The Bold and The Beautiful: Nars Guy Bourdin Blush Coeur Battant Review

When it comes to blush I really get excited. I don't even remember where my love for blush began but all I know is that Nars makes some of the meanest blushes on the market.
The reason I love them is because they are ultra pigmented, have long wear on the cheeks, and have some of the most universally flattering tones on the market.
The quality alone aids with my decision to invest in these blushes that are a bit on the pricier end.
Nars cosmetics launched their holiday collection which pays homage to François Nars admiration for controversial fashion photographer Guy Bourdin's art.
If you read up information on Guy Bourdin you will see why he is considered controversial and why this collection has stirred the pot across the beauty community.
For me personally I choose to have my personal opinions about my perceptions of Guy Bourdin work and focus solely on the collection itself because prior to this collection I have never heard of this artist.
I on the other hand fell in love with a few of the products in the range but decided as we near close to Christmas I would get the one stand out product (to me) in the collection and that was this beautiful blush Coeur Battant.
I will go over some information on this blush plus my personal opinion!

About Nars Coeur Battant Blush

• Coeur Battant is a beautiful bold magenta color 
• This blush is limited edition only available for the holiday season, or while quantities last
• Coeur Battant is completely matte (Love)
• The packaging has Guy Bourdin artwork on it however the actual blush palette is the traditional black Nars palette
• There is 4.8 grams of product (Typical of all Nars blushes)
• The blush palette also contains a mirror that is helpful on the go
• Nars blushes retail for $32 CAD
• Nars blushes can be purchased at Sephora, The Bay (Canada) and on the Nars website
  

My personal opinion on Coeur Battant Blush

• This blush may look intimidating in the pan however when applied with a light hand it creates a beautiful pop on the cheeks
• Coeur Battant is extremely pigmented so may be tricky for lighter skin tones to work with, however a stippling brush will aid in getting just the right amount on the cheeks
• This blush is universally flattering however I believe it will look really nice on tan to darker skin tones
• Coeur battant has the silky smooth application Nars blushes typically have
• This blush is easy to blend out on the skin 
• I am excited that I got my hands on this blush and would definitely repurchase again (although I am sure I won't have to since I've never hit pan on ANY blush I own)
• Coeur Battant is a very unique blush (in my collection) and is definitely a beautiful blush to add to your Christmas list this holiday season

Wearing Nars Coeur Battant

Fab Reds: Fave Red Lipstick, Nailpolish, & Blush

Nars Blush Collection

Ohhh Girl that Glow: Illamasqua Cream Blusher Libido Review

Illamasqua's Libido Cream Blusher

   Illamasqua is quickly becoming my favourite brand next to my beloved Mac cosmetics.

No surprise of course because they are edgy, avant guard, and have vibrant, pigmented cosmetics.

   I was overjoyed when Illamasqua opened a counter in Toronto inside our department store They Bay! Not only was the counter so pretty and stylish but had very nice MUA's working that where ultra helpful.

    I decided to check it out and look at some products I have had on my wish list for months.

I am big on glowing and being bronzed and now that we are right in fall I am trying to go more low key; a little less bronze, a little more glow. 

I am huge fan of DestinyGodly on YouTube and she has been raving about Illamasqua's Libido for so long and I love how it looks on her.

I got to sample this blush with a MUA (makeup artist) and purchase Libido and fell in love. I have been wearing this for the last few days and love how it wears and looks!

Swatch of Libido Cream Blusher

Thoughts on Libido:

• Libido appears to be a bright red but goes on the skin as a beautiful deep orange
• Libido is a cream blusher that is best applied on the cheeks with fingertips to blend into the skin or with a stippling brush for light application
• On the packaging Illamasqua says this blusher can be applied not only to the cheeks but as a highlighter on the cheekbones, however I have only used it as a blush 
• Libido provides a light colour on the cheeks but is build-able for a deeper colour easily
• Very little product is needed and the colour provides a beautiful natural warmth to the face
• The texture of the blush is very smooth and creamy and lightweight on the face
• This is a great blush to start off with if you are new to blushes 
• Cream blusher can double as a lip tint/lip colour as well
• The packaging is sleek and light and contains 4g of product
• This blush does leave a dewy finish on the skin so oily girls may want to skip this product or be sure to have the rest of the face matte
• This blush wears beautiful with a nude/dark/colourful lip when applied lightly 
• The wear on the blush is phenomenal wearing between 7-8 hours without fading
• Libido is absolutely stunning on tanned to dark skin complexions but lighter ladies can easily pull it off with light application
• This blush can be purchased at Sephora, The Bay (Canada check locations), and Illamasqua's website
• Libido retails for $26 CAD

Take a look at my video! I swatch and discuss Libido Cream Blusher here! 

