Showing posts with label NYX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NYX. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

My Favorite Summer Cream Blushes


I love a dewy, fresh-faced glow for the summer.  To help me achieve that look, I turn to my creamy blush products!  Shown above are my favorites...E.L.F. cream blush in Heartbreaker, NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Glow, Two NYC Blushable Creme Sticks in South St. Seashell and Pink Flash (special edition), and Benefit's Benetint.   Let's take a closer look at each! 



This blush really wakes the face up! It's super creamy though, and it can be applied with your fingers...however, I suggest using a stippling brush or a synthetic brush because a little goes a long way.


You can see here just how delicate the product is because I accidentally nicked it while I was trying to pick it up. Boo...anyways, here's a swatch!


It's pretty vibrant on my medium/tan skin, but don't worry...we can blend it out!


This blush is easily build-able for those days that you just want to look extra flushed. Below is another thin layer of Glow:


Hopefully you can see a slight difference. Trust me, it's more obvious on your face!

 Next up is ELF's Studio Line cream blush in Heartbreaker. This is another vibrant, BAM! in your face color.  The consistency of this blush is very different from any I've tried before.  It's squishy, foamy, and kind of reminds me of playdough. I really like it though because it's also very buildable and the color lasts a good while on the cheeks. 








On my skin, you can tell that the color appears more muted than what is shown in the jar. This could also be due to my lighting..it was a cloudy day, so I apologize!

If you're looking for a product that is inexpensive and readily available in stores such as Rite-Aid, Target, and Walmart...try NYC Blushable Creme Sticks.  I believe they retail for $3.99 at Rite-Aid.  


South St. Seashell (left)  is part of their permanent line, where as Pink Flash (right) is not.  One thing I noticed about these creme sticks is that the color of the tube is the same as the product! Pink Flash is matte, while South St. Seashell is a light beige/brown with a slight shimmer or satin finish.  I believe that these blushable creme sticks come in different finishes. 



These blushable creme sticks are in fact creamy and easily blendable.  They also have incredible pigmentation..which may be difficult to see because of my tanned skin tone.  I don't think the lasting power of these creme sticks are very good on their own, but they are a wonderful base for helping your powdered shadows last longer. 

Finally, we have Benefit's Benetint.  I have a mini jar that I got in a value set from Benefit. 




To use this product, you use the brush applicator to place a few dots on your skin. Then you blend it out! 



This is what I get after one layer.


Two layers...



Three layers. PERFECT...for me =P Keep in mind that if you are fairer in skin tone, you will not need as many applications to get the product to show up.  I love this tint because it really does last a good few hours for me, and it gives me the most natural.."i just took a run around the neighborhood" flush. Right now, you can get a Benefit minis set called "feelin' cheeky!" at Sephora stores near the check-out area.  It includes posie tint, high beam, and benefit for $15.00--which is a steal! 

What are your favorite blushes for the summer?




Thursday, June 30, 2011

Makeup 101: What are Primers? (Eye and Face)

What is an Eye Primer and how does it work?

An eye primer works as a barrier between your eyelids and your eye shadow.  A lot of times your eyelids become oily and cause your eye shadow to breakdown and crease.  Creasing occurs when you can see a thin line of skin between your eye shadow on your lid from natural folds in your eye when you open and close them. Having a thin layer of primer over your eyes before applying your eye shadow can keep your makeup from creasing. An eye primer also keeps your eye shadow colors looking vibrant and fresh throughout your day.  

The price of eye shadow primers can range anywhere from $1.00 - $20.00 depending on where you purchase.  Keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you because the level of oiliness produced by your eyelids are unique to you :P Listed below are eye shadow primers that I have/had and know work for me: 
- Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($18.00 Sephora.com)
- Urban Decay Primer Potion ($19.00 Sephora.com)
- Mac Paint Pots ($16.50 maccosmetics.com)
- E.L.F. Mineral Eye shadow Primer ($3.00 eyeslipsface.com)
- NYX HD Eye shadow base ($7.00 nyxcosmetics.com)
Another eye primer that you can find without ordering online that I have not tried is the Palladio Herbal Eye Primer sold at Sally Beauty Supply stores for $8.00. 



While the cost of an eye primer sounds pretty expensive, purchasing one is worth the investment. They last for a good amount of time (at least three months) and prolong your eye makeup so that you don't have to worry about reapplying throughout the day or doing touch-ups to keep the eyes looking fresh. I apply my makeup in the morning, and I don't touch it again until I am getting ready to go to bed.