My La Femme Blush Palette Swatches

 Swatches on NC45 skin (no flash), NC55 skin (flash), NC45 skin (flash)

After rereading my last post as a blog reader, I thought 'what good is waxing poetic about the product if you can't see swatches for yourself?

Here are swatches in the same order as shown in the palette in my previous post:  (Click here to see the post and read a mini review on the blushes.)

Left Row-
Soft Beige- matte, warm brown-- on my skin tone it's a decent contour color
Flamingo Pink- matte, barbie pink-- bright, clean pink-- as you can see it's not great with flash on darker skin tones!

Mulberry-pink fuchsia
Purple Passion- matte, magenta love!
Grape- matte, reddened purple- definitely not what I expected from grape. I was thinking a pure bluer based purple

Right Row-
Naturelle-matte,  light tan. orangey shade, not for everyone
Golden Rose- shimmer, hot pink shade laced with gold shimmers
Terracotta- shimmer, terra cotta,orange and less red than sunkissed dawn, laced with gold shimmers
Sunkissed Dawn-reddish orange laced with gold shimmer
Golden Sunset- shimmer, deep orangey red laced with gold shimmer

These colors are so pigmented, they aren't  quite fool proof.  Be careful to blend!

MAC Hidden Treasure Blush vs Black Radiance Warm Berry Artisan Color Baked Blush

I bought MAC's Hidden Treasure blush (Style Seeker collection, August 2012) I couldn't help but think that I bought a more expensive version of a blush I'd been avoiding, Black Radiance Warm Berry Blush. I only avoided this blush because I have at least four of the other Artisan Color Baked blushes. I didn't need another. Well, now I have both and I wanted to compare them to settle my mind and to share with you guys!

 Check below for swatches and more!

 

MAC Hidden Treasure blush:

"Rich, burnt red"

.21oz, $20

Subtle, pink sheen

Black Radiance Warm Berry Artisan Color Baked blush

Strong, deep red

.1oz, $4.99

Little, no sheen

 

In the pan, MAC's HT looks lighter than the Warm Berry.  The sheen brightens it up.  However, HT is a bit deeper in that it leans browner compared to Warm Berry.  Warm Berry has a burnt red look, but  more pink is mixed in the base so it looks more true red when compared to HT. 

Both blushes are amazingly pigmented, but I think the sheen in HT make it more friendly on different skin tones.  Warm Berry may be a bit harder to use, but my experience with the new Black Radiance baked blushes versus their old matte blushes, they are much easier to use.  You should use both with caution and with a fluffy brush, stippling/skunk brush or fan brush.

Do you have this blush??  What do you think of it??

4 Favorite Summer Products

Instagram does it again!
I was tagged to show my 4 Favorite Summer products.
As I'm typing this up, I'm jamming to Karmin's (Karminmusic.com) Hello album ;)

Clockwise from left:
 1.) MAC Nude on Board Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder (Hey, Sailor! collection Summer 2012 LE)
I love this bronzer! It's long lasting and perfect bronzing for days I don't want to wear foundation.  It's doesn't offer coverage like a powder foundation, but the beautiful neutral bronze tint and gold sheen is gorg. 

2.) MAC Equilibrium blush (MAC Me Over collection, Fall 2012 LE)
This blush is described as a light bronze.  It definitely falls into the same family as some of my other favorite MAC blushes such as Sweet as Cocoa and Get Away Bronze. Gorgeous bronze with some deep rose to it.

3.) MAC Whisper of Gilt MSF (Extra Dimension collection, Spring 2012 LE)
I'll have to admit, when I saw this I was skeptical.. it looks overly pigmented and wayyy too metallic for me as a face product. I ordered it anyway. Blame the MAC fanatic in me.  My sister pulled it out to play with it and I've been hooked ever since.  The beauty of this product is that it can me used to its full potential as an eye shadow or you can sheer it down so well for a gorgeous illuminator-- cheek highlighter, tear duct, slightly used all over (think mineralized satin finish foundation) or as a brow highlight.  For those of you that follow my blog know I don't use brow highlights outside of my concealer.

