What are /r/muacjdiscussion's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

At the risk of sounding like muacj, I really cannot with the folks who think they are paler than the driven snow, when in actuality they just don't understand the concept of undertones.

By no means do I mean this as a diss to pale folks. But the number of people who aren't even that pale but just clearly can't figure out if they're warm/cool/neutral--so they just immediately jump to assuming that there is no foundation on earth light enough for them, even though we live in a world with this-- is kind of astounding.

You may have tried this already, but I wanted to share just in case... My eyes get super irritated when I tightline with a gel or pencil, so I recently started using a tip I got from Lisa J Makeup's channel instead: get some black/brown/whatever color you want on a small, flat-top brush. Holding your eyelid in place and looking down into a mirror, nudge the brush back and forth right into the base of your lashes. I've found it gives me the same "thick lash base" effect as tightlining, but it doesn't irritate my eyes nearly as much.

You may consider reusable cotton rounds and a liquid eye makeup remover/micellar water if you want to be a little more environmentally conscious.

Here are some options for the curious: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MSHTTXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YGpEDb0J02XCZ

https://www.etsy.com/listing/470269814/reusable-facial-rounds-3-inch-facial

I’m gonna date myself here, but rollerball eyeshadows. I’m so glad they don’t exist anymore.

Also those silicone breast implant foundation applicators.

Have you tried the Flower Beauty Blush Bomb Drops? The tube design is pretty cool—it’s very easy to squeeze out only exactly as much as you need and no more. I don’t know whether they are exact dupes, but it might be worth trying the Flower ones just for kicks.

I also wonder whether it would be possible to Depot the Cloud Paints into something like this: Darice Ultrafine Tip Applicator Bottle, 20ml

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PYMXKO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1GpiCb6MJKRZ0

It doesn't have gold, but everyone here in Japan swears by this Camellia oil, and I've had good results with it. Cheaper than Tatcha by leaps and bounds.

I also just have ~many feelings~ about Tatcha because they're not a Japanese brand, not owned by a Japanese individual/conglomerate and use Japan as a prop. Their founder's bullshit story about finding a book of ~ancient geisha beauty secrets~ just makes my eyes roll into the back of my head. Literally everything Tacha peddles has been sold and marketed in Japan by Japanese brands for years...and at a fraction of the price. (Especially the stuff from the Kyoto cosmetics brands.)

I'm Japanese but I grew up in the US and Kiss Me Heroine Make Eyeliner makes me oddly proud of my heritage. Maybe it's the crying manga-style heroine on the packaging that is soooooo Japanese, maybe it's the fact that this eyeliner is so black and so precise and so sweat/tear/smudge resistant and is actually a really good product, maybe it's the fact that I used to have to have my mom go to the drugstore back home and mail it to me but now it's available on Amazon in the US (with Prime!), but in any case if I had to choose one product to represent the makeup of my people this would be it and I absolutely adore it. (I've also heard amazing things about their mascaras as well!)

Don't quote me on this because it's something I learned in college and haven't thought about since then, but there used to be. When most makeup companies were very small start-ups (during the late 19th/early 20th century), there used to be more woman-run companies (and several prominent companies run by WOC.) They were bought out by men once male business owners realized how profitable makeup was. This Smithsonian article talks a little bit about this shift, and there's a book called Hope in a Jar that goes further into it. It's been ages since I read that book, but I remember really enjoying it.

It's like a shiny tinted balm. The finish reminds me of a waxy apple if that makes sense. Here's a couple of examples:

https://www.amazon.com/TONYMOLY-Juicy-Cherry-Petit-Bunny/dp/B071JC2D5G

https://www.amazon.com/Etude-House-Glass-Tinting-BR401/dp/B06XFPVJ18

Speaking strictly of products I love for childhood memories, there's a handful I regularly buy and use just because the scent reminds me of something:

• the apricot Garnier Ultra Dolce shampoo (or Ultra Doux/Ultra Blends/wahre Schaetze/Original Remedies - depending on the country), because my mom used to wash my hair when I was a little girl with this.

• the Pino Silvestre bath & body wash, which I regularly take baths with, smells amazing, it's like being magically transported in the middle of some beautiful woods. It was my dad's favourite shower gel and it reminds me of Sunday mornings when I was little and my dad showered with this and the scent of it used to literally perfuse the whole house.

• Any jasmine-scented thing. I even started buying and wearing jasmine-based perfumes because on summers my dad would pick some up from the trees under our house every night and put them on my bedside table, and I would fall asleep with this gorgeous jasmine smell in the air. It was so relaxing and smelling jasmine now always puts me in a good mood.

I was obsessed with those Secret body sprays like these. I had like four at one point, the vanilla one smelt soooo good. These were really popular at my high school. So was Love Spell from Victoria Secret. Those two scents are definitely what I think of when I think about the late 2000s.

Would you like some Cleansing Pasta?

(For those out of the loop: the English on the pack is fine, but "paste" is then translated into Japanese as "pasuta", hence "cleansing pasta".)

When in doubt, run! Your cat sounds adorable.

The issue box thing reminds me of another incident with my cat. We used to have a small bin with a roll up lid where we would store the dry cat food (similar to this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/CURVER-Garbage-Roll-Silver-Litre/dp/B00VUXJ2UU). She figured out that if she stood on her back legs she could push the roll up lid with her nose and eat the cat food out of the bin. This then became her favourite pastime. You'd walk into the room and there would be the body of a fluffy fat cat sticking out of a bin with lots of crunch crunch crunch noises. One day, we took the bin away to clean it and just left the push up bin lid on the floor. The poor thing pushed it up with her nose and put her head inside the semi-circular lid. She then started pushing it around the floor. She clearly thought that the lid was some kind of magical food portal. She had no idea why there was nothing but floor.

