Cheap Thrill: Shawill Blushers

One of my favorite past time or rather ME TIME is to go on make up window shopping.  I'm like in a candy store whenever I'm in the beauty section of a department store.  I never get tired of looking around on what to buy next.  Since I already have a vast collection of make up, I sometimes feel bad going home empty handed because I couldn't find anything to buy anymore.  I have this incurable disease that I have to at least buy something when I go out. The first thing that always catches my eye on trying out other brands are their blushers.  Always in the lookout of nice colored blushes.  

  Left:  Shawill Collagen Rosy Touch Blusher in 003; P163 (Mauve)
 Right:  Shawill  Fascinating Radiance Blusher in 05 ; P138 (Pinky Peach)

 

SHAWILL is a local brand.  They have a wide selection of blushers. When I asked the SA where it is made from, she just said  "raw materials are from ITALY". (meaning made from China).  What the heck, I still grabbed 2 of their blushers. Lately, been reading alot of blogs and product reviews on local makeup brands. Since I'm addicted to make up (regardless of the brand ---as long as it is worth trying out, I give it a go). And according to beauty gurus and beauty bloggers, Shawill blushers have good pigmentation. 

Aren't they pretty?!
Nice mauvey and pinky peach blush...

  Left:  Shawill Collagen Rosy Touch Blusher in 003 ; P163 (Mauve)
 Right:  Shawill  Fascinating Radiance Blusher in 05; P138 (Pinky Peach)

 Packaging:  

Expiry date indicated on the side of the box

SWATCH:

Left: Shawill  Fascinating Radiance Blusher in 05 (Pinky peach)
Right: Shawill Collagen Rosy Touch Blusher in 003 (Mauve)    

MY VERDICT:

Pros:

-  affordable

- good pigmentation

- variety of shades to choose from

- texture of Collagen Rosy Touch Blusher  -  smooth, silky and blends well

- no breakout

Cons: 

- texture of Fascinating Radiance blusher is powdery 

( TIP: DO NOT swirl the brush on the powder BUT a lightly handed TAP motion would do the trick)

- has a tendency of fall outs during application

- made in CHINA ( for *some this is a big NO NO) 

When trying out new products, I have learned to research on product reviews so as I wouldn't waste money on stuff that I may already have and may spend on make up that may be too expensive and not perform well. I recommend Shawill blushers. For those in a budget, this one is a GO! I can't wait to try their beige blushers. :) 

Cheap Thrill: Fluffy Fan Brush

Fan Brush is A MUST !

I got excited when I saw this big, fluffy fan brush in Landmark (P44.75).  Many of us think that among all the make up brushes we own, the fan brush is the least reached out for.  This is basically used at the end of a make up routine to dust off excess powder.  Well, I say I've found a treasure on this unique fan brush.  I've more ways than one on how to make this baby a MUST HAVE!!!!

Top View: Thicker hair bristles than the usual fan brushes

Side View: Fluffy but not so dense

A short video (my first so please bear with me lovelies...) to show how to use this fan brush in different ways.

BLUSH:

 - great use with heavily pigmented and bright blushes

- gives a nice sheer wash of color 

BRONZER / CONTOUR:

- gives right amount of dimension to the face 

without the heavy look of contouring

HIGHLIGHTER:

- lightly highlights the face

- great use with shimmery highlighters to avoid looking

too shiny or a disco ball

Products Used:

Fan Brush (landmark ; P44.75)
L-R:  Etude Face Designing Brightener, Red Earth Cheeky Flirt blush
and Red Earth Essential Glowing Beauty Powder in Sunshine Beauty 

Finished Look:

Lightly flushed cheeks with minimal contouring

DAY Make up : A flush from within

Since this entry has my first video, I enjoyed it!  I still have to work on it though :) If there's any request that you lovelies want me to do a review on, feel free to chit chat :)))

Mother's Day 2012 FOTD

I went for Classic Red Lips look for this year's Mother's day!  I don't know but I felt that wearing this look for this special day made me feel extra special.  I simply adore how red lips could instantly transform one's look from ordinary to glam gorgeous.  However, I don't normally wear this look  because I might look too made up for those simply ordinary days.

