Review : NARS Blushes

without flash

NARS Blushes in (from left):
Super Orgasm - Taos
Orgasm - Crazed

with flash

PRODUCT INFO from NARS' site:
Made with transparent pigments for a soft and sheer look. Imparts a natural, healthy glow for any skin tone and may be worn alone or layered together for more depth and intensity.
  • Provides a sheer, natural hint of color
  • Made with transparent pigments to avoid heaviness
  • Broad selection of shades

RETAIL PRICE: Php 1,350 or about $28.

WEIGHT : 4.5 grams

SHADES : More than 25 Blush shades available.
Some popular shades are Orgasm, Deep Throat, Luster, Angelika, Desire
.


WHAT I LIKE:
* A little goes a long way
* Pigmented
* silky texture, glides easily
* finely milled
* all 4 blushes have gold shimmers! i love shimmery makeup..
* compact has a mirror
* lasts for more than 5 hours on me - amazing staying power!

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* the rubber casing - it easily attracts dirt
* expensive compared to MAC!

MY THOUGHTS ON EACH COLOR:

>
Orgasm (peachy pink w/ shimmer) - the infamous NARS blush! My MUA friend Jessie used this on my wedding day and prenuptial shoot ( <-click links to view pic) that's why I'm in love with this blush. But I read this color doesn't show up on all skintones, better test this first before purchasing. This is my first NARS blush btw.


>
Super Orgasm (peachy pink w/ gold glitter) - they say this is Orgasm on steroids =) The gold glitters doesn't bother me coz its not noticeable at all (it falls off), but it really looks
chunky on the pan. The color is kinda pinkish compared to Orgasm, and its more pigmented than O. This is loosely pressed compared to the other 3 blushes coz of the chunky glitters.

> Crazed (raspberry w/ shimmer) - you'll look crazy if you over-apply this blush! It looks scary on the pan, but when used with a light hand its a very pretty pink! If you're too lazy to apply makeup, just apply this blush to brighten your face + lipgloss.

>
Taos (desert rose w/ shimmer) - this doesn't look desert rose to me, its a reddish-coral IMO. Correct me if I'm wrong.. =) I think this shade flatters all skintones. Like Crazed, you only need to tap the brush once on the pan since this is very pigmented.

TIPS:
I tried several brushes in applying NARS blushes.. Bare Naturals stippling, Ellana baby buki & Everyday Minerals angled blush brush, but the one that works best for me is Ecotools' blush brush coz of its shape. I only need to tap the flat surface of the brush on the pan and swipe directly on my cheeks. The size is perfect for my cheek area, not too big nor small. I also read from Girltalk, Etude's stippling brush works best with NARS blushes too.


ADDICTION FACTOR:
I'm starting to get addicted! Waah.. but I think its really worth it coz their blushes are really pigmented, I think each pan will last me 1 - 2 years!

RATING :
5 out of 5.

Swatches (without flash)
NARS Blushes from Top:
Crazed
Taos

Super Orgasm
Orgasm


Swatches (with flash)


Till next time,

Review : MAC Mineralize blush in Gentle

Color is really boring in the pan right?!

MAC Mineralize blush in Gentle


PRODUCT INFO from MAC:
Baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. Veils and enhances the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 1,200 in MAC stores.

WEIGHT : 3.5 grams / 0.11 US oz.

SHADES
: Available in 7 shades.
Dainty (Light yellow pink with gold pearl)
Superdupernatural (Mid-tone coral)
Gentle (Raspberry with gold pearl)
Warm soul (Mid-tone beige with gold pearl)
Love Thing (Dirty burgundy with gold pearl)
Gleeful (Deep dirty blue pink with gold pearl)

Love Joy (Warm mid-tone brown with gold pearl)

WHAT I LIKE:
* i love baked makeup / mineralize finishes
* has fine gold shimmers - not glitters
* above average staying power
* looks natural! it has a sheer but buildable color

* looks purple-y on the pan but registers as a sheer pink on my cheeks

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* texture of powder is not as fine as their regular blushes (but it doesn't bother me)
* product is only 3.5 grams compared to the regular blush which is 6 grams

TIPS:
Like what I've said before, be careful not to drop BAKED makeups since this is very fragile.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
I'm in love with this blush!

RATING :
5 out of 5.


Swatch
MAC Mineralize blush in Gentle

See the color is very different from the pan...


Till next time,

Review : MAC Dsquared2 Sculpt and Shape Powder Duo

This Limited Edition Powder is part of the Dsquared2 Collection released last November 2009. Got this from a Hongkong based seller on Ebay for Php 1,200+ only including shipping. It arrived after a month coz of the holidays. Read on to find out if its worth the wait =)


MAC Dsquared2 Sculpt and Shape powder in Accentuate/Sculpt


PRODUCT INFO:
Sculpt and Shape Powder is a split-pan, two-in-one powder with the perfect level of pigment for creating a naturally sculpted look. The deeper shade is matte, making it perfect for contouring the face and body. The lighter shade has low-level pearlized pigments, making it ideal for highlighting the high planes of the face. This non-acnegenic formula has jet-milled pigments to allow for smooth, even, silky application. Sculpt and Shape Powder contains skin conditioning agents like Wheat and Barley Extracts and is dermatologist and ophthalomologist-tested.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 1,500 in MAC stores.

