The Drugstore Wonder - Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream SPF 15

The Asian continent used to be the primary producer of high quality and high performance skin-perfecting BB Creams. The main characteristic of these "real deals"  is the unique combination of skin-loving ingredients, replenishing minerals and skin-perfecting sheer tint, which when combined not only even out your skin-tone but also work to heal any skin imperfections. Essentially the BB Cream can be classified as sheer makeup that covers, polishes and ultimately cares for your skin - all at the same time! Most BB Creams are suitable for all skin types but acne-prone will especially benefit from the blemish treatment found in almost every formula. 

The Western world definitively had to be schooled in the formulation of these makeup-skincare hybrid wonders which of course led to a whole slew of brands tripping over themselves to release their own signature BB Creams formulas. 

Having used some of the popular Korean BB Creams with wonderful results I was curious to see how the Western formulas compared to their original predecessors, counting availability as one of the obvious perks for someone who prefers instant access to beauty  products as opposed to tracking things on Ebay

The Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream ($12.99) came highly recommended by a lot of beauty bloggers and after testing it for a few weeks now I can definitively join the Garnier Rave Choir. This particular dermatologist tested Garnier BB Cream comes in three shades - Fair, Medium/Deep and Dark. 

Official Description;

Save time with just one multi-benefit product that offers advanced skincare + immediate skin perfecting coverage. This hybrid formula renews radiance, brightens complexion, evens skin tone, hydrates and protects with SPF15 UVA/UVB sunscreen. Get results you can see and feel instantly.

Ingredients;

Active: Octinoxate 4%. Inactive: Water, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Nylon-12, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Stearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Caprylyl Glycol, Lithum Magnesium Sodium Silicate, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Caffeine, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Polyphosphorylcholine Glycol Acrylate, Citral, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate. [May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides].

Garnier claims that their BB Cream will renew, brighten, hydrate, even and protect your complexion from the damaging sun rays, preventing hyper-pigmentation and contributing some basic anti-aging abilities.

I am not entirely convinced that this formula actually renews anything but I can certainly vouch for the brightening, hydrating, protecting and skin-tone evening promises. 

I would place this makeup hybrid between a light coverage foundation and a tinted moisturizer leaning more towards the latter. The finish it gives off is very reminiscent of a tinted moisturizer as it's more of a dewy glow. The formula is very hydrating and so much so that I would only recommend using this if you have combination, normal or dry skin. 

Its creamy consistency and texture is very easy to blend though not buildable. After testing it for a few days (and paying attention!) I've come to the conclusion that the dewy glow lasts about six hours without any fading, melting or blotchiness, however the longevity increases to about eight to ten hours with just a light dusting of setting powder.

I should mention that the liquid has a subtle floral scent that dissipates within about 5 minutes of application, which means that even those sensitive to fragrance scents can use it comfortably with no irritation. 

Overall, it's a winner in my book. It's ideal for lightweight weekend wear, falling into the category of "my skin but better" radiance boosting type of product. 

In my opinion the Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfecter BB Cream SPF 15 ($12.99) is comparable to a lot of other higher-priced Asian BB Cream and the fact that its sold in almost every drugstore chain makes it even more appealing!

Have you tried the Garnier BB Creams? Do you have a favorite BB Cream? Please share! 

Thank you for reading and stopping by!

XOXO

ANJA

What Would Andrea Bring To the Zombie Apocalypse? The Beauty Edition!

Judging by the amount of messages, tweets and page views I received about my Zombie Apocalypse Beauty Edition Posts there are some really hard-core Walking Dead fans who like yours truly take their beauty routines seriously.
That being said my beauty goals for the End Of the World are most likely way more complicated than it would be reasonably feasible to accomplish and stay alive at the same time but hey at least we have an ambitious plan to start out with.
It doesnt hurt to be prepared!

In today's exploration of the grossly challenging world of the Walking Dead and my shameless snooping contemplation of the contents of the impressively strong leading ladies of that particular reality, I am revealing some of the beauty secrets the late Andrea might have been harboring.

Andrea was one of those characters that took a while to grow on me and with each episode I found myself rooting for her but more than anything else I started to understand her drive to transform herself as a strong member of the group. She refused to confine herself to the traditional female role in such a society dynamic and essentially pushed against what some may have expected her to do with a determination to become strong on her own. I know a lot of people disliked her attitude perhaps but I found it extremely refreshing to see her pull herself from the depths of despair and rise to become a woman who didnt need a man to protect her or speak for her. In season 3 she showed that she didnt need to wear her "female nurturing nature" for all to see in order to try and protect those closest to her. The death of her surrogate father, Dale, inspired Andrea to honor his memory and his life by reeling in her anger and regaining her humanity in her own way. Some may have found her frustrating but I found her inspirational. Her death was heartbreaking to say the the least but Laurie Holden portrayed the character with such heart and deep passion that I am sure her many fans will never forget her time on the TV screen.
Plus she awesome enough to get her very own action figure!

Andrea might have been the clear tomboy of the ladies circle in the Walking Dead group but her "California girl", blond-blue eyed striking brand of beauty were clear signs that she knew exactly how to enhance her feminine assets to turn heads. I am sure her cosmetics bag was definitively present each and every day, even though her natural good looks didnt need all that much help!

1. Andrea hit the beauty genetic jackpot that much is clear but one of the features I admired the most was the state of her beautiful golden locks. Her hair was absolutely perfectly styled, glossy and bouncy during the Zombie Apocalypse and her entire look seemed completely effortless no matter what disgusting situation she might have found herself in. While she was with her original family group the resident drugstore runner Glenn would have provided her with certain hair products that she could discreetly use in between watch duty and her favorite past time - gun practice. The sweetly scented and extremely portable Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme could have softened and defined her curls effortlessly, while the classic Sun-In-Hair Lightener enhanced her naturally blonde crown of glory!
Unless Maggie and Hercshel had some lemon trees on that farm!

