My Blush Collection 1: Nars, Illamasqua, Bobbi Brown, Chanel & Estee Lauder

As some of you may know by now.. I LOVE blush! It's my favourite makeup item.. I think it transforms the whole look completely... So here's evidence of my obsession with blush...

So allow me to break it down for you...

NARS have one of the best colour selection in blushes.. And a lot of them have some kinda shimmer running through them..

Torrid is a gorgeous peachy blush with gold shimmer..

Penny Lane I don't love so much.. But it does make an ok base for other blushes..

Outlaw I've had for about 3 years now.. It's a beautiful plummy pomegranate colour.. And it's very pigmented that you'll need the tiniest amount.. I think it's been discontinued though..

I luuuurve Illamasqua blushes.. Extremely pigmented.. So finely milled.. So smooth in application, not chalky and Matte which I prefer.. The colours they have are amazing..

Lover you all know I adore this light peach blush.. Very similar to MAC's Melba in colour but not in formula.. This is I find to be much better

Panic looks scary but I promise you that with a light hand, it looks so natural on.. Very similar to NARS Exhibit A and Sleek Scandalous but less orange.. Panic is more like brick red.. Beautiful!

Tremble is such a soft beautiful pink for Medium Skin tones..

Bobbi Brown falls into one of my favourite makeup brands.. Her blushes are pigmented and long-lasting..

Apricot is one of my favourite blushes.. So gorgeous and really brightens up your complexion.. 

Pot Rouge Pale Pink is lovely formula.. Gives you that beautiful dewy look and it can be used on the lips too.. 

Desert Pink is a subtle dusty rose.. Really good if you're working a smokey eye..  

These are all pretty sheer.. So you gotta pack the product on to get the colour showing which makes me hesitate when buying any blushes from these two brands.. But they're still so gorgeous

Chanel Espiegle was a limited edition light peachy blush with a little bit of fine shimmer to it.. The shimmer doesn't show up that much on the cheeks which is why I loved it..

Estee Lauder Peach Nuance - This is a pinker version of Illamasqua's Lover.. It is really gorgeous on and it's Matte.. 

Chanel Caprice - I got this a long time ago.. Not sure if they still sell it.. But I love this colour too.. Gives me a beautiful summery look without the bronzer..

Stay tuned for part 2 ;)

Delyteful Speaks is on Facebook & Twitter

Hey there my lovelies

Delyetful Speaks finally decided to jump on the crazy Facebook & Twitter wagon!

Like me on Facebook - Delyteful Speaks

&

Follow me on Twitter - DelytefulSpeaks

And don't forget that you only have 3 days left for the Giveaway..
Don't miss the chance to win 2 of my favourite makeup items ;)

Thanks heaps =)

Peace

xoxo

Review: Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel

You know how sometimes your skin feels not so smooth and just looks dull? Well Philosophy has done it again.. I have found the product that could put radiance and softness back into your skin...

The Microdelivery Peel

What Philosophy says about the Microdelivery Peel: A two-step, in-home peel that resurfaces and rejuvenates sun-damaged, hyperpigmented and aging skin. The kit includes vitamin c/peptide crystals and lactic/salicylic acid activating gel.

Benefits - smoothes and resurfaces rough texture; helps minimize the look of fine lines; helps brighten and even skin tone

Step One: You take a small amount of the Vitamin C Crystals and gently massage it on clean dry face for a minute. Don't rinse off.

Step Two: You pour out a small amount of the fluid and massage on your face for a minute then leave it on for 2-3minutes.

My Overall Thoughts: This is a really great product for all skin types.. I have sensitive acne-prone skin and this does not irritate my skin at all.. The key is to be gentle when using it.. You'll see instant results in terms of skin smoothness that you'd wanna touch your face all day.. As for the other benefits, I believe you'll see results with regular use (that's twice a week only).

If you are looking for a facial exfoliator/scrub/peel.. You must give this a try..

What are your favourite exfoliators/peels?

If I Were To Pick One... Bronzer

It would be...

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel

This product took me by surprise.. Before I purchased it, I have heard and read so many raves about it.. But I thought, how great could it really be? For the longest time I ignored this when I passed a Chanel counter as I regarded it as one of the many overhyped products out there..

