Top Picks: Blushes

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In the Limelight: DLE Cosmetics All Natural Light Up Lip Gloss in Pink Fetissh Product Review + Gloss Giveaway at the end!!!

Imagine yourself having a few cocktails in a bar and suddenly, this guy looks your way, smiles at you, and you weren't totally prepared as he walks to your direction. You wanted to look pretty so you quickly dabbed on some lip gloss on your lips and to his horror (and much more to your horror), it was all over the place with some smeared on your teeth the moment you smile at him. And he disappeared just as quickly as Harry Houdini would. That would be an embarrassing yet a funny sight, wouldn't you agree? That is exactly what you will see on the DLE Cosmetics promotional video. They are a fairly new company in California with the Natural Light Up Lip Gloss as their main product at the moment. They sent me a couple of glosses to try and here is my review.

I received two shades - Pink Fetissh and Jess Barely. And I am reviewing Pink Fetissh.

What I like:

• I find the tube simple and sleek. Nothing really fancy but not cheap-looking either.
• Pink Fetissh is a pretty pink shade with a hint of peach that has shimmers. The shade somehow reminds me of a Chanel Glossimer that I have previously owned. The shimmers do not end up all over the face which is a good thing.
• It can be worn alone or on top of a lipstick to add gloss and shimmer on your lips.
• This is not a very sticky gloss. I have a strong dislike for really sticky lip products, hence, the lack of such product on my stash. It feels quite comfortable on my lips.
• It has not caused any discomfort on my lips nor on the surrounding skin. No allergic reaction, no stinging. 
• Fairly inexpensive for $8.95/tube.

What I don't like:

• While shimmers are pretty, I find it a tad frosty for me. But it is a personal preference and younger ones might feel more attracted to it. If you have full lips, this may make them look fuller so apply the gloss little by little.
• Since they are a start-up company, you only get 3 shades to choose from at the moment - Pink Fetissh, Poison Apple, and Jess Barely. 
• Not locally available for most countries but they do ship internationally at a fair cost. Just be patient for your parcel to arrive. 

In between: The light up gloss idea isn't a first for me. I purchased a lip gloss from a local brand with almost the exact same packaging and "mechanism" for the way it lights up. It also has a small mirror on the side for quick application. I was not really fond of makeup that lights up because it sometimes causes me to have migraine, having that sudden burst of light. But if this doesn't come with it, that defeats the purpose of this product being a light up gloss. Others may like it more than I do. I like the gloss a lot (and so does my mom who digs the light that she decided she'll keep the Jess Barely shade to herself) but I am quite sensitive to light. 

Overall rating: 4/5 I did my best to stay objective when giving this gloss a rating. Setting aside my personal preferences and sensitivity, I find this a nice lip gloss especially for those who do not like stiiiiiccckkkkyyyy glosses and want a touch of gloss without feeling uncomfortable.

Will I buy again? If they come up with more pretty shades to choose from, I would. Though I find myself curious about Poison Apple since it seems like a gorgeous red shade. I just might! :)

Ingredients: Since the name bears "All Natural", I decided to post the ingredients found on their website for your reference and decide for yourself if this is indeed all natural because natural in cosmetics beat me. :-D

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*,Kaolin, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter)*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Powder*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*,Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract*. May Contain: Mica (CI 77019) Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), (CI 77491), (CI 77492). 

THE GIVEAWAY

And now, Megan together with the DLE Cosmetics team was generous enough to include a couple more tubes to give away to you guys! I was supposed to post this giveaway on my birthday last week but wasn't able to do so because I got a little busy with work.

This will be an easy one without a lot of mechanics. The giveaway period also lasts for only 2 weeks because I want the winners to be able to try this out real soon. Here goes...

To win this gloss, just simply answer this question:

"When a boy is named after his dad, he is called 'Junior,' But what do you call a girl that is named after her mother?"

It's just a rhetorical question but I think this giveaway should be fun! No rules, no "you-have-to-be-a" musts. Post your answers here and I will choose the two winners using random.org. This giveaway starts now and ends on September 8, 2012 the moment the clock strikes midnight.

The two winners will each get a tube of lip gloss and other items I will include. I will personally hand the prizes over  lunch or dinner at Yellow Cab Pizza (and no, it's not sponsored by YCP) in Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City. So yes, this mini giveaway is only for local bloggers. If the winner isn't from the Metro, I'm sure we can work something out.

Good luck and I am looking forward to seeing how creative you are with your answers. :)

Have a wonderful long weekend, everyone. :P

Cheers,

Coming soon: Something from Davines will be reviewed on the next post!

DISCLAIMER: Product received for review but does not in any way affect my opinion on the said product. Read more...

