A Review of the Sigma F15: An Alternative to the MAC 159

While I was home in Minnesota over the Holidays, I wanted to do a big of splurging on myself.  After months of purchasing gifts for others, I thought it was time for a bit of a treat yourself moment for myself.  Going shopping in Minnesota is also a treat for me because: A) they have no sales tax on clothing and shoes! B) I like clothing and shoes.  On the other hand the general sales tax rate is higher in Minnesota than Maryland, so I try to stick with things I can only get in MN whilst shopping.

Minnesota happens to be the only state blessed with a Sigma Store.  Until a few months ago, I hadn't purchased any Sigma brushes, but was always interested in their low cost options for dupes of MAC brushes.  For years the only brushes I owned were some Ecotools and a brush set my mom got for me my freshmen year of high school from Costco.  Needless to say it was time for an upgrade.

Whilst browsing the internet one day I ran across the MAC 159 brush.  A slightly flat duo fibre brush that looked absolutely divine for applying those ultra pigmented blushes and very glowly highlighters.  It's a rather unique brush that was released with the Tropical Taboo collection last summer.  I went back and forth on purchasing, but ultimately decided against the $35 price tag.

The Sigma F15 brush, similar to the MAC 159.

There are a few similar brushes to the 159, one being the Hakuhodo G544, which has slightly longer duo fibres and a fluffy look, the other being the Sigma F15, which looks the most similar.  So, I made it my mission to pick up the F15 while I was at home from the Sigma store.

This brush runs a pretty $23, which is a $12 savings from the MAC version but still one of Sigma's more expensive brushes.  Their eye brushes are only $12 each, while the infamous F80 is $21.  I was so in love with the idea of this brush I had to get it.

The F15 is smaller and flatter than most blush brushes.

As you can see the F15 is smaller than the traditional blush brush, especially when compared to something like the Real Technique blush brush.  It is also considerably flatter and more dense, but the duo fibers fan out to be nice and fluffy at the ends, making it ideal for ultra pigmented blushes. Naturally I had to put this brush to the test with my Nars Exhibit A blush.  This blush does not get enough love from me, mostly because it's finicky to work with on my place NC15 skin.  It is probably better suited for darker skin tones, but I like to break the rules, whatever.

Exhibit A applied with the F15.

The thing about Exhibit A blush is you literally tap the brush in the product ever so slightly and BAM! on your face.  It's intense.  The F15 was phenomenal at picking up the slightest amount of product.  This was my first attempt with the brush.  Basically, I applied the blush with the F15, then went over and sheered it out more with a clean Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, and applied another sheer layer of blush with the F15.  I don't think Exhibit A will ever be the subtlest blush, but I thought the results were well suited for my fair skin.  Gives that story book blushing princess kind of vibe.

I have a feeling having the F15 in my collection will certainly help me get better use out of my ultra pigmented blushes.  However, the $23 price tag is no bargain, so I would recommend thinking twice before purchasing. Now I'm off to sushi with friends and then it's back to work tomorrow.  Sigh.

This Year is My Year

I think a lot of people will agree that everyone lives their lives selfishly.  From the moment we are born to each and everyday we wake up, our thoughts and acts are self-centered.  I'm not saying this is a bad thing; it's just an observation.

Yet, there are moments in our lives where we get swept away from ourselves, whether that's making your parents happy, or your spouse, or even something bigger than all of it-- something I can't quite put my finger on.  This past year has been utterly insane.  It started out quite good, then took a tumble for the worse.  In the 22 years I've spent on this planet, I've seen my highs and lows, but this was definitely a different kind of experience.  In that time, I really have stopped focusing on me.  Focusing on me in the kind of way that takes pride in my appearance, and my relationships with others, and my own happiness.  2014 is a New Year, and as cliche as it sounds, and though I hate to be cliche, I am going to turn things around.  Bring them back to the way they were.  So that's it.  That's my resolution.  However vague it may be, all it is a physical reminder that you deserve better.  Don't do it for the parents, or the potential boyfriend, do it for you.  Your life is yours, and yours alone.  I want to make every day of every year something I can take pride in.

Finals is for Hauling

Seriously nothing gives me a study break like online shopping.  It's terrible, I know.  But with the news I'll be heading to LA for the summer, I figured I needed some fun new summery things.  Granted nothing has arrived yet but these are the things I've purchased.

Voila, OPI's Thanks a Windmillion!  I purchased I Have a Herring Problem a few months back from the Holland collection, and I've been adoring it.  I've recently decided OPI is by far my favorite polish.  I have been struggling getting a nice finished look with anything else recently.  I don't own any colors like this, so I am so excited to have it.  It is set to arrive on the day of my last final! Cost: $7.30.  Well worth it in my opinion.

Okay the rest of the stuff is from Urban Outfitters, I basically stalk their sale section.  I debated getting this bag forever.  I love the dusty mauve rose color along with the studs.  It looks like a great grab 'n go back, but it was a bit of a splurge at $31.49.

Gah! Another bag.  This one rang in at under $12.  I am a bit afraid that the handles may be awkwardly small, but I loved the painted print.  If it's awkward, I'll be returning it.

I really love this tank.  I am such a sucker for black, but at least this has some white to break it up.  For only $8.99, I thought this would be a great top for LA.  

This top screams summer.  Blue, slouchy, and mildly see-through, I can't wait to rock it with my DIY high-waisted vintage levis shorts.  It looks so effortless.  Loves it.  Only $13.49! ;)

A long sleeve black dress for summer... yes.  Actually, I had been eyeing this dress for awhile, and it finally went down to $13.49.  SCORE!  I will probably bring it to LA anyways... I heard it can get chilly at night.  I love everything about this dress and it completely screams me.

I have a strong feeling I will hate this.  First it is white... which I avoid at all costs.  Second it is cropped.  I needed something to get me to $50 for free shipping so here it is.  I thought I would take a gamble since it is a cardigan, and I am a cardigan-aholic.  Mostly likely this will be returned...  Only $4.49... probably with reason.

Haha, last but not least another purse.  I have rarely purchased many purses in the past.  After I ordered the first two, I saw this one.  I love it.  It's edgy and kind of punk.  Plus, I've been wanting a bucket bag forever.  It was only $22.49.  This is the reason I will mostly likely be returning the blue one.  This has got me written all over it.

Well that's it for my haul.  So much Urban Outfitters!  If you are interested you can use the promo SPRINGIT for 10% your purchase.  I know it isn't much, but it makes a bit of a difference.  Free shipping over $50 too, and there are free mail-in returns.  That is what makes me such a loyal Urban customer. 

Welcome, Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog!  I am actually really excited to start this, and I hope I can share a bit of my daily beauty thoughts with you.  I am currently a 20 yr old college student studying engineering on the east coast.  I first got into beauty when I was in early high school as a way to cope with low self esteem.  Now,  I am not advocating beauty and a solution to poor self image.  But beauty can change the way you think and see yourself, so I want to share my success story with you.

I do everything beauty related from coloring and cutting my hair to applying daily makeup.  I mostly want to blog to share reviews and swatches of products, since that is what I rely on beauty blogs for too.  I also want to share with you my beauty regiments, and how they have changed my self image and life for the better.

My favorite beauty products are lipsticks, particularly reds.  As far as hair care, I am always searching for good conditioning treatments and serums.  I guess those are my specialties.  This blog won't feature much high end skin care or foundations, since those aren't really my thing.  Lastly, I am only a college student so (hopefully) a majority of these products will be very affordable.  However sometimes a girl has got to splurge!

I'm in the middle of finals now, but I will be returning shortly with real posts.  Until then,
xx