In the Limelight: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Fiji Product Review

I've only known NARS for their blushes but I have never tried any of their foundations before. Even though I've read good reviews about their Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow Foundations, I was very happy with my foundations from Japanese brands that I never bothered trying them out. I received a sample of NARS Sheer Matte before but I thought there wasn't anything fantastic about it and went about my business. It was only July this year that I was able to get myself a full size of the NARS Sheer Glow when I was running out of liquid foundations. And here is my review.

NARS describes Sheer Glow as...

A glowing, natural radiant finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage that immaculately evens skin tone. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, it leaves skin hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother. Used daily, Sheer Glow Foundation improves the skin’s brightness and texture

• For normal, normal-to-dry, dry skin types
• Hydrates for softer and smoother skin
• Contains powerful anti-oxidants to protect against damaging free radicals and turmeric extract to improve skin's radiance and tone
• Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Fragrance-free.

What I like:

• Although this foundation is marketed as for those with normal, normal-to-dry, and dry skin types which my skin is not, I found that this works great for my skin despite being combination-oily. It does not make my skin feel greasy at all although oiling up is something that does not surprise me. I'm used to it.
• Provides medium coverage with a satin finish. Although I would normally go for foundations with sheer-light coverage, I am able to sheer this out by mixing it with my daily moisturizer, otherwise, it will feel a tad heavy for my liking.
• This is buildable so for those who prefer full coverage, you might get your desired coverage through layering. I think two layers would give you that coverage. Anything beyond that might give you a cakey finish.
• The packaging is really nice and sleek. The foundation is housed in a sturdy glass bottle with the NARS logo on it. The cap, though, is matte black which is really part of their signature packaging. I am not a fan of it; just saying.
• The foundation is indeed fragrance-free, much to my nose's delight.
• I have never experienced any skin irritation not break outs from this foundation despite this being a little too rich for my skin - but that's just me.
• A little goes a long way. I only need one pump to cover my face and neck.
• This is easy to spread and blend on the skin.
• The consistency is creamy and not watery nor runny as compared to Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup which is a current favorite of mine. It doesn't droop as quick as the latter does.
• When I start to oil up, particularly on my t-zone, it does not make me look like a grease ball. It makes my skin look rather dewy which is nice. Nothing that a touch up powder or an oil blotting sheer cannot solve.
• My skin never felt dry which is good. I never saw any dry patches so I guess those with dry skins with patches would really benefit from this foundation as it is non-drying.
• Lasts for more than half a day.
• Locally available at NARS counters in Rustan's for Php 2,450 per bottle.

What I don't like:

• First off, this does not come with a pump. Not even a spatula or a dropper or whatever. Not that I have seen any foundation that comes with a dropper but you get my drift. For that price, it would have been nice if a pump was included and didn't have to be purchased separately for Php 400 bucks. I just bought an empty airless pump bottle from Beabi and transferred some in it.
• The shade I have is Fiji which I thought is right for my skin tone. I am NC25 in MAC and those who wear NC20 are usually matched to Deauville, which is the shade that comes before Fiji. Now after seeing swatches of Ceylan, I wondered why it looks lighter than Fiji. Anyway, this oxidizes on me too so it ends up looking darker than it already is. It was a tad darker upon application but after oxidizing, it becomes really darker.
• It feels heavy for me though much lighter than, say, Estee Lauder Double Wear and the Light version. As I already mentioned on this post, I prefer sheer-light coverage.
• It transfers even though I've already set it with loose or pressed powder!
• The bottle is kinda heavy so it is not entirely ideal for travelling.

Overall rating: 3.75/5. The pump is rather a minor issue; I should've researched a bit more about the shades and swatched the shades prior to purchasing online; the coverage is more of a personal preference, and the bittle is another minor issue. The transfer issue is more "serious" to ponder on though. 

Will I buy again? I'd have to say no. In as much as I really liked this foundation, I really prefer foundations that give lighter coverage and feels like second skin as if I'm not wearing it on my face at all.

Have you tried this foundation? How do you find it?

Cheers,

Read more...

