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.

Shu Uemura Chocolat Donna Autumn Winter 2012 (Mint and Vanilla)

I know that this review is late as Shu Uemura has come up with another collection. Still, I want to rave about this palette. If you can still get your hands on any of the palettes from the Chocolat Donna collection, I highly recommend you give them a try as they don't disappoint. Shu Uemura eyeshadows have been a staple on makeup artist's kits for a good reason.

The other two palettes are: Orange & Pistachio and Raspberry & Mocha. 

There was actually a time in my life when all my makeup and face products were exclusively from Shu Uemura. Somehow, I just fell out of love and drifted away from the brand for a while... Except for my eyelash curler which I have had for five years until I got the LE gold one. Last October I decided to go to a Shu Uemura stall and check out their products. Luck smiled upon me as they were celebrating their anniversary and had awesome packages so I purchased one that included this eyeshadow palette. :)

Reminds you of a high end chocolate bar, doesn't it? 

Who needs more eyeshadows? I certainly don't seem to be in need of any as I hardly wear eyeshadows.   I have been quite content with the current collection of eyeshadows I have in my stash. (Comprised of about 85% of neutral eyeshadows.)

Well, hello there chocolate bar looking palette. You certainly make me happy and giddy inside as chocolate usually does.

After about an hour of deliberation, I ended up picking the mint & vanilla palette because I like "mint" (I am referring to mint we actually consume and not the colour here), and thought that this was the most versatile among all the palettes. Plus, I am under the belief that this palette compliments my skin tone.

mint and vanilla palette

choco-inspired six eyeshadows are assorted in the limited-edition refillable custom case quad, which design is inspired by a box of luxurious chocolates.

The palette contains six colours. It is sleek, sturdy and has a mirror, but does not include any applicators (which I really don't mind since I end up tossing most of those things away anyway, except from the ones for Lunasol). 

 While the thought of it being refillable is a plus, I highly doubt I'll ever see pan on any of these 6 colours.

shades and finishes found in the mint and vanilla:
sparkling gold - shimmery gold contains glitters
sparkling mint green - shimmery mint green contains  glitters

matte light mint green - matte. very light chartreuse/mint green. 

pearl dark beige - neutral satin bronze-brown. could be matte once the overspray is gone. great for everyday eye-looks.
matte light earth brown - satin reddish medium brown.
creamy dark brown - very dark brown. great for smokey eyes, eyelining, contouring and adding depth to the eyes.

Swatches on bare skin without a primer.

The colour pay-off is amazing, except for the first 2 colours as they are shimmery and contain glitters. Now, I don't mean that in a negative way. The first two colours are great for the inner corners of the eye and under the eyes to make the eyes seem brighter and more awake. Any of the two can also be layered with the remaining 4 colours on the palette for more dimension or an extra oomph! Among the 6 the first two have the most fall out which I attribute to their formulation as they are shimmery after all. The other colours hardly have fall outs during application and just glide on skin. Buttery and creamy, easy to blend and goes on smoothly. 

The 3rd colour is matte and is great as an all over lid base and can also be used as a highlight, should you prefer a more subtle alternative to the first 2 colours.

The remaining 3 colours are neutral browns with different undertones. Great for everyday looks to smokey eyes depending on how one would utilize the colours. The gold overspray disappears once used, so I opted to use the palette on the bottom and not touch the upper part so that I would always have that pretty golden overspray on my palette. 

close up. 

The only downside to the palette is the hefty price tag, which in my opinion is worth it, if you need a great palette that you can use again and again and again for different looks on different occasions. 

No eye look follows, as the blogger is being lazy. Really, I kid you not. :P

Okay... I will make one if you want one but will skip it otherwise unless someone wants to actually see one.

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. 

Lunasol EX Tender Glow Pink Cheek Color and Full Glamour Gloss EX19 Tender Glow Pink

The two items below are from Lunasol's Limited Edition Holiday set - Party Coffret, released sometime last Winter. Said set includes the following items: Tender Glow Beige Brown EX01, Cream cheeks EX04 Tender Glow Pink, Full Glamour Gloss EX19 Tender Glow Pink and Skin Contrast Face Powder 01 Glow.

