Sigma F25 Copper Extravaganza Tapered Face Brush Review + GIVEAWAY

Sigma F25s and F15

The Sigma F25 Tapered Face Brush has always been my favorite Sigma brush style, and I have accumulated nearly a dozen different variations over the years. The luxurious Copper Extravaganza version featured here, however, simply happens to be the the best of the F25s in my experience. Not only are the copper ferrules very unique (rose gold color), the bristles are quite soft and layered well — especially for the affordable price of $33 USD. The slightly pointed tip and rounded flat sides make this the ideal large powder brush, whether you want to apply powder foundation around the eyes and nose or bronzer into the hollows of the cheeks. I love that this brush style provides control and gives exact placement of product. Check out more details and the giveaway after the jump!

November and December 2013 Beauty Favorites + Hits & Misses

I am so excited to share my latest batch of Favorites! Since I missed the month of November, I combined some of my most frequently reached for picks from last month with some new goodies I have been loving the past couple weeks. I included two 'misses' as well. I purchased the Urban Decay concealers during their Friends and Family sale, and thank goodness I did. I would have hated to pay full price for such lackluster concealers (more details in video). I also purchased one of their new Revolution lipsticks, very waxy and not comfortable on the lips at all. I will be sticking to EM Michelle Phan and Benefit products for mid-range beauty products from now here on out! On a more positive note, I am so happy with Sigma's new synthetic eye brushes and Kerastase Reflection hair care for color-treated locks. Last but not least, take advantage of Koh Gen Do's limited edition makeup removal wipes in the large roll while you can! They're a great value since the cloths are incredibly gentle and the cleansing water ideal for sensitive skin.  

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Products Reviewed:
YSL Volupté Sheer Candy Lip Balms in 2 Dewy Papaya and 4 Succulent Pomegranate 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard 

Sigma Beauty Spot-On Concealer Kit Brushes (F63 & F69) 

Sigma Beauty The Perfect Blend Kit Brushes (E32 & E37) 

EM Michelle Phan Arched Brow Pencil in Black 

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Cartridge in 204 & Holder 

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencils in FBI & DEA 

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Eyeshadow in Initiation 

Giorgio Armani Eccentrico 4-in-1 Face Palette (Blush) 

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush 

IT Cosmetics Celebration Powder Foundation in Neutral-Medium 

MUFE 112 Medium Precision Foundation Brush 

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Compact Foundation in 4 

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cleansing Cloths ROLL 

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Cleansing Cloth PACKS 

Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo 

Kerastase Reflection Chroma Thermique Leave-In 

BB Dakota Broderick Sweater in XS 

MINKPINK The London Look Sweater in XS 

Makeup Worn:

Estée Lauder Double Wear Liquid in 3W1 Tawny 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders in Ethereal, Luminous, and Radiant 

Kevyn Aucoin Eyeshadow Duo in #210  

Tom Ford Defining Eyeliner Pen in Deeper 

Velour Lashes Day & Night Kit 'Strike A Pose' 

YSL Volupté Sheer Candy Lip Balm in 2 Dewy Papaya 

Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy CC Lipstick in Beige 100 

Jouer Lip Gloss in Coral Glisten 

Sweater: 

BB Dakota Broderick Sweater 

Nails:

Chanel Cosmic and Magic 

There were plenty of favorites that did not make the final cut for this video, but that does not mean I appreciate them any less! For example, here is the Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia trio that I posted on Instagram, available at Neiman Marcus. I purchased it as a treat for myself, but it would make a fabulous gift for any sweet fragrance lover! I especially adore the mini body creme, which is the ideal size for traveling or tossing into a purse to relieve parched winter hands. NOTE: I know a lot of you seem to pair this with Nectarine Blossom and Honey, but I prefer to wear it alone!

At the end of the day, there are too many things I cherish to cram into just one video. These Favorites videos are just to provide you with an idea of products that I reach for most often during any given month. I did intentionally leave out some products to review them in my 'Best of 2013 Beauty' video, so I hope you will keep your eyes peeled for that one. I promise it will be epic! Merry Christmas, everyone!!

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REVIEW: My Favorite Face & Cheek Brushes

This brush guide has been a long time coming, but I finally was able to film this video because I was fortunate enough to have been able to purchase a Hakuhodo brush at The Makeup Show in LA recently! I plan to add more Hakuhodo, Tom Ford, and the revamped Chanel brushes to my collection, but not much will change otherwise for years to come. The brushes reviewed in the video below are tried and true, so give them a go because they are worth your time and your money!



