Beauty Favorites: July

Hello guys! Just wanted to share with you my monthly favorites. I know it's a little too late for me but like I always say...better late than never :) let's get started! 

For this month, I only have 5 beauty products to share with you. I think one item I already have mentioned in my previous favorites and it is making a comeback hahaha :) 

1. Hourglass Ambient Blush in Incandecent Electra - it's only now that I joined the Hourglass bandwagon...I know...maybe a year too late but I fell in love instantly with this. I have been hearing mix reviews about HG products. Some work, some does not but for me personally, I like the blush. I also own the limited edition blush set but I find that it is not as pigmented as individual blushes. This is not a "holy moly you look like a clown" type of blush. I admit, I am one of those who like super pigmented products but this one is different. I know understand why so many people love Hourglass. It's subtle but it's good. 

2. Too Faced Bonjour de Soleil Palette - this is the product that I fell in love again. I am so in love with the product that I already ditched using the ABH contour palette and the Balm Bahama Mama. I also love the fact that the powders smell like chocolate. This has been my go-to for bronzing and contouring :) 

3. Too Faced Semi-Sweet Palette - can you see that I am an avid fan of Too Faced? Their products are so good that it already took the place of my well loved Urban Decay products. I love the palette. It smells like chocolate. It is super pigmented and it doesn't crease on me even without using any primer. I can also do a lot of combinations with this palette. I must say that this is a must-have for any makeup junkies. 

4. MAC lip liner in Soar - I had to buy this one since you all know that I have been obsessing on the nude lip. This is such a good liner that you can use it as a lipstick. I use it in combination with MAC Myth and it gives the Kylie Jenner lip look. 

5. MAC Fix+ in Cucumber - Being a MAC collector, I had to buy this one. I love my original Fix+ that's why I opted to buy this one for myself :) it smells really good and this is Limited Edition. 

Want to get the Kylie Jenner lip Shade?

Ever since Kylie Jenner released this photo of her on Instagram, I was mesmerized on how good her lips were. 

Her lips were full and the shade of her lipstick was on point. I tried figuring out what the lip combination was. At first I thought it was only one lip shade. I tried using Velvet Teddy from MAC but that wasn't it. Until her makeup artist spilled the bean and they were saying that it was SOAR. 

I finally got the chance to get SOAR which is always out of stock in the U.S. Combined with Myth, it becomes the perfect shade for the infamous Kylie Jenner lips. 

Here's a picture of my lips wearing those two together :

Updated MAC Lipstick Swatches

Just wanted to share with you guys an update on the swatches of my MAC lipstick collection:

1st Row (L) Please Me (R) LE Playland Happy Go Lucky

2nd Row (L) Mehr (R) Heroine

3rd Row (L) LE Alluring Aquatics Enchanted One (R) LE Maleficent True Love's Kiss

1st Row (L) Myth (R) Angel

2nd Row (L) Sin (R) Sushi Kiss

3rd Row (L) Viva Glam Miley 1 (R) LE Toledo Oxblood 

1st Row (L) Impassioned (R) Velvet Teddy

2nd Row (L) Viva Glam Rihanna (R) LE Cinderella Royal Ball 

3rd Row (L) LE Rocky Horror Oblivion (R) LE Proenza Schuler Pinkfringe 

Series of my favorite makeup items: Battle of the Blushes

#blushes

#charlottetilbury

#nars

#hourglass

#makeup

#beauty

#cosmetics

Sorry for being in hiatus for a long time. I think my last post was May. I've been so busy with life that I just didn't find time to write and update my blog. 

Anyways, I have been testing out so many cosmetic products the past couple of months and I've decided to do a series of my favorite makeup items per category. Today, I'll be doing my favorite blushes. 

I find myself gravitate towards these blushes. Of course they have their own pros and cons but of all the blushes above, I find myself always using the NARS, Hourglass and the Charlotte Tilbury. 

NARS has always been a fan favorite by everyone specially when it comes to blushes. Their formula for the blushes are very creamy and easy to glide on the face. When I use MAC, it takes quite sometime for the pigments to show. Unlike NARS, you only need one small swipe and it would glide like a dream on your face. 

