First Impression: Parian Spirit Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner Wipe & Spray

A couple weeks ago I received the Parian Spirit Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner Wipe and Spray from Stylez4Women, which is a beauty/fashion website bringing artists together and sharing articles and blogs on makeup, nails, shopping, trends, events, etc.  I'm one of many talented featured members on there and as a very generous treat, they sent me a couple goodies from The Makeup Show NYC goodie bag.

So, the other day I finally got around to cleaning my makeup brushes, and decided to try out these two products and film a first impressions video while I was at it!  (who doesn't love some cosmetic/blogger multi-tasking!)  In summary - I'm IN LOVE with this brush cleaner!  So much that I wish I knew about this brand before I bought the MAC brush cleaner, because you use less product, it's a dry cleaning and it conditions your brushes to the point they feel brand new!!!  No joke people, I was sitting there petting my brushes for minutes! :)
Oh, and the smell is not overpowering with alcohol, like some other brush cleaners tend to be, it's a pleasant citrus scent that smells clean and fresh.  Even my boyfriend came in the room and said it smelled good!  It lightly lingers on the brushes, but I quite like that.  The dry time is phenomenal, I was able to use my brushes later on that day to do my makeup for my night out.
You can purchase Parian Spirit from select locations per their website, or you can purchase the bottle and immersion tub on Amazon.

Here's a little info from their website:

CLEANS: oil based makeup, adhesives (spirit gum, medical,etc.), oil based clays, acrylics (after drying), latex (after drying)
CONDITIONS: rejuvenates hair after cleaning
DISINFECTS: kills bacteria better than any brand cleaner
FAST DRYING

Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner is the prefered brush cleaner among professsional film and television makeup artists. It is an environmentally safe product that thoroughly and gently cleans sable, squirrel and other fine brushes. This unique cleaner dissolves all types of makeup products (powder, liquid, waxebased and adhesive) while conditioning and disinfecting brush hair. No artifical colors or fragrances are added. Our product is made from citris spirits and leaves a clean look and smell to the brush. Also Parian Spirit will not damage the paint or wooden handle of a brush.
Parian Spirit is perfect for cleaning makeup and adhesives off the lace of wigs and hairpieces.

I used the brush cleaning wipe for all my eye brushes, and I was able to clean over 30 brushes with just one wipe!

Using the brush cleaning wipe is simple, just gently swirl your brush on the wipe and you instantly see the makeup residue lift off the bristles.  The best way to show this was to use a white brush.

While filming my first impression of the brush cleaning wipe, I got so excited that I continued to clean more of my eye brushes.  Even the tan and dark haired brushes cleaned completely and left the hairs shiny and super soft!

When I had used up the entire first side of the brush cleaning wipe, I turned it over and noticed the makeup residue didn't bleed through to the other side, so I proceeded to clean over 30 of my eye brushes!

I even cleaned my spool brush and a couple lash combs, that I forgot to include in this photo

After the wipe was completely used and all my eye brushes were cleaned and conditioned, I moved on to use the brush cleaning spray - which I was overwhelmingly excited to use!!
The brush cleaning spray feels like a very light oil (reminded me of a wood polisher at first) and has a pleasantly light citrus scent.

I started off with the toughest brush to clean, my liquid foundation paddle brush.  I usually leave this brush last to clean because it takes to long to remove all the makeup - this brush cleaning spray cleaned it in less than 3 minutes!

I then cleaned my powder foundation brush, which is dark haired and you wouldn't be able to see the difference - but it came out so clean that the conditioning factor of the spray even made the hairs shine!
Next I cleaned my liquid foundation stipple duo-fibre brush.  This brush was probably my favorite to clean with the Parian Spirit spray because after 2 minutes of swirling it was completely white and so soft that I was literally speechless!  I told my boyfriend that my brush felt as soft as a kitten!

You can see here that the brush cleaner even removed all the makeup residue that gets down in between the hairs... I was shocked!

I cleaned all of my dirty face brushes - now they're all shiny and citrusy, so much that my camera couldn't focus on the hairs of the brushes because they were so fluffy!

I hope this was informative and helpful if you're looking to cut down the cleaning process and save money on a high quality brush cleaner!
I also do a few demonstrations in the video on using the brush cleaning wipe with eye makeup brushes and using the brush cleaning spray bottle with face makeup brushes.

Enjoy, Beauties!
oxoxo
Krystal



*Product(s) were received, but not for trial/review; these are my honest opinions

ELF Mineral Eye Brightener

Eyes Lips Face aka ELF Cosmetics released a new item in their mineral line, the ELF Mineral Eye Brightener is a light weight, light attracting powder.  I was intrigued by this product - if it could in fact brighten the eye area for only $3.00, then I might just make this a permanent item in my collection.  I personally don't use eye brightening techniques because my face is pretty flat and I feel like I get plenty of light around my eyes.
Product description:

Perk up those tired eyes and diminish the appearance of dark shadows with the Eye Brightener. Infused with Chamomile, Green Tea, Mulberry and Vitamins C & E to nourish, tighten and refresh! Great for using as an eyeshadow base or around the nose, lips and anywhere you want to brighten and revitalize.

