Weekly Beauty Challenge Mini Series: Challenge #1

Lately I feel like I am stuck in a rut of using the same beauty products/brushes. Like most people, I get used to things that work for me but tend to neglect other products/brushes in my collection. In an attempt to break out of this rut, I had the idea of doing a mini series of beauty challenges on my blog. Hopefully these challenges will help me to explore other makeup items/brushes and find ways to make products work for me that have not in the past.

Weekly Beauty Challenge #1: Brush Set Challenge

For this week, I am challenging myself to use only the Kirkland Signature 8 Piece Luxury Collection brush set when applying my makeup. Challenge accepted! (Any How I Met Your Mother Fans out there?)  My hubby gave me this set as a holiday gift. The set is comprised of a powder brush, a finishing brush, angled cheek brush, foundation brush, allover eye brush, all-purpose eye brush, crease brush, and a dual ended angled liner/spoolie.

I did make an exception by adding two additional brushes, an e.l.f. Angled Bronzing Brush which I use for contouring and a retractable brush that I use for blending. I think this is fair because contouring is a vital part of my routine and blending is essential to any makeup look/application process. The Kirkland set does not have, in my opinion, brushes that serve either of these functions.

At the end of the week, I will post an update to let you know how the challenge went. So check back! :) I'd love suggestions on future challenges as well! Please leave a comment below. 

Update: It's been a week of using the Kirkland brush set and I think it went pretty well. It was definitely challenging not to reach for other brushes but I found some real standouts in this set.

 The All Purpose Eye brush was a dream and slightly larger and fluffier than the e.l.f. eyeshadow brush. It packed on shadow with the same ease and was ok to start the blending process. The Angled Liner/Spoolie was great for gel liner and tidying up my brows. The Dual Fiber Crease brush was intimidating at first but worked really great to create a defined crease which with my eyes is tricky! The All Over Eye brush was too large to use for my smaller eyes but I ended up using it to highlight and set smaller areas with powder. I really loved using the Angled Cheek brush to apply blush. I only reached for my e.l.f. Angled Bronzing Brush once to contour with.

The Finishing brush which can be used with liquid or powder foundation was such a disappointment. I was hoping it would be a dupe for the UD Good Karma brush which retails for $24. WRONG! The bristles are too loosely packed and the hairs shed. I never even used the Foundation brush because I'm simply not a huge fan of paddle shaped foundation brushes. The Powder brush was mediocre at best and I much prefer my other powder brushes to the one found in the set. 

I do like this brush set and I think it has a brush for almost (It lacks a good blending brush.) every makeup need. Plus there are a few multipurpose brushes and a sleek travel/storage case. For the price, I think it is nice quality and is a great set for beginners or as an add on set for more established makeup mavens. 

The Saturday Seven 1/12/13

1. Mood: Determined. I have a lot of stuff to get done (as usual) today and over the weekend. My plan is to get everything done and cross it off my To Do list! Yay!
2. Substitute question: Here's $500. What are you going to do with it? If I was randomly given $500, I would put half into my savings account and put some serious thought into what I would spend the other half on. A new handbag? High-end makeup? New camera? Weekend trip?
3. Product(s) I'm adding to my wish list: Too Faced Air Buffed BB Cream. Surprise surprise! Yet another product from the foundation category. The packaging is super cutesy and I believe the bow on the lid houses a brush for application. It's described as a mousse like texture and I love the Revlon Colorstay Whipped foundation which is similar in texture. Possible future purchase? Of course!
4. Most used product of the week: Mary Kay Oil Mattifier...I use this as a primer before my foundation. I apply it mainly to my t-zone and any other areas of my face that tend to get oily throughout the day. Then I let it set for a few minutes before applying foundation. Letting it set is the key to this product working. It's definitely one of my HG products!
5. Scent of the week: Pink Sugar by Aqualina
6. Favorite song of the moment: Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson...I can't say I'm a Kelly Clarkson fan but I don't dislike her music. I think her songs have positive messages and girlie anthem feels, if that makes sense. *Warning: There's a lot of hair flinging in this video. Lol!

7. A sprinkle of randomness: I'm catching up on some YouTube videos today. I watch them on my iPad when I'm on the elliptical but I'm still so behind. I'm looking forward to watching LisaLisaD1's Friday Haul and itsjudytime's review on the Revlon Nearly Naked foundation. Have you watched my December 2012 Favorites, Fails & Empties yet??? Check it out!

