I usually go for Mac and Makeup forever but I started using Sonia Kashuk's brushes which was decent.
How do you ladies feel about it?

pretty good. 8/10

yea they are pretty good:)

What would you rate Sonia Kashuk brushes?

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The older you get, the more effort you have to exert to make yourself presentable. not so much for men, especially now that this dirty-jean-long-hair-five-o’clock-shadow-I-can-wear-the-same-shirt-twice-in-one-week look is in for you. For women, however, the centuries-old tradition of looking good never went out of style. It all started in the Bible. the old Testament’s lovely Queen Esther spent a year undergoing beauty treatments before she could be presented as a wife to King Xerxes. can you imagine what she would have to go through today with the advent of Photoshop, million-dollar-plus marketing campaigns and high-definition imaging? Notice how Sports Illustrated swimsuit models look better every year? More airbrush and less food for them, means more work for us. It’s the trickle-down effect. Notice how Katie Couric looked older after stations started broadcasting in high definition? the wrinkles were always there, but lower definition cameras softened her face. To combat that, we need the help of Mary Kay, Clinique, Revlon, Cover Girl and whoever or whatever else there is. It’s an arduous, lengthy routine that hardly ever leaves us satisfied because standards are always rising, thanks to technology and famous women willing to eat less food, pay for plastic surgeries and contort their bodies into standing-tree-pose and downward dog positions in yoga classes. In the words of Queen Esther, “For such a time is this.” Ladies, it’s time to get to work. My advice is to not even look in the mirror in the morning. It’s not worth the therapy you’ll have to pay for later. No woman looks good with messed up hair, puffy eyes, dried drool and crevices created by a sound night’s sleep on your 1000-thread-count sheets. As far as I’m concerned, a woman’s morning starts in the shower. Because it gets so dry in the winter, you can’t just use soap to clean your body. You have to use a moisturizer or a body wash containing some chemical that leaves your skin feeling soft, but not smelling like a nursing home. You also have to make sure it wasn’t tested on animals or has the possibility of causing cancer. When you shave your legs, you have to find nice shaving cream. You can’t just use the $1 brand unless you want to smell like Floyd the Barber all day. It has to be something creamy, yet foamy. and be careful of the razor you use – I find that my husband’s 18-blade razor works best. that doesn’t make him very happy though. Once you step out, you immediately have to put product in your hair. I have finicky, naturally curly hair that requires treatment within five minutes of stepping out of the shower. You’ll need detangler if your hair doesn’t comb easily, moose if you want sexy hair, gel if you want curl, straightener if you want to remove the curl and a gloss if you want shine. After drying my hair, it then requires some wax to convey the look that I didn’t try very hard to make it look like that and hairspray to hold that look in place. if my son wakes up a little too early or my husband needs to finish his morning routine when I exit the shower, I can kiss my hair goodbye and start searching for a hair tie or hat. Then, you have to wash your face with a special facial cleanser made specifically for your skin type. Because the facial cleanser is so hard on your skin, you have to follow it up with a moisturizer. Then, don’t forget to put on some acne cream on those trouble spots, but choose the right brand or you might have a face resembling that of a small pox victim. You can’t put on your makeup yet or you’ll smear it on your clothing. so, decide what you’re going to wear. if it’s a dress, plan on 15 extra minutes to find pantyhose without a run and then to put them on. if you’ve never seen a woman trying to put on pantyhose, it’s the human equivalent of trying to put toothpaste back in the tube. so, put your pantyhose on first. There’s nothing worse than trying to put on the hose with a fitted dress getting in the way. You’ll know the hose are on if you feel like your circulation is cut off at the top of your legs and if your toes feel like they’ll burst through your hose. find a dress. Give yourself a few extra minutes. You’ll feel fat in the first one. the next one will have a stain on it and need to go to the dry cleaner. the third one will be great, but you’ll have to find a cute sweater to go with it because it’s cold outside and the dress is sleeveless. Just be careful not to mess up your hair or get residue from the hair products on your dress. Once it’s on, slide on a cute pair of heels and move back to the bathroom. put on some deodorant and perfume. Don’t do this ahead of time, otherwise you’ll wind up with awkward white streaks on your clothes. now it’s time to apply makeup. Cover up those trouble spots with concealer, but get the right shade, otherwise you’ll look like you stained your face with iodine. Next comes foundation, but be sure to get the right shade or it will look like you stuck your face in a tanning booth, have liver problems or are recuperating from seasickness. Then blush, lipstick, five shades of eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara and bronzing beads, each of which must be applied with a specific brush. now grab a few accessories, and however many minutes or hours later, you’re done. this is the point at which I usually get my son ready and fix breakfast for the family. In the meantime, my husband wrangles the dog and cat and gets lunches around. After 10 minutes at the breakfast table, we’re off to work.