That's until I decided to get a sample of this product to try out myself  (Thank you Mall of the Emirates Sephora.. They are truly so generous with giving out samples unlike other sephoras here)

And that's when the love story began...

This product not only melted my heart.. But it also melted so beautifully on my skin.. The texture is so buttery smooth that when applied, it honestly looks FLAWLESS! It does not look like you're wearing an obvious bronzer.. It looks like your skin is naturally tanned..

Pros:

- Very easy to work with

- Blends like a dream 

- Looks very natural

- A great base for powder blushes

- Can be mixed with your foundation if your foundation has become too light on you without ruining the original texture of the foundaiton itself

- Matte but adds the loveliest subtle glow to your face

- The pot is huge so you get a lot of product that will last you forever

Cons:

- Comes in one shade only (Darker skin tones might have a bit of a problem with this product showing on their skin)

- Pricey

I love applying this with my favourite brush from Illamasqua...

Blusher Brush 1

This brush does NOT shed.. It's so soft and works perfectly with the Soleil Tan De Chanel.. For more information about this brush, read my mini review on it here

So next time you're near Sephora ask them for a sample of this bronzer and try it out before you purchase it and see if it works for you..

Have you tried the Soleil Tan De Chanel? What are you favourite bronzers?

Review: Kiehl's Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

I wanted something that would reduce the amount of acne on my skin, as well as prevent future acne from coming out..

So because I love Kiehl's I went and looked at what they have to offer me..  And this is what I ended up with..

Kiehl's Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

This product contains Salicylic and Lipo Hydroxy Acids which promises to minimize the appearance of acne and blemishes while reducing post acne marks.. It's very light-weight forumla that doesn't feel greasy when applied.. And it says that it might dry you up but I felt no dryness from this product at all and I have pretty much used up the whole tube (there's only a little bit left).. 

My Experience - It did NOTHING for my skin.. I was so disappointed with this product.. I have applied this day & night on cleansed and toned face hoping to see some kind of result.. But there was no change.. Blemishes still popped out.. The ones that were already there continued to be there.. It was like I was just adding another useless product in my skincare routine..

I'm not happy Mr. Kiehl's...

Have you tried any acne treatments that actually work?

TAG: 10 Things You Love

So I was tagged by the lovely Malika from malikagodt who is just starting out in the blogging world and she has some really amazing posts already! So please go check her out and support her..

The tag is to state 10 things I love.. So in no particular order, here we go..

(Please note that all images are courtesy of my dear friend Google)

 

Moon

I love the moon.. I love looking at it.. It just really brightens up my night =)

Stormy Night

When I say stormy nights, I don't mean hella scary thunder and lightning.. I mean the sound of raindrops on my window at night.. I find it soothing and romantic for some odd reason :s

Road Trips

I enjoy road trips a lot.. Long drives with the people you care about.. Listening to music.. Talking.. Discovering things on the way.. Moments to cherish

Makeup

Now that is a no brainer.. I love makeup.. It's why I created this blog =P If I had to choose one makeup item.. It would BLUSH for sure.. I love how a tiny touch of it just tranforms the whole look..

Jewellery

Ahhh now Jewellery to me is the best gift anyone could ever give.. And it doesn't have to be expensive.. But Jewellery holds a very sentimental value to me as it's something I can carry with me at all times.. And diamonds are not really my best friend.. Pearls are <3

Perfumes

I love to smell good at all times.. And I love all good smelling things.. Perfume is so important to me.. And in my culture, it is essential.. I use perfume all the time.. When I'm going out.. When I'm at home.. Before I go to bed.. Yes.. It's crazy I know.. But I just love smelling nice..

Food

Food glorious food.. It is not only yummy but it is also comforting..

My Nephew & Little Cousins

Just the thought of them makes my day every time..



Hot Showers

Ain't nothing better than comin home to a nice hot shower.. My friends call me a fish.. Coz I shower 3 times a day.. Yes it's true.. I'm the reason for drought in the world.. Forgive me..

Poetry

I love reading poetry.. Listening to poetry and writing poetry.. I love the depth and meaning in poetry.. I love how sorrow and anger is moulded into a beautiful piece of art..

What are some of the things you love?

Illamasqua Review - Foundation, Blushes, Lipsticks, Lipglosses etc.

