Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup

My experience with powders is more or less limited because I haven't been using them for a long time, nor have I tried many brands. My skin is dry so I was skeptical about how such a product would work on me.

The only reason I started using powder was for setting liquid foundations, mainly to prolong their longevity.

So far I was somewhat successful, either with the Mac MSF natural or with the Laura Geller Balance 'n Brighten powder. The main drawback though was the powdery look but it was nothing that my Mac Fix+ couldn't fix.

It goes without saying that I've been searching for a better product and I have been lusting for a long time over the Laura Mercier mineral powder foundation that everyone has been raving about. The truth is that I was very reluctant to pay 40-50 euros for a product that seemed not suited for my skin type.

Until one day, when I watched this review of the Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup from pinkiecharm and it was the first time I heard about this powder foundation. Afterwards I did some more search online and I read only good stuff about it.

Coincidentally there was a 35% off sales at some store so I decided to give it a try and I got it in the lightest shade available here, that is #20 Light Beige.

The packaging didn't rock my world because the size of it is quite small so it's hard to use a standard powder brush, it loads only partially with the product.

Also, the shifter doesn't have the rotating cover that allows you to reveal just a few of the holes. Instead, there is an internal transparent removable lid that keeps the powder from going everywhere.

This lid is also indispensable because it helps retain the quality of the product intact.

As for the shifter itself, I removed the sealing tape only partially in order to contain as much of the powder inside it.

And these are the only negatives I could find of this product. The rest of it simply perfect!

Company description: This loose powder foundation contains 20% water and offers the skin the sensation of freshness upon application. Water acts as a veritable moisturizing and energizing coctail for the skin. The complexion glows with radiance and with daily use the skin becomes more and more luminous. Apply after fluid foundation or alone for a silky and transparent finish.

It comes in 7 shades but I believe that the lightest one, #10 Ivory is not available here.

What I think it is: Dior's next level interpretation of a mineral powder foundation

I love it because:

• It's the finest milled, silkiest powder I've ever tried
• It feels like nothing on my face
• It doesn't cake or set into fine lines, even if i apply a little heavily, not even after many hours
• It gives a gorgeous flawless and fresh finish that looks like skin instead of something on my skin.
• It doesn't oxidize on me (hooray!)
• It doesn't dissolve midday, it just stays put (hooray again!)
• Worn alone it gives a decent coverage.
• Used moderately on top of a liquid foundation, it can provide almost full coverage without the mask effect.
• Although it does contain Bismuth Oxychloride in its ingredients, for some reason it doesn't itch at all. I have had this problem with the first mineral powder I tried, from ELF.

How I use it:

Because it is so fine and lightweight I just pour some into the internal lid and then gently pick up some on my brush. Then I tap it all over my face and then I buff it in.

I have used the Sigma Sigmax F82 brush and the Elf Studio Powder Brush to buff it in and they both work fine.

All in all, to me this is a HG status product.

 

As always, if you're interested in it, go to a store and try it on prior to purchase. What works for one person may not work for another.

 

That's it for now, I hope you're all well and thriving!

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

Guerlain Meteorites: Perles du Dragon and Teint Rose 01

I decided to kick off 2013 with a spectacular product and I'm wishing you all to have a spectacular year!

Meteorites Perles: created by Guerlain, they're supposed to create an even, flawless and radiant complexion due to light manipulation "technology".

They can be used as a highlight on the high planes of the cheeks etc, or as a setting powder for all over glow.

They also come in various formats (compact, in loose form, with more or less fine shimmer) and color combinations.

It's a fact that I've been lusting over the Meteorites by Guerlain for a very long time but never actually visited a Guerlain counter to even see them in person, mainly because:

• I thought they were exuberantly expensive and also because
• I was very skeptical about the actual result of this product, thinking that it probably was just the emperor's new clothes.

But, life works in mysterious ways and now I'm happy to own not one but two of these little containers of mirth.

Meteorites Perles du Dragon: I came across these online, while browsing the new (holiday 2012) collections and I immediately loved the black tin with the brushed gold rosette on top. But that was about it.

A few days later, at work, we exchanged christmas gifts with my immediate colleagues the way we do it for a few years now: we collect money all year long (delivery change etc) and coming Christmas we add a little sum and each one of us gets an "unexpected" Christmas present, usually something fun and totally unnecessary!

So imagine my surprise when I opened a little sephora bag and saw this! I did the happy dance on the spot! After a second I started complaining that they shouldn't gift me something so expensive but the colleague that actually went to the store reassured me that it wasn't that expensive because there was a 35% off sales!