In the Limelight: Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator Dark Spot Corrector Product Review

Remember my lemming post about the Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator Dark Spot Corrector? Well, Santa must've heard my wish and granted my wish early. Last summer, when a cousin came back from the US, I was handed a loot that contains this product which made me squeal with delight. But the sad part is that every photo I took of it that I took was gone. As I was about to transfer pictures to my laptop, I had this glaring error that I had to format my memory card which is such a pain and since I completely used up the product in less than 2 months and threw the empty bottle in the bin, we'd have to settle for a stock photo instead. Anyway, here is my review.

According to Luminaze, this product:

Corrects dark spots.
And we can prove it.

Luminaze actually breaks down melanin for a visible improvement in the appearance of dark spots and overall evenness of skin tone in only 7 days. It's clinically proven to work better and faster than the leading prescription ingredient, and it's gentle enough to use every day.

What I like:

• First of all, I have sunspots and freckles and although they did not completely disappear, they lightened, which allows me to somehow conclude that this product works.
• Does not feel heavy on the skin and non-greasy, which allows itself to be easily absorbed by the skin.
• I was worried that it could dry my skin but I'm glad that it didn't. My skin felt moisturized and nourished.
• Even though the spots are still visible under the naked eye, I am pleased that this product has somehow evened my skin tone which is a plus.
• No allergic reactions, nothing that annoyed my sense of smell either.
• It is in a pump packaging which is hygienic. There are two compartments and pumps - the enzyme and the bio-activator. With one pump, I got the right amount of product for my entire face.

What I don't like:

• I easily ran out of it even though I used it sparingly. Each compartment only contains 15mL of product which isn't much.
• Not locally available and pricey for $120!

Overall rating: 4.5/5 

The product works, if only it weren't THAT expensive. I also have to add that if you are not fond of and allergic to mushrooms, you may want to take a step back before purchasing this item as the Luminaze enzyme in this product is harvested from a mushroom that grows on trees high in the Swiss alps. 

Will I buy again? I would like to but the price is kinda prohibitive. And it also hurts that it's not locally available. I would've loved to see how it could further improve my skin by my wallet tells me that I can't afford it. Story of my life.

*I wish I can show you before and after pictures of my skin before and during use of this product but I forgot to document the trial period.*

Have you tried this product? 

Happy rainy Sunday, super awesome peeps!

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Sleek Makeup Blush in Rose Gold Product Review

Sleek Makeup has made its mark on beauty aficionados worldwide for their inexpensive yet good quality makeup. Their eye shadows, blushes, and lip products all scream pigment which isn't the case with other inexpensive products. I was keeping myself from purchasing any of their blushes even though there were hundreds of raves because I knew I didn't need any more cheek colours but when I found a good deal online, I caved in and got Rose Gold. It is one of those blushes that are being compared to NARS Orgasm (again, I wonder why there are a lot of Orgasm-ish shades) and even though I no longer own that said blush, I can clearly remember how it looks. Let's see if it can pass as a dupe for the said blush or if I even like it at all.

Sleek Makeup describes their blushes as....

A highly pigmented blusher to brighten and define cheekbones. The silky-fine formulation provides long lasting blusher which helps to create a subtle but radiant cheek area. 
Apply using a small powder/blusher brush, by swirling the brush over the surface of the blusher. Tap off excess powder and apply onto the apples of the cheeks to emphasise your cheeks and your smile, or just below the cheek bone to create a sculpted look. 8g

What I like:

• The compact is small and sturdy and does not totally look cheap. It is indeed very sleek.
• There is a mirror inside the compact which is very useful for touch ups.
• The shade is a gorgeous peach-pink shade with gold flecks.
• Very pigmented. On the swatch below, I only dabbed my finger and did not even swipe it across the blush yet I was able to get that much product.
• Lasts a few hours which is acceptable.
• No allergic reactions, no breakouts either.
• Inexpensive for Php 400-450 for 8g of product.
• Has a shelf life of 24 months or two years. 
• Now locally available, thanks to distributors and resellers.

What I don't like:

• A very pretty shade, albeit too shimmery for my liking. It is a "shining, shimmering, splendid" blush. If shimmers are your thing, you will definitely love this. I'd choose iridescence over shimmers any time of the day.
• Oxidizes on me and looks bronze-y after a couple of hours on me.

Overall rating: 4/5 Aside from oxidizing on me, I can't say this isn't a good blush because it is. The shimmer thing is just a personal preference.

Will I buy again?  In case I decide to, I'll probably go for Flamingo which is another pretty shade. :) But I don't see myself purchasing a blush from them soon. :)

Up-close

Swatch

Have you tried Sleek blushes? How do you find it and what shades would you recommend?

