My life in words, many words.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Beauty: Top 10 April Favorites



1. NARS Deep Throat

May I just say that I was missing out on a great product for way too long.  I always thought NARS blushes were over-rated. I also thought it was ridiculous spending $32 on a blush. But hey.. times change. I am in LOVE with this blush. My only complain is - it is not for darker skintones. I have a medium skin tone and I have to use two layers for it to nicely show on my skin. It is meant for pale/very fair skin tones. But even for medium skin - it is amazing. Anything above medium - not so much. I also wanted to get Torrid but I tried it on there and it was too orange for me.

This blush is the most delicate.. sort of dainty light pink with a hint of peach. It looks so lovely and wearable on dewy skin. There is shimmer in the product but it is flattering, not overpowering at all. NARS most talked about Orgasm is actually more shimmer-ish than Deep Throat. I will be buying this product AGAIN when I run out.

2. MAC Fix Plus

I was under the illusion that this is a waste of money. I got a travel size Fix Plus which I think costed me about $18. I wanted to try it before I buy the original size. Well.. let me tell you.. it proved me wrong. I have really dry skin that is now prone to acne (yay?)

The purpose of this product is to basically even out your makeup. Once you are done with the powders, blushes and bronzers etc. - you throw on a spritz of this and you're good to go. It takes all that powdery residue away. It takes away that "dusty" look of the powder on your face. Now, this is a fantastic product if you know how to use it. I used it after my entire makeup application was done - didn't work too well.

How I use it: I use it to hydrate my skin. After I put on my primer, I spray it once. Then, I put on my foundation and I use it to layer my foundation. That way.. the foundation doesn't dry out your skin. The effect of the spray is subtle.. it's not like you're throwing water in your face. It makes the application of makeup look more natural rather than obvious and cakey.. if you know what I mean.

Also, it has a great fragrance to it =) Definitely recommend it!

3. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - Smitten

I am particularly not a fan of any lip stain products because they dry out your lips. However, this is exception. This will be drying for you if you don't use lip balm underneath. I purchased it in the winter and I always keep my lips moisturized, so it wasn't a problem for me. Out of this collection, I purchased Smitten which s a really nice pinky-berry color that looks great with all skin tones.

I love the control you get with the stain stick. I love the make of it. You can use it light-handedly or build upon it. The pointed tip is a plus because the application is precise. And it is hydrating as well. It's not matte. It gives a nice glossy finish. Now.. on to the main point - after eating and drinking, it still lasted me about 2 hours with a total of about 4.5 hours. That's not bad - without any touch ups.

You don't need to bring any lip liners, lip glosses or lip sticks if you got this - it's an all-in-one product that lasts. And it's only about $8. This is going to be my summer-long favorite product! =D

4. Maybelline Gel Liner

LOVE. It is definitely better than the Revlon Gel Liner. My Revlon dried up super fast! I wasted more than half the liner because of it. Maybelline.. on the other hand.. bravo! I don't know how this compares to MAC Fluid Line because I've never purchased their gel liner. I do use MAC Kohl Eye Liner Pencils.. and I like those. Maybelline goes on super smooth and the colour pay-off is great. It comes with a brush, similar to the Revlon. I hated the Revlon brush as well, it was too big for a thin application.

Maybelline's liner is INKY black. It looks amazing. It has a matte finish which I absolutely love. The only complain I have is that it smudges easily. The good thing about Revlon Gel Liner is that it doesn't budge. It does not move from your eyelid once it has been put on. I wore my Revlon to Wonderland and went in the water park, took dips in the pool, and was drenched at the end of the day. But my eye liner - which is also waterproof did not smudge.

I am tied between the two. I like Revlon for the quality of the product and that it lasts. But I don't like the fact that the product dries out fast. I don't like the brush either. For Maybelline, I like the brush. I like the colour consistency because it is darker than Revlon. Unfortunately, it smudges easily but lasts about the same time as Revlon. Both are good for a drug-store price.

5. Essie - Ballet Slippers

Now.. as beautiful as it looks.. this product is a sweet tragedy. Know what I mean? No? I'll explain :)

The color is just BEAUTIFUL. But... it's a nightmare to work with. You need a good 3-4 coats to have it even and opaque. Otherwise, it just looks uneven, sheer, and streaky. This was my first Essie Nailpolish because I am an OPI junkie. Unfortunately.. I picked the wrong color to work with.

This nail polish is great if you have a technique of applying it. It's also great if you go pick it up at a salon for your manicure. The salon ladies will do a magnificent job with it. But as for me.. I am a little clumsy with nail polish application that takes too much effort. I absolutely love the color but I don't have the time or patience to start with a base coat, build on with 3 coats of Essie and then apply the top coat. This would have been my every day color if it wasn't streaky.

