Reintroducing Myself!

Hello, beauties! I’m Teri Cosenzi, the creator of beautifulmakeupsearch.com, a beauty blog I first launched almost 24 years ago. Can you believe it? It feels like a lifetime ago when I hit "publish" on my very first blog post, not knowing how it would change my life and allow me to connect with so many amazing people who share my passion for beauty.

Today, as we prepare to ring in 2025, I’m thrilled to reintroduce myself and share my exciting plans for the next chapter of Beautiful Makeup Search.

A Look Back: How It All Began

Back in 2001, when I started beautifulmakeupsearch.com, beauty blogging was in its infancy. I was simply a beauty girl who had a bad experience at a beauty counter and wanted to share how to make things better. This grew into a love of discovering the latest products with others that had experienced the same, sharing honest reviews, and helping others navigate the ever-growing world of makeup and skincare. It was my creative outlet and my way of connecting with others who shared the same obsession with lipsticks, mascaras, and miracle creams.

Over the years, the blog evolved into a trusted resource for beauty lovers around the world. I’ve tested thousands of products, shared tips and tricks, and provided recommendations that I hope saved you time and money while finding the products that work for you.

Life, however, has a way of shifting priorities, and in recent years, I’ve taken a step back from blogging to focus on my family, other opportunities, and personal growth.

Refocusing for 2025

As we approach 2025, I’m excited to announce that I am refocusing and dedicating myself to relaunching beautifulmakeupsearch.com and my social media channels. This new chapter is deeply personal to me, as it marks a return to my first love: beauty and sharing my love for it online. It also comes with a renewed mission and a fresh perspective.

My mission has always been simple: to help you save time and money by curating only the best makeup, skincare, and beauty products that truly deliver results. As I relaunch the site, I’ll also be diving deeper into the world of anti-aging beauty—a passion that’s become even more important to me over the years. From tried-and-true treatments to the latest innovations, I’ll be your go-to guide for looking and feeling your best at any age.

What to Expect in 2025

The new beautifulmakeupsearch.com will be more than just a beauty blog or online beauty site. It will be a reflection of my journey and the life lessons I’ve learned along the way. In addition to product reviews and beauty tips, I’ll be sharing more personal stories and insights about my life, from navigating challenges to celebrating milestones.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can look forward to:

1. Personal Stories: I’ll be opening up about my life, including the ups and downs, to connect with you on a deeper level.

2. Anti-Aging Beauty Products and Treatments: From skincare to in-office procedures, I’ll share the best treatments I find.

3. Beauty That Saves Time and Money: I’ll continue to test countless products to bring you only the best of the best, ensuring your beauty routine is efficient and effective.

4. Exclusive Content: Expect in-depth guides, tutorials, and insider tips that you won’t find anywhere else.

5. A Community of Beauty Lovers: I want beautifulmakeupsearch.com to feel like home for beauty enthusiasts of all ages. Let’s learn, grow, and glow together!

Join Me on This Journey

As I step back into the world of online beauty, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey so far and excitement for what’s to come. Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to beautifulmakeupsearch.com, I invite you to join me on this adventure. Let’s explore the ever-changing world of beauty together, sharing stories, products, and inspiration along the way.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. Here’s to a beautiful 2025 and beyond!

The Ultimate Guide to Washing Your Makeup Brushes: Why, How, and How Often

Your makeup brushes are a must have and the ultimate staple of your beauty routine. Seriously, makeup brushes are the unsung heroes in your makeup bag. They help blend, contour, and apply products seamlessly, making your face and makeup look its absolute best. But if you're not cleaning them regularly, they could be doing more harm than good.

Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, cause breakouts, and even degrade your makeup's quality. Let’s dive into why, how, and how often you should wash your makeup brushes.

Why you should wash your makeup brushed often!

1. Prevent Bacteria Build-Up: Brushes collect oils, makeup residue, and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent skin irritations and breakouts.

2. Prolong the Life of Your Brushes: Dirty bristles become stiff and prone to breakage, shortening their lifespan.

3. Ensure Flawless Application: Clean brushes pick up and distribute product evenly, giving you a smoother finish.

How Often Should You Wash Them?

• Foundation and Concealer Brushes: Once a week. These brushes handle liquid or cream products, which are more likely to harbor bacteria.

• Eyeshadow Brushes: Every 1–2 weeks, depending on how often you use them and how many shades you apply.

• Lip and Eyeliner Brushes: After every use to avoid transferring bacteria or pigments.