Brushes Reviewed [all underlined products will link out for your convenience]:
Bobbi Brown Bronzer 
MAC 187 Marcel Wanders Edition
Laura Mercier Finishing
Bobbi Brown Blush
Hakuhodo Basic, B512BkSL for cheeks
Shu Uemura 20h for cheeks
SUQQU for cheeks [Asia & UK exclusive]
Sigma Duo Fibre Powder F15
Shu Uemura 17 for cheeks [Asia exclusive]
Tom Ford 02 Cream Foundation
Sigma Tapered Face F25

Other Tools/Brushes Mentioned:
BeautyBlender sponges
Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush
Sigma Flat Top Kabuki F80


Makeup Worn:
YSL Teint Touche Eclat Liquid Foundation in B40
Tom Ford Illuminating Pens in 02 and 05
Cle de Peau Powder Foundation in O20
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Grey
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Guerlain Ombre Eclat Single Eyeshadow in 187
Armani Eyes to Kill Intense in 9 Rock Sand
THREE Eyeliner Pencil in 08 [Check out my review and swatches HERE]
Tom Ford Lip Color Shine in Willing [Check out more photos and swatches HERE]
Chanel Glossimer in Volupte

Shirt:
Marciano [old]

Nails:
Lancome Vernis in Love in Peach Melodie & Midnight Roses

Spring '13 Beauty & Accessories Haul: Burberry, Benefit, Sigma, DailyLook, Dior

Hello everyone, I'm back with another video! Thanks so much for your patience as I sort out my filming schedule.. I was sick last week with a hacking cough and was not able to film. There is a flu bug traveling 'round, so please be take precautions. I will upload my February Favorites on Thursday afternoon and will film an updated Everyday Makeup Tutorial, which has been highly requested, over the weekend. Hope you enjoy the limited edition Spring '13 beauty products in this haul!

Products Shown:
Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Corrector Concealer in 01 Light [Review HERE]
Sigma Eye Shadow Base in Bare: Persuade
Sigma Dual-Ended Brow Highlighting Pencil
DailyLook Love Spiral Ring
DailyLook Cross Duo Necklace
Burberry Ruched Silk Bow Belt in Rose Fawn
Burberry Lip Glow Lip Gloss in 19 Mallow Pink
Dior Nail Varnishes in 355 Rosy Bow & 306 Gris Trianon

Makeup Worn:
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24HR Foundation in 320W Bisque
Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Corrector Concealer in 01 Light
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Becca Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Espiegle
Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in 04 Espresso
Sigma Eye Shadow Base in Bare: Persuade
Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in 500 Les Turandot
Ardell False Lashes in 33 with MAC Blacktrack Gel Liner
Burberry Lip Glow Lip Gloss in 08

Top:
Tart from HauteLook

Jewelry:
DailyLook

Nails:
MAC Hangin' Loose
Chanel Illusion D'Or

My Awesome January Favorites + Video Details

We are more than a month into 2013.. where has all the time drained to? I am constantly on the go, and I love the productivity, but I wish I could slow time down. Not even to relax, just to reflect! I hope the first month of this new year has treated you as kindly as it has treated me.. And FYI this is strictly a Favorites month, as I have no misses to share with you, so I hope you do not mind! 

P.S. Feel free to take a peek at the photos from my zoo tour HERE!

Sigma Performance Eyes Kit Review + Sigma Make Me Cool Kit Giveaway Video Details

As promised, another Sigma review and giveaway! I really do love the new Performance Eyes Kit, a great set for only $55. For about $7 apiece, the brushes are truly worth every penny. Please post your giveaway entries for the Make Me Cool Kit on the page for the YouTube video, not here on the blog [click the video below and it will direct you to the official video page where you can post your entries in the comment box!] You can purchase the Sigma brush kits HERE! Make sure you take advantage of the 10% off with the MARCH2012 coupon.. only one week left to use it :)





Make-up Worn:
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation in 03
Dolce & Gabbana The Powder Foundation in 110 Caramel
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in 25 Bad to the Bronze
Cle de Peau Solo Satin Eyeshadow Color in 106
Chanel Eyeliner in Rose Platine & Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Rehab
MAC Technakohl in Graphblack & Lancome Artliner in Black
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara in Black
Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara in Black
Guerlain Blush 4 Eclats in 05 Rose Plein Vent
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan [contour color]
Burberry Lip Glow Natural Lipgloss in 07 Cameo Pink

Lenses:
GEO Grang Grang Brown [Review coming soon; buy HERE]

Nails:
Essie Pretty Edgy
Deborah Lippmann in Candy Shop on ring fingers only

Sigma Synthetic Precision Kit & Eyeshadow Palettes Review + Giveaway Video Details

My YouTube channel's 2-year anniversary was on January 18th and I wasn't able to hold a giveaway because of all the Spring coverage I wanted to push out first. But better late than never! Here is my little gift to you, for encouragement and support you've given me <3



The giveaway guidelines are listed at the end of the video. Please click on the video to open it in a separate browser and post your comments in the video's box, not here!

Products Reviewed:
Sigma Synthetic Precision Kit, $49.00
Sigma Eyeshadow Palettes - Bare, Dare, Flare, $35.00
*You can purchase any of these products HERE!

Make-up Worn:
Benefit Play Stick Foundation in Tea Party
Lancome Regenerie Eye Duo Concealer in 02 Medium
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder in Pale Yellow
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Sigma FLARE Eyeshadow Palette - Divine & Crush
Benefit Magic Ink Liquid Eyeliner
Lancome Hypnose Drama W/P Mascara with Ardell 120 Demi False Lashes
Dior Nude Glow in Aurora [LE bronzer, now discontinued]
Tom Ford Lipstick in Spanish Pink

Nails:
Butter London Slapper [Spring 2012]
Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe [Right ring finger only!]

