Found A Super Natural Blush in Essence Satin Touch

If there's ONE blush that I have to keep-safe even if it expires, surprisingly, I have an answer.  It would be the Mineraux Skin Perfecting Minerals Beach Tan Bronzer.  Oh, I blogged about that bronzer/blush 2009 and it has been what?  8 Years?

True enough, if you open my make up dresser, you'll see this tiny pot of Bronzer until this very day.  There is just ONE big reason why I kept it until this day and probably longer.  Okay, there's 2!

1. It really looks good on me and I feel great wearing it.

2. This was the blush I wore the day before my mom went through her surgery which turned out to be really bad (related post: How to deal with Depression and my personal story), she complimented how nice the color of my cheeks was and I clearly remembered how I did not mention it was because of the blush and accepted the compliment like I was a natural Goddess!  *hahaha*

During one of Bhagi's Shopping Event, I chanced upon an Essence Cosmetics counter and took ONE look at this particular blush, didn't do any swatching, and just knew the shade is right (and very similar to the Mineraux Beach Tan Bronzer that I like which isn't around anymore by the way), I picked this last piece and knew I made the right decision when I saw this photo.

Okay, it isn't exactly the same, the Mineraux one has better sheen while this particular blush leans more to the demi-matte finish, I still find this the closest blush that I would love and keep close to my heart.

Essence Satin Touch Blush in 20 Satin Love

Php149.00 (approx $3.30)

My Pop Your Favorite Natural Beauty Honey Haze Look in 3 minutes

How can you be sure a nude, bronze-y, no make-up look will look good on you?

Get the set that comes with eyeshadow, bronzer/blush and a lippie!  That's what I did when I ordered my Pop Beauty Pop Your Natural Beauty Honey Haze palette from BeautyMNL. 

I've been using this set for more than a week --- I am obsessed!  And I can create this look in 3 minutes flat!  Or even less!  So I call this set a "No brainer" set on days I don't want to think too much about the products I put on my face!

Do you like it?  I hope so!

The set looks like this!  It comes with the ff:

Sunkissed Bronzer in Secret Sunshine

Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio in Naturally Bare

Pouty Pop Crayon in Barely Bitten

The set costs Php695.00 which is super worth it in my opinion especially since I am looking to try Pop Beauty products and I don't know where to start!  Any other Pop Beauty Recommendations out there?

How to deal with Depression and My Personal Story

Depression stories are popping like mushrooms on my Facebook timeline.

I am suddenly inspired to write this post.  

It has been such a long time but my memory is crystal clear.  I've been meaning to write this very personal post for a LONG time but I just don't have the heart to do so.  Like I said, TOO PERSONAL.

But why do I finally decided to break my silence?  As much as this is a "beauty blog", you all know that Beauty for me is 100% skin deep.  The more you have a beautiful heart, the more beautiful you are on the outside!  That has always been my mantra! So being beautiful inside doesn't always mean sharing monetary goods or material things to others, instead, give them the best gift of all!  The gift of your precious TIME. 

So before I share this super long story to you, I want to let you know that it pays to be considerate to other human beings, it pays to be sensitive on your friends' or family members' actions.  It pays just to be there, to listen, to people who are crying for help!  

I'm sure some of you are new to this blog so you probably haven't read this "Temporary Hiatus" post year 2009.  Several days before, my mom was in pain and she was advised by doctors to go through surgery for her gallbladder stones!  As much as I don't want her to rush on decision-making, my mom is secured with her decision to go through the surgery that weekend because she was in extreme pain (take note: Mom has high tolerance to pain so imagine how painful that was!)
 

AMW Reviews: The Body Shop Autumn Leaves Compact

Whenever I opt for a very natural almost "no makeup" look, I'll reach out for my favorite Mineraux Skin Perfecting Minerals Beach Tan Bronzer as my blush!  I love using it and my only complaint is that I can't carry it around because I don't want it to mess up inside my bag!

