Lancome Rose Fresque Blush Review, Photos & Swatches!

Lancome Rose Fresque Blush Subtil

Lancome Rose Fresque Blush ($30) is described on the Lancome website as a dusty, rosey pink. It has a bit of a plummy tone to it, yet it's pretty neutral overall. It doesn't get very ruddy on the cheeks, so it will work well for cooler skin tones, and it doesn't pull too purple, so it will equally flatter warm skin. *Please bear in mind that the blush featured in this post is a sample size, so it is much smaller and doesn't include a brush.

One helpful way of picking out a good neutral for your coloring is by having a look at your natural lip color. Our lip color differs from skin tone to skin tone - look for tones of red, purple and pink. My natural lip color is a light-medium, rosy pink with a hint of red. A similar shade would flatter my cheeks. Always remember that "nude" or "neutral" differs with every shade of skin.  

The consistency is very soft, and it's not overly pigmented, so it provides a soft wash of color to the cheeks. I like using a soft, fluffy blush brush such as the Real Techniques Blush Brush, and lightly tap and swirl the color on my cheeks.

It has a soft, natural matte finish that doesn't look dull or powdery.

(Full Size Lancome Blush Subtil)

Here is Rose Fresque on my cheek. Please excuse the glitter on my cheeks; it was fall-out from my eyeshadow.

Comparisons:

From left to right: Lancome Rose Fresque Blush, Milani Sweet Rose Minerals Blush, NYX Dusty Rose Blush, Tarte Exposed Amazonian Clay Blush, MAC Coygirl Blush and MAC Blushbaby Blush.

NYX Dusty Rose is a really good, cheap alternative - it's slightly deeper and more pigmented, but gives the same effect on the cheeks.

Overall, it's a very nice blush, but it's not a shade that's so unique where you wouldn't be able to find an alternative. It's a very common shade, and because it works well with most skin tones, just about every brand has a shade like it. I really like the way it looks on my cheeks, and I can see myself reaching for it often.

I don't have too much experience with Lancome Blush. I only own one other shade (Bronze Escapade - which I believe was limited edition) and it's equally as soft and easy to blend. But overall, Lancome seems to have nothing but high ratings when it comes to the Blush Subtil. The shade 'Miel Glace' seems to be a very popular choice for a natural, nude pinky-peach.

Lancome also recently launched the Blush Subtil Palette ($42), which contains one blush, highlight and contour shade.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Will work on a variety of skin tones.
• Soft, blendable texture.
• Has the right amount of pigment for a blush - it's somewhat sheer with one layer, but is very buildable. I usually build two thin layers.
• Natural Finish
• Long-lasting
• Nice packaging (the full size), it's thin and compact and comes with a mirror and brush.

Cons:

• Color-wise, it's easily dupable 
• It's a bit expensive for the amount of product you receive ($30 for 0.18 oz) compared to MAC ($20, 0.21 oz) or Nars ($28, 0.16 oz).

Price: $30, Lancome. To find a Lancome counter near you, click here.

MAC Blossom Culture Sheen Supreme Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

MAC Blossom Culture Sheen Supreme Lipstick

MAC Blossom Culture Sheen Supreme Lipstick ($16) is described on the MAC website as a soft pink with (white) pearl. It has a hint of coral, so it will work exceptionally well on warm skin tones. It's semi-opaque, and seems to enhance my natural lip color, while bringing a little bit of color to my face. It's a natural shade, making it great for daily wear, yet the hint of coral adds a little bit more. I think it's a great summer shade and will pair well with bronzed cheeks and pinky-coral blush!

If you aren't familiar with MAC Sheen Supremes, they are an ultra-creamy, moisturizing formula with a shiny finish. In some ways, they kind of remind me of the texture of Revlon Lip Butters (but creamier) — they feel like a soft, creamy lip balm, yet the coverage is opaque.

I love MAC Lipstick, and I'm crazy about Sheen Supremes. If you're a MAC fiend like myself, I urge you to check them out. I'm sure you'll fall in love too!

MAC Blossom Culture on my lips.

Here are a few comparisons to similar lipstick shades:

MAC Blossom Culture Sheen Supreme Lipstick, NYX Pumpkin Pie Round Lipstick, MAC Everhip Lipstick, Wet n Wild Within these Adobe Walls Megashield Lipstick and MAC Cut-a-Caper Lipstick.


