Filed In: Makeup
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek To Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy
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.
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy
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).
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy (macro)
Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy swatches (in sunlight)
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)]
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
NARS | Panic & Craving Dual Intensity Blushes, N°23 Wet/Dry Brush
Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration
When NARS released their Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows this past Fall (reviewed), they caused quite the stir in the beauty community; not only are these seriously gorgeous to behold, but the formula is a complete innovation to that of any which has come before. Happily, that unique formula is now available in the brand’s Dual-Intensity Blushes (CAN $52.00/available in 6 duos), created with NARS’ ‘exclusive Translucent Prismatic Technology which features pearls and pigments perfectly suspended in a transparent soft base that then allows for multi-dimensional effects with a unique weightless, luxurious texture‘. All six pairings can be mixed & matched for a customizable shade, or applied with a dampened brush (such as the new N°23 Wet/Dry Brush) for a ‘watercolour effect’. To quote François Nars:
“Don’t be so serious; it’s only makeup”
Kind of puts everything into perspective, no? Above all else, makeup is supposed to be fun, and what could be more entertaining than these vivid, intense, shimmery lovelies?
NARS | Dual-Intensity Blushes & Wet/Dry Blush Brush campaign, featuring Tilda Swinton
Wet/Dry Blush Brush N°23 (CAN $49.00) is a small rounded and densely-headed brush that can be used either dry or dampened. The bristles are very tightly packed together and the slightly domed top makes for a very soft, almost buttery sensation upon the skin; think of this as a variation on the kabuki style, and you have a general idea of how it will perform. My favourite way to use this brush is more in the finishing capacity; the density certainly helps with buffing the blush in for a seamless finish, but I prefer starting my application with a softer brush and building as I go. With regards to using this brush wet/dampened, I followed the tip on the NARS website:
‘For a watercolour effect, mist brush with water before application. Dab over the apples of the cheeks and swirl in a circular motion, painting on pigment to your desired intensity’
It should be said that this application method comes with a bit of a learning curve; it’s best to start with a lightly dampened brush (don’t panic if you’ve oversprayed – you can blot any excess with a paper towel) and begin with a scant amount, building from there.
TIP: after several trial & error attempts, the most effective way I’ve found of using this brush (whether wet or dry) is to start by lightly tapping it onto your desired shade and be careful to always start with a small amount – especially with the more pigmented duos. Follow by lightly stippling the brush along the skin (again, use a light hand – I can’t stress that enough) and proceed to then blend everything in using the recommended swirling pattern.
Panic Dual-Intensity Blush is a vibrant pink-fuchsia/peach-pink duo. Both shades are highly pigmented (the peachy side is actually a few degrees more intense than the fuchsia portion) and a little goes a long way. The shimmer is incredibly complex, and while visible, it’s not of the obnoxious variety; it serves to add a radiant dimension to the overall colour.
With regards to application, I found that a softer brush such as the NARS Yachiyo Kabuki (CAN $55.00) does the best job for setting down a diffused layer of colour followed by a good buffing with the N°23 Wet/Dry Brush to blur out any harsh lines, as well as help the shimmer meld into the colour.
NARS Panic Dual-Intensity Blush swatches: heavily, dry and with a dampened brush
NARS Panic Dual-Intensity Blush swatches, alternate lighting
Craving Dual-Intensity Blush is a softened seashell-pink highlighter/shimmering beach-bronze duo. Unlike Panic, this duo actually benefits from being applied with the N°23 Wet/Dry Brush, as each shade bears a lessened intensity to start with and there’s no fear of overdoing the application or creating any splotchiness with either colour. Of course, you’re always free to experiment with other brushes, but I’m totally loving both the look and control that the Wet/Dry Brush provides me when used with this particular duo.
I must admit that I was a little skeptical as to how well Craving would work as a blush, but after playing with it for a few weeks, it has quickly become one of my fave hybrid blush/bronzer/highlight products I’ve ever used. Worn dry, the colour of the bronzer portion is not only buildable, but adds a beautiful sun kissed warmth. The highlighter, is breathtakingly beautiful; there’s a luminous pink current running through it that gives a ‘seashell-like’ flash, and when applied lightly along the high planes of the face, it gives off such a stunning radiance. I don’t have enough words to describe how much I love this highlighter – in terms of colour, texture, and finish. Love, I tell you.
