Sonia Kashuk "Sunset" Beautifying Blush Swatch + Review

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Sunset"

 I'm back to rave about the Sonia Kashuk blushes. Surprise. Surprise. Earlier in the month I raved about the shade "Flushed" but today I'm dedicating my blog to the shimmery coral color aptly named "Sunset". It is super shimmery and super bold. But I am obsessed. Like the other Sonia Kashuk blush I tired, "Sunset" has a super soft and pigmented formulation. You only need the littlest bit of product but don't worry if you go overboard because it blends like a dream. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Sunset"

I am still astounded that there isn't more talk about these blushes on YouTube or in the beauty blogging community. They're amazing! They're honestly the best drugstore blushes I've ever tried. It feels like a luxury product with its elegant packaging (it even has a magnet so the lid stays closed) but this blush retails for around nine dollars at Target. Isn't that insane? I just need them to come out with more shades because it'll only be a matter of time before I get every shade. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Sunset" Swatch

Here is the blush once it is applied to the skin. The shimmer is still noticeable but it isn't disco ball crazy or anything. I'm normally not a big fan of super shimmery blushes but I found that I actually loved the look that the blush gave me. It gives the perfect summer glow to the cheeks and even though it's the end of September, I'm still obsessed with this shade. 

POSITIVES

-Soft and pigmented formula

-Easy to Blend

-Available at any Target

-Price ($9)

-Packaging

-Fantastic shades

NEGATIVES

-Small range of colors

In conclusion, I think that this color is phenomenal. It is the perfect coral blush for spring and summer but its one of those colors (that if worn in the right way) would look lovely in any season. I'm a big of these blushes and I definitely want to try more shades. 

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LUSH "Dorothy" Bubble Bar Review

LUSH "Dorothy" Bubble Bar

During my trip to Portland, we did a bit of shopping and went to one of my favorite stores--LUSH. I haven't to LUSH in ages and I forgot how nice it was to browse and pick out delicious bath goodies. I didn't want to spend too much money but I did pick up the much-loved "Dorothy" Bubble Bar. I've been eyeing this bad boy for years but for one reason or another, I never bought it. But during my Portland LUSH visit, the girl that was helping me was so nice and so helpful that after she told me "Dorothy" was her favorite, I knew that I was a goner. 

LUSH "Dorothy" Bubble Bar

 According to LUSH, the "Dorothy" bubble bar's scent is composed of ylang ylang, sweet figs, and orange oil. I should've known because I am an absolute sucker for ylang ylang and citrus scents. It smells fresh and light and delicious. It isn't overwhelming and added to the calm atmosphere I was trying to create. Plus, isn't it the most adorable thing you've ever seen? Gosh. It is so darn cute!

LUSH "Dorothy" Bubble Bar

 When I took my bath, I used the whole bar because I figured (since I'm going back to college) that I had better go big or go home. The whole bar created a decent amount of bubbles. I wasn't blown away but I was pleasantly surprised. I never get over how fun it is to crumble the bar under the water and see the bath just explode with bubbles. 

LUSH "Dorothy" Bubble Bar

The bubbles lasted for a really long time--somewhere in the neighborhood of three or four hours--but when they finally disappeared, I was left with this beautiful blue water. I sort of felt like I was a mermaid or something. But besides the bubbles and the colored water, what else does the bubble bar have to offer? Well, "Dorothy" is made with a moisturizing orange oil that coats the skin while you're in the bath. It isn't greasy but it does leave your skin feeling nice and smooth. 

However, I just looked up this product on the LUSH website and realized that I paid $6.25 for a bath. That's insane! I must not have been reading the correct sign when I picked this product up. That's insane. As much as I loved this product, I don't think I'll be repurchasing it any time soon. It's one of those things that you can't justify buying for yourself but its nice to receive as a gift. 

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Philosophy Falling in Love Fragrance Review

Philosophy Falling in Love Fragrance

 For today's post, we're going to take a walk down memory lane. Growing up my mom loved Philosophy fragrances. And I mean LOVED. Unfortunately, I used to think that almost all of the Philosophy fragrances smelled really, really bad. Thankfully, in recent years she's found other scents that tinkle her fancy but she still sprays on Falling in Love every once in a while. And it brings back so many memories. A few weeks ago I was trying to decide which fragrance to bring with me on my trip to Portland, Oregon and I came across this one. It's an oldie but a goodie.

