Hi Everyone

I'm still here I'm just really busy moving. My family and I are having to move unexpectedly during the holidays. This has not been a good time for my family. As renters we are always faced with the possibility that the home owner may be the next victim of a foreclosure. Unfortunately that is the case for the owner of this house. While I try to tell my children that we are only incontinence by having to move but the person that owns this house is losing it all, they still feel angry because we were given very little notice. It was a good time for my family to reflect and appreciate what we have. I can honestly say that I have a great life.

I will be back in a few days with lots of swatches, reviews and lots of funny. To IgboBaby at As I See It and Danielle at Project Danielle Thank you so much for the awards. I will post both of those when I return. All request will be taken care after I'm settled.

After today I will be without internet for a few days. I should be back online by Saturday.

Take Care and I hope to see ya soon.

Description:
Cover FX #160 Cream Foundation Brush

What it is:
A short, dense stippling brush.

What it does:
Foundation Brush #160 Natural is perfect for the application of foundation. It is ideal for building coverage without streaking.

What else you need to know:
The bristles are made of select 100% natural goat hair which is not dyed and therefore less prone to irritate skin. Soft, natural bristles do not permit excessive product deposition, therefore facilitating easier cream foundation application.

My Thoughts:

I used this brush for the first time today and I love this brush. It does exactly what it says it does. I did not need to build my foundation because it looked perfect with one application. I used this brush with my Graftobian cream foundation. This brush is so soft and I love the fact that it's not dyed. I have so many brushes that I can't use because of the dye so this was a really nice find. I will review this brush in a few weeks.

Fiber Content:synthetic fibers
Length: 7 Inches
Rating: Fabulous

Description:
Precision Foundation Brush
A mid-size brush with unique pointed tip design allows precise application of liquid, cream, and powder products.

Precision Foundation #170 works well for concealing in detailed, concaved, or convex areas such as the inner corner of the eye, and around the nose, due to the handy pointed tip. It is a multi-functional brush that works equally well for foundation application as well as for concealing, highlighting, and contouring.

The bristles are made of two-toned synthetic fibers.

My Thoughts:
I have been trying to complete my brush collection. I need a really good foundation brush. While searching for brush reviews I came across several reviews that gave this brush rave reviews. I also found a few YouTube videos that also said that this is the one. The reviews on Sephora's website made this seems as if this was the missing link between ugly foundation and that heavenly flawless look Sephora. So I headed on over to Sephora to get me one of these amazing brushes. I find this super amazing brush and as I'm standing there trying to figure out which way is up the sales representative comes up to me and started to tell me how amazing this brush is. According to her it was the best brush that she ever used and I had to try it. I'm feeling gull-able so I decided to give it a try. So now I'm home with this amazing brush and I'm still trying to figure out which way is up. Anyway I take it out of the wrapper and wash it. A few hours later its dry and it's time to give it a try. OMG!!! this amazing brush is a piece of junk. How are you supposed to put foundation on with a brush that not only looks like a missile but it as hard as one? I tried to use it in a buffing motion and that did not work. Then I tried to use a sweeping motion like painting and was an even worse idea. My face looked like I drew crop circles on it. Is that the new look?

I admit that I don't know everything about makeup and I could be wrong about this amazing brush. Before I label this brush junk I'm going to give you guys a chance to tell me how to get the amazing out of this amazing brush. Maybe there is some kind of ritual you have to do before you use it. Maybe I need to light some candles and pour it a glass of wine or something. I don't know how to get this thing to work but I'm hoping that you do so help me out here. If you have used this amazing brush please tell me how to use it so that I can look flawless instead of looking crunked-up.

Update:

I have taken a few days to get to know this brush a little better. Using the instructions left for us by Melissa at Cover FX I managed to achieve my most natural looking foundation application ever. If you are a long time habitual buffer/ stippler then there is a slight learning curve. After I got past my urge (I took my medication) to buff I was able to use this brush with ease. I really enjoy using this brush. I used a lot less foundation than I normally use. I used the tip to apply my concealer with ease. I will review this brush again in a few weeks. So gar I love this brush and no more crop circles. Thanks again Melissa for helping us out at the Glam Shack.

Instructions from Melissa: Hi there,

Many thanks for opting to give our #170 Precision Foundation Brush a try =)

My name is Melissa and I work for Cover FX! I got your bat signal in the cyber skies and heard your plea for help on how to use our brush.