Have a blessed Sunday, super awesome peeps! :P

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Becca Mineral Blush in Flowerchild Product Review

Time really does fly pretty quick, don't you think so too? It's already the second half of 2012 and the next thing we know, we're welcoming 2013 with a bang! Anyway, how are you doing, guys? I'm hoping everyone is having a great time on this lazy Sunday evening. I've been reading ebooks of the Women's Murder Club by James Patterson the whole day and I must say I am hooked! Now before I stray from the topic, let me get back on track. Tonight, I will be reviewing one of the few pigmented and shimmery blushes I have on my stash and that is the Mineral Blush in Flowerchild from Becca Cosmetics. I am somewhat developing a certain fondness for the underrated brand. Anyway, this is one of the items I got from Apothica when I used my sponsorship fund from them. I was kinda expecting it to be close to NARS Orgasm due to other bloggers and other reviews comparing its likeness to the said blush so let's see if I agree or disagree with them.

Becca describes Mineral Blushes as...

A delicate powder blush infused with micro-fine minerals that deliver a soft glow.


Imparting a soft halo of colour, this delicate powder is formulated with micro-fine minerals that subtly reflect the light and cast a luminous glow.

With the following Key Attributes that makes such nice selling points:

• Infused with anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, E and C
• Natural mineral complex including Mica
• Contains skin treating conditioners for smooth, even application
• Free of parabens and phenoxyethanol, fragrance, alcohol, oil, chemical dyes, talc and other fillers
• Delicate illuminating particles to create luminosity
• Packaged in a classic BECCA compact with mirror for on-the-go application

What I like:

• Becca describes Flowerchild as "peachy-pink with golden highlights" which they totally nailed. It is such a pretty shade reminiscent of NARS Orgasm but definitely way better than the said blush. Its shimmers are very fine definitely not as pronounced as Orgasm's. 
• Texture-wise, it's even better. It is very finely milled, smooth, and applies nicely on the skin.
• I kinda like how small the UFO compact is but houses 6g of product. It doesn't hurt that it comes with a mirror too. It's easy to fit in small purses too.
• It lasts fairly long even on my skin type which is combination-oily, now leaning a bit more towards being oily. Perhaps 4-5 hours at best under the sweltering heat of the sun?
• Unscented which is huge for me. Most of the blushes I am loving right now are scented so this is like a breath of fresh air.
• Pigmented and a little goes a long way.
• Has not caused me to break out unlike their Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder Foundation which definitely made a statement on my skin.
• Locally available at Adora in Greenbelt and from a few online resellers too.

What I don't like:

• Says it only has a shelf life of 6 months. Becca, you have got to be kidding me?! Seriously? Even creme blushes last longer than that. Even your Beach Tints (which I really adore sans the rigorous shaking before use) last twice as much as 6 months. Thus, I am not buying your 6-month claim. Period.
• Kinda expensive at $32/compact. Imagine how it's priced here in Manila, will you? *I'd rather you don't*
• Other than these two, nothing more.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Will I buy again? I am having thoughts because of the shelf life but I know it's most likely just a marketing strategy. But I don't see myself buying this again in the near future only because I can imagine how one compact can last for a couple of years.

Up-close

Swatchtime

So, have you tried Becca Cosmetics blushes?

Have a wonderful week ahead, everyone! :)

Cheers,

And P.S.
I hope this is the start of regular blogging. I've tweeted earlier that I've been struggling to keep this blog updated due to several reasons which are mostly good anyway.


DISCLAIMER: Product was purchased using sponsorship funds from Apothica but does not affect my opinion on the said product.

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What's in My Bag - Updated

I like "What's in My" posts whether it is in a makeup bag and/or a purse. I am always curious to see what other girls bring with them on a regular basis and I also think that it is a refection of at least a part of their personalities. I finally decided to do an updated "What's in my Bag?" post, with the last one being in 2010 so it has been long overdue. Anyway, I will keep this post short and sweet so here goes...

Ralph Lauren Classic Houndstooth Shoulder Bag

1: Nine West wristlet | 2: Kenneth Cole Reaction Wallet | 3: Pochi Silicone
Phone Pouch | 4: Character pouch | 5: Wet Tissues | 6: Clinique Happy Heart |
7. Infant Jesus of Prague from a friend | 8. Goody comb | 9. Holy Seat
Toilet Sanitizer | 10. Yellow foldable fan | 10. Tissues

I bring a wallet and a wristlet with me everyday. In the wallet, I store most of my IDs, cards, and cash. I store some cash, keys, and a spare phone in my wristlet which is what I usually bring when I usually go out for lunch.

This pochi silicon pouch is very adorable that I can't stop looking at it. It is definitely a conversational piece because it is simply cute. It is where I store my mobile phones because it is water-proof and both fit inside, and I can also put my earphones in it in case I decide to bring it. I got it from Clipper for Php 199 (a little over $5). :D

I can't help but adore Rilakkuma. It is a very spacious pouch that I decided to use it as a kikay kit or a makeup bag. Inside, I only bring a few pieces with me - 2 blushes, 2 lip balms, 1 lipstick, 1 pressed powder, 2 brushes, and an eyebrow pencil.

