Pro-quality makeup brushes cost a fortune, but a good set will also last a lifetime.

On the other hand–investment or not—some simply don’t have the cash available to make such a purchase.  ELF makeup brushes are terrific for day-to-day use until you’re ready to take the professional plunge.

ELF brushes are superior to the drugstore brand brushes I’ve used in the past, and also happen to be as much as 75% cheaper per brush than brands sold at your local drugstore.  My favorite brushes are the Total Face Brush (top), Blushing, Bronzing and Blending Brush (middle) and the Eye Shadow Brush (bottom).  In fact, I like the Eye Shadow Brush so much… I have several!

Will ELF brushes last a lifetime?  NO!  Will they last a long time?  YES!  I’ve owned my makeup brushes from eyes, lips, face for about 3 years now and they are still used in my daily routine.  For only $1 per brush, can you really go wrong?  Of course, keep in mind that shipping is a flat $5.  So if you buy 5 brushes, they’ll be about $2 per brush.  Unless you plan to spend $75 to earn free shipping, it may be wiser to add them to a drugstore.com order for $1.50 each.

Check out the elf selection at www.eyeslipsface.com.  Or www.drugstore.com

I recently had the most amazing opportunity, readers!  The team over at Flat Iron Experts asked if I could review one of the amazing high-end hair styling tools they sell online.  Naturally my answer was a resounding “yes, please!”

So what did I test drive?  The Porche of hair dryers:  the BaByliss Pro Carrera!

The BaByliss Pro Carrera is a professional ionic dryer.  Have you ever wondered why people RAVE about ionic technology in hair styling tools?  Well, BaByliss has a succinct explanation printed right on the Carrera box. 

“Negative Ion Energy is powerful enough to break water molecule clusters into tiny particles that can penetrate the hair shaft.  As hair absorbs the moisture, the hair cuticle is tightened.  Hair is immediately regenerated from the inside out.” 

So basically, moisture is trapped back inside the hair follicle, where is belongs!  I’ve had damaged, dry hair since my early teens.  I’ve never allowed this fact to prevent me from abusing my tresses even further!  Countless different colors, frequent flat ironing…  it’s as if I’m intentionally trying to harm my hair.  Without tools like the Carrera by BaByliss, I’d probably be bald by now.

Pros:  Right out of the box, this dryer screamed “quality”.  The dryer looks like a sportscar, with a finish that looks like red brushed metal (you know how I adore red).  In use, this hairdryer is amazingly powerful.  It has a low and high power setting, and let me tell you… the high setting is like standing behind a jet!  If you’re in a contant rush to get your hair dry in the morning, this tool is made just for you.  The low setting is great for drying wavy hair straight, and an attachment is provided to direct the airflow to small sections of hair for this purpose.  Unlike my T3, the BaByliss Pro Carrera not only has a “cool shot” button, but a way to control the overall heat as well.  It’s a nice option to have, especially with warmer Summer months approaching.  The extra-long power cord is a major plus.  It’s always tough for me to dodge my kids when I’m drying my hair, and this gives me a much wider radius!

Of course, the most important thing to consider when purchasing a styling tool is the result.  After using the BaByliss Pro Carrera, my hair felt instantly softer… even with no product in!  I love instant gratification, and love this hairdryer!

There is really only one con I can think of.  The BaByliss Pro Carrera dryer is heavier than some.  I weighed the dryer, and my best estimate is this dryer weighs about 1 lb, 6 oz. without the cord.  My T3 weighs 15 oz. without the cord.  So the dryer is roughly 1/2 lb. heavier.  Though I personally don’t find this to be an issue, those who find heavy hairdryers too cumbersome might want to check out the Carrera in person before taking the plunge.

The BaByliss Pro also has a generous 12 month limited warranty!  I love not having to worry about a lemon!  Scroll down for more product images, courtesy of Flat Iron Experts!

Regular retail price is $139.99.  Click HERE to buy it for $109.95 from Flat Iron Experts!

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Not soon after I published my review of H2Pro’s 1 inch flat iron… this little tidbit of info crossed my desk!

For those of you looking for a flat iron that heats up fast and takes frizz to task… H2Pro has launched their Presto Flat Iron in a 1 1/4 inch version!

Have long, thick hair that needs straightening?  Then you’re in need of a flat iron with larger plates…  otherwise the process will take FOREVER!

