Monthly Archives: June 2015

Clinique | Cheek Pop

Clinique Blush Pop opener

With their feel-good mood-enhancing gerbera daisy motif and vibrant hues, the new Cheek Pop blushes from Clinique (CAN $24.00) will not only brighten your face, but your vanity tabletop as well. Available in 12 shades (although the Canadian website lists only 10), they are created using a patented new breakthrough technology that involves transforming pure liquid pigments into a super smooth silky powder through a process of slow baking – the result of which is an ultra-light, sheer yet buildable colour that gives your cheeks a luminous flush without any powdery trace whatsoever. To say that the formula is STELLAR, would not be a lie; pigmentation is excellent – regardless of whether they are applied sheerly or layered, blendability is ridiculous easy and these blushes seem to melt into the skin, leaving no absolutely NO demarcation lines, their complex shimmer is ground so fine as to impart a lit-from-within luminosity to the skin (and not the variety that just sits at surface level), and staying power is true until removed. Blush Perfection, I tell you.

After having played with these shades for a few weeks now, this blush fiend is beyond impressed and this gorgeous little bouquet has now earned itself a permanent spot in my beauty arsenal. Then there’s the added bonus of that floral pattern; is it possible to look at these Cheek Pops and NOT want to clutch them all protectively home?

NOTE: My rather tired laptop decided to spontaneously delete the original product photos I took of these Cheek Pop blushes (the HORROR), which explains my less than usually pristine pictures in this post. Believe me, there was much swearing involved when I found out what had occurred — and none of it suitable for printing here. Needless to say, I’m in the process of upgrading my system, as I’d probably explode if I had to go through this again.

Clinique Blush Pop closed 1

Clinique | Cheek Pop

Clinique Blush Pop closed 2

Clinque Blush Pop 1

Clinique | Cheek Pop

Clinique Blush Pop 2

 

Clinique Blush Pop macro

Clinique | Cheek Pop

 

Clinique Blush Pop swatches

Clinique | Cheek Pop swatches (in sunlight)

Clinique Blush Pop swatches 2

Clinique | Cheek Pop swatches (in shaded light)

Clinique Pansy Pop

15 Pansy Pop | A vivid lavender hue that has a bit of a dual personality; seen in sunlight, the colour displays warmer undertones yet shaded light brings out a cooler vibe. Either way, I was surprised to find that Pansy Pop suited my complexion (which is light-medium with warm/yellowish undertones) and I have no doubt that this will be absolutely spectacular on those with fair skin tones.

Clinique Pansy Pop macro

Clinique | 15 Pansy Pop

Clinique Pansy Pop swatches

Clinique | 15 Pansy Pop swatches

Clinique Heather Pop

14 Heather Pop | The most ‘neutral’ of the four shades shown, Heather Pop is a good mix of both warm (red) and cool (mauve) undertones, that makes it perfect for a wide variety of complexions. An amazing shade to give that “I just came back from a jog by the beach” flush of colour (without any of the effort and/or accompanying sweat), this also makes a good layering colour over bronzer for the most believable sun-kissed glow.

Clinique Heather Pop macro

Clinique | 14 Heather Pop

Clinique Heather Pop swatches

Clinique | 14 heather Pop swatches

Clinique Rosy Pop

13 Rosy Pop | With its vivid deep rose tint, Rosy Pop is nevertheless easy to wear – mainly due to its buildable formula. A sheer wash (using a loose blush brush or better yet, a fan brush) will give that perfect youthful flush, especially for very fair skin tones  – but you do need to use a light hand to avoid over-intensifying the colour (and thus avoid the slapped cheeks effect), and a wonderful non-ashy-looking shade for those with darker complexions as well.

 

Clinique Rosy Pop macro

Clinique | 13 Rosy Pop

Clinique Rosy Pop swatches

Clinique | 13 Rosy Pop swatches

Clinique Peach Pop

02 Peach Pop | I have this insane obsession with peach and/or coral blushes, so I naturally gravitated to Peach Pop and its Popsicle-like yumminess. Think of NARS’ Orgasm (the blush shade, not the man!) without the accompanying shimmer, and you get an idea of this shade’s tone; pink-peachy undertones, warm, sunny, fresh-looking, and THE perfect hue to wear with sun-kissed skin (although it will be equally gorgeous during the cooler months as well, not to mention extending that Summery vibe).

