Back from Hiatus Post: Blushes - Cremes, Gels, Tints Mini Reviews and Swatches

Hi everyone! It has been a while since I last updated my blog. I had a lot of personal issues to deal with during my hiatus - I quit my office job, underwent therapy for my back, my mom had a stroke and had to take care of her until she made quite a recovery, and I'm back to doing freelance jobs online. Before I digress, allow me to get back on track. I decided there is no better way to make a back from hiatus post than to make it about my favorite makeup - blushes. Recently, I found myself gravitating towards creme blushes as they last longer on my skin now than powder blushes do. On my instagram account, I posted a picture of these blushes and now, I'd like to do swatches and mini reviews of all these. So if you'd like to see swatches and find out what I think of each product, then read on.

Let's start with the creme blushes in pans and a pot.

Top: Le Blush Creme de Chanel in Affinite; Laura Mercier Creme Cheek
Colour in Oleander; Becca Creme Blush in Hyacinth
Bottom: Diorblush Cheek Creme in Bikini

Swatches:

L-R: Affinite, Bikini, Hyacinth, Oleander

Mini Review:

1. Le Blush Creme de Chanel in Affinite - This is a gorgeous watermelon pink with a hint of red and coral creme blush. Its texture is quite different from all the creme blushes I have tried that I can't quite put my finger on how to exactly describe it. It's has a dry texture but not as airy as mousse blushes and dries to a powder finish. It lasts for hours on my combination-oily skin while giving a nice flush on my cheeks. It looks scary bright in the pan and it really is pigmented so you should use a very light hand in application. I prefer using my fingers in blending this as it's not as creamy and emolient as creme blushes normally are.
2. Diorblush Cheek Creme in Bikini - Now here's another pretty watermelon pink blush with very fine shimmers that I can barely make out once on the cheeks. It feels like play doh, only a tad softer. It blends well with the skin and gives a nice pop of colour that can surely brighten one's complexion. This, together with Affinite, are my current favourites.
3. Becca Creme Blush in Hyacinth - This was my HG creme blush before I crossed paths with Affinite and Bikini. Unlike the first two, this one is very creamy and emolient and blends so good on the skin making you look like you are naturally flushing. It is reddish pink in colour which can mimic one's color when blushing (although it still depends on your skin tone). This also has good staying power despite the formula and despite my skin type. 
4. Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Oleander - Unlike the first three, this doesn't have a tinge of brightness in it. It is a nice warm pale pink which can look very nice on those with light skin tones. This is perfect for those who just wants some nice light pink on their cheeks. I find this quite a bit dry and a little bit hard to work with but the end result is still nice. Staying power is also pretty good.  

Now on to the gels and tints.

MeMeMe Poppy Tint; Benefit ChaCha Tint; Giorgio Armani Blushing
Fabric 1 Shimmering Peach; Becca Beach Tint in Guava;
Kose Visee Mineral Liquid Cheeks Baby Finish PK800

Swatches:

L-R: Blushing Fabric 1, PK800, Guava, ChaCha Tint, Poppy Tint

Mini Review:

1. Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric 1 Shimmering Peach - This is my second Blushing Fabric, the first one being shade 2. I have to say that I am more impressed with this shade than the first one. This gorgeous pink-peach-red shade is absolutely lovely with all the shimmers. It also has a great staying power and with its siliconey texture, it goes on smoothly on the cheeks. This is also pretty pigmented so do not forget to use a light hand in applying this.
2. Kose Visee Mineral Liquid Cheeks Baby Finish PK-800 - Now this looks neon pink and almost fluorescent when swatched but it turns to a nice warm bright pink shade on the cheeks. It is very pigmented and I can truly say that a little goes a long way with this blush. Staying power isn't as fab as other cremes and liquids but I suppose this will stay much longer for those with dry-normal skin.
3. Becca Beach Tint in Guava - Becca. I have grown a certain fondness for this brand and it all began with this lip & cheek tint. It is a very pretty light coral pink shade that looks nice on both cheeks and lips. This little tube that contains only 7mL of product is pigmented and a little goes a long way. I love the fruity scent it has too. Although the staying power kinda disappoints me, I still like using it especially on hot and humid days.
4. Benefit Cha Cha Tint - Coral lovers will like this. Its texture is similar to Posie Tint and not as watery as Benetint so it will give you extra seconds to blend, blend, blend, before it actually stains. I don't like this much on my cheeks because it turns red-orange on me but on the lips, I like it a lot. It is bright and perfect for summer.
5. MeMeMe Poppy Tint -  This is very much similar to Benefit Posie Tint only this one is more watery. I like it but not as much as I like the my other non-powder blushes. I don't normally reach for this although staying power is decent.

