SMOONSTYLE

If I had to pick only 10 makeup brushes, these are the ones that I would pick to create any makeup look. In reality, I own more than just these brushes, but these are definitely my Ride and Die. The ones that I take with me when I travel.

I have accumulated many makeup brushes over the last two decades. Some have been with me since a long time. At the moment I rarely buy new brushes for myself. Only the ones that get so haggard from daily use like my foundation brush. Some of the brands that I like are Real Technique, It Cosmetics, Jacks Beauty Line and Zoeva.

Many makeup brushes have an official name, like foundation, blush, brows, concealer and so on. The great thing is that you can use them for many different tasks than the ones they got appointed to.

1. My powder and foundation brush is from Real Techniques. It is officially a powder brush, but I use it for foundation as well ;) I start off with applying the foundation with my hands, then I use this brush to distribute the make up and last step is to use a makeup sponge. I love the one from Linda Hallberg Cosmetics.

2. Concealer brush: Zoeva 146 Concealer Perfector

This is perfect for applying concealer super quick with a full coverage effect. I love this brush!

3. Powder Blush Brush: Heavenly Luxe It Cosmetics

I received this brush at an It Cosmetics event many years ago. It has SMOONSTYLE engraved on it :) Great to apply blush on the apples of your cheeks. Super soft vegan brush.

4. Cream Blush Brush: Real Technique 206 (mine was a limited edition color)

Real Techniques is super affordable and great quality. I love this for my cream blush application as well as liquid highlighter. It has the perfect size.

5. Eyeshadow Blending Brush: Zoeva 228 ( 2 times in the photo)

I own many of these brushes, because they are the best for getting a super blended look. Just slap on that eyeshadow, do the windshieldwiper motion and you are good to go :)

6. Angled Brush: Inglot 6 (yellow) and Louise Young 6.1

The Inglot brush has the right 'sharpness' and density to perfect my brows. The Louise Young brush is super old, but still works like a charm. I love angled brushes for my brows, but also to smudge liner or apply eyeshadow as a liner with it. Angled brushes are great multi-use brushes and I have many of them ;)

7. Little Crease Brush: Louise Young

This I love to use to apply powder eyeshadow underneath my eyes.

8. Small Powder Brush: Jacks Beauty Line nr. 9

I love to use this to apply powder on smaller areas, like underneath my eyes.

9. Fan Brush: MAC COSMETICS

This might not have as many hairs left compared to when I just bought the brush, but it still works perfect for applying powder highlighter. Unfortunately, it still sheds hair whenever I clean it.

10. Pointy Brush: Ici Paris XL

From all the makeup brushes that I own, this is one of the oldest one besides the MAC fan brush. It was gifted to me by a dear friend that is also a big makup lover. I love to use this to apply my inner corner highlight.

What are your favorite makeup brush brands? Let me know in the comments!

Simone

28.3.22 No comments

Starting the Best of Beauty 2021 - Body with my favourite shower/bath products. I LOVE the L'Occitane Amande series. Last year, I discovered that this line also has a bath milk! Normally, I don't like to smell like food, but for almonds I will make a exception ;) For the shower oil, I always buy the refill and I also have a tiny little travel bottle that I can refill for whenever I am traveling. The scrub has small almond particles so no micro plastic will be going down the drain.

See any thing familiar? Yes! I am still using the Soft Oil Balea body cream, after all those years! I still love it till today! It is just perfect! Only little downside is that you can leave little oil/grease stains on light clothing and tables etc ;) I love to use this to give my arms and legs some glow. It smells divine and works wonders on my dry skin.

The Kneip Winter Edition shower gel is so soft and warm. It smells like a warm blanket feels haha! I am not a vanilla fan, but this is very subtle and not overly sweet. I have also used the shower foam from this, but I can't seem to find it anywhere anymore.

Weleda Skin Food 'Body Butter'. Oliver loves to use Weleda Skin Food for his face and I also love to use the lip oil. The face cream is a bit too rich for me. This body butter is perfect for winter, when my legs are dry like the sahara....

Last is the face! I have discovered La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra cream. My cheeks and under eye have been so dry and this does the trick. There is no perfume in it, I love the packaging. I accidentally bought the night cream, when I was in a hurry and found out later at home that I bought the wrong one haha!

Never forget sunscreen! The best anti ageing product ;) I wear this every day! Listen to me; your skin will thank you ;) I like to use the Nivea Q10 spf 50. I love the scent and it doesn't break me out. There is one that is more targeted for my skin (combination) that has a matte finish, but it doesn't sit nice on the skin.

Last is Vichy Normaderm Anti Age. My friend, who is a makeup artist, recommended this to me for break outs. I have been using it religiously ;) This is the best out of the whole line. I also use a scrub from this line that is really good. I forgot to put it in the picture haha ;)

The very last product that I also forgot to take a photo of is the Eubos hand cream. I also still repurchase this many years after creating my first blog post showing the hand cream.