2. I have already voiced my extreme jealousy of these girls perfect complexion's despite the lack of regular water access and constant dirty situations so I wont repeat myself too much. When the circumstances were right and they had a chance to stop and rest from all those walker runs Andrea would have once again relied on poor Glenn to pick up some heavy duty drugstore wipes to take all that grime off. My recommendation would have been a package of Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes when they were on the move but in Woodberry where she briefly partook in the luxuries only the Governor could offer something like the Philosophy Purity Made Simple could have been beside her sink.

3. With her naturally sun-kissed skin-tone and adorably slight freckles Andrea would have learned early on in her beauty journey the importance of protecting your skin with high SPF sunscreen formulas. The mere urgency of their run-from-the-undead lives would have required a no-fuss, quick makeup application so a drugstore tinted moisturizer with a built in SPF would have been perfect. Lucky for her Glenn is an expert at scavenging all kinds of supplies and Aveno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 and Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream SPF 15 are pretty much everywhere.

4. Andrea's features certainly didnt need all that much help when it comes to enhancing or contouring but I have a feeling that the sun-kissed glow look she was sporting all three seasons was achieved by a small amount of non-shimmery bronzer. Again time is of the essence when there are so many dead things to kill so fussy blending and touch ups were not exactly the safest way to spend your spare time but a powder formula only takes a few seconds to apply even when you are on the fly. Great drugstore bronzers that are actually suitable for fair skin-tones are Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow and Rimmel Natural Bronzer

5. We all know how much Andrea loved her guns and craved the protection that only comes with the power of such a weapon. Her wish ultimately came true and even though she almost killed Daryl in the process her skills improved more than anyone ever expected.
The overwhelming grimy and sticky environment that is the Walking Dead would have been hard to deal with for any girl so I am thinking that whenever the opportunity presented itself the hand washing would have been pretty furious. We all know what happens when you over-wash your hands - drying out, irritation, redness and a very uncomfortable tight feeling on the skin surface. The solution to this seemingly minor problem would of course be to moisturize the skin with an uber rich, hydrating hand cream.
However our girl couldnt exactly afford to have slick, greasy hands when the need to kill something is almost constant. The gun slipping out of your hands is the ultimate Walker killing fauxpa! Lucky for her there are plenty of amazing hand creams that absorb quickly and hydrate efficiently enough to make Andrea's hands soft enough to caress both that sociopath Governor Philip and her beloved shotgun.
The hand cream shopping list should definitively include Glysomed Unscented Hand Cream and my personal favorite EOS Berry Blossom Hand Cream

I hope you enjoyed this secret and certainly uncharacteristic look into Andrea's makeup bag.
Laurie Holdens portrayal of this independent woman whose fight for survival and courage throughout the series deserves more than a little recognition and praise.
Andrea stood along all of her male counterparts with the same conviction and bravery they had but unlike them her heart and compassion is what I noticed and celebrated the most.

She was cool enough for me to get my very own first action figure and that to me says a lot!

I hope you enjoyed my little investigation! Thank you for reading and stopping by!

What do you think Andrea brought along for her journey!

XOXO

ANJA

What Would Laurie Grimes Bring To the Zombie Apocalypse? The Beauty Edition!

First of all I want to thank all of you who took the time to message me regarding my last post - The Princess Guide To the Zombie Apocalypse! I am so glad that so many of you loved it and wanted to hear even more Princeza thoughts regarding the vanity I could bring to such a scary dead-people-walking phenomenon. My ability to over-complicate everything seems to have absolutely no bounds!

In order to explore the girly role in such a horrific disaster of disgusting rotten flesh walking around I thought it might be fun to take a peek in our leading ladies makeup bags. I am not ashamed to admit that I am a terrible beauty snoop so it's only natural to me to want to know what the ladies of the Walking Dead considered a must-have during such a chaotic time!
As crazy as things might have gotten during that kind of devastation you know they had to have taken at least something to remind them of their past normal "feminine" lives. It doesn't take that long to stash a few tubes in a purse, right???

In today's installment we are going sneak a few proverbial looks at the makeup bags of one the series fabulous characters that met her demise way too early and in the most heartbreaking of ways. She might have ended up as Walker chow but her loyal Walking Dead fans certainly haven't forgotten her stoic, painful memory.
In true beauty blogger fashion I decided to have a little fun with this and dispel some of the doom and gloom that is their blood-curdling reality. This really is meant just for entertainment purposes so please don't hate-bomb me over this post or the character herself!

Laurie Grimes is arguably one of the most hated and misunderstood characters to ever grace the AMC'S Walking Dead screen but one thing we can all agree on is that she was indeed very beautiful.
I am not talking about that stunning look-at-her kind of bombshell beauty, her looks were more understated with all but a whisper of classic girl-next-door features everyone can relate to. If it wasn't for her obviously terrible taste in men and perceivable minor character flaws she could have been our best friend, sister or that pretty neighbor from across the street. 

I don't want to dwell on her mistakes and shortcoming, my only purpose here is to take a quick snapshot of her makeup survival bag. My snooping was kind of successful and I managed to get some information about what she sneakily used in that tent at Herschel Green's Farm.

1. Laurie's long and thick hair obviously needed some serious conditioning, de tangling and frizz-smoothing. Seeing how Glenn Rhee only made scavenging trips to the drugstores (what no Sephora?) her choices were limited but she made do. I am betting on John Frieda Frizz Ease or Brilliant Brunette Line Up. That Extra-Strength Formula Hair Serum could have worked wonders despite the hot, drying weather in Atlanta, Georgia.

2. All of the The Walking Dead ladies had a perfect, blemish-free complexion despite the obvious lack of Clarisonic access and regular face washing. Yeah, I was jealous - my skin would not fare well at all and a pore rebellion would be a foot  in a matter of days. The drugstore wonder by Simple Skincare would have been very successful and useful in Laurie's tent.

