Swatches + Review: Nars Nordstrom's Best Cheek Palette + Dior Intemporalle Blush Palette

Nars Nordstrom's Best Cheek Palette ($65, Limited Edition) - The palette has the standard Nars rubber packaging and is very sleek. It's valued at $124. Each pan is exactly the same size as the deluxe sample size. 

Scent: It's fragrance-free.

Shades: It comes with 4 blushes, a highlight and a bronzer. So, it basically has all the cheek products that you need and is great for travel. 

• Orgasm (3.5g/0.12oz) is a peachy pink with gold shimmers.
• Deep Throat (3.5g/0.12oz) is a soft pink with a golden sheen. When compared to Orgasm, Deep Throat leans more coral and is less shimmery.
• Albatross (3.5g/0.12oz) is a pale ivory with gold shimmers. When applied to the tops of my cheekbones, it leaves a gorgeous golden sheen and does not look chalky at all. This is a shade that you have to try on your skin because swatches do not do it justice.
• Luster (3.5g/0.12oz) is an apricot shade with a golden sheen.
• Desire (3.5g/0.12oz) is a cotton candy pink with a matte finish. It looks bright when swatched on my arms, but when applied to my cheeks, it looks more wearable and flattering on my warm, NC30/35 skin tone.
• Laguna (3g/0.1oz) is a brown with gold shimmers. The one in the palette looks more neutral toned compared to the deluxe sample, which looks warmer. 

Formula: The pigmentation is sheer, but can easily be layered. They also blend into the skin nicely and are very easy to work with.

Longevity: I generally don't have issues with cheek products in terms of longevity. The ones in the Nars palette last at least 8 hours without fading when worn over foundation + setting powder. (For reference, I have cheeks that are neither dry nor oily.)

Continue Reading »

Swatches + Comparisons: Benefit Cheekathon vs Tarte Tarteist Blush Palette

Benefit Cheekathon Blush & Bronzer Palette ($58, Limited Edition) 

Packaging: It comes with 4 full-size blushes, including Dandelion (0.25oz), Rockateur (0.17oz), Dallas (0.32oz) and Coralista (0.28oz), a full-size Hoola matte bronzer (0.28oz), a brush made of natural bristles and a sizable mirror. Each shade retails $29, which makes the value of the palette to be $145!

I never bought Benefit's individual blushes because I find the cardboard packaging to be too bulky. The palette is actually not as thick and is a huge space saver compared to buying the blushes/bronzer individually. (It measures 7 inches x 0.85 inches x 5 inches.) It may not be as travel-friendly as the Tarte Tarteist palette, but I would still take this with me on trips, especially if I'm going to be out of town for more than a week and want to create various looks. I just love that all the shades are conveniently laid out in one palette. 

The insert is removable and pops out easily. So, you can use the box for storing little trinkets when you finish the palette. You can also depot the pans and pop them into an empty Z Palette. 

The brush reminds me of the NARS Ita (review), except the Benefit one is a little bit wider and denser. It works really well for contouring because it's narrow enough to fit nicely on the hollows of the cheeks and fluffy enough to blend out any harsh lines with ease. For blush application, I prefer a domed-shaped brush, such as the Sonia Kashuk #29 (review) because it covers the entire cheek area more evenly and lightly. I also love that the pans are wide enough to fit any type of brush easily.  

Continue Reading »

Swatches + Review: NARS Laguna Tiare Bronzer, Mie Kabuki Brush + Goulue Blush

After trying out the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint (review), I decided to check out more products from the brand. Besides the items mentioned in this post, I also purchased some of their loose and pressed powders, which I will review later. 

Continue Reading »

First Impressions: NARS Laguna Tiare Bronzer (Limited Edition)

The NARS Tahiti Bronze Collection 2016 has just launched at Nordstrom and Sephora. I just wanted to give you guys a heads up since the Laguna Tiare Bronzer ($59 for 10g/0.35oz) is limited edition. The one that comes in the single compact retails $39 for 0.28oz.

First Impressions: The plastic compact is embossed with a wood grain texture that looks absolutely gorgeous. It has a faint monoi scent during application and smells stronger when I sniff the pan.