The biggest surprise came later on, when I actually used it all over my face: I was smitten!

Although I couldn't see anything (apart from a sparse extra tiny soft iridescence in very close inspection, like 2 cm from the mirror) my face looked like it was lit, like I was in the shadow and stepped into the light! It looked brighter, fresher, softer, my (moderate) imperfections were somehow blurred, it worked in a way that I had never seen before, with any product.

It goes without saying that I was mightily impressed and I wore it every night during the holidays, either for family gatherings or for going out and regardless the occasion, I got more compliments than before!

The facts: Perles du Dragon are from the holiday 2012 LE Liu collection by Guerlain. The actual product is named after the current chinese year of the dragon. The whole collection was inspired by Liu, a famous oriental fragrance by Guerlain.

Meteorites Perles in 01 Teint Rose: it took me just one day (after receiving the Perles du Dragon) to run to the store and buy the "everyday" form (meaning less iridescent and more appropriate for daylight) of the Meteorites. I was lucky to find them still on 35% off sales, so I (think) i paid 36€. It's definitely not cheap but I still believe this is the best makeup splurge of my life (so far, lol!).

The effect is the same as with the Perles du Dragon but more subtle and undetectable to the eye. It's like a transparent veil of light, blurring imperfections, softening lines and giving a fresh radiance and glow to my - otherwise - dull complexion. It also works perfectly as a setting powder and I also think that it keeps my makeup from oxidizing, even during long working days (8+ hours).

 

The facts: Meteorites Perles come it three shade variations:

• 01 Teint Rose is the lightest one and it is supposed to brighten the complexion,
• 02 Teint Beige is supposed to give a warm glow to the skin and
• 03 Teint Dore is supposed to brighten golden complexions

The tin comes with 30g of product, meaning that they will last for years, even with everyday use.

How I use it: I turn it once upside down (with the lid on of course, lol!) so that any loose powder will come on top of the beads. Then I take a large brush and swirl it into them and I dust the powder all over my face. I repeat once more (or twice), it never gets cakey although my skin is dry. I use it on top of liquid foundation, on top of powder foundation, on bare skin, it works any way. I also use it to set my under eye concealer.It doesn't fade, it doesn't oxidize or alter in any way, it just stays put all day long.

One last thing: inside the tin there is a latex sponge. It's there so as to keep the beads snugly into the tin. I don't use it to apply the powder on my face not only because it would be unsanitary but also because it will compromise the product in the long run.

To me this is a very impressive product. Be cautious though because what works for one person may not work for another. So, in case you got tempted, before you spend your money on it, got to a Guerlain counter and ask the SA to apply it on you. Don't decide on the spot. Continue with your day plan, just check yourself in the mirror a few times (lol!). If you like what you see, in sunlight, in the shadow, in store lights, then this product is for you!

 

That's all for now, hope you're all well and thriving!

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

12 Hits for 2012!

During 2012 I discovered quite a few beauty gems, mainly because:

• cosmetic companies have improved their products, and
• I purchase stuff after I've been thoroughly informed of, thanks to reviews by the lovely online beauty community.

So, it was a hard task to limit myself to just twelve items but I was a good girl and conformed to the rules (actually, maybe I cheated with a few honorable mentions at the end!)

A few are recent purchases but have already won a special place in my heart and I will post full reviews in the near future (hopefully before summer, lol!) and the others are products that I use constantly since I got them because they deliver with flying colors.

On another note, 2012 was the year I started trying a few "high end" items and you'll see the ones that really impressed me as well as drugstore products with stellar performance.

Enough said, let's get started!

1. Guerlain Meteorites

The famous fairy dust is something I've been lusting for for a looong time now and I recently decided to get it. I simply can't imagine makeup without it now that I tried it. If you haven't tried it run to your local beauty store and just do it. You'll thank me later (I'm such a tease, I know!).


Full review will follow on a separate post.

2. Dior Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Powder Foundation (Dior, really? It's easier to remember Maria Juana Chiquita De Los Angeles Toreador Est Mort).

Apart from the name it's a gawgeousss foundation, especially for dry or mature skin because it's incredibly fine and silky and gives my - otherwise dull complexion - an (almost...) ethereal freshness and glow.

Full review will follow on a separate post as well.