I don't think you've wandered too far at all. Here you go.

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https://www.amazon.com/REVLON-Colorburst-Butter-0-09-Ounce/dp/B006GQCMJO/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=revlon+fig+jam&qid=1556572150&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

Both of my 'pleasantly surprised' products are thanks to tj maxx.

The first one is 'Subculture'. I don't think I saw a single review that wasn't lambasting this palette. I get why people don't fuck with it. I'll admit, the formula is far from perfect, but the weird thing is I don't even care, because I'm so in love with the color story. I have dark brown hair, and very light blue eyes; I think these colors look absolutely bomb on me. I'm a sucker for the muted greens in this palette (destiny/untamed). I find them to be interesting, while still wearable for casual/daytime looks. If they ever discontinue this product, I will be hoarding it in preparation.

The second product is a powder from Physician's Formula. I knew absolutely nothing about it before I saw it on the shelf, but I'm a sucker for anything argan oil. I adore this powder, even though it's not nearly as good as my airspun. I'll use it on days where I don't need to be heavily 'set'. Not only does it smell incredible, but when I put it on my face it has this wonderful cooling effect. I swear, that's the only reason I'm so crazy about it.

I have about six tubes of pixie epoxy. I have an irrational fear that Fyrinnae will go out of business and I won't know until months after the fact. Because of this if I get a sample from them and I like the unique properties of it, even if I'm not going to wear it, I buy the full size next order. It's super unhealthy but I only do it with Fyrinnae because I don't want to miss out....I own 55 eyeshadows by them....loose...and 8 pressed....

In terms of my treasured palette, I hoard this amazing palette from Urban Decay to get Honey out for dupes....I know I can buy the single from eBay but I am always looking for dupes of this color. I went through and destashed 20 some odd single eyeshadows looking for the perfect dupe. I was a gold eyeshadow hoarding dragon for about 4 years.

I’m about to change yo life...

Save your paper towels, gurrrl!

It's getting harder and harder to tell what is being posted in r/skincareaddiction and what is in r/scacirclejerk, that's how bad the main sub has become. My expectation are that low.

Anyway, I am binge watching the hell out of Dr Dray lately. I usually skip to the last portion of her vlogs where she's chatting to the camera in bed because I find that's where most of the info relevant to me is.
On her recommendation I also bought the Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash with 2% Salycilic Acid and so far I think it actually is effective! I did find two papers/ studies which support that SA in face washes can be as effective, if not more, than Benzoyl Peroxide washes (iirc).

I've also got a script for Steiva-A (Australian Tret) 0.025% cream, but I did find my little tube of Differin I got from iHerb so i'm not sure if I should start that first then go for tret. From what I read, Adapalene only bonds to 2 receptors while Tret bonds to all 3 within the skin to do the changes so... hmm.

i bought an empty sifter off amazon and i refill it with the RCMA powder, and i keep the parm cheese thing in my MUA kit. If you have friends with the same problem you could even split with them, since i can only find these in multipacks

https://www.amazon.com/Hotop-Plastic-Blusher-Cosmetic-Containers/dp/B06XY2K1RB/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1511888536&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=empty+powder+sifter&psc=1

Oo, those metallic glosses look like they could be real pretty. That’s not such a bad price.

For me,

• Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter for highlighter
• NYX butter glosses
• NYX lip liners
• MAC matte lipsticks in the shade Bronx and Easy Babe
• ABH Soft Glam
• Juvia’s Place Warrior 1 palette
• Seki lash comb
• Lancôme Bi-Facil eye makeup remover
• Bioderma micellar water
• Cerave in the tub
• Salt New York magnetic palette
• This LED compact mirror that’s great for doing eye makeup when you’re blind and you can’t use a big mirror because the brush handles keep hitting it because your face is 4 inches away from it.

Okay so I got these and theyre amazing. They took off all that little peach fuzz on my cheeks and around my eyebrows. And they make your makeup look so flawless.

Everyone wants a cool or a warm toned eyeshadow palette, but what about both tones for Janus collection? Split the eyeshadow right down the middle, like Tigi. The pans could be in the shape of Janus's heads. The artwork could be a gate/doorway.

i bought them in a bundle of like 30 about...... 5 years ago now? most of the brushes were duplicates but i still use the contour, blush, highlight, and most of the eye brushes from the set and they were like... 12 dollars for 30 or so brushes. i’m surprised i found them but here they are

Almost always. I prefer aliexpress because they have a much better review system compared to ebay. With aliexpress, as long as you read the reviews, you can get very nice brushes. I have bought fake RT brushes off ebay, and they're perfectly nice.

At the end of the day, private labeling is a huge thing, and there are a limited amount of manufacturers. I got some RT blendersfrom aliexpress and they are AWESOME. They expand a lot, and I wont be out 25+$ if my cat decides it makes a great toy.

Duuuude, I know good brushes are worth the investment, but you don't have to spend a crapload to get good quality. My two favorite brushes I own are a Wet'N'Wild crease/blending brush and a random gigantic fluffy powder brush I got from Amazon for <$10. I have nicer ones, but I reach for those two the most out of anything in my collection.

Weird that you say that. Dom from Batalash recently had a post about her teeth routine and their was a coupon code for the whitening products she uses. Here's the accompanying picture.

