YSL Baby Doll Kiss and Blush in #5 Rouge Effrontee - Review and Swatch

This product has intrigued me since I first heard about these and even more so when my friend (Mallory1712) made a video reviewing them and demo-ing them on her and well...I knew I had to try at least one. (Video Link - Click Here).

I purchased this at my local YSL counter inside of Nordstrom ($40 USD) and this was the color I thought would be great for the Spring and Summer seasons.

This and other shades can be purchased at Sephora (in stores or online) and Nordstrom (in stores or online).

I'm sure you are not surprised at how luxe the packaging looks. I know I'm not ;).

Rouge Effrontee is described as a bright coral-red and it is a gorgeous shade!

The applicator is quite unique. It is slanted a little bit but also has this space/hole where the product gathers. I hope you can see what I am talking about in the pictures.

I do have to say that the product has a soft and creamy consistency that makes blending a breeze. I do suggest blending it in relatively quickly or you might end up with a patchy application.

This is a VERY pigmented product so build up to the intensity you want. The first time I tried this, I went a little heavy handed and looked like a clown haha. But it was easily toned down with my foundation brush and gave my cheeks this beautiful rosy flush to the cheeks.

For me, it wore all day long and faded evenly. This is a plus because I am someone that does not touch up or do anything haha. So it is easy maintenance and beautiful on the skin. It is a soft matte product so do not expect a sheen or shimmer on the cheeks. 

Also, this product layers really easily and does not make other products apply patchy on your cheeks when this is already on. 

On the lips, it is really bright when you apply it. I would apply a sheer layer at first and layer to my desired intensity. This ensures more of a staining effect, even more so and this product lasts 6 hours on my lips through talking, drinking, munching on some food, and just being out and about. 

I hope you found this helpful and if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by, 

Bianca :)

MAC Cosmetics - Proenza Schouler - Sunset Beach blush

I remember when I first saw the promo pics of this collection from (ChicProfile) a few weeks or months back and the first thing that sold me was the packaging. It was definitely unique to MAC by doing something like this.

The first and only thing I knew I had to have were the ombre blushes; one being more pink and the other more peachy.

I know MAC has done ombre blushes before but I'm so glad more were brought out. Since it is limited edition, I suggest picking them up if you can. I don't think you will have much luck from now finding them at CCOs (Estee Lauder brands in an outlet store).

I will say... it's a little over priced. It was $30 for this blush when normally they range from like $17-23 (approximately). You are paying for the snazzy packaging and the Proenza Schouler name. I get a couple of bucks but almost $10? Pfft... I didn't like it.

...though it didn't stop me from buying -_- ...

The compact for this blush is heavy duty for sure. I can say that I prefer the packaging to the original blush packaging because it is heavy, has a magnetic closure, and seems safe for travel.

When you open it up... it looks stunning! I'm a huge fan of ombre effects like this in blushes or other kinds of face powders. They become multipurpose instantly.

To me, this blush was pigmented and not dry feeling at all. I swatched it on my finger and was impressed with the pay off. Especially since I did not read any reviews before buying, I was impressed as first glance.

In the swatch picture above, the top swatch is of the top half of the blush, second swatch is of the very bottom of the blush, and the last one is of the whole blush mixed together.

It's more of a dark pink...kind of magenta? A really pretty color that suits light or dark complexions because you can use a light hand or go more intense; use only the top half or the bottom half; or whatever you prefer.

I'm really glad I picked it up on whim. I didn't want to risk it being sold out haha.

Hope you found this helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them down below in the comment sections.

So, did you pick up anything from the Proenza Schouler collection from MAC or did you skip on it?

Talk to you all soon!
Bianca

MAC Playland - Casual Colour in Hi Jinks!

Well MAC, you did us all good with bringing out a really bright and colorful collection that woke up the colorful side of all your fans.

This spring/summer collection from MAC is called the Playland Collection and I'm sure you have seen the promo pics...and the makeup is insane. Props to the MUA that created that. It's amazing!!

I'm here to talk to you about a new product I purchased today at my local Nordstrom and it is the Casual Colour is Hi Jinks!

