Reflecting on 2009

it's the last day of the year-- can you believe it?? well, i certainly can, especially since yesterday was my birthday.

yes, i am officially 30 (and fabulous)!



that is something i really can't believe, but i definitely prefer it to the alternative right now, if you catch my drift, LOL! so, as i was saying, i can believe it's the last day of the year...



speaking of which, this past year has been a great one! in regards to BGM i've had the privilege of testing out many products, have made some great blogging pals, learned so much about computers (but still have so much to learn!), attended some fun events, went to nyc for the first time ever and went backstage at ny fashion week. this stay-at-home-mom certainly had some fun! :)




'09 was also an extraordinarily tragic one, with the passing of so many amazing and talented people, which if anything, reminded me how precious our short time on earth really is.

hopefully your '09 (not to mention the last decade) was filled with good memories. i know i've had an eventful last 10 years and am excited to see what the next year (and decade) will bring!

here's to a fabulous 2010!

xo

hair therapy: Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil

in the cold, dry months of the year (we've had many more this year in so cal!), hair needs extra moisture. i give my hair weekly deep conditioning treatments, and love leave-in conditioners. when i was informed about Shu Uemura's latest Art of Hair product, Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil*, i jumped at the opportunity to try it.

sold out worldwide (yes, it's that popular!), Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil has become my absolute must have. when a product wows me from first use, it becomes a staple.

so what makes it so great??

first of all, it smells great (i noticed this of course as i rubbed it between my hands before applying it to my hair). this "liquid gold" serum glides through my hair and leaves it shiny and silky soft. i like to rub in whatever's left on my hands and it never leaves my hands feeling greasy.

also, Essence Absolue is a multi-tasker! it can be used in so many ways; as a pre-shampoo treatment, as a leave-in, as a UV protectant, for protection during color application and an uber-shiny finishing aid.

i have been applying a pump to my ends at night before bed and about 5 pumps before i wash my hair (once a week)-- it loves this stuff and i'm loving the results from using it. the price tag is definitely on the luxe end of the haircare spectrum, but since i know i'll miss this when it runs out, i have already signed up to be informed when it becomes available for purchase again.

visit shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com for more info.

xo
*a full size product sample was sent to me by a representive of the Shu Uemura brand for the purpose of review

Products I Want to Try in 2010

the new year is around the corner-- can you believe it? 2010! wow...i remember, like it was yesterday, being in 5th grade, talking with my friends-- we thought we'd never graduate high school because it was "so far away", ha!

all of that aside, a new year brings us the opportunity to start fresh, set new goals and look forward to whatever is in store for us.

and of course, there are always new beauty goodies to try!

i like to keep a list of want-to-try products, and the following products are in my top 3 right now:




i'm a sucker when it comes to mascaras. Dior's DiorShow Exstase Mascara claims to plump lashes inside and out and give lashes outstanding volume. according to my blogging pal Amber, the tiered brush is fabulous for grabbing even the smallest lashes and from her before and after pics, i must get my hands on a tube of my own.




foundation is a product i am very picky about, so unlike mascaras, i'm not always quick to jump and try a new one. Lancome's latest, however, has caught my attention. the Oscillation Powerfoundation is mineral-based and its vibrating applicator helps to provide perfect coverage.




another one of my cannot resist type products are deep conditioners. my hair is thick and coarse, but with proper care i keep it healthy, soft and shiny. Garnier has an fabulous-sounding product out called 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment. this formula is infused with olive, shea and avocado and promises to reverse dryness, nourish deeply and leave hair silky soft in just one use. since this is a drugstore buy, you just might be seeing my review of this very soon. :)


tell me: what products are you wanting to try in 2010?

xo

Happy 2 Year Blogiversary to Beauty Girl Musings!!

in my need for a break from staring at my computer, i completely forgot that yesterday was my 2 year blogiversary of Beauty Girl Musings!

duh...

in any case, i have you to thank! whether you pop in a few times a month or subscribe and follow my blog-- you're all so fabulous! your encouragement and support means so much to me. just as my first year blogging taught me many things, so too did this last year. i look forward to bringing you many, many more posts in 2010 featuring beauty goodies, style finds and my favorite things.

stay tuned...

xo

Color Club Wild at Heart Collection

Color Club's fall '09 collection, Wild at Heart* features a wide range of shades in only 6 bottles. i have nothing but good things to say about this collection, so let's take a look, shall we?