You can buy it for $50 on amazon 😂

Srsly though, my grandma worked at a Bonne Bell factory when I was little and I do miss their lip gloss a lot.

It's a life goal haha. One day when I'm retired and just spending all my time getting paid to fly around the world judging cat shows, I'm going to write a niche pop history book about The History of the Cat Lady. It will have pictures of old-timey cat shows and all the weird cat emphemera I can find haha. In the meanwhile, one of my dog show friends just bought this book - The Invention of the Modern Dog. I'm awaiting reviews; I've heard that the conclusion comes down a bit harsh on the fancy, but then contemporary dog politics is as fraught and bizarre as in the 19th century.

I love keeping these in my bag for brushing on the go. You don't have to spit, so you don't need running water or a sink. Just do it in your seat on the airplane and let the person next to you think you're weird. Who cares? You'll never see them again, and you'll be minty fresh.

Sadly discontinued, and a unicorn of my collection: The Too-Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eyes palette, 2nd version in the tin, not the current disgrace. Had everything you'd want if you were a beginner at makeup... You could do makeup for interviews, dates, going out for drinks, clubbing, and even wedding looks from that palette.

I also like this Japanese quad, lol.

This shit right here changed my makeup storage game! I put all primers, foundations, sunscreen, brow products, cream shadows, sponges, some brushes and lip products, cream chubby stick products, mini perfumes, etc. on this and I love how convenient it is!

For my powders I store them in an empty q-tip rectangle packaging lol it's the perfect size for powder products! I also have this thing but the drawers bug me so I mostly just put samples and things I don't use often into it. I do keep my lipsticks and eyeliners in the top part though. Everything else just lives in the main drawer of my vanity (concealers, single shadows, color correctors, mascara, etc). My palettes are put into a letter organizer which isn't too exciting either

I started reading the book &quot;Sapiens: a brief history of humankind&quot; per my boss' recommendation. Now our department has two cynical persons facing an existential crisis and constantly discussing how transient and seemingly meaningless humankind is to the earth. And we agree that, as humankind, we are committing a very slow suicide.

That aside, it makes a good read. Not too much of an academic paper but deep enough to make you think.

I really like the app YouCam for showing what I'd maybe look like with different hair colors and makeup colors. I introduced it to my hair stylist who now uses it to give his clients an idea of what their new cut or color will look like.

I need more people to pack their stuff in paper zigzags like Too Faced -- I used it to mix into my hamster's bedding and he loved it!

Recently watched a Vox video about skin whitening, as well as reading some articles about it for a globalization class. I’m white and American, so I never truly saw the extent of these ads and products in the world and the US. I was admittedly naive. In the Vox video, some Nivea products that are supposed to “whiten your skin” are shown.

It’s fucked up to me to think that these corporations are making money in every market, preying on women’s (and men’s) insecurities. Whether to tan your skin, or lighten your skin , Nivea wants your $$$.

Just want to mention that some of these ingredients in the skin lightening stuff can be really dangerous especially if used long term. It does not compare to using lotions to give you a gradual tan. Also, a white person wanting to get a little tan in the summer doesn’t equate to social and institutional racism & colorism that white people like me just don’t experience firsthand.

Now that I notice this shit a lot more, I’ve tried to tell my friends about it. And stop buying from these shitty parent companies that only care about the top dollar and will market unsafe products based on age-old lies.

Not a traditional option but I love the ArtBin Magnetic Storage Case. It's cheap, clear, sturdy and a good medium size. See it in action.

Edit: fixed link.

One of my old neighbors who moved to Chicago had a beauty box accidentally mailed here after she moved, and when I asked her if she wanted me to forward it on to her she said no because she was still traveling between moving and told me just to keep the items in there.

I'd never gotten a beauty box and had no idea what to expect. I didn't like most of the things in there (ugly grey eyeliner, purple lipstick, random sunblocks), but I loved the sample of Marcelle Hydra-C Energizing Hydrating Gel which is a face cream/moisturizer.

I've since bought it two more times. It's this really refreshing, not heavy lotion that I put on before my sunblock in the morning. I feel like it wakes my skin up and is very clean feeling. Not greasy or heavy at all. I really love it! I had a sample of a similar lotion from Clinique that was $54 that was almost exact similar feeling, so the Marcelle lotion on Amazon at $24 is a steal. Love it and will keep purchasing. The container lasts me about 3 months.

For me, JUST putting on deodorant doesn't quite make me feel fresh again, but I recently discovered these Pacifica underarm wipes that are like MAGIC. Seriously, I feel almost as good after those and some good dry shampoo as if I just took a real shower. (The Amazon shipping price is terrible, but they're at just about every Target now.)

The Sleek highlighter palettes. Not underrated, but underpriced for sure. Amazing highlighter, I have literally no interest in any midrange or high-end product because of this.

For those of you who enjoy sheet masks (especially the extremely slippy hydrogel masks), you really should consider getting a silicone mask cover for them. Essentially it's a thin, stretchy silicone mask you put over the sheet mask, with ear loops to secure it, so it'll hold the mask on your face securely. (And it'll make you look even creepier, much like Odo from DS9.) This allows you to actually be able to get up and do stuff for the 20-30 minutes you're wearing the sheet mask, instead of having to lay down and hold still the whole time. Yesterday, I folded and hung up laundry, and then put new sheets on the guest bed, and had no problem with the mask staying on. You can just wash them with soap and water between.

I got this one from Amazon, which was only $5 - totally reasonable!