Clinique Peach Pop macro

Clinique | 02 Peach Pop

Clinique Peach Pop swatches

Clinique | 02 Peach Pop swatches

 

 

Jamie Lee Reardin

Jamie Lee Reardin | When I was sent these Cheek Pop blushes to test out, I was thrilled by the inclusion of a framed original Jamie Lee Reardin print, a Fashion Illustrator originally from Toronto, Canada and who now calls LA, California her home. Inspired by Disney and Tim Burton, Jamie Lee’s fashion figures started to take on ‘impossibly long silhouettes with uncomfortably long necks’ and have become her signature style seen today. You can see a snippet of the print in the photo below – which will definitely have a place of honour of the walls of my soon-to-be studio space!

 

Clinique Blush Pop with art

 

Clinique | Cheek Pop with a framed original Jamie Lee Reardin illustration

 

I’m going to keep this short: if you love blush and want to invest in quality shades (all without breaking the budget) that are also 100% fragrance-free, along with allergy & ophthalmology tested, then you owe it to yourself to check out Clinique’s Cheek Pop range. All I know, is that I might just want to get them all now – whether they suit me, or not (but I know they will!).

Available through The Bay & thebay.com. Sephora & sephora.com as well as Holt Renfrew across Canada. You can find more information via clinique.ca

Clinique Blush Pop closer

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post may contain affiliate links

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes & A Special Giveaway!

Guardian My Terracotta Natural Brunettes opener

For Summer 2015, Guerlain introduces a colourful way to dress up your favourite {Guerlain, of course!} bronzer with the help of a soft silicone sleeve; I’ve already shown you the aqua version (read about it here) and today I bring you the second limited edition option: My Terracotta 03 Natural -Brunettes (CAN $62.00). This hot coral sleeve is not only a fun way to jazz up your compact, but also provides an extra layer of protection to the casing – making it perfect for travel & to cushion any potential impact, along with being super easy to remove should you wish to do so. But why would you? I mean, just LOOK at it!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

As a way of thanking my wonderful readers for all their continued support, I have teamed up with Guerlain to give away a bronzing powder of your choice along with a selection of special edition coloured silicone sleeves, made only for this contest: these sleeves are not available anywhere else! Read on to the end of this post for all details.

Guardian My Terracotta Natural Brunettes silicone sleeve

Guardian My Terracotta Natural Brunettes silicone sleeve 2

Guardian My Terracotta Natural Brunettes

My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes | With its luxurious extra-finely milled powder, this is a medium tan shade that provides a rich sunny hue to the face (and/or neck, décolleté). The formula has been designed to be easily buildable for a more intense tone and can even be used for contouring, in a pinch. Even those with fair complexions can use 03 Natural Brunettes for a sun kissed glow, providing it’s applied using either a large fluffy brush, or better yet, a large fan brush & swept along the skin with a light hand. There is a noticeable fragrance of tiare flower coupled with notes of gardenia & vanilla to this powder (basically, all things that remind me of Summer) and while I personally LOVE it, those with sensitivities should take note and test at the counter first – but I must say that the scent does dissipate fairly quickly upon application.

Guerlain seems to infuse their bronzers with some some kind of magical fairy dust; not only is the powder itself so ultra fine as to fuse with your skin tone and become one (as opposed to other products that just sit at the surface level), but the shimmer in the formula serves to add a special illumination to the skin, making you look so vibrant and ‘lit-from-within’ radiant. Lasting power is excellent and will vary with the amount applied, although I find it just continues to look better with the wearing and stays true until removed – without any oxidation, caking, or fading. As I’ve mentioned before in several other bronzer posts, this product will “develop” upon the skin – therefore, I suggest always starting with a light hand by sweeping 03 Natural – Brunettes along the high planes of the face where the sun would naturally hit (tops of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead, tip of the chin) – although you’re also free to play with colour placement, then waiting a few minutes before adding more, as the colour will intensify to some degree. You really do NOT want to overdo your bronzer and it’s so much easier to add more, if needed, than to take any away.

*Note that the powder compact is part of Guerlain’s permanent range – only the silicone sleeve is limited edition as part of the Summer 2015 Collection.