Blossom Culture closely resembles MAC Everhip and Cut-a-Caper, but it's a bit more muted on the lips, whereas Everhip and Cut-a-Caper are a bit more vibrant.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Fairly opaque color.
• Creamy texture, that feels great on the lips.
• Moisturizing formula  — no lip balm needed! Doesn't dry my lips out. 
• Although the lipstick is very soft, the packaging design makes the lipstick break-proof  —  it's a chapstick-like design, so the product is right smack against the inside of the tube. Therefore, the lipstick won't break from the base, slant, etc, which you may experience with MAC Creamsheen Lipticks and other soft formulas.
• Contains more product (3.6g/0.12 oz) than the standard MAC lipstick (3g/0.1 oz). 
• Eligible for Back to MAC!

Cons:

• None!

Price: $16, MAC. 

MAC Blossom Culture Sheen Supreme Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

MAC Blossom Culture Sheen Supreme Lipstick

MAC Blossom Culture Sheen Supreme Lipstick ($16) is described on the MAC website as a soft pink with (white) pearl. It has a hint of coral, so it will work exceptionally well on warm skin tones. It's semi-opaque, and seems to enhance my natural lip color, while bringing a little bit of color to my face. It's a natural shade, making it great for daily wear, yet the hint of coral adds a little bit more. I think it's a great summer shade and will pair well with bronzed cheeks and pinky-coral blush!

If you aren't familiar with MAC Sheen Supremes, they are an ultra-creamy, moisturizing formula with a shiny finish. In some ways, they kind of remind me of the texture of Revlon Lip Butters (but creamier) � they feel like a soft, creamy lip balm, yet the coverage is opaque.

I love MAC Lipstick, and I'm crazy about Sheen Supremes. If you're a MAC fiend like myself, I urge you to check them out. I'm sure you'll fall in love too!

MAC Blossom Culture on my lips.

Here are a few comparisons to similar lipstick shades:

MAC Blossom Culture Sheen Supreme Lipstick, NYX Pumpkin Pie Round Lipstick, MAC Everhip Lipstick, Wet n Wild Within these Adobe Walls Megashield Lipstick and MAC Cut-a-Caper Lipstick.


Blossom Culture closely resembles MAC Everhip and Cut-a-Caper, but it's a bit more muted on the lips, whereas Everhip and Cut-a-Caper are a bit more vibrant.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Fairly opaque color.
• Creamy texture, that feels great on the lips.
• Moisturizing formula  � no lip balm needed! Doesn't dry my lips out. 
• Although the lipstick is very soft, the packaging design makes the lipstick break-proof  �  it's a chapstick-like design, so the product is right smack against the inside of the tube. Therefore, the lipstick won't break from the base, slant, etc, which you may experience with MAC Creamsheen Lipticks and other soft formulas.
• Contains more product (3.6g/0.12 oz) than the standard MAC lipstick (3g/0.1 oz). 
• Eligible for Back to MAC!

Cons:

• None!

Price: $16, MAC. 

Dolce and Gabbana Darling Passion Duo Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

 Dolce and Gabbana Darling Passion Duo Lipstick

Dolce and Gabbana Passion Duo Lipstick ($34) is a 2-in-1 hybrid of rich cream color and satin gloss. The outside lipstick layer provides most of the color, while the middle gloss layer provides shine. Darling is a glistening, warm peachy-pink with a cotton candy pink center. It's a lipstick that falls in the natural/nude category, and one that I find to be very sophisticated. It has light pigmentation (buildable) and leaves my lips glowing!

Although it's not the first time this type of design has been created, and with my personal experiences, 2-in-1 products tend to be failures (usually exceeding in one aspect and falling short in the other) - automatically I think of cream blushes that "can also be used on the lips", which usually ends up in dry, shriveled lips, but perfectly stained cheeks. Well, my good ol' friend D&G hit the nail on the head with the passion duo lipsticks, as the overall formula isn't anything short of fabulous.

The formula is silky smooth and feels great on the lips. The moisturizing ingredients in this lipstick seem to sink into my lips quite well without further drying them out.

The lipstick does have a noteworthy scent/taste of roses. Although it's not crazy strong, it's there. Imagine the scent of Guerlain Meteorites on your lips - that's exactly what it's like.

