IPSY BAG: November 2014

look at what a sick day can give me! enough free time to set up back-to-back posts! whee ~
ipsy's November bag - "Girls Meets Glitter"

1) Elizabeth Mott : you're so FINE Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in "Glitterati"
It’s not just any liquid eyeliner. With you’re so FINE’s micro-tipped brush, you can control your strokes to create dramatic, and sharp cat eyes! This brush is so control friendly that creating precise, symmetrical lines is ridiculously easy, so it’s perfect for first time liquid eyeliner users too.
size: 3 g (full size!)
retail value: $17.99
promotion: 50% off online purchase with code IPSYFINE; expired 1/10/15

i was just thinking of trying a new liquid eyeliner. i would have preferred if i got the other color which is just regular ol' 'Black'. this eyeliner is thin but it really isn't that fine. the glitter makes it difficult to be extremely precise but i don't really have an issue with that since i have to line my eyes super thick anyway. the eyeliner dries quick enough and stays put throughout the work day. yep, i wore it to work; it's pretty and subtle enough.
a quick note about the smell though. glitter eyeliners always has this super manufactured smell that makes you pause and think, 'ugh, whatever chemicals are in this must be horrible for me' but then you bat your eyes and shrug, meh.

2) J. Cat Beauty : Wonder Lip Paint in "WLP111 Red Potion"
For invincible color and impeccable wear, the Wonder Lip Paint serves justice! With the twofold blend of endurance and delivery of intense pigmentation, this will become your heroine of lip colors. Paint your lips to perfection for your day and nighttime adventures! 
size: 10 mL (full size!)
retail value: $4.99
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code 25JCAT; expired 12/31/14

these Wonder Lip Paints obviously come across as wannabe OCC Lip Tars. they also come in 36 colors including greys and greens.
i haven't invested in Lip Tars yet so i was happy to give this a try. the tiniest amount, as you can see, gives you more than enough product that is for sure leaving a stain behind.
i love the dark shade 'Red Potion' appears to be in the tube but it blends out to be more of a wine-berry shade but i am sure i can layer it on if needed.
a word of caution if you are using your fingers because it can messy around the lip area, and of course, on your finger.

3) Be A Bombshell Cosmetics : Eye Base in "Submissive"
This eye base is a highly pigmented, long-lasting product that can be used as a single cream color or used as an eye base to build color. 
size: 2.5 g (full size!)
retail value: $14.00

"Submissive" is described on the Be A Bombshell website as an intense creamy bronze with gold shimmer. it really is not that intense but rather just a base. and it is a fairly good base. my eyeshadow has stayed on for about 12 hours, although it obviously doesn't look like it did when i first applied my makeup but still impressive. 

4) TEMPTU : S/B Highlighter in "050 Pink Pearl"
A cult favorite of makeup artists around the globe, TEMPTU S/B Highlighter is the perfect product that goes on sheer for an overall illuminating and contouring effect. Light-reflecting and transfer resistant, S/B Highlighter glides on effortlessly for a brilliant complexion boost that contours to highlight your best features.
size: 3 mL
retail value: $27.50 (30 mL) or $100.00 (120 mL)
promotion: 25% off online purchase with code IPSY; expired 12/31/14; US only

S/B? huh? that required a little bit of digging on the TEMPTU website.
S/B stands for silicone-based which TEMPTU suggests for a soft focus effect. in the swatch below, 'Pink Pearl' is not screaming SPARKLE but instead you see a soft shimmer when the light touches it.
i know TEMPTU is recognized as an airbrush makeup company but this particular product can be applied with an airbrush, fingers, brush or sponge. all you really need is a few drops. the sample we got was tiny but i guess you can throw it in your purse for some highlighting touch ups.
TEMPTU's highlighters also come in various shades of shimmer and bronze.