Love 'Em, Leave 'Em is a wow, wow, wow holographic brown-gold shimmer. this picture doesn't do it any justice...




Rule Breaker is a gorgeous teal shimmer. love!




On the Wild Side is a great color, but because of the streaky finish, it's not one i would wear often (ps- sorry for the blurry pic!)




With Abandon is a fierce gold-black shimmer that i love for this time of year.




Wild and Willing is a very unusual pink gold shimmer. it looks quite bronzy in the pic, but it actually has tones of green in it in person.




Wild at Heart is a beyond amazing purple holographic. it almost looks unreal-- definitely my fave out of the bunch. do i need to explain why?

you can find Color Club's Wild at Heart Collection at head2toebeauty.com for less than $3 each!


xo
*set sent to me by representative for Color Club

Holiday Makeup Look featuring Smashbox Cosmetics

Smashbox sent me* some fabulous lippies and other goodies to help me come up with a fun holiday look. since all of the gloss colors were amazing, immediately knew what look i was going to create.



as you can see, i decided on a cat-eye look-- yet another look i don't wear often enough.



i used Smashbox Oil-Free Photo Finish Primer as a base before applying my foundation. i highlighted my cheeks and added a bit of color to my eyelids using a mini version of the Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk, then applied a creamy eyeliner and blended it, creating a little cat eye effect.

on my lips i used glosses in Tease (raspberry) and Radiant (a shimmery pink plum), both featured in the limited-edition Wish for the Perfect Pout Set.



i finished with a couple of coats of Lash DNA mascara and voila! a fabulous holiday makeup look. what do you think?

find all these products and more at smashbox.com

xo
*products featured were sent to me by a representative of Smashbox for the purpose of this post.

Demi Moore & Rachel Zoe Discuss Worldwide Exclusive Lash Queen Mascara

Demi Moore, as i previously shared, is the face of the new Helena Rubinstein All You've Ever WANTED fragrance. you may have already run to your local Macy's to smell it, but if you haven't purchased it yet and plan to, i urge you to run, don't walk for this: you have an opportunity to try a new mascara!

with each purchase of All You've Ever WANTED at select Macy's, you will receive one tube of the Lash Queen Mascara free. this mascara is currently not available anywhere worldwide and this promotion will be the only opportunity american consumers will have to test this exclusive product.

watch the video below of Demi and stylist Rachel Zoe gushing about Lash Queen Mascara.




xo

(Very) Last Minute Gift Ideas

if you're among the many individuals who have had to put off holiday shopping for one reason or another or are procrastinating because it's just something you always do, here are my picks for last-minute shopping...





bareMinerals Happiness Collection-- this 9-piece set features mineral products infused with a mood-boosting plant-extract complex called Happybelle believed to mimic the effect of endorphins and induce a sense of happiness. even if that isn't true, the products in this kit will make any makeup-loving gal happy just the same.




Banana Republic Silk Blend Abstract Print Scarf is a a great gift for the woman in your life who is impossible to shop for. she may have a plethora of scarves, but hopefully not this one. :)




a journal like this one from Peter Pauper Press is a great way to encourage your recipient to keep track of the events or most important happenings in their life during 2010.




an iTunes gift card is always a great way to go for the music lover in your life. be as generous as you can-- they will definitely appreciate having new tunes to serenade them into the new year.

good luck & happy shopping for the holidays!

xo

Behind the Scenes at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Runway Show

hosted by Frederic Fekkai, Lisa Love and Sally Singer, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund held its annual runway show featuring 10 finalists competing for the chance to receive a year of mentorship and support in launching their careers.

discover the inspiration for the hairstyles-- created by Frederic Fekkai-- along with the fashion fund finalist inspiration for their collections in the info and video below.


look #1: the wet look



the first look is a sculptural, edgy ponytail inspired by some of the graphic trends shown in the collections. described as modern, young and sexy, the texture tells a story through the wet and twisted hard hair. to add an effortless look, pieces are left out in front.

to achieve this look:

*use your hands as styling tools to create this piecey look.

*apply Fekkai COIFF Extra Control Styling Gel to damp hair and comb through with fingers, no blow dry required.

