Review: NARS The Multiple

NARS The Multiple in Orgasm

Product Info from NARS:

The original multi-purpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips and body. Its unique, creamy formula blends effortlessly to provide sheer color for creating shimmering accents, contours or dynamic highlights on all skin tones. Creates perfect, glowing complexions and is conveniently designed for fail-proof application.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 2,250.00

I'm lucky I got this from swap and its still good as new.

WEIGHT: 14 grams

SHADES : Available in 13 shades.

PROS:

* pigmented unlike the Powder blush version that barely shows up when swatched.
* non-sticky unlike MAC cream blushes

* easy to apply; glides on smoothly

* can be layered with any powder blush without looking heavy/cakey.

* makes me look GLOWING! This doesn't look too shimmery once applied on the cheeks.

* average staying power (about 4-5 hrs)
* can be used as blush or highlighter

CONS:

* it creases when used as eyeshadow (even with eye primer underneath)

* expensive! It contains only 14 grams of product.

ADDICTION FACTOR:

This product is nice to have but I can live without it...

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, I read Nichido stick in South Beach is a dupe of Orgasm multiple... the best part?! It only costs less than Php 200 bucks!

RATING : 3/5

More pics (click to enlarge)

NARS Orgasm powder blush vs. The Multiple in Orgasm

Swatches

I noticed that Orgasm multiple looks more pink whereas the powder blush has more gold flecks to it.

Another shot

Are you a fan of stick/cream blushes?

What's your fave?

Till next time,

Swatches: MAC Blushes

Close up pics (click to enlarge)

Springsheen

Peach with gold pearl (sheertone shimmer)
The shade reminds me of NARS Orgasm except that O has more pink tones in it.

Dollymix

Pure candy pink (Sheertone shimmer)
My favorite MAC blush!
This looks scary pink on the pan, but when applied with a light hand this gives me a natural pink flush. This suits fair-medium skintones IMO so this shade is a must have!
I own Pink Swoon before, its a pretty light pink but I hate swiping the brush several times on the pan, and it ends up looking chalky on me =P

Gentle

Raspberry with gold pearl (mineralize)
A shimmery light pink when worn, I don't know why MAC described it as a "Raspberry shade".

Love Rock (Grand Duo)

Golden violet marbling with solid bright bluish pink
I prefer to use this shade as highlight when I'm wearing a pink blush, the shimmers are just too much =P

Swatches

Another shot
From left:
Love rock | Springsheen | Dollymix | Gentle

I rarely use my MAC blushes nowadays coz I prefer Shu Uemura or NARS.
What's your favorite MAC blush?

Till next time,

Swatches: NARS Blushes

Product Info from NARS:

Made with transparent pigments for a soft and sheer look. Imparts a natural, healthy glow for any skin tone and may be worn alone or layered together for more depth and intensity.

* Provides a sheer, natural hint of color

* Made with transparent pigments to avoid heaviness

* Broad selection of shades

NARS Blushes are cheaper in the US, they cost $24 in the website whereas here in the Philippines they are priced Php 1,350 ($30) at Rustans.

click pics to enlarge

Orgasm - peachy pink with shimmer

This blush is not that pigmented unlike other NARS blushes I've tried...

I have to swipe my brush 3x for it to show up on my cheeks, but this holds a special place in my heart since my MUA used this shade during my wedding and prenup.

Super Orgasm - peachy pink with gold glitter

SO is pinkier than Orgasm and the gold glitters are visible on the pan, but don't be afraid coz all you have to do is tap your brush to get rid of the glitters before applying it on your cheeks.

Torrid - Coral with shimmer

A darker version of Orgasm IMO but less shimmery.

Outlaw - shimmery rose (discontinued)

The shade reminds me of NARS Crazed, it looks scary on the pan but when applied with a light hand it gives me a natural flush.

Angelika - cotton candy with silver shimmers

This would be my favorite NARS Blush coz I love how it instantly brightens my face!

Swatches

From top:

Angelika, Outlaw, Orgasm, Super Orgasm, Torrid

Will post swatches of my MAC & Shu Uemura blushes soon =)

Till next time,

Peachy-pink blushes for every budget (from $1 to $24)

Click photos to zoom

Swatches

1. NARS Super Orgasm - Php 1,350 ($24 on NARS website)
2. NARS Orgasm $24
3. NARS Torrid $ 24
4. Wet n Wild Silk Finish in Pearlescent Pink - Php 150 ($2.99 on Amazon)
5. L'oreal Blush Delice in Front Page Peach ($8 on Buymebeauty)
6. MAC Springsheen - Php 1,200 ($18.50 on MAC website)
7. Covergirl Classic Blush in Rose Silk ($5.68 on Amazon)
8. ELF Blush in Glow - Php 120 ($1 on ELF website)
9. ELF Studio blush in Candid Coral - Php250 ($5 on ELF website)

Another shot

I love peachy-pink blushes coz they suit fair to medium skintones and you can pair them with pink, peach, coral or even red lipstick or gloss. I forgot to include my Maybelline Mineral Power blush in Simply Coral, but you can check my review HERE.

