the makeup brushes you should be using (and where to buy them).

I often get asked various types of makeup related questions, but the ones I hear the most revolve about brushes. What types of brushes should I have in my makeup bag? How do I use them? Where do I buy them? Should I invest in good quality or just buy the inexpensive brands?

In my personal and professional makeup bags I use a wide variety of brushes from different brands (in my pro kit I have over 60 brushes!). Some I've spent a few dollars on, some I've spent upwards of $60 per brush. I would say the majority of my brushes are either from MAC, Sephora or Morphe, but I do have a few QUO and Sigma. Now, MAC and Sephora brushes are high-end and going to cost you $$$. Morphe, Sigma, and QUO are relatively less expensive, but that doesn't mean lesser in quality. I actually really love my Morphe and Sigma brushes, and for a fraction of the cost I think they compare very close to the ones from MAC and Sephora.

My pro brush belt (and this isn't even all of them!)

So what brushes should you be using on the daily? Well it depends how much makeup you wear, but
I've narrowed it down to these 7 essential brushes that should be in your bag, so you're always covered no matter what look you are going for. I've also added a few bonus brushes for those that want to take their brush belt to the next level!

1. LARGE POWDER [ MAC #150 ]
Invest in a good quality powder brush with real hair bristles, used for setting powder or applying powder foundation.
$51, maccosmetics.ca

2. LARGE KABUKI [ Essential Beauty Kabuki ]
For flawless bronzer application, I find a large, fluffy-yet-dense brush like a kabuki works best. I picked up one of mine from the Winners beauty section (you can really score big there sometimes!), and didn't spend a lot. I can't remember exactly how much it was but I know it was under $10.
Winners/Marshalls.

3. ANGLED BLUSH [ Sephora Pro Angled Brush #49 ]
I love my angled blush brush from Sephora! The bristles are so soft, and the angled shape really carves out the cheekbone perfectly (Bonus: it can also be used for cheekbone contour.)
$40, sephora.ca

4. FLAT SHADOW [ Morphe M124 ]
For applying eyeshadow to the lid and brow bone, I like a firm, flat brush the best. This can be an inexpensive purchase - I bought a few from the Sonia Kashuk line when we still had Target here in Canada (*tear*) and they are perfect, but these ones from Morphe are almost identical and so inexpensive!
$3.99 (usd), morphebrushes.com

5. FLUFFY SHADOW [ MAC 217 ]
For blending out crease shadow a good quality fluffy shadow brush is a MUST, and there isn't anything better than the trusty MAC 217.
$30, maccosmetics.ca

6. SMALL ANGLE [ Morphe M413 ]
A small angle brush is essential for defining your eyebrows with powder, or a pomade like Dipbrow, and can also be used to apply eyeliner. Along with an eyebrow brush/spoolie, these two go hand in hand and are "must-haves" for sure.
$3.99 (usd), morphebrushes.com

7. FOUNDATION [ Beauty Blender ]
I literally have about 5 different types of brushes/sponges I will use to apply foundation (it just depends on my mood that day), but my recommendation for a go-to foundation applicator is not actually a brush but a sponge - The Original Beauty Blender - and make sure you splurge on the real thing, there is a difference with the knock-offs!! This sponge can also be used for applying under-eye concealer using the pointy end, AND baking/setting the under eye area (more on baking later...)
$24, sephora.ca



BONUS BRUSHES:

FAN BRUSH [ QUO Professional ]
For applying that glow! I love using a fan brush for highlighter. I find it applies just the right amount of product and it's fun to use. *Make sure you get the QUO Professional fan brush (with the black handle), not the basic QUO fan brush (with the silver handle) - there is a huge difference in quality.
$20, Beauty Boutique at Shoppers Drug Mart.

FLAT TOP BUFFER [ Morphe G6 Flat Buffer ]
A good all-purpose buffing brush that makes blending any type of cream product (contour, blush or bronzer) a breeze, is a flat top brush like this one by Morphe.
$13.99 (usd), morphebrushes.com

TAPERED HIGHLIGHTER [ SIGMA F35 ]

This brush is essential if you are partaking in the contour and highlight game. Applies highlight powder like a dream with its super soft bristles and tapered shape, it really gets in the under-eye area perfectly. You can also use this to apply glow to the tops of your cheekbones (and if you are feeling adventurous, can use it to apply cheek contour).