*pull hair into textured sections before twisting together into a low ponytail just above the nape of the neck.

*secure the twist with bobby pins, letting shorter pieces fall to the side.

*shape the hair into a long sleek ponytail.

look #2: the dry look



the second look is a modern, angelic take on a tousled, bohemian style. the hair is full and voluminous with an airy soft texture that allows for movement; it's dramatic, yet romantic and very wearable. pieces are left in front to frame the face and accentuate the jewelry shown in the collections.

to achieve this look:

*apply Fekkai COIFF Strong Hold Mousse to damp hair and scrunch with fingers as you blow dry completely to create the wild texture.

*wrap hair in big sections around twist-ties (fabric curling rods) to create volume at the roots and soft curl for movement.

*tease hair at the roots using a fine comb, and apply Fekkai Au Naturel Powder Clean Dry Shampoo to add thickness and extra structure, but without added weight.

*pin the sides to the back of the head and secure with bobby pins.

*to secure height at the crown, finish with a fine mist of Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray.

find Fekkai products at Sephora (in store and online), Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and other fine retailers. to find a retailer near you, visit Fekkai.com


xo
first image: wireimage.com
hair images provided by Full Picture PR

Bioelements Gentle Creme Eye Makeup Remover + a Special Offer for You!

as the season of gifting continues, i have a special treat to share with you from Bioelements. as you may know i am a huge fan of this skincare brand, and they have a new product out called Gentle Creme Eye Makeup Remover. they sent it to me to try* and i have to tell you it's unlike any eye makeup remover i use or have used in the past.

this creme-based product removes all of my eye makeup so easily and is non-irritating to my delicate eyes. i was quite pleased to find out that it not only removes eye makeup, but also works as a pre-cleanser, too! multi-tasking products are so fabulous...

so about that special offer!

Bioelements is offering you, my wonderful readers, a FREE full size Gentle Creme Eye Makeup Remover (a $25 value) with any order at bioelements.com until december 31, 2009. all you have to do is enter promo code insider to receive the gift!

not sure what you'd like from the brand? check out my reviews here.

happy shopping!

xo
*a full-size product sample was sent to me for this review

Holiday Gift Idea: Nordstrom Fragrance Atomizer

practical items make great gifts but let's face it, they can sometimes come off as dull. thankfully, Nordstrom's Jeweled Fragrance Atomizer is anything but. this travel-friendly goodie is ideal for the glitzy gal on-the go who never wants to be without her favorite scent.

a fabulous and yet still very practical gift-- i wouldn't mind finding this in my stocking (hint, hint, wink, wink,). :)

xo

Holiday Look Featuring Raw Natural Beauty

Raw Natural Beauty was kind enough to send me some products so i could create another holiday-inspired look for you. when i first recieved the products i sort of had an idea about what i wanted to do, but once i started playing with the eyeshadows, i changed my idea. i decided i wanted to create an "icy" look-- something that is natural, fresh, shimmery and definitely unlike what i normally wear on a typical day (but still very pretty!).



the products i used for this look:

VitaFirm Foundation Duo in Dark
Perfect Balance Concealer and Highlighter Trio in Dark
Mineral Eyeshadow in Lily*
Mineral Eyeshadow in Rose*
Mineral Eyeshadow in Lavender*
Primal Pigments Pure Botanical Lipstick in Nectar*



the shadows are all loose, and i really like that they are sheer, but buildable shades. after placing a bit of the Highlighter to my cheeks and inner corners of my eyes, i applied Lily all over my lid and Rose and Lavender very lightly in the crease to add a hint of depth.

Nectar was the perfect complimenting shade for my lips. this lipstick leaves my lips feeling so smooth and nourished thanks to ingredients like cocoa butter, omega-6 and omega-3-- love it! following this, i used a similar shade of blush i have in my stash to give a little color to my cheeks.

visit rawnaturalbeauty.com for more info on all the products featured.

xo
all products sent to me from represntatives of Raw Natural Beauty; * represents products sent to me for the purpose of this post.