WEIGHT : 11.5 grams / 0.40 oz.

SHADES
:
Accentuate/Sculpt (Pale peach highlighter and cool matte brown contour powder)
Bone Beige/Emphasize (Pale cream shimmer higlighter and reddish brown contouring powder)

WHAT I LIKE:
* finely milled texture
* long lasting - after swatching, I washed my hands 2x and the color didn't budge!
* contour powder is natural looking compared to using bronzers,
doesn't create a harsh line when applied.
* easy to blend (compared to using bronzers to contour in my experience)
* pan holds a lot of product - will last me a long time!
* no weird smell


WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* this is Limited Edition. Not sure if MAC have this in their permanent line.
* expensive
* wish the compact has a mirror included

TIPS:
I use the dark shade to contour my nose bridge (using Sansan's angled eyeshadow brush) and the hollow of my cheeks using Everyday Minerals Angled brush or MAC 168 brush.

For the light shade I use it to highlight my T-zone (forehead, chin, nose) and my cheekbones.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Really worth it.. Will definitely repurchase!

RATING :
5 out of 5.


Swatch
MAC Dsquared2 Sculpt and Shape powder in Accentuate/Sculpt

The contour powder looks very natural on my skintone.

*image from Temptalia.com*

Left - Bone Beige / Emphasize
Right - Accentuate / Sculpt

I think Bone Beige/Emphasize is for light skintones and Accentuate/Sculpt for light to medium skintones.


See ya next time,

Kotex Luxe Contest winners..

Congratulations to the winners of my Kotex Luxe Contest.

1. Curtney
2. Kax
3. Rosey

4. Gracie
5. heartlocks
6. suzanne
7. milette
8. mary joyce

9. mariel

10 emiliana
11. bagel

12. torque15
13. hidburn
14. merlinda little

15. kaho din

Thank you to those who joined and to KOTEX for sponsoring this giveaway.

To the winners, will email you after lunchtime.
Please provide me with your shipping address.
Kotex will send the sample gift packs to you.
Please allow 1 - 2 weeks for delivery.
..


Til next time,

Milani Eyeshadows

Got these cute Milani eyeshadows from my favorite seller in Ebay for Php 70 each!

The eyeshadow colors are sheer - but its buildable.
Staying power is average (without primer).


Swatch from left (click pic to enlarge)
Milani eyeshadow in Sheer Sand
Milani eyeshadow in Sun Goddess
Milani eyeshadow in Garden Mist

My favorite among the 3 shades is Sun Goddess.
I love gold/bronze eyeshadows!
According to Nikki, its a dupe of MAC Amber lights eyeshadow.


*photo from Nikki of Askmewhats*

I depotted the eyeshadows and transferred them into my empty ELF palette.

Tadaa...



The finished product.. they fit perfectly!
I still need to fill the empty pan =)
I'm thinking of getting an ELF e/s.

******************************
For instructions on How to Depot Milani eyeshadows check out Nikki's post here.

And by the way, if you don't have the magnetic square's that Nikki used in the tutorial, its okay NOT to use one..


And by the way, the 15 winners for the KOTEX Luxe Contest will be announced tomorrow.


Til next time,

Review : Ever Bilena Blush in Cheek

In my previous post, I mentioned that this blush is a dupe of NARS Taos.
Let's take a closer look shall we?


Ever Bilena Blush in Cheek


PRODUCT INFO from box:
With Ever Bilena Cheek Blush you can brush on a gorgeous glow and achieve your ultimate beauty. It is formulated to provide the much needed sun protection as well as infused with Vitamin E, C & K to moisturize, soften and enhance your radiance.

TO APPLY : Apply lightly for a subtle look or add more color depending on desired intensity.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 150 or $3

WEIGHT : 4 grams (for reference, MAC is 6 grams)

SHADES
: Available in more than 3 shades.


WHAT I LIKE:
* great color pay-off
* not chalky
* above average staying power compared to other local blushes
* not scented
* no allergies!
* love that it has a mirror and the brush included is soft!
* suits both fair and morena skintones

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* hmm.. can't think of any.

TIPS:
Like most pigmented blushes, apply with a very light hand. Slowly layer the color till you achieve your desired look. Best if used with a stippling brush.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Love it! Will not repurchase though, still have a lot of blushes to use. My officemate accidentally bought the HONEST shade, tried it and its a nice warm peachy-pink shade with NO shimmers =)

RATING :
5 out of 5.

Swatch

Same size as MAC..


Packaging is almost alike, except for the brush compartment.


See ya next time,

Reposting : Imju Fiberwig mascara giveaway

Click here for contest rules. Contest ends Jan 15, 2010.
Goodluck!


Spend vs. Save : NARS Blush in Taos

Looking for a cheap red-hued blush?