So that is all. I hope you like this post and if you have favorites or suggestions, please leave a comment.

Have a wonderful day, super awesome peeps!

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Essence Cosmetics XXXL Shine Lipgloss - Red Blossom and Nude Kiss Product Review

Are you one of those girls who hate the tacky, sticky, and gritty feeling of some lip glosses? Don't you hate how your hair sticks to your lips when the wind blows and you get a streak or two of gloss on your face? I am one of you then, if you are. These are just some of the reasons why I am not particularly fond of lip gloss. I don't like how gooey and thick some feel on the lips too, and it doesn't help if you have full lips (which I don't have anyway). When I was checking out the Essence Cosmetics counter in SM Cubao, I was looking for the translucent loose powder but it wasn't available (and still is), so decided to browse through their products. Although the selection was incomplete, I found myself enjoying looking and swatching whatever products are available, except for the foundations which I find a little too pink for my liking. The XXXL Shine Glosses caught my attention particularly a red and vibrant one. After a lot of swatching and thinking, I went home with two shades - Red Blossom and Nude Kiss.

Red Blossom is a gorgeous red shade with subtle shimmer that can effortlessly brighten one's face with just a swipe or two.

Nude Kiss, on the other hand, is a pretty nude pink shade with silver shimmers glitters that is perfect for no-makeup or dramatic smokey eyes.

What I like:

• These glosses are quite opaque and pigmented. 
• They have a strong fruity scent that I do not find overwhelming. While I am partial to unscented lip products (and makeup ad skin care in general), I am kinda pleased with the scent and find it nice.
• These glosses feel like jelly but aren't sticky and gooey and actually feels light on the lips.
• It provides a high shine finish that can easily add a little oomph to your matte lipsticks or simply on your bare lips.
• They are non-drying which is a huge plus for me. Who likes drying lip gloss formula anyway?
• No irritation nor allergic reaction on the lips.
• Inexpensive for only Php 139.00.
• Locally available at selected SM department stores.

What I don't like:

• Since these are non-sticky, the staying power isn't very long though they last for a good hour or two, particularly Red Blossom with a few sips in between.
• There's a slight taste in these glosses but they disappear pretty quickly.
• Nude Kiss leaves glitters on my lips once the colour and gloss are gone. That doesn't happen to Red Blossom though.

Overall rating: 4.75/5 I had to take away a few points due to longevity. Overall, I think these are good glosses for a drugstore brand and the inexpensive price tag.

Will I buy again? Yes, especially if they make a coral-pink shade.

Have you tried these glosses? What other product/s would you recommend from this brand? Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Eyes Lips Face ELF Makeup Mist & Set Product Review

Hey, lovelies! Here's another review of a drugstore product. Lately, I find myself checking out drugstore makeup more than mid-range and high end ones. It's such a thrill to find inexpensive yet effective products among drugstore items. ELF is one of the drugstore brands known for selling their makeup and tools for as low as $1 and even going on sale given the very low price tag. Now I can only wish that is the same for its price here in Manila. However, since most items are below Php 500 at local retail price, I guess there's not much to complain. And they have been coming up with products with notably good quality. That is why when I was looking for a makeup setting spray to help my makeup stay longer during summer, I immediately searched for the ELF Makeup Mist & Set on ebay.ph even though there are other options like those from Urban Decay and Skindinavia that are available on ebay as well. Some reviews were pretty convincing plus the price really wouldn't hurt, however it may turn out on my skin so I settle for this one. Read more for the rest of the review.