Holiday Look Featuring Prescriptives

Prescriptives announced a few months ago that it will no longer be in stores come january 31, 2010 (sigh...), but their makeup is still around now (and will be online while supplies last). in fact, they just released the Lustre Holiday Collection, featuring baked shadows, lip glosses, liners and shimmering cheek colors.

so here i am sporting a fun, smokey eye look using the Cool Lustre Baked Eye Color Quad, Shimmering Cheek Color in Cool and Reflective Gloss in Ruby. i also used Longwear Kohl Liner in Black and ColorScope Lipcolor in Posh Honey, a limited edition lipstick from their fall '09 Well-Suited collection.



btw, the roses in the back were given to me by my fabulous hubby. at the time i took this pic, they were almost 2 weeks old-- aren't they pretty? :)

visit prescriptives.com to view the entire Lustre Holiday collection and stock up on your faves before they're gone forever!

xo
all products sent to me by representatives of Prescriptives

Staying Warm with Cold Weather Accessories

southern california isn't know for super cold weather, but every so often, we experience cold weather that feels downright frosty (all of you who live where it snows, please understand, i'm cold when it's 50 degrees out).

don't get me wrong, i'm definitely not complaining. it was over a hundred degrees only a couple of months ago (i don't miss that at all)! i'm loving the fact that i can wear my coats everyday and my scarves, hats and gloves are getting used. not only to keep me warm, but as a way to pull my look together.

need some new cold-weather accessories? here are just a few (ok, more than a few, LOL) of my picks you might like...


xo

Holiday Gift Idea: Sonia Kashuk Beauty Junkie Cosmetic Bag

if you have a friend or family member who loves makeup, but you don't want to risk buying her something she already has, gift her with this fabulous (and affordable) Beauty Junkie Cosmetic Bag from Sonia Kashuk.



this super-cute cosmetic bag looks like a shimmery oversized clutch and opens up to have removable compartments that will keep her must-have products within reach. be warned that this bag is so incredibly fab, you might be tempted to keep it. don't be selfish. just buy two! :)

Sonia Kashuk Beauty Junkie Cosmetic Bag can be found in Target stores nationwide and online at target.com for a limited time.

xo

Holiday Makeup Looks featuring MAC Cosmetics

i love this time of year when i can really play with different makeup looks and brands offer a wide assortment of new goodies to try (well, i guess technically they do that every season, but this time of year is especially fun for me).

MAC is a great brand when it comes to creating dramatic looks, and some of my friends believe that the products are a bit too dramatic for them (just because the girls at MAC wear dramatic makeup doesn't mean that's the only way the makeup can be worn). i created the following looks to debunk that myth and show that you can create more subdued looks that are still pretty.

these are the MAC products i used:

*Studiofix Foundation plus Powder

*Studiofix Liquid Foundation

*Mineralize Blush in Conjure Up**

*Mineralize Blush in Ablaze

*Mineralize Eye Shadow Quad in Eccentricity

*6 Sorceress Eye Shadows Palette**

*Softsparkle Eye Pencil in Iris Accents**

*Dazzleglass in Phiff!**

*Lipstick in Total Wow!**




though you can't really tell, my eyes were much darker in person than in the pic. this look is very daytime-friendly. most of the makeup is on the upper lid (i used the darkest silver from the palette on the lid and the darkest purple as a liner), but i did apply some of a the gold from the Eccentricity shadow quad along my lower lashline. Conjure Up blush on my cheeks and Phiff! on my lips.




a more colorful look. :) i used only the two purple shades in the holiday palette and the Softsparkle liner along my entire eye for this look. i used Conjure Up on my cheeks and added a bit of bronzer to add more definition. the lipstick alone added the perfect flush of color.

for this look i only used the mid-tone silver from the holiday palette. i applied a couple of layers to my eyelids, then blended it up into the crease. i always like the effect that this technique gives with any darker shade shadow. i then lined my eyes with a black eyeliner along the waterline and added two coats of mascara. on my cheeks i used an old fave, Ablaze, which has no shimmer to it. my lips have a bit of lipstick with a coat of Phiff! on top.

a huge thank you to MAC for providing some of their holiday products for this post!

most of the products featured can be purchased at maccosmetics.com

xo
**products pictured in first photo that were also sent to me by MAC for the purpose of this post

nail color of the week: Dior Silver Purple

Dior's Silver Purple has fast become one of my favorite nail colors. i bought this nail polish when i spotted it in Macy's last month. hubby was with me, and while i know he prefers not to be involved in my beauty purchases, when i asked him what he thought of the color, even he thought it was impressive.

