by Ané Auret 2 min read
We’ve covered and discussed the importance of good makeup brushes, now it’s important to talk about buying these brushes. How do you know a brush is right for you? How do you know you’re buying the right brushes? How do you know which ones to buy? These questions and more will be answered in this article, just read on to find out.
Makeup has been widely compared to art and painting, and this comparison is not really farfetched. Just like the right brushes have the ability to make or mar a painting, the right makeup brushes can make or mar your final makeup look. Some people like to buy drugstore makeup, while others decide to splash cash and buy high-end name brand makeup. Whichever category you fall in, your makeup will still look bland and tacky if you use brushes of low quality.
Tips on Choosing Brushes
You might want to look out for cruelty-free brands: If you’re vegan or you just frown on animal cruelty and the use of animals in makeup and makeup research then you might want to dig deep into your brush purchase to make sure the one you’re buying is made of synthetic and not natural (animal) hair. Even though natural hair brushes have the softest and best feel, there are some synthetic brushes that feel very soft and are good on your skin.
Do the quick test: This is better done when you’re shopping for brushes in person and not online. All you have to do is take the brush and well, brush it against your skin. If it is soft and fluffy, add it to your shopping basket. If it is scratchy and rough, just put it back. If the fibers fall out when you run your hands through it, that’s a red flag.
Shop within your budget: You should always shop for brushes within your budget, but this does not mean you should shop for cheap low-quality brushes. There are low-end name brands that still deliver quality for a lower price.
It is okay to mix and match: While some makeup brush sets contain most brushes that are good for most areas, one or two of them might be subpar. For example, of you have a makeup set with twelve brushes, it might have a great powder brush and an amazing foundation brush, but the eyeshadow brushes might not be good enough. For this reason, it is best to shop individually for brushes. You might buy some out of a set, and other singles. Having all your brushes work for you is better than having brushes that ruin your makeup in the name of getting a set.
Shopping for brushes and makeup in general is a fun and enjoyable experience. Armed with the right tools like the tips above, you know what to look out for when choosing your brushes.
Happy shopping!
by Ané Auret 7 min read
You’ve chosen your perfect Vitamin C - now, how do you use it effectively?
In Part 3 of our 'Vitamin C For Midlife Skin Decoded' guide I’ve compiled the 16 most common questions about Vitamin C in skincare, from layering with Retinol and Niacinamide and how long it can take to see results, to when is best to use it in your routine - and much more.
This Q&A is your cheat sheet for making Vitamin C work hardest for your midlife skin.
by Ané Auret 9 min read
You know Vitamin C is crucial for your 'collagen banking', but which product should you buy?
The difference between the five types—L-Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Ascorbyl Glucoside -can make or break your routine.
In Part 2 of our 'Vitamin C For Midlife Skin Decoded' guide, I break down the science of oil-soluble vs. water-soluble forms so you can shop smarter, avoid irritation, and invest in a stable serum that actually works for your sensitive, midlife skin.
Plus, a complete list of alternative ingredients if Vitamin C just isn't for you.
by Ané Auret 7 min read
If you’re 35+ and noticing changes in firmness, brightness and resilience, this Part 1 guide explains why Vitamin C belongs in your morning routine with SPF.
Vitamin C is biologically indispensable: it is an essential co-factor for collagen synthesis and a master water-soluble antioxidant that neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution while regenerating Vitamin E (Tocopherol).
You’ll find a clear overview of the main forms used in skincare and who they suit: L-Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate or Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Ascorbyl Glucoside.
If your skin is sensitive or you prefer a different route, I share effective alternatives that support antioxidant defence and even tone without the sting.