Gushing at Canmake Sheerness c:

Because I frequent sites that allow me to interact with other makeup addicts, my awareness about makeup and makeup brands have thoroughly expanded in the last two years. Now, I know that Shu Uemura is more expensive than Revlon or Loreal. The average person would not have known that. In fact, where I live, nobody would appreciate MAC as much as the drugstore brands I have previously mentioned.

 

 

 

  

I also learned from these online sojourns that Japan makes some of the best cosmetics in the world. That seems very believable to me since I know how Japanese people are sticklers of perfection. I now understand why many girls became obsessed with Japanese makeup brands, even the drugstore ones. Among the more popular of which would be Canmake. Fortunately for me, I was able to try two of their products, the Cheek Gradation Blush and the Cream Blush (will review soon).

 

The Cheek Gradation Blush I have is 01 – Pink Stripes. As you can see in the pic, it includes four strips of blush shades in quilted design in a clear plastic casing. From top to bottom: Dusty Rose, Muted Hot Pink, Bubblegum Pink and a Highlighter with pinkish hints. I’d say this is a good buy since it would be just like having four attractive blush shades. My favourite would have to be bubblegum pink. It looks frosty on pictures but it is not so once applied on the cheeks.

 

These blushes are sheer. For someone like me who has gotten used to pigmented shades, I apply several layers to achieve the usual effect. Despite that, it looks very natural. I like it since it’s a blush that would be very difficult to overdo. I also notice that this does not oxidize on my skin. 

These are not locally available though but some Multiply stores might carry this in their product line-up on pre-order basis. According to Babyjap, this is sold at Php 750.00 through WeHaveIt43. Moreover, this might suit those with fairer complexion  though as its sheerness might be a challenge for morenas to apply.  Even as I like this, I like the cream blush better as I find it prettier on me. Also, this does not show up much on my cheeks lately since I have gotten dark due to recent beach outings.

Zoom In On: Nyx Blush in Expresso

One of the American drugstore brands that had successfully made a dent into the makeup lovers’ consciousness is Nyx. The hype surrounding this brand started with the round lipsticks. Along with this rising popularity came the public’s awareness of its other product lines. Among the most raved would have to be their powder blushes. I was able to acquire two of these babies namely, Expresso and Pinky. This post will be more about Expresso.

Let me start this review with the generic characteristics of these blushes. Compact has a squarish shape with rounded edges. Case is transparent so the user can actually take a glimpse of the blush shade without having to open it (very useful especially when one’s blushes are stuffed with other). My only gripe with the packaging is that the print on the case would eventually fade away especially when it is often used. 

 

As to the blush itself, I’d say that it may be at par with the more expensive brands when it comes to pigmentation. To my combination skin, it also lasts relatively long (especially Espresso). If I put it on early in the morning, I would still see hints of it around lunch time when I’d usually retouch. The blushes are silky-textured. This is not the typical “kaskas” blusher so there is no need to be exert extra effort to get product to one’s brush. I also like the quilted design of these blushes since I find it very feminine and unique. Moreover, for its price, this is a good buy. It retails $6 in the US. Online sellers sell these blushes at Php 400 – 450. If you are based in Cebu, there’s a small stall in White Gold that displays Nyx stuff. I remember seeing Nyx round lippies and blushes when I went there. The blushes were only Php 250 at that time.
Expresso, as a shade, can be described as brownish with a hint of pink. This is a great shade for contouring. This is perfect if you want a refreshing alternative to the usual pink blush. I imagine this shade will be popular especially during the summer season as it can complement one’s tan very beautifully. It can warm up one’s cheeks making it very versatile and suitable for different skin tones.

The only downside for these blushes is the fact that they can be very powdery or loosely pressed, I should say. Blush brushes applied a bit brusquely on it may cause a lot of fall-outs. Personally though, I think this is no biggie. By the by, go get your own Nyx blush if you want something that works and will not cause massive damage to your wallet. This is not widely available locally but I think there are a number of online stores that has these in their inventories. Moreover, you will have fun choosing from among the twenty-five shades of Nyx Powder Blushes that are available.

Zoom In On: Liole Blooming Pinky Tint

Generally, I prefer wearing powder blushes to cheek tints. However, when the weather is as crazy hot and humid as it is these days, powder blushes can get easily melted by the tons of sweat we make. This made me reconsider using cheek tints. For my first foray in this type of cheek color, I chose Liole Blooming Pinky Tint. This beauty has garnered several raves from makeup addicts and had been declared to be the equally (if not better) effective dupe of Benefit’s Posie Tint. It was out of the question for me to get the latter since I am not willing to spend more than Php 1,000 for a cheek tint since I was not even sure if they would be “hiyang” with me.