Hourglass, on the other hand, is a different story. NARS is super pigmented and you need a little bit of control when applying the blushes on your face or else you would look like a hot mess when you apply too much. Hourglass is also pigmented but when you use it, it gives a subtle flush of color on your face. I use it serveral times on my cheeks but it still give a subtle peachy blush on me. It's like the product works without you needing to adjust. It's magical. 

Charlotte Tilbury does both. It's highly pigmented but you wouldn't look like a hot mess if you put a lot on your face. It is also very creamy and it feels like the product does the work for you. It's quite expensive though but if you have the budget, you can skip both NARS and Hourglass for this baby. 

Overall, I like all 3 brands mention above. All 3 brands have their own pros and cons. What may work for me might not necessarily work for everyone else. This is based on my experience when using the products mentioned above. Do you own any of the products listed? I would love to hear your comments about it. 

Too Faced Soulmates Blushing Bronzer

#TooFaced

#Soulmates

#BlushingBronzer

#RossandRachel

Hello loves! Been a long time since my last entry. So many things happened this month. It was my brother's wedding and had so many things going on with my life. I'm really sorry for not updating as often as I should.

Anyways, I was able to get my hands on this product. This is not a new product. This was released last year if my memory serves me right but it was only recently that it got released here in Sephora KL. 

This is the Too Faced Blushing Bronzer. It's a heart-shaped compact with a mirror  inside. It has a pretty pink blush and a nice bronzer inside. I bought the Ross and Rachel and there's another kind which is Big and Carrie. 

I am obsessed with this product. It's a powder product but it's sooooo creamy. You know what I mean? I can't describe how nice the texture is. It glides like a dream as a powder product. It's nothing comparable to MAC bronzers or blushers. It's really creamy and I like it. 

It has the Too Faced (TF) lettering on the powder. Although, in my opinion, it's not a must-have on your makeup list. It's not life changing and the price is quite hefty. RM135 ($45) for this compact. You can buy a palette with the price but for fans of Too Faced, I can say this is a product worth buying if you really are into their products. 

Product Rundown

Item: Too Faced Soulmates Blushing Bronzer 

Price: RM 135 ($45)

Where to Buy: Sephora 

Things I like about the product:

- highly pigmented

- bronzer is not ashy for my skin tone

- blush also compliments my skin tone

- comes with a mirror

- has a lot of product in the compact

Neutral

- has a scent

Things I don't like about it:

- Pricey 

- Doesn't include a brush

- too big 

Beauty Favorites for March

Hello ladies! Posting my monthly beauty favorites early for this month because I'm going on vacation soon! I'll post pictures of our trip in the coming entries! I'll keep you all posted.

Anyways, I have tested a few product for the month of March and here are my favorites:

1. MAC Blush in Fleur Power - I was scrolling on my Instagram one day and I saw the lovely Rebel Rock on my IG feed and I fell in love with her makeup, particularly the blush that she was wearing. 

*picture of Shy wearing MAC Fleur Power, MAC Mocha and MAC Oxblood

I asked her what her blush was and she replied that it was Fleur Power. I bought this a long long time ago but it was only this month that I got to wear it more often. 

2. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation - This was actually launched last February and there was so much buzz about this product. I got curious and bought one for myself. I love the product. Although I'm not totally head over heels about this one but I can say I do want to include it in my March favorites. I will be doing a separate review  for this one. 

3. MUFE HD Powder - OMG you guys. This is one of the products I can definitely vouch for. I am totally in love with this product. I love using this in combination with the RCMA foundation. It just gives the most flawless finish and it really works well with HD cameras. Highly recommended. I will also do a separate review for this one in the coming days. 

4. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara - I did a separate review of the product. Click here (http://ohaimynameisem.blogspot.com/2015/03/benefit-roller-lash-mascara.html?m=1) to read about my thoughts on the Roller Lash. 