5) Marc Anthony : Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray
Get extra volume, shine and hold with this dual purpose hairspray; nourishing and styling in one! This argan oil, keratin and grape seed oil infused hairspray gives you strong and flexible hold plus deep nourishment, strengthening and conditioning as you style. 
size: 53 mL
retail value: $8.99

nice citrus scent but i have yet to fully test out the hold feature since i normally let me hair do its own thang since it is naturally straight (and a little boring). i mean, who has time to do their makeup and their hair in the morning? not this girl. i like sleep.

this has been a pretty good bag - i was excited about the eyeliner, lip paint and the eye base. all of which i will use regularly. i was initially afraid of products being too glittery when i read the word GLITTER as being the theme but most of it is subtle and wearable.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: Girls Chase Boys - Ingrid Michaelson
just watched: nothing yet :) just going through Doctor Who episodes!
still watching: Doctor Who Season 5 // Walking Dead Season 5 // Brooklyn Nine-Nine Season 1 // Vampire Diaries Season 5
now reading: "When God Was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman

IPSY BAG: June 2013

hi.
let's skip all the excuses and just say, i am a horrible person! gah!! i said in my last post that i was making it my goal to blog twice that week... well who would've thunk that 3 weeks can pass by so quickly? eep!!

today's quickie post will be on ipsy's... JUNE bag? man, that is old news! but i feel like i must post this anyway! bear with me!

cccccuteeeee - i love neon!

ipsyMatch was once again used this month and as a result, 5 products were chosen based on consumer preferences.

let's take a look!

"on the Wild Side":

1) J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette in "SCP107 Suzie" 

"Everyone loves a little sparkle! Add a healthy dosage of sparkle in your life with the cream palette that comes in a variety of complementing colors. The creamy texture allows the sparkle to be applied easily with an applicator onto your skin.

This product should be used on the body and not on the eye area." 

oookkay so now i am at a loss - not to be used on the eyes?? well... that is rather limiting because i don't really add glitter anywhere else... the shades in "Suzie" are all gold or coppery so not a lot of choice in color here either. oh well, maybe save it for Halloween?

size: 3 g (full size!)

retail value: $4.49

2) Starlooks Lip Pencil in "K337 Tipsy" 

"Starlooks' long-lasting, full-coverage Lip Pencil enhances the shape of your lips and gives them perfect definition. This creamy, moisturizing formula glides on softly to smooth lips and ensure lipstick stays in place, while extending its wear. Can also be used as an all-over, highly-pigmented lip color. Comes in several shades and various finishes to pair with any Starlooks Lipstick, Lip Gloss, or Tendergloss!

Starlooks Makeup Line is entirely Lead Free, and Cruelty Free." 

i love love corals but sadly, matte corals is not appealing at all on me. i am a little afraid to open this up... but then again, i have heard so much about Starlooks that i feel that i must give it a try.

size: 2.4 g (full size!)

retail value: $12.00

3) Freeman Beauty Psssst! Instant Dry Shampoo

"Psssst!® is the TRUE original Dry Shampoo to put an end to bad hair days! Passed down from generation to generation, and friend to friend, this 40-year Dry Shampoo legacy now includes a system of essentials, dedicated to extending the life of your hair color and style.

Lightweight, talk-free formula soaks up oils, sweat, and product build-up, taking hair from dirty, flat and matte to refreshed and revived. Water not required: just spray, brush and go for hair that feels and smells freshly shampooed! Stash in your gym bag, work bag, or overnight bag.

To Apply:
When needed, shake can vigorously and hold 6” to 8” from hair. Lift sections of hair and lightly spray scalp and roots. Shake can between sprays for best results. Wait a few minutes, then brush and style as desired."

wow so the website for this product looks quite impressive - boasting plenty of celebs that use this as well as their 40-year Dry Shampoo legacy. i really had high hopes for this and yes - it does the job for removing greasiness and leaving your hair with a nice scent, but what i am always interested in is volume. like other dry shampoos, this gives your hair a bit of life at the roots but within the hour, my hair falls flat once more.

size: 50 g ("full"/travel size)

retail value: $2.99

4) NYX Rouge Cream Blush in "CB02 Natural"

"Adding a healthy glow to cheeks is effortless with the variety of blush styles and shades available from NYX Cosmetics!
The NYX Powder Blush delivers sheer, silky color that glides on and blends beautifully creating a natural glow.

The NYX Mosaic Blush contains five matte and shimmery shades in one compact blend to create a flush of color and dazzling glow!

