Cheeky Deeky!

Another back-to-basics post! Yay me!

Today’s post would be about blush and bronzer. 

Choosing a blush or bronzer : 

Pale skin – Soft pinks for blush and light beiges for contouring.

Intense colors would look pretty scary on pale skins.

Okay, maybe her skin isn’t that pale, but you get the idea.

NYX Powder Blush in Peach and Natural. (Click here.)

Jordana Powder Blush in Rouge. (Click here.)

LA Colors Mineral Blush in Dewy. (Click here.)

For bronzer.

Physicians Formula Gems in Light Bronzer. (Click here.)

Boots No7 Dual bronzer. (Click here.)

Milani Bronzer XL All Over Glow in Fake Tan. (Click here.)

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Pink skin tones – Warm peaches for blush and pale beige for contouring.

CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Pretty Peach. (Click here.)

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso. (Click here.)

LA Girl Illuminating Blush in Radiant. (Click here.)

And for the bronzer, same as the above!

Note – Physicians Formula does amazing bronzers for those who are on the lighter side in terms of skin tones.

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Yellow skin tones – a corally blush and a bronzer that isn’t too dark!

Jordana Powder Blush in Redwood and Coral Radiance. (Click here.)

L’Oreal Visible Lift Color Blush in Coral Lift. (Click here.)

Maybelline Fit Me Blush in New Shade of Deep Coral. (Click here.)

NYX Matte Bronzer in Light or Medium. (Click here.)

NYX Tango with Bronzer in Bronze Ensemble and Tribal Odyssey. (Click here.)

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze. (Click here.)

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Deeper skin tones – a dark colored blush for contouring and blush.

It’s not quite realistic to use a bright pink blush on deeper skin tones because logic. (Not being racist) But darker skin tones don’t have the tendency to exude a bright pink glow.

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Light. (Click here.)

Wet n Wild Color icon collection bronzer in Ticket to Brazil. (Click here.)

NYX Powder Blush. (Click here.)

I think copper looks amazing!

101 reasons why I love NYX blushes, they come in so many different shades!

 Tips for applying blush :

>Smile, and apply it to the apples of your cheeks! Please do not apply it all over your cheeks. Ugly.

>If you have applied too much (pretty common when you use the NYX powder blushes because they are so pigmented.), apply some pressed powder to tone it down.

>Remember to blend, blend and blend! Especially around the edges because we don’t want any harsh obvious lines!

She’s so pretty!

Gel blush – you’ll need to blend them quick! They tend to dry quicker and you might be left with blotches of blush.

Same goes with cheek stains such as the Balm’s Instain. So maybe you might want to hold a brush in one hand and once you’ve applied the blush, blend immediately!

Cream blush – they give a more natural finish compared to powder ones. They blend really easily, but if you want to take your time and blend slowly, warm it up between your fingers first!

I really hate how expensive Bourjois is around here.

Powder blush – use a light touch along with a blush brush! This will allow the blush to look less harsh (rhyme!) and be blended more easily. Remember to tap off any excess! Especially if you’re using NYX blushes.

I absolutely love this video by gossmakeupartist. It makes so much sense and I’ve been applying my blush in that manner ever since I watched that video.

Bronzer – This is used to give you a sun-kissed glow! Apply it to places which catches the sun for it to look more natural.

>Choose a bronzer that is about 2 shades darker than your skin tone.

>Suck on your cheeks and apply the bronzer like how you would as blush, to the hollows of your cheeks, below your cheekbones.

>Applying it to your jawline can give a more defined and slim face. (especially if you have a little bit of a chin)

Look at those VS models! They seem to have that healthy and sporty glow, thanks to bronzer!

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Alright, that’s all I have for today’s back-to-basics. Hope you have learnt something new and stay tuned for my next post!

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Disclaimer : All opinions are mine and I’m not affiliated to any of the companies mentioned above. This is not a sponsored post either! The pictures aren’t mine and no copyright intended, credits to the owner of those pictures.

This has been inspired by Total Beauty written by Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley.

Olivia Wilde Inspired

Time for another celebrity-inspired makeup!

She has acted in Tron Legacy, House and In Time. Yup! Olivia Wilde.

She has a really nice figure that’s accompanied with a square jaw that accentuates her sexiness.

Her look consists of high cheekbones and a strong eye makeup which makes her blue eyes stand out. The rest of the face would be neutral with a bit of a pinky flush on her cheeks which adds a slight feel of innocence amongst all the sexiness that’s going on.

{ FOUNDATION }

Her type of look is matte, so of course we need a foundation that gives a matte finish.

