Smashbox Archives - Detroit Duchess

Just Brush It!

December 18, 2018 by DetroitDuchess Leave a Comment

Over the last few weeks I’ve been obsessed with YouTube MUA videos (that’s short for makeup artists which I just learned). Who knew there was so much drama in the MUA community?! I have watched way more videos about it than I care to admit haha! There is a common thread in all of these videos – a very specific set of makeup brushes. Each of the artists seems to have their favorite version but it left me wondering which set to get for myself.

After watching so many makeup videos I am embarrassed at how sad my brush collection is. I probably have about 3 brushes that are nice enough to even share online. This prompted me to try and figure out what set I should invest in for myself. Some of the lines I’ve been looking at have a variety of sets but the others just sell them as individual brushes and you can build your own set with all of your favorites. Here is a list of must-have brushes to start your collection:

Foundation Brush
Concealer Brush
Powder Brush
Blush Brush
Shadow Brushes
- Flat
- Fluffy
- Dome
Small Angled Liner Brush
Lip Brush
Liquid Liner Brush
Brow Brush

I’ve narrowed it down to five brands that I want to start building my collection with:

Smashbox

Smashbox Cosmetics is the OG in cosmetics started by the great-grandsons of Max Factor. I already have their Buildable Foundation Brush which isn’t too bad at $32.

Bobbi Brown

As I’ve mentioned before, I am a huge fan of Michelle Money and her Youtube show the MMandL Show. This was where I was first introduced to Bobbi Brown’s brushes. I have the Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush ($31).

MAC

MAC is probably the beginner brush set for a good portion of the MUAs online. A good portion started out working at MAC so it makes sense. I have brush 217 – the Synthetic Blending Brush.

Sigma

I haven’t used any Sigma brushes, but this is one of the brands the MUAs rave about. Sigma was created in 2009 by a molecular bacteriologist and civil engineer. I need a better brow brush and I hear that E75 Angled Brow Brush is great and you can’t beat the $17 price point.

Morphe

Morphe was created in 2008 and is billed as the company started by MUAs and influencers. They do a ton of collaborations with prominent influencers. Their Bling Set ($49) would be a great way to start your collection.

What are your favorite makeup brushes?

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Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: beauty, Bobbi Brown, MAC Cosmetics, Makeup brushes, Morphe, Sigma, Smashbox

2015 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

July 11, 2015 by DetroitDuchess 7 Comments

It’s here! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is upon us and I wanted to give you the lowdown to make the most of it. Right now, the sale is open to Nordstrom card holders until July 17th when it is open to the public. Now don’t worry, you don’t have to get a store credit card, you can get a Nordstrom debit card that hooks up to your bank account sort of like PayPal. It gives you all of the same points and perks that card holders get without racking up a big debt. You can read more about it here. This year’s sale runs until August 3rd, but you want to get your favorite items early in case they sell out.

Here are some of my must haves from this year’s sale:

1. Kate Spade Glitter Stud Earrings (Sale $24.90, Originally $38)

I have a number of these already, but the glitter ones have been out of stock for a while so I snapped up the multi glitter ones right away. I may also need to take a second pass for the silver glitter pair.

2. Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 5 Breathe Training Shoe (Sale $74.90, Originally $100)

You can always use a new pair of sneakers.

3. Zella Live In Capris (Sale $28.90, Originally $44)

I have a pair of Zella capris and I love them. This is the best time to stock up so I figured I would start with the basic black.

4. Smashbox Studio Pro 10-Piece Brush Set (Sale $89, Originally $225)

What an amazing deal and a great opportunity to refresh your brush set.

5. Michael Kors Slim Runway Crystal Bezel Chronograph Bracelet Watch (Sale $183.90, Originally $275)

The Anniversary Sale is a great time to invest in a Michael Kors watch. Iadded this one because I need a plan silver watch to add to my collection.

6. Kendra Scott Rayne Stone Tassel Pendant Necklace (Sale $52.90, Originally $80)

I’ve wanted one of these for a while and you can’t beat this price!