Spend : NARS blush in Taos - Php 1,350
Save : Ever Bilena blush in Cheek Php 150

See the huge price difference? =)

Taos is a very pretty reddish-dark coral blush. When used with a stippling brush it gives me a nice warm flush! I prefer to use my Ecotools blush brush and gently TAP the brush once on the pan since its very pigmented. I think this blush will last me a LONG, LONG time!



They look almost the same on the pan, but see the difference when swatched.
Cheek is kinda pink compared to Taos, but when applied on my cheeks I really can't tell the difference =)


Swatches:
NARS Blush in Taos
Ever Bilena blush in Cheek

Credits to Pammy for posting!

Kotex Luxe Contest - CLOSED


Make no compromises!

New Kotex Luxe Sanitary Napkin* is the first ultra thin pad that gives you breakthrough Fusion Technology, a revolutionary combination of dry-net and cotton-like covers to help you get the dryness of net and the softness of cotton with just one pad! No more compromises!


No Compromise

When faced with life's choices, you stick to your guns. Nobody tells you what you
can't do, or what you can't have. You're in the driver's seat and you're not going
to apologize for your choices.

You may go this way or that. Or have it both ways, just because you're you. It's not
fence-sitting if you get exactly what you want. One thing is for sure, you will
settle for no less than perfect.

You are a Kotex Luxe woman, and you never compromise.

*************************
You know you're right and you'll stand up for it. You will not settle for anything less because you deserve the best!

As a New Year's treat, Kotex is giving away 15 sample packs (5 pieces per pack) to my readers.

All you have to do is:
1. Share your "No Compromise experience".

2. Leave your answer in the COMMENTS section.
Don't forget to leave your name and e-mail address.

Contest starts NOW and ends on January 15, 2010.
Sorry Philippine residents only. =)

I will draw the 15 lucky winners via Random.org.

Goodluck everyone!

Neutral eyes using Maybelline Eyestudio Gel eyeliner in Brown

I'm so in love with this gel eyeliner! Gave this a 5/5 rating.
Click here if you missed my product review.

Sorry for the immature EOTD! haha

Notice the crooked line?! hehe

My FAT face =P
Products used..

Face:
Maybelline Clear smooth gel foundation in Natural
Skinfood Buckwheat Loose powder
In2it Brow Shadow
MAC studio Finish Concealer NC20 (undereyes)
The Body Shop Shimmerwaves in Peach (highlight)

Eyes:
Ellana e/s in Hush (base)
Milani e/s in Sun Goddess (crease)
Lancome color focus e/s in brown (outer v & lower lashline)
Wet n Wild e/s in Cream (highlight)
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Maybelline Eyestudio gel eyeliner in Brown

Cheeks :
NARS blush in Taos

Lips:
Carmex Strawberry Lipbalm
NYX round lipstick in Chaos


The Body Shop Blog my butter event..


The Body Shop is starting the year right by celebrating their bestselling body butters! This month will be full of awesome body butter-ific activities!

To kick-off their celebration, they'll be having their first body butter blogging event on
January 8, 2010, Friday at 4:00 PM in The Body Shop, Robinsons Galleria!

They will be tying up with The White Hat frozen yogurt for the event so you can see (and now taste) the fruity and delicious flavours of The Body Shop Body Butters!

Please spread the word to your blogger pals..
Remember to dress 80's pop!

Review : Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Black and Brown

I love gel eyeliners! Read on to find out if this one is for keeps.. =)

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel eyeliner in Black

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel eyeliner in Brown

PRODUCT INFO from box:
The long wearing creamy gel texture provides the desired intense lines with a smooth, even application. Creamy gel type allows to draw a smooth clean line without crease. Customized eye line brush allows lines to be drawn as desired from fine to thick.
The creamy gel texture dries quickly after application. Long lasting, water-proof and smudge-proof formula resists sweat, tears and water.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 450. Got this on sale for Php 315 or $6.

WEIGHT : 2.8 grams / 0.10 oz.

SHADES
: Available in only 2 shades. Black and Brown.

WHAT I LIKE:
* very creamy
* dries fast after application
* no racoon eyes
* very easy to apply, glides easily
* didn't flake
* inexpensive
* easy to remove with baby oil
* love the brush included (makes a thin or heavy line)

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* nothing! Will just observe if this eyeliner dries up fast in the pot. My Fanny Serrano Gel eyeliner dried up after 1-2 months =P

* EDIT 6/10/2010 - does not dry easily on the pot (had this for almost 6 mos now). I'm impressed!


TIPS (from box):
Please ensure to close the cap after use. Wipe the brush with tissue after every use. When stains are noticeable on brush, apply makeup remover on cotton pad and remove the stain from the brush and wipe it again with dry tissue. Leave the brush to dry.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Love it! Definitely a keeper! This product is a MAC Fluidline dupe, check my post HERE.

RATING :
5 out of 5.

Swatches

Black

Brown

FOTD to follow! =)
Happy New Year everyone!

*********************
And by the way, we have a local Maybelline site
www.maybellineiloveyou.ph

Check it out if you want to see the latest products & prices.