3. For those of you that watch the Walking Dead you already know that Laurie was pregnant, which is a state she finally accepted after a few unfortunate mishaps,  so I am assuming she made some paraben-free, baby friendly cosmetic choices. Light mineral makeup would have worked perfectly to even out the skin-tone without interfering with that special "glow" that comes with that blissful state. 

Glenn would have picked up some Maybelline Mineral Power Powder Foundation at most drugstores easily. 

4. Laurie never struck me as a high-maintenance girl (unlike yours truly) but nobody likes chapped, cracked lips, especially with all the kissing going around (just sayin!) . Pregnancy friendly and drugstore accessible choice would have been the fun little EOS Lip Balm spheres

5. Pregnancy in real-life and during the Zombie Apocalypse comes with its own body changes and in turn challenges that need regular attention. Naturally thin women like Laurie are no exception so she too might have been plagued by unsightly stretch marks. Luckily both Palmer's Cocoa Butter & Oil are easy to locate and apply. 

To all my fellow Walking Dead and Caryl fans I hope that this little glimpse in to the cosmetic world of the late Laurie Grimes gave you a little more light-hearted look into the gloomy atmosphere that the show has taken since the season started.
There is always next weekend! The Walking Dead airs every Sunday at 10 pm Atlantic Eastern Time
Stay tuned for more character Beauty Editions to come shortly? 

I am stalking Andrea's bag as we speak! 

What do you think Laurie had in her bag?

Thank you for reading!

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. The adorable and equally morbid cosmetics bag can be purchased here! 

Sponge Worthy? The Original Beautyblender - Hype or a Game-changer?

I am not a true believer when it comes to the "necessity" of investing in expensive makeup tools. As much as I respect brands such as MAC, Chanel or NARS I am yet to be convinced of the superiority of their pricy makeup brush collections. That being said I do own a few expensive, highly recommended pieces myself however the ones I reach for are usually from the reasonably priced, high quality brands such as EcoTools or Sigma. 

Based on experiences such as that one and the fact that I have fallen for the beauty hype numerous times before I was very hesitant when it came to acquiring the cult beauty sponge by Beautyblender. My determination to avoid another purchase mistake held up for a lot longer than I expected and its actually only recently that my curiosity got the better of me and I finally caved. 

The price for us Canadians is a high $26.00 for one or $33.00 for two and the kit that includes the special cleansing agent is a whopping $50.00, making this to be a significantly high end purchase, especially when you realize that what you are getting is basically just a cool shaped, pink sponge. 

I will admit that once my Sephora order came in and I had a chance to examine this must-have makeup tool, my initial reaction was that of disappointment with just a touch of underwhelming amusement. To say I felt let-down is an understatement! 

However true to form I am now "eating my words" and I can honestly say that I judged this little wonder a little too harshly and a little too quickly. After taking a chance to experiment with proper application handling and having tried some "knock-offs" of the original Beautyblender, I can confirm what most of you already know - the pink egg sponge is a definite keeper!

Official Description;

The original beautyblender® is a revolutionary makeup sponge applicator with 360 degrees of usable surface for creating absolute complexion perfection. This five-time Allure Best of Beauty Award-winner is ergonomically designed to meet your makeup needs. beautyblender® is the first high definition, neon pink sponge application tool that gives you everything from amazingly sheer coverage to a buildable full coverage.

I have used makeup brushes, puffs and simple sponges to apply my foundation or tinted moisturizer before but my preferred method is almost always blending everything in using just my fingers. Sure it might be messy but on my skin that technique seems to translate itself into the most natural real-skin finish. 

The Beautyblender sponge comes very close to that kind of result and once I mastered the right "tapping - sweeping" motions the final look resembled very fine air-brushing. I never knew that was even a possibility! The bonus when it comes to using this sponge is that its able to finish and polish not just your base but can even be utilized with concealers, primers and even liquid or cream blush. Girls with prominent pores will be the ones to appreciate this little tool the most because not only does it seem to disguise them but also prevents caking and uneven blotchiness that can only make them look even bigger.   

I have had my Beautyblender sponge now for a little over a year and through trial and error I've developed my own little tricks when it comes to maximizing its performance. 

The first thing you need to do is wet the sponge itself until it about doubles in size. Once that happens, squeeze the excess water from it and blot in a few layers of paper towel until it feels damp. Avoid using your thumb to poke it because it might create a hole that way and damage the sponge interior - instead focus on a gentle whole hand pressure! Once you are satisfied that the sponge is not soaked anymore dip its edges into the liquid makeup base and start sweeping, patting and blending the medium on the desired area (face!). 

Everybody has their own unique ways to use anything so I have added the official Beautyblender training video that will give you the basic recommendations directly from their own genius! 

As much as I resisted this purchase at first I am now happy that I succumbed to my own curiosity. The price might be a little higher than I'd like but since this turned out to be a product I use a lot with excellent results, the investment for me was more than worth it. 

There may be significantly cheaper "knock-offs" on the market today but I haven't seen one that works quite as good as the original. Sometimes the real-thing is worth the extra expense and that is certainly true when it comes to the lovely Beautyblender. 

Plus it allows me to keep my fingers clean :-)

Have you tried the Beautyblender sponge? Or any of the other versions? 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO 

ANJA

Turning On the Light - Mastering the Dewy-Glowy Radiant Look

Even the most hard-core makeup lovers sometimes crave a natural, fresh look that emphasizes natural beauty and a softer everyday youthful feel to your overall appearance.

Don't get me wrong, as a beauty blogger and a lifetime cosmetics fan, I appreciate the variety makeup experimentation can bring to the table and what fun we can have with the transformations resulting from such play time, however I admit there are days and occasions where the non-makeup look is just easier and perhaps even more appropriate. There are beauty queens that can pull off bold, glamorous looks every single day and I have to admire their dedication but for me personally that simply isn't feasible to accomplish. I might over-complicate my beauty routines from time to time but even I have days when I just can't be bothered to follow through with all my essential "steps". 

