Monday, April 30, 2012

Korres Wild Rose Mineral Setting Powder


Korres Wild Rose Mineral Setting Powder($18) is a transparent finishing powder, that comes in one universal shade. It can be used alone or over makeup to set and finish the look.







The one shade isn't totally transparent. It does have a slight tint but nothing that will clash with the shade of your foundation or give you any a lot of coverage. I like to use this as a setting powder over tinted moisturizer or foundation. The texture is very fine and when used with a fluffy powder brush, it evens things out a little bit. If you have very dry skin, this powder does enhance quite a few dry spots and flakiness. Also keep in mind that it does have a teeny tint hint of shimmer, nothing OTT, just enough to illuminate skin. That being said, if you have oily skin and like the matte look, this powder works really well to keep skin from becoming too shiny or oily for a few hours. I like to use it during the warmer months than in winter when my skin is too dry. I also use it only on places I need to set foundation/concealer and not all over the face.

Wearing Korres Korres Wild Rose Mineral Setting Powder over Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand




Overall, Korres Wild Rose Mineral Setting Powder is a good setting powder with little to no coverage and a matte finish. If you have dry skin, be sure to use it sparingly, only where needed and moisturize well beforehand. The product also comes with a sponge but, I like to use a fluffy brush instead. Like most loose powders, this one too gets a little messy and difficult to travel with.

What are your thoughts on the Korres Wild Rose Mineral Setting Powder?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Smashbox Be Discovered Cream Cheek Trio in Show Biz

Smashbox came out with a couple of Cream Cheek Trios this spring. I was really impressed with the texture & pigmentation of the the peachy/bronzy trio in In Lights and this is the other one. "Show Biz" ($29) comes with two cream blushes (a cool toned light pink and a medium pink, both with no shimmer) and a shimmery champagne highlight.





This one too has a beautiful creamy, dewy finish and a glides on dry skin, just like the "In lights" Trio. The colors in Show Biz look much more flattering on me and would look great on most medium-dark skin tones. The highlighter isn't too shimmery but, manages to add a nice dewy sheen which makes it an amazing pick for dry skin. I'm not going too much into details since I've already reviewed the cream cheek trio here. But, if you love light, rosy pinks and are looking for a great cream blush to be worn alone or under a powder blush, Show Biz is a fantastic pick. It is limited edition and since Smashbox has already come out with a summer collection, grab it before it's gone.



Overall, I highly recommend Show Biz. The texture is just so unique, the product goes on and blends seamlessly without feeling too heavy. I love the powder blushes from Smashbox and the cream blushes are nothing short of amazing either. Be sure to use a primer underneath as they tend to disappear sooner, like most cream products.

What are your thoughts on the Be Discovered Cream Cheek Trio in Show Biz?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Color in Kitten

The Stila Smudge Crayon Eye Colors($22) are a new launch from Stila for Spring 2012. These multitasking Smudge Crayons are Waterproof Eye liners, Primer and Shadow in one and come with a gel-based formula that goes on super smooth.






"Kitten", a shimmery champagne and one of Stila's popular shades now comes as a Smudge Crayon too. These eye colors come in a convenient twist up retractable stick with a sharpener attached at the bottom. There's a lot of pigment and the color glides on so well with a rich, smooth finish. However, it sets within the first few seconds making blending almost impossible on my lids. The formula is not very forgiving to mistakes and you need to be really, really quick to blend it out else, you'll be left with a thick layer of shimmery color. It is very waterproof and crease proof once set and does not budge which is why I like to use it as an eyeliner and on the inner corners rather than as an overall lid color. You do not need a primer with these Smudge Crayons as they work like primer themselves and lock color in place for hours together.




Overall, Stila's Smudge Crayons, particularly the darker colors will make for amazing eyeliners even on the oiliest of lids. Although they go on super smooth without any tug or pull, the super quick setting time makes blending quite a task. If you plan to smudge it out though, be sure to use your fingers rather than a brush since the warmth helps blend the color a little better. I hope they tweak the formula just a little bit to make them work better as shadow sticks since the shade selection is so damn pretty!

What are your thoughts on Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Color?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner($8) is a kajal inspired pencil liner that comes in three shades with intense color that is deep, dark and perfect for the waterline.






