Summer Favorites:

Summer is definitely here in NYC to some extent...warmer weather is approaching, but at times it's a bit cooler than normal. Humidity hasn't been in full force (yet). I'm loving the nicer weather. 

When comes nice weather, I do like to experiment playing with warmer colors. You normally wouldn't catch me dead in warm pinks...but I'm always trying to venture outside the box. :)

As of late, these are the items I've been reaching for lately:

Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Celestial Powder: a gorgeous, finely milled highlighter. As much as I do love my liquid highlighters, I've been reaching for this since it's so subtle, yet it has the perfect sheen and nuances when the sun hits your face. It's not in your face sheen, the sheen only shows up when your face hits a certain angle in the light, as how a highlighter should be. Perfect year round if you ask me.

Ellis Faas Skin Veil: I love this foundation, but I only wear it when I'm out at night when I want more coverage. I'm shade 103.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Milk Aquarelle (Chestnut): it's a light weight foundation that I've been wearing almost everyday. It's a satin finish, that looks like your skin but better. This is going to replace my Chantecaille Future Skin. As much as I love Future Skin, the lasting power is a bit short, plus they don't have the right shade for me. I'm thrilled to find a foundation that literally looks like your skin but better, and that it's an awesome match. Of course nothing beats RBRs luxe packaging.

Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50: With the sun being out in full force, plus using glycolic acid in my skincare regimen, I need something to protect my face from the UV rays. I like the high SPF and it's a very thin liquid formula, but the downside is that it takes a while to make the white cast to go away. When I'm more oily, the white cast disappears instantly though. Their SPF 45 is a heavy cream formula, but the upside is that the white cast goes away instantly. When I run out of this, I'll be going back to the SPF 45 formula (plus it's water and sweat resistant).

By Terry Bronze Expert Sheer Cream Blush in #1 -- Copper Sand: It's a really warm terracotta pink, but it looks terracotta in color when just used alone. When used in conjunction with liquid or cream bronzer, the pink really stands out and is a soft warm pink. It's really a unique shade that I own, and it just screams summer. Sadly, this item is discontinued, which is why I never got around to reviewing it.

Le Metier de Beaute Cebu Lip Creme: This was a Neimans Exclusive at Tysons Galleria in Virginia. I was in town when Pink Sith reviewed this little gem. I drove on over and picked it up. Gorgeous warm pink shade with gold sparkle. This is what NARS Orgasm lipgloss wishes she was. For those of you who missed out on this shade, you can mix Fraise lipcreme with Vanilla Rose and they look extremely similar.

By Terry Laque de Rose in #5 (Infernal Rose): This shade is my alpha and omega...this is the shade I've been looking for...for many years. I was convinced that me and corals would never coexist. I thought that corals hated me since my skintone was odd...and then she came...it was love at first sight. It's electric in the tube, and a miracle on the lips. Of course the downside for some people is the strong By Terry rose scent. The formula is divine since it hydrates my lips, but the lasting power is a bit short. Not surprised, but I don't mind reapplying the color. It's a beautiful mid tone coral, but pack on the gloss and it's definitely vibrant. sigh. It's a recent acquistion, but a staple now given that it's summer time.

By Terry Gold Digger Gloss Terrybly Shine

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze liquid bronzer: this is my favorite liquid bronzer. Beautiful golden sheen on my arms, neck, face. I can see this not being liked by some people since it has peanut oil (I know it's a common allergy). The bottle on the left is the original formula, the new bottle on the right (silver and clear), is the one that is with a GWP at Neimans and Bergdorfs recently. I'm a bit upset that the new formula isn't the exact same as the original. The new one is a bit darker and brown, whereas the original is more golden. For those who missed out, check out Rouge Bunny Rouge Bronzing Liquid

Becca Beach Tint in Guava: gorgeous warm peachy pink that lasts all day on your face as a blush, or a nice stain on your lips. This is the item that inspired me to wear warmer colors. I'm looking foward to Becca's upcoming beach tints.

Le Metier de Beaute Creme Fresh Tint in Tenne: a cool based pink-brown cream blush, for those days when I want to be a bit more netural and not have all warm colors on my face...I can see this being a soft blush shade or a slight contour.

Photos: !

Cebu, Infernal Rose #5, Gold Digger, Guava, Copper Sand, Tenne, Bella Bronze original, Bella Bronze current

in the photo below u can see the difference between the 2 Bella Bronze a bit better.