4.) Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Liner in Rock Candy
I got this a while back when IMATS debuted in NY. And if you follow Yummy411 on FB you might have seen this picture:

Yes, I'm showing you better than I can tell you. Let the light hit the sparkles... fire!  Make it pop even more by using it over a black liner.  This can be a bit watery sometimes, but you go over it once or twice and you are good.  Once it sets, it doesn't move!  Ahh, I love this. Brown for me is the new black.

What are you favorite Summer products?

Nars Sin vs Black Radiance Plum Sorbet... Dupes? Pictures and Swatches

Hi guys!!
I'm loving the Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked blushes.  I wasn't sure what Plum Sorbet had in store, but once I swatched it I was reminded of another blush I own, Nars Sin.  I set out to compare them.  In the skin swatch (top photo) Nars is on the left and Black Radiance is on the right. Nars is a bit more rosey with a golden sheen while Plum Sorbet is a hint more true plum.  On my medium- NC43 (NC42 and 44 mixed, lol) skin, the two look very similar. that I can't tell them apart when wearing them blended like normal blush.  Heavier swatches may reveal their differences, but I won't wear them that way.  For all intents and purposes, they are dupes in my book.  Try them on your skin and tell me what you think!

Are you following me on Instagram where I post most of these pics first?

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Coffee Cake Product Review and Swatches

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush is a lightweight powder that melts into a cream according to Maybelline.   When I tried this I didn't think it was a powder at all.  It feels like a hardened, dense mousse.  Once applied, it doesn't settle down as an emollient cream, but a cross between a cream and silky refined powder.

Sorry that the blush doesn't look picture perfect.  I had to try this blush instantly when I bought it. Often times, picture taking comes second, lol.    I don't mind that you see the blush in this messy state.  In fact, it's important that you see this side of the product.    The name of the blush will lead you to believe that once you touch it, it will bounce back into its dome shape.  Not so much.   It moves around like play dough.  It doesn't keep neatly in its pot. 

The blush is not super pigmented, at least in this color 60 Coffee Cake.  This quality has its pros and cons.  Pro? It makes it a fool proof product so that you don't over apply and look like a clown.  Con? You may have to swipe a few times to build up the intensity that you desire.  More swipes, more pushing on the product. I wish the blush could bounce back into the dome shape.

Swipe on the finger.  

I was hoping the picture would show you that I didn't pick up a lot of product on this finger after one full swipe.

Left, one swipe; right, heavy swatch

Coffee Cake is a neutral, tan, peachy/rosey brown.

Overall, the product behavior in the pan didn't turn me away from this product.  I love this blush!  Lately, I've been doing the less is more look and this falls right into the scheme of things.   I nice little glow on my cheeks, not an oily glow, but a polished makeup glow.  This product also has the teensiest bit of shimmer, but barely noticeable.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush, $7-8

Do you have one of these blushes?  Which is your favorite color?

Recent purchases: drugstore and MAC, video overview!

HAPPY NEW YEAR lovelies!! Cheers to the freakin' new year!

I wanted to show you guys a few of the items that I recently bought to close out  2011 and a preliminary overview/review of them.  Check out the video below!  Let me know if you've tried any of the products and your thoughts!








Products mentioned in this video:
Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara
Maybelline Dream Bouncy Bllush
Revlon Diamond Lust eye shadow in Night Sky
Loreal Project Runway Blush in Audacious Amazon
MAC Porcelain Pink MSF
MAC Glitter and Ice Rocking Iced Delights Nail & Lip Bag

Estee Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush in Nude Nuance: Review and Swatches

Ever since I passed up Springshine Ombre blush from MAC's Spring Color Forecast collection, I've been geeking for it. You know, I left it there because why do I need yet another bronzer??? Instead I got the Grape and Peach ombre blushes -__- Ask me how often I touch them. Anddd long face again.  So, some where in my brain I feel I need Springshine.  Luckily for those wanting the grape ombre blush, it will be repromoted  in the MAC Daphne Guinness collection coming up.  What about someone like me who needs another bronzer blush like a shot in the foot?