Directions: 

Using a small brush sweep over the powder and apply a small amount of the powder to the inner and outer corner of the eye to brighten and create an awakened look.

I have worn this eye brightener on top of a full face of makeup and on a bare face.  I really adore this eye brightener!  The powder is very light weight, and after blending it into the skin it looks like it just disappears, but once you begin moving your face in the light, you can definitely see the brightening effect.  Even on a bare face, this eye brightener looks very natural, it doesn't leave behind a powdery effect - it seems to just sink in and get to work.  It's pretty amazing, without shimmer or being too chalky, this eye brightener really does it's job.

I used a MAC 275 brush to apply and blend into the under eye area

I can honestly say that this product has turned me from a person who never touched an eye brightener to a person who uses it almost daily for a young and healthy glow.  I recommend this product to people looking to add a little glow to their complexion, mostly I love that you can wear it without any other makeup and it still looks natural - so all you anti-makeup people can enjoy this product as well!

Beauty Find & Share: Redbook (June 2011 issue)

This month's Rebook had some very interesting articles, nothing really beauty related, but in their short paged beauty section I found this great DIY recipe for sexy celebrity skin.  I thought it was great and hoped you all might enjoy it as well.

Excerpt from Redbook - June 2011 issue 
A D.I.Y. Recipe For Sexy Skin (page 66) (click link for full article) (I couldn't find a link to this article online so I'll word-for-word it below)
Katy Perry, Charlize Theron, and other cele-beauties happily drop $405 on the Ultimate Total Body Hydra-Dermabrasion Resurfacing treatment (a major radiance booster) at the Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa in Los Angeles. Ole adapted the recipe for REDBOOK - and it costs only $10.

Shower Smootie
2 oz wet coffee grounds
2 oz Epsom salt
1 ripe avocado, mashed
2 oz plain Greek yogurt
Sunflower seed oil

In a medium bowl, mix coffee grounds and sales. In another, mix avocado and yogurt. Combine the contents of both bowls, stirring thoroughly. Mix in just enough oil to make a smooth - not runny - paste. Now step into the shower, get wet and turn off the water. Here comes the fun part:
"Using the entire palm of each hand, vigorously scrub your body from feet to neck for several minutes," Henriksen says. When you're done, just rinse and glow.
Bonus: "You'll feel an immediate lifting and constricting of the skin from the coffee - and incredible smoothness too."

This little blurp in the magazine caught my eye - mostly because of the photo of avocado :) I love avocados and I will most likely be trying out this shower smoothie!
Have a great day beauties!
oxoxo
Krystal

Essie Tart Deco

Happy Friday Beauties!!
Today I am going to my cousin's graduation in San Francisco, so I wanted to post a fast NOTD to share what I'll be sporting!
I already had on Essie's Tart Deco from Wednesday, and I just added a few nail stickers from L.A. Colors to pep it up a bit!
Hope you find it sunny and fun like I do :)

oxoxo
Krystal

CND Stickey Base Coat & Super Shiney Top Coat

For the past month or so I have been using the CND Stickey Base Coat and the CND Super Shiney Top Coat.  For me personally, I expect a base coat to protect my natural nails from yellowing, chipping, peeling and it cannot make my nail color bubble when applied on top of the base coat.  As for a top coat, I expect it to extend the longevity of my nail color, provide a glossy shine, protect my nail color from chipping and it shouldn't begin peeling away when my nails get wet.

After using this CND base and top coat combination for a few weeks straight, I have come to rely on it - which is odd because I've never had that reaction to nail products before.  As a full time, non-stop beauty blogger, I have been busy doing nail swatches, nail demos and rubbing a lot of polish remover on my nails.  Before obtaining the CND base and top coats, my nails were so dry that they were peeling along the edges and I eventually cut them all off because I was scared they might experience a painful break.  Anywho... I've been using the base and top coats, and my nails are pretty thankful.

(you can tell I've used more of the base coat than the top coat, lol)

- acts as a double sided tape between enamel and the nail to prevent chipping and peeling

- ideal for natural nails and nail enhancements

- prolongs the life of a manicure

.33 fl oz bottle (US $8.50 / Canada $10)
The base coat is a bit thicker than some other base coats I've used in the past, it applies smooth and dries very quickly.  When I apply color on top of the base coat, it doesn't bubble up (I say this because most base coats do this on my nails - I'm not sure why), and when I remove the color my nails are not stained in the tiniest bit!  That, I appreciate the most because nothing's worse than your favorite shade staining or yellowing your natural nails making them look unhealthy.

- this non-fading, chip-resistant and light-reflecting ceramic-based glaze leaves nails incredibly strong and shiny

- UV absorbers prevent brittleness, as well yellowing and discoloration of nail color

- high-gloss coating seals in nail color prevents fading

- provides added strength and protection for nails

- extends the life of any manicure

.33 fl oz bottle (US $8.50 / Canada $10)
The top coat is probably my favorite of the two.  I did 3 separate tests to see how long my nail color would last before chipping, and overall this top coat boosts longevity to about 8 days before chipping begins.  That's assuming you are not doing heavy labor or scratching things all day long.  I do regular domestic chores, so it made me pretty happy to know that even though my hands are always getting wet and dirty, my nail color lasted a week.  The consistency is similar to a nail polish, it's not super thick like some other top coats tend to be and it dries in a moderate amount of time.

