Category: Beauty Note

6 Portable Makeup Brushes You Can Take Anywhere

Published on by Lee2 Comments

We’ve done our makeup in plenty of questionable environments: while sitting on a towel at the beach, in an airport bathroom stall, and inside a moving car. Thankfully, we always pack our bags strategically, knowing that a makeup moment can arise any time and any place. To prepare, we usually rely on the help of dual-purpose makeup sticks, travel-size products, and portable makeup brushes. 

Advertisements

Travel makeup brushes are surprisingly helpful, take up very little room in your bag, and will calm the nerves of every makeup lover who gets antsy when separated from their everyday makeup brushes. 

Ahead, we’re rounding up some of our favorite portable brushes, featuring retractable options for the beauty guru with the bag that’s bursting at the seams, the sleek pink set your friends will ask to do their touch-ups with, and the palm brush for seamless, your-skin-but-better coverage.

IT Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set

For those of you who just can’t live without all of your brush essentials, this set of six brushes comes housed inside a cute metallic makeup case. Pack it in your beach bag, store it in your carry-on or bring it in your purse to the bar — no judgment, ever.

EcoTools Retractable Brush

At under $10, this retractable brush is super affordable and will help you apply powder and bronzer in seconds. It includes a cap to make sure your brush stays safe from whatever has collected at the bottom of your makeup bag.

Artis Elite Mirror Palm Brush Mini

If you’ve tried an Artis Palm Brush before, then you’ve witnessed how beautifully these brushes blend makeup into your skin. The coolest part is, you could realistically use this mini palm brush for your entire makeup routine which is ideal when on-the-go — just don’t forget to wash it afterwards

lilah b. Retractable Crème Foundation Brush

Prepare to fall in love with this brush’s super soft, dense bristles. It makes application fast and easy leaving practically zero room for error. We love pairing it with PRO FILT’R SOFT MATTE POWDER FOUNDATION.

Easy-Taken Travel Makeup Brush Set

This blush-colored case comes complete with five mini brushes and a mirror so you can perfect a full face en route to wherever your busy schedule may take you.

Fenty Beauty Portable Contour & Concealer Brush 150

Who would’ve thought that a portable makeup brush could leave you at a loss for words? This one was designed for portability — to conceal, contour and touch up no matter where you are.

READ MORE:

These Beauty Products Might Not Be Instagram-Worthy, But Our Editors Can’t Live Without Them

Published on by Lee1 Comment

As much as our editors fill their shelves with beautiful things, not all the best beauty products are in packaging that we’d want to display on a bookshelf. Not every good product is cased and spun with gold. Some beauty products are just straight-up ugly—and sometimes, they’re the best products in our arsenals.  

You know, all the stuff you probably wouldn’t take a cute flat lay of but are God-tier? We’re talking those. Keep scrolling for our editors’ necessary but boring favorites.

VASELINE

Healing Jelly Original

Recently, while I was home for a week, I discovered my parents didn’t have Vaseline in their arsenal, which honestly made me spiral for a few days until my mom went to the store and I begged her to pick some up. The thought of going a mere few days, let alone a week, without Vaseline was giving me hives.


I use Vaseline daily in a myriad of ways: slugging, moisturizing dry patches on my skin and face, as a lip balm, a highlighter on my cheekbones, and mixing in with moisturizers to make them a bit thicker. If you walk into my bathroom and don’t see Vaseline, check on me. —Beth, Beauty Content Manager

NEUTROGENA

T-Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Gross, I know, but I get breakouts all over my scalp—tiny little bumps that won’t go away for anything except when I use this once a week. This salicylic acid shampoo isn’t glamorous, but it rids my scalp of flakes and bumps for less than $10 —Beth, Beauty Content Manager

DOVE

Beauty Bar Gentle Skin Cleanser

TikTok has convinced me to let go of any other cleansers, and I haven’t looked back since. My skin has never looked and felt better (when I stick to my routine, LOL). This is something I was skeptical about at first, but it has been the best TikTok-based decision I have made to date. —Stacey, Editorial Assistant

JERGENS

Ultra-Healing Lotion

Do you know that TikTok trend going around where everyone is showing what they would smell like if you hugged them? I would smell like Jergens, but I guess that would mean I would just smell like unscented lotion (it has a subtle scent in my opinion!). I’ve used this lotion my whole life, and I’ve never experienced better absorption or hydration from anything else. It’s perfect for my sensitive skin, and I’m never straying. —Jasmine, Editorial Intern

AQUAPHOR

Healing Ointment

Mark my words: I will have a tub of Aquaphor in my bathroom drawer or bedside table until the day I die. Besides just being the most satisfying fix to my lip balm addiction (I need something on my lips at all times or else I’ll perish), I use it as a facial treatment when my skin is inflamed or extra dry (curse you, winter weather) and rub it into extra dry parts of my body (it helps with my keratosis pilaris). I also use it on cuticles or dab it on “wrinkle spots” like crow’s feet or laugh lines.