Lol I assure you, crop circles are definitely not the new look and there is no ritual needed to get the brush to do amazing-ness for you.

A little 411 on the brush – It is made of the highest grade in synthetic fibres and not supposed to be hard =) We like to refer to the #170 brush as your 3-in-1 foundation, concealing, and detailing brush. This brush is ideal for liquid and cream foundations but not powders.

Here are a few application tips for using the brush I think may be able to help you get the intended results:

- Only put half the amount of foundation you would typically put on to a foundation brush.
- Use the long end (the length) of the brush for full face application and not the tip. Do this with long brush strokes.
- Do not use this brush in a buffing motion.
- The tip of the brush can give you precision where you need it. E.g. if you need to apply foundation in places like the inner corner of your eye or the crevice between your nose and face.

A couple questions I have for you to better understand the brush situation:
1) What did you wash the brush with?
2) What type of foundation did you use with the brush?

Hope this helps and let me know your feedback. We are confident that this brush will help you uncover flawless so don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any other questions =)

Fiber Content:synthetic fibers
Length: 7 Inches
Rating: Fabulous

I tested 3 foundations for longevity. MUFE HD 177, MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC50 and Graftobian HD Foundation Burnt Amber. During the course of testing I discovered that MUFE full coverage concealer does not work with MAC Studio Fix Fluid and Graftobian HD Foundation. If I used this concealer with those two foundations the concealer was gone before I could finish my face, so I had to start over. I used Hard Candy primer and no concealer for the second set of testing. I tested each product three times. I have to admit the results shocked me. I did not expect it to turn out the way it did.

On the left side of my face I have two acne scars. These scars are located where you would normally rest your head on your hand. I used this area to determine how long it would take me to rub off my foundation since this is a constant contact area.

On the lower right side of my face I have two acne scars but this is not a constant contact area. I used this area to determine how long it would take my foundation to natural fade.

I did leave these foundations on for all three testing between 12-15 hours. I also used blotting papers and face powder to control oil during testing. I tested each foundation 3 times and these are the combine results.

MUFE HD 177:
The foundation was gone from my constant contact area in 3-5 hours. The foundation faded in 8-10 hours. I was able to clearly see my acne scars on the lower right side within 8 hours. My T-zone managed to last for 8-10. At the 15 hour mark this foundation started to lose it color. At 15-18 hours this foundation turned green/gray. This was the biggest shocker of all. I did not expect this foundation to lose its color. I thought it would perform as well as my Graftobian. This foundation had no yellow/red undertones left. It looked like someone threw mud in my face. I didn’t see this coming and I’m still shocked.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC50
The foundation was gone from my constant contact area in 3-5 hours. The foundation faded in 5-6 hours. I was able to clearly see my acne scars on the lower right side within 8 hours. My T-zone managed to last for 7-9. About 8 eight hours into to testing my T-zone almost had no foundation left. You could clearly see that the foundation was missing. I did touch all of these foundations up during the day but this didn’t stop the foundation from completely fading from my T-zone.

I expected this foundation to lose its color because my Mineralized Satin finish does turn gray. I really did not think that this foundation could compete with the other two. I was wrong. This foundation did not lose its color at all. Even though it faded I didn’t look like the walking dead in it. I have to say I’m really impressed with this foundation.

Graftobian HD Foundation Burnt Amber
The foundation was gone from my constant contact area in 1-3 hours. The foundation faded in 10-11 hours. I was able to clearly see my acne scars on the lower right side within 8 hours. My T-zone managed to last for 9-10.

The results from this varied a lot between each testing. I managed to rub the foundation off sometimes in as little as one hour other times it took four hours. Using the acne scars on my lower right side this foundation took a lot longer to naturally fade 10-11 hours. My T-Zone was another story. On the first test my foundation was gone from my T-zone with in 5 hours. On the 2nd and third test the foundation lasted “between” 7-10 before fading. This foundation had no issues with color changing. I expected this foundation to out perform the other two and for the most part it did. I can’t explain why it performed badly one day and performed great the other two days.

Final thoughts:
By the end of testing I had developed several large lumps in may face. They felt like pimples that were forming below my skin. They never came to a head so I have no clue what there were other than painful. I also developed pimples on both of my checks. I can’t say that one product caused all of this and I don’t think that one product did cause it. I think that wearing foundation and primer for extended periods of time is just not smart. When we take off makeup at night we give our skin a much needed break. Not to do so is not a good idea. If I could not re-do my make up after 8 hours I would not wear make up at all. I would take that time to work on achieving a natural glow unlike the ugly bumps and pimples I achieved during testing.