since Dior's polishes never stick around in stores, i'm so thankful i purchased it when i did-- they only had two on counter (but you can still find it Sephora last time i checked)!

as for the color, it is exactly what the name implies-- a silvery purple. it can look like more of a dark chrome than purple in some light, but since metallics are such a fabulous trend this season, it looks great with everything. i love the way this polish applies and, surprisingly, dries much faster than i expected a color like this to. :)

xo
pic taken by me :)

body beautiful challenge: Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful in 2010

hello beauties! while i'm sure you're all planning for the upcoming holidays, i'm sure you've thought, even if only for a few seconds, about your goals for 2010. if you have any resolutions about getting healthy, i have a challenge for you that you can start right now.

my beauty blogging gal-pal (who also happens to be a hairstylists, esthetician, and all-around beauty guru), Kitiya, began this on her own and of course, shared her plan with her readers. when she invited me to do it along with her via Twitter, i couldn't say no (setting new goals is always a good thing!).

so here's the plan: we're going to get healthier in 2010. not to lose weight (but if that is a goal of yours, then let that be part of your goal), but to correct any bad dietary habits and begin to, or continue to, challenge ourselves physically on a daily basis. weight loss may occur, but this challenge is to get us heathy and fit-- moving more, drinking more water and eating more veggies!



so, to get started, here are some of Kitiya's "rules":

1. join my nikeplus.com challenge entitled "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2010". it's open to everyone- and you don't have to run to join the challenge. you can walk, too!

2. invest in a pedometer and track your steps. it's recommended that you do 6,000 - 10,000 steps a day for overall good health.

3. take a multivitamin daily, and drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily.

for the rest, read her entire post here!

i just signed up as a part the challenge on nikeplus.com (i can't track my progress since i don't have the equipment, but it's good to have it for accountability), and i have my pedometer. my goal is to get beyond 10,000 steps a day and eat at least one serving of veggies with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

in addition to my daily workouts (and weather permitting), i'll take walks around my neighborhood (i can't run anymore, tear). if i can't get outside, adding more workout time indoors, running errands and housework should keep me on track.

be sure to follow me (@thebeautygirl) and Kitiya (@MischoBeauty) on Twitter for updates and if you join in, update your progress with the hashtag #healthysexybeautiful2010. :)

so, who's with me? let's go! :)

xo

Get Her Look: Vera Farmiga at 'Up In the Air' Premiere

makeup artist Tina Turnbow gave actress Vera Farmiga a simple, yet still gorgeous, look for the los angeles premiere of her new film, "Up In the Air" (also starring George Clooney, swoon).

Tina says: "Vera's look was simple glamour: her dress was ephemeral– a white, almost grecian Dolce & Gabbana, and i wanted her makeup look to shine forth her beautiful features, while keeping that simple, effortless air."

using mostly natural makeup, Tina shares how she created the look:

face:

Tina Says: "Vera has a beautiful, fair complexion, so i kept it simple – with a lightweight foundation and finished with a light, rosy blush."

foundation: Almay Pure Blends Mineral Makeup in Fair - "i love that this foundation is 97.4% natural."

blush: Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Blushed - "it's a beautiful cream stick that creates very natural-looking rosy cheeks."- and Mineral Fusion Blush in Trace, "a soft, baby pink to highlight cheek bones."

powder: Tarte Provocateur SPF 8 Pressed Mineral Powder & Compact in Fair

eyes:

Tina says:"i kept the eyes nude, with a bit of pearly shimmer smudged on the lids and beautiful lush lashes. it was also important that her brows were defined and framed her face."

eyeshadow: Jane Iredale Liquid Eyeliner in Silver (smudged on lids)

lashes: Origins Full Story Lush Lash Mascara

brows: Clarins Pro Palette Eyebrow Kit. "this all-in-one kit has everything i need to create the perfect brows – from highlighter to powders to even a holding wax to groom them brows."


lips:

lip prep: Korres Guava Lip Butter to prep lips "offers creamy hydration and is a great primer for lipcolor."