What skin/body products do you swear by and have repurchased time after time?

Simone

15.2.22 No comments

Here is a best of makeup jumbo post! This took a while to create in between all the thousand projects that I am working on at the moment haha! I have to apologise from the start for the state of all these products. These are heavily loved and used. They look partially very beaten up haha! A great indication that I truly love these ;)

Let's start!

BASE

Revlon Colorstay Foundation is the shade 180 for oily/combination skin.

I photographed a different bottle, because mine was looking sooooo grubby.... My skin is a bit on the dry side at the moment. As I am typing this, I actually used this bottle today. That heater air and cold outside is making my skin crackle....

I have been using this for years and still love it! In the summer time I add a bit of shade 330 to match the tan on my body.

Tarte Shape Tape 29 N Light Medium

Great superstar concealer that knows how to conceal my dark circles and monthly little friends...

Nars Creamy Concealer 'Custard'

I almost wrote Mustard haha! That would be a tad bit too yellow for me ;) Great concealer with a less thick consistency than the TST. A long time fav as well, not just 2021 ;)

Stila Convertible 'Camelia'

I love cream blushes as a base for my powder blush. It makes them last longer. My cheeks are dry and blush is always the first to disappear from my face ;) I have a couple of shades from the convertibles. You can use them on the cheeks and on the lips as well. Like this you create a great synergy. I always match my lips and blush ;)

Charlotte Tilbury 'First Love'

Don't these blushes look like a certain body part? Who cares haha! This is the perfect muted bronzy mauvy peach that I have repurchased a couple of times. It is hard to empty a powder blush, but I did with this one ;) I dropped it and had to repress it a bit. Still works like a charm!

Laura Mercier Translucent setting powder

I had to photograph this upside down, because it is one of the grubby looking ones haha! Already have a back up in my closet. A true classic, loved by many makeup artist. I love to set my t-zone with this and do a little baking in case I have heavy break outs.

MAC COSMETICS Studio Fix Powder shade NC20

This I have been buying over and over again for at least 10 years.... I used to buy the wrong color. NW stands for cool and NC for warm... Yeah, I know. Doesn't make any sense haha!

I use this to set my concealer for under my eyes and on some areas that need a bit more coverage.

By Terry Hyaloronic Hydra Powder

Elize gave me that final push to buy this hyped powder. It made her skin look so flawless that I just had to get it. Don't regret it at all. It is more target at dry skin, but I like to powder my face with this before taking photos or video. It just gives the skin a lovely even veil of perfection. On me, it lasts only very short due to the fact that I have combination skin.

MAC COSMETICS Mineralize Skin Finish 'Soft and Gentle'

One of the first high end highlighters that I bought. I made a little deal with myself, that I have to use up the highlighters that I own.... before even thinking about getting new ones haha! I used this all year and even though it doesn't look like I used much, the bulge has become flatter haha.

EYES

MAC COSMETICS Brow pencil in 'Strawberry Blonde' Fluidline Brow Gel Creme in 'Dirty Blonde'

These are the best shades for me as a red head with a warm skin tone. The brow gel creme is discontinued... I manage to still buy two at a Douglas far far away.... in Karlsruhe haha

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow gel

The best in my opinion, but overpriced...

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette

I mainly use two colours from this palette; luscious and puree. I am debating about depotting them into a smaller palette. I would really want to get some from Artist Kit Company ;) If anyone from the US could help me with that, I would be forever grateful :)

Nui Cosmetics '5 Harata'

Such a stunning and unique bronze color! It is a great one and done eyeshadows that compliments all eyeshades.

Clinique Chubby Stick '04 Ample Amber'

From all the cream stick eyeshadows that I own, this one has been the most used. A dear friend of mine, who is a makeup artist, asked me what I was wearing on my eyes. If a MUA friend asks what you are wearing, it is their way of giving you a compliment haha!

Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Easy Eye Palette

This I always pack in my makeup travel bag. It creates the most beautiful smokey eyes. Whenever I was wearing smokey eyes lately, I always used this palette. The shades are very pigmented and super easy to blend. I have one for myself and one in my makeup kit for clients. I love that it is tiny and super efficient.

Natasha Denona Mini Star Palette

Got this palette after the makeup artist on the set of 'the Skeleton Key' used this on me. Love all the shades and that you get so much value for your money. These mini palettes are a great way to get into the brand without spending too much money ;) From the three minis that I own, this one I use the most and always take with me when I travel

MAC COSMETICS 'Costa Riche'

This I love to use as a liner, but also as an eyeshadow base or even eyeshadow. It is a cult product from MAC.

CLINIQUE 'Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner Pen'

Great for super black and super precise liner looks.

L'Oréal Paris 'Perfect Slim Liner in Brown'

This has been one of my favourite ways to line my eyes. Brown liner will still give great definition to the eyes, without being too much in your face. Pun intended ;)

Charlotte Tilbury 'The Supernudes duo Liner'

This saved my ass when I was tight for time and had to create a smokey cat eye in 5 minutes.... This always comes with me in case I will run into a similar situation. So easy to blend out. Great product!