Lovelies, if going for this classic look, it is important to keep the rest of the face neutral .  You wouldn't want to look clownish if it will be paired with either super dark eye shadow or  with super bright cheeky blush.    However, a good smokey eyes could also be paired with red lips but it is best worn night time.  Perfectly lined brows and lined eyes is the way to go.  For this look, I used neutral eye shadow just lightly enough to contour my eyes.  For my blush, I used a warm red powder blush  --- just to add warmth and balanced look to my fair skin.  (used Mac blush in Scarlet).  I used a very light hand on the blush to avoid the clownish look.  Prior to the blush, I first contoured my cheeks with a matte bronzer.  Then added highlighter on top of my cheekbones to add some sheen.  Wanted to add a touch of dewy -ness to the finished look.  For the lips, I used NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam.  Loved how it smoothly glided on my lips. It was matte but did not dried up my lips....

Products used:

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam and Mac blush in Scarlet

I really love this look, just thought of sharing it :)  

Happy Mom's day to all lovelies :)

Cheap Thrill: Ever Bilena Mousse Blush-on

I'm a beauty junkie and scouting beauty aisles from local to international brands could be the most fulfilling thing to do when I'm in a mall.  I'm used to buying only from international branded cosmetics, when I started collecting make up.  But I won't deny that during my teenage years when I'm starting to play with eyeliner, powder and blush, I did try some local brands.  

Now that I'm a certified make up junkie, I would try every newly improved local brands.  Ever Bilena is on top of my list.  I really get intrigued whenever I'm in a department store, Ever Bilena would have lots of followers.  It's known to every Filipino women since it's been around for so many years.  Their products have improved.  Packaging wise, been better and quality is not sacrificed anymore.  Tried several stuff from the brand but I just can't help but rave about their mousse blush-on.  It is available in several nice shades.  The shade I grabbed are Aster (bubble gum pink)  and rose pink (reddish pink).  Both have a bit of shimmer.  But only subtle, enough to give you a healthy flush.  It is has an airy soft creamy texture.  Can be easily blended to skin.  I'm so so loving it because of it's price --- only P125 for a 7g blush. It has good staying power .  Also great as base for your powder blush. It gives me a natural healthy flush.  Perfect for the scorching heat of summer. 

Blends well with the skin --- flushed from within :)

Dewy skin is the way to go this summer

There are days that I just want to look naturally FLUSHED!

Loved the look of dewy skin with flushed cheeks.  Any other interesting cosmetic local brands worth trying?  Please share lovelies!  Would love to try it too....

Snoe Glam Jam Blush

Lip and cheek tints are "Beauty Junkies BESTFRIEND". A magical gem that works wonders in seconds. There are days that I'm too lazy to put make up . A nice cheeky pop of color on my cheeks and lips would do the trick and makes me head out the door flawlessly blooming.

SNOE Glam Jam Blush in bubble gum (6g/ P119)

A water based cheek tint that flawlessly blends with skin. OHHHH! I love the NEON bright pink shade. It may look too bright on the pot but when applied and blended on well moisturized skin, gives a healthy flush. I can't resist it lovely color. A tiny amount is only needed to brighten cheeks. Glad I gave it a try. Now, I'm lemming to get the 3 other shades available. Summer is here and this would be a staple in my beauty kit on the go. Very much impressed with how long it stayed on my cheeks (more than it should --- about 6 hours).

See, how pretty this SNOE Glam Jam blush in bubble gum appears on skin :).

Ready for summer with cheeky cheeks and pinky stained lips...

http://www.facebook.com/SnoeBeauty

Benefit Benetint

BENETINT

It was this most coveted, holy grail bottled cheek tint that got me curious on Benefit Cosmetics. Glad that I did because up until now, Benefit Cosmetics has never failed to impress me . However, like any other brands there would be some tat are comparable to other cheaper brands and works as well.

