Essence of Beauty makeup brushes come from a quality drugstore line that can be found at CVS stores. For more on them in general, see my previous review: Essence of Beauty Makeup Brushes.
When I was in CVS the other day, I noticed that the Essence of Beauty line had a travel kit on sale that included a press eyeliner brush (also known as a push liner). If you are unfamiliar with what a press eyeliner brush is, it is a stiff, flat makeup brush, that allows the user to push eyeshadow or liner up under the lashes. Having one is a great way to use dark shadow easily as a eyeliner. Pictured is one from NARS that is a bit expensive, but that I also rather like.
It looks like the only way to get the more affordable Essence of Beauty eyeliner brush is to buy the travel kit set. If the brush is sold separately, my local CVS did not have it. But the kit was only $9.99. So, anyone wanting an affordable press liner brush might want to take a look at the specials isle at their local CVS (the kit not in the brush section at my local CVS--it was only in the specials area)
Hi,
I totally love your blog, thanks so much for all the product reviews and info you post here. I already tried a few products you recommended and bought the travel kit at CVS a few days ago and it’s really good for that little money. The other day I stumbled upon this blog: http://chiactivate.wordpress.com anyways, the people there claim that this face massager thingie makes anti-aging and skin care products up to 70% more effective cos it allows them to penetrate deep into the skin. My question is: do you have any experience with this or a similar product? Does it work or would you recommend me to try it out? Please remove the link if it’s against your blog policy. i don’t want to advetise for them, but rather have an expert’s opinion about it. ty so much!!!
Hi Jess, I do not have any experience with that particular face massager. What I have used though is one of the exfoliating massagers and various scrubs. Here is the massager review: http://www.beautyandfashiontech.com/2007/03/home-microdermabrasion-spa-sciences.html
Often fairly heavy exfoliation will help treatment actives absorb better and deeper into the skin because it removes the dead skin cells that might be in the way. But it isn’t without some risk. First, if you get irritated by any of the treatments, the exfoliation will make it worse. Second, although exfoliation to some extent can help acne, if it is overdone, it can cause acne or make it worse! I love my spa sciences massager, but I can’t use it more than once each week or so.
Chemical exfoliation can do the same thing. So using Glycolic acid or Retin A can also help treatment actives absorb a bit more. I tend to combine Retin-A with my melasma treatments.
As for non-exfoliating massagers, I have to admit that I am skeptical. Generally treatment actives are going to absorb about the same no matter what. I imagine that the effect of just extra massaging would be negligible.