Dupes are all too common in the makeup industry. In fact, there are entire companies whose sole purpose is to replicate and knock off high-end releases. It seems that the need to dupe pricier items doesn't begin and end with eyeshadows and highlights. Even successful makeup tools are being replicated and released. That is certainly true for The Vintage Cosmetics Company Make-Up Removing Cloths. The concept was eerily similar to the popular The Makeup Eraser, which is sold at Sephora and Ulta. Only there were three cloths instead of one for a cheaper price than the original eraser version. How did they perform? And which one worked better? Here is everything you need to know about these products.

Sometimes, items look too pretty to actually use. No wonder this mermaid brush set has been sitting in my beauty room since the holiday season. A friend generously gifted me this beautiful 8 Piece Premium Brush Set for Christmas, where all of the brushes are shaped like mermaid tails. It was just so cute that I was hesitant to take the brushes out of the box and put them to use. So, it sat there. I would look at it. Admire it. Think about how pretty the brushes are. Well, eventually, I made the decision that the items in my home were there to be used and not just admired. So, it was time to open up that box, pull out those mermaid brushes, and start incorporating them into my regular makeup routine. Curious about the set? How they perform? Here is a mini review of these beautiful mermaid inspired makeup brushes.

It's hard to believe, but this is the last day of the latest theme week here on Mansa Fashion. For the last several days, it has been all Revolution all the time. You've seen different makeup looks and have read reviews of all sorts of different products. (Including eyeshadow palettes, setting sprays, lip glosses, and primers.) Today? It is all about travel brushes, a blush palette, and a contour palette. Find out if these Revolution Makeup items were hits, misses, or fell somewhere in between.

Having a solid set of makeup tools is essential. The right brush (or brush set) makes it possible to create a wide array of fabulous looks. From everyday to a glamorous night out...the tools you have on hand can make the task super simple or somewhat frustrating. When it comes to brushes, everyone has their own preferences. For me? I am all about Real Techniques. In my opinion, this is the absolute best brand for the price. The brushes are affordable, the quality is impressive, and the brushes last for ages before needing to be replaced. In fact, according to an old blog post here on Mansa Fashion. I purchased my first set of Real Techniques brushes back in 2012. Though I have added several to my collection since then...I've still been using those original brushes daily. And they still work perfectly! Despite the fact that the bristles are intact and the brushes work well, I decided to add some newer brush sets into the mix. Here is a peek at two Real Techniques brush sets and a brush holder from Urban Butterfly.

Makeup removal can be quite a process. A messy, time consuming process, and sometimes expensive process. There are oil-based removers, cold creams, facial wipes, and a million other removal-based products. Typically, my routine includes Simple Sensitive Skin Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes - or the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover for waterproof or stubborn products. A little while ago, I was given The Original MakeUp Eraser. Immediately, I was intrigued. If it worked, this product had the potential to save me money on removal products and make my life a whole lot easier. So...did it work? Is this my new holy grail makeup remover? Here is everything you need to know about The Original MakeUp Eraser.

I spend a lot of time talking about the fun stuff on here. Like eyeshadow, lipstick, and lashes. When it comes to the absolute essentials (like beauty tools), I admit they receive far less attention. Maybe because they aren't as exciting. I mean, a brush is a brush...right? Not exactly. Despite how important the basics are - how integral they are to the success of any makeup look - they tend to get overlooked. Well, not this time. A while back, I was given two different brush sets. One from Tarte and one from Juicy Couture. They were a welcome addition to my existing makeup brush collection (which you can see a bit of here). Want to know how they perform? Here is everything you need to know.

I remember when I first started to get into makeup. It wasn't my mom or sister that I turned to...no, it was the Internet. One day, I was searching for a makeup tutorial on youtube, so I could have some seriously awesome makeup for Halloween. That led to one video and then to another, and eventually, I found myself watching video after video from Pixiwoo. All of you makeup fanatics probably know Pixiwoo pretty well by now. They are seriously the best!

So, needless to say, I have a bunch of Real Techniques brushes in my collection. I absolutely love them. They're great quality, the bristles are soft, and they work really well. When I got an email last week about their new makeup sets, I didn't even hesitate. I ended up buying the Night Owl makeup set - and a few new brushes, too!

What did I order? The Night Owl makeup set (which comes with 4 eyeshadow shades, 1 gel eyeliner, 2 mini lip glosses, 1 blush, and 1 cream highlight), the stippling brush, and the sponge applicator. As a bonus, I also received a free pencil brush. Woohoo!



So far, I've used the stippling brush and I love it! I was using another one by Sonia Kashuk that I really loved, but it had gotten pretty worn down. It was definitely in need of replacing. The bristles on this brush are super soft and it works really well to apply my foundation. I also gave the pencil brush a try and it's great. I like using it on my lower lash line to smudge out my eyeshadow and make it super smokey.

Now, I haven't used the sponge applicator yet, but I am eager too. Believe it or not, I've never tried a beauty blender before. It's been on my to-do list for way too long, so I finally decided to take the plunge. I'll let you know how it goes in a future post! As for the Night Owl makeup set, I've been using this for the last several days. There are things I love and was disappointed in on this one. But I'll let you know all about that in my next post!

Nic and Sam took my budding interest in makeup to the next level. So, I have an odd thrill when I use one of their brushes - or now makeup products - in my daily routine. They helped me get to where I am today. I love Real Techniques and can't wait to add more of their brushes into my collection as time goes on.

Do you love Real Techniques brushes? Have you tried their makeup yet?

xo Shannon