<a href="http://www.fwdailynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11431:A-woman%E2%80%99s-preparation-takes-more-than-you%E2%80%99ll-ever-know&catid=95:lindsay-winslow-browntag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.fwdailynews.com/index.php?option=com_content”>A woman’s preparation takes more than you’ll ever know

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Allison Stout of Tallahassee, FLA

Q: Tell us about yourself! Do you have any artistic background? Do you use any other artistic mediums?a: I dabbled in art classes in grade school through high school. My canvas was hair and skin in Cosmetology school in Miami, Fl. then onto nails when I moved to Brooklyn, NY. I went from Manicures and pedicures to wraps and acrylics. some of my artistic skills eventually reached into Polymer Clay, Shrink Plastics and Collage work. I am a late bloomer but, am so passionate about all forms of media.

Q: how long have you been working in the beauty industry for?a: I am proud to say that it has been 30 years in this ever evolving industry. I love to stay current and believe we all must do so to keep those embers burning. I still am pursuing perfection in all I do.

Q: did you go to school? If so, where did you go and would you recommend this school to other artists?a: My schooling is constant education. for nails I went to San Diego to CND’s (Creative Nail Design) Bootcamp and became an Education Ambassador and succeeded. before that in VA I went to Studio 400 (Luis and Kat Aragon) and spent the day with Billy B (MUA to the stars). I’ve taken ”Packaging your Portfolio” 3 day workshop with Crystal Wright in Baltimore , MD. I cover every area of my talents constantly. not even one minute of education is ever wasted. there is always at least one thing you can learn and apply to your techniques.

Q: Why did you choose to do makeup/hair/nails and what are your favourite things about doing these things!?a: Freedom of expression…my goal was to first and foremost help each individual feel better about themselves. I never wanted more praise than the clients or students I have had. I get more out of watching the faces of those I have done anything to or on. That’s the kind of payment that earns more and is priceless. Makeup is my first love. Since that childhood Barbie’s Makeup Center I received for Christmas. with Hair, I am ever amazed at what that stuff can do! and nails, we’ve come a long way baby! I LOVE and adore all those stilletto works of art I find on Facebook. how can I resist Minx and Sheekee and Shellac for a great playground?! I’m a perpetual kid at heart.

Q: What is the biggest challenge as a professional in the beauty industry and would you recommend this career path to other people?a: the biggest challenge for me was getting away from my painful shyness. If I were to make it, being coy or shy in NY wasn’t gonna cut it. Having mostly all my education in NY made me gutsy and bold and meticulous. they demand and deserve the best. I continued to discover what that ”thing” was and honed my craft to suit that client. Another challenge was learning the psychology of humankind in a Hard Knox kind of way. Everyone has idiosyncrasies and tastes. This business introduces all these characters and characteristics daily. every day is a surprise.

Q: If you could work with one celebrity in the world, who would it be and why?a: Gosh. P!nk comes to mind and Lady Gaga. I admire ”colorful” and adventurous people. as far as Make up Artist celebs…Definitely first and foremost, Kevyn Aucoin, His books gave me so much. His passion always inspires me. I will have so much to say to him in Heaven. He was taken way too soon from us. then, Billy Brasfield, (or just Billy B.) Another genuine spirit that gives as much back that is given to him. He remembers where he came from and is willing to share his wealth so to speak.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration? What do you feel most inspired by?a: Magazines inspire me. Artsy mags like V or Nylon. Photos that are courageous and push you out of the boundaries only you hold yourself from. My inspirations come from photo shoots done by Photographers and MUA’s I admire.

Q: What are your absolute favorite makeup/hair/nail products and tell us about them!a: I have used Gerda Spillmann BioFond for over 20 years. it is reliable and also HD friendly. it was HD before there was HD.I love, love, LOVE TiGi products. Toni and Guy are two of the greatest Hair artists out there. TiGi is fresh and innovative.for nails…I am ever impressed by CND. the company is science based and always is on the edge of fashion. Jan Arnold, the founder of CND, is at every fashion week schmoozin’ with the designers, MUA’s and Hair designers. She knows the forecast of things to come and brings us nail techs a flavor no one can succeed. She is surrounded by such talent and is ever progressive.