Philosophy describes the scent as "sun-ripened blackberry [that] captivates the senses, smooth, sparkling jasmine inspires romance and vanilla melts deliciously over your skin". I do think that this smell is a very whimsical and romantic fragrance. It isn't sexy but rather something to wear when you're in the mood for PG-13 romantic comedy kind of romance. It is very light and gentle smell. 

Philosophy Falling in Love Fragrance

I would definitely categorize Falling in Love as a day-time fragrance. It's simple and unobtrusive. I'm normally very particular when it comes to fragrance packaging but there is something about the sleek and minimalist packaging of this scent that I really like. The packaging is very reflective of the scent inside. Falling in Love isn't a loud or gaudy fragrance so why should the packaging be?

The price of a 2 fl oz. bottle of Falling in Love costs $44. Which isn't terribly expensive for a fragrance. If you like the scent but don't want to spend so much money, Philosophy does offer a .5 fl oz. bottle for $15. And honestly, I think that that is probably the best way to go. I've had this one for years and I'm only half-way through. I don't know if I'll ever finish this bottle. But, if I do, I'll probably go with the smaller version. 

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Bath & Body Works "Spiced Cider" Candle Review

Bath & Body Works Spiced Cider Candle

I'm trying something a little different today. It's not the sort of thing that I usually talk about but I thought I would mix it up. Try something different. Sometimes its nice to talk about something other than hair care and beauty. 

School is about to start and that means that I'll be heading up to my dorm soon. The dorms have a strict no candle policy and so for the last few days I've been trying to get my candle fix before they cut me off. One of my absolute favorite fall candles is the Bath & Body Works scent, "Spiced Cider". I'm currently burning through my candle from last year but I recently picked up a back-up when I was shopping with my friends.  

Bath & Body Works Spiced Cider Candle

 As you can probably tell, Bath & Body Works has repackaged "Spiced Cider" and given it a shabby-country-chic look. You can still purchase the more well-known, sleeker packaging but I thought that it would be fun to be a little different this time. But then again, I think all of the newly released items from the Fresh Picked line are adorable. My sister doesn't agree with me. 

Bath & Body Works Spiced Cider Candle

 Here is what the lid looks like. It has that weathered metal look to it. Which is kind of nice because my other lids always begin to look so dingy with my finger prints all over them. I feel like I'm constantly cleaning them. But luckily, I won't have to with this one. I'm not quite sure why there is a picture of an owl (Anyone else notice Bath & Body Works obsession with owls? No. Just me? Okay.) but I'm just going with it. After all, I can resist this candle's simplicity, freshness, and goodness. 

Bath & Body Works Spiced Cider Candle

Bath & Body Works Spiced Cider Candle

When shopping at Bath & Body Works, I noticed that a few of my favorite scents smell a bit...different. Not bad. But definitely different. "Spiced Cider" happened to be one of those scents. My candle from last year describes the scent as "a delicious blend straight from the orchard that mulls three varieties of fresh apples, spiced with nutmeg and cloves". However, this year's candle encourages you to "drink in a delicious blend of apples straight from the orchard accented by traditional mulling spices and a touch of vanilla". 

The difference is pretty subtle and at first I thought I was imaging something. It wasn't until I came home and compared the scents that my suspicions were confirmed. However, the difference is even less noticeable when burned. I am a huge fan of the Bath & Body Works candles. They are super potent and last for hours. Plus, the glass containers they come in make excellent brush or pen holders wen you've burned up the entire candle. Everyone on YouTube and in the blogging world loves these candles and I'm no different. I actually really enjoyed taking pictures/ writing this blog post. I will definitively being doing more candles reviews in the future! I can't wait to share all my favorite scents with you guys. 

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Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer Review

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer

If MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle" is my new holy grail highlighter, then the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer is my new holy grail concealer. The price is fantastic and it covers my dark circles like a dream. Since I bought this product in early July, I've forgotten about all the concealers I've used in the past. It is easy to throw in your bag and reapply throughout the day--although I find that I don't need to on most days.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Conealer

The concealer comes with a sponge tip applicator. I was a little bit hesitant about this applicator because it seemed a little unsanitary but Maybelline claims that the sponge has been infused with anti-microbial system and doesn't require washing. I haven't noticed any evidence for or against the anti-aging claims but I've only been using it for two months or so.

I was talking to Tiffany from youtube.com/MakeupByTiffanyD on twitter and she recommended this concealer for dark under eye circles. And, of course she was right. I never go wrong when I listen to her. Tiffany knows her stuff.