Also, don’t quote me on this (this is by no means medical advice), but I always put it on blisters or small cuts, and I swear it heals faster. Consider this my miracle cure-all that will always belong in my drawer but never be featured on my Instagram. —Josie, Wellness Editor

CERAVE

Healing Ointment

If we haven’t convinced you yet that you need some kind of healing petrolatum (see Vaseline and Aquaphor), let this be the one that sells you on it! I’ve recently added slugging (a Korean skincare practice that I found on TikTok) to my winter skincare routine because it keeps my skin hydrated, dewy, and protected from the Florida temps. Adding a tiny bit of this healing ointment at the end of my skincare routine seals in all of the moisture and benefits from my skincare products.

It is also amazing for cracked hands, lips, or any other part of you that touches winter air. Hands down, this is the top product purchase of this past year. —Krystal, Social Media Editor

AVEENO

Daily Moisturizing Lotion

I would classify my skin type as chronically dry. It doesn’t matter how much water I drink—nothing will cure my itchy skin unless it’s a daily moisturizer. This daily Aveeno moisturizer is something I have to have with me almost everywhere I go. This product has saved my chapped hands from bleeding more times than I can even count.

But my favorite part of this product is that it is made with soothing oats and other amazing ingredients. —Kirra, Graphic Designer

CERAVE

Hydrating Facial Cleanser

As we know, I have dry skin. Horribly! It’s so dry that I don’t think it’s produced a drop of oil since my pubescent years. I’m frequently at the dermatologist, and mine has always maintained that this is the best cleanser for me, and I’ve stuck to it for years. She always says that since the cleanser is on your face for such a brief time, it isn’t worth spending a lot of money on unless you need a medicated one. This is the only cleanser I’ve found that doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry afterward. I can’t count the number of bottles of this I’ve gone through, and for me, it’s a lifelong love. — Kelsie, Fashion Editor

MEDLINE

Remedy Phytoplex Lip Balm

I have tried just about every lip balm under the sun and let me promise you that this is the absolute best money can buy. I don’t know what kind of magic is in it, but it’s the only thing that I feel heals my lips—and they come in a pack of three for $7.


I have one of these in every purse and drawer and crevice I can stick one in, and they’ve saved my lips, especially in the wintertime. —Kelsie, Fashion Editor

LA ROCHE-POSAY

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

I started using this cleanser three years ago and have never looked back. When I switched to an IUD, my skin just about had a conniption, and I was at a complete loss for what to do. I loved my new birth control but not if the cost was unrelenting breakouts. At the recommendation of my dermatologist, I dropped my entire skincare routine and went super minimal: hydrating products and sunscreen in the morning and hydrating products and Retin-A at night.


This cleanser has been an absolute godsend in this area. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and squeaky clean (makeup and all) rather than stripped and dry. Everyone needs a good gentle cleanser, and this is the best of the best. —Carrie, Managing Editor

STRIDEX

Strength Medicated Pads, Maximum

Ready for an extremely hot take? This is the only BHA product you need, and it only costs $4. Shoutout to the SkincareAddiction subreddit for this holy grail product recommendation.

Whenever I see the mere hint of a breakout coming my way, the Stridex pads come to my rescue. It stops pimples in their tracks and speeds up the healing process better than any acne product I’ve ever used. Ditch the expensive toners, give your wallet a break, and pick these up. —Carrie, Managing Editor

ECO STYLE

Professional Olive Styling Gel

No product has ever been able to get my thick curls in a sleek, neat bun like this styling gel. This tub lasts me months, and it’s the best $5 I’ve ever spent. Not only is the consistency not sticky and gooey, but it’s also super easy to wash out without your hair feeling tangled and loaded with product. I’ve tried all sorts of gels, and I find that I always go back to this one because it dries so quickly and with no residue.

When it comes to my natural hair, sometimes it just cannot be tamed, and this gel has been my secret weapon for years for combating frizz while still keeping my hair moisturized. —Madison, Social Media Coordinator

CERAVE

Moisturizing Cream with Salicylic Acid

I’ve talked about this product a million times, but I truly don’t think I’ll ever stop. It is the only product that has ever made a significant difference in the keratosis pilaris on my arms. I use it on KP problem areas after I shower, and it leaves my skin feeling much smoother and less irritated. You also really get a good bang for your buck, as this one tub lasts a very long time. —Jessie, Associate Editor

METHOD

Simply Nourish Body Wash

I’ve been a big fan of Method body washes for a while now, but I recently discovered this Simply Nourish scent—and let me tell you, it changed my life. It’s infused with coconut, rice milk, and shea butter, so it smells and feels ridiculously luxurious for its low price. It leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized, which is especially great in the cold and dry months. Plus, it’s clean, cruelty-free, and has no parabens or phthalates. It’s also pretty popular on TikTok—so best to get it before it’s gone. —Jessie, Associate Editor

L’OREAL

Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara

I am shocked that this hasn’t resurfaced or blown up on TikTok over the last few years, but this product (that I’ve replaced maybe 20 times since college days) is the holy grail mascara that I can’t live without. My lashes are super long and healthy, and I fully credit this stuff.

