November Contest: Billy B. Beauty Makeup Brushes...

UPDATE:  Contest closed see the winner here!

It's that time ladies, TheMakeupGirl's monthly contest is here!   This time I am giving away a FULL set of Billy B. Beauty makeup brushes valued at $250!!  I use these brushes professionally and personally - so I know how great they are.

I also had the privilege of seeing Billy use them in person last month when I attended the Powder Group's American Beauty Tour.  If you are a regular reader, you know how much I think using makeup brushes are important - here is your chance to win a full set for yourself.

In order to enter and ultimately win, you have to tell me a little about you. 

Criteria:

In the comments section of this post tell me why you think using makeup brushes is important, tell me a little about yourself and why you would like to win them.

Official Rules:

If you are in my family or you are in my phone book you cannot enter (sorry...but I have to be fair), I will read each and every one of your submissions so let's make this interesting ladies!  Write as much as you want, only one entry per person please!

I will go over the submissions and choose a winner.  The contest is open all month long so this would be a great opportunity to win a holiday gift for yourself or a friend (a good friend...lol)

Stay Pretty!!

Comments

[Bahati Harden]

Hi, I'm a 2nd year medical student at the Univ of MS Medical Center. I am originally from Natchez, MS. I am a novice makeup user. However, I recognize the importance of using the proper tools in any endeavor...and that they be of quality. This is true in every situation/ profession. For example, it is just as important to use the proper utensils (pans, measuring cups, etc.) when baking a cake as it is to use high quality and appropriate instruments (scapels, medications, stethoscope, hemostats, diagnostic equipment, etc) in life saving medical procedures. Good tools are also essential to improving one's technique and skills in application. This is why I would love to have the set. As I stated earlier, I am a makeup novice. This set would really help me develop and refine application skills. It would probably also save me a ton of money from wasting product through improper usage/application (I could stop using my hands to apply :-}) and risking contamination. Thanks

[Jessica]

I have been obsessed with makeup since I was in high school and did stage makeup for the drama club. My friends and family are constantly asking me to do their makeup for weddings and other events and I always tell them how important it is to have good brushes. You can have the highest quality makeup in the world, but if you're applying it with crappy brushes/applicators, it will show. I've started buying brushes for the women in my life as birthday and Christmas gifts. That being said, some of the brushes in my own collection have seen better days since I've been using them for years. I'm very good about cleaning regularly, but eventually it's time to let them go. If I won this collection, I would update some of my brushes, and distribute the rest to my friends who I still haven't convinced to buy new brushes. This would make the best Christmas present for me!! Thanks Makeup Girl :o)

[kia]

hi Lianne!it's Kia.. the aspiring makeup artist, lover of all things cosmetics and a big fan of billy b.'s (you don't' know how sad i am that i didn't get to go to the american beauty tour. i read and devour the interviews with him from other bloggers. makeup brushes are essential to makeup for flawless application! i have my handy brushes, but a full set of professional brushes would be awesome to have to start my adventure in makeup when i become licensed. i would love to have billy b.'s brushes and use them with the tips that he gives on how to use them for great makeup! =))))

[janet]

simply put... i love makeup. but sadly i cannot afford all that i'd love to buy. i've never been able to get all the nice brushes out there cuz i use to think a brush is just a brush. can you really notice a big difference with the different quality of brushes out there?? i'd love to win these brushes so i could test them out for myself. i never had a complete set of brushes either. i'm always looking at it thinking... do i really need this?? and more like can i really afford this right now?? hehehe. if i won these brushes then i could use the money i'd save to buy other beauty related products. like eyeshadows (i'm an eyeshadow whore!! LOL). i'd love to test out these brushes and see what i've been missing out on all these years!!

