Bamboo Brushes - Good For Your Skin, Good For the Environment

Going green takes time and patience... and a lot of trial and error. New shampoos, conditioners, skin and face products, make-up... and even new brushes! That's right... do you know that the bristles of most brushes are made from animal hair (like goat and pony)?!? AND, the plastic handles only clutter our already overcrowded land fills! So, even if you are using synthetic brushes (i.e. taklon or nylon), you're still debasing our planet with the aluminum and plastic used on the handle of the brushes... but this can ALL change!

Here is an affordable and easy solution to eco-friendly make-up brushes: ECOTOOLS, a line of earth-friendly brushes. EcoTools uses cruelty-free hair on the bristles and all natural and recyclable materials.

What you get:

A bamboo handle

Animal-free taklon bristles

Metallic ferrule made from recycled aluminum cans

Reusable pouches printed with plant-based ink

Besides doing my part to save the environment (I drive a Hybrid as well), I love how light-weight these brushes are. They practically feel like air! And they deliver just as stellar results as those other, non environmentally-friendly brushes. Make-up glides on smoothly and evenly.

EcoTools offers 6 brushes for all your make-up needs...

Powder Brush - $7.99

Blush Brush - $6.99

Angled Eyeliner Brush

Foundation Brush

Eye Shading Brush - $3.99

Lash & Brow Groomer

There really is NO excuse NOT to use eco-friendly brushes! But just in case you needed yet another reason, EcoTools has also partnered with 1% For the Planet, an organization that provides financial support to environmental initiatives. This means that by buying the brushes, 1% of all annual sales per item will be donated to this terrific cause! Sustainable beauty!!!

Looking beautiful is important, but looking beautiful while saving the environment is vital!

To learn more about ECOTOOLS, Click HERE!

Back with the MAC...

I've been having loads of fun playing with my lovely new MAC products and I wanted to update my fellow beauty whores on some of my favorite items!

Let me start off with the brushes... Heirlooms ... They are incredible! All of them - and the beautiful make-up bags (see picture to the left) that they come in... wow, I'm in beauty love!







Here are the 3 Heirlooms limited edition brush kits:

5 Basic Brushes for lips, eyes and face:
129SE, 219SE, 239SE, 266SE and 316SE

4 Face Brushes for the face:
168SE, 187SE, 190SE and 194SE

5 Eye Brushes for all of your eye needs:
209SE, 212SE, 217SE, 252SE and 275SE

All kits are $48.00

Tomorrow, we'll dig into the Royal Assets Lip Compacts!

Mrs. McDreamy for Avon

Upon learning of make-up artist Jillian Dempsey's (and real-life wife of McDreamy, a.k.a. Patrick Dempsey) new color line, I just had to try it out (I have the hugest, platonic crush on McDreamy.... ahhhhh....). Jillian recently took on the role of Global Creative Color Director for our new favorite cosmetic giant, Avon. "Avon collaborate closely with her in a campaign to refresh its shade palettes, launch limited-edition seasonal color collections, as well as new product concepts, beginning in Spring 2007."
Alas, we reach the part of the story where I get to actually TRY a product. My girls over at The Silver Spoon happened to have Jillian Dempsey for Avon sheer glow all over face powder. Can you imagine my excitement?!
I took the beautiful floral-designed palette home, broke out my MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush(right) ("A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments..." a must-have brush - can also be used to apply wet foundation!!!)and began applying the taupe and pink colors...
First on my cheeks like blush, then a little on my nose, chin and forehead... and let me tell you... I glowed. It was a tad more pink then brown, which I didn't mind, because it really gave me that Sun-kissed look. It's more sheer then a bronzer and more nude then a blush...
So try Jillian Dempsey for Avon All Over Face Powder in Sandy Corals and tell us what you think!
Also available in a lighter hue, Peach Champagne.

A few of my favorite things...

It's been a while, but well worth the wait (I hope!)

On this beautiful and sunny Wednesday afternoon, I am going to share with you, fellow beauty whores, a few of my favorite things:

The Body Shop Born Lippy Strawberry Lip Balm - Why? Because it smells fresh, goes on smooth, actually moisturizes (yea!!!) and leaves the lips with the slightest touch of rouge... in other words, I can wear it daily without looking made-up but still looking magnificent.


Kevin Aucoin Super Soft Buff Powder Brush- Why? Because it is cut flat on top so, once dipped in your favorite blush, it covers the perfect amount of cheek... in other words, I don't need to play the guessing game - where do I put the blush, how far up, etc. This brush does all the dirty work for me!


Cococare Coconut Moisturing Oil - Why? Because it's a nice break from the old lotion routine. AND it smells simply delicious. And it leaves skin soft, smooth and shiny (like a wrestler, but sexy). And the best part is, it's cheap!... in other words, I smell and look like a sex goddess without breaking the bank. I also love to mix oil with lotion and lather on my body after a nice long bath (post exfoliation)... there's something about the combination that really makes the skin "pop."


A Wide Tooth Comb - Why? Because it is the perfect detangler when hair is still wet AND it doesn't break the cuticle or the tips. Also, since I have curly hair, it allows enough room for my hair to "breathe" as opposed to a brush which stiffles and suffocates the hair shaft... in other words, hair that's combed is happy and healthy hair.


Neutrogena Skin Clearing Oil-Free Concealer - Why? Because everyone breaks out and who what's their blemishes out there for the world to see? This concealer also contains salicylic acid which fights break-outs and reduces redness. So really, you get two in one - a zit zapper and a cover-up... in other words, this product is genius! (I use color medium 03 and I NEVER leave home without it!)

Tell us your favorite things by emailing beautybanter@gmail.com

ALSO, hair crazed Jenny is back in town so if you have a question for the lovely Jenny C, email us asap!!!