Liole Pinky Tint features a “nail-polish” type of applicator which I thought was funny at first. I could only imagine how funny I’d look to people who did not know better. They’d think I’m crazy putting nail polish on my cheeks. 

 

Yay! 

• Has a bubblegummy scent that I love. The texture of the tint on initial application is thicker as compared to that of TBS lip and cheek tint (review to follow!).
• Does not dry fast upon application making it easier to blend on the cheeks. 
• Superb staying power (it stayed on my cheeks for more than 12 hours). 
• Less expensive yet works as great as more expensive cheek tints.

Nay!

• Shows up on my cheeks after two or more swipes.
• Smudges on my fingers (but can be easily removed by using a hand sanitizer). 
• Can be really tricky to apply and blend especially for those who are new at using cheek tints.
• Can be very inconvenient to use because of its packaging. 
• Not sold locally. 

 Thanks chicas!

Zoom In On: Nars Blush in Luster

I’m so crazy with Luster. I love this so much that I am contemplating on getting a back-up of this soon. It’s shade is unique and quite versatile and I love that there is not that many dupes of this shade unlike Orgasm. Just like other Nars blush shadesw, its shimmery finish is so subtle that it would not overwhelm one’s face. I was compelled to get this when Lucy Torres recommended this particular shade in her Phil. Star column. (It’s obvious that I regularly read her Wednesday column noh?)

In addition, my online research revealed that Luster would be really flattering especially to those with lighter skin tones. Madly, a shade that is similar to Luster, is said to be more flattering to those with darker skin tones. By the by, I am happy that I found this because it provides me with an alternative during those times when I don’t feel like wearing the more common peach-pink blush shades. 

I was not able to take pictures of Nars Luster swatches but I will leave you with an FOTD. Trust me, its shade on the pan may look like blah but it really is gorgeous when appplied on the cheeks. 

Zoom In On: Smashbox Fusion Eye and Cheek Color in Heat Wave

Smashbox is one of the brands that are sold in Beauty Bar. Reviews for the Smashbox brand are varied. Some claimed that it is overrated and that its makeup products are not that spectacular while others say that their items deserve the not-so-friendly-to-the-wallet price tags.

Net Weight: 12 oz. , 3.4 g
Shelf Life: 12 months

This review will center on the Fusion Eye and Cheek Color which I initially liked because of the versatility of the palette. This includes three complementary shades that can be individually used as eyeshadows or blush. A blush brush can also be swiped across all three colors to create a nice blush shade.

Yay!:

• This features a screw-type lid cover. This is an advantage because it ensures that it would not be accidentally opened keeping the product that it housed more securely.
• The lid also has a clear glass on its surface which makes it easier to glimpse the shades in the palette. (Would be especially helpful if you have more than one versions of this)
• The shades are designed to complement each other so no need to fuss about whether or not they can be used together. 
• When used as eyeshadows, they have decent staying power. Based on experience, they lasted for about 4-5 hours on my not-to-oily lids with only an eyeshadow base used with it. Among the three, I like using the third shade, the most pigmented one, the most. I also use the uppermost shade as an all-over lid color. 
• Very travel-friendly packaging. 
• Does not have any bothersome scent.

Nay!:

• The lid cover can be very inconvenient to open as it features a screw-type design. This is especially so when you are in a hurry or if your hands are both occupied.
• Except for the lowermost shade, pigmentation is so-so. 
• Poor staying power when used as a blush. However, this might last longer on gals who stay inside airconditioned rooms most of the day. 
• The item is small making it a bit difficult to swirl one’s blush brush on it. 
• Fall-outs can be seen when dipping a blush or eyeshadow brush on it.
• Almost as expensive as MAC, which has better e/s and blush. 

Thanks chicas!Ciao!

WOW: Stila Ulta Mate Set

I just got my Stila Ulta Mate Set and I gotta tell you, this is such a steal! I initially wanted to get this because I loved the eyeshadows in the Stila Barbie All Dolled Up Palette. I never expected that I would also fall in love with the Convertible and Lip Glaze.

Here’s a glimpse of these eye candies! 

And you know what the best part of this is? All these cost less than Php 1,000. 