[Angelica]

Makeup for me is my hobby, my addiction, and my best playmate. I enjoy every moment with my friend and I love to share any information that I can with anyone who will listen. I have been holding out on purchasing any brushes, other than the drugstore Sonia Kashuk brushes I currently own, because the cost is so daunting. I have recently decided to put my fears aside and go back to school and the thought of shelling out that much money on a set of brushes would put this 34 year-old student in a bind. But I do love to dream of the day when I can finally have the most coveted of beauty tools.

[merry]

I just found you last week, so it might not seem fair to enter a contest right away but I'm going to regardless.

After 10 years of infertility, I am a new mom to a 9 year old boy through adoption. I love being a mom. I had planned and prepared for this so long before it actually happened, and my life was very often consumed by my ventures to become a mom. This often led to neglecting my appearance among many other things.

Now that my child is home, I am realizing that how I look and how I feel affects my ability to be a good mother to my little boy because it affects my mood and my confidence. So I'm trying to pay more attention to my skin care needs and dress in more flattering combinations and actually style my hair and wear makeup every day. My wardrobe, hair styling tools, and makeup drawer are all in much need of an upgrade, but being a mom now, there isn't much money extra available and I have to be very picky about priorities.

I long for a great set of brushes because I know they can make even mediocre quality makeup look great and great makeup look awesome allowing me to get more bang for my buck! If I don't win this set of brushes, I still have a set high up on my wish list.

[Marie_R]

Hi Lianne. I recently completed my make-up artistry course I know how important good quality brushes are. But I'm not entering the competition for me but on behalf of my Aunt. She has really supported me over the years and giving her an amazing gift like this for Christmas would be wonderful. As I'm starting out I don't have much money to spend on luxury items so this would be perfect. :)

[Alain]

I grew up in Shanghai, China during the 1980s. It was perhaps the most beautiful time in Shanghai. Just as the world might remember Shanghai slowly opening itself up again, I remembered my grandmother slowly opening her locked drawer of calligraphy brushes and treasured sheets of coarse off white paper for the first time in years. She always drew by the light of dawn and in our small one room house the sweeps of her brush would be the sound I awakened to every morning. There wasn't much money for food or entertainment in those days, but my grandma insisted on traveling to the next province to buy her ink and brushes from the same drafty shop. And everytime my grandpa would balk, to which my grandma would always reply "those that truly are of you must reflect just that." I didn't understand what it meant then, but I would roll those characters off my tongue as if enough practice would bring enlightenment.
When I came to the States for school everything was unfamiliar and as you can imagine, quite scary. I quickly came to love lunchtime though because it was when I would steal away and walk through the leafy shades to a nearby outdoor shopping plaza. Here, it was okay to be alone and to just gaze at the world around you. And it was also here that I walked into my very first Macy's and saw a sales assistant apply makeup to a customer. Her concentration caught my attention, but it was her use of these beautifully shaped brushes that held it. Something in the way she knitted her eyebrows, the way she tilted her head in between the rests of strokes that reminded me so much of my grandma. She was a stranger to me, but I knew beyond a doubt that she, just like my grandma, was an artist.
I didn't have the money to buy anything that day, but the creativity of that makeup artist and my own nostalgia sparked a passion for art through make up that even now shows no signs of abating. My favorite aspect of makeup is and will always be its application. It's the part that is entirely myself. It's my history and it's my now. Each technique, each color has a story that intertwines to create a transformation, a future. Through this process I've finally started to understand my grandma's words. Perhaps she meant that those things that come from a part of you will always reflect a little bit of who you are, but you must also work to make it as true to you as possible. In that way, my grandma not only cared about what she created, but also what she used to create it. She, and now I, recognized that an artist must find those tools that works best with her/him. And while I don't have the means yet to try out the more expensive brushes, the search is an important one to me. Billy B. brushes are beautifully crafted and made with a specific purpose in mind. There is no doubt that I would love to own these brushes. so here is my story and here is me.

[Jane Cooley]

Hello Lianne,

I don't usually enter contests but yours is sooo cute.