This is a lip and cheek product so automatically it's multipurpose if you want it to be. *more bang for your buck*. And one of the girls at MAC told me that it was created with the purpose of this being your go-to product for cheeks and lips for the summer time. It's casual, hence the name haha, which makes it easy and foolproof.

MAC describes this as a bright coral. Why yes...we can see that haha.

It is a decent sized pot too! Should last you awhile I assume.

This is great in my opinion. It is very emollient which makes blending a breeze. I usually steer away from products where I have to use my fingers (I'm more of a brush application kind of girl haha). But this felt so smooth and creamy, it won me over. They will give you a healthy glow since it has that sheen to it that will be beautiful in the summer months.

It does have that classic MAC vanilla scent but it's not annoying (to me at least). And since removing the swatch, it stained my arm very slightly. So I'm going to assume that the lasting power on these might be decent! :)

And the specific color is AMAZING and perfect for the season. This is a hot seller so if you want to get it...go now!! Or call your go-to MAC counter or free standing store to set one aside for you OR shop it on Nordstrom and MAC websites.

Retails for $21, not bad for something you might end up usually very often and that is good quality.

SOOO did you pick anything up from the Playland collection? Let me know in the comments!

Take care!
Bianca :)

Tom Ford Unabashed Eye and Cheek Palette for Summer 2014

Well isn't this a thing of beauty?

This is the new and highly coveted Tom Ford Eye and Cheek palette in Unabashed. This is the first palette Mr. Ford has come out with in terms to combining both eye and cheek products. And I am hoping for more palettes like these! 

As you can see, the Ivory and Gold packaging is still going on, resembling the original Private Blend lipstick packaging from back in the day. So fans of Tom Ford are loving it right now because it is so sleek and simple.

*ahhhh* It's so beautiful!

So it comes with three eyeshadows and two cheek products.

Eyeshadows - top to bottom: the classic TF glitter is the top shade and it looks like a champagne coloring with a touch of taupe. The only way I can describe the undertone of that glitter shade is taupe...I can't put my finger on it. It's really gorgeous! Next, it's a classic and true gray taupe matte shadow. MonsiieurAlex mentioned that it's the closest dupe to Chanel's Notorious contour/blush powder from a few years back. So if you are a pro at contour and missed out on Notorious, this would be a cool multi-purpose shade. And finally...the star of the palette...the bright cobalt blue. It is also a matte shadow. When you swatch and apply it, it turns into a bright teal color. So if you want true to pan opacity, you would have to pack it on.

 *drooling*

Here, I took pictures from three different angles and different lighting to get every angle position to show these shadows as best as possible.

The texture of these shadows are AMAZING and so soft like all TF shadows I've come across. I have yet to make a look with these...when I do I will post on my Instagram :)

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me! I'll do my best to answer it as best as possible.

I purchased mine at my local TF counter in Nordstrom. As of right now, Neimans and Saks are doing in store purchases online...They have put that on their website. *it might change*. Demand for this palette is insane. With all the hype around it thanks to social media...A LOT of people pre-ordered it! I know I did :}. Nordstrom doesn't even have this palette online but the rest of the collection is available.

It retails for a heartbreaking $95 haha. I justified it because it was a birthday present to myself :P. *reason enough riiight?!* ;)

Anyways, hope you enjoyed this! Any questions, feel free to ask.

Have a great day/night,
Bianca

High End Blushes - Are you getting your money's worth...?

I was thinking today about how people justify buying certain makeup items, whether it be blush, foundation, eyeshadows; and if it is worth the money.

I thought I would do a comparison post on some of the higher end blushes that I own and compare price per gram of product.

Hourglass Cosmetics, Benefit Cosmetics, Chanel, Tom Ford, and Clinique

I know some people might think that being the pan looks big that there may appear like there is a lot of product when in fact...if you do the math...you might be paying more for less product. And it might actually be worth to spend the extra few bucks by buying from another brand.

My very first Tom Ford item I purchased was a blush and believe me...I couldn't believe what I had spent that much on it. I picked out a blush I knew I could use with every look and something I would reach for on a daily basis (which is how I first justified my first TF purchase) #NoRegrets haha.