I forgot to include my B&BW pocketback in Dancing Waters in the picture. That is my fave scent to date. I no longer carry a book inside my bag because I have 3 dozens of ebooks that I have yet to read on my phone. I also bring that Infant Jesus of Prague crystal piece which a friend gave me for my birthday last year to keep me safe and protected. I also bring a sports bottle with me which I usually let dangle from my wrist so I can keep myself hydrated. The weather in Manila has definitely gone bonkers!!!

So that's everything inside my bag at the moment. The bag looks pretty stiff like it cannot fit everything inside but it surprisingly does because most of the time, I hand-carry either the pochi pouch or the wristlet.

Have you recently updated what's inside your bags? :D

Have an awesome week ahead, guys! :)

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Make Up For Ever MUFE High Definition Powder Product Review

If you are a frequent liquid foundation user with combination-oily to oily skin, you need to set your liquid foundation to help it last longer. A powder that does that while making your skin almost perfect looking is something that is tempting, if I may say so. The MUFE HD Powder promises to blur out your pores, making your face look as flawless as it can be on camera or videos. I gave in to the temptation when I purchased it and I am now giving it a review.

What I like:

• The powder is very finely milled so I can imagine how this fills in the pores making the skin appear poreless and flawless.
• Almost translucent and a very light dusting does not change the color of foundation.
• A little goes a long way and heed my advice when I say you only need very little of this product applied with a very light hand.
• The packaging is simple and straight on with no fancy packaging and all the works that makes a product more expensive.
• Talc-free for this who are allergic to talc.
• It gives a matte but not flat look but give it a few minutes to set and your skin then becomes glowing but not obnoxiously glowing.
• Makes the skin feel silky, smooth and velvety to the touch.
• Helps makeup last for hours.
• Locally available at MUFE counters.

What I don't like:

• Finely milled as it is, it feels chalky on the hand but not on the face.
• It makes my skin itch.
• Pretty messy as it gets everywhere!
• Do not ever apply too much of this as this will definitely add an unnatural ghastly white cast on pictures. People forget that this is for film and not for flash photography, thus, they tend to over apply it especially on the under eye area and bam! They have white patches under their eyes. I won't blame it on the product because incorrect use of it with unpleasant results isn't entirely the product's fault.
• Pretty expensive for a setting powder. I got the 5mL travel size of this for Php 850 (roughly $20) on eBay.ph and I am more than certain that it costs more in the store.

Will I buy again? No. Simply because I get allergic reactions to it and I prefer pressed powders.

Overall rating: 4/5. I still gave it a 4 because the product is really nice but as with any product, it just isn't for everyone like how it made my skin itch. 

If you are not always in front of the camera, filming videos, you can definitely skip this powder and if you are into flash photography, be very, very careful with this product.

Have you tried this powder?

Have a blessed Sunday, everyone. And Happy Father's Day to all your dads and all the dads out there. Give them the warmest hug ever! :)

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Innocent Peach - A Product Review

How's your weekend, everyone? I haven't been blogging as frequently as I'd like to and I will no longer make any promises to blog more often but I'll do my best to update this blog every time I can. Anyway, today I am reviewing a creme blush from Laura Mercier that is part of their Lingrerie Collection for Spring 2012 which is Innocent Peach. I am not a huge fan of creme blushes due to my skin type but lately, I am sort of digging them. So without further ado, here is the review.

Laura Mercier describes the Creme Cheek Colours as "A long-lasting, natural cheek colour formulated to provide translucent, buildable coverage for a soft, velvety finish."

What I like:

• Innocent Peach is such a luscious mixture of peach, coral, and pink which translates to a salmon shade that has enough warmth in it. It is simply pretty.
• Texture is smooth and very creamy that it glides like butter on the skin but dries to a satin finish.
• My nose did not detect any scent at all.
• Pigmented.
• It looks natural on the skin (A common characteristic of most creme blushes. Operative word: most) and blends fairly well with my skin tone.
• No allergic reaction, no breakouts either.
• The little compact has a mirror which is pretty handy for touch ups.
• Inexpensive for Php 995 at local Laura Mercier counters.
• Has a shelf life of one year.

What I don't like:

• Oxidizes on me after a while which then looks dirty on me.
• Lasts for only half an hour to an hour tops which could very well be due to my combination-oily skin.
• Contains only 2.34g of product.

Overall rating: 3/5 If only it lasts longer on me and ultimately, if it does not oxidize on me, I definitely would have given this a higher rating.

Will I buy again? Probably not. I'll go for tints such as Becca Beach Tints instead. :)

Have you tried Laura Mercier creme blushes? How do you find them?

Have a blessed Sunday, everyone.

Cheers,

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