No-frills Makeup

intended to slot this bit into my most recent entry but that post got too rambly and I feel that this product deserves its own post ;)

the new L'oreal True Match blusher in Blush.

my initial reaction to this was nothing short of disappointment. when I first swatched it at drugstores, I noticed that the pigments will stick to ur fingertips but not on the area that u want to swatch it on. like the pigments literally stick on ur finger! so I thought with a kabuki or blush brush, it'll be better, hence I bought it. but it's not that much of a difference either! so I initially hated how non-pigmented this blush is.

but after several uses, I realized that maybe this is the kind of natural-looking blush - the type that is buildable, depending on how apparent u want the blush to appear on ur cheeks. but ironically, it has A HELL MIGHTY LOT OF GLITTER AND SHEEN IN IT! so in a bid to build up on the colour, I'd end up putting more glitter to my face.

how now brown cow.

but I grew to love the sheeny, glowy look it gives to my cheeks without too much colour. but I've to minimize touching my face for the rest of the day becos the glitter can really travel! I'm not a big fan of glittery blushers, but I guess this is an interesting twist to my drugstore MU collection.

haha what's with the hat right, I know! I just haven't combed my hair so I threw on the hat to take the pic :p I had to build up the blusher several times in this picture.

the blusher comes with a cute semi-circle shaped brush underneath the blusher compact and with a round mirror too. I've tried many different brushes on my own with this blusher, but I find the included brush works best for this blusher, for some weird reason! it picks up the pigments better and apply more smoother. but that's just me! and I love the smell though I can't exactly put my finger on the scent, hmmm... berries? not overwhelming though. but u definitely can smell it when u apply it.

to conclude, it's definitely a skippable blusher for me, unless this is the specific blusher effect u're looking for. price-wise, I think it was $18.90? correct me if I'm mistaken.

I've no idea what kind of eyeshadows should I use with this glittery/sheeny blusher though. I always end up using safe matte neutrals. any suggestions? :) anybody bought this blusher too? I sure would like to know your take on it, and how you'd use it:)

on eyes: 88 original eyeshadow palette - if you wanna know the exact combi, do ask! though I think you can roughly make out the colours I used from the pictures :)

on hair: Lucidol Designing Tube Hair Cream and Lucidol Designing Pot Smash Fixer. these two are pretty much what's on my hair almost everyday.

on cheeks: Maybelline Pure Mineral Blush in Original Rose

I love how light this blusher goes on the cheeks and gives the natural rosy glow. it's easy to apply and blend, thus having minimal streaks (if not, none). it's a wonder why I haven't bought this product since ages ago! I'm planning to own the entire range! there's 2-3 more tones if I'm not wrong.

however, the kabuki brush that comes with it really pokes at the skin! so I don't really use it when I'm at home. but it's convenient to bring out in my MU pouch cos it's so cute and tiny! but hell, it pokes :/ I've yet to get a good kabuki of my own!

the thing I'm more interested in talking about is this!

Loreal Ultra Volume Collagene mascara. I bought this a fortnight ago? and I've been using this everyday ever since so I can give a proper review.

this mascara thickens rather than lengthens. and it clumps the eyelashes, even after using a spoolie. if you want that extra oomph to ur lashes, this is ideal - it is definitely not a subtle, natural-looking mascara. the consistency of the mascara is thick, which is a good thing because it gives extra volume to the lashes, but application can get messy, especially with the thick brush. but if you have stable hands and the time to apply, it shouldn't be a problem.

again, this mascara thickens and does not help to separate. if you like ur lashes clumpy and thick, like me, this is a good option ;) I usually just apply one coat and it already gives a lot of volume to my lashes. if you want it super thick, try 3 coats! u'll get crazy-thick lashes! and the reason why I love this mascara the most is that, it removes easily with just water and facial foam. I use Clean and Clear Cleansing Foam by the way :)

applied on both my upper and lower lashes

if u're wondering why my fringe is still long in this picture is cos I took this picture last week when I haven't had the blunt bangs yet. heh.

ok, I just got myself on a sugar high with all the redbull I've been drinking from writing this entry. I think I'm ready to start some power mugging now! thanks for reading!