$25 (usd), sigmabeauty.com

If you have any other brush favourites (or even new brands) let me know in the comments! And don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@liannemascia) for lots more makeup tips, reviews and looks! <3

-Lianne

xo

what's in my pro MUA kit

Every makeup artist's kit is unique. It' s a hand-picked, and carefully curated selection of products that they love, trust, and believe will help them produce the best work they can. A kit can take years to develop, and like vegetables in a garden, they grow bigger and better as time goes on. Things are constantly being added and sometimes replaced with the 'next best thing', and sometimes old
favourites are brought back in because there just isn't anything that can beat them.

Clients always ask what products I use, and they should, as what I'm putting on their face is just as important as the techniques I use. Many times my kit, my trusty sidekick, helps me secure a job when the client knows I only use the best! Here I'm going to give a peek into my kit staples, the brands I love, and the products that have been with me since the beginning. 

PRIMER

Smashbox primers are really great. I carry their Photo Finish Primer in Original, Light, and Pore Refining (depending on my client's skin type and needs). For redness, I also have Make Up For Ever's HD Primer which is green and colour corrects the red, and for very oily skin I LOVE Becca's Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector.

FOUNDATION

I almost exclusively use Make Up For Ever foundations. I carry both the Ultra HD formula, which is great for almost every skin type and leaves a gorgeous 'real skin' finish (undetectable with HD cameras), and I also use MUFE's Mat Velvet for those with really oily skin, or who want a very full coverage matte finish. 

CONCEALER

I love MAC Pro Longwear concealer for under eye concealing, it's very long lasting and gives great coverage. To colour correct before I put down the concealer, I always reach for my Eve Pearl Salmon concealers in various tones (depending on the intensity of the dark circle).

SETTING POWDER

I have flip-flopped between a couple different powders over the years. When I first started working, I used the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, and it was great, but then decided to try the Ben Nye Neutral Set Loose Powder. The Ben Nye one set everything perfectly, but recently I have gone back to Laura Mercier's. I find the powder is just a touch finer and softer, and I like how it isn't stark white (like the Ben Nye one).

CONTOUR/HIGHLIGHT/BRONZER

Anastasia Beverly Hills contour kit (I mainly use the colours Banana and Fawn), and MAC bronzers and highlighters in Lightscapade, Soft & Gentle, and Beautiful Bronze. I also recently added Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel cream bronzer and it is amazing! Works on almost every light-medium skin tone.

EYESHADOW

I have so many it would take me forever to list them all! I will say the majority are from MAC because I love them so much, and I will give a special shout out to Anasatasia Beverly Hills, Urban Decay and Colour Pop for their fab shadows that keep my clients' lids on fleek (wait, do people still say "on fleek"?)

LIPSTICK

Again I have soo many but the majority are from MAC (my custom palette pictured below), and I also really love Colour Pop liquid lipsticks for their longevity and on-trend shades!  

Obviously this isn't everything I keep in my kit, there are just too many products to list individually, [and of course some things are trade secrets ;)] but these are some of my favourites! 

Lianne

xo

if you have oily skin you NEED to try this foundation

There is a little hidden gem sitting on shelves at drugstores across the country. A foundation that provides such long-lasting, oil-controlling coverage, you would think it is sold at Sephora... but it's not. And it's under $20.

The foundation I'm referring to is L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, and I'm in LOVE. I have combination skin and am constantly battling shine throughout the day, but when I wear this foundation I barely have to blot! It leaves my skin flawless and demi-matte for hours longer than the many other foundations I've tried. I also love the medium-full coverage, and how long it lasts, especially when I'm doing full glam (it might be a little heavy if you are doing a quick daytime makeup, but to each their own). The only negative I can say about this product is the colour selection; it only comes in 9 shades, so might be hard to find a perfect match. My colour is 104 Golden Beige (equivalent to MAC NC30) but this is when I have a bit of a tan, otherwise it's a tad dark (and the lighter shades are too pinky for my complexion).