ETA: Also, for those of you who are interested in/enjoy sheet masks, don't buy them at Sephora! The markup is outrageous. For instance, the Tony Moly I'm Real masks sell 2 for $7.50 at Sephora (or $3.75 apiece), whereas on Amazon you can get them 10 for $11 (or $1.10 apiece). That's a 340% markup at Sephora! (If you're worried about legitimate sellers and not getting fakes from Amazon, two tips: First, if it's eligible for Amazon Prime, Amazon itself has almost definitely ensured the seller is legit. You can also go to r/asianbeauty for a list of legit sellers.)

In addition to all the other tips here - separate your whites out from dark or coloured clothing. They’ll stay white MUCH longer instead of fading/greying out. I usually separate my loads as follows:

• whites: cold wash. Add fabric softener and detergent, plus laundry whitener (not bleach)

• towels/tea towels: hot wash. Add detergent plus a capful of antibacterial/antifungal laundry rinse (I can’t find a US equivalent to the one I use but this would probably do the trick. Do NOT add fabric softener; it’s hydrophobic and prevents your towels absorbing as much moisture when you use them.

• sheets: cold wash. Add fabric softener and detergent

• delicates: cold wash. Add fabric softener and detergent

• everything else: cold wash. Add fabric softener and detergent

I also air dry everything. I haven’t used a dryer in probably 10 years. Sun kills a lot of the bacteria that make things like your socks and exercise gear smelly.

It’s also really important to never let your laundry sit in the machine, or sit wet anywhere. Hang it out as soon as it’s washed, or it will start to get that gross musty smell as it dries.

I know it sounds like a lot of work, but it really makes a difference to the longevity of everything.

Edit: formatting.

If you have thick/course hair and struggle with the blow drying process, the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer &amp; Styler is a God send. I got it after seeing Naptural85 use it on YouTube and then I watched a bunch of reviews. It just take so much time off from using a regular blow dryer and brush and there’s less tension on my hair and I get smoother more professional looking results. They also have another brush but that one has boar brittles and seems more appropriate for finer and less coarse hair.

Another tip is I pour water into one of those pump bottles like this and that’s how I dampen my beauty blenders. I prefer to clean them after I use them and I don’t want to get up in the middle of doing my makeup to re wet them, I used to use a spray bottle but that takes forever.

So I got this advice from my derma, but here is a good overview: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/when-to-apply-sunscreen_n_5a95d6ebe4b0e6a5230236b2

It‘s not clear cut but generally sunscreens under make up and powders with SPF on top.

My Stila in the Light palette has been one of my favorites over the years. It has the signature Kitten shade and a solid range of colors and shimmers and mattes. It was discontinued a few years back unfortunately which makes me less keen on using it. :(

I looooove baths. I take a long (+1 hour) bath at least once and usually twice a week. I use bath bombs, a bit of an oil (coconut or sweet almond), and I use this thing so I can fill the tub really full. Honestly that has been the biggest game changer.

I have a random amazon brand mirror that is absolutely amazing, which sounds suspicious but in my defence this thing is great. It has a good weight, it’s bright, rechargeable (lasts about 3 weeks on a charge), folds down flat, and it doubles as a lamp. Plus it isn’t magnifying which is exactly what I wanted because magnifying mirrors give me more of a useless fun house effect then anything.

I’ve had mine for 2? years at least and it’s still going strong, I even got it on sale for 30$ so I’m super happy with this thing.

The Makeup Artist Handbook is less artsy and WAY more in-depth than most makeup books. I adore the Kevyn Aucoin and Bobbi Brown ones but those have a lot less detail, and feel more "supportive."

Whereas if you are comfortable with being uncomfortable/somewhat clueless, and being smashed over the head with a lot of information, this Handbook has more depth IMO. I remember reading a lot of complaints in the Amazon reviews before I bought it, but I think those people were expecting a Kevyn Aucoin type "let me hold your hand and guide you through this beautiful journey of color and inspo and unintimidating but powerful tips." But this is more instructional and better if you struggle with the basics BUT are totally willing to power through and struggle more before coming out on top.

Something like the Kevyn Aucoin book works GREAT for a super casual makeup user or someone who has a good natural eye for color and proportion but if you are naturally not so artistic (and that's most of us!) and want to become technically proficient, I think this is a wonderful book.

If you want to see more non-USA only brands on MUA, start posting it. Same goes for any kind of content, you gotta post what you want to see.

Edit: Also, the reason why reddit is so America-centric is because an estimated 61.5% of its userbase is from America.

Have you tried shaving your face? I know this sounds weird, but we usually have very fine hairs on our face and sometimes foundation sits weird on it. The areas you’ve mentioned are ones that can have longer/coarser hair and that may be why it’s clumping weirdly. They make facial razors like these that give you a little more precise control than a traditional razor.

Revlon has a solid emerald green liquid liner with a super skinny (0.1mm) felt tip. It's legit my favorite makeup product ever. Dries mostly matte with a slight sheen to it.

I just have one custom palette that I’m mostly using for depanned palettes, but the Tarte empty palettes need to be talked about more. They’re heavy and expensive feeling, have an incredible mirror, and at $17 (or this one on sale for $13: https://tinyurl.com/y9apsrqm ) they’re such a great option for travel.