5. Benefit Porefessional Primer - another of my favorites for this month. It just gives a smooth canvas when applied on my face. I also did a separate review for this product. Click the link to learn more:

http://ohaimynameisem.blogspot.com/2015/03/side-by-side-comparison-tarte-bb-tinted.html?m=1

6. MAC LE Cinderella Beauty Powder in Coup D' Chic - Also one of my favorites for this month and I think this will be a favorite for the whole year lol. I just love the finish that gives to my face when applied. My face looks flawless and very glowy. I also have a separate first look on this product. Click the link below to learn more:

http://ohaimynameisem.blogspot.com/2015/03/mac-cinderella-collection-2015.html?m=1

7. MAC Studio Fix+  - Been using this the  past few weeks as a setting spray. I just love it in general. It makes my face look fresh specially its already summer here and the humidity is rising.

8. Sephora Mineral Powder Brush no.45 - I been using this with the MUFE HD powder. I just love the brush in general. It's not to big compared to my Sigma Round Kabuki brush. The size is just right and the density is also perfect. The added bonus is that it is a synthetic brush. It deposits the product instantly on my face.  

So there you have it. Those are my March Beauty Favorites. I would love to see yours! ;) 

Side by Side Comparison: Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer and Benefit's The Porefessional

#beauty

#Primers

#thePorefessional

#Benefit

#BBPrimer

#Tarte

I recently got the chance to go to Sephora. I was looking for a good brush and it made me look at some other stuff to check out. I know I'm a little too late with the bandwagon with regards to the Porefessional. Hahaha >_< 

Anyways, I bought two new primers just because I wanted to check if there are better primers out in the market. Summer is already kicking in and what better way to start by testing out products. 

Benefit The Porefessional

#minimizepores

I know it's been around in the market for quite sometime now and I wanted to see whether it's really a working primer or it's just really a big hyped-up product. 

The product claims the following:

- lightweight

- minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines

You can use it two ways:

A. Under your makeup

B. Over your makeup

Honestly, I haven't tried any primer over my makeup. I always use it under my makeup. 

The product has a flesh tone. Unlike the Balm Time Balm which has a gel like white color. 

When blended at the back of the hand, the color doesn't really show. 

What I like about the Product:

- it is lightweight 

- minimize pores

- packaging is a squeeze tube

- good amount of product

Neutral:

- it has a scent. Sort of reminds me of an isopropyl alcohol but it's not a bothersome scent

- the price is okay

What I don't like about the product:

- it feels like you are applying a silicone based product. Sort of like the Time Balm from the Balm. 

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer

#BroadSpectrum

#SPF30

Upon paying on the check-out counter, I stumbled upon this product together with the Maracuja Oil. I read that it was a primer so I bought it. 

The product claims the following:

- 12 hour primer

- healthy treatment

- build able coverage

- oil-free moisturizer

- pore minimizer

- skin brightener 

Product is more like of a BB cream. 

When blended at the back of the hand

What I like about the product:

- it's a BB cream

- doesn't have the silicone feel

- doesn't have a scent 

- has SPF

- squeeze tube packaging 

What I don't like about the product:

- it's more expensive than the Porefessional

Verdict:

Definitely, between the two product, I am leaning more towards the Tarte primer than the Porefessional simply because it doesn't feel like silicone plus it's healthier to use for the summer. It has SPF and it can be used as a stand alone product. It simply does the job of a primer and a moisturizer all in one. 

MUA LUXE Velvet Lacquers

#MUALUXE

#VelvetLaquers

#Beauty

#London

Okay enough with the hashtags lol >_<

I received this babies last February if my memory serves me correct. My friend Rishey gave this to me as a gift. I've always wanted to try out the MUA Velvet Laquers. It was said to be a dupe for Lime Crime Velvetines. 

Here are my thoughts on the product: 

I actually don't own any Lime Crime Velvetines so I really can't compare the two. I know the MUA Laquers are much more affordable than the Lime Crime ones. 