Applied with a dampened brush, the darker portion obviously intensifies in tone – but not by too many levels; it can also double as a contouring shade when worn in this capacity, especially for fair complexions. One tip I discovered by accident, is to apply the highlighter first along the upper part of the cheekbone, then I use the Wet/Dry Brush in a downward motion, blending it into the bronzer; this gives a gradient effect to the two shades and fuses them perfectly one to the other.
NARS Craving Dual-Intensity Blush swatches: heavily, dry and with a dampened brush
NARS Craving Dual-Intensity Blush swatches, alternate lighting
When I received these Dual-Intensity Blushes (along with the Wet/Dry Brush), I wold have sworn that Panic would be my favourite – and while both of its hues are totally up my alley, Craving has turned into the sleeper hit, hands down. The complexity of the shimmer with both is something that needs to be seen & played with in person, and while some duos may seem like rather unconventional blushes, think of it in terms of trying things out of your comfort zone, because you just never know when something will simply ‘click’ (like Craving did for me).
Available now through all NARS counters at The Bay, Holt Renfrew, Murale, Sephora and sephora.com throughout CANADA. Find more information via narscosmetics.com
Elizabeth Arden | Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin Foundation
Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration
Elizabeth Arden is one of those brands that has been around the beauty industry for a long time, but somehow manages to fly under most people’s radar – although not for much longer, if I have anything to say about it. This past October, I was fortunate enough to be invited to preview all the upcoming collections from Elizabeth Arden (shown here), and while there were many wonderful new cosmetics and fragrances to admire, I confess to being most excited about their Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24HR Liquid Makeup SPF 15 (CAN $47.00 available in 10 shades/18 shades in the US), created with the expertise of Rebecca Restreppo, Global Makeup Artist for Elizabeth Arden, and a woman I’ve been lucky enough to meet and chat with, as well as highly admire.
Many factors contribute to the constantly changing needs of our skin, ranging from environmental, hormonal, lifestyle and age to name a few. In my case, living in a harsh climate that consists of brutally cold Winters (like the one we had this year – and which is still lingering, despite what the calendar says) and swelteringly humid Summers, it’s not always easy finding a foundation that will not only work with these changing temperatures, but that will address my oily/combination skin’s needs. I prefer my foundation to be light coverage, but buildable to a medium intensity if needed (primarily in key/problem areas), not emphasize pores or settle into fine lines, and help with oil-control without making my skin appear flat.
This new Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin foundation has not only met all these criteria, but has gone beyond that and exceeded my expectations. Packaged in Elizabeth Arden’s signature silver & gold boxes, this foundation is housed in an elegant glass square bottle, topped with a transparent acrylic cap embossed with the brand’s red door symbol. Each bottle is also clearly labelled on the bottom, includes an expiry date printed on the back, and comes with a sleek pump dispenser for ease of use. Some of the key ingredients:
- Long Wear Polymers: A unique pigment treatment that provides long wear properties and color-true makeup that lasts for 24 hours* without transferring or rubbing off.
- Encapsulated Spheres: are time-released to help monitor and absorb excess oil throughout the day.
- Plankton Extract: Helps to trap and absorbs sebum without drying out skin or clogging pores.
- Bamboo Silk: A natural plant extract that absorbs excess facial oil for a flawless, shine-free finish that stays comfortable all day.
- Soft Focus Materials: An ingredient blend including mineral crystal Mica, to help blur the look of imperfections and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a radiant and luminous finish.
- Vitamin E: Helps protect skin from free radical damage caused by environmental stressors that can contribute to the visible signs of aging. Helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles for healthy, younger looking skin.
*Based on a US clinical study of 32 women by subject self assessment after 8 hours and 24 hours.
The dispenser works efficiently to deliver a controlled amount of product, depending on how hard you press down on it. The foundation has a light fresh scent that seems to dissipate rather quickly (not apparent once applied) and the texture is a cross between silky and almost powdery soft – unlike anything I’ve felt before. While I will never want to be wearing any makeup for 24 hours, it’s good to know that my foundation will last until removed.
Of the four shades I was kindly sent to test out, 01 Linen (the box on this says Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude, but the label on the bottom says Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin. Also, I can’t seem to find this shade on either the US or Canadian websites, so I believe it has since been renamed from when I received it – most likely it’s the Alabaster shade) is too pink-toned and pale for me while 13 Toasty Beige is much too dark. Of the other two, 08 Neutral Bisque is an excellent match right now as my skin is still sporting its usual Winter pastiness. That being said, I have recently been testing out various self-tanners (reviews coming soon) and the shade that matches my newly tanned skin in 09 Beige, being neither too pink or yellow based.