We have to hunt down people willing to sell theirs or haggle with swappers....OR find a dupe (a sport).  My searching  returned results for dupes for the highly sought after Peach Ombre blush.  Like a needle in a haystack, one result returned info that NYC's Sunny Matte bronzer is a close dupe.   I wasn't persuaded.  Luckily, I remembered that Estee Lauder had ombre blushes before MAC.  The one closest to Springshine is called Estee Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush Nude Nuance.  CCO discounted price... BINGO!  Apparently, they don't sell it any more. =(


I'm mostly content for now... but if you have a Springshine you don't mind departing with,  HOLLA!  Keep reading to see the blush and swatches!

 

(flash- top to bottom; lightest to darkest; right-- blended)

(without flash; more true to life color)

I'm happy with this blush.  It is silky smooth, blendable and pretty even without the shimmer.  It's not chalky or too powdery at all.  Springshine would make me happier, though ;)  (ooh you makeup addicts know how it is! LOL)

New Video: Products I'm Loving Right Now

Sisters Night Out with MAC Mickey Contractor

This weekend, my sisters and I (all four of us!) were headed out to my cousins bday party. The crazy chaos that ensued with us trying to get ready, I actually enjoyed. I threw in some MAC Mickey Contractor for the night.

I wasn't the photog here, so I had to take what pics were available. This is the closest I could get for an 'fotd' shot.

FACE
MAC Mineralized Foundation SPF 15 (cream compact)
Cajun Powder from the Villainous Villains collection
Raizin blush

EYES
Mickey Contractor Athma palette
Soft Ochre paint pot to base
Jaan e/s on lid
Folie and Soft Brown e/s in crease
Carbon on outer v
Vivah on the bottom lid
Revlon liquid liner to line top lid
Light soft shimmer shadow on inner corner
UD Zero liner on waterline
MAC Studio finish concealer
Maybelline Falsies waterproof mascara
MAC #35 lashes-- they are still my bff's

LIPS
Petite Four lipglass (Yes it's super old, but it's from one of my favorite collections! Shopping my stash y'all!)

I'm still so stuck on neutrals! It's hard for me to part from them, even on a night out (Blame it on Bridal Beauty). I'd rather switch up my blush or lip color.

Speaking of blush... I love Raizin. I used to hate it because it was the abused and typical blush by MAC for women of color. I decided that it has its reputation for good reason, so I needed it for my brown beauties. I tried it on myself. LOVE. I love Canteloupe blush, but Raizin is the deeper, mature cousin. It's the powder version of what I wanted my MUFE HD blush #10 to be.

My sister, Toni P/DarbyGirl Online came from far away, wonderland VA from work to attend the party with us and didn't feel jazzy. I suggested Siahi or Ivy fluidlines to spice up her look. I chose Ivy as the best pick. I love it on her. You might have to click on the pic to enlarge it to see it better.

We had an awesome night out together.... I mean, we always do! I love having time with them!

Hope you had a great weekend! What did you do? Anything makeup related?

Three I's

I got... the purple glitter acrylic that I initially wanted the first time I got this acrylic set. Now I'm looking for a darker purple color!

Mini review: Just like the popular acrylic white french tips for chip resistant color and longer wear many people get, this design takes on the same concept. Virtually no chipping and with the axiom gel top coat it shines for days without a clear polish top coat touch up! It seems stronger than regular acrylic. The finish is glassy with huge shards of opal-esque/mother of pearl glitter floating in a jelly. With this lilac color, I have no visible nail line like I did with the white/clear/sky blue glitter. Drying time is painless and perfect! About 10 minutes or so under the UV gel lamp and stick a fork in me, I'm done!

