Belloccio®: Airbrush Makeup Beauty kit in Fair Shade #Review #Belloccio

I have been in a mad hunt when it comes to trying beauty related devices, from those that make your skin smoother, clear your skin, help you achieve younger looking skin to those that help my eyebrows from becoming one. Not all devices are equal and if you are like me and suffer an insomniac night every now and then, the infomercial bug bites you and opens a whole new door to new systems, beauty regimens and more. Airbrushing is something I was curious about. Fashion and beauty magazines rave about brides achieving perfect and flawless looking skin by using a true airbrush finish. Beauty blenders, sponges, and applicators all claim to emulate a perfect “airbrush finish”. So, I started wondering if a true air brush application could make me leave doing my make-up the old fashion way with beauty brushes, blenders and even just my hands. Depending only on what I imagine feels like a breeze of air that leaves behind color and a flawless finish without me ever touching my face…….one wonders.

 

Well wonder no more! I finally got my hands on a Belloccio Beauty Airbrush System. I had to relearn everything! As a kid, I pretended I could apply fake cosmetics with my Mom’s make-up brushes, to then having to do it “for reals” in my early teens to now. That is a lot of years of learning and perfecting my application methods and letting go is hard but I always believe in broadening my horizons.

The Belloccio Air Brush System comes with everything you need to get started. When I say everything, I mean it:

• You start with a quick reference guide and DVD you can view to get an idea what to expect and how to use and clean the system.  Do not wing it if you are unfamiliar with compressors and systems of this kind.  If you do crafts and are familiar with an airbrush system, you could do great with just the guide to get an idea of how many drops (minimum and maximums), but take the time and watch the video.  Start right!
• An airbrush system, which includes the compressor, gun, rubber hose, and even an airbrush holder (for the gun to rest when not in use or in between applications).
• An Anti-Aging primer is included and this serves as a moisturizer and helps aid with achieving a more perfect finish, plus has ingredients that help keep your skin looking as young as possible.
• Belloccio offers several skin tones to achieve the perfect color match. You have Fair, Medium, Tan Complexion, and Dark Complexion to choose from. There is a total of 16 colors in the line to choose from and each kit comes with 4 shades that are used to match your complexion. I chose the color Fair kit, which comes with the colors Blanc, Vanilla, Alabaster, and Buff.
• Included is also a Sunless Tanning Solution if you wish to start working on your tan in Spring and be ready early for Summer.
• Belloccio also includes Bronzers, Blushes, and Highlighters. You get the color Radiant Brronzer and Sultry Cinnamon, which works both as a blush and bronzer. Charming Lilly Blush and Champagne Shimmer Highlighter.
• Plus, a cleaning solution is included to keep your system clean and bacteria free.
• You also get a Belloccio branded beauty bag to keep your system safe, clean, and ready to use when needed.  Everything fits in it, so it is not one of those bags that are a freebie but useless.  I safely was able to store the entire system, including make-up with inside the bag.  the bow is removable if it gets in the way but I will be using mine probably as a hair tie for when I use the system.
• All the cosmetics from Belloccio is FDA approved and made in the USA.  None of the bad stuff like parabens or oils are part of the ingredients.  Safe for sensitive skin and all skin types, plus Dermatologist approved (Hypoallergenic).  Belloccio offers a satisfaction guarantee and also a 1-year warranty on the system.  If in 30-days you are not happy, return the entire system and they will refund your purchase price (minus any shipping )

 

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Retail Price Point: The entire system is being offered at an introductory price of $99.96 no matter the complexion kit you choose. You get everything above, plus free shipping with one-day shipping with Amazon Prime.  You can also purchase the kits and all the other items on Belloccio’s site.

Compressor

Airbrush Gun

Verdict:

I read my guide and watched the DVD included. It was simple to understand and easy to get an idea how the system works. You first clean the unit and without make-up or residue, this was completed with about 7 minutes time. Easy! I then added the drops of color, which you will hear a ball inside as you do with some nail polishes. Don’t forget to give each bottle of foundation a good shake to get them properly mixed before dispensing into the cup of your air gun. The cup holds up to 7 drops of liquid. I was able to do 3 drops each of the darker tones, followed by 1 drop of each of the lighter ones to get the perfect match on the first time. Then you simply put your finger over the tip of the gun and press the the lever back (just a little) to allow air flow to enter and the solution to bubble and properly mix. You then begin applying. I used a paper towel to test flows and how the gun dispersed the solution. This gave me an idea what I should expect and how slow or fast I needed to move. You control the gun and that means you control the pace the solution flows, plus you have 3 settings to choose from in addition to how wide or narrow you want the “foundation mist” to come out. Being in control allowed me to………well, learn. I applied and it’s a learning curve. I could tell on the first application that staying the inches (6 to 8) they recommend is there for a reason because I would forget and I would end up with spots that were more rich in color than the soft, light, and even application I desired. Remember, we are relearning a new way to apply make-up from top to bottom here. Other than doing my own eye make-up, eyebrows and lips, the Belloccio system takes over by doing the rest. Other than my errors and I have used the system twice, the finish is as they say, flawless and so natural looking. The amount you need to apply is so little but the cover-up the foundation gives is amazing. I covered everything from acne scars to a new little pimple and poof it was gone! You control the foundation and it’s build-able, so you can address imperfections easily. Like my small scar had dry skin since it was new. With a brush I would have gotten a that dry skin ring you get when you apply concealer, no matter how much you moisturized before or blended. There are no bristles here, so the mist touches and makes everything you don’t like about your skin go away.

I was worried about the foundations and make-up themselves. The Belloccio make-up is better than the ones I currently use. From reading the labels the chemicals and bad stuff is just not there and it’s a short list of ingredients, unlike my other foundations. I am unsure if it’s the Belloccio foundations, the application or just the complete system of both coming together, but I was more than satisfied on my first try on how the make-up felt and it’s staying power.  It’s also easy to wash off once it came to removal with simple water and a face wash. I did not miss my foundation as I thought I would or my finishing powder.

I have only used the system twice and have had it about a little over a week’s time, so the only thing stopping me, is the cleaning. I clean my brushes and put my make-up away after every use. I dislike clutter and I don’t want to leave a bathroom looking like a make-up bag exploded all over the counter. I am used to washing my brushes after every use, getting dressed and then storing everything away (in a vented mesh bag) because by then my brushes are dry enough. This keeps anything from ever growing bacteria or worse, storing dirty brushes with clean ones just makes them all be dirty in my book. I then do deep cleans on everything once a month. Cleaning the Belloccio system is easy. You just do the same as with the foundation but in it’s place is the cleaning solution and you bubble it up. You then use a soft cloth or a cotton ball to clean up the residue and then you take the gun apart to expose the long needle that needs cleaning and so forth. I gave that job to my Husband and he is as meticulous as I am at cleaning and once he was finished (25 minutes later), it looked brand-new. Not a drop of anything but shiny steel. I again use the airbrush system and it never clogged. Ever! Not even a hiccup. Again, I go to clean it but I have to get ready and I am not leaving everything there to dry up and then gunk up the air gun. I start and he again takes over……again giving me a flawless clean system in 25 minutes time. <—-this was my only con of the entire system. You know how they say there is a price to pay, well the Belloccio system gives me the best finish so far I have ever had even better than when a make-up artist did my make-up for a commercial and she did a fine job! Just not as good as the Belloccio Airbrush system. The pain comes from cleaning it correctly. It’s not hard, not messy, or complicated but the foundation gunks up as it dries when you remove it and my Husband said, “I’m not leaving any residue as it tends to create little balls of foundation or whatever you use and that not only can create a clog but affect how the make-up comes out.” This is from a man that knows nothing of make-up but tools he knows. This is a tool and a mighty fine one but like everything, take care of your tools and they will take care of you 🙂 I will not be stopped from using the Belloccio system and my Husband has offered to clean it up after every use. So, you bet I’m a happy user! I am now off to play some more because I figure by the 5th time, I shall be an expert!

 

Let the Belloccio Airbrush System impress you and look them up at:

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Belloccio. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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Xtava: The Essential Brushes Kit; Make-up/Cosmetic Brushes 7 piece set with carrying case #Review #Xtava

I have a large assortment of cosmetic brushes and price point does not guarantee a brush will perform well or even last with proper care. I have had free ones sent by cosmetic companies, brushes I bought a la carte, to full sets I purchased at Costco and let us not forget the make-up counter at department stores. This taught me a lot about how a brush is made matters and where a synthetic one is needed for such application and where a “real hair” one will only do. Some companies blend some of the tips to give you the best of both worlds (i.e. synthetic with real), so I am not closed minded to those either. My motto is to always have two of each style I can count on and if one does not work, it gets used in an art project or if it has no hope (drops every bristle ever put on it’s pretty little head), it gets sent into the trash can. The last thing I want is looking like a cat lady with bristles all over me when I don’t even own a cat!