Q: What is your biggest rant or rave about the beauty industry?a: One of my biggest rants is with a minute part of the industry, salons mostly, that don’t treat our business as a genuine profession. So many salons still want employees but, will only pay commission. When a newcomer to a salon, whether just out of school or new to town, they are given nothing to sit there all day and hope for one client to walk in. a minimum wage should be given at least. most times the employee who is there for ”free” will do towels, trash, assist the other stylists, be a go-pher or do something to not just sit all day. When will we be treated as a respected and legitimate profession? to other professions but, mainly within ourselves?

Q: you are a member of the BeautyBUZ community. What do you like about it and what do you think needs to be changed or improved?a: I love comaraderie with the industry. we need to help each other and admire each other . Beauty Buz has created such a place to do so.

Q: Share one of your favourite beauty tricks with us!a: This is one from Mr. Billy B. Eyelashes have become somewhat of a huge part of our business. we have always put the lash glue on the striplash and then placed on the lid, right? Yes, that’s what’s on the directions anyway… Billy suggested using your liner brush to line your lid FIRST with the lash glue, then apply the strip of lashes! no more applying and re-applying because it was placed insufficiently. Hmmmm? Thanks Billy. I appreciate the little things that make our jobs that much more simple.

Thanks so much for interviewing with us, Allison!

Interview with Allison Stout, Makeup-Hair & Nail Artist of Tallahassee, FLA

Brought to you by: Mercy Hospital Copyright ©2010. The Associated Press. Produced by NewsOK.com all rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.  

Until about the 20th century, being pale and plump was an indicator of an elevated status in society. Sadly, those days are gone. Today, many women want the golden glow that comes from a long, leisurely vacation in the Caribbean.

But as we all know, tanning is a dangerous business. Melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) is the leading cause of death from skin disease and is the second most common cancer in women ages 20 to 29.

Dina Pierce, 45, co-owner of DK Salon, 13915 N May Ave., knows a thing or two about skin cancer. Over the years, she’s had several skin cancers removed. Luckily, her skin cancers were basal cell cancers, which are the least dangerous.

“It’s just that I still have scars from them being removed,” Pierce said.

Millions of women and men have these kinds of scars to remind them that too much sun exposure or contact with harmful ultraviolet rays in tanning beds can be very dangerous.

The American Academy of Dermatology states that exposure to UVA rays can result in fatal melanoma, skin damage and premature skin aging. even though many tanning beds emit mostly UVA radiation, which is less likely to cause a sunburn, UVA rays are not safe. in fact, according to the dermatology academy, these rays cause deeper skin damage and are linked to melanoma.

both UVA and UVB rays also are linked immune system damage and premature skin aging.

So, while we may still want that St. Tropez tan, we’re learning that there are better ways of achieving it than from hours of unprotected sun worshipping. You can use self-tanning creams and sprays, you can get an airbrush tan like the ones used on shows such as “Dancing With the Stars” and “Toddlers and Tiaras,” or you can just use good old-fashioned makeup techniques to look like the bronze goddess you know you are deep down.

Makeup bronzers are a great way to get a golden look temporarily for a special evening out or for day-to-day wear. Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess line of bronzing powder, eye shadows and nail polishes can evoke that Mediterranean holiday look with gorgeous shades that sparkle, shimmer and shine.

Powder bronzers come in several varieties. The Bronze Goddess Sea Star Bronzing Blush is a lightly shaded powder bronzer perfect for lighter skin tones.

Bronzy Babe is a complete line of bronzing makeup from the locally owned Fake Bake (see more in self-tanners section) that includes beautiful bronzers, blushes, tinted full body gel and lip glosses that will make you glow from head to toe without the staying power of self-tanners.

Victoria’s Secret offers a bronzing powder called Bombshell that incorporates a beautiful glitter. but with glittery bronzers, you should apply sparingly unless you want to look like you’ve been attacked by an overzealous crafter.

For a tan that lasts awhile, try a self-tanner. Fake Bake, an Oklahoma-owned and operated company, offers some of the best self-tanners on the market. The beauty of their self-tanners is that they include a “color guide” so you know where you’ve applied the tanner and can see spots you’ve missed.

The Flawless product ($24 online for a 6-ounce bottle, about a two-months’ supply), new this year, is a favorite of mine. It’s a simple (and honestly, addictive) self-tanner that could be called “self-tanner for dummies.” You simply spray the product onto a special mitt that comes in the package and gently rub it onto your skin in a “Wax on, wax off” motion. You’ll see instant results.