I was hoping for a pressed version of something as pretty and as natural and my wish came through after a year when The Body Shop launched its Autumn Collection 2010!

I wanted to blog about this as early as I can as I believe this is super limited edition!  I hope that they still sell these at this very moment!  If not....can I just say.. "Sorry?" *bats puny eyelashes*

TBS Autumn Leaves Compact says ---

Light up with a choice of two pressed powder compacts, each with a mix of four pearly shades pressed together in a beautiful autumn leaf design.  Choose the compact to suit your skint one, give your cheeks and decolletage a gorgeous glow with two new natural-looking palettes in soft dusky pink shades and warm russet tones.

Available in Shades: 01 Chestnut Apples and 02 Berry

Wt: 9grams (0.3 oz)

AMW says ---
Pros

• Packaging: Nice clear case wherein you can see the lovely autumn leaves emboss at once!
• Very pretty to look at!  Very unique.
• Does not crack easily as compare to other baked blushes (I actually dropped mine and thank goodness it did not crack!!!!) 
• Gives a very subtle shimmer which adds up to a nice glow on your face.
• Gives a super natural flush on the cheeks.
• Will never create the "clown" look we're scared off.
• Looks really nice on photos, does not look glittery or oily at all.
• Multi-functional, can be applied on face and other parts of the body like arms and decolletage.

Cons

• Very tiny Oc-ness detail of mine, I'd love it if they have a bigger sticker at the back as I don't have super sonic eyes to see the details at once :)

• No mirror
• Limited edition! 

Overall

I reach out for this daily as I can't go wrong using this!  I could never go overboard with this and it gives me a nice "awake" look eventhough I only have less than 4 hours of sleep!

Tips

• Use any blush you're comfortable with, test with a big powder brush, fan brush or blush brush!
• Apply on the apples of your cheeks going outwards to create that naturally "flushed" look.
• Apply sparingly and add up as you go on.  
• Step back and look at your reflection with ample lighting in front of the mirror to check if both cheeks matched or if colors are blended.
• If you want more color on your cheeks, you can use a separate blush color and apply this on top for that nice "inner glow"
• If applied too much, brush on your favorite matte powder foundation on top of this to lessen the "glowy" look.

Will I repurchase?
No, this one will last me for quite some time.  And this is limited edition anyways.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes the super natural flush!  Not for you if you are looking for matte blush or something more obvious!

Where to purchase and how much?
At The Body Shop stores for Php1,395.00 (approx $31.00)

Shade: 02 Berry

Soft Pinkish Shimmer Shade 

Texture felt like MAC's Mineralized Skin Finishes

Gently applied Berry using 

Thevi Blush Brush with upward strokes

*laughs* Sorry for the shocked look!  Here's a photo to prove that using this compact gives a natural flush that's not too obvious that I have blush on!  

Face: Neutrogena Fine Fairness Compact in Natural Beige
Eyebrows: Paul & Joe Eyebrow Pencil no. 04
Blush: The Body Shop's Autumn Leaves Compact in 02 Berry

What's your super-duper natural blush at the moment?

Happy Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: Looking Good in 5 Steps

**note from author : Not all products mentioned in this article have been personally tested by the author unless stated otherwise.  Some products are mentioned as examples for readers to be aware of the brands out there.  

Thursday!!! Sizzling hot!!! The weather is getting seriously hot these days and all I want to do is stay in an air conditioned room and just drink my favorite Sugarcane juice!

I have so many reader questions that I answer directly, but one question caught my attention!  I wanted to give this a special space as I know a lot of you have good tips to share too!  So don't be shy and click the comment button and fire away!

 

Question for the day:

I envy girls who have enough time in the morning to do their makeup!  I can't seem to have enough time in the morning.  I have to wake up early, rush for work!  Any tips or ideas on how to look good in less the time? Thanks.