Fall is around the corner...time to get Vampy Folks: Fall Lipstick Musts

Left to Right: La Femme Hollywood blush in Bordeaux, Revlon Violet Frenzy,Mac Hang up, Rimmel #4,  Wet & Wild Sugar Plum Fairy, Mac Nightmoth Lip pencil, Nars Seduction Blush

Hello folks I am glad to finally be back to blogging. I have got my writing juices flowing and back to talk beauty in full effect again. I generally don't wear much makeup in the summer as per Canadian humidity and heat frustrating me in the summer. I tend to be a lipstick, mascara, lipgloss girl in the summer months, so most beauty seizes!
Now that my excuses for a long blog hiatus is out of the way I will begin to mention that fall is my favourite season for makeup, beauty, and fashion.
Now that labour day has passed the light bronzy, golden, nudes will be thrown away and bold, rich, and vampy is going to get the spotlight.
I have flipped through fashion  magazines that have been given the scoop on fall makeup trends for 2013 and to be honest the trends usually don't stray too far from the year before and I believe can be tweaked to your comfort level.

Top: Mac Nightmoth lip pencil. Bottom Row: Revlon Violet Frenzy,Mac Hang up, Rimmel #4,  Wet & Wild Sugar Plum Fairy

Lipstick colours that will be on trend are:

1. Classic Reds: Classic reds that bring to mind old Hollywood glamour and sex appeal really have never gone out of style for me all year but I know my red lipsticks put in overtime during the fall because they just ooze vamp and boldness and come in so many spectrum's. Now darker ladies don't be scared (scurred) every woman to the lightest of light to darkest of dark has a red lipstick out there made for them but darker woman tend to look best in blue based reds. Also liner is key weather it be a brown lip liner (ex MACs chestnut) or a slightly darker red liner (Sephora's Sangria). The trend this year is to have a dark and sultry red that shouts vamp from the mountains. Easiest way to achieve that again is with the liner paired with it, so save your money ladies and hunt for some chic liners to achieve this look. 
2. Deep Purples/Plums: Rich, deep, sultry berry and purple lips are also on trend for fall. These shade ranges are the ones I find that compliment any woman of any colour as long as she has the confidence to pull it off. Prepping the lips with exfoliator and lip balm are a must because these darker colours leave no wiggle room for chapped lips as the cooler weather comes for a long visit. Plums, purples, violets, berries, cranberry, and raspberry shades will be hitting a high note all fall and even winter, so arm yourself with a few beautiful colours and a good lipliner to make it last throughout your work/school day.  
3. Deep Oranges: Deep, bold, vibrant oranges are also on trend and mimic the colours of fall and the changes of season on the lips. Fall ignores the light washes of oranges that tends to be worn in the summer and ops for oranges that are flashy and chic. For some, myself included orange is a hard one to pull off, but in truth lipstick can be worn no matter what you look like, it just must be paired with a good lipliner that compliments your lip and skin tone. 
4. Dark Brown/ Black/ Dark Purples: I will admit I do't usually go this route because I haven't been totally daring enough to try the 90s style brown lips and the black/ dark purple lips but I admire woman who do it and I love how it looks. There are all lines from Revlon, to Mac that have black/dark purple lipsticks. Just make sure to exfoliate your lips well 

Other trends to keep an eye out for:

1. Rich coloured blushes: Berries, Wine, Burgundy, Browns, Orange
2. Matte faces 
3. Groomed strong brows
4. Jewel and metallic eyes
5. Deep shades of nail polish 