I find this product to be very similar to Make Up For Ever's Mat Velvet+ foundation in consistency, coverage, and even packaging, but retails at less than half the price! Pro-Matte sells for $17 at Walmart vs. $47 for Mat Velvet+ at Sephora.

If you have tried this product and love it or hate it, let me know in the comments! And don't forget to follow me on Instagram (@liannemascia) for lots more makeup tips, reviews and looks! <3

- Lianne
xo

how a makeup artist refreshes her makeup bag for spring.

Finally Spring has sprung! This warm weather seriously makes me happy, and it also makes me want to clean and organize EVERYTHING! If you feel the same, and want to clean up your makeup bag, read on to see what I toss and what I add to freshen it up for Spring!

WHAT TO TOSS:

Old Mascaras
Old Concealers
Old Moisturizers

WHAT TO ADD:

A New Lipstick 
A fresh new lipstick in a bright, fun colour will instantly brighten any makeup look (especially the lighter looks we tend to go for once the warm weather arrives). And chances are it will go great with that printed maxi you just bought ;)

Try: L'Oreal Le Matte Lip Colour Stick in "Matte For Me", $10.


Highlighting Powder
There's something about warmer weather that makes us feel glowy and happy, so why not add a highlighter to your routine to really make your skin glow.  

Try: The Balm Cosmetics "Mary-Lou Manizer" (I just ordered it from amazon.ca and am obsessed), $17.


New Mascara
To replace the one you just tossed! Mascara should be replaced every 3 months since it can collect bacteria from your eye area (which can lead to infection), and it also can get quite dry by this time which won't give you the best results.

Try: Too Faced "Better than Sex" for bold lashes $30, or L'Oreal "Voluminous Carbon Black" for a great everyday choice, $8.


A Fun Eyeshadow Palette
Be inspired with your eye looks by adding a new palette to the mix! Something wearable with a mixture of matte and shimmery shades, but don't be afraid of a little colour. Your NAKED palette got a workout this winter, so it's time to give it a rest and pick up something with pinks, blues, or golds (all very on-trend this season).

Try: Ciaté London "The Fun Palette" $42, or Urban Decay "Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette" $70. 




What is a must-have you are adding to your makeup bag this spring?

- Lianne
xo

my current skin care routine.

I have been asked recently what my skin care routine looks like, so here is the process, with all the products I'm currently loving listed below!


THE PROCESS

DAILY

In the MORNING, I like to either wash my face with a gentle cleanser or use a micellar cleansing water, then I will apply moisturizer and foundation, or just BB cream (which has moisturizer in it). And of course if I'm going into the sun - apply sunscreen!

At NIGHT my routine is a little more involved. If I have been wearing a full face of makeup I will first wipe my face with a wipe or use micellar cleansing water to remove some of the makeup (and around my eyes), then I wash my face with the same gentle cleanser from the morning, but this time I use a sonic spin brush for extra deep cleaning.
Next, I will tone my skin to remove any remaining dirt and makeup, then I apply a moisturizer; I like to use a couple of different products depending how my skin feels and just to keep things fresh. I love (and have loved for a long time) Nivea's Moisturizing Night Care cream. It's a heavier texture which is nice for night time and I really feel like my skin is soft and hydrated in the morning. It has never clogged my pores and is a really good simple starter night cream, or one to rotate in along with something a little more powerful. If I feel like my skin is getting dull and needs an extra boost (or if I have any breakouts), I will switch up my night cream and use something with active ingredients like glycolic acid*. Glycolic acid is great for combination skin as it works to exfoliate and keep pores clean (and in turn will boost radiance!)
After face cream I like to apply an eye cream, as the eye area is delicate and using a specific cream for this area will yield better results! Philosophy makes great products in general, but I really like their eye creams. They have specific ones depending on how much "anti-aging" you need, you can check out the link above to explore a cream that is right for your level of need!