Drugstore : Revlon Colorstay

This foundation gives a matte surface (duh.) and also has SPF in it! So if you’re the lazy kind, this can be a 2-in-1 kind of product. This foundation also has 2 different types to suit people with different skin issues. Normal / dry or combo / oily. It’s only $10.99 and there’s a hugeeee variety of shades for you to choose from.

High end : NARS Sheer Matte Foundation

This gives a sheer and matte finish and the coverage can also be built up. So if you’re the kind who wants a totally flawless finish, you can apply this over the areas that needs more coverage. One bottle is priced at $44 and there are 20 different shades to choose from.

{ CONCEALER }

Olivia has a flawless face so for those of us with imperfections that show through under the foundation, this is essential.

Drugstore : Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

This can act as a concealer and highlighter as well, when used under the eyes, it can make them look “brighter” and more awake. Which in turns would focus on the eyes. This is specially formulated for undereyes, but it can also be used for unwanted spots. It’s $8.31 and comes in 6 shades. If you want something else because you’ve been blessed without eye bags, you can opt for the Dark Spot Corrector + Treatment.

It’s $7.99 and comes in 5 shades.

High end : NARS Creamy Concealer

This is great at concealing! It’s crease-proof and has moisturizing properties, instead of drying the skin like some products do. $28 and has 10 shades. The wand makes everything more hygienic.

{ EYEBROWS}

Wilde has thin, but full brows and I know some of us are pretty unfortunate and have sparse brows, so this step is needed! But if you’re blessed with full brows, feel free to skip this!

Drugstore : Physicians Formula Brow Definer Automatic Brow Pencil

We don’t really want a think brow pencil / brow wax because it’ll be more difficult to control and our brows might end up too thick. This is a perfect size and comes with a brush too! How convenient. $5.95 with 2 shades available!

High end : Anastasia Brow Wiz

This has a really really thin pencil on one end, which allows us to define the brows easily. Be careful with the amount of force you apply on the product, or else it’ll break because it’s so thin! The spooly on one end allows you to comb throw the brows and makes us look more polished.

{ MASCARA }

A mascara that lengthens and volumizes well is essential, because the eye area is where we want emphasis on.

Drugstore : Maybelline Volum Express The Falsies mascara

This adds volume, lengthens AND doesn’t clump! Clumping of lashes makes them appear unnatural and ugly, and as you can see from Olivia’s lashes, they’re flared out and separated beautifully, so this will work well! Waterproof or not, it’s your choice! Priced at only $5.99, I’d definitely say that this is a steal.

High end : Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara

This mascara has many bristles and with little “hooks” on them that can grab each lash and allows them to flare out to the best of their ability! The color is intense as well, which would attract people to look at them. *eye flirts* $21 only!

{ EYELINER }

This is another product that enhances the looks of the eyes and she has a teensy weensy bit of a winged eyeliner (cat eye) so a pen formula / felt tip would be easier to do that!

Drugstore : L’Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner

This has a thin felt tip which would be easy (especially for beginners!) to use, and for a winged effect, this would do the job easily because it is easy to control and we all use pens right? This is just like a pen. It comes in 2 shades, and it’s only $9.49.

High end : Tarte multiplEYE Liquid Liner

This has a really tiny felt tip and has the same properties as the drugstore version.

{ EYESHADOW }

Honestly, you can skip this step because the eyeliner and mascara has done the job of making the eyes the focus points, but if you feel insecure without eyeshadow, here are 2 options.

Drugstore : Maybelline Color Tattoo

Only Bad to the Bronze or Tough as Taupe is recommended to achieve her look! Those 2 are the most neutral and allows the eyes to stand out more. If you use a color that stands out a lot, your eye area will seem as though there’s a party ongoing around there. A big party. It’s only $5.83 and is an “everyday usage” kind of thing, so it’s worth your money!

High end : Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Not much of a surprise huh? It’s raved about everywhere on YouTube and well, it is worth the hype because the colors are super neutral and versatile, great pigmentation too! It may be $27 and a little pricey, but totally worth it.

{ BLUSH }

A subtle blush is enough for her look because it only adds some “cheekiness” and not to pass off as super lively.

Drugstore : Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush

I chose a cream blush because it’s much easier to blend and a small amount would go a long way. Be careful not to overdo it though, or else you’ll end up like a joker. Not cool. Any color is fine, but steer clear from bright ones, a subtle and light color is much better! It’s $10.39 and comes in 3 colors!

High end : Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush

This blush gives a nice glow and there are many colors that are suitable for this look. I specially recommend the coral one, just because it’s so feminine and pretty! It’s $26 and comes in a range of 8 colors to choose from!