I tried Baby Foot foot peel this week. I am horrified and strangely fascinated with all the peeling that is going on right now. The skin is literally coming off in sheets and I can't stop picking at it. My husband is totally grossed out and has asked me politely but firmly to not pick at the skin in his sight, but I can't stop. I think I'm going to get a few more packs of Baby foot so I can do this regularly.

edited to add: here is a link to the foot peel I used (I got mine on a Black Friday sale so it was cheaper but here is a current amazon link) https://www.amazon.ca/Baby-Foot-Original-Exfoliation-2-4-Ounce/dp/B00461F4PA

NB DO not get the moisturizing mask also sold by Baby Foot - I put it on and thought "my feet are softer" but no peeling happened because....it was not a peel it was a hydrating foot mask

edit #2 I'm going to try the Tony Moly Foot peel as suggested next - so thanks for the tip!

There is a book for hooded eyes that a blogger wrote. The Hooded Eyes Makeup Manual. I have hooded eyes and I thought I knew all I needed to know but this book still taught me a lot. https://www.amazon.com/Hooded-Eyes-Makeup-Manual-application/dp/1981438610/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Hooded+Eyes+Makeup+Manual&amp;qid=1554940457&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-1

This is what I got. Something that helped me immensely the second time I used it was to take a long hot bath and then scrub and exfoliate my dead skin with an Italy towel before using it. I think that it helped clear away anything that could be blocking the hair from getting out easily like natural oils, dirt, and extra skin of course. There's still a little bit of pain whenever I use it, but I think I've gotten to a point that I just don't think about it anymore.

Reccs for a headband for sports/running? The fabric ones slide right off my head... I want to sort of pull my hair back, not just move it to the side. Something like these but the last I purchased broke so quickly :(

When you're not wearing makeup or at home, use a lot of eye drops. Not the anti-red eye ones as they can cause long-term irritation, the dry eye ones, I like these by Systane. I have really dry eyes due to surgery, and I find that if I don't "flush out" my at least a couple of times during the day (I usually go for morning and evening), I will get nasty eye boogers with makeup sometimes. For extra protection, you can try nighttime eye ointments/drops as well, but the ointments sometimes make the area around the lid greasy (yay extra eye cream?) and the drops form crust on the lashes and add a step of having to clean your lashes with a wet cotton pad in the morning.

It might seem nuts, but a lot of people (especially women thanks to menopause and other changes of that kind) can have drier eyes as they age, and of course when the weather changes and stuff. My ophthalmologist recommends Omega 3 for the dry eyes, I'm using these for that since there's some issues with fish oil, and it really does make a difference in my eye and generally skin dryness. There's also eye vitamins, but I honestly haven't seen a huge difference with them.

First off, totally not stupid.

Synthetic hairs tend to hold up better to hardcore washing. You can also spray them with alcohol to sanitize so that they're totally sanitized -- and this is also a great way to get pigment off and not have to deep clean so often. They also tend to be scratchier, which means that they'll often pic up pigment oddly and maybe not distribute them as nicely. Ecotools makes good synthetic brushes (they are my go-to "makeup brush newbie" brand rec), but I find that Sigma's synthetic brushes are much nicer.

I really like goat hair for brushes; it picks up and blends pigment gorgeously. Hakuhodo is my natural hair brand of choice. Again, though: natural hair brushes are an investment. You have to be more gentle with them. I have some natural hair brushes that are literally two decades old (thanks for the hand-me-downs, Mom!) and still in fabulous shape, so it's for sure doable. But if you're in on the "throwing your brushes in your makeup bag or purse and washing them with hand soap when you feel like it" end of the scale, investing in nicer synthetics is probably a better plan.

Both the Sephora brand and IT Cosmetics make really fucking nice synthetic brushes that are %100 worth your money and time. I'd also recommend you pick up some brush cleaning spray (don't bother paying more than elf prices; it's literally just alcohol and fragrance) and some brush guards, which will help your brushes stay clean and well-shaped.

I'm a bit of a tools nerd (clearly) so if you have more questions, feel free to ask!

I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and my room is currently a disaster zone... A disaster zone that has produced 14 garbage bags, 4 recycling bags worth of clothing, 3 real recycling bags, and about five miscellaneous items too bulky for a garbage bag.

I'm not even done.

I found clothes from fourth grade in my closet! I am starting GRAD SCHOOL!!!!!!!

It's been super cathartic, though. I figure I'll probably be out in 2-3 years (I still live with my parents) and need to get this shit done. I also got a new desk and a new makeup table and I'm excited for my room to look less cluttered. But I did about 7 hours yesterday and I'm about to get started again. Ack.

I love my EMax Design sponges which dupe the beauty blender. My mom bought these off Amazon for me recently as a birthday gift. They are cheap, durable, and super soft after you wet them.

link to Amazon for these sponges

PS: I dunno if there is seller to seller variability in quality. I just pulled the first link I could find.

I have white spots on my front teeth from braces as well, and finally got an answer from the last dentist I saw that they're demineralized spots, and if they don't develop further then they can remineralize but unless they do they'll be more likely to develop cavities.

I bought a remineralizing paste from my dentist with fluoride and hydroxy apatite in it, which helps remineralize the spots, and have been using it as a spot treatment. After some research into it I also bought a remineralization toothpaste off of Amazon, it's from Japan because it's not sold in the US but it's got the same effect as the paste. I've been using this for a few weeks now, and the white spots on my teeth have gotten a lot less noticeable.

You might still have issues with your teeth and this might not totally get rid of the spots, but I would highly recommend trying the toothpaste for a few months and seeing if that helps before looking at veneers. I feel like remineralization is not something that dentists in the US tend to look at other than fluoride, which isn't as effective as hydroxy apatite, but it's worth looking into.