To me Illamasqua is one of the few makeup brands whose displays and creativity really attracts me.

And on top of that, their products are really worth every penny as they produce products that deliver what they promise..

Now what I'm saying of course is based on the products I have tired only... Which are:

Rich Liquid Foundation

- So pigmented

- Thick formula that doesn't feel too heavy on the skin
- I like applying this with my Sigma F80 brush as it buffs it in so nicely.. However, using your fingers also works because it can be a bit tricky blend and if not blended well, it can sit on your pores making them obvious
- You only need a tiny bit for the whole face

- Great coverage but I do find that I have to use extra prodcuts on my stubborn acne scars

- Can be used a concealer

- Clings on to dry patches, so it must be applied to a well moisturized face or can be mixed with your moisturizer
- Not exactly a flat matte finish.. Can be more luminous depending on the moisturizer underneath

- Stays on all day

- I do find that it looks better during the day rather than when you first apply it
- Colour range is not so bad.. I found my shade in RF233 but it's a tad bit peach toned for me.. I have read that many people tend to mix up the shades to get their right shade with Illamasqua

Overall Thoughts - A nice foundation for those who have acne scars and for those who are a looking for a long lasting foundation.. But it does time a little bit of time to work because of it's thick formula..

Powder Blushers

- They're all matte which are my favourite

- So pigmented

- Stay on all day

- Stunning shades to suit all skin tones

Overall Thoughts - My favourite products from Illamasqua for sure..

Precision Ink in Abyss

- Glossy finish

- Felt-tip applicator

- Very small that it looks like you're not getting much product but you do

- Long lasting (Does not budge during the day)

- Very black

Overall Thoughts - If you're not into a glossy finish eyeliner, this is not for you. But I personally love it and I think it gives me such a nice polished look. And the applicator is really easy to work with..

Lipsticks

- Matte

- Amazing shades 

- Very long lasting

- A bit drying so you will need to put on a lip balm beforehand

- Very pigmented colours

Overall Thoughts - I looove their lipsticks.. Did I mention they are very long lasting?

Intense Lipglosses

- So pigmented

- Sticky but not overly sticky

- Stay on all day

- Controllable gloss (Meaning if you don't want it to be that glossy you can spread it out and still get a great colour payoff without it being too shiny)

Overall Thoughts - Uncomparable to MAC glosses which can be too glittery, watery, smelly and don't stay on all day. These are so nice and when the wear off, they almost melt away without patchiness..

Nail Varnishes

- Unique shades

- Easy to apply

- Not sheer

- Chipping for me occurs on the 3rd or 4th day like any other nail polish

Overall Thoughts - I like these polishes but I wouldn't go on a limp to purchase them as there are other brands that are just as good but with a lower price tag..

Blusher Brush 1

- So So So Soft

- Do not shed AT ALL

- Blends products so easily

- Great for powder and cream products

- Easy to clean

- Synthetic bristles

- Looks very sleek

Overall Thoughts - These brushes are very high quality brushes and the fact that they do not shed at all has me hooked on them..

What are you favourite Illamasqua products?

Review: Philsophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

I like Philosophy.. It's a great skincare brand that offers many great products for all types of needs..

I have been looking for a cleanser that could remove my makeup as well as leave my skin really clean and smooth.. I have used Philosophy's Purity before.. And as good as that was, I just had to try something better.. And I have found that something better in....

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

I absolutely love this cleanser.. And I recommended it to my friend and my sister who also fell in love with it.. At first I was hesitant about it as I didn't like the idea of an exfoliating cleanser that I'll be using everyday.. I was worried about over-exfoliating my sensitive skin.. But this is so gentle that you cannot over-exfoliate when using it..

Here's why I love this:

- From the first wash you feel that your skin is smoother.. It has very tiny exfoliating beads that gently exfoliate away your dead skin and reveal and softer and smoother surface

- It washes away all my make-up

- It's gentle enough to use morning, night  and with my clarisonic

- It doesn't have the strong scent Purity has

- The bottle will last you a long time as you only need a little bit for your face and neck

This by far is one of the top 3 cleansers I've ever tried.. For those who are looking for something to help them get that smoother cleaner surface, this is the product for you..

What's your favourite Cleanser/Philosophy product?