AMW says ---

Wonderful question!  As you all know, aside from being a blogger, a make-up artist, a wife and a daugther, I do have a full time job!  And this full time job demands me to be on time!  Where I live, I have to travel approximately an hour (or more with traffic) to get to my work place.   So spending time right in front of the mirror early in the morning is never an option for me!  What to do when you're pressed for time?  There are 5 steps I think that works to look gorgeous for busy girls like us!  Read on....

1. Create your base

After your regular skincare routine.  Apply tinted moisturizer with your clean fingers, sponge or a foundation brush.  Tinted moisturizers are the best way to go as they can moisturize your skin, even out your skin tone and has SPF which works as sun protection as well.  

Some tinted moisturizers to try ---

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

 

Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer

Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

Clinique's Moisture Sheer Tint

What AMW loves to use ---

L'Oreal UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50
I've tried all 3 variants from L'Oreal, though this is meant to be a sunblock, I like the Even Complexion variant which has a bit of tint.  I use this when I'm in a rush as it does even out my complexion while giving me protection from the sun!  I love the light feel it gives on my skin with a healthy radiance.

2. Setting Powders

For oily skinned individuals, choose an oil free setting powder.  For dry skinned partners out there, you can skip this step.
You can choose either pressed or loose base on your preference.

Some setting powders to try ---

Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil

 

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder

 

Guerlain Meteorites Powder for the Face

Lancome Ageless Minerale Perfecting and Setting Powder

What AMW loves to use ---

MAC Mineralized SkinFinish Natural in Light

I actually prefer my setting powder to be really sheer and natural and pressed version.  In my case, it's the "baked" version.  I actually finished up (finally) my Mac Mineralized Skinfinish Natural and I use it as a setting powder and re-touching powder.  I love how I can layer it and it never cakes on me!  Great for all skin types!

3. Blush/Bronzer

Powder blush/bronzer is the easiest way to go.  Use a large fluffy brush for a natural flush.  Or use a medium-sized blush brush to sweep onto the apples of your cheeks for a healthy and more obvious "glow".

Some blushes to try ---

NYX Powder Blush

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Blush

Clarins Powder Blush

Revlon Powder Blush

What AMW loves to use ---

Dollface Contour and Blush Palette

I've been reaching for this palette for a quick blush every now and then.  I like how I can easily change the intensity of my cheek color.  I like using the light pink and bright pink shade on my cheeks!  If I've used too much, I can easily top it with the highlighting powder included in this palette.

Some bronzers to try ---

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Nars Bronzing Powder

 

The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer

Elizabeth Arden Bronzing Powder

 

What AMW loves to use ---

Mineraux Skin Perfecting Minerals Beach Tan Bronzer

This has never failed to be my ultimate favorite bronzer!  I like how it stays on my cheeks and how natural it looks on my cheeks!  With just a swipe or 2, my cheeks glow like I just hit the beach!

 

4. Pencil Eyeliner/Mascara

Whichever is more important for you, you can choose one or if you have time to spare, you can choose to apply both!  In my case, I can survive the day without mascara but I can never survive the day without an eyeliner to give my eyes the "depth" I want and the wide-eyed look that I've been trying to fake on sleepy days! 

tip: You can choose colored eyeliners or mascara if you're in a rush as it gives an instant color on your eye area!

Some eyeliners to try ---

The Face Shop Automatic Eyeliner

Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils

What AMW loves to use ---

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes

I know I've said this a million times, if you're looking for no smudge, no mess, long wearing eyeliners!  You can always go for liquid or cream liners.  But if you're in a hurry, pencil liners are the easiest way to go. 

My least smudged pencil liner up to date is the MUFE aqua eyes, I use this everyday alternating brown and black!

Line the upper lashline with your favorite eyeliner making sure to stay close to it.  Pencil liners are easy for unsteady hands!  You can skip lining the waterline if you have watery eyes or if you want to make sure you won't end up with panda looking eyes!

