IMATS Part 2: The Haul
With all the amazing makeup, tools, and fabulous prices at The International Makeup Artist Trade Show I attended last weekend, how could I not haul? Certain booths are known for certain products, so I knew exactly what I was looking for.
Crown Brush is absolutely legendary among the makeup world for inexpensive, quality brushes. They sell hundreds of kinds of brushes; many of them are excellent dupes for pricier MAC brushes! I had to stop by this brush booth first to choose some much needed brushes to come home with me.
From left to right:
- Large Chisel Fluff
- Oval Shadow
- Deluxe Crease
- Chisel Pointed Fluff
- Round Contour
- Duo Fibre Foundation (x2)
All eye brushes are between $2 – $4 US, and the foundation brushes cost $7 US.
The Large Chisel Fluff is a dense shading brush. It will effectively apply cream eye shadows and pack color onto the lid.
I love using the Oval Shadow as a smudge brush. I just apply eyeliner very thickly and feather it out with this brush. It’s not very dense, so it’s perfect for putting precise color in the crease, too.
I find that the Deluxe Crease brush is an excellent staple blender. It’s quite the dupe for the MAC 224 ($28 US). You can also use it as a crease brush, but I find it a little too fluffy for me.
The Chisel Pointed Fluff is a fluffy, eye shading brush that gives quick, easy application of color. It can also blend eye colors in a pinch. It is similar to the MAC 213 ($22.50 US)
The MAC 219 ($23 US) and the Rounded Contour are practically the same brush! The dense, pencil shape allows great application of eye shadow on the lower lash line and amazing smudge ability.
I purchased two Duo Fibre Foundation brushes, because they looked so similar to the famous MAC 187 ($42 US)! It is very soft and absolutely does not shed. I don’t use it for foundation, but instead use it to apply powders and blushes. The thin fibers give you lighter application of product.
Senna Cosmetics was handing out these free lipsticks. It’s a gorgeous plumy, nude lipstick that gives you a great MLBB (my lips but better!) look.
Stila Perfecting Concealer ($23 US) in shade f is my new HG concealer. The liquid formula is not runny and stays on the blemish. A Stila Pro Artists gave me a great tip – try applying this product on the blemish, and blend it in by feathering the edges around your blemish.
MAC Pigment ($19.50 US) in Green Brown is a gorgeous mermaid green shimmer. MAC pigments are very smooth and pack a lot of punch in their color. What I really love about this color is that it looks chocolate brown in certain lighting and iridescent green in other lighting. Unfortunately, it’s only available at MAC Pro!
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Loose Color Concentrates ($10 US) in Clove is described as a rich, frosty taupe. I would say that it is shimmery lavender with gray and taupe undertones. It’s a rich color that twinkles beautifully. Psst! Here’s a pro tip: Dampen your eye shadow brush before applying these so that the shimmer stands out even more!
So, what do you say? Would you ever buy anything from Crown Brushes? What would you purchase if you went to the IMATS show? If you went, what did you purchase? Share with us in the comments!
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On June 28th, 2009 Phyrra said:
A color that may be a dupe for that MAC pigment is Aromaleigh’s Coco Mauve. It’s a brown with green reflects and looks very similar to that MAC color.
Your brushes look awesome!
On June 28th, 2009 Marcia said:
I can’t believe how much I missed at the show. I didn’t see Chantecaille there. I wish I had. At Crown I bought a different kind of bent eyeliner brush, the head is shorter. I also bought a brush that’s similar (though smaller) to the Trish Smokey Eye brush.
On June 29th, 2009 Crystal said:
Hi Phyrra!
Thanks for the suggestion!
The brushes are really soft!! Maybe, you’ll try them out soon?
On June 29th, 2009 Crystal said:
Hi Marcia!
Well, the show was pretty crowded and big. It would have taken me a long time to navigate it too!
Enjoy your new brushes!
On June 29th, 2009 Mary Thi said:
I really want to try the Crown Brushes. Thanks for the review and great buys!
On June 30th, 2009 Crystal said:
Hi Mary Thi!
Your welcome for the review! You really should try the Crown Brushes, now that you’ve read about them.
On June 30th, 2009 Ashley said:
Wow I wish I was there! Do you know if the crow brushes shed at all?