Lancome Blush Subtil Shimmer Miel Glace Photos, Review and Swatches

Miel Glace is one of Lancome's Subtil Shimmer Blush. It is definitely not the most exciting blush shade in the line but I feel like it's a staple blush for pale/light-skinned gals. Though in the pan, it looks beige and boring, the blush shows up as a perfect blend of pink, mauve and subtle shimmer, adding a nice natural glowly flush to your cheek. This blush is my go-to when I don't know what blush to wear or when I want to go for a more natural look. The blush itself is nicely milled and quite pigmented. It glides and blends onto your skin effortlessly. The lasting power is pretty impressive. I have oily skin but this blush holds up a full 8 hour work day.

XO Nicole

Hard Candy Fox in a Box - Skinny Dipping Bronzer Duo Review with Photos and Swatches

Hard Candy's face product includes a line of products that come in a "box" - much like those of Benefit blushes and bronzers. Specifically, Hard Candy has two variations; in this line, Fox in a Box, you will find either a blushing quad or a bronzer duo. Though this particular box, Skinny Dipping, is obviously a duo, I would not say that this is an obvious choice for bronzer. In this boxed powder, there is an almost straight up orange shade and a bronze-y shade with strong red/orange undertones. I cannot think of a skin tone that can easily make use for this as a contour or a all over sunkissed glow kind of bronzer, because of the shimmer in both shades and the red undertones. The reason I purchased this was because I did not have anything like this in my collection and my intentions for this was for blush. Whether you choose to mix both the shades together or to use either of them individually, the result is probably very different than what you have can achieve from other products in your collection. 

The orange shade is actually very bright so if you are choosing to use this by itself (without mixing with the brown shade), it is important that you use a very light hand because the product is actually very pigmented.

Left: both shades mixed, bronzer, orange side

XO Nicole

Sephora Haul (MUFE, Rosebud Perfume Co, UD, Sephora)

Yes, another haul from Sephora - this time, due to a tempting offer for VIBs! (More on that later.) I really did not have anything in mind since I just recently made a Sephora purchase so everything here is something that I don't really need but would like to try.

Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve - I have heard a lot about this so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try this especially since the fall and winter months are around the corner, however, during the shipment, I took the oppotunity from B&BW and bought 3 of their version of the Rose Salve. I will be returning this product.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Full Cover Concealer Vanilla 5 - For the fall semester, I would really love to keep my makeup very minimal - i.e. BB cream, concealer and mascara, so I thought I'd at least get a good concealer. I was debating between this concealer and the Kat Von D Tattoo concealer but since I do have the Hard Candy Glamoflauge dupe for that, I chose this MUFE one.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Double Contouring Cream Blush No 04 Golden Spice - I've noticed that I have not really been into using blush lately so I really did not need to buy something that I'm not excited about BUT I saw a swatch of this and thought I needed this for my lazy makeup days, as this is advertised to be a contour and a blush.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Vintage Threesome - I hardly wear eyeshadow but when I do, this is the primer that I reach for. In fact, I still have one extra large one including two samples still waiting for me to get through, but I guess my rationale was that I did not have the other two shades! And while this older packaging is not the most efficient (hence UD making the packaging switch to the squeezy tubes), I really like it. A tip is to take off the top plastic rim - this allows the doe foot applicator to reach more product!

Now for the main reason for this order.The promo was for VIBs: with a $35USD or more purchase, you get a mini clutch filled with deluxe samples that includes:

• Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional
• Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara
• Smashbox Hydrating Primer
• L’Occitane Shea Hand Cream
• Sephora Collection Instant Moisturizer
• Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel
• Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream
• Stella McCartney Stella

XO Nicole

Estée Lauder Peach Nuance Blush Photos, Swatches and Review

Estée Lauder Blush in Peach Nuance

During my peach blush phase, I discovered and fell in love with MAC’s Ripe Peach blush after seeing it in swatches but unfortunately, I was like years late because that blush had been discontinued. So on my hunt, I find Peach Nuance (along with plum nuance) and I just had to have it. So when Estee Lauder had a GWP promo, I picked up the two and the only nuance blushes from Estee Lauder on my wishlist.

Because I do not own MAC’s Ripe Peach so I cannot on make comparisons.

Estée Lauder Blush in Peach Nuance

Estée Lauder Blush in Peach Nuance

The blush is a beautiful peach and corally blush and I love that you get to customize it to how intense you want the colour. It a really nice glow. As a new user to EL’s blush, the texture is very silky and the pigmentation is just great.

As you can see, the lighter spectrum of the blush is like a really light yellow that I cannot see used on it’s own for many purposes, but I think that the availability of that shade to blend with the darker shades ensure that it is not overly orange.

Light Side, Blended, Dark Side

Peach Nuance vs. Plum Nuance

Estée Lauder Blush in Peach Nuance

Estée Lauder Blush in Peach Nuance

XO Nicole

Estée Lauder Plum Nuance Blush Photos, Swatches and Review

I have had my eye on this blush for a while. I wanted a nice, purple blush in my collection and when I found out about this blush, I thought I had to have it. I really liked the concept of the gradient in one blush such that you can essentially have 3+ different shades if you want. It allows you to mix and choose how deep of the purple you want to go - and that is why I thought this would be a good start for my new purple-blush collection.

Estée Lauder Blush in Plum Nuance

Estée Lauder Blush in Plum Nuance

This blush is gorgeous; on the lighter side, it is a light mauvey pink, while the darker side gives a deeper plum. The middle gives the warmer plum shade.

Light side, blended, dark side

Again, with the EL blushes, these are quite pigmented and the texture is super smooth and blends really nicely on the skin. I love using the darker side for the winter months. To be honest, I was quite surprised that the light side actually showed up as a pink instead of a peach as it shows on the product. Either way, this blush gives great versatility.

