Tweet Drugstore Blush RAVE - Rimmel Powder Blush

Another drugstore blush rave!

Last time around, i raved about L'oreal's true match blush in innocent flush, (click here for review and swatches) well.. this time, its the Rimmel London Powder Blushes! I have these in 3 shades, 101 Pink Sugar, 102 Santa Rose and a new addition to my collection, 001 Spring Flower.

Pink Sugar, Spring Flower, Santa Rose

Spring Flower,

Pink Sugar, Santa Rose

Some close ups of each :)

101 Pink Sugar

a gorgeous shimmery pink, if you love the usual pink blushes, you'll love this one as well! It is filled with shimmers but once applied, doesnt look too overly shimmery :)

001 Spring Flower

this blush gives you variety and choice :) although the sections of each shade is not too big, you could definitely use each separately or mix and match to your liking. I like mixing the two lighter shades for a natural light pink cheeks and adding on the darker rose shade for nights out :)

102 Santa Rose

this is my favourite out of the three shades because the color is different from my usual pinks and corals. This is more of a muted nude pink which is GORGEOUS for everyday wear :) shows up as just a slight neutral flush <3 loveee it!

Packaging 3.5/5
Simple open and close compact, definitely less bulky compared to other blushes. However, the lid feels a bit filmsy and can get loose and shaky over time. A brush is included, but in my opinion, it sucks and does not add any value to the product. Overall, the compact itself is nothing too special but your blush should be safe unless you plan on throwing it around alot.

What i really DID like about the packaging though, was the attention to details. That is, im talking about the cute little crown embedded into the blushes! Super cute and makes the blush look like its worth a lot more than well, $5?


next up, lets take a look at the swatches :)

pink sugar, spring flower (each section separately and then all blended), santa rose

pink sugar, spring flower (each section separately and then all blended), santa rose

pink sugar, spring flower (each section separately and then all blended), santa rose

pink sugar, spring flower (each section separately and then all blended), santa rose

Product - 5/5
These blushes are really great! As per great blushes, they have a nice texture, great pigmentation and blend amazingly well into your skin to give you a nice flush. Plus, these blushes also last a LONG time on your cheeks so you wont have to risk the shaky lid and throw these into your makeup bag for touch ups :)

Pros:
- great pigmentation
- great texture
- blend well
- long lasting time
- inexpensive 4.5g for $5
- available at drugstores

Cons:
- filmsy lid, can get loose
- brush included is not good

----------------------------------------

Overall
i love love love these blushes! These are definitely AMAZING drugstore finds and i would highly recommend everyone to take a look! The shades are gorgeous and for $5, you really cant go wrong :)

In case you're wondering which i like better, this or the l'oreal true match? well.. i cant reeeally choose, i am a huge fan of both :) but i would say that the rimmel blushes have more of a "pretty and more dressed up than normal" feel as they do have a really pretty shimmer whereas the l'oreal true match are all matte shades and provide a really "everyday natural" finish :D

p.s. if you havent already, why dont you check out my Sigma F80 flat top kabuki giveaway? :) there will be 2 winners! good luck! :D

Tweet My Favourite Products of 2010

Hi everyone :)

Before i start reviewing and swatching all my new goodies :), i thought i should do a little post to wrap up my 2010! I know this is a bit late, but better late than never! :D so, here are my all time favourite products of 2010 :) I use most of these products on a daily basis, some i have even repurchased once or several times!


note: Since there are a TON of products i want to mention, i will try not to go into full details about each product unless it is one i have never reviewed on this blog. Otherwise, i will put links under the products i have previously reviewed that will direct you to the review post :)

Favourite Face/Skincare Products of 2010

1. Revlon Photoready Foundation in Nude
Im almost done my first bottle and i do plan on repurchasing once im done :) i know it does has some shimmer which some people might not like, but i dont think its too noticeable once applied. What i love about it is that is gives pretty good coverage, helps evens out my skintone and is very nice for photos :) i also LOVE the pump! its probably the best pump i've ever used as it allows you to pump out as much or little as you need <3

2. Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer
-review here-

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - translucent
Im already finishing my second compact, so you can really tell how much i love this lol i apply this daily with my ELF kabuki brush to set my foundation. What i love about it is that its easy to use (in pressed form so its not messy), does a great job of setting my makeup so i dont look shiny, keeps my oily tzone matte for the whole day, annnd its cheap to buy! I also use this with a small fluffy brush to set my concealer and it helps alot! :)

4. Clarisonic Classic in Pink
-review here-

5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Fresh Moisture
This is my all time favourite moisturizer!! I know im weird, but i dont like using creams or lotions on my face because it feels too heavy and oily for my already oily skin. so i tend to stick to only using gel moisturizers and this one is my HG. although its got a gel like consistency, it feels as moisturizing as any other cream lotions but absorbs much faster and leaves behind nice silky soft skin :)

i have repurchased this moisturizer so many times i have lost count and im almost done the tube i have now! so its about time i go repurchase another :) unfortunately, the last few times i went searching for this, i couldnt find it! i am SOO worried that its getting discontinued so next time i find one, im stocking up like no tomorrow!!

