SNEAK PEAK: 4 New Makeup Brushes Coming Soon!

Four new brushes will be added to Mark's makeup brush collection in Magalog 8! They are the:

1. angled contour face brush
what it's for "Shading the cheeks to give the impression of a narrower face."
how it's used "Hold the brush so the bristles are horizontal. Dust blush or bronzer along the lower cheekbone and blend upward."
6.75" L
price: $8.00

2. flat eyeliner brush
what it's for "Drawing a precise line on the eyelid, as well as smudging liners and shadows."
how it's used "Dip brush in dark shadow, then run it along the lash line for a diffused, smoky look."
6" L
price: $6.00

3. angled contour eye shadow brush
what it's for "Shading the crease of the eyelid."
how it's used "Dip the brush in a medium-color shadow, then run it in the crease. (This will help create an illusion of depth.) Use the tip of the brush to blend any distinct lines."
6.5" L
price: $7.00

4. all over eye shadow brush
what it's for "Depositing an intense shot of color to the eyelid."
how it's used "Dip the brush in shadow, tap excess shadow off and use brush to apply shadow across the lid, near the lash line."
6.5" L
price: $7.00

I'm definitely most excited for the all over eyeshadow brush. I always start with an all over wash of mark's Nomadic i-mark on my eyes every day, and I've been using another brand's eyeshadow brush to do this (oh, the horror!) since mark currently doesn't have a brush like this.

I'm also looking forward to the angled contour face brush. Yes I know contouring sounds so 1980, but if done correctly it can really transform the look of your face. I'm working on my contouring technique at the moment, and I'm hoping this brush will help me master it. Defined cheekbones here I come!

I believe the angled contour eye shadow brush is replacing mark's current blending brush (which actually has already been discontinued and is no longer available). That's probably a good thing since like I said in an earlier post about mark's brushes, the blending brush did seem lower quality.

As for the new flat eyeliner brush, I think I would be more excited about this if mark had a GOOD cream/gel eyeliner product. Yes I know mark used to have the Pop In gel eyeliners (actually they are in the LAST CHANCE section now on clearance for only $1.99 so snatch them up if you we're a fan) but my expereince with them we're that they were really dry. Maybe I got a bad batch, but it was hard for me to get good color payoff. Actually since the Pop In eyeliners are currently on major clearance in the Last Chance section means these babies are definitely being discontinued so hopefully mark replaces them with a QUALITY gel eyeliner product. I don't mind paying a little more for something that works, ya know.

Well that's my two cents!

Brush Love

As much talking as I do about mark, it's funny that I've never really mentioned mark's brushes. I suppose makeup shades, fragrances & fashion are way more fun to discuss than beauty tools but the brushes are actually the mark products that get the absolute most use from me every day!

Actually, last weekend I realized just how important brushes are for good makeup application. I was visiting my sister and forgot my makeup bag so she said I could borrow hers. Seemed like a good idea until I realized that she had NO makeup brushes. Okay she had one powder brush (that shed a ton) so it was hardly worth using. I was definitely lost without my brushes :( I'm sending her mark's Mini Brush Kit (pictured) asap.

The following are the brushes that I use daily:

1. blending brush
Ideal for working color into the crease or for blending shades together, thanks to long, slightly fanned natural hair.

2. concealer brush
Stiff, synthetic bristles are just right for depositing and blending medium to heavy concealers.

3. foundation brush
A larger brush, featuring dense, natural hair, which distributes and blends foundation to create an even finish. I don't know how I ever lived without it. Seriously! I used to just apply my liquid foundation with my fingers (ick).

4. blush + bronzer brush
A medium-fluffy head of natural hair allows for a controlled dusting of color across the cheeks or face. This is great for blush (I use the powder brush for bronzer... I prefer to have an even dusting of bronzer rather than concentrated color).

5. eyeliner brush
Short, dense, slightly angled natural hair makes for a perfectly precise eyeliner application. I use this to line the bottom of my eyes with powder eyeshadow (mark's tiki i-mark to be exact)

6. eye shadow brush
Ideal for applying a sweep of shadow, or for shading the inner or outer corners of the eye, thanks to specially contoured natural hair. I use this to shadow my crease.

7. powder brush
A large, fluffy head of natural hair allows for smooth dusting of powder over the face. Pretty much my do everything brush. I use this to apply bronzer, mattifying powder, and just to smooth out and blend my makeup after I apply everything. I also use this to put bronzer on my neck and chest so it matches my face.

Brush prices range from $6-$8 and are available at www.cassie4mark.com