Jason Wu for Lancome Pre-Fall 2014 Blush Subtil in Pressed Rose: Review and Swatches

I can't believe it is only June and there is such a thing as 'Pre-Fall', but for me, right now, that only means joy as I have my hands on an amazing item from Jason Wu's second collaboration with Lancôme.

Can we just talk about how I have the most awesome Mom? She picked this up for me at Nordstrom (they were still in the shipping boxes when she spotted them) so they were brand brand new. A purchase of a blush or eye shadow palette gets you a limited edition floral print bag as well, so hop on that!

She picked up the other color (Sheer Macaroon Pink) and mine is Pressed Rose, which is the pinker of the two and retails for $30 for a powder blush and cream highlighter. There is a plastic insert that keeps the blush and cream separate between uses. 

This collection is supposed to be inspired by romanticism and dark glamour, and I can see that in the pretty pinks of the collection, the slightly gothic-victorian flower print adorning the packaging and the deep jewel tones of the eye shadow palette. This is the Blush Subtil formula which is silky smooth and oil free.

Here is an up close shot of the blush. I find that this doesn't swatch well with a finger as you will see in the following pictures, but it is easy to overdo it with a brush because it is so silky and powdery, so be careful. It builds to a pretty luminous finish and lasts about 8 hours on my skin.

The highlighter looks shimmery, but translates into more of a glow on the cheeks. It has a nice slip to it and is easy to apply, but wears well. On my slightly oily skin it sticks around for about 6-7 hours, but I only like to apply a small amount. You can easily build this for a more glowy effect.

The pink is a bit dusty, which I like, and the highlighter runs pinkish as well. They are very easy to blend, but you can still make them very subtle (hence the name, Blush Subtil). I am not one for trying to look like I am wearing blush, so this is perfect for me. 

My momma is really knocking it out of the park lately (thanks Momma!).

Overall, the packaging is simply stunning...the bag as a gift with purchase is to die for, and the colors are wearable and soft. I am definitely picking up the lipstick in Hibiscus when I get back into a Nordstrom (she got the Rose Royce (love that name!!) lipstick and it is gorgeous as well). 

Anyone else loving this new Jason Wu for Lancôme collection? I will be doing a look with this duo soon!

Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Face Illuminator: Swatches and Review

Summer, for most people, is all about being a bronze Goddess. Although I like to embrace my pale and my new mantra has become 'Pale is Pretty too!', I was still sucked into the new Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Face Illuminator ($8).  

 This bronzer/highlighter comes in a squeeze tube (a type of packaging I love because it is sanitary and less wasteful than a tub of something) and has a whipped, creamy consistency. 

 

This stuff is highly concentrated, and you only need a little dab to do both of your cheeks. You could use this on your whole face, but it is glimmery, so beware!

 

 

Here is a pea-sized amount spread out on the back of my hand in natural light. I love the way it looks so dewy! It does have a light bronze/rose gold color to it, so it can also serve as sort of a blush/bronzer/highlighter all in one.

 

 

Although I think the overall effect is nice, I don't think it is for me. For those with a nice base tan, or darker complexions, you will find this a pretty highlighter. I think this may be a bit too much to use all over for really pale girls, and I will use mine as a cheek highlighter only. It is also a little hard to blend evenly and while it goes on like a whipped foundation, it feels gel-like when on and has this odd cooling/tightening sensation on my cheeks. It isn't anything alarming and didn't bother me beyond the first few minutes after initial application, but it was weird nonetheless.

 

 

 If you wear minimal makeup and love a bronze glow, this is for you! This looks best on bare skin as it is hard to blend with liquid or powder foundations. I like the concept and the effect (after a lot of trial and error) but the high maintenance of this isn't worth it in my opinion.

Have you tried the Dream Sun Illuminator? Thoughts?

 

Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Face Illuminator: Swatches and Review

Summer, for most people, is all about being a bronze Goddess. Although I like to embrace my pale and my new mantra has become 'Pale is Pretty too!', I was still sucked into the new Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Face Illuminator ($8).  

  This bronzer/highlighter comes in a squeeze tube (a type of packaging I love because it is sanitary and less wasteful than a tub of something) and has a whipped, creamy consistency.  

 

This stuff is highly concentrated, and you only need a little dab to do both of your cheeks. You could use this on your whole face, but it is glimmery, so beware!

 

 

Here is a pea-sized amount spread out on the back of my hand in natural light. I love the way it looks so dewy! It does have a light bronze/rose gold color to it, so it can also serve as sort of a blush/bronzer/highlighter all in one.

 

 

Although I think the overall effect is nice, I don't think it is for me. For those with a nice base tan, or darker complexions, you will find this a pretty highlighter. I think this may be a bit too much to use all over for really pale girls, and I will use mine as a cheek highlighter only. It is also a little hard to blend evenly and while it goes on like a whipped foundation, it feels gel-like when on and has this odd cooling/tightening sensation on my cheeks. It isn't anything alarming and didn't bother me beyond the first few minutes after initial application, but it was weird nonetheless.