The Laguna Tiare Bronzer is a rich brown and contains gold shimmers, which are only noticeable under direct sunlight. The shimmers are actually undetectable under artificial lighting. I've been really enjoying it as a bronzer. I like that it warms up my NC30/35 skin tone without looking orange. It also mimics the look of a tan that can look natural with a light hand or dramatic with a heavy hand. 

The bronzer also comes with a travel brush. The head of the brush is actually full size, while the handle is shorter compared to the regular Ita Kabuki brush ($55). I personally don't use it to apply the Laguna bronzer because I prefer a round, fluffy brush, such as the Sonia Kashuk #19 Tapered Powder brush, for that type of application. The shape of the travel Ita brush is actually more suitable for contouring when used with matte powder products. It's narrow enough to create a chiseled look with one sweep and fluffy enough to blend out harsh lines with barely any effort. 

A full review and swatches will be posted in a few days can be found here!
Will you be getting anything from this collection?

This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Swatches + Comparisons: Matte Contouring and Bronzing Powders

All of the products mentioned in this post have a matte finish. Some shades are more suitable for contouring, while others work better for bronzing. Even though I have a warm NC30/35 skintone, I prefer to use cooler shades to contour my face because it creates a more natural looking shadow. When bronzing my face, I prefer to use warmer shades because cooler shades can make me look dirty or sick.

Continue Reading »

Swatches + Comparison - Collective Haul of Cheek Products

I've been really enjoying products that leave a nice sheen to my skin without the glittery mess. 

The ones mentioned in this post have been great at perking up my dull winter skin.

Continue Reading »

Swatches + Comparisons - Collective Haul (Guerlain, Nars, Urban Decay, MUFE)

I had some of these products for a few months and others for a few years. -_-
I decided to group them together in one big post with mini reviews instead of making separate posts.

Continue Reading »

Swatches + Comparisons - Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze + Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer

From Top Left Clockwise: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze ~  Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer ~ Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzer

From Left: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze ~  Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer

From Left: Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze ~  Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer

Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in 42 Rich Bronze ($10.99/0.18oz) - It costs $61.06 per ounce, which is actually more expensive compared to the Chanel bronzer ($48/oz), but the quality is well worth the price. Rich Bronze does not look Oompa Loompa orange and has a more yellow undertone compared to the Chanel bronzer. It's extremely buildable and dark enough for medium to tan skin tones, but it's also very blendable and looks natural on lighter skin tones. Because it leaves a matte finish, I love using it as a contour shade to define my cheekbones. I usually use a synthetic brush, such as the ELF Angled Blush Brush because it fits nicely on the hollows of my cheekbones. (A little goes a long way, but don't worry if you over apply the product because it's super easy to blend out.) As for longevity, it lasts at least 10 hours without fading when set with a translucent powder and it also prolongs the wear of my powder bronzers when used as a base. Also, it has a compartment underneath that houses a mirror and sponge, which I find to be very odd and useless. Definitely use a synthetic brush or even your bare fingers to apply the product.

Ingredients List: Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyethylene, Nylon 12, Silica, Dimethicone/Divinyldimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salycilate, Dextrin Palmitate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, Fragrance, Caprylyl Methicone; May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Carmine, Ultramarines, Manganese Violet, Zinc Oxide, Ferric Ferrycyanide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Chromium Oxide Greens, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Red 6, Red 7, Red 7 Lake, Red 28 Lake, Red 30 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 lake, Yellow 6 Lake

Too Faced Aqua Bunny Cream-To-Powder Bronzer ($26.10/0.32oz) - It costs $81.56 per ounce, which is the most expensive out of the bunch. Aqua Bunny is more red based compared to Rich Bronze and Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel, but it has the same pigmentation, blendability and longevity as Rich Bronze. The biggest difference besides the undertone is that it has a more satin finish. Under direct sunlight, I notice tiny bits of shimmer, but it's definitely not glittery. Also, it has a mirror on the top compartment and a bottom compartment that houses a synthetic brush, which is convenient for touch-ups.