Review: Sephora Brushes

I wasn't a huge believer in needing too many brushes to achieve a look (except for the eyes).. But once I've tried a few face brushes like the MAC 187 and the Sigma F80 for my foundation, I thought wow.. This actually DOES make a difference..

Although I'm still a believer in using my Hands sometimes for my makeup application.. I thought I'd put a bit of money in on purchasing a few good brushes.. And so I went to Sephora...

I wanted a brush to throw in my bag for when I need touch ups during the day.. Of course I wanted something that is hygenic and small.. That's when I came across this.... 

Professionnel Retractable Travel Blush Brush #52

I was so pleased with the softness of the bristles.. Felt so nice and not scratchy.. So I bought it...

And that's when the disappointment began..

The brush sheds like crazy!! The bristles literally break during usage.. I have to pick out all the tiny little bristle hairs that are left on my face.. Not cool.. Also, when I spot clean this brush, my towel becomes grey from the brustle dye!!! I mean seriously.. Come on.. 

I am not happy with this at all.. Yes it's soft.. It's easy to carry around.. But shedding and bristle dye.. Oh no.. Not acceptable for a brush that isn't cheap..

Professionnel Platinum Natural Crease Brush #10

I use this to blend in my concealer.. And it does an amazing job at that.. I used to use the MAC 224 but I found it to be a little too scratchy..

This brush unlike the retractable one does not contain any kind of bristle dye.. BUT it does shed a little bit.. Less than the #52 but it does shed.. Still usable.. But I would love a concealer brush that doesn't shed.. Might check out Inglot brushes..

Professionnel Mineral Powder Brush #45

Now this brush was what kept my faith in the Sephora Brushes.. I looove this brush.. It's soooo soft.. Doesn't shed one bit.. It blends products soooo nicely.. This can be used for any powder products.. I use it for my powder blushes and it's amazing.. The only brush I have come across that does NOT shed!

What are the best/worst brushes you've tried?

100 Followers Giveaway! =D

Yaaaaaay! I reached 100 followers! I know to some of you I may look so sad right now but I started this blog just coz I wanna share my point of you on beauty and skincare.. I did not expect to get many followers at all.. And it makes me so happy to have 100 people officially following me and keeping up to date with me and what I have to say.. 

I thank each and every one of you who either followed or commented or even just visited my blog.. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.. And I hope that I continue to share with you what I know and continue learning from you as well..

Sooo moving on to the good part now...

This is what I'll be giving away....

Illamasqua Powder Blush in Lover (Review)

Kanebo Sensai 38C Seperating & Lengthening Mascara (Review)

Now all you have to do is:

1. Be a follower

2. Tell me what it is about my blog that you like the most (if there isn't anything you like, you won't lose points I promise.. Honesty is key here) and what are your favourite types of posts

3. Leave me your email address

This will be open until 30 April 2011.. I'll select the winner according to the replies..

Again, Thank You All So Much =)

Peace

Discovery: A Korres Lip Balm Version of MAC Viva Glam Cyndi

I love my MAC Viva Glam Cyndi lipstick.. And it's the only product that I actually bought a back up off.. So that says a lot about how much I love this lipstick.. I love the colour and the texture is so lovely and moisturizing..

So during my very quick trip to Korres.. I stumbled across their Mandarin Lip Butter Stick SPF15 which were new to the store.. There were around 6 in total.. Most had minimal to no tint.. Except for this lovely one I bought...



This is in Rose

When I applied this to my lips, it was love at first application..

Pros:

Really nice texture

Moisturizing

Great shade

Easy to apply

Not overly glossy like Korres's Lip Butters (which I still adore and are more moisturizing)

Cons:

Not very long lasting

Now the difference between the Korres Lip Balm Stick and the MAC Viva Glam Cyndi is that the Korres one is sheerer but you still get that gorgeous hint of Rose that you get with the Cyndi Lipstick..

Here are the swatches...

They may look completely off in the swatch, but on the lips, they are sooo similar except for the slightly more corally shade in the Viva Glam Cyndi..

I'm so happy I came across this lip balm.. I wear it all the time now and it goes with any blush I wear, whether it's peachy or pink..

I say if you missed out the Viva Glam Cyndi, definitely check this one out if your Korres store carries it..

