MAC Styleseeker - Powder Blush in Hidden Treasure

I wanted to try a Red blush as I don't have any in my collection. I thought Fall would be a good time to try one out so I was looking for a Red blush when came across this at a MAC counter. 

Hidden Treasure is a part of the Styleseeker collection. 

Described as a "rich burnt red". The colour may look a bit intimidating and scary in the pan but can be sheered and blended out with a good blush brush. I use my NARS Yachiyo to apply it, because it makes my life easier when I do.

I would agree that the colour is rich and kind of a red brick colour with a little bit of golden sheen.

Satin/velvet finish. The texture is a bit on the dry side.

The blush does not have shimmer nor sheen when applied but still gives a little dimension on the skin and does not look flat as can be seen from the swatches below.

Left heavily swatched. Right partially blended. The blush can still be sheered out. I opted to apply it heavily to show the colour of the blush.

The blush will work on warmer skin tones. I have tried it on my friend who has darker skin tone and it looked stunning on her. On lighter skin tones, it may look harsh and a bit scary when applied heavily, a light hand and a good brush blush is needed.

The colour payoff is great. However, the dry texture of the blush can make the application a bit tricky.

This blush does not last as long as I would want it to, but it does a decent job.

NARS JOIE DE VIVRE - Nordstrom Exclusive Cheek Palette

Blush-fiend-must-have!

I know, I fail at swatching products most of the time, but I have fun trying and sharing the swatches on my blog so I still give it a go. I hope these swatches would be useful for someone out there. This palette is limited edition and is probably no longer available at Nordstrom. If you're lucky, you can still find it online. Also, it can be used as a reference for buying individual blush colors.

Thank you to my all time favorite enabler, the ever pretty and sweet, Blair for giving me a go signal and enabling me to purchase this palette! :3

This is an exclusive and Limited edition cheek palette. It contains 6 cheek colors composed of blushers, a highlighter and a bronzer. Each pan contains 3.5g/0.12oz of product.

For those who are curious where I got the palette, I bought it from the carefree shopper at Multiply. Armie, the shop's owner even sent me a mini Super Orgasm blush as a freebie! I will try to post and swatch it next time. :)

No surprise here, NARS' signature black rubbery packaging which I label as a dust magnet. :) The back of the palette contains the names/labels. While I label it a dust-magnet it is sleek, portable and easy to travel with. I also like that it has a large mirror. :D

NARS blushes need no introduction as they are very popular. Known for their great colour payoff and lasting power. (of course everyone complains about their dust magnet packaging too! LOL!) 

Most of the blushes on this palette are shimmery/shiny or have a sheen. Angelika contains chunks of glitter like Super Orgasm. The other colours might look scary in the pan but I found all easy to apply and blend.

I own a few NARS blushes and a full sized Albatross. There seems to be a slight difference between           the texture as the blushes I have are more soft and a bit more pigmented. These blushes however, are not a pain to work with, not as gritty nor rough as some blushers are, and the colour is buildable after a layer or two. 

Swatches.

Albatross- Luminous glow

A pearl highlight with golden shimmers. It can be used on top of blushers, the c-zone, below the arch of the eyebrow and in the inner corner of the eyes. This shade will probably go well with most skin tones. I have a full-size of this product and I quite like it. Be careful and use a light hand when applying though, as you may end up looking like a disco ball.(I will be posting a separate review and more swatches of Albatross.)

Laguna - Diffused brown powder with golden shimmer.

Another cult favorite. I haven't gotten around to trying this as a contour powder but it works wonderfully as a bronzer. Yes, it contains shimmers but the shimmers just give a sheen and are not too overpowering or anything like that. Like Luster, this gives a wonderful glow. I am not sure if this would work for darker skin tones but I would recommend this to those with fair to medium skin tones.

This colour needs a few layers to show up, but that's okay rather than have a scary and overpowering bronzer, I prefer something that is more sheer.

Albatross and Laguna

Luster - Sheer golden apricot

Apricot with a tinge of peach. Looks rather scary in the pan but looks wonderful once applied and blended on the skin. Of all the colours in the palette this was the easiest to work with. The pigmentation and texture is similar to my full sized NARS blushes.

This gives a luminous and pretty finish when applied to the skin - like a highlighter and blush in one. This gives a healthy glow, like you've been just kissed by the sun. Of all the colours in this palette, this is probably the most universal as it would compliment anyone.

Angelika - Cotton candy pink with gold and silver sparkle.

I wouldn't say that this is Cotton candy Pink as it seems a bit dark to be in the cotton candy shade range. It's a hot pink with more Fuchsia and has tons of glitters in it. Yes, glitters! Not sparkles. But the glitters rub off and disappear and go elsewhere when applied on the cheeks. Do note that shimmer/sparkles/glitters might enhance large pores. This blush is perfect for days you want a pop of colour on your cheeks or when you're just feeling like you're extra pale. This will look flattering and won't look like you've just piled on a ton of blush with the right brush. ;) 

I initially thought that this would be similar with Gaeity but it isn't. It is a lot darker and has more glitter than Gaeity. 

Luster and Angelika

Gaeity - Bright candy pink

Now this is a cool cotton candy pink. While it may look scary in the pan, it goes on wonderfully. I have read reviews that said they found this shade a bit chalky but I really like how it applies and think that it really needs that amount of powder because of its color. 

This is very flattering on my skin and somehow looks natural. As much as I love pink blushes, there are those that make me look more yellow. I find that this blush doesn't do that so I truly adore it! 

Orgasm - Peachy pink with golden shimmer

A shade I don't personally own as I am one of the few persons who does not look good with this blush on. I thought I should give it another go and hope that things work out now haha! I don't think the ever so popular Orgasm needs an introduction as everyone is already familiar with it.