Here is the product description on the ELF website:

Wish you could have a product for your makeup like Hairspray is for your hair? Well…keep your makeup staying in place all day with a radiance boosting invisible hold with our new Makeup Mist & Set. The invigorating mist moisturizes and soothes the skin with key ingredients Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumber and Vitamins A, C & E. The lightweight, comfortable and alcohol free formula improves makeup wearability and prevents color from running or fading.

What I like:

• I actually like the simple black, see-through bottle. Some may find it cheap looking but I don't mind how it is packaged at all. It is not bulky so it's okay to bring with you in your bag.
• I like the refreshing sensation that it initially gives after it has just been sprayed on the face.
• Spritzer works just fine. Not as nice as those from Evian and Avene but still does its job of spraying the product on your face.
• It doesn't give my face a very tight sensation.
• Does not make my face feel dry at all and makes my makeup look dewy.
• Does not make my makeup cakey.
• Inexpensive for Php 200 bucks + shipping.
• Made locally available by local resellers online.

What I don't like:

• It sometimes makes me itch though there are also times when it doesn't which I find kinda confusing.
• Does nothing to help my makeup stay longer even if I was in an airconditioned room most of the time when I used this (yes, it's just sitting pretty on my desk).

Overall rating: 3/5 I gave it a 3 for the refreshing sensation and for not drying out my skin. But as for it being a makeup setter, it's disappointing that it did not deliver for me.

Will I buy again? No. With the price + shipping, I am better off with Evian.

Have you tried this product?

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! :)

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Too Faced Cosmetics Absolutely Invisible Translucent Pressed Powder Product Review

Why do cosmetic companies come up with long names for their products? It's been making me wonder for a while now. Anyway, I am reviewing the pressed powder that I have been using since January this year, which I got a while back from Apothica. I have only tried the Caribbean in a Compact Sunny Bronzer and the Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder (which is now a favorite) but I was impressed in the quality of their products, so it goes without saying that I have high hopes for this product. Read on for the review.

Here is how this powder is described on the Too Faced website:

What It Is:

Micronized pigments literally “float” atop skin to even out tone, eliminate unwanted shine and set foundation. An exclusive combination of complexion perfectors increase elasticity, moisture and firmness. 

More To Love:  

Preventative & Powerful Antioxidants: Free radicals are blocked, UVA & UVB damage is reduced and repaired. 

Seaweed Extract & Sea Water: Increase moisture levels, elasticity and heals environmentally ravaged skin. 

Chamomile: Soothes and calms, helping skin rejuvenate.  

Vitamins: A, C and E, a daily dose of vitamins for the skin offer long term benefits and a healthier complexion.

What I like:

• First off, the compact is really cute. It's not the most classy packaging as compared to Chanel and higher end brands but still very nice and girly without being too pink. There is also a nice inscription on the mirror inside that says "Why be pretty when you can be gorgeous?". There is also a separate sponge compartment which somehow makes it more hygienic though bulkier than say, MAC Blot.
• The texture is fine and silky smooth and blends easily on the skin. The finish is more satiny than matte so although it looks kinda matte, it definitely isn't flat and dull.
• It's not translucent as I expected. It has a slight tint to it which is good if you want a little color on your powder.
• Oil control is pretty good and keeps my face shine-free for about half a day and then it gets dewy as the day progresses. But on really hot days, expect oil control to be a tad shorter.
• It contains a generous amount of 9g.
• It is infused with Vitamins C, A, & E which are claimed to be good for the skin.
• Has not caused any irritation or break outs.
• Does not turn ashy on me.
• Has a shelf life of 12 months. But you know powder, right? They last longer than cream ones.
• Fairly priced at $27 based on Too Faced SRP. If converted to Php, it a little over Php 1000.