Darling is actually one of the sheerer passion duos, so the lasting power is very average. I've read that the more pigmented (darker) colors stick around much longer. If you're looking for a sexy, warm red, check out Incognito. (View Crystalis007 review & lip swatch - omg!)

D&G Darling Lipstick on my lips.

To be completely honest, I was hoping to of course like this lipstick, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I do. Lucky for me,  I'll be suffering many sleepless nights thinking about all of the other shades I'd like to snatch up, and how empty it would leave my poor wallet. At least I'll have gloriously glowing lips, though... Just kidding, But really, these are definitely worth checking out if you happen to ever run across a D&G counter.

The packaging is a classy, pale gold metal tube. It's slim and slightly weighty, and reflective of the hefty price tag. 

(Image Credit)

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Gorgeous Color! Despite it being a fairly light nude, it actually brings color to my face rather than making my face look dull  - which many nudes tend to do.
• Creamy formula that glides on the lips with ease.
• Is surprisingly moisturizing on it's own - I don't need an additional lip balm.
• Feels smooth and comfortable on the lips.
• Appealing packaging design.

Cons:

• Takes several coats to achieve full coverage.
• Isn't particularly long-wearing, though it doesn't claim to be. Wear time can differ with shades. Being Darling is light and somewhat sheer, it's lasting power is inferior to bolder, more opaque shades. 
• The center wears down quicker than the outer ring with continued use.
• Scented - although I stopped noticing it after the first couple of uses.

Price: $34, Saks.

Have you tried any D&G makeup? Do share!!

Dolce and Gabbana Provocative Blush Review, Photos and Swatches!

Dolce and Gabbana Provocative Luminous Cheek Colour

Dolce and Gabbana Provocative Luminous Cheek Colour ($44) is a mid-tone cool pink (bubblegum pink) powder blush with a matte finish. Although it has cool undertones, I don't find it to be overly cool, and would be suitable for warm and cool skin tones. Obviously I have very warm, medium skin, and it works well on me without leaning purple or appearing ashy.

I've also worn this blush after my faux tan has faded, and on light skin, it gives a natural flush to the cheeks. It's a bit reminiscent of the pink hue the cheeks would turn on fair skin after a light jog. While running errands yesterday, I had to stop a couple of times in the mirror and admire how pretty it is!

The texture is smooth and very finely milled, so there shouldn't be any problems with blending.

The pigmentation is good - just where you'd want a bright blush like this to be, so you won't end up over-doing it. It's always best to lightly tap the blush with your brush and apply it to your cheeks, and go back for more if necessary, rather than going full-force at once.

I'm always drawn to anything pink in makeup and coincidentally, anything gold. Although this shade isn't incredibly unique - there are SO many shades out there that are similar, but I couldn't resist a little D&G!

The blush is housed in a rounded-square pale gold metal compact (although it's only metal on the outside, plastic on the inside) complete with a large mirror and brush. It's completely functional - slim and not too heavy for travel. The only problem is that because it's so reflective, it holds fingerprints easily. It does come with a velvet sleeve if you're particular about keeping your compact clean. The brush included is very soft and works okay, but it's a little too small for my cheeks, and I'd probably won't make much use of it. It actually works well as a highlighter brush to apply a highlight precisely to the top of the cheekbones, as the brush is small and flat.

Here are a few comparisons to other cool pink blushes-

From left to right: Dolce and Gabbana Provocative Blush, Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush, Nars Angelika Blush, Illamasqua Promise Cream Blush, Kevyn Aucoin Hot Pink Liquifuschia, MAC Subtle Breeze Mineralize Blush (LE) and MAC Dame Blush.

Close-ups in the same order as above-

Dolce and Gabbana Powder blush contains 5g/0.17 oz of product for $44. It's not the best value in terms of the amount of product you get for the price when compared to it's competitors; Chanel Blush contains 0.21 oz/$43, Christian Dior contains 0.26/$42, Nars contains 0.16 oz/$28 and Bobbi Brown contains 0.13 oz/$25. The list goes on, but the majority of the brands contain more bang for your buck. So ultimately, it all depends on your personal preferred brand.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Beautiful compact that reflects the price, and brand-name. It's functional and slim for travel. 
• Very soft, finely milled texture that makes blending easy.
• Although the finish is matte, it doesn't look ashy or dull on my skin.
• Gorgeous shade for pink lovers - not overly cool, works on warm or cool skin.
• Good color pay-off - it's pigmented, but not overly pigmented (won't leave you looking like a clown)

Cons:

• The color isn't very unique - there really isn't any need to spend $44 on this blush as there are far many other choices for similar shades at a lower cost (although I don't own any exact duplicates)
• The packaging holds fingerprints and gets scratched easily - though can be avoided by storing it in the velvet pouch included.
• It's not the best value, though it doesn't particularly bother me because I'll most likely never finish this blush anyway (I have far too many blushes to finish any of them for that matter)

Price: $44, Saks.