--------------------------------------

Favourite Eye Products of 2010

1. Urban Decay Naked Palette
- review here -

 2. Wet n' Wild Coloricon Palettes
- review here -

3. Stila Smudgepot in Bronze
I dont normally venture outside drugstore products too often, but i am SO glad i did for this one! I love love love this product and have used up quite a big chunk of it lol (pretty much used it everyday since i got it!) i chose the shade bronze because black seems too heavy for day-to-day wear, but aside from color, the formula itself is amazing! super soft and creamy, but once its on, it stays on! i love it and will most definitely repurchase once im done!

4. Covergirl Lashblast Volume - waterproof
This has been my favourite mascara ever since i first started using it. Although it doesnt volumize as much as id like, it definitely lengths and darkens my lashes nicely. The best part about this, is that it holds my straight asian lashes in a curl for the whole freaking day! *yay* my lashes are so stubbornly straight that not alot of mascara can hold them up, but this one does and since its cheap & readily available, im not switching mascaras for awhile!

mascara runner-up : Loreal Voluminous in Black Brown
Sometimes when i want more volume in my lashes, i use this mascara first and then a layer of covergirl after. I really like this mascara as well because it really helps add volume and thickness to my lashes. I chose the shade in black brown so i could wear this on its own for lazymakeup days :) but overall, if covergirl never came out with their lashblast, this would be my mascara!

----------------------------------

Favourite Lip Products of 2010

1. Nivea Essential or A Kiss of Moisture
- review here -


2. Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine
Along with my nivea tubes, i also LOVE this stufff! It smells heavenly (like butterscotch *yumm*) and gives my lips just the perfect amount of moisture. I tend to use this in the morning after i wash and moisturize my face. then after im done applying makeup, my lips will be all ready and prepped up for any lipstick/gloss i plan on putting on for that day :) the only thing i dont like about this is the application method as it comes in a small jar.. so its not as sanitary as others. still, i love both the packaging and the product inside!

3. Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Nude Blush
- review here -


4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipglosses - all shades
These lipglosses are the best lipglosses ever! Although i do have to say the pigmentation could be slightly better, and the color choices could be slightly wider, i absolutely love the formula! it is soo smooth and 100% not sticky! I know alot of people dont mind the stickness, but i for one cant stand it! So these lipglosses are perfect for me and currently, my favourite shade is Life's a Peach :)

-----------------------------

Favourite Blushes of 2010

1. Annabelle - Rapture
2. ELF - Candid Coral (swatch)
3. MAC MSF in Stereo Rose & Petticoat (swatch)

4. Hard Candy - Living Doll & Honeymoon (swatch living doll, swatch honeymoon, both applied)

-----------------------------

Favourite Nail Polishes of 2010

sparkling diamonds - LA colors

1. Sally Hansen - Silver Slightblade
2. Nailene french manicure - Petal Pusher
3. LA Colors - Mega Watt
4. Rimmel - Steel Grey (Swatch)
5. Revlon - Minted (swatch)
6. Nicole by OPI - Black to the future (swatch)
7. Sally Hansen - Gray by Gray (swatch)
8. LA Colors - Sparkling Diamonds (Swatch)

-----------------------------------

Favourite Brushes of 2010

1. ELF Studio Powder Brush (review)
2. ELF Studio Kabuki Face Brush
3. ELF Studio Small Angled Brush
4. Ecotools Bronzer Brush (review)
5. Ecotools Crease Brush
6. Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush (review)
7. Sigma E30 Pencil Brush (review)
8. Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush (review)

------------------------------

Favourite Skin Boosters & Serums of 2010

1. The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost
Great as a primer and a skin boost! This not only smells sooo good! (think oranges!) but also has a silky texture that is great for prepping your skin for makeup :) Plus, its supposed to make your skin less dull and i think its done a great job!


2. Loreal Lash Serum

i lovee this stuff! you apply it day and night on your lashes and its supposed to make them thicker, longer and healthier! although i dont have crazy results, i do notice that my lashes are alot healthier now in that less fall off during makeup removal. Plus, i do notice slight thickening and lengthing and i am soo excited :D <3

3. My Beauty Diary Masks - Natto & Aloe Vera
- review here - 

-----------------------------------

and i think that about sums it up :) theres probably  a ton of other products i wish i could mention and it took me a long while to narrow it down to the list i have above lol. but overall, im happy with the ones i chose :) Starting with next post, there will be a TON of new swatches and reviews :) i hope you're all as excited as i am! take care!

