Tag: Makeup

THE PERFECT TRAVEL MAKEUP BAG FOR YOUR VACATION — YOU CAN THANK US LATER

Published on by Lee1 Comment

When a makeup lover goes on a trip, even if it’s just for a weekend, she puts a lot of careful thought into what gets packed. Between storing all of the tools necessary for completing a full face beat, to squeezing in a few multi-use, all-in-one palettes just in case, there’s a lot of precious (read: valuable) cargo in tow. Luckily, shopping for the best travel makeup bag can actually be really fun, especially when they’re as cute as this.

Calpak Travel Vanity Case

Consider your products protected in this hard shell cosmetic case from Calpak. It comes complete with three internal pockets for easy organization, a shoulder strap, a luggage trolley sleeve and to top it all off, is available in nine chic colorways. 

Livana Perfect Temp Leather Cosmetic Case

The trait you didn’t even know you needed in a makeup bag: temperature control. Anyone who’s ever opened their cosmetic case after a long flight or car ride to find a melted lipstick knows the struggle. This leather traveling case uses renewable energy (no batteries) to keep your products safe and at a stable temperature during your journey. 

The Daily Edited Clear Travel Case Set

What better way to ensure your makeup doesn’t get mixed up with anyone else than to monogram your initials on the case? This customizable clear travel case holds all of the essentials for an extended weekend away and makes a great gift. 

Caraa Nimbus Cosmetic Case 

This waterproof nylon carrier is the ultimate travel companion. Not only is your makeup safe in the cloud-like case, but it features an easy-to-clean lining and is ultra-lightweight — perfect for your carry on. 

Madewell Large Crystalline Travel Bag 

Say goodbye to digging around in your bag to find that one missing lipstick that’s lodged itself way at the bottom. This clear vinyl travel bag is large enough to hold a fair share of makeup and best of all, is easy to clean. 

Tartan and Twine Oro Sheen Deluxe Weekender

Are you a brush finatic? Same. This weekend makeup bag contains removable center panels with an organizer for all of your tools and multiple zipper pockets to hold everything you need.

What is your all time favorite travel makeup bag?

BEAUTY DIY

Dusting Powder for Her: The Simple DIY Body Care Trick Taking Over TikTok

Dusting powder for women is a timeless act of self-love, a body care ritual passed gracefully from one generation to the next. Discover how to craft your own DIY dusting powder, layering delicate fragrance, leaving skin soft and radiant, and letting a subtle, lingering scent whisper elegance inspired by modern TikTok beauty rituals.

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Makeup

A Love Letter to Matte Red Lips

Discover the art of matte red lips — soft edges, velvety finish, and layered depth create a modern, intimate statement. From gentle prep to sculpted application, this love letter to red lipstick shows how to wear it with confidence, elegance, and quiet power.

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Tarte’s Holiday Cheek Trio Gets You 9 Blushes For $35

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Welcome to Extra Gifted, our hub for all of 2019’s superlatively superior presents worthy of a moment in the spotlight. We’ll unveil a new pick every holiday, so watch this space for the best of the best in giftitude to suit every price point and person on your list (even if that person is you).

Calling all blush lovers, we’ve got the ultimate gift for you — and just in time for the last wave of holiday parties on your Google Calendar.

Tarte may be best known for iconic products like Shape Tape concealer and its collection of Tartelette palettes, but the natural beauty brand really did the most this holiday season, with blockbuster palettes and sparkly things galore. However, our top gift pick has to be the 9 Ways To Shine Cheek Wardrobe, which checks all the boxes in our book; the packaging is gorgeous and luxe as can be, the shades are mesmerizingly pretty, and best yet — it’s an amazing value for the price.