I'm going to spend today wearing my ELF Studio line makeup. I purchased of lot of my ELF during the 75% off sale and some of newer items a few weeks ago. A lot of people have being saying that this line lacks staying power. For me that has not been the case. I can honestly tell you that I have not paid that close of attention to it. It's amazing what you see when you are paying attention. So today I'm going to do just that, pay attention to how long my makeup last. I was planing to make my last big haul of the year ELF Studio line items so this is really going to help me decide what to buy and what to leave at ELF.

With the exception of foundation, setting power, and face primer all of the makeup ism wearing today will be from the ELF or ELF Studio Line.

Items:
Candid Coral Blush - This product did not add much color to my cheeks. NC50's that have tried Nars Orgasm this blush looks identical when applied to your skin. It just gives you a metallic glow that's it.

Charcoal eyeshadow
- It looks like charcoal but not eyeshadow. I have used these eyeshadow with other brands. When I used them today without any other brand they did not look good at all. I do not like any of the three eyeshadows I used today.

Wild Wheat eyeshadow - The amazing disappearing eyeshadow. This junk belongs in the circus.

Raspberry eyeshadow - This did provide some color but it was muddy at best.

Golden Bronzer - Very good product. It gave me a nice glow without looking like a disco ball.

Barely Bitten Lipstick - I have to buy a truck load of these. This lipstick is no moisturizing. I love the feel of this lipstick and the color is very nice too. It not a bold red but a very pretty wearable red.

Shadow Stick black/smoke - If you are looking to transform into Alice Cooper by the end of the day then this is the eyeliner for you. This stuff sucks and that's putting it nicely. If you choose to buy this product please only wear it to Vampire wedding and séances.

Shadow Stick pearl/glow - I used this as an eyeshadow base and it worked very well. I have not tried this as an eyeliner.

Eyelid Primer (regular line) - This stuff is amazing. I have been testing this one for a few day and it works well. But there is a catch. If you apply your eyeshadow directly to this product it will not stick. If you use another product, paint pot, shade stick, ELF Cream
eyeshadow then you end up with a combination that has lasted me for 19 hours with no creasing.

Eyebrow Treat and Tame - I can't tell you much about the treat part because I'm sure my eyebrows didn't grow in the 5 hours that I wore this product. It did tame my eyebrows without making them fell hard. I like it.

Non ELF Items:
MUFE HD Primer Neutral
MUFE HD foundation #177
Ben Nye Banana Visage Powder
MUFE Aqua Smokey Lash mascara

The ELF Studio eye shadows are horrid. Winter Wheat disappeared faster than my ex-husband. They were hard to blend and just ugly. The color selection leaves a lot to be desired. Everything else did what it was supposed to do. I will update this post in a few hours.

It's been about 3 hours since I applied my makeup. So far everything is holding up good. The black shadow stick/eyeliner did not make it past 1 hour. At the three hour mark it looks really bad. I will try to update this again in a few hours.

It's been about 5 hours since I started. I usually like to try a product for eight hours to see how they work but I have to cut this one short. Beside the eyeliner running down my face my eye is blood shot from this stuff so I'm going to take it off now.

Review:
I have been using this primer for about a week. This primer has the same texture as Make Up For Ever HD primer. I really didn't expect much from this primer because a few of the items that I purchased from Hard Candy were terrible. This one surprised me right out the box. This is a really light primer so I didn't expect much in the way of coverage. The coverage is awesome. This primer is as good if not better than a lot of the high end brand. I have been testing several primers over the past few weeks and this is at the top of the list.

Rated: Fabulous

Review:
I read a couple of reviews that said that this brush was the perfect brush for liquid foundation. This is the part where I say to each his own. This is not the perfect brush for liquid foundaiton. The amount of pressure that I had to use to spend my foundation with this brush was too much. This brush is so dense and it does not move easily when wet. I don't know what this brush is good for but it is not good for liquid or cream foundation and I can't imaging trying to put blush on with this thing. I did not like anything about this brush.

Rated: Can I get a refund?