To Splurge Or to Save? Drug Store Cosmetics vs High End Cosmetics

 As a makeup connoisseur (make up hoarder) I am constantly on the hunt for a new cosmetic that will enhance my skin, to add to my collection, as well as to put that tingle in my toes. Lets face it make up is very expensive, especially when you feel you need doubles and triples of various products (As I do).
I do however like to save my money when I get a chance and I feel there are many companies both lower end and high end that are comparable.
   In truth the drug store has stepped up HEAVY on the quality, shade range, and availability of makeup at very reasonable prices.
   I have a mixture of both Drug store makeup (Revlon, Maybelline etc), mid ranged makeup (MAC, Urban Decay, etc) High End (Dior,YSL, etc) and I can honestly say there are some misses and hits in all spectrum's of brands and there are still products within each range that I can not see myself shelling out the extra dough for.

   I have complied a list of cosmetics I feel you can save on as well as products that might be better to splurge on. (This of course is based on my personal opinion and use of products)
   You do get what you pay for in a lot of instances but there are budget friendly brands that offer great products for less and some products that you may have to cringe and squeeze out some extra coin for best results.



Products to Save on:

• Mascara- Mascara expires the quickest of any cosmetic (2-4 months yikes) so to shell out 25+ on a high end brand I just can't bear. I have personally had the best experiences with drug stores brands such as Cover Girl, L'oreal, and Maybelline that I never plan to shell out wads of cash again on this product. 

• Nail Polish: Nail polish has a short shelf life (12 months- mine go LONGER lol) so for me its hard to shell out the 20+ for a Nars or Dior nail polish. The fact is I usually use it a few times and then I am bored and onto the next colour pretty quickly. Drug store brands keep on trend with colours and change their collections faster then you can blink! Brands I personally love are Sally Hansen, OPI, Essie and Revlon. 

• Lip gloss: I remember the days of cheap lip glosses leaving that ugly white film, being way to tacky and sticky, and not delivering the gloss and shine I was looking for. Not anymore drug stores have stepped up their game and quality and there are lip glosses that are equally as comparable to their higher end counterparts of surpass them to me. Brands such as Revlon, Victoria Secret, and NYX have great consistency, lasting power, and colour ranges and can really save your some dollars. 

• Lip Stick: I know I am going to come across as a little hypocrite because I personally do own a lot of higher end lipsticks. However I will say lipsticks are the one cosmetic that is often imitated, and duplicated very well by many drug stores in terms of colours, consistency, and quality. Brands such as Wet & Wild, Revlon, and Rimmel make some outstanding lipsticks and they cost 1/4 the price of many brands on the market.  There are so many dupes of higher end colours and the options are endless. Although I love my higher end lipsticks I feel this is a area that can be saved on if you are budget conscious. 

• Make up Remover/ Make up Wipes: I used to shell out money for MAC makeup wipes (they work great no lie) but for me to dump 20+ on some wipes that are going into the trash became silly to me and I started looking at drug store options. Brands such as Oil of Olay, Neutrogena, and Nivea have some great makeup remover wipes as well as gels that do the job just the same. I also have used baby wipes when I am pressed and I must admit they work quite well. Make sure if you go this route to get the sensitive wipes. 

• Lip Liners: Lip liners are another great product to save on. Between sharpening them down to the ground, and the many different colour options that can be purchased inexpensively, as well as the quality, lip liners can be purchased right at the drug store to save you 20+ dollars and allow you to even purchase an additional lipstick with the savings. Brands with great lip liners are NYX, Rimmel, LA Girl and Jordana. 

Products to Shell out extra Coin on:

• Eyeliners:  Whether it be liquid liner, pencil liner, or gel liner I personally belief you may want to shell out a few more coins! To get eyeliners that last all day, don't smudge on the waterline, or crack and feather on the eye you are going to need to get brands that have lasting power. Also because these products are sitting on your precious eyes I would get a decent brand with decent ingredients. Brands to consider are MAC, Stila, Tarte, etc. There is nothing worse then perfect makeup and raccoon eyes. 

• Eyes Shadow: Eye shadow is another cosmetic I believe you should go mid range on. I personally find some of the mid ranged brands such as Urban Decay, MAC, and Kat Von D have shadows that are smooth, easy to blend, and are so pigmented. Although some drug store brands have good ones I personally have found that nothing tops the longevity I get out of mid range brand and consistency. 