 

Guardian My Terracotta Natural Brunettes macro

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes (macro)

Guardian My Terracotta Natural Brunettes logo

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes, logo detail

Guardian My Terracotta Natural Brunettes compact

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes, silicone case removed to display compact

 

Guerlain My Terracotta Natural Brunettes swatch

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes swatches (in sunlight)

My Terracotta Natural Brunettes swatch 2

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes swatches (alternate light)

Guardian My Terracotta duo opener

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes (bottom) & 02 Natural – Blondes (top)

 

Guardian My Terracotta duo macro

 

While both bronzing powders have the exact same formula, the difference lies in the undertones of the colour, with 02 Natural – Blondes bearing a slightly ruddier tint than the more yellow-leaning tone of 03 Natural -Brunettes (seriously, Guerlain…what’s with the hair colour designations?). I actually love using both in tandem, with 03 Natural – Brunettes applied all over as a base, then going in with 02 Natural – Blondes along the apples of the cheeks and upper cheekbones (and the teeniest bit along the bridge of the nose) to give that completed sunkissed look – you know, like you’ve just come back from the beach. If only.

Guardian My Terracotta duo open

 

Guerlain My Terracotta duo swatches

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes & 02 Natural – Blondes swatches

Below, my special edition raspberry-coloured silicone sleeve, exclusively created and not available in stores

Guerlain Terracotta Raspberry silicon sleeve

Guerlain | Limited Edition raspberry silicone sleeve (shown open)

Guerlain Terracotta Raspberry silicone sleeve 2

Guerlain | Limited Edition raspberry silicone sleeve (shown folded over)

Gerald My Terracotta duo with raspberry sleeve

 

SPECIAL EDITION GUERLAIN SILICONE SLEEVE & TERRACOTTA BRONZER GIVEAWAY – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

To officially usher in the start of Summer, I have partnered up with Guerlain to give away three (3) Special Edition Silicone sleeves (raspberry coloured, as shown above) to three (3) separate winners (colours will be chose by me, at random). The rules are simple:

  • follow me (ommorphia) on Instagram and regram the contest post (MANDATORY)
  • follow Guerlain Canada on Instagram (MANDATORY)
  • extra entries can be gained by following on my other social media channels, as well as leaving a comment on this post (see below)

Guerlain has simplified the process of knowing which bronzer is best for you by providing the following survey (it’s quite fun too!)

Welcome to your Guerlain Terracotta Consultation

The contest will run for one (1) week starting from June 23, 2015 12:00 am (Eastern Standard Time) and will close on June 30, 2015 12:00 am (EST). There will be three (3) winners chosen who will then be announced via an Instagram post once the contest closes. The chosen winners will then have 24 hours to respond via email (ommorphia@gmail.com), failing which a new winner(s) will then be selected. DON’T FORGET THE TWO MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: to be following my Instagram account (ommorphia) & subsequently regramming the post, as well as following Guerlain Canada via Instagram.

Contest is open internationally to everyone of legal age (must be 18+ to enter), and duplicate entries will be automatically disqualified. No prize substitutions allowed.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Terracotta Bronzers are part of the Guerlain permanent range – the Aqua and Coral silicone sleeves are all limited edition and available through The Bay and thebay.com as well as Sephora & sephora.ca (links provided for your convenience)

Guardian My Terracotta Natural Brunettes closer

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links

CHANEL Les Beiges | Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière opener

 

In 1913, Mlle. Chanel opened her first store in Deauville, France where she revolutionized the fashion world by using a fluid fabric (jersey) to liberate women from the constricting styles of the time – in 2013, LES BEIGES were created in the spirit of that freedom, espousing the concept of a natural, glowing, healthy-looking, and unfussy makeup look:

‘With LES BEIGES, natural is now a style’

Joining the LES BEIGES lineup of face powders and drawing inspiration from the designer’s love of sailor’s stripes, the two limited edition versions for 2015 are Marinière N°01 (not shown) bearing rose & honey hues, and Marinière N°02 with its tan bands of colour in deeper and more bronzier tones. Enriched with white rose and cotton flower plant cells for skin soothing and protective actions, as well as shea butter and a Vitamin E derivative for optimum hydration and comfort throughout the wearing, both powders are also fortified with an SPF 15 as well. There is a soft and lovely rose/floral scent to this powder which seems to dissipate soon after application, but still worth noting for those with sensitivities.

*Please note that the presentation box shown was designed for press/media only and that the powder is not sold this way.