Spotted Maybelline Define-a-brow Eyebrow Pencil at Dollar Tree!

I know the Maybelline Define-a-Brow has been a drugstore brow-filler favorite among many of us (including myself) and was shocked to see it on the rack at my local Dollar Tree today. There were at least twenty of them, all in the shade Dark Brown. Many have compared this pencil to the MAC Eye Brows retractable brow pencil - I agree!

Apparently Maybelline hasn't discontinued the product, but they discontinued the shade "Deep Brown", which confuses me because I'd assume it'd be a popular shade for dark brunettes.

I think they're trying to re-direct consumers to their newer brow product, the Maybelline Master Shape Brow Pencil, and won't be surprised if they get rid of Define-a-Brow all together. They aren't really comparable products, I like both, but Define-a-Brow has an advantage, as it's retractable (no sharpening) and the product has a small tip (for precise shaping of the brows). Maybelline Master Shape has to be sharpened frequently and due to the soft waxy texture of the pencil, you can't get a very sharp point.

I know stock of discontinued cosmetics will differ from location to location, but I just wanted to make sure you were all aware that you might be able to spot this pencil at Dollar Tree. It's regularly around $8, for only $1 at Dollar Tree - very well worth it!!

My eyebrow before and after it has been filled in with Maybelline Define-a-Brow in Dark Brown.

For additional reviews for this product, check out Makeupalley!

Happy Shopping!

Wet n Wild Megalast 2% Milk and Milani Lavender Jewel FX Nail Polish!

I love anything that sparkles, and when I spot a pretty glitter polish, it's pretty hard for me to not toss it in my cart. Despite the P.I.T.A. glitter polishes are to remove, I think they're so much fun! Milani has a big variety of glitter polishes to choose from. If you like smaller, more uniform glitter, you have to check out the Holographic and One Coat Glitter polishes. But if you're a fan of large, chunky glitter, the Jewel FX polishes are for you.

I recently picked up Milani Lavender Jewel FX Nail Lacquer, and decided to experiment a little bit with it today. I painted some glitter tips, and thought I'd quickly share my NOTD!

I used three coats of Wet n Wild 2% Milk, two coats of Milani Lavender Jewel FX and then used the Milani Art of Silver Nail Art polish to create a silver, glittery line across the tip.

From the left to right: Wet n Wild 2% Milk Megalast Nail Color, Milani Art of Silver Nail Art Nail Lacquer and Milani Lavender Jewel FX Nail Lacquer.

Wet n Wild 2% Milk is one of my frequently used "no polish" polish. Most sheer, light nail polishes apply streaky, but because of the thick, flat brush of the Megalast polishes, it yields minimal streaks. I've gone through so many Essie polishes, and haven't liked any of them. This one is only $2 and it beats them all! I also like using Sugar Coat for a pinker alternative.

I think I might get a couple more of the Jewel FX polishes. They are great glitters to use for a statement nail, as the glitter is really chunky and metallic - it almost gives off a foiled look.

Milani Quick Flash Haute Flash Full Coverage Shimmer Lipgloss Review!

Milani Quick Flash Haute Flash Lipgloss

Milani Haute Flash Lipgloss ($7.49) is a new lipgloss range from Milani providing full coverage color with an extra shiny finish. It's non-tacky and won't won't feather; meaning, it will stay on your lips and won't travel outside your lip line.

There are six (6) shades available: Hot Flash, Flashy, In a Flash, Star Flash, Golden Flash and Quick Flash. A couple of the shades caught my eye, but I was the most drawn to Quick Flash.

Quick Flash is a light-med pink (I can't decide whether it's a warm or cool pink, it's somewhere in between) filled with a mixture of white and pink shimmer. If you don't like shimmer, steer clear because these contain lots of shimmer.