The NYX Cream Blush offers radiant color for a dewy, sultry, long lasting finish!"

the shade of '"Natural" is a "soft light pink", i am loving cream blushes since powder ones always fade by the end of the day.

size: 3.5 g (full size!)

retail value: $6.00

5) Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil

"Chella's Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil is a fresh and pretty neutral pencil that will brighten and visibly lift your eyes when lightly applied on the brow bone, dark circles, blemishes and red spots. Draw a line under the brow with this creamy pencil and then pat gently into place using your ring finger. May be used above the brow for additional highlighting, as well as anywhere you would use a concealer."

fancccccccy! since receiving this product, i have heard many rave about it. i am so excited to use this product! even the name "Ivory Lace" sounds so pretty. i have been using my NYX Jumbo Pencil in "Milk" as a highlighter/primer and that works pretty good for me so i haven't opened this just yet.
"Ivory Lace" for light skin; also comes in "Cinnamon" (dark skin tones) and "Latte" (medium).

size: 1.4 g (full size!)

retail value: $18


in my opinion, ipsy knocks all the other beauty box competitors out of the water. every month, they deliver in terms of service and goodies. look at all these full size items! and each one is totally different from each other. i will never get through all my products but you definitely get your money's worth with ipsy. highly recommended for makeup lovers/hoarders!

TOPBOX: February 2013 [featuring Benefit]

i thought that i wasn't going to be getting the Benefit Prive box since everybody seemed to be receiving it super early this month (Benefit was trying to send them in time for Chinese New Year). i got mine on the last business day before the Chinese New Year weekend and it was indeed a great surprise.

i already knew what was to be expected inside but the pretty packaging and the awesome contents still made me giddy all the same.

the recycled Topbox tube came wrapped in a pretty design featuring a snake since it is the Year of the Snake this Chinese New Year. there is a "red" envelope inside, holding the bonus product. there was also an invitation to some Benefit events held across Canada from the 7th to 9th but none of them was in Calgary.

- - - - -

Topbox sent an email on January 8th, informing us that we were able to make a wish list from the Prive boxes available. February's choices included: Benefit, Lippy Girl and Miracle10 (which had two variations).

the contents of each box were also listed which helped me make my decision. since i have not exactly tried many Benefit products before, added to the fact that i have an overwhelming amount of lip and skin care products, it was easy for me to select Benefit for my wish list.
both Lippy Girl and Miracle10 had retail values attached ($25 and $75, respectively).

Topbox mentioned that they had "thousands" of Benefit boxes and "hundreds" of Lippy Girl and Miracle10. it seems to me that if you selected just one of the brands, you got their box and if you didn't select any, you got the regular box. if you selected two brands (one of them being Benefit), then you most likely got the brand that was not Benefit. the majority of those that selected all 3 got Lippy Girl.

soooo onto the box's contents!!

1) POREfessional - i've received this before, also from Topbox, back in April 2012. i have not quite finished the sample yet but i really like the texture - it feels velvety and makes my skin very soft. not only does it help to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, but it also doubles as a primer. check out the above link for a swatch of the product. it has a light lemon-y scent.

size: 7.5 mL
retail value: $34 (22 mL)

2) Total Moisture Facial Cream - oh i really love the packaging of this sample! the mini jar is unbelievably cute. the cream itself has a nice fragrance to it that reminds me a bit of Ralph Lauren's Ralph. the cream feels slightly thicker than what i am used to (it is meant for normal to dry skin). i feel that i have to apply more of this product compared to other creams in order to cover my entire face. i love the results of this cream since it makes my skin incredibly soft. i prefer to use this at night as i prefer my day creams to have SPF.

size: 8.9 g
retail value: $42 (48.2 g)

3) Benetint - i've been wanting to test this popular Benefit product before but i was a little afraid of a liquid tint.
it actually blends out really well. if i just dab once on my cheeks, i can hardly even tell it is there (check out the swatch near the end of the post). i think i'll have to dab more on next time.

i tried using it on my lips and found it a bit too liquid-y. it is purely for staining purposes so it does not feel like anything on my lips once it soaks in.
at first, i just dabbed the product on my lower lip and pressed my lips together, hoping it would transfer to the top lip but it doesn't. if you choose to use it as a lip stain, i would recommend you apply it to both the top and bottom lip evenly. there were a couple of areas where my lips were peeled and this Benetint seemed to accentuate this area but making it more red than the rest of my lips... scroll down for a not-so-pretty swatch.

i think i am going to use this primarily as a cheek stain but if i am carrying a super tiny purse, it will serve well to give my lips a flush of color. i should also note that this Benetint smells like flowers.

size: 2.5 mL
retail value: $36 (12.5 mL)