It’s not considered waterproof, but it stays all day and through occasional tears—what can I say? I’m an emotional baddie. The reason why I love this stuff so much is that when it is time to take it off, it slides right off of my lashes with ease—no lash tugging, rubbing, or mascara bleeding down my face involved. I selfishly want to keep this one to myself, but I’m feeling generous, so do with this information what you will. —Grecia, Branded Content Editor

Try One of These Makeup Looks Next Time You Have a Job Interview

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

When it comes to prepping for an upcoming job interview, there are a lot of things to consider. Like what to wear, how to prepare, and how soon to follow up once you finish an interview. What you might not have thought of, however, is how to do your makeup. Different jobs call for different looks, and you should tailor your makeup accordingly. While a red lip for a job interview for a creative position may be standard fare, you might go for something more natural when interviewing for a corporate one. We’ve rounded up the best job interview makeup looks we could find on Instagram, ahead. 

Advertisements

Neutral and Natural 

If you’re interviewing for a position in a more corporate setting and want your resume to speak for itself, keep things neutral. In this look, @midrebeauty paired black eyeliner and lashes with a glossy nude lip (we love the C.O. Bigelow MAGENTA MINT Mentha Lip Tint and FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Cream Double Take Lip Set for this).

Pop of Personality 

For a more creative job, don’t be shy — let your individuality shine through! Make like @laracrisouza and go bold with color. Use a brightly colored eye pencil, like the Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick in Chaos, to recreate your own version of this turquoise and purple graphic eye look.

Barely There

We love this no-makeup makeup look by @jenaidaguiar because it’s simple and only requires a few products so you can spend more time preparing. Grab a multitasking product, like the ILIA Multi-Stick, to add a flush of color to your cheeks and lips.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRpGCLstBBD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Less Is More

Put your best face forward in your next interview with a lit-from-within look like the one seen here by @everythingmiahsims. The subtle glow not only makes you look more awake, but gives the impression that you’re put together — even if you’re feeling nervous. 

Splash of Color

To add a bit of personality to an otherwise minimalistic look, opt for a bright-colored eyeshadow. Get @benkobeauty’s look by applying a few swipes of the NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil across your lids.

Color and Confidence

Confidence is the name of the game when it comes to interviews, so we can’t think of a better way to show off that spunk than with a colorful lip. The YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick is the perfect option — the pigment packs a powerful punch and the formula stays put, so you won’t have to worry about reapplying mid-interview. 


Upgrade Your Selfie Game With These Editor-Approved Ring Lights

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Whether you’re trying to upgrade your selfie quality or want the best light possible for filming makeup tutorials, ring lights should be on your radar. The perfect addition to every vanity, ring lights cast an even light onto your face, reduce shadows, illuminate your eyes and even minimize the look of blemishes. There are plenty of ring lights out there— each with different functions and lighting options — making it tricky to figure out which one is best for you. To make it easier, we’ve narrowed down our favorite ring lights on Amazon, ahead. 

ring-lights

UBeeSize 12’’ Ring Light with Tripod

Never worry about bad lighting again. With this ring light, you can choose between five color temperatures and 10 brightness levels to find the best possible lighting for video calls, interviews, vlogs and makeup tutorials. 

ring-lights

Riki Skinny Light Vanity Makeup Mirror

Although it’s on the pricier side, this mirror has received the praises of celebs, makeup artists and beauty gurus for a reason: it’s magnifying mirror ensures flawless makeup application every single time. Plus, the lighting can’t be beat.

ring-lights

Neweer Selfie Ring Light 

Filming how-to videos and TikToks has never been so easy. This portable ring light provides top-notch lighting wherever you go and even has a clamp to hold your phone for hands-free recording. 

ring-lights

AIXPI LED Ring Light

With its own height-adjusting tripod that rotates 360 degrees, this ring light offers optimal lighting at every angle.

ring-lights

Yarrashop Ring Light Stand and Phone Holder

Don’t let poor lighting wash out your complexion on screen. Shop this desktop ring light complete with adjustable brightness levels and lighting will never be an issue again.

Advertisements