POSITIVES
-Price ($8)
-Covers dark circles beautifully
-Doesn't crease
-Long lasting
-Easy application

NEGATIVES
-Narrow range of shades (none for darker skin tones)

In conclusion, I highly, highly recommend this product. Everyone is talking about it--and for good reason. I have never loved a drugstore concealer this much. I feel like my everyday makeup routine would be incomplete without this stuff. I will pass on Tiffany's great advice and say this: if under eye circles are a problem, pick up the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. It is a creamy, non-creasing, full coverage concealer that won't break the bank.

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Bath & Body Works "Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin" Fragrance Mist Review

Bath & Body Works "Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin" Fragrance Mist

I know it's not October yet but...I'm already so ready for Halloween. I'm scouring the internet for the best and cutest ways to make Halloween themed food. I'm burning Halloween themed candles. And I'm wearing Halloween (also known as pumpkin) themed body spray. I think I have a problem. A pumpkin problem. It's very serious and I'm seeking help. But in the mean time, I'm going to be talking all about this fragrance mist from Bath & Body Works.  

Bath & Body Works "Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin" Fragrance Mist

In high school I, almost exclusively, wore Bath & Body Works fragrances. But then I started collecting fragrances like a cat lady collects cats and it became a problem. I had so many fragrances but I wasn't using them up. So for about two or three years I've been on a fragrance ban. I normally get a perfume for my birthday or Christmas from my sister but I don't actively go out and purchase scents for myself. Until Bath & Body Works "Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin". 

For those of you who don't know, I love the candle version of this scent. It's amazing and I burn it all day, everyday when fall comes around. But I also really like the fragrance version of this scent too. Spoiler alert: it smells nothing like the candle (the candle smells more like spice and vanilla) but I still like it. 

Bath & Body Works "Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin" Fragrance Mist

The scent of the fragrance is very light and yet somehow very apropos for fall. The smell is a blend of pumpkin, crisp apple, and spiced vanilla. I don't smell the spiced vanilla so much as the apple and the pumpkin. The scent isn't very strong (so don't worry about offending your peers with your odor) and it also doesn't last very long. It's a lovely scent but a part of me wishes that it smelled more like the candle. Ah, if only. 

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China Glaze "Sun Worshiper" Swatch + Review

China Glaze "Sun Worshiper"

Summer is almost over but that doesn't mean we can't still rock neon nail polishes. And if you've ever looked at an orange highlight and thought, "Hmm...that would make an excellent nail polish", then "Sun Worshiper  is the color for you. This color is bright--it almost hurts my eyes to look at it--and is perfect for those crazy summer days (and nights) but the formulation sucks. It is streaky, sheer, and (oddly enough) dries to a matte finish. After five coats, I finally managed to achieve a somewhat opaque finish. I had such high expectations for this polish and was very disappointed that it was so difficult to work with. The color is beautiful and unique but I don't know if I'll be reaching for "Sun Worshiper  very often in the future.

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MAC "Pinch O' Peach" Blush Swatch + Review

MAC "Pinch O' Peach" 

Summer 2013 was the summer of the blush obsession. Summer 2012 was lips and Summer 2011 was MAC products in general but this past summer, without a doubt, was all about the cheeks. Last week I posted my review for the Sonia Kashuk blush in "Flushed" (spoiler alert: I really, really liked it) but this week I'm going to talk about a slightly more expensive blush. Allison from amarixe.com or youtube.com/amazrixe (I feel like I talk about her all the time on this blog. Oh, wait, that's because I am.) is a fellow blush lover and she is always talking about this MAC blush called "Pinch O' Peach". So, of course, I had to go out and check it out. 

MAC Blush in "Pinch O' Peach"

 There was one thing I know that EVERYONE must be thinking. If your name is "Pinch O' Peach" then why aren't you peach? Said in your best Karen from Mean Girls voice. Well, I don't have a great answer but I was thinking the same thing too. It isn't a peach color AT ALL. It's a lovely medium pink color. 

Although I did notice that after I got my blush back home it sort of started to change color a little bit--you can see it really clearly in the first picture. Those peachy-brown dots aren't just at the surface. It was something I also noticed when I was at two separate MAC counters during my visit to Hawaii. The color on the inside was a lighter pink but the color on the outer rim was the darker color you see above. Did anyone else have this problem? Or maybe it was just something to do with the Hawaii humidity? I don't know. If you have an answer, I'd love if you left it in a comment below.

MAC Blush in "Pinch O' Peach"

MAC Blush in "Pinch O' Peach" Swatch

"Pinch O' Peach", in addition to having an adorable name, is also one of MAC's Sheertone blushes. So although it might look a little intimidating in the pan, it is extremely easy to get a natural, no-makeup look with this product. Have no fear! It even looks really lovely on my sister who has very fair skin. IN the swatch above I worked really hard to pile on the product. I wanted to get a nice opaque swatch for my blog. 