In the Limelight: NARS Blush in Gaiety Product Review

It has been a while since I last owned a NARS blush and I thought it was over for me and Francois NARS *yeah, yeah, dream on*. I developed an immense liking for sheer blushes and that caused my deviation from pigmented ones such as those from this brand. Anyway, it was on my birthday that I received a shade I never imagined would look nice on me which is Gaiety. Its strong blue tones scared me at first but boy this proved the saying "first impressions lasts" so wrong. Anyway, here's my review.

Gaiety is described as a bright candy pink shade on the NARS website.

What I like:

• NARS almost nailed it with the shade description that this is a bright candy pink shade. I would personally describe it as a blue-toned bubblegum pink though. It is very pretty. Although it looks kinda scary on the pan because of strong blue tones, it gives a nice flush on the cheeks and somewhat imparts a certain glow on the face.
• It isn't the most finely milled blush and it might seem chalky at first but it eventually blends very well on the skin.
• It has shimmers/sparkles but not visible on the cheeks which is good. You don't end up having glitter mess on your face.
• Unscented, which I have always adored about NARS blushes.
• Pigmented and a little goes a long way. Lasts for about 8 hours on my skin type though I am mostly in an air-conditioned area.
• Has a shelf life of 24 months or two years and with the intense pigmentation it has, it can last you longer than that.
• No allergic reactions, no break outs either.
• Locally available at NARS counters in Rustan's.

What I don't like:

• The compact has always been a con for me. As compact and sleek it looks, the rubber matte texture of it easily attracts dirt and gets sticky in the long run.
• May seem pricey for a mid-range brand but the quality and shelf like makes your Php 1450 worth it. 

Overall rating: 4.75/5 Such a gorgeous pink blush that pink blush lovers will love.

Will I buy again?  I might. One pan will certainly last a long time.

Have you tried NARS Gaiety? How do you find it?

Cheers,

Read more...

Top Picks: Blushes

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post. Read more...

Product Review: NARS Laguna Bronzer

If you have a round face and chubby cheeks like mine, using a bronzer or a contouring powder can help you have more defined features. I, for one, like having those defined cheekbones that I don't really have so when I read good reviews and raves about NARS Laguna, I thought I had to buy one and I did. This review has been on my drafts for a couple of weeks now and it is only now that I decided to post this one. So here is the review.

As usual, it comes with the NARS rubber packaging. This one is larger than the blushes though.

 
What I like:
- It doesn't turn orange or red on me. It stays true to its color.
- Pigmented and you don't need much product for it to show on your cheeks.
- It has super fine shimmers but are barely visible once on the skin so this is great for contouring.
- Unscented.
- Not chalky nor powdery, texture is nice and easy to blend.
- Locally available at NARS counters in Rustan's.

What I don't like:
-Expensive at Php1750 per compact but if you will use it every day, I think price is reasonable since it comes with a huge amount of product that will most likely last you for years.
- My cheeks are dry and this does not last for a long time, perhaps, 2 hours max on me. Whether or not I use a primer, a liquid or powder foundation, it does not last on me which disappointed me big time.

Overall rating: 3/5 Overall, this is a good product which can do the job for you. Apparently, this does not work that much for me due to its poor staying power on my skin. But I like it for contouring. It's just that I do mind having to bring this wherever I go for touch ups if I want to maintain that contoured cheeks all throughout the day.

Will I buy again? I'm on the fence with this one. I have sold this last week and even though I am thinking of repurchasing this in the future, the fact that it doesn't last long on me keeps me from doing that. But knowing myself, I just might.

 Swatch

On me

 

Have you tried this product? What bronzers do you use or contouring products can you recommend?

Happy Saturday, super awesome peeps! :P

Read more...

New Year Mini Makeup Haul

"Ooops! I did it again!" - that's exactly what I've been singing for the past couple of hours. Yeah, I dropped by the mall again earlier today on my way to the hospital. I really should never be allowed to go anywhere near a mall, specifically EDSA Shang as I think you already know by now what will happen next. I dunno what's happening to my control over my spending habits. Do I hear anyone say "rehab"? Or am I just imaging that word glaring at me somewhere inside this room? Anyway, here's my first mini haul for 2011.

Dior Addict High Color in 432 Rose Orgasme (Joy Pink). Now who said only NARS has Orgasm? :P

Christian Dior Diorblush in 533 Passion Fruit. I want the Strawberry Sorbet one again! I passed on it earlier because this caught my eye.

