Friday, August 26, 2011

Cream Blush



I've been always a huge fan of cream based blushes. This includes cream, cream to powder and mousse type. Don't get me wrong, I do hate the sticky feeling when these creamy textured make up are applied on to my face. B U T, I just could not give up the fact that these looks more natural, easier to blend and mostly gives me the look of glow from within. It does not give the hard, stiff, unnatural look. Anyways, there are more reasons why YOU should get hold of these lovelies.


These are some of my cream based blushers:




Since they are cream based, there's a tendency that it might not be long wearing. Especially if used in tropical countries (like here in the Philippines) where make up tend to melt fast. But then, I have exciting reasons why you should at least own one of these gorgeous creamy blushers.


Reason 1: Natural Glow

It looks natural and gives a perfect "glow from within" look. No need to stick to natural, nude boring shades of blush. You could experiment on bright shades like hot pink and red cheeks. Because cream blushers leave a very nice sheen and wash of color. Color tends to melt into skin. Just have to blend, blend, blend with your fingertips or in my case I use stippling brush. Unlike powder blushes, color tend to sit on top of the foundation and looks clownish (esp. if not blended well) .


Reason no.2: Multi Tasking

Usually these blushes could also be used as lip color. That's why I love the Stila Convertible Color P845. ---(cheaper than $24 ) It may be a bit drying on the lips but I put lip balm first to moisturize my lips before I dab it on. I'm loving it more because I could use these creamy blush as a base for my powder blushes. It would now give me long wearing blush that would last he whole day. And my blush could either look brighter or more prominent.



Reason no. 3: Custom color

I could create numerous shades to be more cheeky. There's is really no rule that whatever the color of the cream blush, powder blush should be exactly the same. I love combining apricot shade of cream blush and top it off with bright pinky powder blush. Now, you can create different looks.


Reason no. 4: EASY to USE

Don't think so??? I know some might disagree but powder blushes are more hard to use especially if one could not blend. The reason might be is that the most common texture of blushes sold in the market are powder blushes. If you notice, there would be some girls wearing red, pinky stripes on their cheeks. Tsk, tsk, that is because of poor blending. Unlike with cream blushes, a little pat and blending gives the right amount of color and is buildable. Finish is very sheer. Both make up junkies and newbies shares the same benefit for saving time in prepping.


Bonus:
You can still look your best even on outdoor sports and when hitting the beach ;)


Cons:
  • Cannot wear it with heavy powder foundation
  • if you have super dooper oily skin
  • very sheer, not for those who wants full make-up
  • sometimes could stain fingers
  • NOT long wearing unless is set by powder or powder blush
  • cream based make up are prone to dust (tip: to clean upper layer, use a clean sponge to swipe on the top layer LIGHTLY to avoid getting too much product)



Tools needed:

I say that your fingers works as well as brushes. It gives warmth to the product before it is applied. But then, for hygienic purposes , i opted for using brushes so it is evenly blended on my face and that natural oil from my hands won't have to add to the blush. Because with fingers, it depends on how the movement of it. Sometimes, streaking is resulted.





I prefer using a stippling brush and a foundation brush. These kind of brushes are synthetic and it really works well with any cream based make-up. I usually use foundation brush to apply color and use stippling brush to blend. But then either or can be perfectly used in putting cream blushes. Setting of loose powder would be optional if you want to mattify. But for me, i skip it sometimes if i want to achieve dewy fresh look.


Verdict:

It would be a staple in my stash, as it has ever been. Expecially for days that I would want to look simple yet fresh. There's no way I'll give it up. Actually, I'm in search for other brands that has more brighter colors. PLEASE, PLEASE do share it with me. Would love to hear from you. So I'll have a reason to add it on my collection and maybe added to my FAVES. :)


P.S.
I will review each brand of cream blushes that I tried... SOON!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Etude House Color Me Nude

Who said that concealer are only for blemishes, dark circles, acne and scars???? I say, THANK YOU Etude House for having a great product such as their Color Me Nude lip concealer. Yes, a lip concealer and a lip base that helps neutralize lip color and smoothen lips.

I used to be grateful for having very pigmented rosy lips because I don't need to always apply lip products. I could put on a pinky balm and I'm off to go.
But as I try on different make up trends, I realized that I could not wear light and bright shades of lipsticks. It always end up looking heavy and dark. I envy those who could slick on nude lippies and complete their glam smokey eye make up. I couldn't even pull off pale peach and pinks shades because the natural shade of my lips keeps on showing underneath. The finish is uneven and unsightly.


Natural lip color





With Etude House Color Me Nude





WITHOUT FLASH
With Color Me Nude
Without Color Me Nude




WITH FLASH

With Color Me Nude


Without Color Me Nude

VERDICT:

This would be a staple in my make up stash. Not only it made my lips smooth for flawless lip color application, shade of the lipstick stayed true on lips. Exact color as it is expected to appear. Non-drying. The only downside is to scrub away chapped and dry lips prior to application of Color Me Nude lip concealer.


Ladies out there with highly pigmented natural lips, do grab your own Etude Color Me Nude. See how your old forgotten lippies transform into new bright, exciting color. Bonus: Lipstick stays put!!!

