#MyTwoCents
cosmetic news
product reviews
makeup tutorials
industry advice…
and a rant or two.
Cleaning Makeup Brushes Like A Pro
In the Makeup Brush Buying Guide, we discussed materials, construction and brush shapes. Properly cleaning your makeup brushes is the most critical step to maintaining and protecting your investment. Let's look at the how pros keep their tools in tip-top condition....
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Honey – A Sweet Solution For DIY Beauty
Honey tastes great, but did you realize the amazing restorative and healing properties it possesses? AND, it's a fantastic beauty solution! Let's look at why it's so awesome, then pamper yourself with one of these DIY beauty treatments when you have no time (or $$$)...
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Makeup Brush Buying Guide
I learned a lot about proper brush construction while developing the [R]evolution™ Professional Makeup Brush Collection with Royal & Langnickel. Owning well crafted, quality tools are essential for a professional make-up artist to succeed. I've compiled this "Makeup...
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Cosmetic Shopping – What The Salesperson Wishes You Knew
Does shopping in the cosmetic department intimidate you? Confuse you? Frustrate You? The salespeople really want to help you...but you have to help them help you. I had the pleasure of hanging out with Beauty BFF Anna De Souza from the Today Show. In this video, we...
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Makeup Myths – Complexion
How often do I hear makeup myths based on misinformation? DAILY. The internet offers an abundance of makeup information. It also offers lots of MIS-information, which perpetuates makeup myths. In the first installment of the #MakeupMyths series, we look at the right...
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Pro Discount Programs – Is Social Media Replacing Them?
Professional (Pro) Discount Programs are a marketing tool. They are often perceived as a "perk" or a thank you to beauty professionals. They are not. They are a strategic approach to subliminal advertising - and they appear to be heading toward extinction. A Pro...
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SPF In Foundation – Real Protection or Deceptive Marketing?
SPF in foundfation has always been one of my hot-button topics. When I discuss the products that should provide your UV protection, foundation is NOT one of them. The addition of SPF to foundation is a bonus level of protection, not a replacement for dedicated UV...
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Shopping For Makeup Education
Getting your money’s worth when shopping for makeup education has become a major topic of conversation (and controversy).
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Sanitizing With Alcohol And Why Percentages Matter
There's a constant debate among beauty professionals over the correct concentration/percentage of alcohol required to sanitize work surfaces and tools. Some were taught (incorrectly) in Cosmetology/Esthetics programs and perpetuate the misinformation. I'd like to...
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Silicone In Cosmetics – Separating Fact From Fiction
Cosmetic grade silicone is safe, that's a FACT. And if people spent more time researching FACTS, and less time getting hysterical over manipulated data, half-truths, and flat-out lies from fear-mongering activist groups, they'd understand silicone's incredible...
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Parabens – Who Started The Preservative Paranoia?
QUESTION: What caused the paranoia surrounding parabens? ANSWER: Almost 14 years ago, a group of fear-mongering environmental activist groups intentionally misinterpreted a flawed study and the media sensationalized the inaccurate information. FIRST THE...
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Back To Basic – Eyeshadow Application
Makeup is FUN, but a six-color, double cut crease, with glitter, winged eyeliner, and false lashes is not for everyone. Let's hit the pause button on the YouTube and Instagram drag-inspired looks. I'm taking us back to three basic eyeshadow applications that enhance...
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The #MyTwoCents Blog is informational only and not a substitute for professional advice. Product(s) featured in posts were purchased unless otherwise noted. ALL reviews are unsponsored, and product links are NOT MONETIZED (no affiliate links). Outgoing links are directed to reference sources and trusted retailers. Click the star (above left) for more Legal information.
