Summer is just around the corner, which means…time for vacation planning!  When it comes to traveling, carrying full size brushes is not exactly ideal.  That’s when travel cosmetic brushes step in.

CVS has their own line of affordable cosmetic brushes called Essence of Beauty, which I am fan of (despite their horrible Retractable Kabuki brush).  Essence of Beauty has a Travel Eye Kit, which is perfect for traveling.  For about $10, you will receive 4 dual tipped brushes (which technically makes it 8 brushes total) and it is enclosed in a smaller zippered pouch.  The travel eye kit is so compact that you can easily throw it in your purse or carry on.

Travel Kit Includes:

• 1) Touch Up Brush – This is the least used brush out of the set. 
• 2) Thin-Tipped Eyeliner Brush- Great for applying gel liners!
• 3) Smudger- Made from foam, I found this smudger brush difficult to work with.
• 4) Dome Eye Shadow Brush – This domed shaped brush is perfect the blending out the outer-V – great for blending out a smokey eye!
• 5) Concealer Brush – Tiny and dense – great for small skin imperfections, not so much for under eye concealer.
• 6) Precision Eye Liner Brush – The straight edge provides an precise line for eye shadow/liner application. I love to use this brush to apply gel eyeliner. Because of the straight edge, it’s a little difficult to reach the inner corners.
• 7) Angled Brow Brush – I use this brush to fill in my brows and it works wonderfully
• Angled Eye Shadow Brush – A decent eye shadow brush, but nothing spectacular

Overall, I was impressed with this travel eye kit.  After my horrible review on Essence of Beauty’s Retractable Kabuki brush, this travel eye kit has redeemed itself.  Honestly, I expected the brushes in the kit to be of the same quality of brushes that you receive from those free gift sets in department stores – scratchy and harsh! My favorite brushes out of this set are definitely the Precision Eye Liner brush and Angled Brow Brush.  Even though these brushes are intended for travel, I find myself reaching for them daily!  For about $10, this price can’t be beat.

Approx Price: $9.99-$12.99

Where to Purchase? CVS

When you travel, do you bring your full sized cosmetic brushes or do you have a set of travel brushes? I  have to admit that I tote my full sized brushes

Popularity: 38% [?]

I finally decided to jump on the Twitter bandwagon! Want to get to know me a bit more? Follow me here.

Hopefully, I won’t get too addicted

Popularity: 36% [?]

got2b has released their new line of hair products: got2b Smooth Operator.  As a Bzzagent, I was able to try out their Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion.

got2b Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion shapes, smoothes, controls fly-aways and gives your hair an amazing weightless lustre that’s touchable and soft.  As an added bonus, it protects against heat syling damage and contains a UV protectant too! I have slightly wavy hair that tends to get frizzy once the weather warms up, so this product was perfect for me to try!

Product Details:

• Comes in a pump dispenser with a unique charm

• Perfect for use on all hair types, wet or dry

Approx Price: $5.99

Where to Purchase? Mass market retailers

Cute charm, no?

The Bottom Line:got2b definitely got the packaging right.  I still can’t over its packaging.  It’s cute pink packaging and charm can easily make anyone pick up this bottle to try.  Aside from its packaging, the texture of the product has a lotion-like consistency and is lightweight enough for those with thin hair.  Because I have oily roots, I only apply hair products to the lower half on my hair.  I applied this product after a blow out and it worked! It smoothed out my tresses and eliminated frizzy ends.  As for the scent? From its pink packaging, you would think the scent would be strong or at least sweet.  Fortunately, the scent is lightweight and not overpowering.  The downfall, however, is that after continued use, I did notice that it did dry out my hair.  I looked at the ingredients..and behold..it contains alcohol.   

If you’re looking for a decent hair product to smooth out your tresses, you might want to give got2b Smooth Operator Smoothing Lustre Lotion a try.  However, if you have dry hair like me, stay away!

For additional discounts, check out your local drugstore.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Essie introduces the North Fork Collection – nail colors inspired by vacation villages surrounding the waters of Long Island’s East End.  The nail colors within this collection Greenport, Sag Harbor and Shelter Island is named areas around North Fork.  I’m not a New Yorker, but if their skies are really this blue…I’m jealous!

North Fork Collection by Essie

Greenport – A mint green opaque nail color.  A fun Spring color!

Sag Harbor – A cool silver blue.  This hue has a slightly metallic finish.

Shelter Island – A sky blue hue.  This is another fun Spring color!

Greenport, Sag Harbor and Shelter Island are beautiful blues and leave an opaque finish.  These playful colors are perfect for any nail polish addict!

Approx. Price: $8

Where to Purchase? Fine spas and salons

For more product information, visit Essie’s website.

FAB TIP: For extra discounts, check out your local ULTA. They often go on sale!

Popularity: 10% [?]