NARS Laguna Bronzer - I finally have a decent bronzer! :P

 
Kanebo Coffret D'or Blush in PK-222 (Not on the picture because I originally bought this on the 31st but I dunno where else to include this and that was almost NY so I guess this is alright.)

And two more skincare items - Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque and Alba Botanica Acne Dote Oil Control Lotion.

 

That's it for now, ladies. Lots of reviews soon! :)

Happy 2011, super awesome peeps! :P

Read more...

Mini eBay and online purchases

Here's the mini eBay and online purchases I made before this year ends. This will just be a super quick post since I am heading out and going to EDSA Shang as I need a new cleanser since my Superhero Soap has suddenly stopped working for me. Found out it's the culprit for my skin's bad condition. It all started from eating cookies with nuts (Yes, I am allergic to nuts) then spots suddenly started popping out on different parts of my face but I will go into that soon. I have my eyes set on this cleanser from Healthy Options. And no, I won't be buying anything other than that. I'm keeping my promise of not doing another mini haul or whatever. Going back, here are my online purchases.

From eBay.ph  - Wet 'n' Wild Ultimate Eyebrow Kit in Ash Brown, Wet 'n' Wild Coloricon single eyeshadow in Envy (such a gorgeous shade), NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in Pink Cheek Glow, Tracy by Tracy Ellen EDP vial. I have yet to recieve a Max Factor Lash Perfection Mascara from a different seller though.

From Girltalk - goodies from strawberryswitchblade

The sample of Chanel Mat Lumiere Liquid Foundation in Clair 20 that Dianne got for me and other ladies since we wanted to try it first before buying. Oh no, I am on a foundation phase. Liquid to be exact.

Of course, another book. I have several books lined up and I guess I'll be on a nerd mode next month. A friend of mine said he didn't know I was such a nerd or a dork. Haha!

Anyway, that's all for now. It's raining and I gotta get there early so I can avoid the dreaded rush hour when going home.

Happy Thursday, super awesome peeps! :P

Read more...

Product Review: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine

NARS is known for the shocking shade names of their products like Orgasm, Super Orgasm, Deep Throat, Torrid, Sex Appeal, etc and I thought they named only their blushes that way but boy I was wrong. I got the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine which is, well, a lip product. I was kinda excited to try it because I read somewhere that though it is labeled as matte, it isn't as drying as others. I've had this since May this year and I guess it's time to review it.

 

What I like:
- It glides on smoothly on the lips.
- Pretty old rose-like shade.
- A little goes a long way.
- Smells nice, like cocoa butter or chocolate.
- Locally available at NARS Counters at Rustan's Department Stores.

What I don't like:
- Drying and makes my lips flaky and also emphasized the lines on my lips.
- While I find the shade lovely, it makes me look old. Seriously, it does a good job doing that. A guy friend once told me that I looked older and asked what the heck I did with myself. After dinner, this product was gone and he suddenly blurted out that it is this lip product that made me look old. I honestly trust men's opinion on what looks good on a girl or not. I think they have a more critical eye when it comes to that.
- Expensive for a lip pencil.

Overall rating: 2/5   I really hate matte lip products. Every single time I try this, my lips get dry and really flaky. This just smells really nice and applies smoothly as compared to others. 

Will I buy again? Not in a million years. I have found a cheaper and better alternative to this and that is the Palladio Herbal Lip Slix in Rosewood. Glossy for a lip pencil and relatively cheaper too. I mean I can buy 3 of these with just the price of one NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. But then, NARS is still NARS though that doesn't mean I don't have the license to dislike any of their products.But I know that this works for other people so it is basically a matter of personal preference.

Swatch

Lip swatch

Have you tried this lip product? Do you like it?

Happy Tuesday, super awesome peeps! :P
Read more...

Product Review: NARS Dolce Vita lipgloss

I'll cut to the chase and go straight to the review of my fave lipgloss - NARS Dolce Vita. Let me start off by showing some pictures.


Dolce Vita is an earthy pinkish-rosey-mauve that does not have any shimmer or sparkles,

thus, looking more natural on the lips.