Ingredients List: Triethylhexanoin, Corn Starch Modified, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polyethylene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Silica, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire de carnauba, Hexyldecanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, SD Alcohol 40-B (Alcohol Denat.), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Aroma/Flavor, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Seed Extract, BHT, Limonene, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Manganese Violet (CI 77742).

(Outdoor Natural Lighting in the shade)

(Outdoor Natural Lighting on a Sunny Day)

(Indoor Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: If you found the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel to be too light or too orange, then the Sonia Kashuk one would be a more suitable option, especially as a contour shade since it's completely matte. You can't go wrong with the Too Faced Aqua Bunny bronzer either because it's dark enough for medium to tan skin tones and it also blends out easily. So, it looks very natural on light skin tones as well. Personally, I love all 3 of the bronzers because each of the formula is so easy to work with and they all apply like butter.

Note: The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base contains 1oz of product and is available on their online store and Nordstrom for $48. The Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Rich Bronze contains 0.18oz/5.2g of product and is available only at Target for $10.99. The Too Faced Aqua Bunny bronzer contains 0.32oz/9g of product and is on clearance on their online store for $26.10.

What product do you use to contour your face?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Swatches + Review - Too Faced Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer

Left: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil

Right: Too Faced Endless Summer

Packaging: I don't really care for the packaging. It's not ugly, but it's definitely not something that I'm excited about. I prefer the Chocolate Soleil packaging more.

Endless Summer is lighter, has a more brown undertone, leaves a satin finish to the skin, and is fragrance-free compared to Chocolate Soleil, which is slightly darker, completely matte and smells like cocoa. I'm glad to report that neither are orange! 

Endless Summer works well on most complexions. I have a medium NC30/35 skin tone and I use it as a bronzer to warm up my face. It has regular pigmentation (not too sheer or too pigmented) and applies the right amount of product with the Sonia Kashuk Domed Blusher brush. Be careful though because the formula is easily buildable and can leave a muddy finish if you apply too many layers. Also, I do notice tiny shimmers in the pan and under direct sunlight, but when applied on my cheeks, they are barely noticeable, especially under artificial lighting. 

Chocolate Soleil is more suitable for medium to deep complexions and for contouring (nose, cheekbones, forehead and anywhere else that you want to appear smaller/slimmer/defined) since it leaves a matte finish and creates a more natural effect.

As for the wear time, Endless Summer lasts at least 10 hours without fading when worn over liquid foundation and setting powder (I haven't tried it for 16 hours straight yet, but will update when I do), while Chocolate Soleil fades within 8 hours of application. 

(Natural Lighting)

(Direct Sunlight)

(Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: Endless Summer is a must-have for those that want to add warmth to skin without looking orange or ridiculously shiny. 

Note: The Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer contains 7g/0.25oz of product. It is limited edition and is available at Ulta, TooFaced.com, Beauty.com, and Sephora for $30.

Which bronzer will you be wearing for Summer 2013?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Swatches + Review: Dolce & Gabbana Animalier Bronzer 2012

Dolce & Gabbana released the Animalier bronzer in 2011 in the standard gold compact. They recently relaunched the bronzer in a new limited edition leopard print compact, which is $7 more. I've always thought leopard print to be tacky, but recently, I've been loving all things leopard, (including this) and I just had to buy the Animalier bronzer.

Packaging: The gold metal compact contains a slightly rubberized leopard print design on the outside and a leopard print overspray on the inside. It also comes with a velvet pouch, full-size mirror and a mini travel brush, which feels soft and is convenient for touch ups. I am absolutely in love with the packing, but I think it would have been more exquisite if the rubberized cover was made of faux fur. Maybe next year? ^_^

The overspray may be a turn off for some people, which is understandable because (1) the leopard print disappears with 1-2 brush swipes and (2) the color is a dirty brown that's very glittery and unwearable. However, beneath the overspray is a gorgeous warm bronze shade that leaves the skin with a natural sun-kissed look when applied with the Chanel #1 brush. The color is dark enough to show up on my medium NC30/35 skin tone, but it's still light enough for paler complexions to wear without looking orange. Also, I do notice tiny shimmers in the pan and under direct sunlight, but when applied on my cheeks, they are barely noticeable, especially under artificial lighting.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil is darker and completely matte, which is more suitable for medium to deeper complexions and for contouring (nose, cheekbones, forehead and anywhere else that you want to appear smaller/slimmer/defined). I use the Animalier bronzer mainly for my cheek area and when I want a "no makeup" makeup look.