Have a great weekend!!! :)

The (Late) Saturday Seven 1/7/13

1. Mood: Motivated. With the arrival of the new year, I have big plans of grandeur to revamp my life...we'll see how long this lasts. Lol! I am only human!
2. Substitute question: What is/are your new year's resolution(s)? Of course to be healthier...so that includes exercising more, eating better, drinking more water, and getting more sleep. I also would like to be more organized and put myself on a schedule for blog posts and YouTube videos. Those are just a few of my resolutions!
3. Product(s) I'm adding to my wish list:The new MUFE foundation that can be used as a powder or applied damp. I am a foundation whore! I will try any and all foundations within my budget that are made for my skin type. 
4. Most used product of the week: Blistex Moisture Melt
5. Scent of the week: TokyoMilk Dark Tainted Love
6. Favorite song of the moment:Diamonds (Remix) by Rihanna featuring Kayne West

7. A sprinkle of randomness: I know I am late with yet another Saturday Seven. My apologies! I am going to try to post more consistently on my blog. Promise!

Have a great week! :)

The Saturday Seven 12/29/12

1. Mood: Sick :( 'Tis the season for germs. Boo!
2. Substitute question: Any product(s) you regret buying recently? I purchased the Remington T-Studio Ceramic Pearl hot rollers over the summer and they are just horrible. They worked fine the first month but became progressively less effective. I plan to film my December Hit List & Sh*t List for my channel with more products I regret buying. So keep an eye out for that!
3. Product(s) I'm adding to my wish list: Marc Jacobs Dot perfume. I went to Ulta last weekend and ended up purchasing Reb'l Fleur instead but I know my hubby perferred Dot. I like them both and Marc Jacobs scents are some of my favs!
4. Most used product of the week: Carmex. The cold weather and being sick are totally drying out my lips!
5. Scent of the week: Girlfriend by Justin Bieber
6. Favorite song of the moment: I'm a little stumped on this question at the moment because I'm just so happy they stopped playing Christmas music 24/7! I don't mind some songs but it gets annoying when it's ALL the stations play. So my favorite song of the moment is Freedom by Nicki Minaj. I like how she is unapologetic for who she is and is comfortable with being exactly who she is. *Warning-This is the uncensored version of the song. Please cover your ears if cursing offends you or look up the censored version. :)

7. A sprinkle of randomness: We have been dog sitting for the past week and it has been fun but I think my canine brother has had enough. He is used to being the only dog of the house and now he has to share a house with my two pups. I think he'll be happy to go home in a few more days!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!!

The Saturday Seven 12/1/12

1. Mood: Determined...I have A LOT of things to get done this weekend and I'm trying to stay positive and tell myself everything will get done. Plus I need to mend my broken relationship with my elliptical. Lol! We're starting to meet again on a regular basis.
2. Substitute question: What is your favorite breakfast food? During the week, I rarely eat breakfast but when I do, it's a Greek yogurt. I have coffee everyday without fail. So I guess it would be coffee??? My favorite special breakfast would either be an omelette with lots of veggies or the french toast from The Cheesecake Factory. Yum!
3. Product(s) I'm adding to my wish list: I have an obsession with foundation and have been wanting to try Mac's Full Coverage Foundation. I've heard mixed reviews about it though and worry about it causing breakouts. I really wish Kat Von D's Lock-It Tattoo Foundation worked for me and didn't cause such horrible skin issues. I also am interested in the UD's Naked Basics palette.
4. Most used product of the week: MK Timewise Oil-Free Moisturizer...LOVE that stuff!
5. Scent of the week: Girlfriend by Justin Bieber
6. Favorite song of the moment: Sweet Nothing by Calvin Harris Featuring Florence Welch...She has such a beautifully haunting voice...amazing! *Just a warning, the video may be considered a little graphic/disturbing to some.

7. A sprinkle of randomness: The sky is looking gray and still here which makes me think of snow. Oh geez! I am not ready for snow! I'm not a fan of it, hate traveling in it and certainly hate shoveling it. Lol! I do enjoy dressing for the colder weather with heavier coats, gloves, scarves and hats. There's a plus side to almost everything! 

Keep cozy & warm! Have a great weekend!!!