Beauty Treats Lipstick in Pink 133

What I'm loving now is an ultimate cheap thrill from Beauty Treats lipstick (available in Watson's). I've always fallen in love with any pink shade of make up especially for the lips. My make-up haul would consist of a lot of pinky shades from eyeshadow, blushers to LIPPIES --- lip balm, lip stain, lip cream, lipstick, lipgloss etc. more than corals and bronze shades.



I'm super addicted to the brightness of this pinky yummy lipstick....


Beauty Treats lipstick in Pink 133 (Bright Neon Hot Pink)
Made in USA
Watson's P195 - so cheap

The texture is VERY creamy. I find it best to use with lip brush so that color would spread evenly on lips. Coverage is buildable and has a glossy finish. Can skip on gloss. Non-drying. Leaves a bit of stain. It lasts for about 4-6 hours, depending on what you do in between :)


What I hate about it????
The quality of packaging. The first time I used it, the lipstick was detached from the holder. Since then , I had to be careful every time I use it :P But what the heck, I still got the most coveted PINK shade of lipstick close to MAC's Candy Yum Yum.
Will definitely hoard on this one :)


ON MY LIPS:



SWATCH:


WITHOUT FLASH



WITH FLASH



I just feel a lot prettier and flirty with pinks. I guess, it complements my NC25-Nc30 skin. It even brightens my face on days that I want little make up. What's good with pink lips is that I could pair it with bright pink blush for a healthy glow.






What do you think? Please leave me a message or let me know if there are shades that you think would also look good on me. And also shades of lippies that you would want me to write about. Anything about make-up :) would be my greatest pleasure.....

Monday, August 22, 2011

Tony Moly Tomatox





What I'm loving NOW?


Tomatox: Magic Whitening Massage Pack



I love how TONY MOLY Tomatox does for my skin. I admit that I'm more of a make-up addict than a skin care addict. For me, as long as I do the 3 basic steps of skin care ( Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize) , I'll be just fine. I would always be in the make-up department but I would quickly browse on skin care products. From time to time if I see something new and interesting that would do my skin good, I would definitely give it a try.



Glad that I saw this wonderful product from Tony Moly. Tomatox was one of the first purchases I had with the brand. The BA's (Beauty Assistant) told me that this is a bestseller for it's brightening and whitening effects. They told me that Koreans love this product so much because it gives them flawlessly bright skin. Since I envy how Korean's skin glow naturally, I decided to give it a try.



Step 1: After washing face, apply ample amount of Tomatox on the face avoiding the eye and lip area.

Step 2: Massage Tomatox for 1-2 mins.

Step 3: Leave on face for about 10-15 mins. (slight tingly sensation)

Step 4: Wash face with warm water and pat dry.


Voila, instantly brighter and whiter skin.......


Pros:

Cute packaging. Comes with a small clear spatula for hygienic application. It gives instant brightening effect even for the first time of usage. If used 2-3 times weekly and regularly, skin improves in appearance. Skin looks brighter and whiter and free from blemishes. It has good detoxifying properties that helped my skin look clear and supple every after use.

Cons:

The brightening effect fades after 24-48 hours. But if used REGULARLY, it would have positive attributes to skin. The amount of the mask should have been more :(. It's only 80 grams.


Lovelies,
Please let me know of other great Tony Moly skin care that I should try :)






Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Tony Moly Latte Art Milk-Tea Morning Pack

I'm currently loving one of the best innovation of Korean skin care, TONY MOLY'S LATTE ART MILK-TEA MORNING PACK. Again, my attention was caught by it's uberly, super dooper cute packaging. (that's how I usually get started --- followed by addiction).



Asked the sales lady what is it for and how it was one of their bestseller. I was told that it is a moisturizer and a make up primer in one. At first, I didn't see the need to try it since I'm already aware that an ordinary moisturizer works the same way. But since the sales lady insisted that I test it, I've decided to give it was a try.


Was surprised how light the texture was and how it actually felt on my skin. It was amazingly and couldn't believe that it was similar to the finish of my fave Smashbox Photo Finish. It looks creamy from the cup but once applied on skin, it was very light and easily absorbed by the skin. It felt a bit watery and skin feels instantly refreshed. I loved it since it doesn't leave the skin sticky but the feeling of well moisturized skin.



When first opened, the Latte Art Milk Essence in the the smaller cup should be mixed with the pack for more effective skin boosting care.


As a make up base or primer, it did a really good job.
For it's price P628, my skin was not only moisturized but saved me from using a separate make up primer. After more than 6 hours of having make up on, my make up still look really fresh. There's was no smudging, fading and creasing. I have oily skin and would usually see make up on areas around my nose separating and setting into my fine lines. But with this as my base, oil definitely did show up on my face BUT make up looked flawless. I could not believe it but I'm glad I gave it a try. Indeed, an effective make- up booster.


How I looked after more than 6 hours .....




.... up close on my cheek area


.... flawlessly looking :)


.... a bit shiny BUT my foundation did not move around and did not fade at all


Will I repurchase?

Definitely! For its affordable price, I get to keep my face moisturized and make up surely looked fresh after a long , busy day.