Tweezerman makes the most dangerous eyelash comb in the world if you're feeling adventurous-- all those sharp metal points in one comb:

https://smile.amazon.com/Tweezerman-Folding-Eyelash-Comb-Pack/dp/B06XSN9J9L/ref=sr_1_4?crid=QOAYPDGNSTUP&amp;keywords=tweezerman+eyelash+comb&amp;qid=1560268518&amp;s=gateway&amp;sprefix=tweezerman+%2Caps%2C169&amp;sr=8-4

If they're pretty and cheap and only for decoration, why not? It's not like the $50 Louboutin nail polish a few comments up that people bought because PRETTY. Maybe put them in a glass jar with pretty marbles or something. Here's some for $5.99 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Piece-Unicorn-Rainbow-Makeup-Brush/dp/B01MTLIIHE

My favorite way to depot is the floss method. Admittedly it’s a bit fiddly and takes a few tries to do without accidentally stabbing your pan with a pin, but it works great and doesn’t involve heat or flame. I’ve also used a hair straightener for heat where heat is required. My tool to depot is a spatula that came with a cheap amazon makeup mixing palette like this. I honestly haven’t found a palette I like yet to hold depotted things. I have a mix of empty MAC palettes and Z Palettes but I find Z Palettes to be too flimsy for the price (acrylic window also shatters during travel) and the MAC is annoying because I have to buy magnet stickers for my products.

You stab her in the hand when she goes for them.*

A lockbox isn't a bad idea, or even just a case that you can put a combo lock on. Or, a minifridge that you can lock. I just took a quick look and you can use something like this fridge lock

*Half-joking. I have three siblings. Sometimes the law of the jungle is the only law that exists.

> simplehuman 8 inch mirror.

I use this one too but don't have much issue with the battery and I bought it forever ago (I just checked and it was in 2014). I charge it maybe once a month and just plug it in when I'm at work.

I started having problems with near vision so I also got the 10x magnification mini mirror from simple human like four years ago. It's works for me and it's nice for travel but it's probably more magnification than most younger people need. It's also started desilvering on the edges which is kinda annoying, the bigger older mirror isn't desilvering at all.

There's still hope! It's still on Amazon. And if you are in the US, you can get if off Skinfood's site too.

It’s not a western brand, but one of the best liquid eyeliner pens I’ve used is by the brand CLIO; here it is if you would like to check it out. YMMV but it works well with my hooded, oily eyelids. (: Happy shopping!

Maybe try the Cuore K-palette 24h Real Lasting Eyeliner, which is available via Amazon Prime. The Physician's Formula Eye Booster Blahblah Liner is suspiciously similar to it & is also made in Japan;so it might be one to try the next time you are in a pinch.

Revlon has a new foundation out called Revlon colorstay full coverage. I'm hoping it turns out to be the old whipped cream formula in a new package. I ordered it in Amazon so i'm excited to get it and try it out!!

Whoa. So first off I had no idea they were still making them (on their website, fewer matte options though). Looks like yellow/purple is actually on Amazon. &nbsp; Oh man, they’re all on Amazon. I was lurking on Ulta last night for new eyeshadows but I may have just found my next purchase.

I got this from Amazon and it has saved my life/counter space.

Edit to add: I’m having trouble linking it, but it’s called the Jerry Box 360 Organizer!

I've never bought one, but I've actually been considering a new XL one. The only thoughts I had about the brand before now had to do with the products being overpriced. Now I can absolutely say I won't be buying from the company.

I have a couple small magnetic palettes but now I want just a huge one on my vanity so I can have the option to put everything in one "home". I was considering something like this one that I found on Amazon. Does anyone have advice or suggestions for cheaper alternatives?

My favorite way to depot is the floss method. Admittedly it’s a bit fiddly and takes a few tries to do without accidentally stabbing your pan with a pin, but it works great and doesn’t involve heat or flame. I’ve also used a hair straightener for heat where heat is required. My tool to depot is a spatula that came with a cheap amazon makeup mixing palette like this. I honestly haven’t found a palette I like yet to hold depotted things. I have a mix of empty MAC palettes and Z Palettes but I find Z Palettes to be too flimsy for the price (acrylic window also shatters during travel) and the MAC is annoying because I have to buy magnet stickers for my products.

I'm really contemplating whether or not I should rebuy the Maybelline Age Rewind concealer. I don't mind the sponge applicator (I know some people think it's unsanitary, since you can't wash it), but something always happens to it before I actually run out of product. Usually, it just plain rips somewhere, but this time, it separated from the rest of the container and now I'm spending my time attempting to get the concealer out of the container and spread it under my eyes with a random brush instead of the nice sponge I had before...if I remember correctly, I bought this one in December, too, so I've not even used half the product yet. It's less than $10, though, so there's a piece of me that's still fine with it.

Also, I don't know if it counts since it was discontinued, but honourable mention to Maybelline's 10-Hour Stain Gloss. I got about four of them on sale for less than a dollar each, they've got great colours, and I loved the stain they left, but...well, then I was giving one to a friend and attempted to show her the colour and the doefoot just straight-up fell off into the gloss. My favourite one did the same thing a few days later, and other reviews have said the same thing. I can get them for pretty cheap on Amazon, but I really don't want to have to deal with the repercussions of what happens when there's no proper applicator.

I live in the US and I buy Japanese eyeliners on Amazon all of the time! (Also am Asian with monolids so yeah, budgeproof eyeliners are a must.) K-Palette and Heroine Make are both amazing, super black, budge proof liquid eyeliners and even though they're imported they're still cheaper than the tattoo liner!

i highly recommend an italian towel, you can buy a pack of them on amazon. be warned they are very abrasive but very effective at exfoliating so don’t scrub too hard.