4) Dandelion Brightening Face Powder and Ultra Plush Lip Gloss - Benefit is also well-known for their powders and lip glosses. i have the CORALista blush but i have not yet cracked it open. the Dandelion powder is a Top Seller and is a shimmery soft pink meant for highlighting the skin.

i find it very very subtle on my skin tone. i am surprised that this powder is also lightly scented - it seems that many of Benefit's products have a scent.

the Dandelion gloss matches the powder and is described as a soft pearly pink but it also seems slightly coral to me. however, on the lips, it just looks like a clear shimmer. the gloss is probably the non-stickiest gloss i've tried! and it smells rather delicious, like some kind of juicy citrus fruit.

size: powder - 3 g; lip gloss - 6.5 mL
retail value: powder - $36 (7 g); lip gloss - $18 (15 mL)

swatches:

and since the color seemed to remain on my fingertips when i tried to blend it...

5) *bonus* Fine-One-One - this is one of Benefit's newest products and like the Benetint, it can be used on the cheeks and lips. it seems like this sample can be used two or three times max so i did not choose to test it on my lips.

the full sized version of the Fine-One-One resembles a deodorant. the three colors - pink champagne, sheer watermelon and soft coral - blend together for a hint of peachy pink. it is definitely a convenient and easy product to use.
the swatch is very light since i didn't have much to work with:

size: N/A
retail value: $36 (8 g)

- - - - -

i am enjoying my Benefit products! there is a variety of products in the box and many are multi-purpose so there are definitely many uses for them. i found that all of the Benefit products here had a scent so i am thinking those that are sensitive to smells might not enjoy this brand as much.
i have yet to receive an email from Topbox in regards to next month's Prive box but i am excited :)

Topbox claims to be doing a lot of testing with this month's box so i hope that they iron out the wrinkles for next month. some concerns that were raised revolved around Topbox's decision to put Benefit boxes up for sale. if i had known that this was going to be happen, i would've selected none of the choices above and would have just gone with a regular Topbox since i was really curious what it would contain (a full size Deborah Lippmann nail polish!!) and then buy a Benefit box later on.

someone on Facebook wondered why extra Benefit boxes were being sold while people were still stuck on the waitlist. i completely agree with this - i would be frustrated too!
some people had also not received their Topbox prior to receiving the email and therefore, did not know which brand they would be getting. not to mention, many were angry because the Benefit boxes were available for sale at a ridiculously early hour on a Sunday!

all in all, i am excited to continue my journey with Topbox for the time being. what was your favorite item in the box? after seeing a regular Topbox, do you regret going with a Prive box?

IPSY GLAM BAG: December 2012

my December ipsy arrived in my mailbox on December 21 (last Friday). it came in a silver pouch that is much wider than the other makeup bags i have gotten. the interior had a pink lining with "ipsy" written all over it.

i oohed and ahhed over every single item i pulled out of this pouch. so far, ipsy has taken the first place honor this month (i have yet to receive Glossybox and BB5).

December's wicked items (entitled "Haute Holiday"; scroll all the way down for swatches):

1) Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in "Zero"
"Creamy, forever-lasting, award-winning and waterproof, 24/7 pencils delight you with lush tropical hues, deep metallics, and unusually vibrant neutrals. The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too. Velvety-soft, this never-before-seen formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge. Line eyes with a hint of color or go for the full artistic, multi-hued effect with the wide selection of lush tropical hues, deep metallics and unusually vibrant neutrals."

ooooh i have heard how amazing these UD pencils are and i am very glad to get a black one! "Zero" is a black that goes on quite dark which i really like. it feels very creamy - no tugging whatsoever. i am amazed by how well this eyeliner stays on your waterline! in fact, it is actually quite difficult to remove, even with makeup remover - it's the only time i get raccoon eyes with this eye pencil.

promotion: free gift (deluxe bag with samples) with $25 purchase not valid for Canadians
size: 0.8 g
retail value: US$19 (1.2 g) according to urbandecay.com

2) NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Loose Pearl Eye Shadow in "LP05 Charcoal Pearl"
"It’s not hard to sparkle with one of NYX’s ultra-shimmering loose shadow powders that can be used on eyes, cheeks, even lips. These finely-milled mineral eye shadows are high-impact, long-lasting and a little addictive! Just the sparkle you need this holiday!"