With regards to application, I have tried applying these with a variety of tools and have had success with several. I also tried applying this foundation over my Blanc de CHANEL primer, but that was a complete failure and just made the product appear to clump up along my skin, completely emphasizing my pores. I haven’t tried it over other silicone based primers, and since I love the result on my bare/moisturized skin, I don’t see a need to test further.
My favourite brush to start with is the Dior paddle style foundation brush (reviewed) with its excellent density and smoothness to the bristles that help the foundation spread easily along the skin, keeping visible brush strokes to a complete minimum. If it’s a lighter/sheerer coverage I’m after, I will then finish by buffing it all in with either the Tom Ford Cream Foundation Brush, or my recent favourite, the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (reviewed). For deeper coverage or in specific areas that need a touch more, I will apply a second layer again using the Dior brush, then pat everything in with a slightly dampened Beauty Blender sponge, then buff it all into my skin with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for an incredibly smooth & flawless finish.
Longevity is excellent, staying put until removed without any colour transfer or oxidation – nor do I find any product collecting around areas of the face (nose, fine lines) while it does an amazing job of keeping me relatively shine-free throughout the wearing – and all without making my skin look flat or 1-dimensional. In fact, as the product seems to warm up and merge with my skin’s natural oils it seems to only get better, doing a beautiful job of enhancing my complexion in a ‘natural’ looking way. Any makeup applied on top seems to last that much longer without fading as well, and the best part is that the coverage feels so light that I never experience that skin-clogging effect I’ve had with other foundations. The finish, while not quite matte, is as stated on the bottle: satin, but not shiny or glowy in any way; it literally makes your skin just look so healthy, fresh, natural, and even. For those with dry skin, I strongly suggest you test it out at the counter first, or ensure skin is fully moisturized before application.
Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin Liquid Makeup samples
Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin Liquid Makeup applied
Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin Liquid Makeup blended
Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin Liquid Makeup blended, alternate lighting
Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin Liquid Makeup 08 Neutral Bisque, fully blended out
Ever since I began wearing this foundation, I have received many compliments on how flawless my skin looks and am repeatedly asked what product I’m wearing – most people express genuine surprise to learn it’s from Elizabeth Arden, as it’s not a brand that usually comes to mind. For me, the new Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin foundation has reached Holy Grail status, and is the one I usually reach for these days (when not testing others, that is). Interestingly, there are only 10 shades available here in Canada while our neighbours south of the border get another 8, but hopefully the colours we do have here will match most skin tones. If you’re still on the hunt for an amazing foundation, then you owe it to your skin to check these out next time you’re at an Elizabeth Arden counter – and get ready to be amazed.
Available at The Bay, thebay.com and select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix across Canada, find more information via elizabetharden.ca
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée
One of the hotly anticipated Summer collections every beautista eagerly looks forward to, is most definitely from Estée Lauder and this year’s Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes Collection (available as of April at select counters nationwide), will no doubt set many hearts aflutter (and the grabby hands a-grabbing). I was recently invited to a media preview event where I was able to peruse the collection in person and even got the chance to play with the various pieces (spoiler alert: you will want them ALL), and I immediately fell hard for the undisputed star of the group, the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée (CAN $44.00/Limited Edition), a mermaid-worthy compact, if ever there was one.
*The bronzer palette shown in the photo further down the post, is said to be a Sephora exclusive
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes Collection Summer 2015
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes Collection Summer 2015
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes Collection Summer 2015
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée
Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée, Limited Edition | Unlike other gel bronzer powders released from Estée Lauder from previous collections, the catchword for the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée is ‘subtle’, with none of the almost metallic reflection of earlier incarnations (such as that of Shimmering Sands and Topaz Chameleon, both of which I do own, but so rarely wear due to their high voltage shine). Coming in a clamshell compact that bears a gorgeous tortoiseshell pattern – while the actual product displays a radiating wave-rippled surface, the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée is rose-gold coloured and ultra-finely milled, all in a gel based formula that applies whisper soft along the skin, leaving a sun kissed glow behind and providing a gentle radiance with just a hint of colour. Interestingly, any shimmer found here is ground so tiny, that no one speck stands out; rather, this is the best example of a glow-providing face powder that I’ve come across to date.