Such a shame because the color is DIE FOR =(

6. Juicy Couture - Viva La Juicy and Cabotine de Gres

This goes out to Komal.. thanks for the birthday present! I've never tried Cabotine fragrances before but I actually like this one. I was at Bramalea yesterday standing in line for food at Jimmy the Greek. There were two ladies standing beside me. Both of them were whispering something and finally one of them spoke up. She said, "What are you wearing? You smell soooo good!" It was Cabotine de Gres.

Now.. my dad says he cannot tolerate me with this fragrance. It is too overpowering and suffocating for him. Also.. because I am into buying very fruity and vanilla-like fragrances. This is a different one in my collection. A lot of people have bashed this fragrance on review forums. But I like it! It's a very ginger-like, citric smell.. I can't describe it properly. It's very green and frresh... like a mixture of fruits and spices. I get hints of blackcurrant from it.

The best thing about this perfume - it lasts all day. The smell lingers on your clothes all day long because it is pretty strong. I use about 3-4 spritz and I am good to go.

On the other hand, I don't think Juicy Couture requires a review. My man got it for me for Valentine's Day. This is such an elegant and feminine smell. It's very floral and girly. I love it! The only problem is - it's gone within an hour. For a bottle that costs you $80, you would want it to last longer. I use it for dinners out because it lasts me for those 2-3 hours.  I don't mind re-applying it but the bottle is too fancy to carry around. I just purchased an atomizer and I think I will be transferring it in there to have it on the go!

7. Revlon ColorStay Mineral Finishing Powder - Sunkiss

I reviewed this product last year. I've had it for more than a year now and I love it. It is the best summer product ever. I am not the one to buy NARS or Benefit bronzers. They are way too pricy. I barely use bronzers. I use them for days I don't have any makeup on but I just wanna add a little touch of color to my face. This is my absolute favorite product for summer glow. Add this to your cheeks and you will see how beautifully natural sunlight will reflect off of it.

Depending on how you apply it - it can be used as a bronzer, a blush or even a face powder. It really depends on the application technique you choose. I apply 2-3 coats when I use it as a blush. I lightly dust it over my temples and jaw line when I want to use it as a contour. And I wear it over my sunscreen in the sun for that nice sunkissed skin. The name of the product says it all - Sunkiss.

8. Maybelline - FIT ME Concealer


I have raved about Maybelline FIT ME Foundation in the past. Now, it's time for concealer. This is possibly the best drug store concealer on the market right now. There are a billion better high end concealers. But in the low-price range, this is pretty good. It decently covers your blemishes and dark circles. If you have deep dark circles, this might not cover it all. You can layer it up and build on for more coverage but I'd still say that this is about light-medium coverage. I say that because I have deep dark circles.

It has a creamy consistency and blends well with your foundation. It can crease throughout the day if you have oily skin. I'd recommend setting it with powder after applying it.

I love how light the coverage feels on your skin. It doesn't feel cakey at all. I build on two layers for my undereye circles and that usually works for me. I'd recommend concealer beginners to try it out. It's worth it.



9. Guess Wristlet

Nish and I were shopping on Black Friday weekend in November 2012. We were at Guess and we found this wristlet. I love the color. I love how convenient it is. I have stopped carrying handbags ever since I got this. It holds my iPhone, all cards, cash and even lipsticks and lipglosses lol.

Absolutely love this purchase! And thank you mister for getting it *hearts*

If anyone else wants it.. the link is riiiiiiight here: REIKO PHONE WRISTLET






10. Biotherm - Aquasource 24 Hours Deep Hydrating Replenishing Gel

Last, but not the least.. Biotherm!

Biotherm products are particularly stereotyped as products for aging women. They actually have amazing products that are for young adults. Even the men's collection for Biotherm is really impressive. I got my dad a Biotherm gift set for Christmas. It was $60 with a shaving foam, daily cleanser and after-shave gel. He savors it. I don't think he has looked back since then.

Surprisingly.. even Nish uses Biotherm moisturizer to take care of his skin. I think it's amazing that he bothers to buy sunscreen and good moisturizers for skin protection. Ever met those cocky guys who think putting any product on their face challenges their manhood? Argh! Skin.. like any other part of your body needs to be taken care of.

Getting back to the point.. my mom is a loyal Biotherm fan. She replaces her cream every 3 months and it costs about $120. And that's a good price for something that has anti-aging properties and lasts you a long time. $120 divided by 3 = $40. That is not bad for total skin care. She always gets tonnes of samples and gifts with her purchase.

This time.. we met a really nice lady at the counter and she recommended something for my dry skin. She gave me FOUR samples of it =D That is a LOT.

This hydrating gel is something you can apply to your skin morning or evening, underneath your makeup. I would rather choose to have no make up on top because it's really nice and dewy. It's very light.. it smells amazing and your skin absorbs it. It doesn't sit there clogging your pores. Seconds after applying it.. you are free to apply your makeup. My skin feels smooth and more even. I am debating on whether I wanna buy the full sized tube. I have 4 samples which will last me about 2 months. I recommend it to anyone with dry skin. It doesn't irritate my acne either. So, that's a plus.

And that is ALL for my favorites. I hope my reviews are helpful =)

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