The "natural" makeup look sounds deceptively simple and easy to preform but even such minimalist presentation needs a variety of products, time and technique to execute and perfect. Replicating the "no-makeup" look ironically requires a combination of both good skincare and you guessed it...makeup products!

The best way to get the dewy look is to have a good base to start with. What I mean by that is that having good skin in the first place, increases your odds of getting things right when it comes to this makeup style. It makes sense, if your skin is dry, uneven, dehydrated and lack-luster to begin with, you'll have much harder time accomplishing any makeup goal and this is no exception to that rule. If anything good skin condition is the most important for the "natural" look because the whole point is to use sheer cover-up products in order to allow your natural glow to shine through. 

Your regular skincare routine, including gentle cleansing, exfoliation factors and sufficient moisture levels are major players throughout that process. 

Beauties with already oily skin may have a hard time with this makeup effect for the simple reason that adding additional "glow" or "dew" to such skin types can only exasperate the "grease" problem. The silver lining for oily skin is that their skin cells produce an abundance of natural oils that can be tamed through the use (but on over-use) of oil-absorbing, mattifying products that will allow some natural dewiness to shine through and amplify the radiance everyone else is working so hard to get. 

STEP 1 - SKINCARE 

As i already mentioned, a good skincare routine created through the use of appropriate skin-loving products is going to be your best friend in developing long-term complexion radiance. Healthy skin is your best starting point but if that's not a possibility there are a few things you can do and products you can use to give your skin a boost and fake some glowy smoothness prior to actual makeup application. 

Replacing your usual, daily cleanser with a cleansing balm will allow you to gently remove skin impurities and add skin-plumping hydration just by washing your face. The ones that never let me down are the Antipodes Certified Organic Grapeseed Butter Cleanser ($42.00) and the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($70.00).

Good skin preparation following the cleansing step should include a radiance & hydration boosting serum topped by a nourishing moisturizer that will smooth out your complexion canvas and get it ready for additional products. My current favorite serums are the REN Radiance Perfection Serum ($66.00) and the Jurlique Purely Bright Radiance Serum ($72.00), which I follow with the MuLondon Organic White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer ($25.00) almost daily. Taking a few extra minutes to massage these potions into your skin will stimulate the circulation and elevate the natural radiance factor as well. 

Using a light exfoliator before preparing this "no-makeup look" such as the Melvita Foaming Facial Scrub ($30.00) can also increase your natural radiance exponentially. When I am feeling especially productive I like to use the LUSH Bubble Gum Lip Scrub ($9.95), following it immediately with my beloved By Terry Baume de Rose ($60.00) to pamper and plump up the pout. 

STEP 2 -  FACE MAKEUP 

After completing your skincare routine you can focus on completing and perfecting the makeup steps of this transformation process. I am sure many of you will be surprised just how many products I consider useful and necessary to achieve this seemingly basic "no-makeup look"! However keep in mind that even though the number of beauty items may be high, the application technique and time needed is significantly reduced so once you master the steps the look itself will be easy to replicate each time. 

Depending on your coloring, skin tone and skin condition the type of products you end up choosing will differ but as long as the "sheer" theme is the main attribute of the choices you make, the basis of your personalized natural look should remain universal. The texture and feel of your makeup base needs to be sheer and light, with the goal being a satin-like glowy, real-skin finish in order to achieve the youthful, fresh look we are pursuing. 

The first product I start with is a radiance-boosting primer, typically looking for a formula with light-reflecting particles included in the medium itself. Some excellent primers I have used in the past are Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer ($32.00), BECCA Radiance Primer ($55.00) and Elizabeth Arden Let There Be Light Radiant Skin ($19.99). I find that using a radiance boosting formula primer can add glow to the complexion in a lot more subtle way than most highlighters and since the natural look is all about subtlety and natural lights a product like that can really pull the entire look in the right direction. 

Keeping with the sheerness theme my primary choice for coverage are usually tinted moisturizers, BB creams and very sheer, lightweight foundation formulations. To keep the finish natural I apply the base with my fingers or a damp sponge making sure to blend and buff everything in to perfection. The final result should be satin-like, sheer perfecting evenness that glows and gives the illusion of a healthy radiance. The one that's been getting the most play time on my vanity lately has been the Josie Maran Argan Tinted Moisturizer ($46.00) which has been making me glow for weeks - people actually noticed! 

To amplify the dewiness even more I sometimes apply a liquid or cream highlighter to the cheekbones, brow-bones and Cupid's bow, once again making sure to blend and smooth the targeted areas. My choice for subtle, light reflecting highlighters include: Guerlain Meteorites in Mythic ($67.00), Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! ($36.00) and Illamasqua Intrigue ($32.00). 

Using a concealer where needed will add polish to your complexion, covering and neutralizing any redness or minor imperfections that the lightweight coverage of the tinted base was unable to deal with. Once again reaching for a creamy, illuminating concealer formula is your best bet and the cult classics NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30.00) and BECCA Radiant Skin Creamy Concealer ($39.00) will deal with just about anything. The hybrid formulas such as the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch ($50.00) and its budget dupe L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Lumi Concealer ($12.99) will do miracles around the eye area, illuminating and contouring all in one step. It takes some practice but with the right touch the results can be quite flattering. 

Light layer of translucent powder to set everything painstakingly applied completes the makeup base and ensures that the achieved results will last the day without smudging, melting or uneven fading. Keep in mind that the powder dust needs to be applied with a very light touch because too much product can just end up mattifying the dewy glow you were aiming for in the first place. Powders that haven't let me down and are still going strong in my stash are: Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder Quartet ($60.00), Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder ($72.00) and the trusty bareMinerals Mineral Veil ($25.00)

STEP 3 - MAKEUP BROWNIE POINTS 

Perfecting the "natural look" complexion is the key when achieving this particular makeup look because skin is where most of your radiance comes from however adding a few extra steps to just finely enhance the rest of your features can elevate your look from plain and boring to polished and youthful. 