3. YSL Vernis a Levres (Glossy Stains)

If you read my posts you probably saw it coming (and it's a surprise even to me that these came third place!) but these are the only lip products that I've come close to actually finish a tube, that's how much I love them. The reason is that these are the only lip products that manage to stay on my lips for hours, without drying them at the same time.

Here is a full review. I hear that L'Oreal has a similar product on the launch, woohoo!

4. Color Tattoo by Maybelline

These little pots of color have been almost constantly on my eyes, either as a base under other eyeshadows or worn alone.

Here you can see why I love them do much!

 

5. Mac Fix+

Many people mistake this for a spray that fixes you makeup (the name itself is deceiving) but it's not. It actually lightly moisturizers your skin, even over foundation, powder etc and it can really help if you 've used a bit too much of powder or if you're feeling your skin tight. I have a full bottle at home and a mini one in my purse at all times.

 

6. Mac Cleanse Off Oil

I can't think myself using anything else to take my makeup off because it feels so gentle and luxurious, like a mini face spa session! It's also very potent, meaning that it takes off even waterproof maskara easily and thoroughly. I just put a pump (or two for more heavy duty products) on my palms, massage gently on my eyelids and face and then lather up and rinse with water. Perfect!

 

7. Benefit Stay Don't Stray

Although I have not tried that many eye primers, I always have a backup of this one because not only does it keep the eyeshadow in place all day but can also be worn under eyes and specifically under concealer, keeping it in place all day! If you find that by midday your concealer has disappeared you will really appreciate this primer.

 

8. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

They feel lightly moisturizing, they stay on for a long time (although not as long as the YSL Glossy Stains), they're affordable and the color range is very pretty (I actually just ordered a couple more shades!).

Here you can see these two swatched.

 

9. Benefit They're Real mascara

I confess. I'm lazy. Especially while doing my makeup in the morning. So I need a mascara that can give me full on lashes without having to work half an hour with it in order to achieve the desired result. That's why I don't see any other (and I've tried an army of them) replacing this one any time soon.

 

10. Dior Dior Addict Lip Balm

This one was purchased on a whim, at a 40% off sales and I'm so glad I did! Not only it's a very posh tube (I know I'm vain but who isn't, more or less?) but it feels amazing on my lips. It also manages to stay on quite a long time and to me that's very impressive (because I have to staple down any lip products I use, appart from the YSL stains, lollll!)

 

11. La Roche Posay 50+ Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme

This summer I found a sunscreen that doesn't look or feel like a white toothpaste smeared all over my face. Although it's extremely thin and lightweight it manages to successfully shield my skin against the bad bad sun rays. I wear it year round although I won't repurchased the tinted one because it's dark for my skin tone (never trust SAs that say " no, it will not be dark on you, it will blend into your skin" my a@#%)!

 

12. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

This one is my choice when I want a blush that will not clash with the colors I've used on my eyes, lips, clothes, whatever. It manages to compliment any look, gives a "healthy glow" and lasts all day. What more can I ask?

Here you can find swatches of this one and of Blissful as well.

 

 

Wait (or in greek Annabel stasou, mygdala!) that's not all!

 

Here are a few honorable mentions.

 

Clarins Instant Light Blush

Although I'm not a fan of liquid or cream blushes due to longevity issues, these two really impressed me not only because they last on my cheeks even during the hot greek summer but also because they're like a light colored dewy film that looks very natural and pretty.

Here you can see them swatched. Unfortunately they are are part of the 2012 summer LE launch but maybe you can still find them in case you're interested.

Inglot Eyeshadows

Well, in 2012 the first Inglot store opened in Athens and it was a major event because we've heard so much of Inglot cosmetics and now we could see them up close and personal! Of all the products I'm mostly impressed with the eyeshadows because they're soft and silky, pigmented and very affordable.

Here you can see them swatched.

 

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine

This one is my second Chanel lipstick but my first in the Coco Shine formula and the reason I love it is because it feels amazing on my lips, soft, moisturizing and pampering. It is in the shade 67 Dauville.

 

Mac Blushes in Flower Fantasy and Sunday Afternoon

I'm very surprised that I've not hit pan on these two beauties because I've been using them to death all spring, summer and autumn, I actually stopped using them about a month ago mostly because I was ignoring all my other blushes! I love them not only because of the pretty colors but also because there is a coordinating highlight in every pan, so I don't have to open a myriad pots in order to complete my makeup.

 

 

Well, these were my 2012 beauty finalists, hopefully 2013 will be even better beautywise!