Clarisse gave me 3 shades for the MUA Velvet Laquers and the shades are  

Criminal - a hot pink shade

Kooky - Dark Violet shade

Dare - Rich Red shade 

The Laquers take awhile for it to set and here are some swatches. It's a liquid to matte formula. Liquid to matte lipsticks are very popular now a days. 

***Forgive me for the redness and spots on my skin, I'm not really wearing any foundation. I'm simply wearing the lacquers on my lips****

My Bare lips 

Swatch of Criminal on my lips. It's really a vibrant shade that is good for summer. 

Bare lips 

Swatch of Kooky on my lips. A good shade for the Autumn Season. 

Bare lips

Swatch of Dare on my lips. A very classic red in my opinion.

I tested the staying power of the Laquers. I ate lunch and drank water and this is the end result of the product:

As you can see, the product already faded. Pretty much you have to remove and re-apply the whole thing.

Points to ponder:

What I liked about the product:

- has a doe foot applicator

- very cheap

- no scent

- highly pigmented 

- simple packaging design

Neutral

- It can be messy to remove. It leaves a pigment on the lips but so does all lipstick in my opinion lol >_<

What I don't like about the product:

- most of the time, the dried particles of the lipstick goes to my teeth lol

- it doesn't stay long, literally after eating, it crumbles off

Where to Buy: I have no idea actually but I know it is readily available in the U.K. 

Price: it was given as a gift

Repurchase: Probably not 

Would you recommend it? Yes, just to check it out. I mean considering it's cheap. It's a good alternative to those who are bargain hunting. 

Those are my thoughts on the MUA Velvet Laquers. Have you tried the products above? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. 

February Favorites

I have to confess, I was too lazy to blog about my January favorites that's why I don't have any entries. 

Anyways, I really missed sharing with you guys my monthly beauty favorites. I know it's also a bit late to post this entry (it's already mid March) but...better late than never! So without further a do...here are my monthly favorites for February 2015. 

As you can see in the picture, there are some familiar products from my previous favorites but I came to realize that I've been using them for February...so why not include them again? Lol 

1. EOS Lipbalm in Strawberry - I've been loving my EOS Lipbalm...yet again! My lips have been very dry and chapped and what better way to bring back the beauty of my lips by using my favorite lip balm 

2. Himalaya Foot Care Cream - I'm very addicted to skincare products. Any skincare product you give me, I will automatically rid off in just a month or maybe just a few weeks. My friend, Swarnali, from India, gave me this Himalaya FootCare Cream and as you can see, I'm almost out of it. Lol it made my foot smooth and it removed the dead skin. 

3. RCMA Vincent Kehoe Palette - Ughhh...this is my holy grail palette. I began playing with it again the past few months and all I can say is that this is the most amazing product. It's highly pigmented and it feels like skin. I've been using it lately since it's almost summer and the humidity is not fit for wearing heavy foundations. 

4. Colourpop Cosmetic Lippie Stix in Frida - I got this Lippie Stix last month and I have been loving it ever since. I did a separate review for this so please check it out

5. MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Oxblood and Please Me 

* Oxblood left and Please Me on the right

- two of my favorite lipshade. Oxblood is very similar to Frida and I think since Oxblood is a limited edition, you can easily use Frida as a dupe. The shades are pinkish nude. 

6. MAC Osbourne Collection blush - been using the blush the whole month of February since its a dupe to my the Balm blush. I just hate that it's not as pigmented as the Balm but I really love peachy pink shade. 

7. Rimmel powder and BB Cream - this was given to me by my good friend Clarisse all the way from UK. At first I really hated the products because I really have dry skin but with proper prepping, it makes a good combination. Very fitting for the summer season since it feels light weight but it has good coverage. 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Several weeks ago, Benefit launched its newest product in the U.S. and there has been so much buzz going on in the vlogging community. One of my favorite beauty Vloggers who is Samantha Reiley, raved so much about the new Roller Lash and I became curious of it. 

Benefit launched its newest mascara last March 05 here in Malaysia and I checked it out.  I tested the product at the Benefit boutique in Suria KLCC. 

