Two Beauty Bits from Bobbi Brown

Hi, everyone! Back in December I was perusing the beauty department in the Queen St. Hudson's Bay, when I was hit with a double dose of temptation. As I stopped in front of the Bobbi Brown counter (featuring her stunning holiday collection), I simultaneously spotted a sign advertising a Spend $75, Immediately Save $10 promotion. I'm assuming that these are the moments when I am supposed to stay strong, but, in this instance, I'm glad I didn't! I went home with two utter gems and saved some cash in the process. No regrets!

The first goody I selected has been much raved about by Lily at Lily Pebbles. Despite a growing stash of foundation brushes, I find that fingers remain my preferred application method for base. That said, I seem to persist in my eternal quest for a foundation brush that will works its way into my regular rotation. I think I've found it!

The Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face brush is designed for use with both liquid and powder formulas to create a (duh) full-coverage finish. The brush is neither too weighty nor too flimsy and has a relatively short two-toned handle that will be super convenient for travel! 

The bristles are short, tightly-packed, and ultra soft. The head of the brush is slightly rounded, with a shape quite similar to the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. Here is a closeup to give you an idea of the density and formation of the brush:

As for performance, this brush really is incredible! It applies fluid (e.g., Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet) as well as creamier foundations (e.g., Revlon ColourStay Whipped Creme) with ease, leaving no noticeable streaks or splotches behind. I enjoy that you can use the brush to sweep, buff, and stipple on foundation, which really lets you customize the finish of your base on different areas of your face. With most foundation brushes I've tried, I always have to go in afterwards and blend things out with my fingers, but not with this one! It really completes the job. Plus, the bristles truly are soft and luxurious! 

Here's a shot of the Full Coverage Face Brush in action:

The second item I snagged was Bobbi's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Scotch, which was part of the line's Scotch on the Rocks Holiday 2014 collection (so sorry if this is no longer available!). The old Hollywood feel of the campaign definitely caught my eye as well as the name itself- there here broad really does enjoy a good glass of scotch!

The liner came packaged in a limited edition box with festive gold and red detailing. 

As with the other Long-Wear Gel Eyeliners, Black Scotch comes housed in a tiny, yet weighty glass jar with a shiny black top. It has a chic, minimalist feel that mimics the brand's aesthetic quite well.

While I'd been vaguely curious to try this liner formulation, it was the colour of this one (and some rave reviews I'd read) that seriously drew me in. Black Scotch is a deep, neutral brown with warm coppery shimmer throughout. Once you disrupt the top layer of the gel, the vibrancy of the shimmer is immediately apparent! 

Here are swatches of Black Scotch on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone), first applied with a finger swipe heavily, then sheered out, followed by a more precise line. You can see that it applies smoothly and evenly with fingers, and when applied with a liner brush, the colour and shimmer are both intensified and rich!

I knew the shade would be a hit for me (I'm a sucker for a shimmery bronze), but I was so pleasantly surprised by the formula as well! Bobbi Brown touts that her Long-Wear Gel Eyeliners give the potency of a liquid with the convenience of a gel. They are designed to be pigmented, long-wearing, and easily blendable before they set. I have to agree that all of these claims are utterly true! 

With the help of my tiny, yet powerful Kevin Aucoin Concealer Brush (much prefer it for liner), Black Scotch applies like a dream. It feels creamy, is instantly pigmented, and does allow for a bit of tweaking before it fully sets. And once it does, it really stays all day! 

Here's a closeup of it on my eye...

...and then in the context of a completed makeup look. As you can see, the copper shimmer is visible, but not over-the-top and the formula allows for a bold. yet precise line. 

To keep it short and sweet- I'm totally over the moon about both of these products! The Full Coverage Face brush is by far the best foundation brush I've tried, and Black Scotch has become a regular in my rotation. Foundation brushes and gel liners rarely make their way into my routine, but these two items have completely converted me! These goodies have also re-ignited by interest in Bobbi Brown as a brand; looking forward to what the line has to offer in 2015!

What is your favourite foundation brush? Are you a fan of gel liners? What Bobbi Brown goodies do you love?

Have a wonderful day! xo