The Four B's in my Professional Makeup Kit - Four Must Haves.

There is four items some new additions , some oldies that are in my Professional Makeup Kit.  I though it would be fun to share.

How cute are these ??

Betsey Johnson Limited Edition Kleenex ( Target Stores)  -  Every artist needs napkins along with paper towels, and other sanitary items handy .  I love that these Kleenex are so fun young and playful just like Betsey Johnson.  I feel like these designs fit my personality to a T.  Another added bonus is once these are finished the boxes can be re-used for makeup storage ( there is already great ideas featured on Instagram .) 

Best Blending Brush Ever 

Blending Eye Brush by Elf Cosmetics ( Elf  / Target  - $1) -  I can not stop raving about this brush .  Do not be fooled by the super economic price ,  this is a top quality brush!  I have this brush in my professional as well as personal kits and I absolutely love it.  I have brushes from higher end brands that do the same function ( crease , transition colors , etc...)  and I always and continue to REACH for this elf brush.  Its always on my list of things to pick up from my local Target or the Elf Store in SoHo.  

The super sleek Brushfolio

My brush set-up before Brushfolio .  

Brushfolio Original  The Professional Brush Stand ( Online / $40) Designed by Celebrity Makeup Artist Priscilla Ono  -  Prior to using this brush stand I would place my brush case upward in my train case while working . It was not so bad , but Brushfolio has made things much more efficient and easier.  I am able to 1. I can carry more brushes , 2.  have all my brushes standing upright where I can see them opposed to being in my train case / or laying on a table.  There is a sleek patent polyurethane outer material which really gives this case a luxe appeal. I love this for my kit , and I want more to have for my personal makeup up set up and to store lip liners  ( another idea I saw from another artist online).  All in all,  this has upgraded my brush set-up - pictures above speaks for themselves.  You can check out my first impression video here.  

Bronze Buffer

Bronze Buffer (Online / $8)  - Bronze Buffer is this innovative sponge created with the intent to "clean up" any tanning "faux-pas" ( streaking ,  tanner on nails and hands, etc... ) .  Perfect for those working with Brides who may have gotten a tan before her big day and there may need to be some editing.  As for me,  I 've also discovered that this is amazing when working on editorial makeup looks involving the body -  paint , glitter, body liquid highlighters , etc.  I have found it resourceful to use the Bronze Buffer in those cases as well to clean up / revise any applications.  

There you have it,  my four must-haves for my professional kit.  

Sexy Skin for Spring + Celebrity Makeup Artist Secret Weapons .

Image Source : Pinterest 

The weather is finally warming up here in NYC , and slowly I've been able to peel away at my many layers of clothing.  Usually , I have been one to shave year round but with the Cruel Winter we just had here in the Northeast that just was not happening.  Since I will be soon saying so long to my opaque tights and wearing more skin baring items,  I have to shed my layer of hair on my legs that has been keeping me warm.  I'm not one for waxing my legs ( I've never tried my legs , always felt like it would be too much ) , but I love the quick option of shaving.  Believe it or not I love the disposable options,  1-  they're affordable  2- they get the job done 3- they honestly perform better than their high end counterparts.  Honestly ,  I've tried a lot and disposable will always be a winner with me ( for reference my hair is dark and and grows in long ) .  Cost effective and gets the job done , a Win-Win situation.

From left : BIC Soleil Glow Razor , BIC Flex 5 for MEN, BIC Simply Soleil Click, BIC Soleil Glow Razor,  BIC Flex 5 for MEN, BIC Soleil Glow Razor 

Here are a few of my favorite options :   BIC Simply Soleil Click (1/SRP $6.99) -  This razor comes with six 3-blade cartridges ( it's like 6 razors for the price of one).  I love this razor for traveling too.
Then we have the BIC Soleil Glow Razor (3/SRP $7.49) - perfect for the sensitive types , it comes with a comfort shield ( I have to admit I sometimes remove this to "get deep down and dirty" with my shaving. ) .  Lastly , for the girls who may be a bit hairier than most ( my sisters in the struggle)  the New BIC Flex 5 for Men (2/SRP $6.79) - yes its for Men , but we can use it too. This razor has 5 flexible blades which provide a REALLY close shave, and some of us ladies need the extra assistance.  I personally would start out my Spring / Summer routine with the Flex 5 , since I have excess hair to remove  then proceed throughout the Spring and Summer with the Simply Soleil Click and Soleil  Glow,

*** A insider tip  from Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artist  Alex La Marsh ***

I was lucky to attend a Men's Grooming class / demo during IMATS NY  taught by Alex La Marsh, and one valuable lesson I learned is that I need to keep disposable Men's razors ( disclaimer - she did not list / name any particular brand or style just disposable razor)  in my professional Makeup Kit for Male Clients / Models.  Some times the shoot will call for Men to be clean shaven , and you need to be prepared in case he may need to quickly shave his face on set.   So being that these razors are very effective as well as inexpensive,  I will be stocking up on them for work as well.