What I don't like:

• I know it's supposed to be translucent and not alter the foundation shade but it somehow manages to do just that. It could also be due to my being acidic, though.
• Brand isn't locally available so you have to rely on resellers (which are sometimes ridiculously overpriced though some are reasonably priced) and pre-orders if you want to get your hands on these products. I wish someone would bring this brand here as it is slowly growing on me.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Will I buy again? Probably not. I still like MAC Blot a little better probably because it's much more accessible here in the country.

Ingredients:

Talc, Mica, Zinc Stearate, Ethoxydiglycol, Silk (Serica), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycine Soya (Soybean) Oil, Algae Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Silica, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG/PPG-4/12 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Methicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

Have you tried this product? What other powders or Too Faced products would you recommend?

Have a safe rainy Wednesday, everyone! :)

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product purchased using sponsorship funds from SkinCareRX but does not in any way affect my opinion on the said product.

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In the Limelight: Tarte Amazonian 12-hour Clay Blush in Dollface

My first Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush experience was okay with the shade Blissful. While it wasn't a blissful ending for me and that blush, that didn't stopme from trying another shade from the Amazonian Clay Blush line and got myself Dollface. I have been using this since last year and I decided it's time to finally review it.

What I like:

• The shade is a cool light pink that turns warm on me after a while. Please do note, though, that I am acidic and almost everything oxidizes on me. It is pretty and brightens the face.
• Surprisingly, it stays longer than Blissful considering that that shade is more pigmented than this one. It stays for about half a day before it fades then eventually disappear.
• It has not caused any allergic reaction nor any break outs on my skin.
• I got the deluxe size with 3.4g of product but since a little goes a long way, I can just imagine not being able to use it up in 2 years. What more if its the full-sized one?
• Unscented. 
• Animal cruelty-free.
• Brand is not locally available in department stores but can be purchased through online resellers for around Php 1000-1400.00 depending on the seller,
• Has a shelf life of 12 months as indicated on the label but as for powder products, it can last for up to 3 years if used very carefully keeping it sanitized all the time.
• Since it is the smaller version, compact is a bit smaller but still cute and will easily fit even in small purses of pockets.

What I don't like:

• No mirror. Becca cosmetics have compacts that are as small as this one yet they were able to put mirrors. This is just minor and I can live with it.
• Compared to Blissful, the texture of this one isn't as smooth and silky but still blends on the skin especially when a brush with not so soft bristles are used. Still works with a regular blush brush though.
• Still oxidizes but at least it turns out nicely.
• Still no 12 hours on the skin.
• Not locally available in department stores.

Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? I would if I don't happen to have any favorites but sadly, I have faves. So I might skip on repurchasing but it's not the blush; it's me. :-D

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

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Laura Mercier Secret Concealer 2 Product Review

For someone with allergies and asthma, dark under eye circles is something I have always dealt with. No amount of sleep and eye creams can counter these dark circles so I have come to accept the fact that my under eyes will always be that way. Since then, I have always been on the look out for concealers that would help "hide" these dark circles. I have tried a few and one of them is the Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in shade 2. Prior to my purchase, I was choosing between this and the Bobbi Brown Concealer but the shade that matches me isn't available at that time so I ended up going home with this one. I have been using this for a while and read on for the review.

What I like:

• The shade 2 is a match for my skin tone. I am a MAC NC25 for reference.
• The shade does not turn grey on my under eyes. I am acidic and most concealers turn grey on me which can be quite annoying as it makes my under eyes look dull.
• It works not just as a concealer but also as a corrector since it is a salmon shade.
• Opaque.
• Creamy and easily blends on the skin.
• It visibly conceals the dark circles and would work so much better for those who do not have very dark circles.
• No allergic reaction, no milia or pimples.
• Has a shelf life of 18 months.
• Locally available at Rustan's for Php 995 / 2.2g pot.