Some mascaras to try ---

Maybelline Volum' Express Lift-Up Mascara

CoverGirl Lash Blast

 

Diorshow Mascara

 

Eyeko Mascara

 

What AMW loves to use ---

Maybelline Unstoppable Shiny Mascara

I haven't repurchased this, but looking back on all the mascaras I've used, this works really well in lengthening and volumizing my lashes and I don't need to spend too much! 

  

5. Lipgloss/Lipstick

Choose your favorite lipgloss that's not too sticky or a lipstick that's moisturizing.  I prefer using a tinted lipbalm as it moisturizes really well while giving me the natural pout!

Some lipsticks or lipglosses to try ---

Estee Lauder Kissable Lip Shine

Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick

Becca Glossy Lip Tint

Mineraux Mulberry Lip Color

What AMW loves to use ---

NYX Round Lipsticks

I can never rave enough about these inexpensive lipsticks that performs!  The wide range of colors that's enough to make me want more!  I like the fact that these lipsticks aren't too drying as compared to other lipsticks I've tried.

 

Nivea Lipcare in Strawberry

My ultimate favorite on the go lip balm!  I love how moisturizing it is and it gives out a subtle hint of "just been kissed" lips!  

Now, doing this post is even longer than me putting on make-up early in the morning for 1 week! *laughs*  I hope you find this post useful!  I am sure there are more tips out there!  Do share!  This is an open space for all of us!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Mineraux Plum Blush

One Mineraux product that I can't stop raving is their Mineraux Beach Tan bronzer.  It was a Blush for the Week and I even revisited it and it maintained it's HG (holy grail) status for the past months. I am seldom a fan for mineral blushes because it doesn't stay as long as regular blushes!  I'm glad to be introduced again to a Mineraux product.  This time, it's their blush in shade PLUM! 

 

Mineraux Plum Blush says ---

Finely-milled minerals that are highly pigmented and provide a warm, sheer and natural finish

Ingredients: Sericite, Titanium Dioxide, Silk Powder, Magnesium Stearate and Iron Oxides (imported from USA and Canada.  Packaged and perfected in the Philippines)

Plum: Matte plum. Best for medium and fair skin tones.

Available in other shades: Nude, Peach, Pink, Pink-Peach, Raspberry, Auburn, Rose Wine and Cherry Blossom

AMW says ---

Pros

• very pigmented, a little definitely goes a long way
• very natural looking
• stays longer than other mineral blushes I've tried
• inexpensive
• no allergic reactions
• packaging is simple.  Sealed if brand new.
• shipment is quick and packed really well

Cons

• can be a bit messy for non-mineral makeup user
• difficult to take along if you like to travel with cosmetics

Overall

I love matte blushes because of it's natural look!  I can seldom find mineral blushes in matte form and I am glad to have found this!  Plum shade is very pretty and shows up really nice not only in person but also on photographs! 

Tips

• I am a pro-cream blush user prior to powder blush application
• for natural flush: swirl, tap and apply using a bigger blush blush on the apples of your cheeks
• for a more dramatic blush: use a smaller blush brush or angled brush to apply this
• applied too much? Apply more setting powder or powder foundation on top of the blush to lessen the blush pigmentation

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  In other shades!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Mineraux Skin Perfecting Minerals website in ---

30g sifter jar (approximate net weight of 10g): Php650/approx $14.13

20g sifter jar (approximate net weight of 7g): Php500/approx $10.87

10g sifter jar (approximate net weight of 3g) : Php350/approx $7.60
5g sampler jar (approximate net weight of 1g, without sifter): Php180/approx $3.90

 
 

Plum Blush on pot

  

Swatched on hand no base

Anyone who's on my Facebook friends know this photo, this is my profile picture as shot by  my dearest brother who came home for a vacation.  I've got queries over email on my makeup.  I don't have much on but a powder foundation, a blush and a lipstick!  And the blush I've used is.... you guessed it right --- Mineraux's Plum Blush!  I like how natural it looks and never over the top :)

Hope you had a wonderful Chinese New Year's and Valentine's Day celebration!
Enjoy this week and have a wonderful day!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!