I bought a set of seven colors of interference pigments from TKB trading, 6g ((SIX GRAMS, SON)) each ((EEEEAAACHH)) for something like $21. It's kept me from buying the moonchild palette as well as the kvd alchemist or anything similar because I can just use them on my face or eyes or layer them over whatever I want. There's no glitter or color pigment, just a beautiful colorful sheen whenever the light hits it. EVERYTHING IS DUOCHROME NOW.

I wiiilll say they need a little something to stick to and they show up grayish if I put too much on. I did have to get some little pots to put small amounts of them into because they come in lil baggies. I also kind of wish the "red" was actually red, not pink. So they can be a little finicky.

BUT

my face is ALL THE COLORS and I didn't spend a lot of money on what I think is basically the same shit.

Can you try one of these things? https://www.amazon.com/DT1050-TUN-Decora-Acre-Insect-Trap/dp/B07BFDRV23?ref_=ast_sto_dp&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1

Sorry for the ugly link, I'm a mobile user (also not affiliated with these folks). We bought one to use a couple of weeks ago and it's cut down on our overwhelming mosquito population pretty well. Near as I can tell it's not trapping any of the beneficial insects, either - we have ladybugs and dragonflies and lots of bees boy none of them appear to be affected. Cleaning it out is pretty gross, though.

Edit: mosquitos are evil and I hope you find a way to murder all yours.

I got this one on Amazon and it works great! I have already dense lashes but they were short and this stuff has made them so long! (and it didn't break the bank, which is another plus!)

Sunlabs. The formula is olive tinted instead of orange. You can find it on Amazon. It's not that expensive. I am fair neutral leaning cool and i mix the extra dark one half and half with my moisturizer every other day. It keeps the tan and doesn't flake off that way.

This is the one I buy

My husband has very large hands. He can't hold on to those little switch controllers if we play coop, which I hope we will. I bought the 10$ amazon controller case thing they go into so he can hold them.

In addition some games do better with a real controller, rather than the switch ones. I didn't buy a pro one because my husband wants to use his old gamecube controller, but having played a bit of it... I can imagine wanting a more traditional controller for games like zelda, skyrim, or doom.

Honestly (honestly) I've actually had good luck with cheapo Amazon brushes. Granted I love my IT Cosmetics blending brush, but for the price I don't love it thaaat much more than my cheaper brushes.

This is probably my favorite set that I've bought, and it comes in a nice cardboard tube that will be useful for traveling. It has over 6000 reviews and a 4.8 star rating!

I have another set that I got from r/mue, but I haven't come across it yet on Amazon (pretty sure that's where it was originally from). I bought the set because it was cheap and pretty, but I actually use them every day! So I wouldn't shy away from cheaper sets. Manufacturers are able to make pretty good brush sets for pretty cheap these days!

I don't use many face brushes, but I love my RT powder brush. So big and fluffy!

I have a vanity with SOME storage space but not a ton. I intentionally didn't purchase one with lots of storage space because I felt like if I had it, I would fill it. I have this one (although I got it from Wayfair, not Amazon, not sure if Wayfair stopped carrying it): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KX04F2K/ref=twister_B01M70VUWC?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1.

In the lefthand drawer, I have my palettes. In the righthand drawer, I have jewelry. In the fliptop, I have a whole bunch of random stuff, like leave in conditioner, some skincare products, dry shampoo, sunblock, deodorant, etc.

On top of the vanity to the left of the fliptop I have a set of four small stacking acrylic drawers with a my lipsticks, blushes, single eyeshadows, foundation, etc. and a cup holding my brushes. To the right of the fliptop I have a rack to hang my necklaces on, a jar of hairbands, and a candle.

I'm really happy with my setup. It used to be much more haphazard but a little over a year ago I had to move all my furniture into the center of my bedroom for a construction project and once I did it I realized I didn't want to move it back the way it was, that I wasn't happy with the previous setup. So I splurged on the vanity and I've never regretted it, I love sitting down every morning with my cup of tea, putting on a podcast, and getting ready with all of my stuff within reach.

Mascara remover. It sounds so extra, but it's the easiest and quickest way to remove waterproof mascara. I have super oily eyelids, everything smudges on me so I only use really budgeproof formulas and this makes it so easy to really wiggle the brush into your lashes and get it all off without rubbing. I use the Heroine Make or Etude House versions, but you can also DIY your own using a clean spoolie and oil.

I finally introduced Vitamin C into my skincare regimen, and it's been life changing. I have dry, acne-prone skin (which has gotten world better thanks to Reddit and prescription topicals). On a recommendation from a friend, I bought Tru Skin Naturals Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid &amp; Vitamin E for $20 on Amazon. I put it on in the morning and let it sit for a few minutes (I'll usually brush my teeth or putter around) and then apply my moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup, etc.

It has really helped fade my PIH and I haven't had any bad break outs since. Would recommend. My night routine is unchanged -- I use a makeup wipe, then wash with Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, tone with MUAC mandelic acid toner, apply tretinoin 30 mins after wash, and top with Cerave PM moisturizer & sometimes some argan oil. I do a peel once a week, lately the MUAC 40% lactic acid peel, and of course don't use the retinoid or toner that day.

If anyone has an other Vitamin C recs other than this one, or tips, lmk :)

That would be amazing!!!! But I recommend starting with Book 1, as it is a series. :)

Background: Epic fantasy with notes of romance, adventure, and rebellion. Takes place in a quasi-medieval, Greco-Roman inspired world where magic has recently begun appearing in small portions of the populace. No one really knows wtf to do with it yet, so the current "solution" is to lock up all the magic-users and guard them with warriors who have an unnatural immunity to magic.