Why do I think a good makeup brush is important ? Well, as a life long lover of all things in the makeup world, it's all a matter of self esteem. We all have those little issues that make us nuts, or feeling less than the glowing women we really are. Using makeup and the right tool is nothing more than being good to ourselves, even in this small way, tacking the time to accept all of who we are, and being the best we can be . It's also self respect, our faces are our canvases, and we are the artist.It doesn't matter what brand or format or how much you use..or don't use for that matter. What matters is that small amount of time that you give to yourself . We are all beautiful, in every way possible, every day .Having the right tools allows you the freedom to play, to learn and to dare to try something new and exciting.

I'm a frequent lurker/reader, first time poster who lives in Houston, age 52 and the happily married mother of 5 cats who rule the house.

[Cinthia]

I am a 22 year old college graduate who is becoming comfortable in her own skin and exploring makeup as I head into the life as an adult. Make-up brushes are uberly important. My first makeup brush was a mac blush brush. I have to say it sure made a difference. I suffer from acne, and with the small collection of makeup brushes i have now (blush brush from mac, foundation brush from bare escentials, and eye brush from cvs) i have been able to correctly cover the acne scars i havent been able to cover. It makes me feel more confident about myself when i can go out with a beautiful complexion because of my makeup brushes. Having the correct makeup brushes can make the difference between a smokey eye and looking like a racoon. I would be so happy to receive these makeup brushes because as i just graduated college, i cant afford something like this, and having this great arsenal of brushes will take me into my new life as a confident working woman.

[Adina]

My name is Adina and I am a newly graduated college student currently working in private equity. As a self declared beauty junkie I am always on the lookout for new, exciting, and great quality products. I have heard so much about Billy B and would love to get my hands on his amazing brushes. They are looking to be a must have for my arsenal. In my opinion, makeup brushes (and the quality of said brushes) can make or break a look. Not only do brushes help to flawlessly apply and blend makeup, but they can be used in special ways to give a look some extra oomph. For example, a fine angled brush creates the perfect eyeliner wing! I love makeup and everything about it and I am hoping with these brushes that I can round off my arsenal

[Patrice]

Hi Lianne! Great contest and I'm so happy to delurke on this post. I was introduced to make-up 9 years ago while senior in high school preparing for a cotillion. I remember my first purchase was foundation, powder, blush, eye shadow and two tubes of lipstick. This was great for the cotillion and for my senior pictures but I didn't want to wear make-up every day because I had acne prone skin (and still do) and was afraid that make-up would only make my skin worse. For the next 7 years, I purchased makeup and a collection of brushes (8 brushes for $10 lol), but rarely wore it because I could never achieve the "my skin looks naturally flawless" look for everyday or the "my make-up is bold and dazzling" for more dramatic occasions. My makeup always looked. . . blah. Last year on New Year's Eve, I was in a wedding. One of the other bridesmaids is a M.A.C. artist and of course did our make up. Can you say fabulous!?!? So I went to the M.A.C. store in Georgetown, had my face done and loved, loved, loved the results. I made a few purchases, took them home, pulled out my 8 for $10 brushes and guess what? Still BLAH! I didn't understand why my face looked nothing like it did when I left the store. I had the same products right? Unless the artists used a suped up high intensity stash to sucker people like me. Did I smell conspiracy?

Somehow I stumbled upon your blog. I began reading daily and followed your links to other makeup blogs where I discovered that maybe something was wrong with my tools. So I went out and purchased a multi purpose brush from M.A.C. his brush is great! I can use it for my concealer and shadow. The $30 purchase was a bit over budget, but I so enjoy the results. I wear shadow almost daily and have achieved a look that I love. I'm ready to take the next steps - blending and bronzer - but the el-cheapo brushes aren't even an option. The plan is to wait until The holiday brush collections arrive so that I can get a few more tools for my dollar, at least until I can afford something better. When I saw this contest I had to enter. With these brushes I could blend and bronze and maybe even, dare I say it, try foundation again. With the right tools, I think I just may be ready.