Xtava is a company I have reviewed for in the past, so when they offered their make-up brushes for review, this was a new territory for me. I have reviewed hair tools but not cosmetic ones and you bet I was eager to see what they were all about!

When the box arrived from Xtava, I loved the carrying case because each brush has a home. I have 3 carrying cases and learned this is the best way to keep the bristles from getting damaged or picking up anything that may be looming in your cosmetic bag, train case or even drawer. It also ends the hunting game in finding the one you need, like that eye-liner (slanted one) that likes to hide because sticks on brushes look all alike when you woke up late in the morning to get ready.

Xtava supplied me with seven gorgeous brushes:

1. Large Powder Brush- for foundation powders to setting/finishing powders
2. Medium Foundation Brush- that I use for my wet foundation and to blend out any concealer I went to heavy on
3. Contour Brush- that can be used as a blush one too and/or with bronzers and luminizers
4. Eye-shadow Brush- which is the perfect width to apply shadows, both wet and dry
5. Blending Brush- that I use to define the arch above my eye to blending out creases and let us not forget the perfect smokey eye look
6. Angle Brush- that saves me money and creates a better look when you use your eye-shadow to create your own eyeliner and/or can be used to set powder/wax on your eyebrows
7. Lip Brush- which collapses so if need be and is perfect in size to carry in your purse

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When the brushes arrived, I quickly washed them and set them out to air dry. The following day, I began playing and applying a variety of versions of the same cosmetics I have. I used baked eye-shadows, loose powder to the type you just dab and don’t blend. The eye-shadow brush did well with all, as did the blending one. The blending one was also good at applying concealer and highlighter to the upper arch area of my eye. Both brushes I washed in between uses and after use, and I only saw one shed one bristle onto a towel when I dried it. The tips of the brushes always went back to their original shape each time after use and wash.

When it came to the foundation brush, I tend to blend best with my fingers but always touch up under my eyes with a foundation brush. The Xtava one performed just as well as my $50 one from Prescriptives. I could not tell the difference between the side I used one or the other.

The large powder brush dropped a few bristles (3 whole and one sectioned) but I attribute it to being new. I do not use face powder with tint, but more of a finishing and setting powder that goes over my foundation and only in my T-zone areas. I was happy with the application but this was the only brush out of the entire set that I was luke-warm about. I did not dislike it or love it, but it gets kept just in case my favorite one fails me one day.

The contour brush, I used to apply bronzer to my cheeks and a little on my nose, chin and forehead. I just like to slightly warm up my face but never to achieve any fake-o tan look. The brush picked up each time the proper amount of powder and distributed it evenly.

The angle brush, I used to apply a wet baked shadow to create both a “cat’s eye” and to apply half way to the bottom lashes using dry eye-shadow. The brush did what I told it to do and that is a plus in my book. I know I can always correct using q-tips but I aim when doing my own line, to never need it. I slightly arched the ends and the liner applied beautifully on top. When it came to my bottom lashes, I used a shimmery shadow and opted to not wet the product, again the brush blotted nicely to where I wanted the shadow with zero flecks jumping onto my cheeks. This is my favorite and will be replacing a frayed one of the same kind that needs to go to brush heaven!

Last but not least, the lip brush. I use lipsticks, tints and glosses and sometimes even powder to create the look I want. Half the time I only know I start with a lip balm first to hydrate my lips while I do my make-up and then I throw everything (blotting in between a few times) until I create the look I want. I used the brush and I’m sure with all the above products but I got so much into my make-up, that all I know is I washed it when I finished and then realized, “oh, I was using the new brush”. That is a good thing because it means it did not disrupt “the process” and did what I wanted it to, when I need it to.

Verdict:
For $20 the only other set that surprised me and I still have brushes from years later, is a set I purchased at Costco that was being cleared out by a major brand. It’s one of those things I had to grab then because that chance and price point would never come to fruition ever again. It’s nice to know that Xtava does not believe in bleeding the pocket book like so many other companies do. It’s economical and 4 of the brushes performed as well as my expensive branded ones and even my favorite ones. There was no difference other than the price point and I only mind that when it’s a lot and thankfully with Xtava, it’s not. 🙂

Connect with Xtava and all their products at:

• On-line
• The Essential Brushes 7 brush kit
• Amazon
• Facebook
• #MakeUpBrushes
• #Xtava

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Xtava.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Paula Dorf New York: Perfect Color collection, Ecstasy color #Review #PaulaDorf

 

Paula Dorf is a cosmetic company that carries lines from lip products, make-up brushes, eye-shadows, and even nails……you name it and Paula Dorf carries it, along with products that are of their own creation. This is where the Perfect Color collection lands because one tube of color is perfect for eyes, lips, and cheeks. Pretty simple and for me it’s a take on the mascara + lipstick and go= for those days I want to blame my alarm did not go off but in reality I’m moving at a snail’s pace.