7. MAC Look in a Box – Fashion Lover Lip Kit (Sale $29.50, Originally $47)

This includes the Flat Out Fabulous color, which is one of my Summer Favorites.

8. Adrianna Papell Scalloped Crepe Sheath Dress (Sale $78.90, Originally $110)

You can never have enough black dresses and I love how this one has a little cap sleeve.

9. Michael Kors Essex Hobo (Sale $218.90, Originally $328)

This bag is a classic, so gorgeous!

10. Kate Spade Avaline Aviator Sunglasses (Sale $109.90, Originally $165)

I sort of love these…who doesn’t need a pair of aviators?

11. Tahari Angelina Zip Collar Leather Moto Jacket (Sale $199.90, Originally $300)

I really wanted a moto jacket last year, but never got one. This is awesome and a great deal.

12. PMD Personal Microderm Device (Sale $106.53, Originally $159)

I’ve been meaning to write a post about the PMD because I LOVE it! I got mine a while back before they had different colors, but I totally would have wanted a pink one!

13. Jessica Simpson Carlette Ankle Strap Pump (Sale $69.90, Originally $109.95)

I love these in the red!

14. Poncho & Goldstein Custom Wine List Wall Art (Sale $46.90, Originally $70)

This would be amazing in our new home!

15. Hue Ultra Wide Waistband Leggings (Sale $23.90, Originally $36)

I’ve talked about these leggings before and they are still awesome. The sale is a great opportunity to stock up before the fall.

There are many more amazing deals, so just use this as an opportunity to stock up for fall!

What are your favorite picks from the Anniversary Sale?

Filed Under: Beauty, Fashion Tagged With: Adrianna Papell, Jessica Simpson, Kate Spade, Kendra Scott, MAC, Michael Kors, Nike, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Smashbox, Tahari, Zella

Friday Favorites: Breast Cancer Awareness

October 3, 2014 by DetroitDuchess 6 Comments

I know sometimes that October can be a little crazy with all of the Breast Cancer Awareness, but I am one person that doesn’t mind. My mom is a breast cancer survivor and she is my inspiration. She is the strongest person I know and I hope that I can be half as strong as she is if I ever have to face the disease. I thought I would share some of my favorite products supporting Breast Cancer Awareness this month and make it my personal goal this month to support research this month. I am going to go a little over five this week, but I think it will be worth it:

1. Bobbi Brown Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection ($60)

This great set includes four pink glosses including Pretty Pink Sheer, Pink Tulle High Shimmer, Bright Lilac and Soiree Pink Shimmer. Bobbi Brown will donate $12 of every sale to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

2. Tory Burch York Small Buckle Tote ($245) and Tory Burch Kerrington Zip Continental Wallet ($185)

Tory Burch is donating 20% of these purchases to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation up to $35,000. I LOVE the wallet so much!

3. La Mer Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Treatment ($45)

This is the most luxurious stuff out there and would make a wonderful gift. La Mer is donating a portion of each purchase to the Breast Cancer Research Fund.

4. Stella & Dot Strength Bracelet ($39)

100% of the proceeds from this adorable elephant bracelet benefits the Noreen Fraser Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for women’s cancer research and creating awareness of the importance of early detection.

5. Smashbox Limited Edition Breast Cancer Research Be Legendary Lip Gloss ($20) and BCA Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36)

$5 from the primer will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, it is unclear how much of the proceeds of the lip gloss are donated.

6. Gaiam Forever Pink Yoga Mat ($21.98)

I’ve previously mentioned my 100 Day Yoga Challenge and it would be fun to get this mat to use for October. $1 from every mat purchase is donated to breast cancer research.

7. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Breast Cancer Awareness Eau de Parfum Rollerball Duo ($45)

I’ve talked about how the Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant is one of my favorites and it is awesome that Donna Karan will donate 20% of the proceeds of this sale to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

8. Coach Legacy Sport 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness Watch ($298)

Coach is donating 10% of the purchase price of this beautiful watch to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

9. Eminence Sweet Red Rose Whip Moisturizer

I’m a big fan of Eminence and even more so now that $5 from each purchase will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

10. 2013 ONEHOPE California Chardonnay ($18.99)

Now you can have your wine and donate too! Half of the proceeds of the One Hope Chardonnay go to fight breast cancer.