• Powder Brushes: Every 1–2 weeks, as powders are less prone to bacteria build-up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Brushes

What You’ll Need

• Gentle brush cleanser

• Lukewarm water

• A clean towel

• Optional: Brush cleaning mat or glove

Instructions

1. Wet the Bristles:
   Hold the brush under lukewarm water, angling the bristles downward to avoid soaking the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles). Water in the ferrule can loosen the glue and cause shedding.

2. Apply Cleanser:
   Squeeze a small amount of brush cleanser onto your palm or a brush cleaning mat.

3. Lather Up:
   Swirl the brush gently in the cleanser, creating a lather. Focus on working out makeup residue without pressing too hard on the bristles.

4. Rinse Thoroughly:
   Rinse the bristles under running water until the water runs clear. Make sure there’s no soap residue left.

5. Reshape and Dry:
   Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the bristles. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. This allows them to air-dry completely without moisture seeping into the ferrule.

Quick Tips for Busy Days

• Use a daily brush cleanser spray for in-between washes. Spritz the cleanser onto a paper towel and gently wipe your brushes to remove surface product and bacteria.

Brush Care FAQ

Q: Can I use dish soap to clean my brushes?
A: Dish soap can be harsh on bristles over time. Stick to gentle cleansers or shampoos designed specifically for makeup brushes. Some of my favorite makeup brushes cleansers includes this one

Q: How do I clean beauty sponges?
A: Wet the sponge, apply a cleanser, and squeeze out the product under running water. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Q: Do natural and synthetic brushes require different cleaning methods?
A: Not really, but natural brushes may need a conditioning step to keep bristles soft.

By keeping your makeup brushes clean and cared for, you’ll not only extend their lifespan but also improve your skin health and makeup application. Set a schedule, make it a habit, and your brushes (and skin!) will thank you.

Mother of the Bride Wedding Day Skincare and Makeup Routine

There are moments in life that deserve all the attention, love, and care you can give them—and for me, my daughter’s wedding was one of those moments. It was a celebration of love, family, and milestones, and as I stood next to the love of my life and best friend of 35 years, I felt more radiant than ever.

But behind that wedding day glow? It wasn’t just the joy of the day. Months of preparation went into making sure I felt my absolute best. Thanks to my dedicated skincare and beauty routine—carefully curated with the help of The Shot Shop Med Spa—I had the confidence to shine.

Mother of the Bride Skincare Prep: Glowing From Within

Skincare is always the foundation for great makeup, and for this special day, I took extra care of my skin with ZO Skin Health products. These medical-grade formulations helped me achieve the ultimate glow, with months of consistent use leading up to the big day. My skin was clearer, firmer, and more luminous, creating the perfect canvas for my makeup.

But that wasn’t all—I also treated myself to medical-grade facials, lasers, and injectables at The Shot Shop Medical Rejuvenation Spa. These treatments helped smooth fine lines, boost collagen, and give my skin a youthful, refreshed appearance. The results? A wedding-day glow that wasn’t just thanks to makeup but to healthy, rejuvenated skin.

Mother of the Bride Wedding Day Makeup: A Flawless Finish

When it came to my makeup, I wanted products that would not only look great but last through the tears, laughter, and dancing. Here are my go-to products that helped me look and feel my best on one of the most important days of my life:

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: This foundation gave me a radiant, airbrushed finish that stayed flawless all day long.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder & Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes: These two power products worked together to set my makeup without adding any heaviness, ensuring my look was smooth and crease-free—especially under the eyes!

IT Cosmetics Brow Power: Defined, natural brows were a must, and this pencil delivered perfect precision with long-lasting hold.

RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up Concealer: This concealer is a lifesaver for anyone looking for lightweight but effective coverage. It brightened up my under-eye area and covered any imperfections seamlessly.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick: The iconic shade lived up to its reputation. It’s a flattering, natural pink that was just right for the day.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray: To lock in everything and ensure my makeup didn’t budge, I trusted this setting spray. It kept my makeup fresh, even through the long, emotional day.

As the day unfolded and I stood arm in arm with my husband, reflecting on our 35 years of love and friendship, I felt so much gratitude for the moments that led up to that point. My beauty routine gave me the confidence to focus on what truly mattered—cherishing this special day with family and friends.

If there’s anything I learned through this journey, it’s that investing in yourself—whether through skincare, treatments, or a great makeup routine—can make all the difference. It’s about feeling your best, from the inside out.

If you are in Northern Connecticut or Western Massachusetts and need to prep for your own special moments, check out The Shot Shop Medical Rejuvenation Med Spa for all your skincare and aesthetic needs.