I have tried like products in the past from Nars and other companies so the concept is not new to me. I saw the tag at the bottom, which features the name of the color and due to the intensity of the color, I assumed it was a basic pink tag and not representing the color inside. Oh, so I wish I was wrong and the tag was even down played! I then think maybe the pigment looks intense but once I swipe, the color will apply and come off smoother and just be more likable. Um, I tried my lips and the product reminded me of make-up I wore in Junior High. You know when fluorescent pinks and hues were the “it” colors, I admit I wore some of them and I would have waited in line at Wet Seal and Contempo to score this back then BUT even then I cared about how a product felt and applied. I assume again maybe I need to exfoliate my lips and let’s blame the way the color floats and feels smothering and dry, on my own lips. I continue onward and realize my Husband is in the kitchen finishing up dinner while I’m doing this. I apply on my cheeks and even just dabbing lightly onto my finger’s tip and patting on softly, to then blending in……I don’t even look like I’m stuck blushing or had a bad sun burn, I look sort of clown-ish and I actually laugh at my own reflection. Being always positive, I still go forward because the package says eyes, lips, and cheeks and my eyes are just left to attack. I blame the box at this point and I use the left-over product from my cheek onto my eyes and I finally realize that I’m looking younger but not in a good way. I’m no longer in Junior High but now I’ve entered Elementary and when my parents bought me “Barbie” make-up and they were shocked that it was real make-up (after they saw my creation the next morning).

The box states, “light and creamy in flattering shades”. The product was:

• Almost too powdery and felt like talc, sort of like corn starch feels in between your fingers. This makes blending a bear and also results in making your pores look larger than they are. So if you want to play opposites and show off all your pores can be, this is the stick for you.

 

• Creamy it is not and because of that talc feeling I mentioned, it feels tacky and little sticky. Then when it sets, it dries on and is hard to take off. It also feels heavy on the skin and almost smothering. So, you show off your pores and then punish them by not letting them get any air!

 

• Flattering shades…..this I can’t comment for the entire collection in this line because the website did not show this product and/or any of it’s kind. This shade goes beyond flattering or going with any skin tone. Think about that statement chair that people buy for a room that has no rules but is that wow piece…..this is this item but the statement piece is what drowned everything else out and when you think of that room, you can only picture that chair! I can’t even call it a color you can wear at night because sooner or later you will walk under a light and please forgive anyone that asks you if you are okay, you will look sickly pink if you really blended or bug bitten if you did light pats when applying.

Back to my Husband making dinner and his reaction to the child that found a marker……..the man said, “what the …. “and even tried helping me. Maybe you put too much on and tried saving the one eye I made up by removing the pink off with a tissue. Pinky is winning. It won’t come off. It loves me. I tried oil and found that the color can be blended better with 1 drop of oil but then I was slicky pink. After washing my face, my wonderful Husband asks me to please not put that on and what the heck was it. I explain to him and all he hears is it’s and all-in-one product and he reminds me to repeat what we say about all-in-one products in this house, “they are not even good at doing one thing”. I thank Captain Obvious even though he did try to rescue me and even after dinner said there was nothing flattering or pretty about that stuff. I again promise to play “no touchies” with it.

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This was a difficult review to write. I looked at Paula Dorf’s site and spent a good 30 minutes getting lost and seeing so many pretty and interesting products. It was hard to believe this item came from the same company I was seeing on the screen. It did not match the style, quality or image the company has. It’s a goof and it has to be. It did not help not finding the product on the website until I clicked all products and saw that it was retailing for $32 and now for $16. Maybe this is an oops stick I got because the paragraph on the site talks about shimmering accents and this has none. I can say that the pigments are ultra powerful and come with Hulk strength that I wish my eye-shadows held!

 

• Promotions:

With each blog readers purchase, they will receive the gift of Paula Dorf’s mini No Color Glimmer, a gorgeously soft, lightweight powder to complete your look! The perfect accent to Ecstasy.
USE CODE: ECSTASY

Paula Dorf is giving away a makeup kit full of some of their favorite products! You can enter for a chance to win this Paula Dorf makeup kit ($125 value) here:https://promosimple.com/ps/66b5

 

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Paula Dorf.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.