*Note: Because glycolic acid is an active ingredient, first time users should ease their way into using it (starting out with just a couple times a week), and always wear sunscreen if going into the sun when using this product as it can cause sun sensitivity. Also, it should not be used in conjunction with the Clean & Clear toner which contains salicylic acid, so only apply toner on the nights when you aren't using the glycolic moisturizer. 

3-4 x WEEK
Exfoliate! Some people exfoliate every day, but I find that can be a bit harsh on the skin, and only use a scrub a few times a week. Plus, using the spin brush daily acts as a gentle exfoliator so you don't want to overdo it.

WEEKLY
Once a week apply a face mask targeted to your skin type or concerns. If you have dry skin use a hydrating mask, if you have problematic skin use a purifying mask. I have combination skin with large pores so I will use something that helps control oil and clear my pores. I really LOVE Dr. Jart's sheet masks, I use the charcoal one which is great for my skin type, but use the link below to explore a mask that's right for you! 

MONTHLY
If budgets permit, go for a facial once a month or even once every few months. The pros will give your skin a little extra TLC to ensure you look your best!

THE PRODUCTS

1. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Foaming Cleanser (shop HERE)
2. Marcelle Micellar Cleansing Water (shop HERE)
3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (shop HERE)
4. La Roche Posay Anthelios Lightweight Lotion SPF 30 (shop HERE)
5. Neutrogena All-in-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes (shop HERE)
6. Clarisonic Spin Brush (shop HERE)
7. Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Astringent (shop HERE)
8. Nivea Moisturizing Night Care - Normal Skin (shop HERE)
9. Neostrata Radiance Night Repair Cream (shop HERE)
10. Philosophy Eye Hope or Hope in a Tube (shop HERE)
11. No7 Beautiful Skin Exfoliator (shop HERE or Shoppers Drug Mart)
12. Dr. Jart Sheet Masks (shop HERE)
13. L'Oreal Pro Matte Foundation (shop HERE)
14. Marcelle BB Cream (shop HERE)


General Tips for Great Skin:

• Always wash your makeup off at night (no matter how tired you are!)
• Drink lots of water
• Try and keep your hands off your face (to prevent transferring bacteria from your hands)
• Go 'Au Natural' once in a while and give your skin a break from heavy makeup!

- Lianne

xo

january/february beauty buys

Bite Beauty Lipstick in "Cava"

After seeing a friend rocking this shade last time I was in Sephora, I was like - I need that colour now. It's a lilac-grey-beige, definitely not your typical nude colour, but that's why I love it! It's subtle yet striking, and the formula is SO moisturizing!
Sephora, $23

Kiss Blooming Lash KBH02
Even though I have eyelash extensions, sometimes I like even more drama and I'll add a pair of strip lashes, and these intrigued me on a stop at Walgreens when I was in Vegas. They are multi dimensional and seem like they would look very natural yet gorgeous!
Walgreens, $5 (USD)

Wet n Wild Contouring Palette "Dulce de Leche"
This 2 colour palette is compact and perfect for traveling and was only $5!
Walgreens, $5 (USD)

Maybelline FitMe Concealer "Sand 20"
A very creamy, blendable concealer, and this shade is perfect with my skin tone. Love it!
Shoppers Drug Mart, $6.99 (on sale)

Quo Professional Fan Brush
This brush is part of the 'professional' series of Quo brushes available at Shoppers. I find they are made a little bit better than their silver handled counterpart, and the brush selection is much better. I would never trade them in for my MAC or Sephora Pro brushes, but they aren't terrible.
The Beauty Boutique, $20

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Lip Colour "Teaberry", "Crimson" & "Neverending Nutmeg"
I tried the colour Neverending Nutmeg after reading a recommendation from Beyonce's makeup artist, and LOVED it! The colour was a perfect nude, and the formula did not budge or crack for all day wear! I picked up this colour plus a brick red and a plum to keep in my makeup kit.
Shoppers Drug Mart, $8.99 (on sale)