Whether you are on a budget or not, it's good to know whether you are getting your money's worth. Think like you are in Costco, the more you get, the better the deal right? Sometimes not haha. I think that concept applies a lot to makeup. The higher price tag might mean less product and in some cases you get way more than you thought.

Some folks do not really think about how much they are getting for the price. So that is why I'm here to compare different brands that have blush lines and see how they stack up against each other.

In the pictures posted, I have featured: Benefit Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, Hourglass Cosmetics, Chanel, and Clinique.

I wanted to show you the amount you get per compact. I calculated on Excel the price per gram and you will see some interesting things from the screen shot.

 If you want a close up view of the pic, click on it. You will see more detail.

I think some of the most surprising in my opinion was Benefit's Box o' Powder as the most bang for your buck. You get a TON of product for the price.

The most expensive was Chanel in both cream and powder formulas weighing in at over $10 per gram :O.

I think something to consider, if you are interested in Tom Ford blushes, is that you are getting quite a bit of product for a not-so-crazy price tag (it could be worse haha). And from personal experience, you only need to dab your brush in once and you're good to go for each cheek. I can imagine my TF blushes lasting me FOREVER haha.

The price per gram in the new limited edition Clinique Cheek Pop blushes rival TF. If you had the choice though...which one would you pick if you had the means? (I would say Tom Ford; personal opinion haha).

Hourglass Ambient Lighting blushes are definitely in the higher price spectrum of the ones listed. It's personal preference on what you want in a blush and if you are okay spending that much. Though I must say that you cannot really overdo these, so in my opinion it's fool proof.

SOOO...what do you guys think? Does the how much you get matter or are you just interested in getting your hands on the product?

Does anyone else do these price per gram comparisons...? Just me? Yeah, thought so :P ;)

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, I would love to hear your opinions.

Apologies for the super long post but there was a lot of info to cover.

Talk to you all soon,
Bianca

NARS Matte Multiple in Exumas - Review and Swatch

Hello hello,

Hope you are all having a great weekend. It's been rainy and gloomy here in Seattle but what else is new haha.

Recently, I picked up one of the matte multiples from the new and permanent line from NARS. They retail for $39 and can be found at Sephora, Nordstrom, NARS.com, and other retailers of NARS products.

To be honest, I want all of them haha. But not all would suit me and my skin tone. So I picked up the one that would be the most universally flattering for many; which in my opinion is Exumas.

If you have been keeping up with my blog recently, you will see that I posted a blog post on some tips and advice on these matte multiples given to me by one of the national makeup artists for NARS. Which I suggest you check that out ;). Link to post: HERE

So here is Exumas:

 It is described as: a pink apricot shade.

 Seriously...this is a beauty :)

 It looks like a super big tube of lipstick haha.

Here are swatches in two different kinds of lighting.

The feel of this is very velvety and smooth. I think this is one of those products that makes getting into using cream products a breeze. It blends out effortlessly, but keep in mind if you blend too much it will just melt into the skin. Which is what I experienced once. I'm a blending freak so it just kept blending and then it was gone haha.

Though, if you think about it...if you apply too much, you can blend it away to your desired opacity on your cheeks.

These are easy to use...this is a major plus because I've always been turned off my products that require me to use my fingers (I don't know why haha but I prefer using a brush for every part of my makeup application). This is a product that works well with finger and brush application :) * insert thumbs up emoji*

Another point: Bare in mind that these matte multiples and regular multiples differ in quantity with the same price tag. So if you aren't a huge fan of the matte color range, check out the regular multiple line for more bang for your buck. Matte multiples have half the amount that the regular ones do. :(

It depends on what you are looking for, whether you want it in stick form or in a pot like the new MakeUp ForEver or Chanel cream blushes.

If you are still iffy on these, have someone that is experienced with the NARS Matte Multiples help you out and give you tips and have them apply it on you. So you are 100% sure that you want to go ahead with the purchase :)

I hope this was helpful for you all :). If you have any questions on these, refer to my previous matte multiple blog post that I have already linked in this post or ask me in the comment section.