{ BRONZER }

To give that sun-kissed glow and an illusion (if you don’t have) of high cheek bones that Olivia has, bronzers can do well in contouring and making it seem like you’ve spent a fair amount of time under the sun!

Drugstore : Rimmel Natural Bronzer

This gives a warm glow and helps make you look naturally tanned. Apply it near the bottom of your cheekbones to make that area “sink in” and allow your cheekbones to stand out. It’s only $5.49 and comes in 2 shades to suit your skin tone!

High end : The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer

This is a matte bronzer and the product can be layered so that you can get your perfect look. Plus point, the packaging is really cute! It’s $19 on beauty.com

{ LIP PRODUCT }

Last but not least, lippies can help complete the whole look. For her kind though, a sheer lippy with minimal amounts of gloss and a natural pink is needed!

Drugstore : L’Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stain

This is hydrating and is a mix between a gloss and a stain. Rose on and On and Pink Perseverance are the only 2 colors recommended because the rest are too bright and they stand out too much when applied. Pink Perseverance might be a little too pinky on some as well. It’s $9.99 and is available in 12 shades!

High end : Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy

This has been highly raved about by Estee and it is pretty sheer, suitable for the look we’re going for. It is light and gives great hydration too. It’s $32 on sephora.com and there are 12 shades available. I would recommend Tasty Raspberry (above), Dewy Papaya and Juicy Grapefruit as they’re slight pink and almost nude. The rest are a little too dark!

 

Now, spritz on Daisy by Marc Jacobs because it’s a very feminine and pleasant scent.

Outfit : Floral dresses or maxi dresses will do well, along with flats. A pair of simple earrings or necklace will work too, don’t overdo on accessories though! A mini sling bag would look good.

Keep your hairdo simple, either let it down with a little bit of curls or tie it up into a simple ponytail.

I hope you have benefitted from this inspired look and there’ll be many more to come!

Disclaimer : I was not paid by any company to do this, it’s my own honest opinion and something I think would work. It’ll be pretty sweet to be paid LOL but hey, free advertising anyone? Plus these items have caught my eye so well done to the companies who made them!
Also! All the photos aren’t mine and no copyright was intended. Everything mentioned was found on drugstore.com as beauty.com unless stated.

Stay tuned for my next post!

HINT : It’ll be about beginner’s makeup.

Makeup haul {Part 1}

Yippiez, it’s time for a haul post! Well I think it’s more of a haul and review kind of post. I’ve been having a horrible week and when they items arrived, it was just pure joy. I was squealing away when I opened the boxes, haha!

Isn’t that just pure joy?

{1} Maybelline Vivid Lipstick in Pink Me Up

This is a baby! It’s a pretty mauvey pink color, and glides on really easily! But when it’s applied, it’s a deep coral-y pink. Plus point? It smells like boxed cake. ya know, those pre-mix kinds? Especially the yellow cake ones. The packaging is sleek and cute, with a deep purple cap. However there was a problem on the product, it got scratched on something and there’s an ugly protrusion, but maybelline’s still rockin!

{2} Eos lipbalm ; blueberry acai and watermelon.

This smells amazing! Full on watermelon and blueberry, and they smell so yummy, I could almost eat them. almost. managed to get the watermelon flavored one in a “limited edition” eos pack! $10.99 for 4.

{3} E.L.F matte lip color in natural.

The color shown on the packaging was totally (well, almost.) different from the real deal. I like matte lip products just because it seems a little more natural without all the glossy look, but this made my lips seem super chapped. Maybe they are, but the matte-ness enhanced the chappiness, and it totally washed out my lips and was not flattering on me at all. It may seem nice when swatched on hand, but it’s pretty awful on my lips. PLUS! The product wasn’t in good condition, the whole lip color almost fell out from the tube. Definitely not re-purchasing this, well, maybe in other colors.

{4} E.L.F HD blush in headliner

This bottle seems much smaller in real life! I expected it to be bigger, but then, who would need a huge bottle of liquid blush? Hahaha. I really like the color, just a little darker shade of baby pink!

However I really have to work on my liquid blush application skills, I tried rubbing the product in between my fingers and patted on the apple of my cheeks and blended it out. I ended up looking like the Joker’s daughter.

It’s pretty awesome how it has a pump, really hygienic! And, be sure to shake it well before using, so that you won’t get a lot of white water and a little pink liquid when you pump it.

{5} E.L.F lip stain in nude nectar

I guess the shade really lives up to its name, nude nectar, because it is really NUDE when applied. There is no difference in the color of my lips when I use it. Nothing at all.