Downside: The cost will run you about $30-35-45 for a fill depending on what you want- change the design, cut down, basic fill. That's compared to a regular acrylic fill of $15-20. Also, during the file down you will need a little mask or to cover your mouth. This process get dusty and dirty more than likely due to the thickness and amount of acrylic and extra particles (the glitter).

I'm crushing on...*now loving* Nars Multiple in Lamu from the Summer 2010 Collection. It's Nars Multiple meets MAC iridescent pressed powders. Remember those from the Fafi collection? I didn't like the MAC iridescent powders because it gave a hint of color with huge glitter that fell where the wind blew... but THIS lays the glitter down in a cream, the color is gorgeous and is just awesome with my tan! :D Def have to see this in person. Here's one more Lamu Multple swatch from Celia. Most of the gold sheen you see in that swatch is pure glittah!

So my now serious crush is on the new NARS palettes!

I'm loving... MAC's Go For It lipstick. Cremesheen formula, nice color that's a get what you you see in the pic type color, which doesn't hold true for the likes of Lavender Whip.

A bonus 'Eye'... I bruised my eyeball (my left eye) during an allergy attack after enjoying my delish Ranier cherries last week. The best all season! Next time, I'll be heavily drugged with my Zyrtec before I indulge. This has been putting a damper on my makeup and it won't be totally clear for another week =(

Extra bonus I-- I LOVE YOU GUYS! Have a great weekend!

The most underrated MAC To The Beach product

On the count of 3, help me to boo Comcast for bad service and making me wait a week for a cable guy to come and repair the problem... 1, 2, 3 BOOOOOO!

Now with that out of the way... Hi guys!!! How have you been?

Confession: I haven't worn makeup all week. I'm not a Summer girl at all. (My favorite season is Fall.) While not wearing makeup, I've been trying to at least appreciate my tanning/glowing skin and just embrace the heat and uh oh yeh,... let it hold me over as I eagerly await MAC's In the Groove Collection, :D


Something else that's holding me over? Appreciating a few things I've picked up from the last collection, To the Beach. I haven't been wearing them recently, but I can tell you I've satisfied my makeup jones! I picked up: Get Away Bronze blush, Flurry of Fun lipglass and Float on By eye kohl. I absolutely love all three items!

That brings me to the point that one item I might love the most is totally overlooked and underrated! Get Away Bronze blush is love! It falls in between Sweet as Cocoa blush and a limited edition mineralized skinfinish bronzer, Sunny by Nature, that was released around this time last year. I love both of those too!


Pics please!

l-r: Sunny By Nature, Get Away Bronze, Sweet as Cocoa

Please excuse the alligator hands... any whoo! Does anyone love this blush as much as me? What about the other items?

I'm loving: Contouring with blush!

I'm loving color in the contour areas of the cheeks! No, not the 80's harsh edged contouring, but a nice, blended, deep, but easy color as a cheek contour/blush. This concept is nothing novel or new, but refreshing at the same time. My slight obsession all began with Kim Cattrall in Sex and the City movie. I'm sure it was bronzer on her, but in a sesh around the table in a restaurant, Kim had on a bronzey-peachy-coral shade that just set her cheeks on fire! The placement of her blush simply made this blush whore's heart melt! I was so drawn into it. Imagine Kim above with beach tanned skin and the blush above intensified.

I recently saw a friend who was wearing one of my all time favorite blushes, MAC's Limited Edition On a Mission blush. It was deep, but subtle enough for a blush and slight contour. Placing the blush on the bottom of the cheek showed off her fab under eye highlight perfectly! When I first became interesed in makeup, I couldn't understand the regular blush placement of 'on the apples of the cheeks' ith my huge cheeks, so I actually used to put my blush in the cheek contour area. However, I wasn't as careful or had an eye for what I felt was right.

Let's check out NeNe Leakes on Wendy Williams. Do you see more color than contour color?

Okay, so yeh the blush maybe mixed with a fab contour job, but I'll give more credit to the blush. I've been wearing my blush low to give more room for my under eye highlight to show ;)

By the way, aren't you loving her pastel green on her lids? Yes, women of color can wear pastels, just have to find the right product!