The selling point for me was the fact that it really did curl my lashes instantly. I have really irritating, non-cooperative lashes. They don't curl easily even if I use a really good eyelash curler. This product did its job on my lazy lashes. It did curl without the help of any eye lash curler. 

Below is a picture of my eye lashes. No product whatsoever.

This is the picture after using one round of the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

You can really see the difference. It opened my eyes and my lashes really curled. It's really an amazing product. I mean ladies like me who have trouble curling their lashes would understand how fabulous this product is. 

Points to Ponder:

What I like about the product:

- it does what it says it does

- opens my eyes

- curls the lashes instantly

- i love the colors of the packaging 

Neutral:

- packaging is a little bulky but it doesn't bother me

What I don't like about the product:

- price is a little steep for a mascara (mascaras only last for 6 months)

Where to buy: Sephora Boutique or Sephora Online Store

Price: U.S. - $24 Malaysia - RM95

Will I repurchase this product? 

I think I will repurchase once I finish it

Colourpop Cosmetics Haul

I I first heard about Colourpop Cosmetics through Dani from CoffeebreakwithDani. It was way back last year that she was raving about this new cosmetic company that sells really good eye shadows with a $5 price. It was only this year that I got to order and try these babies. It took me awhile to figure out how to order since Colourpop doesn't ship international. They only ship to US, Australia and New Zealand at the moment. 

I ordered their Spring collection eyeshadow called Rebound. I'm not sure if this is still available at the moment. I also ordered 3 Lippie Stix. All of these costs $5 each (4 eyeshadows is $20 and 3 Lippie Stix is $15). 

The Super Shock shadow shades are Ex,  Adios, Too Soon and One and Done. How cool are those names? Lol very nice names for the quad Rebound. Hahaha :))

I can say that the colors are really nice for  Spring-Summer. The formula of the eyeshadow is something new to me. It's like a bouncy cream consistency that turns to powder when used. 

These are the shades when swatched at the back of the hand. It is very pigmented and it turns to powder. 

Then I ordered 3 Lippie Stix which were Frida (Satin), Easy (glossy) and Brink (matte). 

The top picture is Frida. It's a collaboration between coffeebreakwithdani and Colourpop cosmetics. It's a nude pink Colour which I love. I wear this shade the most out of the 3.

Pictures on top is my bare lips and bottom is with Frida. It's very much like a MLBB (My Lips But Better) shade. 

Next is the shade Easy which is a glossy finish. I find the shade very girly and Barbie type. 

Upper picture is my bare lips and lower one is with Easy. It reminds me of the shade St. Germain from MAC. It's a very Barbie pink color. 

The last shade is Brink which is a matte formula. It reminds me very much of the 90s lips or the Kylie Jenner lips. We warned though that I feel the lipstick is very drying since its matte. I recommend that you pucker your lips with some lip balm before putting this on.

Upper picture is my bare lips and lower picture is with Brink. The shade can be a dupe to MAC Mehr. 

Points to Ponder:

What I like about the product:

- eyeshadows are highly pigmented

- price is a steal ($5 each?! For a very nice product..it surely is a good price)

- contains a decent amount of product

- the technology of the eyeshadows are very new to me (bouncy cream to powder formula)

-Lippie Stix are very easy to apply. It glides well on the lips. It has a creamy formula that reminds me of the NARS Audacious lipsticks 

Neutral:

- Lippie Stix has a scent. It doesn't smell like the MAC lipsticks but it smells similar. The scent doesn't bother me. 

What I don't like about the products:

- they don't ship international

- matte formula for the Lippie Stix can be very drying. My advise is to put a lip balm first before applying the matte Lippie Stix.

- eyeshadows take a lot of getting used to. It's hard to apply for a newbie 

- it's hard to combine the shadows all together. You will need the proper tools (dense synthetic brushes) for it to be applied properly. 

Where to buy: colourpop cosmetics website 

Price: Super Shock Eyeshadow $5 each

          Lippie Stix $5 each

Ships international: No, only ships to USA, Australia and New Zealand