A blush and a lip gloss. :)

Lunasol EX Tender Glow Pink Cheek Color

Contains  12g of product.

- Soft and smooth to the touch. 

- I like that it comes in a tube because it's less messy and more hygienic than other cream blushes.

- The tube may dispense a little more than you need so I suggest that you be gentle when pressing it.

- Easy to apply and blend. 

- Gives you enough time to work with the product. It will not immediately set. Product is rather on a moist side of a cream, almost feels gel like.

Set with finishing powder or a blush for maximum lasting power.

Swatch.

A very pretty Pink shade with a hint of peach. It might look more Pink on other people but on my skin it has a Peach hue to it.

Blended.

I have read somewhere that this was more of a highlight color. I would say that I have to disagree. As you can see from the swatch above, the color is quite visible. The finish is satin like.

Full Glamour Gloss EX19 Tender Glow Pink  (5.5g)

- Applicator is slanted making it ideal for application.

- Color is very subtle but it does give a lovely sheen on the lips. 

-It is very moisturizing and won't dry your lips. 

- I was amazed by the lasting power of this lip gloss.

I would probably wear this on top of a Pink Lipstick because it is very sheer on its own. 

Swatches.

I will be posting about the two other items on a separate post. :)

What kind of blush do you prefer to wear for everyday? (Cream, Powder, Tint, Gel)

Tony Moly Perfect Eyes Eyeliner in 09 Tear Beige

Eyeliners, a must have. 

Eyeliners define and enhance our eyes. Classic eyeliner shades always leaned towards darker colors such as Black, Brown, Blue and Green. I am glad to see that more colors are becoming available, specifically lighter ones such as Peach and White. Lighter colored eyeliners will make you seem more awake as they brighten and make the eyes pop out.

Tony Moly says: Effective waterproof pencil eye liner that does not get smudged by water, sweat and sebum.

Directions from Tony Moly: Fill the gap between the eyelashes along the upper lid. 

I really wouldn't recommend doing that since it will emphasize sparse eyelashes. I would recommend that you use this for the inner corners of your eyes, on your lower waterline and as an eyeshadow but I think you should only line your upper lid with a dark eyeliner. That's what I do anyway. 

Around 400-500 Pesos. Definitely cheaper than Urban decay's 24/7.

One will have to note that once the product settles, it will not budge. It really is water proof too so it may be a bit of a pain to remove at the end of the day.

Pigmentation: 

A bit sheer but it can be layered to bring out the "real color' of the product.

Texture: 

Smooth and very creamy. Almost buttery to the touch.

Application: 

It glides on the eyes effortlessly. Although one may have to build up the product for a more defined look, application overall is still a breeze!

Lasting Power: 

I do not have oily lids and it lasts 6 hours on me. I would recommend that this product be used with an eyeshadow primer and set with a powder or eyeshadow of the same color for maximum lasting power. The product does stay on but it will somewhat fade. Maybe it is because of the color. I have yet to try the darker liners from this line, but I am still convinced that Tony Moly makes awesome eyeliners! 

swatch TM 09 Tear Beige.

The color is more Champagne or Peach like than Beige as I have always equated Beige as more of a light Brown in my head, but that could just be me. You can refer to the swatch as it is rather accurate. 

swatched with other peach/champagne eyeliners.

Lunasol Full Glamour Lips G in 33 - Pink Beige

Someone seems to be on a lipstick phase right now... -_-

FULL GLAMOUR LIPS G  (17 colors) Lip color that blends on with a melting sensation the moment it touches the lips.Pure coloration and a succulent glow create moist, plump lips. Contains beauty essence ingredients.

Lunasol's signature classy packaging for the win. :3

Swatches:

indoor lighting.

with flash.