Suggested Retail Price: $180
Additional Size: 1 Inch

Visit www.h2probeautylife.com for more info!

Misikko holds a very special place in my heart.  About a year and a half ago, when Raging Rouge was still very much a hobby, Misikko approached me to purchase some advertising space.  Thus, my little beauty blog graduated from hobby into a small business that thrives today!

Recently, the tress-obsessed team at Misikko proposed another interesting idea:  They wanted me to test-drive and review their #1 best-selling flat iron, the Hana Elite Pure Ceramic Flat Iron.  I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm.  Yes!  A thousand times, yes!

Right out of the box, I was struck by the fact that the Hana Elite is packaged like a treasure.  It comes in a foam-lined tin that’s great for storage, or even to pack the iron for travel.  Also included with each straightening iron is a heat-resistant pouch with a divider to carefully separate the iron from its cord.  My hair appliance drawer is riddled with tangled cords, so these little storage details were immediately appealing!  The Hana Elite also comes with a silicone heat-proof mat, to protect precious surfaces from heat damage!

Naturally, you’re more interested in my review of the product itself… so I’ll get on with it!  The team at Hana clearly takes pride in their engineering and materials.  The Hana Elite is made with 100% pure ceramic that is guaranteed to never peel or scratch, and the heating system is specifically designed to ensure the ceramic plates are evenly heated (unlike other irons with cheap coils under the plates).  Near the on/off switch is a dial where the temperature of the plates can be manually adjusted from 140 to 450 degrees F.  This is a big selling point for women with hair in a delicate state, who need the option for a lower setting to keep the process as gentle as possible.  The iron heats up in under 30 seconds (depending on how hot your selection), and glides smoothly over the hair shaft for quick, easy straightening.

Perhaps the most notable quality of this flat iron is this:  of every iron I’ve used (and there have been many in my lifetime), the design of the Hana Elite makes it easiest to style loose curls and flips.  This is something I’ve never been skillful with, and it makes this styling tool more versatile than many!  If you’re unskilled with styling like I was, you’ll love the comprehensive instruction manual complete with a “how-to” guide with styling tips!

Retail price is ordinarily $359.99.  Misikko sells this flat iron for $229.99!  I’ll admit… mine was a freebie (see my disclosure statement for sample policies).  But I would positively buy this iron with my own money based on its performance.  Click HERE to buy the Hana Elite at Misikko.

I double-checked my order history to ensure I provided you with 100% accurate information.  My last flat iron was ordered on July 4, 2006 (must have been a birthday present from me, to me).  So naturally I jumped at the chance to test-drive the latest technology by H2Pro– The Presto 1 Inch Flat Iron.

Why did I find this particular flat iron so intriguing?  I’m a busy full-time Mom, and have very little spare time.  When I read H2Pro’s claims that this flat iron heats up in less than 15 seconds, I just had to get my hands on it.  For anyone severely time-crunched, that is a HUGE selling point!

When I received this flat iron for review, the first thing I did was time the heat-up myself using my stop watch.  By my clock, H2Pro Presto 1 Inch Flat Iron beat expectations, and was ready for use in 10 seconds flat!  I was giddy with excitement!

Naturally, speed means nothing if the product doesn’t perform.  So here’s my full review.  I have long, naturally-wavy hair that frizzes up to a 70s disco-style in humidity and rain (no exaggeration).  Using my last flat iron, I needed a full blow-out prior to ironing to get my hair straight and smooth.  Using the H2Pro Presto 1 Inch Flat iron, I no longer need to blow my hair dry as straight as possible.  I can let it air-dry (and spend my precious time doing much more useful things).  Even if my hair starts out as a frizzy, poofy mess, H2Pro’s Presto whips my hair into shape in 5 minutes. 

Here are some other “H2Pros”.  The Presto 1 Inch Flat Iron can also safely be used on damp hair.  Had you tried this with the flat irons of yesteryear, your precious tresses would have ended up totally fried.  But do remember, the wetter your hair, the longer the straightening process! 

OF course, if you’re familiar with my personal taste, you’ll know I also adore the jazzy red shade of the iron surface.

Retail price is $180.  If you’re a frizzy diva ( you know who you are) it’s worth every penny. Check it out at h2probeautylife.com.  To buy, call 800-896-7728 or email info@h2proshop.com.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review.  For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.