• Blush: Blush really has to suit your skin tone, and blend seamlessly into your skin to prevent looking like a clown. Drug store blushes tend to be more limited in the ranges and tones, so I tend to spend the extra coin for  a decent blush that will enhance my face and help me look radiant. Brands to consider are: MAC, Makeup Forever, and Sephora. 

• Bronzer/Illuminators: There is nothing worst then a bronzer with chunky glitter, or an illuminator that doesn't blend seamlessly into the skin to provide a glow (a fake glow) from within. Mid range bronzers and Illuminators generally come in a wider variety in terms of colour and suit a wider range of skin tone's minus the look of a glittery mess. Mid range brands tend to have bronzers that are finely milled also. Brands to consider are: Bare Minerals, The Balm, and Smashbox. 

• Powder/ Setting Powder: If you are a foundation, BB cream, or tinted moisturizer wearer powder is what you need to lock and set you look so that it doesn't slip and slide off your face throughout the day. I think investing in a powder that doesn't make you appear cakey, suits your skin tone/colour and looks natural is essential. Due to the lack of shade ranges that still are apparent within drug store brands I would say better to invest a little more in a mid range product to ensure you get a product that suits you. Also setting powder is a crucial step when applying concealer. If you don't want your bags to be popping finding a setting powder that doesn't make you look like you got hit with powder. Brands to consider: Cover FX, Tarte, and NARS.

• Eye Shadow Primer: If you live in a hot climate, have oil eye lids, or are going to be attending a special occasion/ event and need your eyeshadow to stay on your face versus your under eye, investing in a eye shadow primer that is decent will really save you a lot of headache. I personally recommend trying Urban Decay, NARS, Two Faced, as well as MAC (paint pots, or paints). They may seem like overkill on the wallet but you only need  small amount and this product lasts for a very long time. 

Products to Splurge on

• Foundation: Foundation is the top cosmetic I feel should be splurged on period. I would say to aim for the highest end that you can afford. Now I know some will disagree depending on what shade but the truth is higher end brands tend to have many different shade ranges, undertone offerings, and quality that many drug stores simply have not matched. Foundation is the one cosmetic that is crucial to get as close to your actual skin as possible. Most people use foundation to even out skin tone, cover blemishes, and enhance the face. The wrong colour, wrong type ( IE: matte for dry skin, dewy for oily skin, etc) can really make or break how your overall face looks and your overall happiness with your makeup.  With that said depending on your colour (very pale, very dark, and everything else in between) it is crucial to find something that is going to work well for your personal needs. There are so many brands that can be listed here as options to look into but I will name a few I have always heard as hits and brands that I personally love. Brands include: Makeup forever, Nars, Bobbi Brown, Dior, Lancome, YSL, Tarte, Fashion Fair, Cover FX, Estee Lauder, etc. 

• Concealer: Concealer is another product you should save up some coin for and get the best you can afford. Similar to foundation having a concealer that matches your undertones and skin tone is crucial in making concealer mask dark under eyes, dark spots, and well as using it for highlight and contour. Brands that last through sweat, heat, and different skin issues can make or break your happiness with a concealer. Brands to consider: Kevyn Aucoin, Nars, Bobbi Brown, Josie Maran, Makeup Forever, etc.

• Primer: Primer can lengthen the wear of your makeup as well as help for smooth application of foundation on the face. Since it is the base in prep to makeup application and creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup I believe this is a product that needs to be high quality and contain beneficial ingredients. Brands to consider: Tarte, Hourglass, Smashbox, Korres, etc.

Now remember these are only my personal opinions and guidelines but I say it is best to invest in the makeup you wear the most, the issues that are crucial for you to disguise, as well as stick to your personal needs. 

Naturally Flushed: My Favourite Cream Blushes

Hot, humid and sticky weather is almost upon us (and for some that's all you have in terms of climate) and the urge to wear less makeup and let the skin breath and glow will be coming on stronger. In cases like this I love to wear cream blushes because they give a light flushed look to the cheek and apply just the right amount of pigmentation to your face. 
Cream blushers also give you a natural looking radiance that looks like its exuding from within. 
Also if you are daring and want to have added drama on the cheek applying cream blush and a powder blush on top of it applies more pigmentation to the face and makes blushes last a lot longer too! 
If you have oily skin have no fear, just make sure you powder you face in the t-zone to avoid looking like a coloured grease ball. 
I know some ladies are afraid of cream blush because it appears to be a pain to put on and some question the pigmentation of them (especially if you have tanned to dark skin) but the facts are cream blushes tend to be the most pigmented out of all blushes on the market and can be layered to achieve the desired look easily. 