For me, Benefit Benetint lip and cheek stain is one of those products that other brands carry and doesn't hole your pockets. Don't get me wrong, I SUPER love Benefit but the Benetint for me is overrated.

My Personal Reasons:

• other cosmetic brands carry a lip and cheek stain line
• I need to layer on several times on my cheeks before color shows up
• staying power is not impressive; needs to retouch
• very pricey considering it doesn't really stain
• shade is similar to other brands available locally
• most of all, very expensive ($29 approx. P1400)

DISCLAIMER:

Benefit Benetint may not work for me. BUT, it doesn't mean that what I think or feel about this product would be the same with other LOVELIES out there. Because maybe the place and weather also varies for its staying power. Because in the Philippines, the humid weather is unbelievable. Maybe that's why it didnt work wonders on me. I'm not totally saying that Benetint is not a good choice, it's just that for its price I could get same benefits and usage from other cheaper brands.

Lovelies, any other lip and cheekstain that is worth trying ? :)

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!

Benefit: Boxed Powder Blush Collection

From the time I started collecting make-up, Benefit is one of the most sought brand that I wanted to try. Unluckily, Benefit is not available locally so I had to order it online. I would read different reviews about it and it didn't fail to impress me.From packaging to my "blush fetish syndrome", I started to order Benefit's Boxed powders. I first ordered Dandelion, Georgia and 10. And after testing them and loving them, I ordered the other remaining powders

(Thrrrob, Coralista, Sugar Bomb, Hoola and Bella Bamba)

Not all these are blush. Some are sheer finish and only a few are pigmented for a blush. Though the sheer ones (Georgia, Dandelion , Thrrrob and Sugarbomb) hardly showed up on my NC25 skin, I admire it so much because of the hint of color it gives me. It is very sheer but surprisingly brightens my complexion. I always use this if I don't want to put so much make up. It works as an over all finishing powder too. Sugarbomb is more of a highlighter that complements peach or bronze shade.

Can't wait to get Dallas to complete my collection of Benefit Box O' Powder. :)

SWATCHES:

Without flash:

L-R Georgia, 10 (mixed), Bella Bamba, Dandelion, Thrrrob , Hoola, Coralista and Sugarbomb)

With Flash:

L-R Georgia, 10 (mixed), Bella Bamba, Dandelion, Thrrrob , Hoola, Coralista and Sugarbomb

I Say: They are all worth it. A bit expensive $28 each but definitely worth it. You get 10g net and comes with a brush. Save and shop for these gorgeous powders. :)

Tip:

If you want sheer powders to show on skin, use cream blush first and then apply powder. I use Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera and top it with Georgia.

Product Review: Love and Beauty Leopard Cheek Color

I love blushes. My personal collection would speak for itself. I am easily drawn to blushes because with this make up alone, face turns up to be brighter even having a bad skin day. I love to try same shade in different texture. They may have same shade but definitely give different finishing look.

That is why, when I came across this newly arrived cosmetic line of Forever 21 (Makati), I immediately bought this Leopard cheek color.

Isn't it too cute to pass?!! When I saw it, Too face leopard bron

zer came into my mind. Maybe a dupe but what the heck it's only P308. I super love the leopard design of the blush. I wasn't able to try it in the store but i bought it anyway.

It was a cheek color but I say, it's more of a highlighter than a blush. The pinkish shade hardly showed up on my skin. Was a bit disappointed because it could have been a good buy for a blush.

But then, being an accidental highlighter, I'm quite impressed because the shimmer is not glittery. It has a great sheen finish. It is indeed a good highlighter for it's price sans that it's a bit chalky on the skin.

Recommendation:

Rate: 7/10

Would I recommend? Yes, it is a nice highlighter to bring around and for its price, need i say more.

Want more? I would want to try other shade available. They also have the bronzer shades.