Shop With Style

Just as a painter requires different brushes of all sizes and shapes to create a masterpiece, so too will the right choice in eye makeup brushes make your face shine like the work of art it is! There’s no need to break the bank buying fancy brushes, though (and trust us, you could easily break the bank with some makeup brushes on the market today)… we’ve got a list of your absolute ש-have eye makeup brushes right here!

• All-Over Shadow Brush (similar to a MAC 239, SEPHORA COLLECTION Pro Allover Shadow Brush #12 ) – This will be your eye makeup brush workhorse (and it was probably the first real brush many of us bought when learning how to do eye make up). A great all-around brush, the flattened head, dense bristles, and medium length head works well for the general goal of applying eye shadow. Pressed eye shadow, pigment eyeshadow, baked eyeshadow… this brush can handle it.
• Blending Brush (similar to a MAC 217) – This is one of those eye makeup brushes that will save almost any heavy-handed eye makeup application. Fluffy, soft, long bristles can gently diffuse any dark or harsh lines, and blend even the most contrasting shades seamlessly. Best used through the crease and into the outer v.
• Eyeliner Brush (similar to MAC 219 Pencil Brush, MAKE UP FOR EVER 258 Large Precision Eyeliner Brush) – The fine, pointed tip is perfect for applying cream or gel liner, or precisely applying shadow either on top of, or in lieu of, gel liner.
• Stiff Dome Brush (similar to SEPHORA COLLECTION Classic Crease Shadow Brush #73, SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Tapered Crease #19) – Useful in any number of eyeshadow application techniques, this is also known as a crease brush. The bristles are longer and stiffer than a regular shadow brush, which creates a nice crisp area of definition with shadow through the crease. You can also easily work it into the outer v to really elongate the shape of the eye. (Another contender for the best crease brush is the SEPHORA COLLECTION Pro Angled Shadow Brush #13… the angle of the bristles fits so nicely in the crease area!)
• Short Angled Brush (similar to a MAC 266) – Not only is this brush great for applying gel and shadow liner, it is a must-have for filling in and defining eyebrows! And if you need to go in and fill any bare patches missing liner after adding falsies over liner, you can dip the point of the brush into some gel or liquid, then dab the bare spots. (This is one of those fake eyelashes tips you probably won’t remember until you have it happen to you).
• Short Smudge Brush (similar to a MAC 214) – One of our favorite eye makeup brushes…ever! This brush has short, stiff, rounded bristles and it’s perfect for smoking out a lash line. It also works wonders to smudge out pencil liner, providing that smoldering look you long for with dark eye makeup or a smokey eye.

And there you have it! The most comprehensive list of must-have eye makeup brushes for any woman’s beauty arsenal. If you add a foundation brush, a powder brush, a blush brush, and a concealer brush, you will have a great basic set of tools capable of creating any makeup look you can imagine!  Now go make your masterpiece!

Maybe you passed on wearing a crop top this summer because you didn’t think it would suit you. Did you think that because you’ve got a curvy/pear shaped/plus size/boyish/inverted triangle/busty figure that the crop top was one trend that you’d have to sit out on? Well, there are many different kinds of crop tops, and we’re here to show you that no matter what your shape, come next summer, you can rock one with the best of ‘em!

• Pear-shaped – The pear-shaped body is identified by having narrower shoulders and broader hips, so possibly you thought that a crop top would only accentuate those proportions? Well, if it’s the wrong kind of crop top, then yes, it could. So you should look for one that hits precisely at the vertical center of your rib cage. It is best paired with a high-waisted pencil skirt.
• Plus-sized – The key here is all about proportions and fit, and by fit, we mean that the top should neither be too clingy or too loose. You can opt for a long-sleeved crop top, which is also great for camouflaging any arm insecurities you might have. Pair your top with a full skirt that’s nipped in a the waist, to really flatter your shape.
• Curvy – Kim Kardashian knows her crop tops, you gotta give her that. If you look closely at how she works that style, you’ll notice that her crop tops are always slightly longer, hitting at her natural waist. She usually pairs the top with a form-fitting, high-waisted pencil skirt. Why is her fitting so precise? Because she knows (well…her stylist knows) that the curves immediately on either side of that center point will be highlighted while managing to make her waist look super small!
• Boyish – If you try a small, tight, short crop top on a boyish figure, it will only serve to make that figure look even more boyish and rectangular. Instead, opt for one that is slightly looser in fit, one that will camouflage your possible lack of curves up top. If you pair it with a high-waisted maxi skirt or pair of flowy palazzo pants, the pieces will combine to give the illusion of more curves, while keeping your small waist in focus.
• Inverted triangle – This body shape is identified by having slightly broader shoulders than hips. You might have also heard of it referred to as a “swimmer’s physique.” The most flattering crop top for you will be in a halter style, which will draw attention away from the width of your shoulders and torso, while still emphasizing the smallness of your waist. When paired with a fuller skirt, your feminine curves will be showcased!
• Busty – It’s sometimes tricky to dress a busty figure, since the wrong fit can often lead to the wrong kind of attention. So your crop top needs to be perfect on fit. Not too tight, not too loose. You can opt for a high neck and/or long sleeves to minimize the emphasis on your chest as well. Paired with well-fitting (not tight) trousers, a high-waisted pencil skirt, or a full skirt, your look will be utterly on point!

We know the frustration that can sometimes come from looking at the fashion magazines and then trying those looks on our own body type. More often than not, those fashion mag styles just don’t look right on us. Some even manage to look downright hideous. But it’s not your body shape that’s to blame. Would you blame your size 8 foot for not fitting a size 5 shoe? Of course not. The key to looking better is to know what works on your unique apple-shaped body. Once you know that, you can take inspiration from the fashion mag pics and make those outfits your own!

What identifies an apple-shaped figure?  Typically, apple-shaped figures are known as “top heavy.” You likely have broad shoulders and a full bust, waist, and upper back. You might also have thinner arms, legs, and hips, since you tend to gain weight around your middle. The key to dressing an apple shape is to draw attention away from your waist.

What to avoid:

• Patterns/pictures that will draw attention to your middle
• Any belt, especially those that are thick, will only highlight your mid-section
• Clingy material
• Shirts/dresses that are much too big, thinking that more fabric will camouflage your belly. It won’t…it will only make you look bigger.

Tops: Go for v-necks and slightly plunging necklines; those will help to elongate the look of your torso while camouflaging your middle. And even though you are an apple shape, you can still emphasize that small portion of your upper waist, right under your bust line with empire-waist tops. You can also try wrap tops that drape loosely over your belly.

Jackets: Belted jackets can help create the look of a thinner waist. But in general, coats, jackets, and blazers look great on you when worn open, as this creates a long visual vertical line, lessening the roundness of your middle. In terms of length, make sure the coat ends mid-thigh or longer. Shorter coats only serve to draw attention to your middle.

Bottoms: Pants are one article of clothing for you that can contain lots of embellishment, especially around pockets. Look for trousers with a flat-front and slightly flared bottoms, which will help to create balance with your mid-section. Wide legs would also tend to work well at balancing you out.

Dresses: Look for A-line, empire, and wrap dresses. All of these will help to create the illusion of a waist, without drawing attention to your belly since they nip in and then flow out and away from your problem area. Skirts should be A-line, and you can even get away with shorter lengths, since your legs are an asset!