Have you tried the Korres Mandarin Lip Butter Stick SPF15?

Review: MAC Vanilla Pigment

The lovely Kelly & Liza from things4her requested to see swatches of the MAC Vanilla Pigment which I mentioned in my previous post " Wishlist - Items Accomplished =) ". 

I adore this pigment.. It's my first ever MAC pigment and it is sooo worth it as it is so versatile..

When you look at the pigment in the little container, it looks white hence the name Vanilla.. But when applied it is the loveliest light pinky gold..

Here are the swatches:

 

Gorgeous right?

I wear this mainly as an eye shadow.. And it just really brightens up my eyes giving my lids the most beautiful sheen.. It's not glittery be any means.. It also makes a great eye and cheek highlighter..

If you were to get one pigment.. I say spend your money on this...

 

Peace

If I Were To Pick One... Lip Liner

It would be...

Bourjois Levre Contour Crayon Lip Liner - #18 Framboise exquise

I have been looking for a lip liner that gives me that natural tint.. "My lips but better" as they say so I can make my nude lipsticks work better on me..

I haven't tried Bourjois Lip Liners before but I thought I'd give this one a go as the colour was nice and soft.. Not biege, not too pink and not overally corally...

This colour turned out to be perfect! Nude lip liners do not work for me.. Every time I ask a SA in any brand for a natural looking lip liner, they show me all the beiges they have.. And to me, that's just not natural..

But this.. Now this, believe it or not, looks so natural on my lips.. The colour shown in the photo above may seem too corally but on the lips it's beautiful.. When worn alone, it gives my lips that sort of bitten look which I love as it works with every look.. And it has made my nude lippies finally work sooo nicely on me.. I pair this with my MAC Creme Cup & Please Me Lipsticks and my YSL Rouge Pur Couture in #06 and this crayon lip liner gives them that extra hint of colour that doesn't wash you out..

Seriously a great lip liner in terms of colour, formula, longevity and price..

Do you wear lip liners at all? What are some of your favourite lip liners?

If I Were To Pick One... Mascara

It would be...

Kanebo Sensai 38C Seperating & Lengthening

I purchased this for the first time maybe a year and a bit ago.. And when I was done with it, I went and tried other mascaras just coz I'm always curious about what is out there.. But I always seem to find myself coming back to this one.. I have just bought my 3rd tube and that NEVER happens with me! So that does say a lot about this product..

This fiber mascara seperates my lashes without clumping.. And lengthens them like there's no tomorrow.. When I wear this it looks like I have false lashes on.. No joke..

I'll tell you what.. Why don't you see for yourself..

Huge huge difference right?

And one more thing that makes me come back to this mascara is the way it washes off.. No panda eyes with this.. Never.. Because it's a fiber mascara so I just wet my fingers and eyes then I gently pull the mascara off.. And that's it! Super easy.. Super clean..

I really love this mascara.. And I know that it's hard to find Kanebo Sensai in some countries.. It's a high-end Japanese brand that carries so many great products.. The closest dupe I have found for this mascara in terms of the effect it gives, is the Chanel Exceptionnel Mascara..

What's your favourite Mascara?



If I Were To Pick One... Eye Shadow

So I decided to do a series called...

If I Were To Pick One...

Now this is a challenge for alllll makeup lovers out there.. Basically what I'm going to do is if I had to pick ONE make up item from each category (Foundation, Blush, Bronzer, Eye Shadow etc.) which one would it be.. And I'll talk about why of course..

So starting with Eye Shadow..

If I Were To Pick One Eye Shadow... It would be:

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow - #4 Taupe

This colour is soooo boring in the pan.. Nothing special at all.. It's a matte colour.. A mixture of brown and a tiny bit of grey.. But it is the PERFECT colour for contouring the eyes and adding a bit of a shadow along the lower lashline for a subtle smokey look.. It's really stunning and I can see it working for all skin tones..

Now I know that even in the swatch it looks like nothing special.. But for those who want a subtle definition for their crease for an everyday natural look.. This is the one shadow for you.. 

I really do like Bobbi Brown eye shadows more than MAC ones as they are way more pigmented and easier to blend.. Yah they're more on the pricey side but for what you're getting, they are worth it.. 

What would your One Eye Shadow pick be?