Light side, blended, dark side

Estée Lauder Blush in Peach Nuance & Plum Nuance

XO Nicole

Estée Lauder - Summer GWP 2011 Haul

DISCLAIMER: I apologize that these posts are totally out of date but because I was unable to juggle my blog and school at the same time, I put the write-ups for the posts on hold. I did take the time to take pictures of the products at the time of purchase with the intention of posting the accompanying blog with it, however, that did not happen. I do not want to waste these photos so I decided to post them because some people may find it helpful nevertheless. Thanks.

The Purchases: Nuance Blushes

Estee Lauder - Summer GWP 2011

Estee Lauder Tender Blushes

Estee Lauder Tender Blush - Peach Nuance, Plum Nuance

Estee Lauder - Summer GWP 2011

XO Nicole

NARS Blush Douceur Photos, Swatches and Review

NARS blush - Douceur

For me, this blush has been my go-to blush for when I want that extra help of contouring. The shade is neutral, mauvey, brown but it is not as bland as it sounds! This blush magically gives you a nice and natural glow while helping you scrupt your face - which is why I really love this product. I reach for this on days when my face feels slightly swollen and I don't even have to worry about a bronzer and a blush. This is perfect for those who are not super into pink blushes. You can't go wrong with this one.

And like most NARS blushes, this is super pigmented and has subtle shimmer.

XO Nicole

Sephora (feat. Urban Decay NAKED2, NARS, Vera Wang) Haul

Sephora Haul

When I heard that Urban Decay's Naked2 was back in stock on Sephora.com, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. I just couldn't wait for later Feburary (when Naked2 comes to stores such as SDM and Murale) and plus, with Sephora lowering the free shipping minimum for Canadian orders from $125 to $75, I just could not say no! Along with the palette, I made a really hard decision on choosing NARS' Douceur blush over Tarte's Exposed. P.S. The Vera Wang perfume was purchased individually on a separate occasion but I decided to appropriately add it to this haul.

Urban Decay Naked2

Urban Decay: Naked2 - Even though when I was still justifying purchasing the original Naked palette, I said that that would be the only palette I've ever really need but when they announced this glorious sequel palette, all vows went out the window and there was no doubt in my mind that I would not pick this up.

NARS Blush - Douceur

NARS Blush: Douceur - I feel in love with this blush after seeing Michele (youtube: Michele1218) talk about it and compare it with NYX's Raisin (which I also purchased via her influence) and Tarte's Exposed. All those three blushes mentioned are all shades that I am currently obsessing over. I decided this over Exposed because I felt like Exposed looked more pink in the swatches. My pink blush days are long gone and I've jumped on the neutral-mauvey-brown blush bandwagon. I think the reason is mostly the fact that it can easily act as a contour as well (which I am desperately needing nowadays).

Vera Wang - Princess

Vera Wang - Princess: I've always thought this bottle was way too girly for me but this isn't the first time I was a hypocrite because regardless, I even made one of my graphics project on this product! Aside from the packaging (which I have now grown to love), I love the scent too. It's not too girly or florally.

The Samples

XO Nicole

My Collection: NYX Blushes

As you may have seen/read from my previous post on my NYX haul, I decided to do a collective swatch/comparison on all the NYX blushes that I own. Though I only own a few, I feel like the collection is going to stop there. They are very affordable and they do have a lot of different shades to choose from but I think I own all the shades that I am interested in. Until then, I am content with my collection.

 Swatches of the powdered blushes:

NYX Powdered Blushes in Natural, Angel, Mauve, Raisin, Taupe

Raisin

Though I am not going to review all of these blushes (as I have talked about them previously) I will make notable mentions on some of them.

My favourite out of the bunch would be Raisin - I love that is mauve-y enough that it can also act as a contour. It is a muted colour with a matte finish so it is definitely OK to use this alone.

Natural

NYX Rouge Cream Blush Natural - This is one of my first cream blusehs and I though since this was so affordable and the colour is so wearable, you cannot really go wrong about giving cream blushes a try. I have never actually worn this blush just because it is really scarey for me as this thing is so so pigmented. You need the lightest hand to apply this, so I have since given this to my sister. She enjoys it and it looks really nice and natural on her.

XO Nicole

NYX Creme Blush in Natural Photos, Swatches and Review

NYX Rouge Cream Blush Natural

This NYX creme blush is my first ever cream blush - how exciting! I've always strayed away from cream-based blushes just because of the perception of needing a lot of time and effort to blend the blush and also, I was scared of the fact that it in the blending process, it would "erase" some of my foundation.. So I did not really care for them! Then I decided, why not? This product is relatively cheap and there was nothing to lose. I saw the swatches online and of course, I'm going to play it safe and get a nice, natural shade. Another plus for this blush for me was that it does not have any shimmer or glitter.


This stuff is so pigmented! I go in with my lightest hand and even that could be too much - thus, I usually use this with a brush and ever so slightly, dab it a little. (This product will probably last forever because you need so little!) It is super blend-able so you can really get a nice natural glow. Not only that, I find this lasts all day! If not, you can even go over it with a powder blush but I think that would be a bit too much and it really isn't necessary. For a nice but natural pop of colours on your cheeks, this is perfect.

I am definitely going to try out other shades. I am very impressed with this; long lasting, super pigmented (though there are downsides to this!) and a super nice shade. Thank goodness this did not make me stray away from cream blushes all together! It was my first and definitely won't be my last - of this type and from this brand.

NYX Rouge Cream Blush Natural

Different swatch intensities of Natural

XO Nicole