i've only really tried NYX lip products and i am just starting my pigment collection so this is great! except i don't know how i feel about this color... it looks sorta boring, doesn't it? the swatch i did below was actually not impressive since i found it difficult to get the product out. i held my finger over the top and flipped it upside down and shook it a bit. it took a few tries to even get the swatch below (very little product comes out each time) and i am not really impressed with the pigmentation.

these NYX loose eye shadows come in 30 different colors.

promotion: 30% off Loose Pearl Eye Shadows again, not valid in Canada...

size: 5 mL (full size!)

retail value: US$3 according to nyxcosmetics.com

3) Mai Couture Highlighter Papier in "St. Barts"

"Add radiance to desired areas of your face and body. The shimmering highlighter paper from Mai Couture will illuminate any dullness for a glowing complexion.
How to use: Lightly press and sweep paper to desired areas of face and body.
Paraben and talc-free."

HOLY GUACAMOLE... let me count the sheets: one, two, THREE, FOUR.. 25?! this is unheard of!! how did ipsy ever manage to get us a sample half the size of the full version but Glymm could only get us a measly 2 sheets at a time?! 

"St. Barts" shows up really subtly on my skin - mostly you just see the shimmers. maybe a lighter color would allow me to actually use it for highlighting purposes. i did not feel like i needed a whole sheet each time so i only used half of one.
i think the idea is unique and i like how compact it is but i don't think i ever feel an immense need to highlight on the go... still it's great for touch ups throughout the day (if there was a lighter color available for me).

so shimmery!!

promotion: 20% off purchase these codes aren't very useful for Canadians!! boo!

size: 25 sheets

retail value: US$28 (50 sheets) according to maicouture.com

4) Be A Bombshell Lip Gloss in "Hot Mess" 

"The perfect holiday “true red” lip gloss that goes on sheer! Layer for a more opaque look. This formula instantly creates the look of fuller more voluptuous lips with luminous shine. This maximum-shine, moisturizing gloss will be perfect for any haute holiday party. The applicator features a soft sponged tip that picks up a generous amount of gloss."

the red was a tad scary at first but i understood that it was for the holidays. good news is that it applies sheerer than in the tube. i absolutely love this! i really enjoy the pigmentation of lipsticks but i like applying lipglosses better. i find that "Hot Mess" delivers in being bright but wearable at the same time. it loses the glossiness feel after an hour but still feels slightly tacky when you press your lips together. the color lasts an astounding length of time - i tested it for like 7 hours! i am not a huge fan of the scent though - it is undetectable unless you take a whiff straight from the tube. aside from "Hot Mess", there are 6 other shades available.

promotion: 30% off purchase the code is apparently valid in US and Canada...until they fool you into trying to check out and you find that the only option for "Country" is the United States. what trickery! 

size: 3 g (full size!)

retail value: $14 according to beabombshellcosmetics.com

5) Mirabella Prime For Face and Eyes

"Prime for Face and Eyes weightless, oil-free formula glides onto help promote long-wearing makeup. Vitamin E works as an antioxidant to smooth out lines as it moisturizes and protects skin. Prime provides a silky feel to the skin as it aids in repairing cellular damage. Application: Use a small amount and lightly pat into skin."

this primer feels smooth and velvety. be careful when you first use it since the product continues to ooze out so quickly grab what you need and close the cap. the primer worked wonders for me - i used it with my new MUA palette (review later! :)) and it made my eyeshadow last all day and look just as bright as it did when i first applied it.

promotion: 30% off purchase who would of thought that this wouldn't work either?

size: 12.85 g (full size!) 

retail value: US$29 according to mirabellabeauty.com

swatches of all the products:

two days later, the eye pencil and the lip gloss swatch still have a mark on my skin!!

- - - - -

so that is a ton of fantastic products in this month's bag! and not to mention, THREE products were full sized! ipsy takes the cake in being the most makeup-oriented subscription service out there. thanks for such a wonderful bag! in the new year, i will be reconsidering my beauty box subscriptions but ipsy is one that i am confident in keeping.

what are your thoughts on this bag? happy holidays!

REVIEW: Essence Breaking Dawn Makeup Collection

oookay, so i have to say that i have not seen a single Twilight movie because i have been stubbornly trying to convince myself that i could get through the books first. i heard the movies 'weren't that good' so i was hoping to read it first and let my imagination run a little wild, rather than having Kristen Stewart's and Robert Pattinson's faces stuck in my head.
so far, i've gotten through the first book. that was about two years ago.