Till next time,

Review : Revlon Matte Powder Blush

Revlon Matte Powder Blush In Perfectly Peach
too bad the compact broke when I got it =(

Product Info from Revlon:

Creamy, soft matte blush that gently contours cheekbones.
* Brushes onto cheeks smoothly and effortlessly for a soft matte look and a smooth, even finish.
* Perfectly defines and contours cheekbones
* Specially coated pigments offer a soft matte look without sacrificing color or wear

RETAIL PRICE: Php 625.00

WEIGHT: 5.1 grams

SHADES : Available in 3 shades.
* Rose Rapture
* Perfectly Peach
* Barely Buff

PROS:
* brush included is soft!
* sleek packaging
* fragrance-free
* sheer but builable color
* non-chalky
* color lasts for more than 5 hours on me
* its matte but the finish doesn't look "flat"
* I usually don't look good in Peach blushes coz usually they look dirty/weird on me, but this one doesn't.
* the shade reminds me of NARS Sex Appeal blush although I haven't seen the actual shade but you'll be the judge. You can check out Heatherette's blog for swatches. Sex Appeal is described as a soft peach blush btw.

CONS:

* mirror is too small
* may not show up on darker skintones.

ADDICTION FACTOR:

To be honest, when I first saw this blush I really didn't like it. Why?
1. It looks Blah on the pan
2. Its matte - you know I love shimmery shades
3. Its peach - I've tried a couple of Peach blushes in the past and I didn't like it.. I prefer peachy-pinks. But when I tried this blush I instantly fell in love! I really love this, I really do! This is the only peach blush worked for me (so far)! =)

RATING : 4.5/5

More pics (click to enlarge)

Swatch

Till next time,

Disclaimer: Product was sent for review purposes.
This is not a paid review and is solely based on my honest opinions.

Review : Chanel Joues Contraste Blush

Can't believe that I finally own a Chanel blush! This is a birthday gift from my friend Yerra plus a cute Charm Retractable Kabuki brush (review to follow).

PRODUCT INFO FROM CHANEL:

Unique powder blusher offers buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a flattering radiance to the cheeks. Remarkably silky texture ensures easy application of seamless color. Applied high on the cheekbone, or near the eyes, it instantly "lifts" and softens the face for a more youthful look.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 2,350.00 or about $53.

WEIGHT : 4 grams

SHADES : Available in more than 5 shades.


PROS:
* sheer but buildable color
* I only need to swipe my brush twice to get the color I want.
* the blush looks baked but the texture is smooth and finely milled
* my face looks glowing when I use this!
* it looks so bright on the pan but looks natural when applied. I love how the shade compliments my NC20 skintone.
* comes with a velvet pouch and a wide mirror
* cute packaging

CONS:
* the rose scent is kinda bothering
* brush is scratchy
* I read this is LE (limited edition)?

TIPS:
* The blush/compact looks fragile so be careful not to drop this!
* Apply blush in thin layers to avoid looking like a clown. Start from the apples of your cheeks then slowly blend upwards.
* It is also important to use the right kind of brush in applying. I noticed that goat hair easily picks up pigments compared to the synthetic ones but I find the former a bit scratchy.
* Choose a color that compliments your skintone, in my case I noticed my face looks muddy when I use Peach blushes but I look good in Pinks and peachy-pinks.


ADDICTION FACTOR:
I love this but I'm worried coz Chanel blushes are expensive! haha

RATING : 4.5 / 5

More pics (click photos to enlarge)

Compact when closed + the free velvet pouch

Swatch

My other pink blushes for color reference

1. MAC Mineralized blush in Gentle
2. MAC Dollymix blush
3. Chanel JC blush in Pink Explosion
4. The Face Shop blush in PK03
5. MAC Mineralized blush in Loverock
6. NARS Angelika blush

As you can see, Pink Explosion looks brighter/cooler compared to my other pinks.
Do you love pink blushes? What's your favorite?