TARTE

9 Ways To Shine Cheek Wardrobe

$29.75

BUY

Here are the deets: The wardrobe includes three stacked blush trios, for a total of nine cheek shades — a major steal considering the $35 price tag. The packaging features three gorgeous metallic finishes — gold, rose gold, and gunmetal — and each wheel has a curated highlighter, blush, and bronzer shade to make your skin gleam and glow. Shade names like Peppermint Mocha, Frosty, and Mistletoe add a fun, festive element to your beauty stash, and the interlocking design makes them ideal for travel if you’re looking to make the most of an already-crowded makeup bag. However, the best part of this gift is that it’s a beauty choose-your-own-adventure; the trio can either be a hero present for your makeup-obsessed bestie, or you can share the love three ways by splitting them as individual stocking stuffers. (Albeit a great stocking stuffer at that, since the recipient is still getting three complementary shades in one beautiful package.) Who’s ready to get cheeky this season?

At BeautyLeeBar, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by me. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, BeautyLeeBar may earn commission.

BEAUTY PI: HOW SHEER LIPSTICKS ARE MADE

Published on by Lee3 Comments

Sheer lipsticks are all the rage lately — they give you that just-bitten stained finish without too much pigmentation, making them a dream for makeup minimalists everywhere. But because this translucent lipstick finish wears much differently than its richly-pigmented counterparts, we were curious to know how they’re made. Ahead, we tapped Roselin Rosario, L’Oréal Associate Principal Chemist, and Yan Lee, Lipstick Chemist and Color Formulation Expert at L’Oréal for the lowdown. Ahead, find out what gives sheer lipsticks their tinted touch.

What Are Sheer Lipsticks?

According to Lee and Rosario, sheer lipsticks are not much different than regular lipsticks created in the labs, other than the fact that their pigment numbers are typically a lot lower. “A typical lipstick contains 5-10% of pigment, a bold, high-pigmented lipstick has 10-15%, and a sheer lipstick has less than 5%,” says Lee. This lower percentage of pigment results in lower coverage, which thus becomes its sheer effect. 

Are Sheer Lipsticks Made Differently Than Regular Lipsticks?

That said, making a sheer lipstick in the lab is definitely a little different than your regular lipstick. “When we balance the pigment load with the rest of the formula composition, we have to ensure it will perform its best,” says Lee. Sometimes, when a low amount of pigment is added, the formula comes out too soft, which means that other changes in the composition of the rest of the ingredients are needed. Once the delicate balance is figured out, the formula cools and sets like a regular lipstick. 

How Are Sheer Lipsticks Tested?

Sheer lipsticks are also tested thoroughly in the lab before hitting the market. “The coverage of any lipstick (including sheer lipsticks!) are tested using a contrast card, which is a piece of paper or plastic material with a white and black side,” says Lee. The lipstick is then applied on top of the card, and how much of what you see of the black and white background will help assess how pigmented the formula is. “For sheer lipsticks, both colors should still be seen. For full-coverage lipsticks, the background should be fully covered,” she explains.

Are Sheer Lipsticks More Moisturizing?

Besides their transparent, buildable coverage, sheer lipsticks are popular because they often feel more moisturizing or hydrating to their wearers. Lee adds that there’s a good reason for this: “Because sheer-coverage lipsticks have a lower amount or different composition of fillers, they do not tend to feel drying.” Whether your sheer lippie has a satin or matte finish (like the YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte), it’s likely to feel softer, more malleable and less dry, thanks to its lower concentration of ingredients. 

The Best Makeup Brush Sets (Approved By Makeup Artists)

Published on by Lee3 Comments

Sometimes buying a one-off makeup brush makes sense – like a replacement for one of your old brushes or one that fits a specific need, like a kabuki brush. That said, it’s usually way more time (and cost) efficient to throw your bread at a full set of cosmetic brushes. That way you’ve got everything you need, and it all matches perfectly. (Let’s not discount the shelfie potential here.) To help you find the best makeup brush sets for whatever your makeup needs and wants, we asked MUAs to share their faves.

1. For the Newbie: Real Techniques Sparkle and Shine Set, $50

Best Makeup Brush Sets

If your makeup brush collection is practically non-existent, this set serves as a one-and-done deal that covers everything you need for not a ton of cash down. “Real Techniques offers well-made, vegan brushes at a really great price,” says global makeup artist Bryan Cantor. “This set comes with 11 brushes that perform a wide variety of makeup tasks, plus a sponge with its own carrying case.” Real Techniques has long been a fave brand for us, and we couldn’t agree more!