It comes in a felt tip marker, and it makes me feel as though I’m a child trying to imitate my mum putting on makeup, just that I’m using my markers, haha! I shall check out the other colors and see how it works for me.

{6} CoverGirl lip color in delight.

This is fab. First off, the packaging. It has this metallic mauve purple cover, with the color of the lipstick at the bottom. Makes it look really posh, expensive and high quality. Which are all true because I love CoverGirl. Next, the color. It’s pretty sheer, but you can see the color and there’s a pretty gloss finish that isn’t too much, but cute at the same time. Third, its smell. It smells somewhere between a hospital, vanilla and an average lipstick. Luckily, the vanilla overrides the other 2 smells, so I’m pretty alright with it! However, the cap has to be secured properly, I thought I had capped it but apparently not and I almost dropped it.

Isn’t the color so pretty? I could use it all day.

Here are some swatches!

As you can most probably tell I’m mad over lip products. I didn’t even know I bought some of them till I saw it in the box! Anyways. I’ll stop here for now because it might get a little long and boring.

Stay tuned for my next post! It’ll be coming up real soon.

HOORAH

My items from e.l.f has finally arrived! Waited for about a month. I couldn’t even remember what I bought, so it was a pretty great surprise when I saw what I had.
Get ready for a haul post! Though it won’t be soon since I’m waiting for items I bought when they had their 50% off sale.

Here’s a mini sneak peak!

Bad lighting + messy table.

Can’t wait to try them out and tell you what I feel about them.

Stay here and hear from me soon! x

Wishlist

I chanced upon Sephora’s website while searching for makeup and oh my, so many items I wish I owned.

Ahh, the ever raved about Naked palette. 1, 2, or basics, everyone has heard about it. I think this palette is really versatile and can be used for an everyday look. Pretty!

Super sleek! I really like the color and shimmer as it’s really neutral and the glitter gives a bit of a pop for the eye.

Benefit Cosmetics. I cannot quite get over them! Their packaging is super adorable and attractive, fun and playful. Especially this tint, I’ve been wanting it since I saw an ad when I was 11. Yes, 11.

I think this palette can have quite a few uses! The pink can be used as an eyeshadow and blush, the white can be a highlighter.

Yup, another Benefit! An attractive coral pink and leopard prints on the packaging! Not to mention the tropical feel on the cover. Love in a box.

Yves Saint Laurent blush! I think cream blushes give a more natural finish compared to powder blushes, perhaps because of the fact that your skin will absorb the product and settle in nicely, instead of being caked and sitting on your skin.

Heard a lot about Clinique! Especially their moisturizing lotion. This however caught my eye, simply because the BB cream is pink in color. How adorable?

I think I’ll end here for now, there are so many products you’ll get bored. It’ll be up soon, stay tuned!

(Picture credits to Sephora.com , no copyright intended)

NYX // CoverGirl

Recently, I bought some stuff off drugstore.com and I’m really stoked about the items I got. I waited for ages and literally screamed and danced with my dog when I saw the package at home. Joy.

In there included 2 CoverGirl products and a NYX one.

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{I} NYX blush in the shade, Peach.

Oh my momma, this blush is super pigmented. One tap on it with a finger, you can see a distinct pink and the pink is really pretty too! It’s somewhere between girly and coral-ly, super pleased with this! Pretty sure it’ll be able to last me a long time since I don’t need much of the product each time I use it. Overall rating, 7.5/10!

{II} CoverGirl BB cream in Light-Medium.

I haven’t tried many BB creams my whole life, but the few that I’ve tried gave me too much coverage, and I personally don’t like that because I don’t want to cover up too much.
This was close to perfect! Covered up some mild ugly places and was super natural. It gives a dewy finish at first, but it’ll be matte once your skin absorbs it. This color suits me perfectly and I would definitely buy it again! However I just wished it smelled nicer. Rating 8/10.

{III} CoverGirl professional loose powder in translucent medium.

I have not tried this yet, but it sure does look promising. The shade again, suits me well and there’s quite a lot of product for the price I paid! I’m currently waiting for my e.l.f brushes to arrive and then I’ll be able to try this baby out. There’s a puff provided inside, but it doesn’t smell too good so I’m not keen on using it. Will do an update once I’ve tried the powder!

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As you can probably tell, I love CoverGirl products. They’re affordable and of great quality! It’ll be amazing if I manage to get sponsored by them someday.

Also, did any one of you manage to get the 50% off deal on the e.l.f website? I went nuts and bought products worth up to $80. Can’t wait till they arrive and I can show you what I got!

Still then, stay pretty!