lipstick: ZUZU Luxe Lipstick in Vino D'amour


Tina finished Vera's look with ARCONA Lavender Hydrating Mist "to set the makeup and give a little finishing glow"

xo

photos: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

On My Holiday Wish List: Mia Tote by Big Buddha

it was the huge ruched flower that caught my attention, but i love that this Mia tote bag by Big Buddha is simple in its overall structure. it also has an embossed print on the faux leather that gives it a special look. factor in a very wallet friendly price tag and it's a perfect pick for my holiday wishlist. :)

xo

Introducing St. Tropez Cosmetics

St. Tropez, who just happen to be the leader when it comes to luxury self-tanning products, is now offering a range of cosmetic innovations that are the perfect solution for enhancing glowing skin.

the new collection includes the following:




Bronzing Rocks, to provide the perfect finish to any St. Tropez tan. simply dust over face and decolletage area for a hint of color.




Radiance Mousse, an easy to apply, light-weight mousse will help to enhance and highlight a tan. apply with fingertips to face and decolletage area to provide a subtle sheen.




Bronzing Powder, a luxurious bronzing powder contains a subtle shimmer designed to enhance and brighten a St. Tropez glow. apply with a brush to give color to the face and decolletage area.


Melanie Mills, Emmy-award winning make-up artist for Dancing with the Stars and the brand's celebrity tanning expert, adds:

"the St. Tropez cosmetics range are the perfect tools to subtly highlight and enhance skin, adding an extra dimension to your make-up bag. i love to use the new cosmetics on my clients to lift features that can sometimes be flattened after i've applying a subtle tan. with just three key products, i can create a range of finishes, including a barely-there sweep of color or a hint of definition, to achieve a naturally radiant and healthy glow."

find St. Tropez Bronzing Rocks, Radiance Mousse and Bronzing Powder at sttropeztan.com and select retailers and luxury spas.


tell me: do you like to stay bronzed year round??

xo

Julia Roberts Signs on with Lancome

Women's Wear Daily reported yesterday that Julia Roberts has been tapped as the new "global ambassadress" for Lancome. this is fabulous news, since i am a huge fan of the brand and of Julia!

"by her remarkable personality and career, Julia Roberts is an emblematic woman of her time," said Youcef Nabi, president of Lancome International. "her exceptional talent, her radiance and her strong commitments perfectly echo Lancome's values. we are convinced she will embody the brand in the most sublime way possible.”

Lancome executives declined to give further details on the relationship between Roberts and the brand, saying more would be revealed early next year.

read the full article here.

xo
photo by Steve Eichner, courtesy of WWD

Applying Makeup with Fingers or with Tools to Achieve the Perfect Makeup Look

do you use your fingers or brushes when you apply your makeup? did you know there is no right or wrong, better or worse way to do so? it's basically a matter of preference! both methods are equally effective, and really ends up depending on what you are most comfortable with.


Galit Strugano

Galit Strugano, celeb makeup artist and creator of Girlactik Beauty makeup, explains the techniques of applying makeup with your fingers and applying with tools to achieve the perfect makeup look.

finger application:

Galit says: mind your pressure points!

each of your fingers has a different pressure point affecting the pressure of touch. knowing them can be useful in applying makeup. a bonus with finger application is the oils and heat from your skin melts the product better when it transfers to your skin and provides the coverage you want!

use your ring finger for concealer applying concealer with your ring finger gives a soft touch around the eye area with no pulling of the skin. the ringer finger pats product perfectly.

use index finger for shadow application: this finger possesses a little more pressure making shadow spread evenly but still has that soft touch.

use the middle finger for eye crease: the middle finger has the most pressure so it is perfect to use to frame your eye, creating definition as you move your finger back and forth.

use your pinkie for inner eye: your smallest digit is perfect to apply makeup to those hard to reach parts and great for applying an eye brightener or when you want to highlight. your pinkie has a light touch so you won't accidentally glob on makeup when you're trying to be precise!

brush application:

Galit says: it's all about the texture!

when it comes to brushes, it isn't about synthetic vs. natural but rather the firmness of the brush that affects your makeup look. a rule of thumb:

-the firmer the brush, the more color transfer you'll have.
-the lighter the brush, the lighter the color transfer will be.

think about it this way, you can be using the same exact blush and end up with 2 different colors depending on whether you are using a firmer or lighter brush. switching up brushes is a great way to use your makeup in fun, different ways!

thanks Galit for sharing your tips! be sure to visit girlactik.com-- the products look great!

xo