2. For the Aspiring Pro: Morphe Babe Faves Face Brush Set, $68

Best Makeup Brush Sets

“I personally love to use Morphe brushes. Not only are they ridiculously affordable, but they are really great quality. When I first started getting into makeup, I was able to afford every single brush they offered, and I’m still using the same brushes I bought,” says Kimberly Culbertson, a permanent makeup artist and owner of Beauty Babe Club in San Diego, California. This comprehensive set includes nine natural and synthetic brushes plus a blender.

3. For the Legit Professional: Glo Skin Beauty Filled Brush Belt, $190

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Not only does a professional makeup artist need a full set of cosmetic brushes, but she needs an easy way to carry them. “This particular set includes a professional brush belt with 28 pockets that are already stuffed with 12 professional-quality vegan brushes. This gives you all the brushes you need to create a complete look, plus room for any other brushes that you care to carry,” says Cantor.

4. For the Wanderlust: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe On The Go 6-Piece Brush Set + Case, $50

Best Makeup Brush Sets

“This is the absolute best travel-friendly makeup brush set. It’s only $50, has a value of almost $160, and comes in a sleek traveling case,” says Culbertson. The set includes six full-size brushes, including the multi-powder, foundation, eyeshadow, concealer, crease, and eyeliner/brow brushes.

5. For the Minimalist: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials, $20

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Culbertson agrees that Real Techniques is the place to go if you’re seeking quality brushes for a low price. She says their Everyday Essentials set is especially great for those who don’t need a whole slew of brushes but could benefit from owning, well, the essentials. It comes with a makeup sponge and four brushes, including a blending, crease, setting, and face brush.

6. For the Ultimate Makeup Enthusiast: Sigma Beauty The Ultimate Chrome Brush Set, $153

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Serious makeup enthusiasts, aspiring influencers, and anyone else who’s all about trying a wide range of makeup looks: this set is for you. “With a whopping 16 full-size brushes, this brush set has almost every brush a makeup enthusiast could ever need,” says Cantor. “All of the brushes are created with ultra-soft SigmaTech® and Sigmax® fibers, both of which are vegan and cruelty-free. If that wasn’t enough, the makeup brush set also comes with a free two-year warranty.” Now that’s quality we can get on board with!

7. For the Disney Fan: Spectrum Ariel Shell Brush Set, $110

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Sometimes you want a brush set that fits your aesthetic, and if you’re a Disney fan (umm, isn’t that #allofus?) then that’s a very specific niche. Spectrum makes a handful of Disney-themed brush sets, including this one inspired by our favorite red-headed mermaid. Not only does the set include 10 brushes with sea blue glitter handles, aquamarine ferrules, and splashy coral bristles, it’s all packaged in a gorgeous clam shell case you can use as either storage for your brushes or a legit purse.

8. For the Luxe Lover: Wayne Goss The Face Set, $250

Best Makeup Brush Sets

If you’ve got money to spend on brushes, you really can’t go wrong with a set created by makeup hero Wayne Goss. “If you’re really into makeup and contouring, this is the best brush set. It’s pricey at $250, but these are luxury brushes that will last you a lifetime,” says Culbertson.

9. For the Busy Body: Marc Jacobs Beauty Your Place Or Mine? 5-Piece Petites Brush, $139

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Whether you always find yourself on your way to happy hour straight after work, feel like you live out of your car, or are forever traveling, this set of petite makeup brushes by Marc Jacobs is a must. Cantor says, “The five travel-size brushes it contains are perfect for creating your look for a night out or getting yourself ready for work wherever you happen to wake up the next morning. Plus, I love that it comes with a gorgeous emerald green vegan patent leather case.”

Have you guys got any of these brush sets? Let us know your fave brush sets in the comments below.

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