*Product(s) were received for trial/review; these are my honest opinions

Tiffany & Co. Inspired Nail Tutorial

Yesterday I posted this NOTD, inspired by Tiffany & Co.'s iconic boxes:

I also filmed a tutorial on how I did this style, but originally was hesitant to post it because it's my first nail tutorial and honestly, I'm hella quite! haha!
I received a lot of good feedback on this style - so I went ahead and uploaded it last night :)
Let me know if you like this and if you would be interested in seeing other simplistic styles I like to sport!

Enjoy!
oxoxo,

Krystal

China Glaze For Audrey

Today I wanted to use my China Glaze For Audrey polish in a Tiffany & Co. inspired style.  I searched online for some Tiffany & Co. inspired nail tutorials, and was really turned off by all of them, they just looked cheesy to me - so I decided to do my own style.  I chose to only include the white ribbons, no bows and some dazzling rhinestones for a diamond look!
Base Coat: CND Sticky Base Coat
Top Coat: CND Super Shiny Top Coat
(the white polish is ELF in White)

I bought these rhinestones in a wheel of assorted colors off of Amazon for pretty cheap, they don't have a name on them.

CND Colour and Effects Combinations

Colours: Desert Suede, Asphalt, Raspberry Parfait
Effects: Gold Pearl, Copper Shimmer, Crimson Sparkle

A couple months ago I discovered CND (Creative Nail Designs) from a random nail polish internet search, and I honestly was drawn to the company by the name (I'm easily attracted to the word creative).  I began reading up on the company and was really interested in trying them out and including them in my secret nail polish comparison (currently in the works).

Colours: Desert Suede, Asphalt, Raspberry Parfait
Effects: Gold Pearl, Copper Shimmer, Crimson Sparkle

- Full spectrum palette of 50 luscious creme Colours including sheer, semi-sheer and opaque neutrals, pinks, darks and brights plus 3 pure chromes in gold, silver and copper
- 15 dazzling Effects in sheer hues of three textures - Pearl, Shimmer and Sparkle - to "accessorize" creme polish or wear alone
- 3-Free - no toluene, formaldehyde, or DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate)
- Rich and creamy two-coat, fast drying formula
My Thoughts: it dries as quick as if I had applied a fast-dry polish on top; in less than a minute the first coat dried and was ready for a second coat. 
- Ergonomically designed bottle holds comfortable in the palm of the hand
- State-of-the-art brush with clear, triangular-shaped nylon bristles for flawless application
My Thoughts: the brush truly is amazing and I wish all polishes had these brushes - the shape of it literally makes applying the polishes easier and quicker.  I found that I don't have to maneuver the brush in awkward angles to cover the curvature of my nails; plus the bristles don't spread out as wide as others, which prevents less boos-boos (polish getting on the skin around the nail beds).

Colour - .33 fl oz bottle $9.00 US / $11.30 Canadian
Effect - .33 fl oz bottle $11.00 US / $13.80 Canadian

The thing I love about CND's Colour and Effect polishes, is the customization and individuality it promotes.  Instead of browsing through lines searching for the type of color and finish that attracts you the most, you can choose your own shades and how you want the finish to look.  I have enjoyed sporting the same colors with different effects to create completely different styles to match my moods or events.
I have paired 3 different CND Colours with 3 different CND Effects to show just how diverse your nails and creativity can be with just a few polishes.  This is particularly great for people who are not huge polish collectors, but from time to time enjoy a little color or even sparkle.  You only need a few polishes to create your own shades!

Here are the 3 Effects I worked with:

Gold Pearl

Copper Shimmer

Crimson Sparkle

The first set is a nude shade, the different Effects give the nude a bit of jazz without looking too juvenile:

Desert Suede

Desert Suede, Gold Pearl

Desert Suede, Gold Pearl

Desert Suede, Copper Shimmer

Desert Suede, Copper Shimmer

Desert Suede, Crimson Sparkle

Desert Suede, Crimson Sparkle

The second set is a dark shade, the different Effects change the tone of the dark shade and purely shows the glitzy Effects without looking too harsh:

Asphalt

Asphalt, Gold Pearl

Asphalt, Gold Pearl

Asphalt, Copper Shimmer

Asphalt, Copper Shimmer

Asphalt, Crimson Sparkle

Asphalt, Crimson Sparkle

The third set is a bright shade, the different Effects change enhance the bright shade and add some WOW! Factor without looking tacky:

Raspberry Parfait

Raspberry Parfait, Gold Pearl

Raspberry Parfait, Gold Pearl

Raspberry Parfait, Copper Shimmer

Raspberry Parfait, Copper Shimmer

Raspberry Parfait, Crimson Sparkle

Raspberry Parfait, Crimson Sparkle

These combinations are fantastic to play with and create your own nail fashions.
Did you enjoy this post?  Then you might like my previous post: CND The Look Spring/Summer 2011

*Product(s) were received for trial/review; these are my honest opinions