The fat chubby pencil also comes with a sharpener which also fits quite a few other chubby shadow/liner pencils in my stash. "645 Black" is a very rich, dark matte black that goes on super smooth. I find that this liner works best for the waterline and adheres well depositing a lot of color in just one swipe. It is very comparable to MAC's Feline texture and color wise and performs quite like Feline too. It does have a tendency to smudge and does not actually set so, you need to top it off with an eye shadow to keep it from transferring if you use it on the lash line. On the waterline, it stays put for about 2 hours after which it starts smudging. It doesn't smudge all over the place but, creases more in the outer corners. I find that a lot of pencils that glide on easily do not adhere well to the waterline. This eyeliner is great for that. The rich black pigment looks very intense on the waterline and the formula does not irritate my eyes either. It is not long-stay or waterproof by any means and since I like the intensity of kohls and don't mind the slight smudge here n there, L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner totally fits the bill.



Have you tried the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.  

Friday, April 20, 2012

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder - Review, Photos, Swatches & FOTD

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder($23) is a setting powder formulated for combination dry skin with a soft, smooth, invisible finish. It comes in eight shades, similar to the Mineralize Skin Finish Natural.

MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium Dark

MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium Dark Review



MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium Dark Swatch

I picked up mine in Medium Dark. Although the shade names are similar to the MSF Natural, these run just a little lighter. I use a Medium Dark in MSF so, initially I picked up Medium Deep but, exchanged it for Medium Dark since it was just a tad orange on me. I picked it up during winter & it was the perfect powder for me. Over a tinted moisturizer, it was the perfect match and felt very creamy and smooth for a pressed powder. It sets any product well and leaves a slight dewy finish which I love. I like to use a fluffy powder brush to pick up product and I use the sponge very rarely when I want quite a bit of coverage.

MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium Dark Label

MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium Dark Ingredients


Studio Careblend is quite sheer on its own and works well on top of a tinted moisturizer, BB cream or foundation. If you have a lot of acne scaring or marks to be covered up, this may not suffice when used alone. I love the way it sets after a while, leaving a natural, flawless finish. That being said, I'm not sure if it would be very effective at controlling oil during summer. I will update back with how I feel on that. Another thing is the amount of product. It has the same 10 g / .35 oz as the MSF Natural but, I hit pan on this one in less than a couple of months of usage. Overall, if you like pressed powders with light-medium coverage with a slight dewy, natural finish to layer over cream products or on it's own, Careblend is a great choice. If it works the same way in summer as it does in winter, I would definitely re-purchase another one. It is one of the most affordable and creamiest yet natural looking powder products from MAC that I've tried so far.

MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium Dark FOTD
Wearing MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder on top of Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation #55
Have you tried MAC's Studio Careblend Pressed Powder?

Thursday, April 19, 2012

BUXOM Color Choreography Eye Shadow in Tango

The Color Choreography Eye Shadows($36) are a new launch from BUXOM that come out next month. Each palette comes with 5 eye shadows - a nice mix of shimmery and matte shades with a satin finish.They come packaged like the BUXOM True Hue Blushes with a nice sized mirror inside for touch-ups.




"Tango" is a very versatile palette that comes with three metallics and two matte shades. The metallics have a soft, buttery finish and don't look too shimmery either. The plum(Embrace) is a gorgeous, deep shade with little flecks of gold shimmer. It adds a nice pop along the lower lash line too. I like how BUXOM included a matte grey(Dip), perfect for the crease or to be smudged along the lower and upper lash line. There's also a matte highlighter included in the palette.



Pigmentation wise, the metallics and the matte grey shades rock. They are very smooth, blend really well and pack a lot of color. The matte highlight feels a little chalky and has quite a bit of fall out. With a good primer, these shadows last about 6 hours before I see slight creasing.




Overall, I love the quality of these shadows and the creaminess they have for a powder eye shadow. "Tango" especially is a beautiful palette with a combination of colors that are very much wearable and pretty versatile. Most shades look great even when worn alone as a wash of color on the lids. If you prefer neutrals like me, Tango is a must-have.

Available at Sephora.com and Sephora stores May 2012.

Will you be picking up the BUXOM Color Choreography Eye Shadow Palette?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy. 

Monday, April 16, 2012

Review : Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

Josie Maran 100% Natural and Organic Argan Oil(0.5oz, $14/1.7oz, $48/4oz, $96) is a lightweight oil and a great multitasking moisturizer for skin, hair and nails.