As for the wear time, it lasts at least 7 hours without fading when worn over liquid foundation and setting powder.

(Natural Lighting)

(Direct Sunlight)


(Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: The Dolce & Gabbana Animalier bronzer is definitely a collection piece for leopard lovers, but it's also practical and looks absolutely divine on the cheeks.

Note: The Dolce & Gabbana Animalier bronzer contains 0.53oz of product and is available at Saks for $57.

Do you think leopard packaging is tacky or classy?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Swatches + Review - Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base is a cult favorite among many beauty bloggers and YouTube vloggers. I never understood why because the swatches online look Oompa Loompa orange. I already have the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer, which is my holy grail bronzing and contouring product not orange, it's completely matte and it gives my face dimension. I decided to purchase the Chanel cream bronzer with the intention of using it as a base and to prolong the wear of my powder bronzers. 

The texture of the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel is creamy and it blends into my skin effortlessly when applied with a synthetic brush, such as the Royal & Langnickel BX-25, BX-15, BX-30, BX-35 and BX-70 brush (review + comparison). (Do not use a brush that's made from natural hair because it will shed when it comes in contact with cream products.) I usually apply my foundation, then the Chanel cream bronzer and finally, I'll set everything with a translucent powder. I prefer to apply the cream bronzer in a tapping motion rather than a sweeping motion because if I use the sweeping motion, it can mess up my foundation and the finish can look blotchy. Tapping the product into my skin leaves a more natural finish.

The BX-25 brush is denser than both the BX-15 and BX-30; therefore, it picks up more product, applies more heavily and requires less layering to get good color payoff. The BX-15 and BX-30 are by no means flimsy, but they apply more lightly and prevent you from over applying the product. However, it's difficult to over apply the Chanel bronzer because it looks so natural no matter how many times you layer it. Therefore, it doesn't matter which 3 of the brushes you use. You'll still achieve the same result.

If I want a more "chiseled" look, I'll use the BX-35 to contour my cheekbones and the BX-70 to contour my nose. (I use the BX35 in a tapping motion rather than a sweeping motion to prevent it from moving my foundation and from creating a harsh line.) To finish off the look, I apply a setting powder and then my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil as the final step. I find that it gives me more dimension than Soleil Tan De Chanel because it's darker and completely matte.

Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brushes: BX-25 ~ BX-15 ~ BX30

(brushes are dirty, sorry)

Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brushes: BX-35 ~ BX-70

Soleil Tan De Chanel looks scary orange compared to Chocolate Soleil, but I assure you, it looks completely natural when applied to the face. For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35, MUFE HD 127, L'oreal True Match W4 and Dior Forever 21 mixed with 31. I have also wore this when I was a MAC NC35/37, MUFE HD 128, L'oreal True Match W6 and Dior Forever 31 and it looked absolutely gorgeous. However, lighter beauties may find this to be too orange and darker beauties (NC42 and up) may find it to be too light. This product works best on medium skin tones as it adds warmth to the skin and enhances the complexion.

It is important to mention that Soleil Tan De Chanel looks slightly shimmery under direct sunlight. However, the shimmers are barely noticeable and it looks nearly matte under artificial lighting. It's still very safe to wear during the day time because it looks very natural. Also, it lasts at least 12 hours without fading when worn over liquid/cream foundation and set with a powder.

The price can be a turnoff, but it contains a hefty amount of product and you only need about 3 taps of product for each cheek. Therefore, it will take months before you'll need to replenish.

Bottom Line: I highly recommend getting the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel to use as a base in order to lengthen the wear of a powder bronzer. If you have a medium complexion, this will also work well alone and leave your skin with a natural sun-kissed look.

Note: The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base contains 1oz of product and is available on their online store, Nordstrom, and at Chanel makeup counters for $48.

*This post contains affiliate links.

What product do you use to contour your face?