Sheer colour, glowy blushes can add a very healthy flush to your cheeks and if applied correctly actually imitate the outdoorsy, cheeky radiance. I personally prefer cream-based blush formulas because they blend in easier than their powder counterparts and just look more natural on my face. One of my most recent discoveries are the Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blushes ($31.00) and they are perfect for faking naturally flushed cheeks. 

To maintain the no-makeup vibe the eyes can be enhanced with just a sheer wash of colour with a neutral, taupe or champagne low-shimmer shade while the lashes retain the natural look (try Benefit Cosmetics Velvet Eyeshadow, $18.00)with just a light coat of brown or clear mascara (try Sephora Collection Clear Defining Mascara, $15.00). 

Going the natural look route doesnt mean that you have to underplay your pout. Applying a sheer lip stain like the Buxom Full-On Lip Tarnish ($23.00) or a sheer balm like the L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm ($7.99) will keep your look low key but still give you a believable sheer colour to draw some attention to your lips without the stickiness of a lip gloss. 

If you have bronzer experience adding a light layer to the the areas of your face where the sun naturally hits, can chisel and emphasize your features through expert contouring. That particular step is lost on me - my limited skills just end up making me look muddy and no matter how much I want to get the natural sun-kissed look every attempt fails miserably. But I am practicing with my Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel! 

The general consensus for this natural, no-makeup, radiant, glowy look is the sheerness of everything you use. This is not about strong colors, seductive smoky eyes, bronzed goddess like cheekbones, foundation masks or statement-making red lipstick. This look is about enhancing and bringing attention to our own natural beauty - spotlighting our own uniqueness and best features all the while celebrating the youthful spirit that resides in all of us. 

Sure, makeup makeovers can be extremely fun and empowering and sometimes even the most confident girl can have trouble taking the mask off BUT stripping the artificiality of it all gives us a chance to experiment on the opposite end of the spectrum and no-makeup look is still a makeup look regardless... 

Its just softer and prettier...for me anyways!

What do you prefer - nature or glamour? 

Thank you for reading 

XOXO 

ANJA

Hydration, Tint and Luminosity In One - NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser

My skincare admiration is now well documented and it is that appreciation alone that has always drawn me towards well-formulated, skin loving tinted moisturizers. 

Products that fall into this category are essentially an extension of the basis of skincare, souped up with a bit of color to add some polish and concealment to any minor imperfections of the complexion. Tinted moisturizers are not meant to replace foundation (unless you are lucky!) nor are they suppose to replace your primary moisturizer (unless you are extremely oily) but it is exactly those two factors that represent the appeal of this product in the first place. 

Basically if you are familiar with the nature of tinted moisturizers and have appropriate expectations of what you want to achieve , the right formula can do wonders for the overall look of your skin. Choosing the right formula with the right ingredients can be somewhat tricky but once you identify THE ONE that is right for your skin, you will be able to fully appreciate its charm and benefits. Since the coverage is usually quite sheer and light, shade matching is a lot more forgivable than say a foundation, meaning that ordering one sight unseen has much higher success rates than other similar products. 

The cosmetic brand NARS  is undoubtedly one of the most popular makeup powerhouses in the blogosphere. Their innovative formulas, trend inspired colors and irresistibly cheeky branding philosophy has given NARS almost a cult like following where beauty's all around the world are tripping over themselves to acquire the regularly released limited edition collections. Personally I love and appreciate a lot of NARS products but my own limited makeup techniques prevent me from working with some of their wild color combinations, thereby limiting my brand exposure to a few core pieces. However these classic makeup selections are outstanding and well loved in my everyday, un-trendy, boring life. 

One of these NARS essentials and one of my favorites is their hype-worthy Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($49.00 for 1.9 oz). 

As a self-proclaimed tinted moisturizer connoisseur I was completely smitten after the first application and now almost a year later the love affair is still going strong! 

Official Description;

A lightweight tinted moisturizer that evens skintone and provides a translucent veil of protection. 

Infused with lush, naturally derived ingredients, this lightweight tinted moisturizer immediately helps thirsty skin feel hydrated. It has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in as little as four weeks. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections while SPF 30 adds a translucent veil of protection. 

Ingredients;

Water, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Cyclomethicone, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Stearic Acid Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Fragrance, Dimethicone/Vinyl, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisodium, Edta, Aluminum Distearate, Talc, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polysilicone-2, Vibrio Alginolyticus Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Alteromonas Ferment Filtrate, Maris Sal (Sea Salt), Hydrogen Dimethicone, Bht, Algae (Algae Extract), Sodium Metabisulfite, Curcuma Longa [Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract], Potassium Sorbate, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Linalool [+/- (May Contain): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides)].
*Made without parabens, phthalates and sulfates

As someone with a skin type a little on the dry, sensitive end of the spectrum I have come to appreciate the hydration properties of any product I use and NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer  is no exception. This particular formula caters to drier skin types in a way I haven't encountered in my experience with other brands. 

The moisture does not just sit on the surface of your skin, nor does it interfere with your primary moisturizer. The tint sinks in, blends almost effortlessly and provides a comfortable cake-free, velvety smooth canvas. The pores on my nose and cheeks are not enhanced or put on display like with some other makeup base products and the sheer coverage dries in a way that just amplifies real-skin appearance. What you are left with is a natural, radiant finish that evens out your skin, tones any redness or superficial imperfections and looks like you are wearing nothing at all. The luminosity of your very own skin is magnified to its highest level and not a trace of glittery, shimmer other "radiance" makeup bases use to attract light.

Cult Beauty Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer - Is it really worth it?

I am obviously no stranger to high end cosmetics and I certainly don't shy away from unscrupulous (even ridiculous) price tags when it comes to investing in premium quality beauty products that stand out among its counterparts. After all these years of experience navigating through the extremely over-saturated beauty industry I have come to understand that a high price point does not guarantee a good product and that hype is often driven by the brands themselves so everything needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

One of the reasons I love beauty bloggers is that with their influence and feedback, consumers now have a more trustworthy, personal guidance when it comes to purchasing these hyped-up, cult-worthy products and that is nowhere more important than in the world of high-end brands.
Reviews by real-world girls can give a much clearer picture on a beauty product than any brand ambassador, magazine, advertorial or cleverly put together public relations team. Advice like that is invaluable and reaches its full potential in the world of online shopping when products are ordered sight unseen and shipping returns are nothing but a hassle.