With both cool and warm tints in the base, this lightweight bronzer will suit many skin tones along the spectrum; those with fair to light complexions will find that the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée will work great in the bronzer capacity, as this soft peachy shade cannot be overdone, while medium to darker skin tones might find this works more effectively as a neutral highlighter instead. Definitely not meant to be glaringly obvious (think: the glow your skin gets from a day spent at the beach — under full sun protection, of course), you can also layer this with your usual bronzer for a multidimensional effect which also provides a stunning boost of warm radiance. Staying power is about average for this type of product (between 7-9 hours), although that can be extended if applied over foundation or combined with a regular bronzer.
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée
Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée, applied heavily & blended out
I have a total weakness for bronzers and highlighters, and even though the Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée is not the product I’ll grab when I want that deeper faux-glow, it is nonetheless the powder I’ve been reaching for lately for that finishing touch to my daily makeup — whether as a light wash of overall colour, or in strategic areas of the face for emphasis (upper cheekbones, bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow, temples – even decolleté). Personally, I feel that what makes this product truly stand out, is not only how beautiful it applies as well as how natural it looks & feels upon the skin, but the unique rose-gold colour … totally on trend and absolutely perfect. I suspect that from the entire Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes Collection, this will be the item that sells out first when it hits counters. You’ve been fairly warned.
Available at select Sephora, Hudson’s Bay and Sears Estée Lauder counters across Canada, starting early April. Find more information on the brand via esteelauder.ca
Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration
CHANEL | Les 4 Ombres 248 Tissé Rhapsodie
Channeling the ballet with its airy grace, 248 Tissé Rhapsodie (CAN $64.00, Limited Edition) from CHANEL’s La Perle de CHANEL Collection (Crescendo Blush and Mysterio Illusion d’Ombre previously reviewed) is a quartet of ethereal shades meant to evoke movement in dance. This eyeshadow palette is not without its grittier side as well, with that one unexpected & complex earthy shade lurking in the corner, playing counterpart to the three pastels.
CHANEL | Les 4 Ombres 248 Tissé Rhapsodie
CHANEL | Les 4 Ombres 248 Tissé Rhapsodie
248 Tissé Rhapsodie | Inspired by the threads of CHANEL’s iconic tweed fabric, each hue in Tissé Rhapsodie displays undercurrents of a complex shimmer. The reformulated texture applies buttery-soft with hardly any powdery kickback upon swirling a brush through the four shades, and as these are in the brand’s baked format, they also have the ability to be applied with a dampened brush for stronger depth of tone and intensity. Each CHANEL eyeshadow quad typically includes 2 shades for colour, 1 highlighting hue, and 1 deeper contrast hue. The breakdown:
- Upper left – tutu pink shade that leans slightly cool but can be easily worn by warmer skin tones as well, well pigmented for such a pale hue
- Upper right – lavender tinged white with pinkish undertones, good pigmentation, can also double as a unique cheek highlighter
- Lower left – shadowy purple, somewhat muted when applied dry but which comes to vivid life with a dampened brush
- Lower right – intricate bronze/khaki hue with excellent pigmentation, regardless of whether applied dry or damp
What at first may appear as a rather weak range of shades, Tissé Rhapsodie holds several surprises; I was not prepared to see how pigmented the two lighter colours apply, and surprised that the purple didn’t display more depth when worn dry (although applying it damp makes up for that, plus it serves as a beautiful crease shade – almost casting the perfect shadow-like effect). The darkest tone seemed out of place nestled amongst the three pastels, and yet serves to ground them all and gives this palette a much-needed edge to balance the sugary-sweetness of the others.
CHANEL | Les 4 Ombres 248 Tissé Rhapsodie
CHANEL | Les 4 Ombres 248 Tissé Rhapsodie
CHANEL | Les 4 Ombres 248 Tissé Rhapsodie, with flash
CHANEL | Les 4 Ombres 248 Tissé Rhapsodie, swatched dry
CHANEL | Les 4 Ombres 248 Tissé Rhapsodie, swatched damp
The Tissé Rhapsodie eyeshadow quad is a study in contrasts, playing light against dark but in a totally non-traditional way … which just works. Unless you’re going for an editorial look, pink and purple hues can be a little difficult to pull off but the intricacy of the three pale hues of this palette, make them much more user-friendly. That dark shade, however, is unbelievable and CHANEL needs to release it as a single (permanent) part of their range. For me, Tissé Rhapsodie is a winner – and not because I always wanted to be a ballerina, either.
Available now but limited edition. I picked mine up at The Bay (Canada).
Purchased product
