BEAUTY: The Do's and Don'ts of Washing Your Brushes

Now, I can't claim to be an expert on all things makeup brushes, because let's face it- I'm horrible at remembering to clean them. I'm lucky if I take the time to clean then once every six months. I know, I know...but lately I've been much better about it, and there are a few hard and fast rules that are easy enough to stick to.

1. Do use a gentle soap.

 I used Neutrogena's Gentle Foaming Face Wash to clean mine, but even baby shampoo works well. Just make sure it isn't loaded with harsh chemicals or heavy perfumes.

2. Don't pull at the bristles.

While you're washing it can be tempting to pull at the bristles while washing or rinsing. Instead, swirl the brush into the soap in the palm of your hand and gentle separate the bristles while rinsing- but only if you absolutely have to. If you can, just let the water run through.

3. Do rinse your brushes thoroughly.

Leaving soap residue in the bristles can irritate your face and leave the brushes harsh after they dry. Don't hesitate to double rinse, just in case.

4. Don't let your brushes sit in water.

I learned this back in high school with actual painting brushes. Letting them soak in water will loosen the glue that holds the bristles in, and will also loosen the head of the brush from the handle. Simply hold your brushes under running water to rinse them

5. Do let your brushes dry completely before using them again.

Using wet brushes will not only make the makeup cake into the brushes, but it will ruin whatever you're trying to apply! Make sure you won't need a specific brush the next day if you're washing them at night, because my more dense brushes took at least 24 hours to completely dry.

6. Don't blow dry/fan/spread out the bristles.

I'm not sure why you would ever blow dry a makeup brush, but I've watched a friend attempt it! As for the fanning and spreading of the bristles, it may seem like they will dry faster, but in reality it will just cause your brushes to loose their shape, and you'll end up with a bunch of brushes with giant blobs for bristles. 

7. Do listen to your face.

That sounds a little strange, but pay attention to what your face is telling you. If it hurts or your skin becomes red after using a brush, it might be time to bite the bullet and buy a new one. If your face has been breaking out recently and nothing in your routine has changed, it might be a sign that your brushes need a good scrubbing.

8. Don't over-think it.

I know when I washed my brushes for the first time I was super intimidated for some reason. It was probably just because I had never attempted it before, but no matter the reason it lead me to put it off. Don't! Worst case senerio is you ruin a brush and have to buy a new one- so start with the cheap ones first, haha.

xoxo, Katie

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!

Words cannot express the mad respect I hold for people who blog multiple times a week in the "real world". Even having been in college for two years prior, moving away has really thrown me into the position of taking serious responsibility for everything I need, and blogging just somehow kept getting pushed to the back burner! I've fallen off the blogging wagon. I'm still not positive how days seem to take weeks, but then somehow three weeks goes by in the span of a class period...it's a time warp, I'm telling you *cue Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack*

You may be wondering why I keep rambling on about time. Well, my friends, it is because I'm asking for your help! While I try my best to keep organization a priority, there is always room for improvement. 

I've kept a notebook of ideas for a few months now, and while that seems to help, I think that really needs to happen is some sort of schedule- a planner maybe? How is it that any of you stay organized? How to do you keep your posts consistantly updated, be it tri-weekly, bi-weekly, weekly, etc.? 

 (This was just for the giggles because let's be real- we all know that this hits home on far too deep a level, haha)

Help Me Style...

Creepers aren't something you can be wishy-washy on; they're a love/hate item for almost everyone, and I fell into the latter category for quite a long time. I had a change of heart in the last month or so, though, and now they're all I can think about! They made an appearance in Lust List #3, and if I don't get a pair soon they will make another appearance in Lust List #4.

I'm just in love. I decided to go with a solid quality brand, TUK, as I've heard so many great things from people who have these specific ones. I also chose the lower platform (1.25") since I'm already so tall. I didn't feel the need to add almost 2" more to my height.

This is where you all come in, though. I have a plan in the works that I'll be letting loose on soon that will help fund them, but what I really need your help with is choosing which pair to buy: suede or leather. Please leave me a comment with what you think (and why!). Also, let me know how you style them if you have any pair, or how you would style them if you did own a pair, and hopefully I'll have them soon to show you how I've styled them!