Best Cheap Powder Brush: Sonia Kashuk Travel Blusher Brush Review

Yes, that's right, I use a blusher brush as a powder brush.

The soft, full, rounded bristles of this brush work as well as any powder-specific brush I've ever used. The regular Sonia Kashuk blusher brush is popular, but I use the travel version because of its shorter handle (fits in my makeup bag), protective case, and lower cost of only about $10. I use it almost daily to apply a loose setting powder over my favorite concealer.

So, without further ado, here is my review of the Sonia Kashuk travel blusher brush!

Sonia Kashuk travel blusher brush (with lid to travel case).

 Pros:

• It has a soft, full head similar to most powder brushes that allows me to evenly apply just the right amount of powder to my face.
• It fits in my small makeup bag (as opposed to the regular Sonia Kashuk blusher brush, which has a very long handle).
• It comes with a protective travel case. I love this, because as long as I remember to close the case whenever I put the brush back in my bag, it keeps the bristles straight and neat.
• The bristles never shed onto my face. This is a huge issue with most inexpensive makeup brushes, but not with this one.
• It only costs around $10, and it will last years if you take care of it. This is compared to around $18 for the full-sized version and up to $50 (sometimes more) for other popular powder brushes.

Cons:

• As far as I know, only Target carries Sonia Kashuk brushes. You'll have to either buy it in a Target store or order it from their website. My only other idea is to try eBay.

I really can't think of any other negatives. Here are a couple more pictures:

Sonia Kashuk travel blusher brush - size comparison.

Travel case with lid off but bristles covered.

And I think that's about it. I love my Sonia Kashuk travel blusher brush, and I hope that my review has helped you decide if it's worth a try for you!

Best Cheap Setting Powder: Ben Nye Neutral Set Review

Last time I wrote about my favorite inexpensive concealer, but that concealer won't do a whole lot for you without a good setting powder to keep it from running, settling into fine lines, or rubbing off 10 minutes after you apply it. Powder also helps to reduce shine on your face. My favorite setting powder is Ben Nye Neutral Set.

I've used this powder for several years. It's actually intended as a translucent setting powder for theatrical makeup, to keep that heavy cream makeup that actors wear from smearing, rubbing, or sweating off while they're on stage, but it works great for everyday makeup too. It is extremely affordable, but I love it so much that I use it even when I can afford more expensive products.

Anyway, the following is my review of Ben Nye Neutral Set powder!

1.75 oz. bottle of Ben Nye Neutral Set powder. Ingredients are listed near the bottom.

Pros:

• Because it is translucent, it works for any skin tone and looks way more natural than tinted powders.
• It keeps your concealer and other makeup right where you put it. Even if you sweat or rub your face against something, it won't budge. It even prevents makeup from settling into fine lines.
• It keeps working all day, and you don't have to reapply.
• It has a mattifying effect, so your face won't look shiny. If you have oily skin, you may have to reapply to keep the shine down (although I prefer to blot with a tissue).
• The ingredients in Ben Nye Neutral Set are fairly basic. Click the image above to enlarge it and read the ingredients list.
• I've never gotten clogged pores or breakouts from this, even though my skin is very prone to acne.
• Even though it's a loose powder, it doesn't give your skin that powdery look. After maybe fifteen minutes, it's like it disappears.
• It comes in 1 oz., 1.75 oz., 3 oz., and 8 oz. bottles. Because it doesn't take very much of this powder to get the job done, I've had a 1 oz. bottle last me over a year before.
• The cost varies depending on where you buy it, but if you purchase it online, you can find a 1 oz. bottle for as little as $4 plus shipping.

Cons:

• It's hard to find in stores unless you happen to have a costume store near you that sells it. I've always had to order it online from suppliers of theatrical makeup or websites like Amazon.
• Some people don't like the shaker bottles it comes in. You have to tap a bit of the powder out of the bottle to apply it. I actually like this because it keeps the powder in the bottle from getting contaminated. I have a small cup that I shake some powder into, and it's not that much of a hassle
• If you don't have a makeup brush already, you'll probably have to purchase one to use this Ben Nye powder. I would recommend the Sonia Kashuk brush pictured below. Read my review of it here.

This is an image of the 1.75 oz. shaker bottle uncapped, so you can see how it works. Also pictured is my makeup brush with some powder on it so that you can get an idea of how I apply this.

Ben Nye shaker bottle uncapped with powder brush.

That's pretty much it! I hope you found my review of Ben Nye Neutral Set powder to be helpful. :)

Best Cheap All-Purpose Concealer: L'Oreal True Match Review

For many years, I suffered from persistent acne. I still get small breakouts fairly regularly, and I have red post-acne marks that still haven't faded. I also have somewhat dark circles under my eyes, and I don't wear foundation for a variety of reasons.

In short, my concealer has an important job to do.

I am extremely choosy when it comes to concealer. I used to use two separate products, one for under my eyes and one for blemishes, because I hadn't found a product that worked as well as I wanted it to for both purposes. Also, I need concealer that will never clog pores or cause breakouts, because my skin is very prone to acne. The concealers I used to use were quite expensive, but it was worth it to me to get the performance I needed.

At some point, financial necessity caused me to start trying drugstore brands. I discovered L'Oreal True Match concealer about two years ago, and I haven't used anything else since.

L'Oreal True Match concealer.

Pros:

• I've never had it clog my pores or cause breakouts.
• It offers decent coverage of both blemishes and under-eye circles.
• It blends well and looks about as natural as makeup can look.
• The texture is good. It doesn't cake up. It's not too thin. It pretty much looks like skin once you blend it in.
• Once I apply a good setting powder over it, it stays put and doesn't settle into fine lines or anything.
• It comes in a variety of shades for different skin colors and tones. I use the fair/light neutral one, and it matches my skin tone perfectly.
• One tube lasts several months. I would estimate that I buy about two of these each year.
• It has a brush built into the cap for easy application under the eyes, and you can easily dab a bit on your finger for more control with blemishes.
• A 5.2 ml tube currently costs $7.97 at my local Walmart, which is a great price for what you get, and you may be able to find it even cheaper online.

Cons:

• There are probably concealers out there that offer better coverage or look even more natural.

L'Oreal True Match concealer brush.

Honestly, I can't find much fault with this concealer. It does exactly what I want it to do. Actually, whether you're strapped for cash or not, I would recommend this concealer.

I hope my review of L'Oreal True Match concealer has provided some useful information. Until next time!