[Valentina]

Hi Lianne, I am a budding makeup artist, and I found that really great brushes make the application process easier, faster and lay the makeup easily and flawlessly. I go to events organized by the Powdergroup and Billy B's brushes have been a coveted item for a long time for me...Finding a great set of brushes is hard to do and when I saw your post, since I am actually looking for a set, I said "awesome!!"...it would be fantastic to get them since they are amazing and my clients would appreciate them as will I!! Thanks for the contest and keep up the great job you are doing!! Thanks!!!! :)

[Vanessa]

Do you ever have that feeling in the pit of your stomach where you just want something so bad you know you can do it? This is me right now. I'm playing in make-up, making it my dream. I love art. To me make-up is art. Art that is seen everyday but not recognized. It's basically all I can think of. What colors work well with others. How to create shadows. What looks natural. These are all of the thoughts that run through my mind as I look at people's faces. And then I know that this is what I want. That feeling in the pit of my stomach is excited at the prospect of achieving what I so desire. I want to make art everyday. I want to see the beauty in everyone and portray it on the outside. But I also want a start. These brushes have symbolized the start for me. My way in. I don't have the extra money to afford them. I have the mind to dream of them though. I want to greatly make my dreams a reality. The burning sensation isn't going away.

[Angelica]

My name is Angelica I am a mom of two boys. I used to do make up and went to school for it. Since having my kids I have had to put my passion for make up on hold. I would love to go back into it but I need to get a whole new kit and the brushes for me are the most important.To me it would be like a fish with no water. I still find it amazing what make can do.It can transform you inside and out.I miss the pride I would feel knowing I made some girls dream of looking perfect on her wedding day come true. The brushes were like my magic wand.There is no way I could afford to buy a new set since I only work part time. My oldest son has Autism so I spend most of my day taking him to his therapies.It would be nice to get something for myself for once.:) Thank you for your time!

[mary]

WOW!!! everyone got great comments...about brushes...

I for one think that brushes are the tools that are needed to make oneself presentable to oneself and to the world. I don't have to be an expert at using it, but I can pretend to my self that I know how to use it and eventually will continue to learn how to use..it...!! I do need new brushes though, cause i don't really have any!! thanks

[Julia]

Hi, my name is Julia and I'm a final-year university student. Believe it or not I just recently got interested into makeup a couple of months ago. My interest has been waning and coming back and back and forth but I'm focusing on both price, quality, natural ingredients. I don't want to spend too much money on makeup because I have a tendency to be lazy and just go without it. But I also don't want to cheap out and buy poor quality makeup. So getting those brushes would be great so I don't have to buy my own, save some money, and I get some professional quality materials I can use. I think you need brushes because often the applicators that come with makeup are inadequate or not even there. You also get better application, more control, more hygenic (better than using your fingers on your face), and waste less product.

[David Ray]

Hi Lianne
I was a professional makeup artist for over 20 years both here in New York and in Hollywood.
A little over a year ago I had to have a quad heart bypass.
During my recovery I started my website Makeup Beat (I'm sure I have borrowed from and given credit to your site because The Makeup Girl is one I check all the time).
I had a relapse this past May (two of the replaced arteries failed) so I am going through physical rehab and not able to work.
When you face your own mortality this way you are blessed to take stock of your life, and I have been looking for some way to give back.
I am now a mentor to a young makeup artist who is just starting out and could really use a new professional set of makeup brushes. I know that Billy B. is extremely talented and will have created the perfect brush for each cosmetic need. And you know just how important having the right tools are to any makeup person.
So I was excited to see that you are having this great give-away and hope you will consider helping me to support one of our own.
Many thanks and keep up the great blog...
David @ MakeupBeat.com xox

[KC Smith]

Hey Lianne!
I've got the worst brushes in the world... they must be almost 20 years old, bought in early high school Mary Kay get-with-purchase things. I use great products and love beauty blogs, but have never upgraded my brushes for who knows what reason. My identical twin has LOVELY M•A•C brushes that I covet whenever I visit; she thinks I'm a complete stooge for never getting anything new. It's likely a health hazard! Anyhow, I'd love to try my luck at the giveaway... thanks for the chance!