No Dark Shadows Complexion Enhancer
A multipurpose cream highlighter to brighten shadows and crevices on the face, perfect for the eye area. I haven't tried it yet so don't have an opinion but the texture seems nice. It's definitely an affordable alternative to my fave Guerlain Precious Light Illuminator which retails for $60!
Shoppers Drug Mart, $19.99

Smashbox Brow Tech Shaping Powder
I was so intrigued when I came across this brow product on my last trip to Shoppers! It was so unique... a fine tip applicator that mimicked a pencil, yet it was a powder formula. It went on my hand precise, smooth and pigmented, so I just had to try it! If it has a long wear formula (a la dipbrow) then I'm sold!!
The Beauty Boutique, $30

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
I've heard amazing things about this foundation, how it's great coverage and truly leaves a matte finish for us shiny girls, so I can't wait to try it.
Shoppers Drug Mart, $14.99 (on sale)

NYX Concealer Palette "Light"
NYX HAS LAUNCHED AT SHOPPERS! Let us all rejoice!! By the time I got to check it out, the shelves were half empty (no surprise), but I managed to pick up a few dece things. This concealer palette caught my eye since it seems to have a nice cool shade for cream contouring, and a trusty salmon colour for correcting under-eye circles.
Shoppers Drug Mart, $12.99 (on sale)

NYX Butter Gloss in "Creme Brûlée"
I totally forgot the reason I never picked these up before, even though they've been talked about for so long - they smell! They all come in different scents that take after fruit or desserts, and to be honest that's my nightmare. It worked in grade 6 when my lipgloss smelled like birthday cake, but those days are long behind me.
Shoppers Drug Mart, $9.49

NYX Eye Pencil "Deep Purple" & "Deep Blue"
These two seemed like good additions to the kit for people that wanted something other than the traditional black eyeliner, and the creamy formula claims to be waterproof which is a must!
Shoppers Drug Mart, $8.49

NYX Lip Pencil "Nude"
Nude lip pencils are great because even if you aren't wearing lipstick, you can still use it to contour your lips to make them seem larger. This also claims to be waterproof which is good for lips.
Shoppers Drug Mart, $8.49

L'Oreal Colour Riche Eyeshadow "Grand Bleu 211"
I was flipping through the latest issue of Allure magazine, and at the very back cover a big L'Oreal ad featuring this gorgeous blue eyeshadow caught my eye, and I knew then I had to pick it up and recreate the look myself! It's a part of their new series of eyeshadows that celebrate colour, and are supposed to be very pigmented and very smooth. I recently did a look with this shadow and am so impressed! The colour is fab and it truly has the pigmentation you would expect from a luxury brand.  (Check out the look I did out on my INSTA page)
Shoppers Drug Mart, $7.99

Smashbox Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer
I am obsessed (as is the rest of the world) with matte lipsticks right now, so this is a must have to give you that all matte, all the time look with ANY lipstick! That's right, you're fave shade that's in a glossy finish (ew) can now be matte!!
The Beauty Boutique, $26

Precision Beauty Stippling Brush

This type of soft, flat top brush is great for applying and blending cream, liquid or powder foundations. I love my beauty blender but like to switch it up sometimes with a brush and this one is a great choice! I picked this up at Winners (you can sometimes find amazing beauty buys here FYI) and it was only $7.99!

Winners, $7.99

now offering mink lashes!

Gorgeous 100% mink false lashes just arrived in my studio and I'm excited to share them with you!
From natural to dramatic, there is a style to suit your look and mood. These lashes are made from 100% natural fur, which gives them a natural shine, and makes them super lightweight and flexible compared to some synthetic lashes. They can also be curled like your natural lashes, and can be worn up to 25 times! Perfect for your wedding or special event, or anytime you want to be a little extra glam.

Here are the different styles available:

I love the look of mink lashes as they are very fluffy and almost 3D, which makes them appear more natural and of course are so glam!  Each pair comes packaged for proper storage, and comes with a full size adhesive. Contact me at lianne.mascia@gmail.com for more ordering information. 

- Lianne

xo