Packaged with a perfectly convenient dropper, the 0.5oz bottle will last forever. You only need a couple of drops for the entire face. I like to use it during the night since it is very moisturizing on my dry skin and keeps it moisturized well until morning. The texture is perfect and the oil takes care of all the dry and flaky areas of my cheeks and forehead. It sinks in pretty fast without being greasy or leaving an oily film. I've tried pure Argan Oil from 100% Pure previously. While I'm not sure what the difference is, I much prefer Josie's version. It gives me a healthy glow by morning, making my skin look quite radiant and super soft. During the winter, it can also be mixed with moisturizer if you have extremely dry skin.


I would definitely re-purchase another bottle once I run out of my current one. I use it about 3-4 days a week before going to bed and love the way my skin feels the next day. If you have dry/combo/sensitive skin that needs a good dose of moisture without the heavy feel, Josie Maran's Argan Oil is a great product to try.

Josie Maran has teamed up with fellow models Angela Lindvall and Petra Nemcova and released a few limited-edition 'model-citizen' Argan Oil bottles for Earth Day. The bottles have a limited-edition design and 10% of the proceeds from each bottle goes to charity.
Have you tried Josie Maran's Argan Oil?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy. 

Budget Beauty - Five Picks From Essence I'm Currently Loving!

If brights are not your thing, some of these soft pinks and nudes are great ways to add a subtle hint of color. With just a little over $9, these affordable products from Essence Cosmetics are some of my picks worth trying without breaking the bank.



XXXL Nudes Lip Gloss in Pure Beauty ($1.99) - A sheer, shimmery nude gloss with loads of shine. The gloss has a thin wand that deposits color well and has a slight caramel smell. I like to wear it over a pink or nude lipstick like MAC's Hug Me, than by itself.







Color & Go Nail Polish in Sweet As Candy ($0.99) -  Sheer, creamy pink that is opaque in three coats. The color is very soft, beautiful and perfect for the work environment. These nail polishes have a nice formula and they are big 3-free.






Silky Touch Blushes in Natural Beauty and Adorable ($2.49each) - These blushes are sheer and come with very little shimmer. Natural Beauty is a sheer bronzy nude and Adorable is a light rosy pink. Natural Beauty is my favourite among the two but, if you like pinks more than rosy nudes, Adorable is a great one to try. They do have quite a bit of fallout though. They layer well over cream blushes and stay put for about 5 hours over a primer.

L-R : Adorable, Natural Beauty


L-R : Adorable, Natural Beauty


Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Black Fever ($1.99) - I've always had trouble finding long-lasting eyeliners from the drugstore that don't sting my waterline. This one is very creamy & dark and stays put for more than 5 hours on my waterline without irritating my eyes. It sets pretty quickly so, be sure to smudge it out soon if you are going for a soft look. Love this eyeliner and not having to sharpen it makes it so much easier to tote around.





Have you tried any of these products from Essence?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy. 

Friday, April 13, 2012

New for Spring from Yes To : Yes to Carrots Color Balms

The Yes To Carrots Color Balms($5.99) are a new launch from the Yes To line this spring. They are slightly tinted, moisturizing lip balms with Vitamin E and come in three variants - Peachy Keen, Rosy Bloom and Soft Plum.


L-R : Soft Plum, Rosy Bloom, Peachy Keen






Color wise, they go on very sheer and when applied, I don't see a big difference in colors except for Soft Plum which is a just a tad more pigmented and shows up better on my lips. They are very moisturizing though and have a subtle flavor that fades after a couple of minutes. The twist up tubes are very convenient and hygienic too. They do have a very slight, waxy feel so when used under a lipstick, be sure to blot off any excess. They also look slightly glossy so, they work really well over a lip stain to keep lips looking soft and healthy without letting the color settle into the lines.

Peachy Keen - Ingredients

Rosy Bloom - Ingredients

Soft Plum - Ingredients

L-R : Soft Plum, Peachy Keen, Rosy Bloom


Overall, these are good, basic lip balms that do the job but need to be re-applied after about 4-5 hours. Don't expect too much color since they are very sheer. But, they work really well under matte lipsticks and keep my lips soft and comfortable. If you have pigmented lips like me and are looking to add a hint of color while moisturizing, Soft Plum is worth picking up.

Have you tried the Yes to Carrots Color Balms?

Disclosure: The products in this article were provided by PR for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information please refer to my Disclosure Policy.