Description:
Achieve color intensity for your eyes with twist-up ease (no sharpening required)! Glide on the dark soft gel “liner” to create dramatic definition to the eyes. The light-reflecting pigments help line the eye subtly but intensely for a fuller more enhanced effect. Use the smooth glide “shadow” stick for soft highlighting color on the eyes to complement the liner for a polished and finished look.

Review:
The portion of the product that is shadow stick works great. The eyeliner is horrible. I haven't had a eyeliner run this bad since I was in high school 100 years ago. The eyeliner color is awesome and applying was a breeze but it runs like crazy almost instantly.

Rated: Alright

Description:
Create manicured and styled brows that are beautiful and defined. Treat your eyebrows with a hair re-growth, vitamin infused gel formula to help stimulate hair follicules so your once thin and sparse brows become thicker. Tame eyebrows with a fiber enhanced eyebrow mascara formula for fuller and more natural looking brows. The special fiber infused mascara grips onto even your finest brow hair to create a beautiful healthy and enhanced look.

Review:
It does what it says it does as far as the treat part. I have not used this product long enough to see if it will grow my eyebrows. It did hold my eyebrows in place for entire day. It didn't leave a rough residue and my eyebrows were not hard.

Rated: Fabulous

Description:
The Prime side sets your eyeshadow in so your color won’t fade, bleed or crease. The Liner side transforms your favorite eye shadow into a waterproof, smudge-proof liquid liner with this unique clear liquid and built-in felt tip precision eyeliner brush. Now you can have your eye makeup lasting longer for no fuss no budge color.

Review:
I love this primer. The product has inspired me never to pay more than $3.00 for a primer. I love you Too Faced Shadow Insurance but E.L.F. Studio Primer has taken your place. This primer held my eyeshadow like a pro. The colors were very vibrant. Used alone this primer lasted around 10 hours. When used with a paint pot, shade stick or cream eyeshadow this primer also lasted 19 hours. I absolutely love this product and the savings.

The liner worked as well but I would not recommend using the brush that comes with it. Cleaning it after each use was very hard and the did not come off.

Rated: Fabulous

Description:
This gentle and completely sheer Eyeshadow Primer has key vitamins A, C and E to help prevent aging and moisturizes the skin. The formula glides on easily and disappears instantly to create longer-lasting, crease-proof eyeshadow. The Mineral Eyeshadow Primer is designed to be used with your favorite mineral eyeshadow to provide ultimate staying power for beautiful and vibrant color that lasts. 100% mineral based with no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes.

Review:
I read a lot of good things about this primer so I decided to give it a try. It was easy to apply and it faded into my skin quickly. This primer did hold onto my eyeshadow a little better than the eye primer from the dollar line but the shadows were not very vibrant. I could get more color by building the shadows up but they still were not very vibrant. Since I don't use a eye primer alone this product worked for me. When used with a paint pot, shadow stick, etc. this primer lasted around 15 hours before creasing. I prefer the primer from the $1 line over this one. They bot performed about the same except this one is $3.

Rated: Pretty Good

Description:
Preps your eyelid for smoother, longer-lasting and crease-proof eyeshadow. The ultra sheer nude color works to increase eye color longevity. The lightweight liquid formula quickly absorbs into the skin for comfortable wear.

Review:
I have been using this primer for about a week now. I purchased this primer from the $1.00 E.L.F. line. This is a really nice primer. No clumping it fades into your skin quickly. The one thing that I disliked about this primer is that it does not hold eyeshadow on for long when used alone. My eye shadows did not adhere to this product well. But... if you use this primer with a paint pot, shade stick, or a cream eyeshadow then you have combination that will last forever. When tested with MAC paint pots this product lasted for 19 hours before creasing. Because I almost never wear a primer alone this is a wonderful product for me. My eyelids are so oily so I always have to wear eye primer and a paint pot, shade stick, etc.

Rated: Pretty Good

Receive 20% Off on Orders of $60 or More! Use Code CP9H1211 Expires 12/31/2009 Nars

Today only, get 15% off your entire order from Sephora Use code: JCPFF2009.Sephora

Use Code: Holidayminerals 50% off all minerals maximum discount $50.00. Expires 12/20/2009 E.L.F. Cosmetics

Use Code: EH50SB with orders $20 or more maximum discount $50.00. E.L.F. Cosmetics

Congratulations Lattegirl03. You are the winner of our first giveaway. Please email me your mailing address at vixxan007@gmail.com.