Essence recently released The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2 Makeup Collection which can be found in many Shoppers Drug Marts (Essence also had an Eclipse Collection back in 2010!)

do you want to look like a vampire?? 

the collection consists of lipglosses, glitter eyeliners, nail polishes, and loose pigments eyeshadows as well as a shimmer powder, a blush and a lipstick. prices range from $1.99 to $3.99. some of the products have the same shades - such as "Edward's Love" which you can find in a pigment or a nail polish. i keep laughing at how strange the name "Alice Had a Vision - Again" is. does she constantly have visions or something? and is it just annoying when she does?

i picked up three items:

eep! this is the first time i've noticed "talc" in the ingredients. i knew this is a "bad" product but i didn't know why so i do a little search.
from American Cancer Society: there are two types of talc - one that contains asbestos and one that doesn't. the one that does contain asbestos is said to cause cancer if inhaled. in regards to asbestos-free talc, there hasn't been any clear evidence linking it to cancer. so since there is insufficient information on this, it might be best to just avoid talc whenever possible.
this is very difficult since i went through some of my other powders and just to name a few, Vasanti, Pandora's Box and Korres have talc.

- - - - -

right before the release of this collection, i was on the hunt to add some highlighters to my makeup collection. my curiosity about them began when i watched some YouTube videos on highlighting and contouring (thanks Goss Makeup Artist!).

and so i was excited to pick up the Shimmer Powder in "01 Bella's Secret" (11 g; $3.99). i figured it would be my first baby step in the world of highlighting.

natural light; closeup with flash

this powder definitely gives your skin a glowing sheen with its light golden shimmer. i really like using it right underneath my eyes to brighten up the area. i also brush it down the center of my nose.
this product will definitely last me some time - it's really big!! it's not something i'd carry around with me due to the size and unfortunately, that doesn't help since i feel like most of the shimmer has faded within 3 hours. i didn't wear a face primer though... maybe that'll help!

- - - - -

after seeing a few swatches of the blush (as well as Christine's post about NARS "Exhibit A" blush), i felt like i NEEDED a red blush. i didn't own a red blush prior to this because well, it's so red! but the pictures i saw were just amazing and so i hunted down the Blush in "01 Renesmee Red" (5.5 g; $2.99).

the blush looks like a cherry red and when you look at it very closely, you will notice a few shimmer particles in there. it is not as dark when you apply it - more like a softer pink-red. powder blushes often fade rather quickly on my skin but one is pretty decent. i don't have an exact time frame for this but around 6 hours?

- - - - -

finally, after much talk about the pigments on a Facebook group page, i had to have a Loose Eyeshadow Pigment (1.7 g; $3.49). i wanted "01 Jacob's Protection" when i saw the nail polishes, but since i have a ridiculously long list of polishes i still need to swatch, i figured i'll just get the pigment in the same color. plus, i've been having a thing for loose eyeshadows after i started playing around with the MUFE Holodiam Powder.

the pigment is indeed, very pigmented. it is a dark navy blue (verging on black) with green and purple glitter. the powder is not fine so it is a little harder to blend. i find that the color does start to fade near the end of the day and it begins to look like a boring gray (it also loses the glitter). the Essence website suggests using a base - more specifically, the Essence Colour Arts Eye Base from their standard collection. i've never seen that sold here but definitely use a primer!

here are my swatches of the above three products - note the shimmer powder and the blush are heavily swatched so you can see it. when you apply it on your face, you can definitely use a lighter touch. the pigment itself has great color payoff.

i tried to take a picture of my eyes but you can sort of see my cheeks too... i am wearing all three products here (plus eyeliner and a white eyeshadow):

the packaging is nothing special but it does feel sturdy. i don't expect the blush and shimmer powder to shatter easily. the pigment can be messy though - every time i open it, no matter how careful i am, some of the pigment will end up on my table or hand. i can't say this for the pigment, but the shimmer powder and blush have a slight scent to it if you sniff it directly... smells sort of like fake peaches.

overall, i've had a lot of fun playing with these new products. i think for the quality and the price, they are definitely worth a try. these days, i've reached for the shimmer powder and blush most often. were you tempted by the new Essence collection?