Talk to you all soon,
Bianca

NARS Matte Multiples! - Advice, Ramblings, and are they worth it?

Hi everyone!

I just came home from Sephora after doing a little damage at Sephora and Nordstrom and I wanted to talk to you about the NEW NARS Matte Multiples that have been released recently.

I picked up one of the ones that were released in Exumas (but I'm not going to lie, I wanted ALL of them!) which I will review tomorrow! :) Soo keep a look out for that!!

So I wanted to write up a post on the advice given to me by the NARS artists that came into my Sephora today. Which today was a good day to go since I got to play with all the multiples and had a couple tested on me.

I'll try to keep this short and sweet :)

Price: $39 for 0.26 oz

1. You can use them wet or dry.
--wet meaning you can apply some of your hand and when place a few drops of water onto where you applied the multiple and it sheers it out and gives a dewier appearance if desired.
--dry: it goes on INCREDIBLY pigmented and smooth. Keep in mind that it is easy to go overboard with the product. A little definitely goes a lot way.

2. Like the name says, it has multiple uses.
--you can use it as a lip product
--or you can use it as a blush
--the artist told me that she did not recommend them for the eyes since they are sticky and can crease if you use a lot. But if you wanted you use it on your eyes, she would recommend the bronzier shades!
--They blend out like BUTTAH on the skin. Whether it be wet or dry. Sooo easy to work with :)

3. There are 3 bronzer/contour shades.
-Altai, Vientiane, and Cappadoce
--She told me that Altai is closest to NARS Laguna bronzer. So if you love Laguna, check out Altai!
--Vientiane is closest to Casino Bronzer from NARS. So if you are of a medium to tan to deeper skintones that this is a great bronzer and contour shade!
--Cappadoce is aimed for those with deeper skin tones and/or can be used for an intense contour :)

4. You do get less product for the same price as the other multiples from NARS
--The artist told me that the original multiples are more sheer in application and you end up using a lot to try to get an opaque application
--With the MATTE Multiples, you do not need a lot and can last you a long time. Again, a little goes a long way...so it might be worth the price. Depends if it's in your budget or not.

5. Availability:
--Sephora has it in store and online!
--Nordstrom said they would release them during their Trend Event so check your local Nordstrom to see if they have it or when it will be released. If you wait for the Trend Event, there is a Gift With Purchase! :) Check online as well.
--NARS.com <- obvii haha

So the million dollar question, DO YOU NEED IT and IS IT WORTH IT?

--It depends on you and whether you want to venture into the cream product world.

-It doesn't bother me that I paid $39 because it is soooo pigmented and multi-purpose...it's worth it to me. And the fact that I have never used or owned a Multiple before.

-You should consider that these products are creams, they are pigmented, blendable, and it's NARS. The price is relatively reasonable considering that it's NARS. It could be more expensive...

If you are not ready to take the plunge on a NARS multiple, there are other options (like the FitMe foundation sticks by Maybelline) for contouring purposes. :)


So are you picking up any of the new multiples?! Which ones do you have your eyes on?

I definitely want to pick up Laos, Vientiane, and Siam (I shouldn't want them but I do!!). Maybe during the Friends and Family sale :)

Talk to you all soon!!
Bianca

What I Wore This Week #1 (2/10-2/14)

Happy friday/weekend! ~yasss!~

I'm excited to share with you my first "What I Wore This Week" post. Where I share with you what makeup I wore during the week :). Since this is my first, I welcome any and all constructive criticism on how to improve these posts. My goal with posting my weekly makeup stash is to vary my makeup products so I don't get stuck in a rut or just use one thing for weeks.

First group of products I'm going to share with you are LIPS: 

 I've been using two regularly over the past week, left: YSL Rouge Volupte in #9 Caress Pink (muted raspberry pink) and original Dior Lip Glow. They are the kind of lip products that require no mirror to apply and since I'm SUPER forgetful when it comes to reapplying my lip products so these two have been my go to (and not just for this past week). I love these two! :)

Next: EYES

I have my stand by's when it comes to eyeliners and liquid liners. I rarely steer away from what I use unless I run out of it and buy something else.