Top Row: Mac's Laid Back, Illamasqua's Brazen, Mac's Florida
Bottom Row: Mac's Madly Magenta, Mac's Virgin Isle 

In terms of applying cream blushes to the face there are a few easy tips:

• Take a small amount of product out of the compact using either a finger or a stippling brush (remember a little goes a tremendous way with these suckers)
• The warmth of your fingers allows for the cream to spread naturally on your cheeks and allows for it to be easily blended 
• Start off with a small amount and carefully layer product to get desired look (remember don't put a whole blob on your face because adding product is much easier then taking away)
• If you wear cream/liquid foundation put the cream blush on after application and set your makeup
• If you wear powdered/mineral foundation apply cream blusher last
• Apply the cream to your cheekbone and towards your hairline and BLEND BLEND BLEND
• Add a high lighter and top and enjoy the glowy divaness! 
  

  

  Left to Right: Mac's Florida, Mac's Virgin Isle, Mac's Madly Magenta, Illamasqua Brazen,  Mac's Laid Back

I'm going to show you my favourite cream blushes I have purchased over the years.

• MAC's-Florida: A cream blend blush that is is a light fuchsia pink. It has blue undertones so would look perfect on tanned to dark skin tones. The pigmentation on this blush is extreme so be careful with application.
• MAC's-Virgin isle: Is a coral orange and is very pigmented. It may look scary in the pan but placed on cheeks it provides a gorgeous glow especially on darker skin. Again careful application is needed and best with fingers.
• MAC's- Madly Magenta: Is a beautiful fuchsia/Magenta purple that stunning on the cheeks. It is pigmented as well so a little goes a long way.
•  Illamasqua- Brazen: Is a bright blood red blusher that is super pigmented. A very little goes a long way. Don't be afraid of the color! On lighter skin tones it gives a nice flush when used moderately and on darker skin provides a beautiful color to cheeks.
• MAC's- Laid Back: Is a deep brick red. It is my favourite out of the bunch because on my skin tone looks very natural and gives a natural dewy appearance. 

Mac had discontinued some of their cream blushes and re-release in collections but a few that I would like to check out are NYX (heard nothing but good things about them), more Illamasqua, Make up Forever, and NARS. 

Beam Me Up: NARS Blush- Taj Mahal and Exhibit A

As the months roll by and we gravitate towards lighter shades with our makeup we dust off some absolute must have products. I call these my ride or die items. The items that have never failed me and get used constantly. These are items I will always have, if they get lost they will get repurchased, if i'm asked my opinion I rave, if I don't know what to use they are my go to. 

Anyhow as we know I am a blush girl and these two shades by NARS are what I call a must for any blush lover and woman of color. Nars: Taj Mahal and Exhibit A.

Nars Taj Mahal: This is by far my favourite blush in the entire world. (I know I am extreme) but if you have never dabbled in Nars blushes and decide to only go for one this is the one I feel is unique. Taj Mahal is a bright orange with a beautiful shimmer within it. This blush is pigmented and applies easy to the cheek. For lighter skin tones a light hand should be used to apply the product but will provide a beautiful sun-kissed glow on the face. This blush also can be doubled and paired over any blush to add warmth to the face. For darker skin tones I can not express how gorgeous this is. I get so many compliments anytime I wear it because it is just magnificent on deeper skin tones. If you have ever encountered blushes that don't seem to show up on the skin, this one will not disappoint you. 

Nars Exhibit A: This is the 2nd must have to add to the collection. It may appear very scary in pan because it is a bright bold red/orange shade. This blush is extremely pigmented as well and a light hand is required regardless of your skintone or skin colour. I know this blush looks scary but it can be buffed and blended into the skin to provide a beautiful rosy cheek. On lighter skin tones it looks like a beautiful flush on the cheeks when applied lightly. On deeper skin tones it exudes a nice radiance onto the skin. The trick with this blush is applying it lightly and then building for the desired look that you are comfortable with. Do not make the mistake and apply it heavily onto your face because of course it is easier to add makeup then subtract. This is a matte formulation which is my favourite because sometimes sparkle is not needed especially if you already have sparkle on the eyes or lips. This is a go to blush of mine as well.