 

That's all for now, I hope you're all well and thriving and may 2013 bring you all you wish for, in every aspect!

 

See you next year ;-)

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

Mac Marilyn Monroe collection

The Marilyn Monroe collection has finally landed in greek stores and although I don't find myself to be a fan of her, I'm a sucker for Mac limited edition collections, especially with special packaging.

The collection as a total consists of a lot of products, here you can find an overview by Temptalia.

I was interested in three products and here they are!

• Forever Marilyn Beauty Powder
• Legendary blush
• Pure Zen cremesheen lipstick

Forever Marilyn beauty powder (heavily swatched), Legendary blsh, Pure Zen lipstick.

Forever Marilyn Beauty Powder: it's the second Mac beauty powder that I own and I was drawn to this since it can be used as an everyday finishing powder with a twist because it gives a kind of discreet luminosity to the skin, without a white cast, and it's not glittery or anything.

It's perfect for fair complexions and I think it could be used as a subtle highlight for darker skin tones.

It does come off a bit chalky but I always use a face mist, so it's not a deal breaker.

In comparison to the Laura Geller Balance 'n Brighten Porcelain finishing powder that I'm currently using, the Mac one is a tiny bit darker and not so stark white like the Laura Geller.

In comparison to the Mac Snowglobe beauty powder that I own, it's an entirely different product because Snowglobe can only be used as a highlight (or even as a finishing powder for a night out) since it has an intense sheen.

Mac Snowglobe, Mac Forever Marilyn, Laura Geller Balance 'n Brighten in Porcelain

Legendary blush: I'm a fan of satin blushes by Mac and in particular of light shades because they give a discreet color and glow to my cheeks without being dominant. This one was no exception.

It has a pretty subtle sheen and the color is a lovely peachy coral. At first I thought it was similar to Stunner by Mac but, although they are similar to finish and color saturation, they differ because Stunner is more pink. If you loved Stunner, you're gonna love this one too!

Pure Zen cremesheen lipstick: I was set in getting one lipstick solely due to the packaging but the reds were not calling my name. So, I swatched this one and I was like, meh, but then I considered that I don't have any nude lip colors appart from an Inglot lipgloss and so I got it.

Coming home I put it on an although it didn't rock my world I actually liked it a lot because on my lips it's a kind of peachy pink beige, a very pretty but in a contemporary way nude. It will be perfect with gray smoky eyes amongst others.

Here's an attempt to take a sort of photo of how it looks on me, well, just use your imagination, lol!

What did you get from this collection? How do you feel about Mac LE collections in general?

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

Basics: Face tools

First of all, face brushes are the tools that enable me to achieve the best possible results in combination with the products that I use (foundation etc.).
Given the fact that they come in contact with my face on a daily basis, they must be of a good quality and they must be regularly cleaned.
That being said, I was really sceptical and undesicive about selecting face brushes. The reasons are:

• there are too many choices out there
• they are not cheap
• even if they were cheap, it wouldn't be practical to me to have too many brushes 

So, after a lot of searching and reading and taking in consideration my needs and the products that I use, I visited my local Mac with a clear plan. 

The first brush that I had to try was the very popular 187 (also known as duo fibre or stippling or skunk brush) and the Mac assistant told me that this is definitely THE must have brush. Although I'm always reserved when I hear raves about a product, this time I found the raves to be true.
In the store I wasn't that impressed (but I'm never impressed with brushes), but when I got home I used it right away and then I got sooo excited, because it is simply PERFECT for:

• liquid foundation: I get an even, flawless coverage, almost airbrushed, with minimal use of product. 
• powder: it delivers the desired amount of powder for my dry skin (that is less is best).
• blush: even the more pigmented ones (that were a nightmare to blend) have become my best friends
• bronzers: I was intimidated to use on my fair complexion but with this brush it is a pair made in heaven!
• mineralize skinfinishes: I get glow without the discoball effect.

Best feature is that it delivers the right amount of every product and even in layering it doesn't get cakey.
Mac 187 - €46 (€34,50 on a 25% discount)
So, here's my loved Mac 187 brush

Next day I run back to my local Mac shop and I got the 188 as well. It is the same brush as the 187 but narrower.
I use this one for the base products for eye makeup:

• concealer: it blends it like a dream (and I use cream concealer, not the easiest product to apply)
• powder: here too, it applies just the right amount (as already mentioned, less is best for me)
• paint pots: with cream eyeshadow bases in general, I get an even, flawless coverage.