POSITIVES

-Cute name

-Lovely, sheer color that is very buildable

-Sleek MAC packaging

NEGATIVES

-Price ($21 for 6 grams)

So, in conclusion, I really liked this blush from MAC. I'm more inclined to splurge on a blush because (in my experience) most drugstore blushes either don't have a wide range of colors to choose from or aren't very good quality. It wasn't quite what I was expecting but I was pleasantly surprised. It sort of reminds me of MAC "Lustering" lipstick in blush form. MAC "Pinch O' Peach" is a perfect color for summer.  

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Sonia Kashuk "Flushed" Beautifying Blush Swatch + Review

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed"

Why have I heard absolutely nothing about the Sonia Kashuk blushes? I've heard lots of things about the Sonia Kashuk eye makeup remover and about their concealer quads but absolutely nothing about their blushes--which is truly a pity. Because I hadn't heard anything about them I was a little hesitant when I picked them up. They're a little expensive for a drugstore product ($9) but they are easily some of the best blushes to be found at the drugstore. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed"

Every drugstore brand has a line of blushes but in my experience almost all of them have a hard formulation and poorly pigmentation. It's very frustrating for a blush junkie like myself.  But these blushes are super soft and apply like a dream. On my trip I bought two new MAC blushes but since I picked up two of the Sonia Kashuk blushes I haven't touched them. The MAC blushes are lovely but I prefer the formulation of the Sonia Kashuk blushes better. The shade range isn't very large with only six shades but I was very impressed by almost all of the colors in the range. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed" 

Here is an up close view of the product. You can't tell from any of my pictures but this blush has a bit of shimmer to it. It isn't obvious when you apply it to the face but it's certainly noticeable in the pan. Although, I noticed that the layer beneath the top layer is less shimmery. 

Sonia Kashuk Blush in "Flushed"

Here is the blush applied to my hand. It gives a lovely pop of color to the cheeks. If you blend it well, it just looks like a natural flush--making the name very appropriate. However, I should warn you to be very careful when applying the color. It's very pigmented and it's easy to apply too much by accident.

POSITIVES
-Soft and pigmented formula
-Easy to Blend
-Available at any Target
-Price ($9)
-Packaging
-Fantastic shades

NEGATIVES
-Small range of colors

In conclusion, I am a huge fan of the Sonia Kashuk blushes. I only own two shades--"Flushed" and "Sunset"--but they're both fantastic. I can't wait to try more. These are definitely the best drugstore blushes I've ever tried--hands down. Surprisingly, I actually prefer these to my more expensive blushes from MAC. Never thought I'd say that. Well done, Sonia Kashuk.

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MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle" Swatch + Review

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle"

Now that I'm back home from my vacation, I'm finally getting around to posting reviews about all the goodies I picked up. Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming haul. I got a lot of good stuff but the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle" has me over the moon. It's official--I'm in love. Over the years of blogging I've heard people rave about this product but I never really gave it a second look whenever I was at the MAC counter because this stuff is super expensive! It costs $30 for 10 grams of product but it isn't a waste. This stuff is holy grail material. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle"

But what makes it so special? One of the things that I absolutely love about this product is its opacity. A lot of champagne highlight colors are a bit sheer and require a bit of work to get enough product on the face. Also, this shade blends beautifully. It's a fantastic color for the inner corner or on the brown bone or one the cheeks--it looks fantastic everywhere and anywhere. I know the price seems a bit insane (I don't know what compelled me to purchase it in the first place) but there is enough product to last ages. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle"

Here is a up close look at the products. Isn't it simple gorgeous? It's the most beautiful shimmery nude, champagne color. There is a reason that everyone and their mother raves about this stuff. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle"

This is the product applied rather heavily on the skin. It looks a bit intimidating but when applied to the skin with a light hand, it adds a gorgeous subtle shimmery glow to the face. 

POSITIVES

-Beautiful shimmery champagne color

-Versatile (works as an eye shadow and highlighter)

-Lots of product (30 grams)

-Sleek packaging

NEGATIVES
-Price ($30)

In conclusion, the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in "Soft and Gentle" is an expensive purchase but if you have a little extra money and are looking to splurge, I can't recommend it enough. It is a blogger favorite for a reason and I know (as much as it would hurt my wallet) that when I run out, I'm going to have to rush out and repurchase. I don't think my makeup routine would be complete without it. 

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