Both blushes retail for $32.00 CAD. They can be purchased online on Nars website (they ship internationally), can be purchased in Sephora, The Bay, and most department stores internationally. 

Take a look at my Nars Blush Collection: I swatch and talk about Taj Mahal and Exhibit A!

Inexpensive Blush: LA Femme

Counter clockwise: Magenta,  Russet, Purple passion, Cinnabar, Bordeaux

Alright folks I am giving you some insider information about blushes that I have found that are spectacular and a steal if you ask me. Now I am a blush girl, it really awakes the face and adds a nice glow. I know some feel like blush is something for old ladies or it isn't for them, but at least one or two colours added to your collection will add some glow to the face. I have a collection of Mac blushes, and Nars blushes, and though they are are my favourite by far out of all brands, when I came across La Femme blushes I was in love. I came across these blushes from some of my favourite guru's on you tube I was excited to order and give them a try. These blushes are $3.50 each (no typo) and they are pigmented, and comparable to high end blushes. Now ladies if you have lighter skin tones don't be afraid because a light hand can be used to achieve a natural pretty look. It is all about the tools used and building blush on the cheek to get your desired look. Try some daring colours and you will see the difference it makes in making the face look awake. For my darker ladies blush can make a huge difference on the face and beautiful burgundy colours and bright orange colours will be your best choices (although darker sisters are not limited to colours as long as they are not ashy/chalky). So don't be afraid to give some a try and play with some color. Applying blush to the apples of the cheek and towards the hairline with a light hand is the best application. I will put a face chart to show application and best practices depending on the shape of your face. I ordered these 5 blushes off a website called: MakeupMania.com and they arrived to me in Canadian postage in about 2 weeks and where bubble wrapped securely in the box. I was so excited because I really shocked me in terms of the quality and feel and was impressed. Here is a list of the blushes that I ordered off the website:

Top Left to Right: Cinnabar, Purple passion, Bordeaux
Bottom Left to Right: Magenta, Russet

Cinnabar:  A light brown with a orange undertone 

Purple Passion: A deeply pigmented purple with a blue undertone (stunning on dark skin)

Bordeaux: A rich burgundy color with small flecks of glitter (my favourite) 

Magenta: A beautiful magenta with a pink undertone (stunning on dark skin)

Russet: A bright pigmented orange that is completely matte

Lets Talk Blush!

I am known as a lipstick junkie and I will admit I have been giving my lipstick collection a lot of love this winter, I mean a lot of love, I found my self searching high and low for various colours. My first love and what started my love of makeup was blush! I am a secret blush freak and I don't talk about it a lot but nothing like blush to give you life in the face! Woman of colour tend to be weary of blush and either don't wear it or purchase very mute colours. The facts is we can rock blush of many colours. Now of course it is all about finding the best shades that suit each skin tone. I have expanded my collection a little and have found some colours that are making my heart flutter when I put them on. Nars spring 2013 collection is what got my mojo restarted with blush again as we head into spring. Nars revealed Seduction which is a rich sangria berry coloured blush that is insanely pigmented and absolutely beautiful on all woman, especially woman of colour  This blush adds a beautiful pop to the face and is a must for makeup enthusiasts and those who want to try something new this spring/summer. This blush can be purchased at The Bay: Nars counters and Sephora and retails for $32 Canadian. Nars blushes can be pricey but people when i'm telling you they are worth every penny I am not lying! Aa I continued my blush kick another favourite blush in the same colour family is a limited edition blush by Mac cosmetics. This blush is a part of Macs Archie's collection called Prom Princess. Prom princes is a mid toned violet that is flirty and has a slight sheen and tiny sparkles that are not offensive. This blush is pigmented and adds a little colour to the skin and will be perfect for the spring! If you are able to find this blush it is definitely a good one to add to the collection especially if you want to try something new but may be scared of deep berries, lets call this the starter blush if you are dipping your feel into colour.