MAC Pret-a-Papier: Swatches- 2 blushes, 2 lipsticks and a paint pot!

Pret a Papier, MAC's latest collection of chic neutrals with a bit of coral mixed in. As boring as this could be, this excites me. Imagine how I felt when i got to get my hands on some of the collection last week?!

The blush whore I am got two of the three blushes included in this collection:

•Garb- Light golden suntan (Sheertone) (Limited Edition)

•Instant Chic- Mid-tone muted coral (Sheertone) (Limited Edition)

(Light Over Dark- not pictured, a repromoted mineralize duo that I didn't get the first go around and wasn't as interested in this time around.)

Swatches (l-r): Instant Chic, Coppertone (for comparison) and Garb

Super light right? Remember these are Sheertone blushes so they won't deposit as much color. Think Mocha, Blushbaby and the like. The description for Garb is spot on. I can't wear it as a blush with my bronzer. They blend together! Instant chic is more of a subtle coral on me. I got two of the four lippies in this collection; nude-ish lustres:
•Archetype- Sheer light gold (Lustre) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
•Dressmaker, Dressmaker -Creamy light peach coral (Lustre) (Limited Edition)
Swatches (l-r): Archetype and Dressmaker, Dressmaker.

Archetype is Instant Gold lusterglass in lipstick form? A pale gold where you can lighten deeper lipsticks or add a bit of sheen. I didn't need this.

Dressmaker, Dressmaker.. a pretty coral and quite creamy for a lustre. I had to pull out Ever Hip from Liberty of London as it came to mind as I tried on DD. I wanted to compare and make sure I don't have two of the same thing!

The blushes on my hand are more true to color in this picture.

Coral Crepe! A new paint pot!! MAC can we get another paint pot collection like Painterly?? Coral Crepe is described as a soft coral. So this one is not as shimmery as Delft or Bare Study, but has a slight sheen that keeps it from being totally matte... Satin if you will, almost metallic? (Just checked the site. Apparently, it is Satin. Didn't realize they had finishes identified for the paint pots.) Up the amp on shadows like Paradisco or Expensive Pink with this one!


Check out more images and info over at Temptalia!

Hmmm, don't know if I should have gotten Garb blush. I also picked up a Chromagraphic pencil. I got the lighter of the two, but me thinks I should have gotten the darker one. The gold nail polish would have been great to get as well as Fold and Tuck lipglass. I'm also on the fence about Gazette Gray eye shadow.

What do you think of the collection? What are you getting?

New NARS Multiples

Move over MUFE HD blushes! There are some new NARS Multiples in town! And I am swooning!

Bright, but sheer colors (or tints): Cadaques (fuchsia), Beverly Hill (red) and Turks and Caicos (orange). All will be $38 when they debut in May!!

Are you all as excited about these as I am?

Chela's Blush

'Hi Chela!'

Meet Chela. Chela is my sister Jessica's BFF. (And the glam girl behind the fashion site The Glamour Commander!)

She looked so bright and blushing when I saw her last that I had to know what she was wearing (in reference to makeup of course!) especially that blush that glowed from her rich chocolate complexion. Can you guess what it is?

Hint #1: The swatch
Hint #2: The pan o' blush

Belive it or not, sis is rocking Nars' Angelika blush! Yes, shut the front door! If you have ever thought like me or have seen evidence--check Karla Sugar's swatch and review--that this blush was only for our fairer sisters, think again. Yes, I asked her to reapply in front of me because I was in total disbelief. That's what I get for not even giving the poor blush a chance. It totally transforms on her! Here is Chela pictured with flash so that you know this really isn't a hoax. Gorgeous right?


The rest of her pretty face includes:
MAC Face and Body foundation in N6
MAC Mineralized Foundation in Deep Dark
Lips are lined with Magenta lip liner and Up the Amp lipstick

Thanks Chela for sharing or for "letting me hold you hostage" for this makeup post as Jessica says.

Have you tried Nars' Angelika blush?