Pink Beige is a nude lip color that adds just a hint of Pink and Beige on the lips. The color of the actual product is very true to the name it was given. The texture is very creamy and glides effortlessly. It is a bit sheer but the color is buildable hence the color will show up after applying on about 3 layers. It does not accentuate lip lines and keeps the lips moisturized and supple! The staying power actually surprised me because it does stay on even after I eat and drink. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS LIPSTICK and shall get more colors. :3

Downside - Not budget friendly. Also those living outside Asia may find it hard to get Lunasol products but if you can get your hands on this, I do recommend that you try it.

FACE:

Kose Sekkisei Supreme Makeup Base

Paul & Joe Protective Fluid Foundation S in 103

Kose Supreme in OC-405

Lunasol Fall 2011 Modeling Cheeks EX02 (Soft Coral)

Benefit Highbeam

EYES:

Paul and Joe Eyebrow Powder in 02

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette in Chase, Flow and Vanilla

Maybelline Long Extreme Stiletto Black

Clio Waterproof Eyeliner Kill Black 

LIPS:

Lunasol FUll Glamour Lips G in 33

Thick eyebrows are back for the winter! :D Yes, yes I realize I look tired but I took the picture at around 2am, LOL!

Urban Decay Lipstick in Sellout

Urban Decay - A brand I adore but can't get my hands on as often as I would like because it's not available in my country. :(

Thank you to my dear friend who also sent me this lipstick! :) I trust her taste completely when it comes to makeup. :D I'm shipping a package to her today. I hope she likes everything I got for her too!

Decadently creamy, long-lasting color, a wide variety of textures, and a sweet lick of crème caramel... our Lipstick is a weapon of love.

Leaving no shade unturned, our huge assortment of colors and textures tempt you to stray from an otherwise predicable palette. The luxuriously creamy formula nourishes and protects lips with Vitamins A, C, and E. Hyaluronic Spheres (found naturally in the body) are added to stimulate cellular function, prevent dehydration, and fill-in lines and wrinkles-now, how many Lipsticks can do that?! The teardrop-shape bullet (etched with an Urban Decay logo) is infused with a decadent crème caramel scent and flavor. Yum.  (Description from Urban Decay's website)

The tube is metallic and purple. I do like it, but I find the sword a bit bothersome, a bit sharp even. I couldn't give this to my cute little niece because I was afraid she'd poke her eye out if I did. 

 The Urban Decay site describes it as warm neutral. 

I wouldn't say it's neutral, although I would have to agree that it is warm. It's more of a MLBB kind of color in my opinion. The color is brick red when swatched and a bit berry-like on my lips as can be seen from the pictures below. 

Swatch 1.

The color is wearable and will look great for everyday looks.

Swatch 2.

PROS: 

- Moisturizing.

- Love the color of this lipstick. It's great for everyday use.

- Can be layered.

- Goes on smoothly. The texture is very creamy.

CONS:

- As much as I would love to say that I love this lipstick to bits. It has a weird taste! Yes, it does! It's bitter and reminds me of the medicine I didn't want to take as a child. If you are not particular on the taste of lipsticks then this lipstick is for you.

- As I have previously mentioned, it is not available in my country.

- Urban Decay is not cheap.

Not sure on:

- Cute tube packaging

- Lasting Power which is only up to 3 hours on me. 

- Scent - It smells very sweet. 

I knew readers would ask for a FOTD with the products that I have posted reviews on, so I did one last week with all the products on my face. 

Products Used:

FACE:

Kose Sekkisei Supreme Makeup Base

Paul & Joe Protective Fluid Foundation S in 103

Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Natural

Benefit Highbeam

EYES:

Paul and Joe Eyebrow Powder in 02

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette in Flow and Vanilla on the lower lash line

Lunasol Intellectual Liquid Eye Liner in 01 Brownish Black

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Cottage Cheese

Urban Decay 24/7 in Zero

Maybelline Long Extreme Stiletto Black

LIPS:

Korres Lip Butter in Guava

Urban Decay Lipstick in Sellout

After 10 hours, 2 meetings, 3 days with only less than 10 hours of sleep I say, "Hullow eyebags!" Hopefully, I'll still be busy this week. :P I don't mind tons of work at al,l and I'm not being sarcastic. I mean, I like earning because I enjoy spending what I've earned the most! LOL! x)

Have a great week everyone! :3