The stories center on a mage named Kali, who's too curious for her own good, and a sentinel (warrior-guardian) named Stonewall, who's lost everyone he's ever loved and has only his faith and chosen name.

If you do read it, I hope you enjoy! :)

Interesting that it states the location as Kansas.... hmmm... but you can probably find them cheaper on Aliexpress! I got this set that i cant remember if they are branded as Zoeva or Luxie but they are great quality. Also these Zoeva dupes are great if you only are looking at specific brushes

I’ve been using Dr Jart cicapair for red spots. It’s a white cream that blends into your skin tone and minimizes redness. I don’t think it fully gets rid of it, but it definitely feels more like skincare than makeup. I use powder foundation or bb cream on top but you do not have to.

Dr Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF30 15ml / 0.50oz (15ml / 0.50oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GTMPYSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_01YNEW80DVE8SZRBTJ6W

The replacement pads are available for cheap here on Amazon! I didn't realize how worn out my old pad had been until I put one of these in. Holy crap, what a difference.

I put my foundation in a cushion off Amazon for a 4 day trip so I didn’t have to worry about spillage. And I haven’t stopped using it. I mix my foundations to get the perfect color and use a brush or a sponge to apply.

I haven’t used my bottles in a month and a half, which I was totally not expecting.

Yea I found that at the beginning of my destash (and after reading 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up') I went full on "don't need this" crazy and tossed or gave away a bunch of "easy to part with items" and now I'm stuck.

I don't even consider fox eyes to be "new" tbh - the name is, but it's been a makeup style for ages. It follows the bone structure, or mimics a more contoured bone structure if yours isn't prominent. I honestly most closely associate it as one of the typical model makeup looks for magazine spreads. It tends to be flattering and emphasize the bone structure in a conventional beauty way. It also has been used for 10+ years lol. Ya'll remember Megan Fox? She was among a group of it girls with similar features, mostly models, and effectively the same makeup as the current fox eye trends (just with slightly dated techniques). Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner are the current it girls it is being attributed to, but it isn't new.

What I can see as racist is how TikTok and social media goes about it. It's hard to really say TikTok is the problem, as it's an algorithm that works out your viewing preferences and shows you what you want, sort of becoming an echo chamber so you really may never see some of the racist shit that happens on it. So, I really am not saying the platform as a whole is the problem or enjoying TikTok is bad (I live on it). However, a lot of TikTok that makes news is attractive and often white teens appropriating cultures and/or being outright racist. So I don't think the makeup style of fox eyes is any more racist than winged liner, but I can see loads of tutorials either on IG for clickbait or on TikTok easily being racist as hell with the pulling of the eyes like this compilation on TikTok.

I can't help but point out that this has definitely been the most recently publicized use of this phrase (to attack Clinton) but that is not the original use of that phrase... Madeline Albright did say it originally, but she started saying it back in 2004 to much applause at Wellesley College (where she is an alumni) here is the link and here

I left all the Pusheen plushies because I have one and I don't need more, I did buy:

• Totoro bookmark magnets for my day planner

• Japanese Bamboo Matcha Powder Whisk because I've seen them crazy expensive and I figure there's no harm giving a $5 one a go.

• A whiteboard for the fridge because I've not been able to find them in shops.

• Macaron shaped novelty erasers because my work friend is building a collection of food themed novelty stationery.

• 10 rolls of colourful glitter washi tape for $4 because I bought a $7 magazine this year for three rolls of glitter tape. They make present wrapping and attaching cards and things super cute!

• This ponytail clip because I wear a ponytail to work every day.

• A sticky note to-to list pad for my day planner because I can move the list to different pages.

I looked at stuff for way too long last night and decided not to impulse buying until I re-thought about stuff in the morning. I spent $USD19.

I'm 47 and trying to avoid this as well! I think that the skincare does definitely help, but there are muscles under that skin & we've got to exercise to help with the sagging too. The first step listed on this page is a good example.

These are the ones I got. I’m surprised they only have 3.5 stars, they work great for me! I’ve also filled some with my aquaphor lip balm and mixed in a bit of lipstick to make a tinted balm… filled one with castor oil to swipe on my brows before bed… filled one with The Ordinary caffeine solution for AM routine… tons of uses!

25 Pack Empty Lip Gloss Tubes Containers, Clear Mini Refillable Lip Balm Bottles with Rubber Inserts and Transfer Pipettes for Lip Samples Travel Split Charging DIY Makeup (3 ML, Gold) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FD6NVHN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WFW16W827YB2AYRRTFRC?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

I have a vanity which has dimmable lights around the mirror’s edges !! but I also use this mirror !!

the lights are also dimmable. I love the magnification. I usually use it when I’m doing my eyes, eyebrows, or need a closer look in general !!

When my tools get really gunked up (happens more in the winter when I'm adding oil to my foundation) I use LA's Totally Awesome Orange all purpose cleaner. I can only find it at dollar stores, but here's a listing on Amazon.

It has orange oil, which if you have ever known any mechanics, is the bomb at cleaning even the most stubborn crap. But it's still somehow gentle.

Totally not the only one, but I use Rogaine. On Amazon, you can get a single bottle of Kirkland brand Rogaine. I dip a q-tip in it and rub through my brows. I also keep them well moisturized since brittle brows will break like any other hair.

I personally change mine when it’s not curling my lashes very well. I use my curler every day so it took about 2 years for it to wear out. I found these here on amazon.