Review: Benefit Instant Brow Pencil

I've been really dissatisfied with the brow products that I have been using lately and wanted something that would fill in the sparse areas of my brows but wouldn't make them look like I have used a black pencil in them. I picked this brow pencil up a few weeks ago at SDM Beauty Boutique and it retails for $25 CDN + tax. The colour that I have is medium to dark; I think that there are only two shades for this pencil. What drew me to this pencil was that it said that it was for natural looking brows. The second thing was that it looked like it had a good amount of ash (grey tones) to it and that it had a spoolie on the end.


What I noticed about this pencil is that it is really creamy but that it stayed where I put it. I also really like that how natural it made my brows look; I really can't stand having super dark brows and find that most brow pencils that I have tried tend to oxidize on me and I end up with dark brows by mid day.

Overall:
I really like this brow pencil, even though the price is a tad on the steep side. It has the right amount of ash in it (for me) and really makes my brows look natural. I don't always fill in my brows; it depends on the look that I'm going for or if I've remembered to fill them in, so I think that this pencil will last me a while. I will definitely be repurchasing this brow pencil after this one runs out.

Natural FODT

I've been keeping my makeup a bit more on the natural side lately, mostly cause I don't always have the time needed to spend on my makeup application. This picture was taken at the end of a rather long day; I've been trying out a few different techniques to see which one will last through the day. I will be posting my findings shortly. Here's what I used on my face:

MUFE Velvet Mat + Foundation in #70
MUFE HD Powder
Estee Lauder Stay in place concealer
MAC e/s in Patina, typographic & corduroy
Estee Lauder Sumptuious Mascara in Black
Nars Lovejoy blush

My Lipstick Collection

For someone who was never really into lipstick, I sure have quite a bit and in so many vibrant colours. These are the lipsticks that I have been loving over the last six months or so. Most of the lipsticks pictured are from MAC and I have a few NYX ones as well as Mary Kary and my first from Estee Lauder; which is actually a gloss but the colour payoff is that of a lipstick.
From left to right: Quiet Please, Viva Glam V, Odyssey and Black Cherry. I don't wear Quiet Please on its own; it mostly used to mix with the other colours that I have. Viva Glam V is my everyday lipstick. I tend to wear Odyssey and Black Cherry when my makeup is more on the neutral/natural side.
From left to right: Chloe, Lickable,Cockney, Hebe, and on top Cranberry. Cranberry is one of my absolute favourites because it wears so well; I never have to touch it up.

In & Out

I haven't done one of these posts in a while.

IN:

Dermlogica Special Cleansing Gel ~ This cleanser has a gentle yet effective foam. It removes any excess oil from my face without stripping it.

Clinique Superdefense SPF 25 moisturizer (Combination-oily skin) ~ This moisturizer feels light yet rich at the same time. I like that it has a higher spf but doesn't leave my face feeling greasy like other one I've tried.

Lipsticks ~ I'm really getting into lipsticks these days. I've found some really great colours that I've been enjoying lately. I think that I'll have to do a post on my collection.

Marcelle Clay Mask ~ Thanks Farah for recommending this mask. I fell in love with it the first time that I used it. The best part is that it's inexpensive.

MUFE HD Setting Powder ~ This is the BEST powder I have ever used. It set concealer/foundation like no other. A little of this goes a long way; I've had the sample size for almost two months and there's still tones left.

Bubble Bars and Bath Bombs from Lush ~ I've been on a Lush kick for the last little bit. My new favourite bubble bar is The Comforter. I like mixing it with a bit of Butterball for a more moisturizing bath.

Out:

Chapped lips ~ I can't seem to get rid of it. Does anyone have any recommendations for some good hydrating balms?

Liquid Liners ~ I've never really been a fan...I detest the wet feeling that it leaves.

Pink Blushes ~ I haven't been reaching for my pink-toned blushes lately. I much prefer the warmth that I get from peach/apricot/orange blushes.

What's on your in & out list?

Quo Professional Makeup Brushes

Last week I picked up the powder and angled liner/brow brush from the Quo Professional brush range because some of the brushes were on sale for 40% off. For the most part, I really don't like the regular line of Quo brushes because I find that they are so scratchy; no amount of conditioner will ever get them soft.
I have so say that so far I am really impressed. I can't get over how soft and silky the powder brush is. I've been reaching for it everyday since I got it. It great for diffusing blush and it applies my MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation effortlessly; this brush gives me the lightest application.
These brushes are exclusive to Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques and Murale.

Have any of you ladies tried these brushes yet? What are your thoughts?

About Face

I finally got my hands on a copy of this book by Scott Barnes. There is a wealth of information in this book and I've enjoyed reading this book and the transformations in here are amazing. I've been trying out his technique for glowing skin. What I really appreciate about this book is that it shows looks on various different skin tones. While there are a couple of transformations that I don't particularly care for, overall this is a pretty good book. It covers a wide range of things like brushes and skin care and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Later this week, I'll show you how I've interpreted Scott's method of makeup application.
This book isn't a must have, but it's a great addition for any collector out there. Oh and if you didn't already know, Scott Barnes has a YouTube Channel. His tutorial for a smokey eye is to dye for.