chanel Les Beiges Powder.

Beauty Blender

This is my go-to to blend liquid or cream base products like Glossier’s stretch concealer, the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC cream, the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer. I run it under water and keep it quite wet, so the product really melts into the skin. It gives a flawless finish and really ties the complexion together. It’s the one thing I would not dare to imagine myself without.

Do you guys use brushes ? What are you favorites ? I’d love to know !