Mac 188 - €37 (€27,75 on a 25% discount) 
Here's my loved (and a little dirty!) Mac 188 brush

The next brush is the Mac 168 angled contour brush and I got it when I started to contour my face with matte bronzing powder. I found that I needed more precision (in comparison to the 187), for example under the cheekbones etc. I also tried it with blush, higlighters etc, and it works great when I want a little heavier application (again in comparison to the 187). It also can be used for foundation. I don't love it like the 187 or 188, but it is a really practical one.
Mac 168 - €37 (€27,75 on a 25% discount).
Here's my handy Mac 168 brush

Here they are all together :-)

Cleaning my brushes is an essential step that I rarely miss:

• everyday, after I 've completed my makeup, I spray some Mac Brush Cleanser on a paper towel and I swipe them repeatedly on it. For that reason I keep in my brush case a small travel bottle with a spray pump.
• once a week, I wash them with a baby shampoo

Mac Brush Cleanser 235ML - €11,00 (€8,25 on a 25% discount).
Mac Small Travel bottle (package of 2) - €5,50 (€4,12 on a 25% discount).
Mac Spray Pump - €4,00 (€3,00 on a 25% discount).

Talking about face basics, I could not ommit my Mac Face & Body foundation. Although its coverage is on the light/sheer side, I love it because:

• it melts into my skin and it actually looks like my skin but better
• it evens out my skintone
• it gives my dry skin a dewy and fresh look
• even when I use two layers, it doesn't look like "makeup"
• it is quite affordable even fullprice - €34 for 120ML of product!

The funny thing is that I get the best coverage and less dewiness from it (more natural this way) when I apply it with my palms: I put some on my palm and rub my palms together until it starts feeling less slippery and more sticky. Then I "rub" it gently all over my face.
Shadewise, I was never into Mac foundations because they're dark for me, but in the summer (when I purchased the F&B) I was tanned so N1 was perfect. Now, it starts getting darker on me, so I got the Face & Body in White (available only at the Pro Mac stores, I got it in the Ermou street store) and I mix the two colors. Now that I think of it, this is a way to adjust the foundation to my skintone throughout the year, at least until I get excited to try something new!

By the way, I tried to get the new Mac Matchmaster in 1.0 (I think it's the lightest Mac shade) but there's nowhere to find it! The lightest shade they got is 1.5 and it's not that 1.0 is sold out (Mac at Ermou street hadn't even set the display for this collection). Maybe Mac supposed that all greek women are fairly tanned??? Well, news for you Mac, there are many greek women that could use the 1.0!

Anyway,  back to the topic..
Mac Face & Body 120ML - €34,00 (€25,50 on a 25% discount).
Here are my foundations

During the summer, I also used some Elf mineral makeup (very lightly) as a setting powder.
Although it makes my makeup last even longer (all day) without touch ups (dry skin), I didn't like it that much, it felt weird, not itchy but close to that.

So, last week, after reading all the positive reviews about the Mac Careblend pressed powder, I decided to give it a try and I got one in Light. What makes this setting powder "special" is that it is supposed to be the most moisturising of all the Mac powders. Powder and moisturizing definitely sounds like an oxymore but, it really has a creamy-like feeling. I use it only with the 187 brush, so that I get the least possible amount of it and then I buff it into my skin.
It has a mirror and a little sponge application.
Mac Studio Careblend Pressed Powder - €25,00 (€18,75 on a 25% discount).
Here 's my Careblend

Last thing that I use on an everyday basis is the Mac Fix+ spray. It is supposed to be like a setting mist, after the makeup application to blend everything seamlessly together. It can also be used as a moisturizer, before makeup application.
Well, it didn't sound like that much, nor like a product that I must have had, but, one day, I saw the mini bottle of it and I got it out of pure curiosity. And (surprise!) it became a staple product to me. I keep the mini bottle in my purse at all times and I also keep a large one at home with my makeup stuff.
The reason I love it is mainly because it gives me the solution to "combat" the midday dullnes, when my face becomes flat and dehydrated. A couple of spritzes is all it takes to bring life and moisturization back to it!
I also use it after completing my makeup, it melts everything into my skin.
Mac Fix+ 30ML - €11,00 (€8,25 on a 25% discount).
Mac Fix+ 100ML - €17,50 (€13,12 on a 25% discount).
Here are the two of them

So, long story short (LOL!) these are my basic tools for face makeup.

What's your staple product for face makeup?