 

CHANEL Les Beiges 2015

 

CHANEL | Les Beiges Collection 2015

 

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière box

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière compact

 

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière with brush

Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (CAN $72.00) | Housed in the brand’s iconic lacquered square compact with the double C logo on top – bearing a full-size mirror on the inner lid as well as an included demi-lune natural bristle brush – the LES BEIGES range of products are made unique by their light beige outer casings. The two bands of colour (camel/beige and deeper tan) of Marinière N°02 are wide enough that each shade can be picked up individually – but only if used with either a narrow brush or with the top of the demi-lune brush; in my opinion, the beauty of this product comes through when both shades are combined (I use a large fluffy brush for overall initial application, followed by a denser brush in areas I wish to emphasize – such as where the sun would naturally hit: upper cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose and slightly along the top of the chin).

There appears to be the lightest hint of reddish undertones in the base of Marinière N°02, which helps to promote a healthy flushed appearance to the skin (so much better than yellow undertones, which can make skin look sallow) and the shimmer is ground so fine, that is serves to impart a radiant illumination that only gets better as the powder fuses with your skin’s natural oils and warmth. In fact, I’ll even go as far as saying that this product looks better after a few hours of wear. The pigmentation is excellent and when the two shades are swirled together, the colour you get is multi-tonal and so natural appearing, although you could probably dial it up by concentrating more on the darker portions, if need be. Those with fair skin will find this to be an excellent bronzer – but I suggest using a fluffy brush for a more diffused dispersal of colour, while darker complexions can go in with a denser-headed brush (such as a kabuki brush) to add luminosity and evenness to their skin (just don’t expect major colour).

As with all bronzers that have a ‘developing phase’, start with a light hand and wait a few minutes before adding more, so that you don’t risk overdoing it. Staying power is excellent, and I’m able to get an entire day’s worth of wearing without any fading or settling into fine lines.

 

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière 2

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15

 

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière macro

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (macro)

 

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière 3

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière ingredients

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (ingredients)

 

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière swatch

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 swatch

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière swatch 2

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 swatch (alternate light)

 

Even more impressive than the regular LES BEIGES range of face powders, Marinière N°02 offers up not just light coverage, but a sun-kissed warmth and that ‘lit-from-within’ radiance to the skin, thanks to CHANEL’s unique formula and ultra finely-milled shimmer. Bronzers come in so many varied forms and while I enjoy having choices, I frequently find myself layering them (usually a matte with one that bears more shimmer) to achieve a natural effect – both qualities that can be found in just this one compact. The only downside, is that this is a limited edition product which is a shame, as CHANEL has certainly hit it out of the ballpark with Marinière N°02 and should definitely look into making it permanent (as well as offering up a few more shade options, while they’re at it). Verdict: absolute LOVE and totally backup-worthy.

Available now but for a limited time through The Bay and thebay.com (direct link included for your convenience), and all other CHANEL counters across Canada. Find more information via chanel.com

CHANEL Healthy Glow Marinière closer

Press sample kindly sent for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate link

 

 

Antica Farmacista | Home Ambiance Fragrances & Scented Candle

 

 

Antica Farmacista Room Scents opener 2

When I was recently introduced to the fragrant world of Antica Farmacista from my friend and fellow blogger Jane of Daly Beauty (aka: the Perfume Whisperer – her knowledge in this field is unequalled), it was love at first sight: then, I looked over this brand’s extensive catalog of room scents, bodycare & hand creams, scented candles, as well as nickel-plated accessories … and I basically melted. Beauty overload.

With their glamorous vintage look, unique scent combinations, and attention to detail – from the labelling/packaging to the actual products themselves – nothing has been overlooked: exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious indulgences, and pampering ideology being the backbone of this brand.

Founded in 2003 by Seattle-based best friends Susanne Pruitt and Shelley Callaghan, they were the first to bring home ambiance diffusers to the US (which now includes over 20 scents) and since then, Antica Farmacista products have made their way into several high-end retailers and luxury hotel markets.

As a beauty blogger, it’s always about the details for me, and surrounding myself with the intoxicating yet soothing fragrances of these products while I work, only adds to my inspiration. There’s something about a lit scented candle that keeps one centred and I cannot begin to describe the sensorial experience of walking into a room that’s been touched by the subtle kiss of one of Antica Farmacista’s home ambiance diffusers.