Tweet Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Update 2

Okay guys, this is eight days later... :(

Look at all those chips! It took me a lot of effort trying to resist taking it off or touching up! But still, eight days before this is pretty good i have to say! I definately give this nail polish an A+ for its beautiful colour and lasting power! I know, it didnt really last the whole 10 days, but it did say "up to" 10 days. haha tricky, but it'll do for me. I like to change up my nail polishes once in awhile anyways! Next time i'm at a shoppers or walmart, i'll definately take a look to see if theres any more of these in different shades! :)

Click to view my review with 5 days of wear.

xAgnes

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any companies and any of the above products mentioned were all purchased by me with my own money, or given to me from family and friends. All reviews are from my personal experience and what works for me may not work for you. Please keep this in mind when testing these products.

Tweet Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Update

Five days later... this is what my nails are like!

So far, its holding up pretty good! As you can see, the ends are starting to come off.. but overall, i think its doing pretty good. Theres a slight chip on my second fingernail, but im hoping it wont get any worse! I will update again throughout these next few days and let you guys know what my final verdict of Rimmel's lasting finish pro nail polish is.. but so far, here's what i found:

What they say:
Professional polished perfection for flawless up to ten-day colour and shine. Enriched with micro-sized minerals that fill in imperfections on the nail surface, Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel creates a smooth and super glossy finish for up to 10 days of maximum colour impact and shine. Advanced micro formula technology with active time-released system enhances shine over time. It captures and reflects light for colour that shines with dimension. UV fade protection keeps colour true. The formula is ultra flexible and long wearing with superior shock absorption and chip resistance. The Mistake-Free Pro brush features a wide angled brush for a fast and mistake-free professional application. With more than 800 fine textured bristles, the brush is designed to adapt to any nail shape and require less strokes to apply, while delivering a super smooth finish and truly streak-free results.

Pros:

• I love this colour! - steel grey
• I also LOVE the brush :) its wider and denser which made it very easy to apply

Left: Rimmel brush,

Right: Rimmel brush compared to Sephora by OPI's brush

Cons:

• Slight chipping.. will see if it gets worse 

xAgnes


Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any companies and any of the above products mentioned were all purchased by me with my own money, or given to me from family and friends. All reviews are from my personal experience and what works for me may not work for you. Please keep this in mind when testing these products.
 

Tweet Rimmel London: Airy Fairy - Review and Swatches

I'm sure you have all heard of (or own) Rimmel London's lasting finish intense wear lipstick in Airy Fairy. I've heard great things from many bloggers and really wanted to try it out for myself. So I stopped by my local shoppers drug mart and lucky for me.. it was on sale!! I got mine for $5.52 CAD and so far, I must agree with all the other bloggers, its a beautiful color! Here's some pictures:

The color may look a bit on the pinker side in pictures, but in reality, it is a gorgeous color that is very suitable for everyday use. Here's some swatches. I compared Rimmel's Airy Fairy to Maybelline's Nude Blush, Avon's Apricot Glow and Pout. For reference, I'm a NC30.

Swatches with no flash

Swatches with flash

 

Left: Naked Lips, Right: Airy Fairy on left half

What they say:
Locks colour to lips for up to 8 hours wear. 50% more colour. Soft, smooth, comfortable formula.

Pros:

• nice creamy texture that doesnt leave my lips dry
• beautiful pink color suitable for everyday wear
• no nasty lipstick taste
• lasting power is pretty good
• and of course, the price is amazing!

Cons:

• Not sure if its just me, but my packing was lacking in quality, the lid was wobbly and makes a noise when i shake it. =(

Overall: A-
This is definately a lipstick that should be a part of everyone's collection. It is great for those who are just stepping into the world of lipsticks as it is not only affordable, but offers great value. And for those who lovee pink like me but want something that is also natural? this is what your looking for! =)
- for more information, visit Rimmel London for more details! -


While looking in the rimmel section of shoppers, i also picked up their lasting finish pro nail polish in steel grey. It says that it'll last up to 10 days AND was on sale for $4.12 so i just couldnt pass it up. More information available at Rimmel London. Here's some pictures:

With flash

I'm going to test this out and see how long it actually lasts! Im always busy doing things so my nails are always getting chipped. I'll update you guys on how good this works as soon as possible! But for now, i definately have to give this an A for such a beautiful grey color! I hope you guys will have an amazing weekend! I am super excited as the weather is finally beautiful here in Calgary. Enjoy =)

xAgnes

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any companies and any of the above products mentioned were all purchased by me with my own money, or given to me from family and friends. All reviews are from my personal experience and what works for me may not work for you. Please keep this in mind when testing these products.