Some of the shades in this range are more pigmented than others, and Quick Flash happens to be the sheerest. I was a bit disappointed because with the claims of being "full coverage", I was expecting a liquid lipstick type of gloss, and it just didn't deliver. It's very buildable though, and with two coats, it provides a nice medium coverage on my rosy lips.

Milani Quick Flash on my lips.

The gloss itself feels comfortable on the lips. There is a slight grit because of all of the shimmer, but the gloss itself is thick and moisturizing that it doesn't bother me. The consistency reminds me a bit of the Revlon Mineral Lipglazes; slightly thick, non-sticky, non-drying. I can see that's why these won't feather, because for a lipgloss, they aren't at all runny.

I love the way the gloss looks on my lips, and I feel like the formula and shimmer actually makes my lips look a little fuller. 

One thing I figured is worth a mention, for some reason after I've applied the gloss to my lips I feel a slight tingling-heat for the first couple of minutes - almost like it's a mild plumper? It's very subtle and goes away, but I'm assuming it's a very mild reaction to an ingredient in the gloss. I've had no side effects (such as dried out lips, swelling, or anything of the sort). I haven't read that anyone else experienced this, as results will vary from person to person with any cosmetic product.

Overall though, I'm pretty pleased with this gloss and I think it's an awesome every-day pink that can be worn alone, or tossed over top any pink lipstick.

The Round-Up
Pros:

• A great every day color that can be worn alone or over top any pink lipstick
• Keeps my lips moisturized - doesn't dry them out
• Makes my lips very shiny and appear fuller
• Good lasting power - it's still there after a few hours

Cons:

• Feels slightly gritty at first, but goes away shortly after
• Isn't full coverage like the claims

Price: $7.49, CVS, ULTA or your local store that carries Milani.

Bobbi Brown Burnt Sugar Eyeshadow Review, Eye Look, Photos and Swatches!

Bobbi Brown Burnt Sugar Eyeshadow

Bobbi Brown Burnt Sugar Metallic Eyeshadow ($21) is described as a deep, golden brown. Although I would categorize it as more of a medium, golden brown as it's not dark at all on the lids. In the pan, the color looks very neutral - almost like a taupe brown, but on the skin, the golden tones appear. It's not really a yellow/orange golden, it's rather a bronze.

Although it's not all that unique, I don't own any exact dupes. The closest matches are MAC Tempting and Urban Decay Smog, but both are slightly deeper and warmer.

I've had this shadow for a couple of years now, and reach for it every now and then for a quick eye look. I'm all about simplicity when it comes to my everyday eye makeup, and I love shades that work well solo and give off the "illusion" that I'm wearing more than one shadow, and that it took me more than 30 seconds to complete the look. Burnt Sugar is one of those shades that you can wipe across your lids, apply a little mascara and be done with it. In fact, I don't think I've ever worn this shadow with anything else.

Bobbi Brown Burnt Sugar applied (packed heavily) all over the lid, stopping slightly above the crease, and smudged on the lower lashline. Then, used a tapered blending brush to blend out the edges and slightly bring the shadow upward, toward the brows. MAC Nylon Eyeshadow applied to the brow bone and inner corner for a highlight.

I can't say much on Bobbi Brown Eyeshadows as a whole, because I've only tried a couple. I'm not sure if the quality can differ from shade to shade (like MAC - some are softer, more/less pigmented, etc) but I can vouch that Burnt Sugar is very smooth, applies just the same, and is super pigmented.

A heavy and light swatch of Bobbi Brown Burnt Sugar

With many of Bobbi Brown's products, you don't exactly get a lot of bang for your buck. $21 might seem like a lot for an eyeshadow, but if you look at how much product you're getting (0.10 oz), you're getting exactly double the amount of product as a MAC eyeshadow (0.05 oz, $15) and Urban Decay (0.05 oz, $18) as well as many other brands. Nars Eyeshadow contains 0.07 oz of product for $24.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Gorgeous shade for the brown lovers out there
• Isn't overly warm, so those with cooler skin tones can enjoy Burnt Sugar as well
• Soft texture
• Easy to blend
• Pigmented - easy to build from sheer to opaque (for the fullest coverage, try using a primer)
• Great value
• Functional packaging - small, slim and lightweight; ideal for travel

Cons:

• None!

Price: $21, Bobbi Brown, Sephora or your local Bobbi Brown counter.