*Please note that my original product photos seem to have mysteriously disappeared from my computer and I had to retake them all; since I [stupidly] assumed all was fine, I began my testing of the home ambiance diffusers – which should explain the discrepancies shown in the product usage between the bottles.

 

Antica Farmacista Room Scents closer

Antica Farmacista | Home Ambiance Fragrances in Santorini and Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino (tray, my own)

 

Antica Farmacista Vanilla Bourbon

Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino (US $26.00/100 ml includes white birch reeds) | Available in 3 sizes including the one shown here, along with US $66.00 for 250 ml and US $94.00 for 500 ml. From the brand:

‘A delightful twist on a Vanilla-based fragrance. The sweet richness of warm Vanilla is paired with Mandarin of Sicily, a crisp full-bodied citrus fragrance. Rounding out this warm blend is the spicy essence of Bourbon. These combined elements result in something very unexpected and wonderful’

Housed in retro apothecary-style bottles tied with a small satin ribbon at the neck and capped with a cork topper, each home ambiance diffuser comes with its own set of white birch reeds. Once inserted into the bottle, it is recommended to reverse the reeds every few days to refresh the scent. Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino is a warm and sultry scent, made youthful and fresh with its touches of citrus — a perfect combination which prevents it from coming across as cloying. I can get a little obsessive about anything vanilla-scented, although I steer clear of those nauseating artificial fragrances, a far cry from the beautiful and subtly sophisticated blend of this elixir.

 

Antica Farmacista Vanilla Bourbon & Santorini macro

 

Santorini (US $26.00 includes white birch reeds) | Available in 3 sizes including the one shown here, along with US $66.00 for 250 ml and US $94.00 for 500 ml. From the brand:

‘A medley of crisp citrus and green notes artfully paired with exotic spice and natural wood essences. Top notes of vibrant italian bergamot sweet verbena and fresh vetyver are enhanced by the subtle sweetness of rosewood, warm sandalwood and aromatic cardamom’

When I’m not leaning towards orients and warm amber/vanilla aromas, the other fragrance groups I gravitate towards are crisp greens with woody tones; the addition of sandalwood and spicy cardamom adds a whole new level of beautiful to this scent. Then there the name – Santorini – which speaks to the Greek in me (and which also happens to be an island that’s situated across from the one I usually stay at when in Greece).

Lighter and more playful in tone than Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino, Santorini has a mysterious & sensual side as well that that greets you with whisper-light touches, elevating this fragrance above anything traditionally green, and unlike any I’ve come across before.

Antica Farmacista Vanilla Bourbon & Santorini

 

Antica Farmacista Damascena Rose candle

Antica Farmacista | Scented Candle in Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud

Antica Farmacista Damascena Rose candle 2

 

Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud (US $44.00/9 oz) | Brand new from Antica Farmacista and introduced for Spring/Summer 2015, Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud is “an exotic fragrance encapsulating the delicacy and femininity of rose in its many forms“. Housed in a clear glass vessel with platinum leaf details and packaged in a pedestal presentation box (*this collection features exclusive custom packaging featuring rose gold foiling on pearlescent paper), each candle is created from a blend of premium soy and parafin waxes featuring all-natural and lead-free wicks for the cleanest burn, providing approximately 60 hours of scented illumination. From the brand:

‘An exquisite floral fragrance built on fresh Damascus Rose absolute, sensual Violet and rich Tuscan Orris root. Tart rhubarb and dewy apricot add a hint of lush fruit, while the warmth of rare Oud and Amber lend an exotic earthiness. A soft drydown of musk and cashmere result in an intoxicating warmth to this complex floral scent’

As someone who historically stays far away from florals, I am truly captivated by the fragrance of this candle; the combination of earthy Orris root with the hints of fresh fruit round out its floral notes to not only balance the predominant rose scent, but adds a silky modern touch, complex and traditionally accurate at the same time. And seriously, absolutely beautiful.

*As always, never leave a lit candle unattended and make sure to trim the wick after each use to ensure an even burn.