 Top to Bottom: Maybelline Full n Soft Waterproof mascara, Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, Kat Von D Autograph pencil in Puro Amor, Urban Decay 24/7 Slide On eyeliner in Crave, and Maybelline Define a Brow in Medium Brown.

 Eyeshadow: Tom Ford Orchid Haze *drools*. It's a stunning palette to work with. I think it can be a great every day palette for a variety of people :).

Finally: FACE

For foundation, I have been using and loving the sample of Tom Ford Traceless Foundation in #7 Tawny. It's the most perfect match I have found in my time of trying out foundation from drugstore to high end. But just my luck, my perfect match is the most expensive one I've ever tried haha :(. I'll definitely keep trying to snag samples though if I can :p.

Blush: Tom Ford Ravish. ALL TIME favorite blush that I own. I've been using it like 90% of the time since I purchased it. It's gorgeous!!

Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard ~Review of this concealer on my blog!~

Setting Powder: Guerlain Meteorites (old formulation) in Teinte Dore #3. I'm in loooove with this setting powder. It really makes my skin look glowing but not sparkly or icky. It's subtle but noticeable. It livens up my complexion and without it...my foundations and concealers don't look the same by the end of the day. I have yet to try the new formulation so I can't give my thoughts on that...yet... ;).

What did you wear this week? Let me know in the comments :)

Hope you all are doing well. Talk to you all soon,
Bianca xo

Hourglass Cosmetics - Ambient Lighting Blush - Luminous Flush and Diffused Heat - Swatches

Hey everyone! I have something new and exciting to share with you all. If you follow beauty Instagrammers, you will know of the new Hourglass Cosmetics blushes infused with their very popular Ambient Lighting powders. These Powders were released last week; first on the Hourglass website and out of nowhere, it was being sold on Sephora to VIBs and VIB Rouges. I ordered mine on Sephora and received them today :D!

I'm so so soooo excited about this line. The powders look stunning and the packaging is just to die for (figuratively haha). I kind of want them all... but I must resist... *lies to self*. I do plan to pick up two more though but I'll be checking up swatches on Temptalia for the other two ;).

Personally, I own one single Ambient Lighting powder and the limited edition palette that came out during the holidays. I do not own many Hourglass product but that will definitely change soon! (Many things have been added to my wishlist ;)). I love what I own and I cannot wait to try more.

In this post, I'll have pictures of the box, outside packaging of the compact, and images of the powders. I love the marbleized "pattern" of the blush. Makes every one unique.

 Can Hourglass make their products any more gorgeous?! Seriously... They are so beautiful.

Luminous Flush

Diffused Heat

*drooling* - this is why I want to collect all 6...but I must resist the temptation!! haha

Here are the swatches of the two blushes:

I tried to capture the blushes in three different angles, which is why the lighting is a little off in every square. It's funny to see these photographed and having them look similar haha. The left one is Luminous Flush and the right one is Diffused Heat.

Luminous Flush - I think that the blush color is very slightly cool toned but the Luminous Light powder that is mixed in warms it up a lot. In the swatch, it's more of a pink-y shade. I think this is a great winter to spring transition blush.

Diffused Heat - literally love at first sight. This was one I knew I HAD to have in my collection. It's more vibrant than Luminous Light. And Hourglass describes it as a "vibrant poppy" so it's a fitting description. This shade will be perfect for Spring and Summer, without a doubt. I can see this one being a best seller or a shade that's sold out a lot.

First impression: they are SO smooth and build-able. The swatches on my arm are two "layers", this comes to show that they are build-able in opacity and do not skip or apply splotchy. I love them so far and the quality from swatching on my arm makes me love them even more.

So, have you or will you be picking up some of these blushes? If so, what shades?

Since these are a new range of blushes...what is your currently favorite formula and brand for blushes?

I'd love to know what you think in the comments.

I hope I covered everything. I wanted to get this posted as soon as possible so if I missed anything, definitely feel free to leave a comment or question :)

Have a good night/day,
Bianca xo