Lenses:
Clear prescription only

HOLIDAY: Make Me Up Travel Set in Make Me Cool, NEW from Sigma!

I'll be sharing pictures of Sigma's newest brush set release, the Make Me Up Travel Edition, with you today! I have the original, full-sized version of the gorgeous turquoise Make Me Cool color way and I will show you the differences in the sizing of the brushes at the end of the post.

Sigma's site description: "The Sigma Beauty Make Me Up Travel Edition was specially designed for a fun, yet practical makeup application. This kit contains seven travel-size brushes from our best-selling Essential Kit. The brushes come in an innovative and functional container that turns into two brush holders to keep you stylish and organized on the go."

These are the same price as the City Collection travel sets I showed last week [with the exception of the 18k gold-plated London], a reasonable $59. I prefer the City Collection sets because the brushes are very specific, better tailored to professional make-up application -- after all, you are getting the brushes from the Sigma Premium Professional set. But I think the Make Me Up Travel Edition is definitely going to appeal to the general population more since the brushes are truly essential styles! You will receive a powder brush, a foundation brush, blush/contour brush, and four eye brushes.

This kit will make any special person in your life very happy. Also, if your budget is a little more restricted, then this is a great way to try out Sigma brushes before investing in the full-sized version of the Make Me Cool kit!

Here are those full v. travel brush size comparison photos I promised you. As you can see, the brush heads are identical but the handles are shorter! The quality of the bristles and the density of the handles have not been compromised so no need to worry; these are a much more worthy purchase than MAC's shoddy, overpriced mini brushes.

Bottom Line: If you thought the City Collection was a bit narrowly tailored considering your make-up needs, then this basic and affordable travel edition is perfect for you! 

Sigma Cities Collection - The London Brush Kit Sneak Peek Preview Photos

Sigma Beauty is releasing a highly anticipated, very limited edition travel collection called The Cities. I have a press sample of the London kit to show you today. These go on sale TODAY so I highly recommend you pick one up as soon as possible. Don't wait because these babies are going to sell out faster than Chanel Jade nail polish!

Each kit will feature seven travel-sized brushes and I think Sigma couldn't have produced a more practical, streamlined travel brush set. The London kit boasts posh 18k gold ferrules and luxurious chestnut handles, a little reminiscent of Tom Ford's new brushes - without the ridiculously exorbitant price tag and subpar quality - to represent London's poise and elegance.

I also love Sigma's innovative travel-sized brush holder. Not only is it adorable, it is totally functional since it splits into two separate brush holders/containers! No one beats Sigma when both factors of price and quality are concerned. You will receive 4 eye brushes and 3 face brushes for an agreeable price of $59 (London is an extra $30, due to the gold). Aren't they just dreamy?

Sigma is also launching the New York [silver ferrules and black handles], Tokyo [pink ferrules and pink handles], and Paris [red ferrules and red handles]. London is my favorite though I'm sure Tokyo and Paris will be very popular!

Bottom Line: I still love Laura Mercier's travel brushes but this Sigma London Kit is a the perfect travel companion, a must-have this holiday! Purchase it here: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=53495

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: Sigma Premium Professional Brush Kit Video Details

Make-up Worn:

Tom Ford Traceless Liquid Foundation in Natural
Cargo Blu-Ray Pressed Powder in 30
Shiseido Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Sigma Bare Eyeshadow Palette
MAC Technakohl in Graphblack
Kiss Lashes in 05
D&G The Blush in Peach
Burberry Lip Mist in Feather Pink


If you don't want to participate and would rather purchase the brushes on your own, here's the link:
http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=53495

Nails:
Sally Hansen Gentle Blossom [base]
Deborah Lippmann Stairway to Heaven [glitter]

Lenses:

Queenie Royal Grey Lenses from PinkyParadise.com

*Use the code -- RAEVIEWONLINE --

for a free animal lens case & mystery gifts :)

Please note: I don't make any commission whatsoever from the use of this code!

Jewelry:
JewelMint Victorian Charmer Necklaces
*Sign up for JewelMint here: http://jmnt.me/oTgioQ
Chan Luu Wrap Bracelet - Hemp Cord & Round Mixed White Stone Wrap Bracelet

Sigma F80 Giveaway

Giveaway:
This contest is open internationally.
You must be 18 or older to enter the contest.
You must be subscribed to both my blog and my YT channel for your blog comment and your YT comment to count.
If you spam either this blog post or my YT video, you will be disqualified. You are only allowed to enter twice, once through my blog and once through my YT video!

Blog Comment Entry:
Please tell me what foundation you'd like to use with the F80 brush!
This is your second entry into the giveaway, which will end June 14, 2011 - 12 PM PST!

*The first entry would be a comment on my YT video's giveaway :) Tell me what your favorite Sigma brush is and if you have never purchased Sigma Brushes, please tell me why you haven't!


Best of luck!
<3, Rae