[Saniya]

Hey Makeup Girl,
You're in my Blogroll, so I check ur blog everyday. I am a Pakistani, 20 year old, with fair skin. I am a current Psychology major, and have my own blog as well, targeting all types of women. There are many blogs out there about Hollywood's make-up trends etc, so I thought to myself, why not Bollywood, since there are zero Bollywood beauty sites etc. So I started a blog all about Bollywood's Beauty products, Make-up breakdowns, latest make-up trends, etc. I believe it is essential for a woman to know how to do her make-up to look polished and well-groomed. And if I can share my knowledge with women and even make one of them please out of the gazillion, then I know I've done a good job with my blog.

I feel make-up brushes are the most important part of the make-up process, they need to have the correct hairs, the correct cut, and should be soft, and shouldn't irritate the face. I have tried many brushes, but never tried any of Billy B's I've heard they are the best in the market. I really hope you would consider me as a winner, if not, I would understand. You have a wonderful blog, and I sincerely hope you would come and visit mine as well.

Thank you,
XOXO,
I♥M·A·C
http://iheartmake-up.blogspot.com/

[Julia]

Wow, this is quite a give-away! Here is my story: I'm 22 and a fashion marketing graduate and aspiring personal stylist. I decided to help people dress after watching too many 'What Not To Wear' episodes. I am absolutely fascinated by people's drastic change in behavior and composure after being exposed to the better version of themselves. I find it to be so much more than just a makeover! It gives me a real sense of accomplishment to be able to help somebody see themselves in a better light. Very much like fashion, makeup also has this power. When makeup is thought of as much more than just 'face paint', one is able to truly appreciate it's potential and how it can transform a face (and boost confidence!). Having good tools and products (and in the case of fashion, clothes that fit your body shape and personal style) is the key to looking not good, but fabulous. If one must apply makeup, one must do it right.

[Pooka]

Makeup brushes are vitally important to any true cosmetic artist. The slightest change in the curve or stiffness of an eyeshadow brush can completely alter the way the color deposits on the lid. Brushes can do anything from dust on color, to lay a foundation, to even help set false eyelashes (the rear end of the brush that is!).

[Pooka]

Ack....computer decided to restart in the middle there! My name is Peggi, I'm 34 and live in southern Oregon. I live in an area where I have to order most of my products online. I particularly love MAC, Benefit, and NARS cosmetics, but when Sephora's siren song draws me in, any product that has the right colors or benefits to my skin can draw me in.

I've been in the market for a new set of brushes ever since my MAC pro-line brushes have begun seeing better days. I love makeup, and I get to play with it all the time as I volunteer with a theater group. Not to mention my daughter is a gymnast! There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a clean face as your canvas, and transforming it with just a few strokes of a brush.

[Chinyelu]

I think using makeup brushes is important for me because they make a huge difference in the finish as well as the experience of applying makeup. I believe that makeup application is an art and tools are very important. Good quality brushes are a pleasure to use because they allow precise application, blending, smoothing, working, buffing and basically just enable you achieve the result you want.

I also think of good brushes as enjoyable-a form of relaxation; a soft natural brush against the skin is relaxing and soothing, and the process of applying makeup transcends into something therapeutic.

I'm a 25 year old woman, just learning about makeup and the ability it has to enhance anyones natural beauty. I love makeup and I know that I will love and treasure these brushes if I win them.

[kailani]

I'm a flight attendant and would love a make-up brush set to take with me on layovers. That way I don't have to keep remembering to pack my original set. Brushes are so important because they ensure that your make-up goes on flawlessly!

Thank you for this great giveaway!