Review + Comparisons: Sephora Mara Hoffman Kaleidescape Charcoal Brush Set, Pro Flawless Airbrush 56 + Kat Von D Lock-It Edge Foundation Brush

Sephora x Mara Hoffman Kaleidescape Charcoal Brush Set ($64, Limited Edition) - This set contains 5 brushes and a reusable gift box. Each brush features a rose gold ferrule and a wooden handle in a custom Mara Hoffman print. They also feel very lightweight in the hand. As for the bristles, they're all made of cruelty-free synthetic fibers that are infused with bamboo charcoal and feel very soft. (Bamboo charcoal supposedly keeps bacteria at bay and are environmentally friendly.)

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Swatches + Comparisons: Guerlain, Lancome and Illamasqua Lip Liners

Packaging: The Guerlain Lasting Color High Precision lip liners have a built-in sharpener that's removable and is handy for those who want a super sharp point every time. However, all of the lip liners mentioned in this post, including the Guerlain one, the Lancome Le Crayon Lip Contour, and the Illamasqua Lip Slick Stick, do not require a sharpener because they all twist up and have a tip that's small enough for lining the lips with precision. It's also important to mention that the caps on these are all very secure and prevent product from drying out as quickly. They also require some muscle strength to pop open!

Guerlain Lasting Color High Precision Lip Liner ($32 for 0.35g/0.01oz) - The formula is very creamy, pigmented and glides onto the lips easily. It can last all day if I drink through a straw and don't eat. (Ha, like that's going to happen!). Once I start stuffing my face with food, the lip liner fades. 

• Bois De Santal 44 is a mauvey rose with a satin finish. It looks really pretty when paired with Burberry's English Rose lipstick (review). 
• Rose De Mai 63 is a warm rose with a satin finish. (It's mislabeled as Rose De Bulgarie on other retailers' websites.) I love pairing this one with Burberry's Tulip Pink. Under direct lighting, I can tell that there are some shimmers in both lip liners, but when applied onto my lips, they look nearly matte. 

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Tarte Coupon Code 2016: 30% OFF Entire Purchase (including sale and new items)

Tarte is having a Friends and Family Sale right now. Get 30% OFF your entire purchase, including sale items and products from their new collection, using coupon code FRIENDS. The promotion ends July 27, 2016. You can also get free shipping on orders of $40 or more. Make sure to check out their brushes (review #1 and review #2) as well! 

This post contains affiliate links.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2016 - Beauty Deals

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is open to the public now and ends August 7, 2016. 

I'm definitely getting the NARS Best Cheek Palette $65 ($124 value)
and the Dior Intemporalle Blush Palette $65. For more beauty deals, click here.

They also have super sale prices on clothes, shoes and home items!

This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Swatches + Review: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighters and Sephora x Disney Minnie's Inner Glow

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal

(retails $38 for 8g/0.28oz)

Packaging: I got the travel size (2.4g/0.085oz) as a free gift with purchase. The compact is made of plastic instead of Becca's typical rubber packaging. It's also perfect for travel! 

Color: Opal is a champagne shade with gold shimmers. This shade works best as a highlighter for my warm NC30/35 skin tone as it does not add any color to my skin. 

Formula: The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors have a very soft, delicate, and creamy texture. They're also very pigmented and a little goes a long way. In terms of performance, they all apply smoothly, blend with ease and just "melt" right into the skin.

They're not as metallic as say, the Mac Extra Dimension Skinfinishes (review), but they're by no means subtle and still provide a high sheen finish. To apply, I recommend using the Inglot 4SS brush (comparison pictures) because it's dense enough to provide a concentrated finish, but it also has enough flexibility to blend product well. The shape also fits nicely on the bridge of the nose and on top of the cheekbones without covering too much area. For a more subtle glow, use a light hand and a fluffy synthetic brush, such as the MUFE #140 or check out the highlighter in the poured version. 

Longevity: All the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors last at least 10 hours when worn over foundation + setting powder. (For reference, I have cheeks that are neither dry nor oily.)

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