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara is missing in these photos, but that has mainly been the one mascara that I have been using.

LIPS

From left to right;)

LH Cosmetics Fantastick 'Famous'

I have gone through a couple of bullets of these already. Great on it's own, or as a base for another lipstick.

Bobbi Brown Crushed Jelly Shine Lipstick 'Honey'

One of my holy grail lipsticks of 2021. Such a beautiful rusty rose lipstick. Super comfortable on the lips and so hydrating.

L'Oréal Paris Color Riche '115 Rouge Corail'

Influenced by a friend to buy this lipstick. Unfortunately, I had to get it on amazon because it is sold out/discontinued/not available in Germany. A beautiful orange red. Super glossy and comfortable on the lips.

Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lipstick 'Everlasting Kiss'

My most used lipstick of 2021. I have purchased way too many of these.... because I can't have enough of these. My lips but better and plumper. You have to try this lipstick range. I love everything about it! I love the bullet, so small.

Charlotte Tilbury Supernudes matt 'Catwalking'

My favorite matt nude lipstick of the moment. Great for pale red heads with a warm undertone in the skin.

I hope that you liked my Best of 2021 'Makeup' edition. My hands hurt from typing haha!

Let me know what your favorite products are and if you also own any of these products that I showed in the post ;)

Simone

13.1.22 No comments

Hello lovely people!

Happy New Year!!!

Did you all survive the Christmas Stress and NYE? We had a lovely Christmas. We spend it with my German family. The kids were happy with their presents (Vincent and his cousins). We ate way too much food haha! Now we are back to 'clean eating' with help of our beloved Thermomix! That is definitely a favourite of 2021, even though we just got it. A Christmas present to ourselves ;)

It is time for a 'Best of Beauty' 2021. It will be divided into three topics; Hair, Makeup and Body. I will show you which products and tools I reached for the most during 2021. Are you ready?

Let's start with the first photo: Dry Shampoo, Leaving Condition, Heat protecting spray and more.

Revlon Equave Instant Detangling Conditioner

This was recommended to me by a hair stylist. I told her that my hair has been so dry lately and no hair care product seemed to work. She told me that this is her favourite leave in conditioner, and now it is also my favourite leave in conditioner. It doesn't weigh the hair down, nor does it leave a weird film on the hair.

Kerastase Ciment Thermique

This I love to use before I blow dry my hair. It protects from the heat of my blow dryer and also makes my hair super shiny and soft. I tend to get a lot of frizzes after I've dried my hair, and this keeps them at bay.

GHD Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray

This is the 20th bottle that I have used. Do I need to say more? You probably have seen me use this on Instagram whenever I would style my hair. This is holy grail product for me that I have been using faithfully over the last years. It smells divine too! Something that is also very important for hair products.

L'Oréal Paris Elvital Dream Length Dry Shampoo

I like to use dry shampoo in between washes. Since this is my favourite line within the Elvital range, I had to get the dry shampoo. The scent is my absolute favourite. Vincent likes it whenever I use this.

Andrelon Verrassend Volume Dry Shampoo

This is a dutch brand. Works like a charm, doesn't leave a white cast of weighs the hair down.

Time to introduce you to my favourite shampoo and conditioner at the moment from Redken.

Like I said before, my hair was so dry lately and prone to breakage. I was on the haunt for a good shampoo and conditioner combo. My friend Marino told me that I needed to use products for dry hair instead of damaged hair.

Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner

Dry hair needs hydration and the 'All soft' line from Redken has brought the hydration back into my hair. My hair is softer and has less breakage.

Chi Silk Infusion

This is one of the best hair oils that also has the best scent! I have been using this for about 15 years now.

The first time that I bought this oil was at my hairdresser back in Holland. They always used it on my hair after I had it cut. That reminds me, I need to get a new bottle soon. This will last you a long time and your hair will be soft and good smelly for a long time!

Last part is Hair Tools

The two hair tools that I reached for the most ever since I tried them for the first time are the Dyson Airwrap and the Dyson Supersonic blowdryer. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but now I have to say that I mastered the craft of a blow dry.

Dyson Airwrap Complete

I own the airwrap complete with the long hair attachments. The one you see on the photo is the round brush. This is the attachment that I use the most, because I can easily give my hair a nice wave while drying. I don't need to exchange the barrels and am done in 8 minutes! I wait for my hair to be 90% dry. It has to be a little bit damp. Give it it a good brush through and then divide the hair into 3 sections, starting with the lower part.

Dyson Supersonic Blowdryer

This blowdryer is one of the more expensive ones that are on the market. It is super powerful and so easy to use. I love the magnetic attachments and love to use the more narrow styling attachment, in conjunction with a good thermo round brush. I literally look like I just came from the hairdressers!

So, which should I do next: Makeup or Body?

Let me know in the comments :)

Simone