What I don't like:

• Since it is creamy, it tends to settle on the crease and lines on the under eyes.
• It also tends to slide off in just a couple of hours even if set with powder. Does not even last half a day on me and it's gone before lunch time.
• After 2 layers, it tends to cake on the 3rd.

Overall rating: 3/5

Will I buy again? No. Liquid concealers work better for me than cream concealers. It's nice but not enough for me to repurchase.

Have you tried this concealer? What other concealers would you recommend?

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover Product Review

I must have already stated on my older posts that if there is one eye makeup I would choose amongst all the products available, it would be mascara. I love how it instantly opens up the eyes and makes them look more awake. The usual bummer about mascaras, though, is that most of the time, they smudge. So I always opt for waterproof mascaras from Japanese brands but they are notoriously known for being hardcore waterproof. That's why it is also important to have a makeup remover that not only removes hard-to-remove-waterproof mascaras but also gentle enough on the eyes. Last year, I was sent a bottle of the Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover by The Updated Trends to try. This review has been long overdue but needless to say, here it is.

 What I like:

• It is very gentle on the eyes, does not sting at all, as it has tear compatible PH.
• It can remove face makeup and not just eye makeup which is a huge plus. I don't have to use a separate face makeup remover as this can certainly remove both. Money and time saver.
• It is non-greasy and not oily on the skin.
• Gentle enough for the skin and has not cause any allergic reaction so far.
• Unscented.
• Does not need to squirt a lot of product just to remove makeup.
• Locally available at The Updated Trends for Php 425.00/125mL bottle. I'd say it's affordable.

What I don't like:

• It says it is oil-free but since it is a two-phase product, half of it looks like oil to me. It may just be me but that's what it seems like. 

Overall rating: 4.75/5 I'd gladly change the rating to a 5 if the other half of the product isn't really oil.

Will I buy again? Yes. I think this is the makeup remover I'd purchase as soon as I am out of this and the other makeup remover I am using.

Product Description, Directions for Use, and Ingredients

Have you tried the Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover? How do you find it?

Have a great Wednesday, gals and guys!

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product received for review purposes but does not. in any way, affect my opinion on on the said product.

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In the Limelight: Becca Cosmetics Creme Blush in Hyacinth Product Review

I have always been a powder blush user and creme blushes aren't really my thing although I have owned a few in the past. None really amazed me but that wasn't until I got my hands on Hyacinth Creme Blush by Becca Cosmetics. It was one of the products I picked up from my Apothica sponsorship. Anyway, I have been using it since January of this year and here is my review on the said product.

What I like:

• The shade, Hyacinth, is a gorgeous red-pink shade with just a very tiny hint of coral in it. It  does not contain shimmers and gives a natural flush.
• The texture is very creamy, glides like butter, and blends like a dream on the skin.
• Unscented.
• The compact is really nice and sleek and fits small purses given its small size. It is smaller than the compacts of their powders and powder blushes.
• Pigmented and a little goes a long way. 
• Its texture initially made me think that this won't last more than half an hour on me but it proves otherwise as this lasts for about half a day on my combination-oily skin type plus the Manila heat and humidity. So staying power is more than decent for a creme blush.
• It has not caused any irritation or allergic reaction on my skin.
• Locally available at Adora in Greenbelt though I can't be certain of the price.

What I don't like:

• This could be pretty pricey here in Manila. The Beach Tints cost around Php 1850 so I can just imagine how pricier this could probably be. (But given the quality, I'm willing to purchase this here.)

Overall rating: 4.75/5 less .25 for the price.

Will I buy again? I think this is my HG (Holy Grail) creme blush so yes! As I stated above, I am willing to pay the local price and purchase it here.

Have you tried creme blushes by Becca Cosmetics?

Have a wonderful week ahead, everyone! :-)

Cheers,

DISCLAIMER Product was purchased using my Apothica sponsorship fund but does not, in any way, affect my opinion on the said product.

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