11. Clinique Pink with a Purpose Long Last Lipstick ($16)

$3.00 from this purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

12. Nine West Tatiana ($79)

I think I may have saved the best for last – at least we are changing up the color! Nine West partnered with Fashion Targets Breast Cancer to create a limited edition shoe, the Tatiana. With or without this particular shoe, Nine West will donate $10 to FTBC for every blue “shoefie” you post to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #9WFTBC. I think the only blue shoes I have are my wedding shoes, so I will have to kick it off with that.

What are you doing to support Breast Cancer Awareness this month?

I am excited that Five on Friday with A Liz Adventures, The Good Life Blog, Hello Happiness and Carolina Charm is back. While it was gone I joined a few other link ups and I am loving meeting everyone!

If you would like to join the Oh Hey Friday Linkup with The Farmer’s Wife and September Farm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

For more Friday Favorites posts, click here.

Filed Under: Beauty, Fashion, Five on Friday Tagged With: Bobbi Brown, Breast Cancer Awareness, Clinique, Coach, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, eminence, Five on Friday, Friday Favorites, Gaiam, Hello Friday, La Mer, Nine West, One Hope, Smashbox, Stella & Dot, Tory Burch

Prime Time!

November 24, 2013 by DetroitDuchess 4 Comments

I love makeup. I like trying new colors and new brands and continually tweaking my look. Along the way, I have learned many tricks to get the most out of my makeup. One key thing to remember is to always use a good primer.

Now, if you’ve never used a primer you might think that it doesn’t do anything, but you are missing out. I use three different primers every day before applying my makeup to get a flawless look.

The first primer I use is for your face. You put this primer on after your skincare regimen, but before your foundation. This serves the purpose of making your foundation last longer, cutting down on shine and helping your foundation to go on smoother. You can also wear primer by itself for a fresh look. I definitely notice the difference if I don’t use it.

To apply, you only need a pea-sized amount – a little bit goes a long way. There are many different primers, but my favorite are the Smashbox primers. Smashbox has 11 different primers to choose from depending on your skin. You can watch this video to learn more:

My personal favorite is the Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light ($36) because I have oily skin and this really helps to control shine all day long.

The other nine choices include:

The classic Photo Finish ($36) that works well for all skin types.
Photo Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control ($42) contains salicylic acid to clear up your skin under your foundation.
Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 20 With Dermaxyl™ Complex ($42) to reduce fine lines and pores and is great for days you will receive extra sun exposure.
Photo Finish More Than Primer Dark Spot Correcting ($42) helps to diminish the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tones.
Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer ($42) for days you need a moisture boost.
Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer ($38) great for a night out when you need an extra glow.
Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer – Green Color Adjust ($38) this is for red or blotchy skin.
Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer – Apricot Blend ($38) to counteract dark spots and even out skin tone.
Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer – Lavender Balance ($38) to brighten dull or sallow skin.
Photo Finish Targeted Pore & Line Primer ($34) you can use this all over or to target specific problem areas.

The great thing about these primers is that you can mix and match them depending on your specific skin needs.

The second primer I use is an eye primer. This is essential if you wear eye makeup. Not only does it keep your eye shadow in place all day and all night, it gets rid of crease lines and makes shadow stay put. This means that you don’t need to use as much shadow in your application. This is one of my must-have products, without it my eye shadow wouldn’t be the same.

The best eye primer out there is Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($24). This is as close as you are going to get to a magic potion in life, this stuff is AWESOME. I apply a few dots on my eyelid and blend it from lashline to browline before applying shadow.

Last but not least, I also use an eyelash primer. I just started using this and really like it. It helps my mascara to go on smoother and it keeps it in place. So no smudging under the eye throughout the day. It also coats and protects the eyelash. You apply this to your lashes after you curl them and before you apply your mascara. I have been using the Clinique Lash Building Primer ($15) and really like it.