Cle de Peau Beaute is one of those mythical unicorn kind of niche brands that constantly receives huge raves across the blogosphere but is extremely hard to come by or locate in person especially in North America. It had gotten my attention years ago but the really high price tag always made me hesitate in actually going through with the online order. After all we are talking about a $90.00 concealer here - I felt like I had to be sure or at least get color-matched at a counter before taking the plunge! Despite my reluctance and deeply rooted hesitation I was extremely intrigued by the star of their line up - the Concealer ($80.00 for 0.17 oz), especially after reading so many rave reviews and accolades from several trusted beauty gurus!

I am extremely lucky that certain lovely people in my life consult or keep track of my beauty wish list so upon opening a birthday gift I realized the object of my affection had finally arrived. The Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer shade that the giftee selected for me was Ivory and to my delight I realized that the colour match could not have been more perfect!
To say I was excited is the understatement of the century! I couldnt wait to see if this was as amazing as everyone else seems to think!

Official Description;
A perennial makeup-artist favorite, Clé de Peau Beauté concealer is highly editorialized and continues to win major awards year after year.
- Enhanced with Revitalizing Moisture Complex to lock in moisture and smooth out texture.
- Blends sublimely to expertly conceal dark circles, spots and imperfections.
- High-performance powders ensure flawless skin in any light, providing maximum coverage with a smooth, even finish that does not crease.

Ingredients;

Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cyclomethicone, Mica, Kaolin, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Paraffin, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Polyethylene, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Glycerin, Barium Sulfate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina), Peg-10 Dimethicone, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Water (Aqua), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butylene Glycol, Polysilicone-5, Tocopherol, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminium Hydroxide, Alcohol, Aluminium Distearate, Dimethicone, Triethoxysilyethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract, Bht.

*Available in four shades: Ivory, Ocher, Beige and Honey

While nothing spectacular, the minimalist sleek black tube accented with Cle de Peau’s logo and capped with q gemstone-like blue accent has a very chic and simple feel to it - nothing gaudy or ostentatious here! I am a sucker for cute packaging but I can definitively appreciate the sophistication theme that seems to be associated with this brand. 

The thing that really matters when it comes to such a high end purchase is whats on the inside of the fancy packaging itself or at least that's part of the evaluation that was most important to me. 

The formula of the concealer is extremely creamy, easy to blend and highly pigmented. After a few uses I realized that the full potential of this product can only be achieved by thoroughly moisturizing and priming the skin prior to application. The natural suppleness of a well-cared for complexion combined with the velvety texture of the Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer minimizes any dragging of the stick and even further enhances its blend-ability and durability factor. This is especially important if you already have dry skin like me! The concealer pigments can grab on to any dry patches you may have and exponentially increase the chances of creeping and the dreaded dry crepiness after-effects. 

The high concentration of colour pigments combined with the emollient texture of the stick itself allows the concealer to be used both under the eyes and the rest of your face; covering under-eye darkness, redness, imperfections, blemishes and even broken capillaries.

What I love about it the most is that due to its creamy consistency this concealer applies evenly and smoothly, remaining malleable long enough to be patted on without settling into any fine lines during dry down. The coverage of this Cle de Peau wonder is definitively medium to high and surprisingly buildable without looking caky or chalky  like so many of its other stick cousins. The product longevity is very impressive (over nine hours) when set with powder and there is absolutely no smudging or transference once its dry.

I have never really liked any other stick-form concealers or foundations due to the thick formulation but always admired their portability and application ease. The Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer unites an easy-to-use, high performance formula with easy-to-carry convenience thereby finally making travel and on-the-go touch ups a breeze to pull off. Definitively a thrilling asset to my everyday makeup bag!

My ultimate conclusion on the Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer  is unfortunately very positive. I have scrutinized and tested out this creamy goodness for a long time now, trying constantly to identify its faults and shortcomings with ruthless vigor and conviction. Unfortunately for me and my wallet I have come to admit and recognize the superiority of this concealer formula - other than the price tag and perhaps the shade selection its pretty much perfect!

However given all the positives (and there are many!) and knowing the price I will have to pay to replace this once my precious tube is gone, I am still not prepared to identify it as an essential in my makeup collection. Its beautiful and a wonderful secret weapon in my makeup bag but with such a high price point replenishing it will be a very painful en-devour even for a makeup junkie like me.

Like I always say - you cant argue with results and the Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer absolutely delivers them across the board.
Very few products these days live up to the hype so when one does, congratulations and props are definitively in order.
Begrudgingly I admit that Yes, This Product Is Indeed Worth It!

Thank you for reading!

Have you tried the Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer! 

XOXO

ANJA

The Bronzer Of My Dreams - Soleil Tan de Chanel

I am ready to face the music and make a shocking confession about my vanity-inspired and obviously insignificant "hobby"! 

Superficial and girly things have the capacity to make me ridiculously giddy with happiness. If one of those items just happens to have the classic Chanel logo embossed on it, then the potential for excitement is almost always guaranteed. 

That kind of branding appreciation can be very dangerous for someone with low impulse control and a brief visit to the Chanel counter can often result in purchasing products purely based on the "wow" factor and with very little thought process! 

Soleil Tan de Chanel ($48.00 for 30 g) was the fruit on one such innocent browse and despite the fact that I neither use bronzers not do I know how to use one properly, somehow a tub of this classy goodness ended up on my vanity. 

It's been mocking me ever since so a few weeks ago I decided to put an end to it and give it a decent chance to impress me. 

Official Description;

The velvety finish of this light cream-gel bronzer leaves your skin with a beautiful sun-kissed look. Wear it on its own to enhance your complexion, or for a hint of outdoors radiance, over or under your favorite CHANEL Foundation.

