Hi Belle,

I keep my eyebrows full so every morning I use an eyebrow brush to keep them neat and in place.  Within a month of buying a new one it always falls apart – literally.  I’ve only used drugstore brand ones because even those cost about $12, which seems obscene, but I’m willing to spend more if it means not having to replace it so frequently.

Do you have a recommendation for a brand, or a suggestion about another way to groom my eyebrows that won’t demand so much of a brush?

Thanks, E

For brushing my eyebrows, I prefer a wand style over the comb style.  I think the wand does a slightly better job of grooming and shaping.  To fill in my brows, I prefer an angled brush like this one from Sigma.

Personally, if you’re fastidious about brow grooming, I would buy the Anastasia Brow Kit.  It’s a little pricey, but her products are good quality and it comes with everything you need.

Hi Belle,

Are you still liking the DryBar Mai Tai Spray?  Is it worth the price or can you recommend something cheaper?

xx, Effie

I love it.  I was such a mousse girl, who refused to believe that anything was better.  But you know, this is.  And when I mix it with my Pantene mousse?  Wowza.

A good friend uses Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe, and is a hardcore devotee.  It also comes in a $3 travel size if you want to give it a whirl.

Belle,

My favorite makeup bag just died (RIP), and I need a replacement.  I went to Target, but everything felt like complete crap.  Do you have a favorite brand that is decently well-made and bigger than a coin purse? 

I’d love some suggestions! SKS

Sadly, the company that made my current makeup bag is out of business.  When buying a makeup bag you want to look for strong zippers, and wide mouth.  Everyone hates digging around in a bag they can’t see inside.  I also recommend something lined with plastic in case of spills.

I hear good things about the bags from Petunia Pickle Bottom.  Henri Bendel also makes a wide selection of makeup bags.  However, if you want affordable options, I would go to Ulta.  This Anna Martino Franco case and this Tartan + Twine case look good to me.