Stilla Custom Color Blush in Self-Adjusting Coral

I was in Sephora making a return, last week, and saw the most amazing blush by Stilla. It just so happened that I was looking particularly washed-out that day, and decided to try it on. Little did I know it would be my new favorite! I actually knew nothing about this blush when I tried it on (and purchased it), I just wanted something to perk up my look. When I got home to look up more about my new purchase, I realized it was Stilla's Custom Color Blush, in Self-Adjusting Coral. These blushes (pink or coral) are supposed to react to your pH and create a personalized finish, therefore, they should be wearable for any skin tone.

I am not sure about the pH and all that jazz, but I do know it is a stunning shade of bright peach-coral, that looks perfect on. The blush is pretty pigmented, so use a light hand (it is very easy to blend, and layer--best to start light and build the intensity if you want it). This gorgeous shade really does wake-up your whole face, its gives a perfect healthy flush. I am thrilled with this find, and highly recommend it. I don't plan to review the Self-Adjusting Pink, as pink blushes never look quite right on my olive skin. If you have tried these, let me know what you think of either shade!

**Item purchased by me.

TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup & Armani Lasting Silk - Reviews and Swatches

We recently received an e-mail requesting more posts about foundation. I know Laura tried a new one this past week, without much luck, so I thought I would share my foundation Holy Grails! I want to start by explaining that I have sensitive skin, which is light to medium olive in the winter and very tan in the summer. There are 2 foundations that I wear on a regular basis, 1 that I wear in summer, and that's it! (Sadly, these are all very pricey, as "drugstore" brands don't seem to understand that some of us have yellow undertones).

My absolute HG foundation is the TEMPTU Airbrush system. It gives flawless, professional airbrushed results, but at home! The AirPod foundation goes on the skin so perfectly, its virtually undetectable. This makeup makes me look like I have great, glowing skin (instead of great foundation). It looks like me, only better! This foundation sprays on, its water-resistant, and last all day and night. They make RETOUCH products, but I haven't tried them, because I never have to touch-up (I put it on at 7:00am, work an 8 hour day, then teach an hour of high-intensity Zumba, and its still on, until I wash it off). I know some of you are thinking that it sounds too good to be true, but beauty does come at a cost. The system is $225, and 2 refill pods are $55. Each pod last me about 2-3 months (or more). I know some of you think this is CRAZY, but it is truly worth the investment!! I recommend getting a demo at your local Sephora, and then begging for this as a birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Hanukkah, graduation, wedding, etc., gift. You're worth it!

I did not photo swatches of this, because you literally can't even see the foundation once sprayed on. It really does "disappear" into the skin. Below L to R: new AIR pod bronzer (amazing, warm tan--so lovely), blush #402 Soft Peach, AIR pod foundation in #6 in warm beige. Bronzer $35 and blush $30 . The bronzer is a must have!!

My second HG is Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20. This was my all time fave, until the TEMPTU. Lasting Silk gives a lovely, natural-matte finish, light to medium coverage, and is very long lasting. It will hold up on a hot, humid day (wore it all day at Disney World in 90 degree weather, and didn't look like a hot mess in the photos!). I wear a mixture of#5.5 and #6.5 in the winter, but go as dark as #8 in the summer. Laura also wears this foundation, and is a #4. My mom and sister are both fair, with blond hair and blue eyes, and they wear #5. I have pretty much gotten everyone I know addicted to this stuff! It is so beautiful on, you'll wonder what you ever did without it!!! I still wear mine on the days I don't feel like airbrushing :) $59

Swatched L to R: #8, #7, #6.5, #5.5 - 


The last foundation I have to give a quick mention to is, Estee Lauder Double Wear Light. It has sheer, oil-controlling coverage, and last 16 hours. I don't want to give away too much, it will be featured in my Waterproof Wonders, still to come....






These items were all purchased by me.

Beauty on the Go - Spring/Summer 2011

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, travel size beauty products. I think its the cute, tiny packaging, and the ability to take it anywhere. No matter the reason, I jumped at the chance to pick up Sephora's Limited Edition Color Flip Palette!  These are perfect for spring/summer when on the go.

The cards are very similar to the old Trish McEvoy Beauty Emergency Card. About the same size, only a little thicker, because it has 3 levels. Dimensions are 2.75 in. x 1.75 in. x 0.5 in.

The first layer contains 8 beautiful eye shadows. Colors are shimmering white, bronze, aqua, bright purple, nude, plum, peacock, and matte brown. They are all very wearable, blend easily, and look great!

The second layer contains 8 lip glosses (cherry, hot pink, nude, peach, fuchsia, bubblegum pink, bronze, and clear) I usually don't use any of the lip glosses that come in any palette, but these are very sheer, and will look great for Spring.

The third layer contains a lovely brush and bronzer. The duo is similar to NARS Orgasm/Laguna, but a little lighter. So pretty. The bronzer is very golden, which I prefer for my olive skin. They are sheer, but can be layered for more color.

This is such a bargain at $15! It is perfect for busy women on the go (throw it in your pocket, gym bag, purse), or its great for those looking to get quality makeup, while on a budget. I think this set gives you the most for your money. It's sleek, portable, and a great deal! What more could a girl ask for?

This item was happily purchased by me!

e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder Review

The e.l.f. contouring blush and bronzing powder is a duplicate of NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo in Orgasm/Laguna.  The e.l.f. duo retails for around $3, while the NARS duo retails for around $40.  (Love the price-tag on the e.l.f.!)

Swatches below: (Left picture is natural light, right picture is indoor light)

Overall, it is an ok duplicate to the NARS duo.  The brown was too dark for me and did not blend well.  Definitely have to use a light hand when applying to face.  The blush was pretty and blended well.  After one use there was A LOT of fallout onto the packaging, can be really messy!  Not a bad purchase for the low price, but really prefer the blush to the bronzer!

After one use

This product was purchased by me.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Bronzer and Blush

I was asked to review a few "drugstore" brand items. Always happy for a reason to buy makeup, I picked up a few of the new things by Physicians Formula that I've been seeing in several magazines. I'm not sure about the "Mood Boosting" ingredients of the Physicians Formula bronzer and blush, but just looking at the cute little compacts made me happy :)

The Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Powder in Light Bronzer is a beautiful light golden brown. It has a luminescent finish-similar to MAC Mineralize Skinfinish. Very pretty! I really liked this one!

Swatches for comparison:

L to R: Benefit Hula, PF Happy Glow Light Bronze, PF Cashmere Wear Bronze, BE A Little Sun, BE Faux Tan, Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer

The Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural. This blush was actually quite a surprise. Same luminous finish, as the bronzer, very nice color. It actually gave both Laura and I, a very nice flushed look. I am usually not a fan of pink blushes on my skin, but this one looked so natural once it is on the face.

Swatches for comparison:

L to R: Benefit Dallas, PF Happy Booster Blush in Natural, Benefit Bella Bamba

Overall, we both highly recommend the Happy Booster Light Bronzer and Blush in Natural. These looked good on both of our skin tones, and are very similar to more expensive products, for a fraction of the cost. These items range from $10-$13 (I found a drugstore with BOGO, so the cost of each was appx. $8). I did use my own blush brush for application, as the ones in the compact are too small to be any use. The only drawback is that the compact is cheaply made, causing the clasp to fall out easily, and you have to "pop" it back in.

Has anyone else tried these yet? Any thoughts?