What I like:
- Definitely MLBB (my-lips-but-better) for me and it is a shade I can wear everyday, be it when I go to work or on a gimmick.
- Moisturizes my lips and my lips doesn't end up flaking, unlike with MAC lipglasses.
- Not super sticky which is just the way I like it. I don't feel comfortable when the lipgloss I'm wearing is as sticky as MAC lipglasses.
- Staying power is pretty decent. I can still see a little color on my lips even after eating or drinking and sort of leaves a very thin layer of moisture that doesn't dry out my lips.
- Locally available.

What I don't like:
- Quite expensive for a lipgloss for PHP1350 at Rustan's.

Overall rating: 4.5/5
Will I buy again? Maybe. I am a sucker for tinted lip balms.

Swatches

On my lips

Anyway, to all the mums out there...

Ta! :)
Read more...

Oh Goodies! for the 1st Week of May

Hey guys! It's been like a week or so since I last updated my blog. Been too busy with work and I go online for only less than half an hour during weekdays/nights and I have not had much time for blogging. Anyway, I would like to share the stuff I have acquired on the first week of May. Though a couple of products were purchased last week.

Clinique stuff

Cute pouch, Clinique Happy, makeup palette with blush (Pink Blush), bronzer (Sunkissed) and eyeshadow (Rose Wine), Lash Doubling Mascara, and Blushwear Cream Stick in 03 Rosy Blush

Random makeup

Revlon Colorstay Mineral Mousse Makeup in 030 Light with free Styli-Style Line & Seal 24 lipliner in Nude, Gosh Electric Pink Blush with freebies (Revlon Colorstay Makeup with Softflex sample in 02 Buff and Rimmel Soft Cream Blush in Coral Kiss), NARS Dolce Vita lipgloss with free NARS Sex Machine Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, LA Colors Auto Eyeliner in Black, Carmex Click Stick lip balm, and Fashion21 Dipliner in Black.

Skincare stuff

Cyleina Black Pearl Soap Supreme with free Lavender Soap sample, 100% Pure Cocoa Butter, Ilog Maria Honeymilk Cleanser and Moisturizer, and Garnier Light Complete

And something that is not a beauty product

Wedgies from Market Market Fashion Market!

I know it's so old school but I love wedges! They really make your feet look pretty and sexy. Abaca wedge is the best for me. :P Got this for only PHP450! I was told I can haggle but I don't know how to so I just paid for it and left with happy feet. :)

Have a great long weekend, everyone! No work on Monday! :) I'm going to hit the sack again. I'm nursing a hangover, was drinking with colleagues til 3am. Dunno what time they finished drinking.

P.S.

I am not a registered voter but please do vote wisely, peeps! :)


Read more...

Product Review: NARS Torrid

I just recently found out that warm coral pinks work best for me. They look really natural on me, even more than red blushes do. So now, I am finally doing a review on one of my favorite blushes, and the one that took NARS Taos' number 1 spot as my fave NARS blush. :P

NARS Torrid up close

See how gorgeous this warm coral pink blush is? This blush is love! :P Now on to the review.

What I like:
- Gorgeous warm-coral pink shades that flatters fair-medium to even darker skin tones.
- It may seem too shimmery on the pan but when applied, it eventually gives off a healthy and pretty glow.
- This blush instantly brightens my face.
- Pigmented. I only had to dab my stippling brush ever so lightly so as not to overdo my blush.
- Decent staying power. Lasts for hours on my oily skin and a little goes a long way.
- Locally available at NARS Counters in Rustan's.
- Price may seem a bit steep for PHP1350 per pan with 4.5g of product, but I swear, one pan can last for years even with everyday use.

What I don't like:
- None. :P

Will I buy again? Definitely! This won't take NARS Taos' number 1 spot for nothing.
Overall rating: 5/5

Tip: If you have medium-dark skin tones, please do give this blush a try as based on some reviews at MUA, this is "The NARS Orgasm" for those with darker skin tones. :P And if you have a tan, this will definitely give your cheeks a glow. Also good for those who wants sun-kissed cheeks.

Swatches:

On me:

I hope you're all having a great weekend. May you all have a blessed Holy Week. :)

Ta! :P


Read more...