The first thing that struck me about the Soleil Tan de Chanel was the unique sponge-like texture in the pot. 

It's best described as a creamy gel that applies velvety smooth at first, making it easy to work in to the skin, before drying to a fairly typical powdery finish.

The formula is actually pretty incredible,  both opaque and light, easy to blend allowing you to either wear it on its own or beneath a darker bronzer for contouring purposes. 

If you're looking for natural sun kissed skin (what ever your skin tone) then this is your product. There is absolutely nothing muddy about the Soleil Tan de Chanel, which is a feature I appreciate the most! 

At first I was worried that the shade itself would be too dark for my fair complexion but since this blends like a dream and has a beautiful sun-kissed effect the dreaded orange "Oompa Loompa" look is nowhere to be seen. The bronzing pigments combine with just a slight twinge of sophisticated soft shimmer particles to create a color that could be universally flattering to all! 

The one and only "flaw" of this Chanel Tub of Sunshine is that if you use a brush to apply it the slightly tacky texture of the bronzer may collect stray hairs on its surface, which is definitively not aesthetically pleasing . Choosing a non-shedding high quality brush for this solves the problem or application can be achieved differently. I find a sponge or fingers work just as well too.

I admit I was skeptical at first and even considered returning it since it was an impulse, unplanned purchase of a product I didn't know how to use properly. However I have found that the more I actually use this, the more I love it and in turn reach for it a lot more often than I could have imagined. In the summer it works to enhance my slightly tanned complexion and it's also ideal for adding a bit of a sunny glow to the skin during to colder months! 

Seeing how this is a high-end, hard to come by Chanel product I don't want to say that it's an essential part of my makeup routine. Additionally if you have experience with bronzers then I am sure you already have much cheaper dupes for this but if you are a "Bronzer Virgin" like me then give the Soleil Tan de Chanel a whirl as it's definitively very user friendly. 

Finally if it's a bit of luxury that you're looking for, then look no further. 

This stuff looks and feels like a million dollars and sometimes that's exactly what a girl needs :-)

Thank you for reading!

Have you tried Soleil Tan de Chanel? Do you have a favorite bronzer?

XOXO

ANJA

The Unfortunate Holy Grail Mascara - Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill

I didn't want to like this mascara! I was hoping that my personal philosophy when it comes to high end mascara's would hold strong, after all who in their right mind would pay a shocking $30.00

for something that needed to be replaced every three months.

I firmly believe that mascara might seem understated and unassuming but it is one of the few classic makeup products that has the uncanny ability to make a huge impact on any look you might be striving for. 

It might not be as exciting as say a colorful palette or a sensual perfume but for me it's one of the essentials I always have in my makeup bags. I can't even imagine my made-up face without at least one slick coat of mascara and a few seconds with my eye curler. 

Defining your lashes, curling them and darkening their tone can do wonders for your overall appearance and lets not forget about it boosting your flirt appeal. There is a reason they say "eyes are windows to the soul"! 

Even though I am a loyal mascara user I am not keen on investing too much in some of the higher end formulas because I believe that their drugstore versions are more than comparable. The few expensive mascara's I used disappointed my expectations after which I turned to the many cheaper options readily available at the always accessible drugstore aisles. The only gripe I've had since this conversion is the annoying habit of companies discontinuing some of my favorites. However with the constant influx of new brands and new formulas coming in I always found something new to test out and look forward to! Replacing the tube every three months is something I could stick to without guilt especially since the investment was under $10.00 each time. 

The Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara landed on to my vanity as form of a birthday present and my skepticism was the understatement of the year. Surely, this fancy little tube is not going to bring much more to the table than my usual Maybelline? 

Official Description;

Dress the eyes with powerful, plush, separated, voluminous lashes. Fine, fluid Micro-fil™ technology creates intensely captivating lash texture. Micro waxes combined with a fineness agent allow for smooth and easy application, revealing weightless volume for lashes. As a final touch, the target-smooth agents coat each lash, creating uniform volume and texture from root to tip.

When I am wrong I have a hard time admitting it but eventually my pride wears out and then the truth just spills out! I am pretty much ready to eat my words now! 
The Eyes to Kill Mascara  (Steel Black) has blown away every single other formula I have ever used and for the first time I am finding myself rationing this luxe black tube during each use! Yes people it has come to that! 

Luckily all I need is one coat and my lashes get all the drama I lust after during those photo shopped and edited mascara ads. It defines and separates each lash with expert precision, holds the curl during the whole wear time, doesn't smudge or clump whatsoever and eliminates any fears I might have about the dreaded raccoon eyes at the end of the day! 

I was concerned that because of that kind of performance it might be hard to remove with my usual makeup removers but I nee-dent have worried! This ebony magic potion dissolves easily and completely even with just a simple swipe of micellar water! 

Perfection in a tube that just might kill my wallet come the three month mark! Unfortunately for me it's too late to go back to my mediocre selections of yesteryear - I am hooked! 

The new Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess mascara ads featuring Megan Fox have been out for some time now and I would be lying if I didn't admit I am tempted to give that one a try next time! I have a hard time believing that there is a better version of my new HG but then again who knows...

What do you think about higher end mascara's? Do you have a favorite - drugstore or department store? 

XOXO

ANJA

Let Me Glow - My Favorite Highlighters

If i had to pick a makeup item "type" that I am most fond of and one that is almost always guaranteed to peek my interest then highlighters or luminizers are definitively it (blush is a close second!)!

Come to think of it the same theme goes into skincare too because anything with "radiance" or "brightening" in the product name is on my radars almost all the time. It's not really surprising I guess since I often feel like my complexion is lacking it's own natural glow, which means I am always trying to produce it or "fake" it through some clever product maneuvering.  The key being in the word "trying"! 

After years of "beauty research" and blog stalking I have found that I am not alone in this "radiance" quest and beauty brands have definitively caught on to this notion as well - judging by the sheer number of products released for that purpose alone. 