 

 

 If you wear minimal makeup and love a bronze glow, this is for you! This looks best on bare skin as it is hard to blend with liquid or powder foundations. I like the concept and the effect (after a lot of trial and error) but the high maintenance of this isn't worth it in my opinion.

Have you tried the Dream Sun Illuminator? Thoughts?

 

Rimmel Scandaleyes Liner in Nude

Everyone loves these, and I have seen them on a number of my favorite blogs, so I had to pick it up!

 

 

This is Rimmel's Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal liner in Nude. They came out along with the Scandaleyes shadow sticks and for about $5 they are a great deal and sooo long lasting!

 

 

I have never had a nude liner before, but it has changed my life. Use it by your tear duct to look instantly but not artificially awake, fix small imperfections, highlight above brows, line inner eye...do a million things with it! It lasts all day too!

 

 

 

So creamy, so versatile, and so cheap. What is not to love here?

Price: 10/10

Performance: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall Quality: 10/10

 

Total: 50/50 = A+ = Pandamonium!

 

Go out and get one! Go!

 

 

 





Rimmel Scandaleyes Liner in Nude

Everyone loves these, and I have seen them on a number of my favorite blogs, so I had to pick it up!

 

 

This is Rimmel's Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal liner in Nude. They came out along with the Scandaleyes shadow sticks and for about $5 they are a great deal and sooo long lasting!

 

 

I have never had a nude liner before, but it has changed my life. Use it by your tear duct to look instantly but not artificially awake, fix small imperfections, highlight above brows, line inner eye...do a million things with it! It lasts all day too!

 

 

 

So creamy, so versatile, and so cheap. What is not to love here?

Price: 10/10

Performance: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall Quality: 10/10

 

Total: 50/50 = A+ = Pandamonium!

 

Go out and get one! Go!

 

 

 





Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection: Edward and Bella

The last products from the Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection all have to do with Edward and Bella and their love. Adorable, or sickening; whichever you prefer, these are pretty!

First up is A Piece of Forever lipstick.

 

I just love how it looks in it's cute, overly glittery bullet. Call me a sucker for glitter. This retails for $2.99 and can be found at Ulta.

 

This is a layering lipstick, absolutely. It is so sheer but it gives a pretty gold sheen to the lips when worn alone and can amplify a holiday red. Decent wear time (about 2 hours) and no weird smell or taste.

Next up are the loose pigments in A Piece of Forever and Edward's Love:

 

I think these are really fun products and a great addition to the mini collection. They can be used as eyeshadow, as highlight, in nail polish...anything! A Piece of Forever follows the gold sparkly theme of the previous lipstick and Edward's Love is a blackened base with pink, blue, and silver glitter. Both are $3.49.

 

They come in little sifter jars, and are a bit messy, but I think they are worth it. Use them wet over primer for the highest opacity--but be warned, these are pure glitter!!

 

They won't hold an eye look alone, but they are a nice glittery finisher if you want to look like Bella or Edward...I guess :)

 

A Piece of Forever is so much easier to work with, as Edward's Love has a lot of fallout. That is not intended to be a pun.

Continue after the break to see the last product!!


Since we are talking about Edward and Bella here:

Website for Image

 

I thought it was necessary to show the inspiration for this particular section of the collection--pale, glittery, and moody!

The last product:

Shimmer Powder in Bella's Secret

 

I am really not sure what Bella's Secret is at this point. I mean...she had the baby...BUT, this is one of the prettiest things I bought...and also the most expensive--topping out at $5.99.

Worth it? Yes.

 

This is the perfect holiday highlight to go along with the Renesmee Red blush. Gorgeous and smooth.

 

Is this not to die for? Not for the faint of heart, but shimmery and not glittery at least. We don't literally want to look like Edward and Bella, after all.

Final Thoughts: I won't score everything, but I will say I am mostly pleased with this collection. Out of these products--don't miss out on Bella's Secret though!

I am planning on doing a FOTD to showcase every product in action, so watch for that soon!

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection: Edward and Bella

The last products from the Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection all have to do with Edward and Bella and their love. Adorable, or sickening; whichever you prefer, these are pretty!

First up is A Piece of Forever lipstick.

 

I just love how it looks in it's cute, overly glittery bullet. Call me a sucker for glitter. This retails for $2.99 and can be found at Ulta.

 

This is a layering lipstick, absolutely. It is so sheer but it gives a pretty gold sheen to the lips when worn alone and can amplify a holiday red. Decent wear time (about 2 hours) and no weird smell or taste.

Next up are the loose pigments in A Piece of Forever and Edward's Love:

 

I think these are really fun products and a great addition to the mini collection. They can be used as eyeshadow, as highlight, in nail polish...anything! A Piece of Forever follows the gold sparkly theme of the previous lipstick and Edward's Love is a blackened base with pink, blue, and silver glitter. Both are $3.49.

 

They come in little sifter jars, and are a bit messy, but I think they are worth it. Use them wet over primer for the highest opacity--but be warned, these are pure glitter!!

 

They won't hold an eye look alone, but they are a nice glittery finisher if you want to look like Bella or Edward...I guess :)

 

A Piece of Forever is so much easier to work with, as Edward's Love has a lot of fallout. That is not intended to be a pun.

Continue after the break to see the last product!!