Ciao!

Zoom In On: Nars Blush in Matahari

Matahari is my first matte blush from Nars. I remembered falling in love with a pic of this gorgeous blush when I read about sis Aileen’s Nars blush collection. When I saw this sold through Ebay.ph, I immediately placed a bid on it. I was initially reluctant to buy this because matte blushes are very easy to dupe IMO. Moreover, local companies like Ever Bilena, SanSan, and Fanny Serrano are now stepping up and have come up with better powder blushes that are comparable to imported brands. To date, I don’t have any other matte Nars blush. I am planning to buy one though next month. If you have to know, I have set my heart on getting Desire soon.

On to my review of Matahari. This shade is described by Nars in their website as a rose petal pink shade.I have to admit that this is my least-used Nars blush. In fact, I would even forget that I have this. I don’t know why but Matahari oxidizes on my cheeks after I have worn it for several hours. Particularly in the afternoons, this would turn into a purplish shade that would resemble a bruise-like color. Much to my dismay, this no longer seems to flatter my predominantly yellow-toned complexion. Nevertheless, this has not discouraged me from getting more Nars blushes this year!

Ciao!

Zoom In On: Avon Soft Mousse Blush in Peach

I am usually iffy about using cream or mousse blushes for three reasons. One, I find them difficult to apply and blend nicely on my cheeks. Second, most of these beauties do not come with brushes or applicators as they can be applied using the fingers. This is something that I do not like doing since they usually leave my fingers stained. Third, they expire earlier than the powder-based versions.

I decided to give mousse blushes a chance when I read about the many raves in GT about the Soft Mousse Blushes of Avon. Since they cost less than Php 300, I thought it was rather harmless to try it.

I got the two shades of the mousse blush. These were Apricot Flush and Peach. The first one, according to my research, is more suitable for morenas while the other looks better in people with fair or light complexions. I retained the latter and gave the AF to a friend who I thought would look great with it.

Here are the rest of my thoughts about it:

Thumbs UP:
Ø Pigmented – One or two swipes of the Peach Mousse Blush would show up on my cheeks already. Great for those days when you don’t want to look too made up.

Ø Staying Power is Great – As consistent with this type of blush, it stayed put for hours.

Ø Makes a Good Base for Powder Blushes – I have tried using this as base for some of my powder blushes and it made the shades more vibrant and long-staying.

Ø Affordable – Cheap plus you get so much product for its price. I have had this for almost a year now and I still am not halfway through this item’s contents.

Ø Does Not Stain – With application of fingers, I noticed that this does not stain especially if it is no longer new and it has lost a little of its mousse consistency. Though it leaves discoloration on one’s fingers, it can be easily wiped off using a hanky or wet tissue.

Thumbs DOWN:

Ø Don’t like the packaging. – It is quite heavy since it is contained in a glass container. The mouth of the container is also rather small which I imagine would be inconvenient for those with large fingers. The same is also a problem if one decides to use a brush as it can be very difficult to dip the latter to pick up any product.

Ø Smell – The smell, for me, reminds me of the smell of a thinner which I used back in HS when I had to make some art projects.

Ø Dries Out – The mousse seems to have dried up a bit after some months have lapsed.

Ø Unhygienic – Since we have to dip in our finger or brush to get any product, this can be easily contaminated with bacteria especially if we don’t make it a point to wash our hands before applying makeup or if we don’t regularly wash our brushes. It is precisely for this reason that I don’t include this in my kikay kit as I don’t like using this outside of my house.

So would I buy this again? I don’t think so since I don’t get to use this much. I am more comfortable using my powder blushes.

Zoom In On: Cargo Blush in Louisiana

I became a "Cargo" fan ever since I laid eyes on Catalina. This fascination with the brand led me to buy another blush, this time with a shimmery finish. When I found an online seller who sold Cargo Lousiana I did not pass up the chance.

Here are the reasons why I like it":

> I LOVE the soft rosy pink shade.

> I like the sheen that it lends the cheeks as it lends a glow that seems to be lit from within.

> Pigmented and long-lasting.

> In general, the tin containers of Cargo items are so so adorable.

 ( it looks orangey on this swatch, but it really is a lovely soft pink shade on the cheeks)

What I don't like?

> Not available locally. (if only it is, I would have bought almost all their blush shades)

> Cargo blushes are so pricey especially when bought through pre-orders. More expensive than Nars blushes huhu Que horror! 

Ciao chicas!