The concept of highlighters is nothing new and the technique of applying them can get tricky, however the right formula, correct shade choice and some practice can really pay off. 

That being said I will admit that this is the type of product that is most likely to sway me into a purchase just based on design and/or packaging alone. They just make them too pretty...

Adding just a little sparkle at the appropriate areas can do wonders for your complexion and give you that "dewy but still glowy, yes this is my real skin and I sleep 10 hours a day, every day" kind of look that will flatter just about anyone. 

A great highlighter can perk up your complexion, accentuate your best features , and when used correctly even camouflage aging skin. Combining "the one" with a good contouring technique can literally transform your face and some say even mimic a subtle face-lift. The key again is knowing how to use it!

Applying the highlighter under the eyes, above the brows, and on the brow bone will add life and brightness to your face and in turn promote a healthier and even "younger" you. I also like to dust a very sheer amount to the top of my cheekbones for added definition and just above the Cupid's bow to mimic a fuller pout. Exercise caution though because a heavy hand and too much sparkle will just end up accentuating your flaws, enlarged pores or just make you look like a disco ball. Trust me - it's not a good look!

Even though I have an unhealthy number of highlighters and plenty of practice time, I am yet to master the perfect targeted approach but I am always  hopeful in upping my beauty game. 

Today I want to feature a few of my favorites that are definitively good at lighting me up :-)

*Benefit Cosmetics Moon Beam ($26.00, golden tone) and High Beam ($26.00, pink tone)

These two cult-products are probably well known to all of you and I have to say their popularity is well deserved. The versatility of these two are what makes them appealing to me - their liquid-gel like texture allows them to be added to foundations and moisturizers to create the "lit from within" effect but they also work equally well through targeted "dabbing" on features you want "noticed". The formula is low on the "frost factor" so it's relatively easy to work with and hard to mess up. I am sure all of us can appreciate that! 

The reason i love Moon Beam and High Beam is because I can easily control the "glow" from subtle to all out drama for night without too much fussing.
The Benefit Sun Beam is their bronzed princess counterpart and I have to say it too, is glowing on me :-)

A little bit goes a long way with these so the initial investment is certainly reasonable and worth every penny in my opinion.

Guerlain Meteorites in Mythic ($67.00 for 1.05 oz)

These pearly beads of light are a perfect example of my weakness when it comes to girliness, packaging and passion for the pursuit of "glowiness"! If I am completely honest with myself then I have to admit that the both Guerlain Meteorites and their voyage compact ($184)  were destined to be purchased by me regardless whether or not they worked for me. The luxurious, girly and captivating compacts and kaleidoscope like design caught my eye and it was love at first sight. Luckily for me these also turned to be one of those rare "mythical" products that both look amazing and preform beautifully too! I have several Meteorites from the various Guerlain collections but the original Mythic 01 are the ones I reach for most often! This is a very subtle, low-shimmer kind of highlighter which makes it ideal for daytime use and works amazingly well at just creating "beams of light" on your face. 

The secret of the Guerlain version of "glow" seems to be in the fact they combine both matte colour correcting powders and pearly light-reflecting pigments that work together to create the purest form of radiance. I have heard it described by many beauty bloggers as "Photoshop for your face" and I couldn't agree more. 

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch ($50.00 for 0.1 oz)

This makeup artist favorite has already reviewed (here) and even though it's probably misunderstood by most consumers, those who discover its purpose with the right technique will no undoubtedly love using it. The Touche Eclat is a targeted highlighter that is to be used on specific areas of your face that need some extra "lighting" and as such it will preform beautifully. This is not a concealer - in fact if you use it for that purpose it will do exactly the opposite of concealing and your imperfections will actually be "lit up" for all to see! Trust me - this is not a good look! 

The combination of the Touche Eclat with a good concealer will elevate your complexion to the spotlight level and with some practice this "dream duo" just might become a star in your makeup bag!

A more affordable "dream team" already exists in the form of the E.L.F Studio Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter ($3.00). This product boasts an amazing combination of a creamy concealer that covers both blemishes and red spots nicely while the non-glittery highlighter will add "light" in the best possible way. I am a huge fan, especially with a price tag that won't make you cringe at checkout! 

Paul & Joe Beaute Pressed Powder N 04 (lilac)

Paul & Joe Beaute and my own admiration for the brand and its products is rooted deeply in my appreciation of all things, whimsical, girly and beautiful packaging! I have made many regretful purchases in my beauty life, where the item in question had adorable designs and shiny, pink boxes but the product itself was underwhelming in results or performance. Paul & Joe Beaute luckily doesnt fit in that category and every product that I have tried from their collections impressed me beyond measure and never fail to put a smile on my face! 

The Paul & Joe Beaute Pressed Powder N 04 (lilac) is not exactly a traditional highlighter as it doesnt exactly luminize or add any significant sheen to your complexion but what it does do is brighten, correct and reflects light in the most flattering way. The light lavender colour acts as a brightener, covering up any redness or uneven areas on your face while adding dimension to the complexion and setting foundation. I would recommend this to anyone who uses a very matte base but wants to add some highlight while avoiding any kind of shimmer which can sometimes accentuate large pores and oiliness.
It really does work like a charm!

The last highlighter I want to mention is probably the most popular one among both beauty bloggers and makeup artists themselves and I can definitively see its appeal.
The NARS Albatross Powder ($33.00) is best described as a very light golden snow whose full beauty and potential are only visible out of the pan itself. In the pan its rather underwhelming and almost boring and I remember initially questioning my purchase before it even arrived. One swatch later and I was a definite fan!
The light golden sheen is almost opalescent on the skin and it does contain quite a bit of shimmer so using a light hand with this is essential. It can be tricky to find the right balance so experimentation is key but once you see what it can do for your skin you will realize all that playing around was worth it!

I hope you enjoyed this post :-)

What is your favorite highlighter!

XOXO

ANJA