Till next time,

Spend vs. Save : NARS blush in Angelika

Spend: NARS Blush in Angelika - Php 1,350 (Rustans)
Save: The Face Shop Color Nuance blush in PK103 - Php 395

Angelika is described as a "Cotton candy pink with gold particles"... weird coz the particles looks silver to me =P

They look shimmery on the pan but hardly noticeable when applied (see swatches).

TEXTURE & FINISH:
Both have silver shimmers, but Angelika's texture is much finer than TFS.

COLOR - PAY OFF :

Angelika - really pigmented; i only have to TAP my brush once or twice for it to show up on my NC20 skintone.
PK103 - sheer but buildable color

STAYING POWER :
I adore NARS blushes coz of its staying power, they last for more than 6 hours on me.
TFS on the other hand, lasts for around 4 hours (if I don't sweat)

Swatches
click photo to enlarge

Left: The Face Shop Blush in PK103
Right: NARS Blush in Angelika

They look similar in their respective pans but once applied PK103 looks cooler & less shimmery than Angelika.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

If you're looking for an inexpensive cool toned pink blush, I highly recommend PK103.

Till next time,

Review: The Face Shop Color Nuance Blush

The Face Shop Color Nuance Blush in PK102 & PK103

PRODUCT INFO FROM THE FACE SHOP:

Natural looking powder blush for all skin type and complexion. It is formulated with silicon elastomer to provide a silky feel and soft texture. It also contains sebum-control powder and coating pigment to provide long-lasting color. Color stays as it is.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 395.00 or about $9.

WEIGHT : 4 grams

SHADES : Available in more than 5 shades.

PROS:
* inexpensive
* sleek packaging similar to Shu Uemura's Glow-on blushes

* sheer but buildable color

* easy to blend

* lasts for more than 4 hours (if I don't sweat)

* this is shimmery but looks natural on me
* does not look chalky when applied
* smooth texture

CONS:
* limited shades available in Cebu City. I asked my sister in Manila to buy this for me and she bought these in different TFS outlets.

TIPS:
The PK102 shade can also be used as highlighter and it works best when used with a bronzer since the shade is a bit light.
To contour your cheekbones, apply bronzer first using an angled brush starting at the outer part of your face (near the ear) using inward strokes. Using a different blush brush (so that the blush & bronzer shades won't mix) apply blush at the apples of the cheeks then blend using outward strokes.
Please note that the placement of the contour powder/bronzer depends on your face shape, you can search Youtube for a detailed tutorial.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
I'm in love with the colors and I think this will last me a long time.

RATING :

5 / 5

More pics (click photo to enlarge)

The Face Shop Color Nuance Blush in PK102

The Face Shop Color Nuance Blush in PK103

Swatches

PK102 - baby pink with slight shimmers

PK103 - cool toned medium pink with silver shimmers

My favorite between the two is PK103.

It looks so shimmery on the pan but the glitters fall out once applied.

Till next time,

Review : ELF Studio Line Blush

I had this blush for a while, but forgot to review it.

ELF Studio Line Blush in Tickled Pink

PRODUCT INFO from ELF:

The soft sheer texture blends into the skin for a silky finish. Designed to be worn alone or layered for more depth. Highlight your complexion with a subtle healthy glow!

APPLICATION TIPS : Apply to the apples of the cheeks or any other area you wish to highlight.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 249.75 about $5.

NET WEIGHT : 4.75 grams / 0.168 oz.

SHADES: Available in 9 shades.

*image borrowed from ELF*













Top: Peachykeen, Tickled pink, Candid Coral, Mellow Mauve, Berry Merry

Bottom : Blushing Rose, Pink Passion, Fuschia Fusion, Gotta Glow

PROS:

* inexpensive

* packaging style is similar to NARS Blushes except for the material used (NARS is rubbery) and the clear window in the compact.

* powder is smooth

* no allergies



CONS:

* not all colors are available locally

* the color that I got is not so pigmented, i have to swipe it several times on my cheeks for it to show up.





TIPS:

Tickled pink is a soft pale pink, the color reminded me of MAC Pink Swoon but its not as bright. This is a pretty color when you're sporting a smokey eye look, it brightens your cheeks but does not overpower it.



ADDICTION FACTOR:

Not sure if i'll repurchase =P I don't LIKE it that much, but I don't HATE it either.



RATING :

2 / 5

More pics..

(click photos to enlarge)

ELF Studio Line Blush in Tickled Pink

^without flash^

^with flash^

^ NARS Blush vs. ELf Studio Line blush ^

Packaging is kinda similar right?!

I didn't post swatches coz it doesn't also show up on my camera. Sorry for the blurry pics also. =P tsk.. Will borrow my hubby's DSLR cam next time hehe

Till next time,