Antica Farmacista Damascena Rose candle 3

Antica Farmacista | Scented Candle in Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud

Antica Farmacista matches & bamboo sticks

White birch reed diffusers and wooden matches

 

Our sense of scent is the most highly developed of them all, as well as tied in to so many of our memories; therefore it stands to reason that we need to have fragrance in our lives. I personally have had a love-hate relationship with many aromas, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the importance and difference a scent can make in my own life: some inspire, some soothe, some invite, but no matter what, scent always sets a ‘mood’. Surrounding myself with fragrance in the home – such as with these intoxicating products from Antica Farmacista – completes the equation; setting free my creative juices when I want to work, or enveloping me with a beautiful touch when I simply just wish to relax. The fact that my home smells so amazing, is the icing on the cake.

Find more information by visiting anticafarmacista.com

 

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek To Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy

CT Ecstasy Cheek to Chic Blush opener

The hype is real, my lovelies: when the Charlotte Tilbury range makes its official debut later this month here in Canada, I predict that there will be a veritable beauty feeding frenzy – with the blushes being some of the first to sell out. And with good reason, if this Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy (CAN $50.00) that I was kindly sent to try, is any example.

Or as I like to call it, the bullseye of beauty.

CT Ecstasy Cheek to Chic Blush compact

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy

CT Ecstasy Cheek to Chic Blush

Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy | With 6 powder blushes in the lineup (although something tells me that more are bound to follow), Ecstasy is housed in a slim profile oval case in the brand’s signature maroon with rose gold detailing. The two complimentary shades  are a warm peach (outer ring) and rose pink (centre) and can be worn either separately, or combined for a multidimensional flush of colour. Paraben and fragrance-free, the formula also contains corn & rice starches (perfect for those with oilier complexions, due to these ingredients’ natural mattifying and oil-absorbing properties), as well as:

  • Light Flex Technology to capture light and re-emit it for a luminous complexion
  • Colour-rich pigments that are rolled into finely crushed pearls which help smooth & buff the skin for excellent blendability & perfect colour uniformity

This powder is exceptionally finely-milled and so buttery soft, making it feel almost creamy to the touch. With zero kickback upon swirling my brush through the pan, both shades bear enough pigmentation to show up, but not so colour-saturated that they need a careful hand; this is a bonus, as it makes either hue buildable for better application control. The outer ring is large enough for the shade to be picked up on its own, although you’ll need to use a narrower blush brush – or risk picking up the secondary shade as well.

Wanting to recreate that “shimmering, youthful flush of excitement you get when you’re in love [love glow]”, Charlotte set out to create a blush that will “enliven dull skin with just a swish & a pop!” There’s this gorgeous luminosity to this powder – of the variety that merges with your skin to provide that lit-from-within type of glow, and not something that will just sit at the surface level. For a light wash of colour, a quick swipe of the outer ring shade is all you need; more impact is given when the centre hue is then applied to the apples of the cheeks for that ‘pop of colour’. Combining the two yields a unique and customizable shade, depending on how much of each colour you pick up on your brush. Personally, I’ve been wearing Ecstasy in all combos and can’t pick a favourite method – it’s THAT amazing a product. Wear time is approx 8-10 hours over foundation, slightly less on bare skin (albeit still visible at the end of the day).

 

CT Ecstasy Cheek to Chic Blush macro

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy (macro)

 

CT Ecstasy Cheek to Chic Blush swatches

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy swatches (in sunlight)

CT Ecstasy Cheek to Chic Blush swatches 2

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy swatches (alternate light)

Ingredients:Talc, Mica, Isononyl Isononanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Dimethicone, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Carprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethiconol, Hexylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Tin Oxide (Ci 77861), [May Contain/Peut Contenir (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77491, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Red 6 (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (19140)]

CT Ecstasy Cheek to Chic Blush 2

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy

 

And just like that, a new addiction is born: from the very first swipe, I was impressed spellbound and if you’re a blush fiend like me, you’ll be wanting to add these Cheek to Chic  Pop & Swish Blushers to your collection. Ecstasy has turned out to be a perfect shade for my skin tone, and while the swatches shown here were done a few weeks ago when my skin was several degrees lighter, both shades work equally well now that I have a tan – without looking muddier or more diluted. I am positively obsessed with the soft glow this blush provides and how radiant my skin looks (think: JLo glow), never overt but totally & vibrantly sexy just the same. Sorcery … beautiful, beautiful, sorcery.

 

Charlotte Tilbury products are set to launch in Canada on June 24th exclusively at Holt Renfrew (Bloor St.) and July 6th (Vancouver). Find more information via charlottetilbury.com (link provided for convenience)

 

Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links