Mary Cooper, co-owner of Fake Bake with her husband, Joe Cooper, says to apply it at night. it dries instantly, and miraculously, it won’t rub off on your PJs or sheets. Then the next morning, shower, and the color guide will wash off leaving your lovely golden tan. You can apply it every night for several days until you achieve your desired color.

None of the Fake Bake products contains parabens, a class of chemicals used to preserve cosmetics that has been linked to breast cancer, Cooper said. and some of the products such as Face, Fake Bake’s facial bronzer, contain anti-aging agents such as apple stem cells.

Since Fake Bake products contain natural preservatives, they do have a shelf life. Cooper recommends storing them in the refrigerator to extend their life span.

To see the full line of Fake Bake products, go online to Fakebake.com.

Many salons, such as DK Salon, offer a special airbrush tanning service. This option is great if you’re gearing up for vacation or some other special event. You do have to get mostly naked in front of a stranger, but the airbrush tan can last up to two weeks and only takes about 10 minutes to apply. At DK Salon, one airbrush session is $38, making it more costly than many self-tanners, but if you buy a package of three for $100, you’ll save a little.

“I just think it’s a great alternative, especially for fair people like myself,” Pierce said. “Especially if you’ve had any skin cancer issues or it runs in your family.”

MOOD SPECIAL! — for the rest of March, if you mention Mood at DK Salon, you’ll get $5 off your airbrush tan!

Whether you choose to go bronze with makeup, self-tanners or airbrushed tans, you’re not really tan, you’re painted. So don’t forget to apply a strong sunblock when outdoors and reapply every two hours. Don’t forget to apply sunblock to your ears and even your scalp, especially if you’re bald or your hair is thinning.

If you have colored hair, you might be interested in Hair Shadz by Monimay. This powder comes in many shades and has a built-in applicator brush. its three-in-one function covers your roots as they grow out, acts as a dry shampoo to prolong your hairstyle and, most importantly, provides sun protection factor 15 to protect your scalp with each application.

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<a href="http://newsok.com/be-a-bronze-goddess-but-be-smart-how-you-do-it/article/3545958tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://newsok.com/be-a-bronze-goddess-but-be-smart-how-you-do-it/article/3545958Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:11:52 GMT 00:00″>Be a bronze goddess but be smart how you do it

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Everyone loves affordable brushes, right? Sonia Kashuk makes one of the finest, affordable, quality drugstore brushes, in my opinion. the Flat Top Multi Purpose Brush is a ‘must-have’ brush from Sonia Kashuk if you need a total multi-tasker that does a fab job of blending face products.

I use this to blend in liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer, and some cream/liquid blushes for a dewy glow. It leaves no streaks behind after blending and the end result is totally FLAWLESS. the handle is designed in such a way that it provides great grip and control. I’ve even used this with powder blush for precise application, since the brush head is the perfect size to add a nice pop of color! although, this brush is listed as a flat top blush brush, I wouldn’t restrict myself to just that.

The brush, priced at $14.99 is a steal for the multi-tasker that it is. It might sound pricey for drugstore standards but, its soo worth it. I’ve washed it a lot of times and it hasn’t shed at all. since it is quite dense, it does take a while to dry, but that’s not a problem since I wash it in the night and it’s totally dry by morning.
I totally recommend this if you are looking for a flat top brush with a smaller than usual head size ,that does an amazing blending job for an airbrushed look.
Available only at Target Stores and Target.com .

Have you tried the Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Multipurpose Brush? do you love it as much as I do? What are your favourite Sonia Kashuk Brushes?

Makeup, Beauty and More: Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Brush

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Ok so, i just bought a slanted eyeliner brush and I have loreal liquid eye liner in a little tub with a hard pointed brush to apply it… but it dosnt work for me so i bought an actual brush instead… HOW DO I GET THE EYELINER ON THE BRUSH?… lol thanks (=

How do you apply liquid eyeliner?

I have some acne break outs and alot of acne that time of the month. I have kinda dry skin. Right now use Clinique acne Solutions. It doesn't make me break out like MAC studio fix. I heard revlon photo ready would cover up acne. Will revlon photo ready break me out? and does it last long on your face? Help please! what drugstore liquid foundation would you recommend?

I would get powder because i remember when i had acne for senior pic and i used liquid. it made my skin all skiny. so i had to retake senior pics for that and use powder. whatever you do. use powder. and personally i suggest you to go to the mall and try the makeup to see if the makeup doesnt make your skin oily looking. asking people certain brand names doesnt really matter. we all have different skin.

Would revlon photo ready liquid foundation be good for me?