Gaeity and Orgasm

I didn't swatch these heavily. I swatched all the products with 1 swipe so you can see the real colour payoff of each:

Albatross, Gaeity, Luster,  Laguna, Orgasm and Angelika

swatched indoors. natural lighting.

outdoors. natural lighting.

I am very satisfied and happy with this purchase. My favourite shades are Luster and Gaeity.
I still have a couple of NARS reviews I will post soon but I suppose I ought to post about other brands too.

What's your current favourite blush? :)

Sleek blush BY3 in Pumpkin

Quick post! Initial thoughs plus swatches. 

 I just wanted to try Sleek blushes but couldn't make up my mind which color should I get so when I saw the Blush By3 I knew I just had to get it! This was sent by a friend from London. I thought I'd share the swatches with everyone.

The colors arevibrant and seem kind of intimidating in the pan. 

I won't be doing a full review because I have not worn the blushes so I cannot attest to the lasting power throughout the day.

Packaging is nothing special - like Sleek eyeshadows it comes in a Black plastic-y palette. It has a big mirror, is compact and looks sturdy.

L-R: Lantern, Squash and Pumpkin Pie. 

Lantern - Coral Red with shimmers.

Squash - Satin Pink with blue tones.

Pumpkin Pie - Matte Orange. 

I knew these were pigmented but the colors shocked me when I swatched these. All the swatches above were swiped once and the color payoff is amazing; so amazing that one has to be sure to apply it with caution in order not to look like a clown.

The texture is not as silky or soft as high end blushes, but is good enough for the price. 

Blended.

All the blushes are easy to blend. All the colors would probably compliment most skin tones too and are perfect for summer! :)

UPDATE:

Sorry if I've been MIA (missing in action lately),  I just haven't been myself and would rather not spread any negativity. I just don't want to rant or snap at anyone. I just need some time to sort myself out. Thank you to everyone who still finds time to check my blog. 

benefit POWda WOWza (initial thoughts + swatches)

Just a quick post- these are my initial thoughts on benefit's Powda Wowza. 

Benefit says, "Wear 'em to wow 'em - get unstoppable gorgeousness on the go with Benefit Powda WOwza. This trio of sensational face powders makes an unforgettable impact. CORALista, Hoola and Bella Bamba all featured in this portable box!"

3x3.0g NET WT. 3 x 0.1 oz.

Powda Wowza wasa part of Benefit's 2011 Holiday Collection. 

This is the perfect product for me and other blush fiends who never manage to hit blush pans! :P For the price of one, we are getting 3 of the most popular Benefit blushes. I always say I like the products I purchase, because I really do. I usually even ask for 2nd opinions before buying stuff. 

Who doesn't love Benefit's Boxed Powders? From the packaging to the product inside it's just pure happiness. The blushes are:

- Pigmented.

- The colors look flattering on most skin tones, 

- Actual powders are soft and go on smooth not gritty though Coralista and Bella Bamba both contain shimmers. 

- Powders are easy to blend and work with.

NEUTRAL:

- The powders are scented.

- I haven't used the tiny brush for application. 

The only downside people often complain about is the prize; when I learned that I could get 3 of Benefit's best sellers for the prize of almost just one powder I knew I just had to buy it.

From Left to Right: CORALista, Bella Bamba, 

Tiny Brush and Hoola.

Hoola - A matte bronzing powder that looks flattering on most skin tones.

CORALista - Coral pink with gold shimmer.

Bella Bamba - 3D brightening watermelon pink with shimmer.

All swiped once.

This is really a great deal if you have been wanting to try out Benefit blushers, or if you're like me and  have never managed to hit a blush pan.

I have previously reviewed Benefit's Dandellion HERE.
I bought this online from the carefreeshopper.

Paul & Joe - Face Color - Love (No. 7)

Going through my backlog folder. :)

Paul & Joe Face Color

Paul & Joe Packaging is always pretty. :3

Directions: 

Take a desired amount onto your brush. Pat brush once on the back of the hand to spread powder more evenly onto the brush. Then apply to cheeks and desired areas of the face. Use it as you like, individually or mixed. (link.)

Paul & Joe - Face Color - Love (7) - 4.5 g

Description:

Each PAUL & JOE Face Color set features two complementary shades of creamy color in a cute and convenient compact! Used individually or blended, these long lasting colors adapt to match your mood and complete any look. Housed in a compact with chrysanthemum detailing and a built-in mirror and shipped in PAUL & JOE's always-incredible packaging. (Description taken from this link.)

Ingredients:

Talc, Dimethicone, Squalane, Aluminum Distearate, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Water, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Water (Aqua), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum). May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891). -link

swatch

As the other color is too light I will refer to it as a highlight. :P

Colors:  a subtle pinkish highlight - a bright pink blush - a lovely peachy pink with bits of shimmer that makes the skin look healthy & glowing .

- This product might look a bit scary in the pan because the pink looks so bright but it isn't once it's applied on the cheeks. 

- The two shades can be used alone or blended together for a lovely color. I tend to mix the 2 colors together.

PROS:
- Pretty packaging! (Always a plus in my book!)
- Each color can be used individually or together so that's 1 highlighter and 2 blushes. 
- Did not break me out.
- No scent.
- The color/s is such a pretty pink!


CONS:
- Might be expensive to some. This blush costs over $20.
- Staying power isn't so great. Fades after 3-4 hours on my oily face.
- As with all P&J products this may be hard to get.


NEUTRAL:
- The blush requires about two swipes for the color to show up. I prefer my blushes to be buildable rather than make me look like a clown in just one swipe. 


- There is no applicator. I never use the ones that comes with the product but I do know that there are some people who do.