Cebu, Infernal Rose #5, Gold Digger, Guava, Copper Sand, Tenne, Bella Bronze original, Bella Bronze current

Hourglass Illume Bronze Light -- Creme to Powder Bronzer Duo

As of late I've been venturing into the world of Hourglass Cosmetics. I still have some mixed thoughts about the brand overall, but there's definitely no denying that there are several true gems in the line. My interest has definitely increased since it's sold at SpaceNK, plus seeing a specific YouTuber, JoshCollierMUA who happens to work for the line as well. Seeing his reviews/tutorials has definitely been helpful to figure out what I want to try.

So with that being said, I purchased Illume Bronze Light -- my go to person at SpaceNK used it on me and even then I didn't buy it on the spot, because I wasn't convinced that the lasting power would be anything amazing. Of course after wearing it for 12+ hours, I had to get it. 

Packaging: It comes in the signature Hourglass brown swivel packaging, and the duo has a nice mirror. The bronzer and highlighter does collect a bit on the mirror (outline), but it's not a big deal, since I know cream products do move a bit. I love the fact that it's a 2 in 1 item since I can carry it in my bag. It's easier to carry this than say, 2 bottles of Armanis Fluid Sheers.

Colors: There's a champagne colored highlighter, although there's definitely some shimmer, but it's not over the top. Check it out on JoshCollierMUA's video to see how it looks on his cheeks. It's a soft sheen that just looks so pretty. Then there's a bronzer that's definitely not orange when applied, although in the pan it looks it would be too orange on the skin. Definitely don't be fooled by the appearance in the pan.

Texture/Formula: Ok, so the formula states that it's a cream to powder. When it sets to a powder, it sets is so much better than a powder. It doesn't look like the highlighter and bronzer is just sitting on top of your skin.  It seriously melts with your skin. The bronzer is matte, but not chalky at all. The texture of the bronzer is a bit more creamy/wet than the highlighter, so that's something to be aware of. Once it sets, it seriously doesn't budge. One of the benefits of the duo is that it's oil, fragrance, wax, sulfate, fragrance, phthlate, and paraben free. Look below for the list of ingredients (in the picture section).

Learning curve: The hardest thing for me to learn to use was the bronzer, because of the blending part. It sets really fast, so for me to blend well before it sets, is to use a big fluffy synthetic brush like the Hourglass #2. I currently own the Hourglass retractable brush and it's not big enough for my personal liking to use with the bronzer. I feel like I don't get an even application when I apply the bronzer with my fingers, so the best way to use it is with a brush. The highlighter on the other hand is easier to use, and you can apply it with your fingers without an issue.

Price and Size: $40 for 11g/0.39 US oz.

photos :D

L to R: bronzer and highlighter heavily swatched

T to B: GA fluid sheer #10, HG bronzer, HG highlighter, GA fluid sheer #2

.

you can see here that Fluid Sheer #2 is definitely more sparkly than the Hourglass highlighter. I love fluid sheer #2, but for night time, and the Hourglass more for the day since the shimmer is more subtle.

bronzer blended on my right arm.

bronzer on top,  highlighter on the bottom.

list of ingredients (open in a new tab or window to enlarge)

Suqqu Face Color Palette (EX-01) +

Part of Suqqu Fall 2011's collection also consisted of a face palette, which is a combination of a face and cheek colors. 

Packaging: It comes in a sleek black rectangular box. Inside if you open it, there's the palette with the blush/highlighter with a mirror. What's cool is that behind the mirror, there's 2 brushes. Most palettes from other brands, their applicators are indeed useless. You know what I mean, the scratchy blush brush, the sponge eyeshadow applicator. Anyway, the Suqqu brushes are so soft and they are useable. The downside is that the brush isn't stiff enough to pick up as much color as I'd like personally. I'd use a brush like this for more pigmented colors so that the color won't be so intense on my face.

Texture: the formula is the signature buttery goodness, that it feels like a cream when you touch it with your finger. It's nice to know that Suqqu is consistent with their powder formulas, that it's smooth and so blendable. Pretty straight forward. 

Colors: 

Face colors: Starting from the left, it's a very mid tone soft brown, alone it almost disappears into my skin. I'd use this color to warm up my eyelids as a base for my eyeshadow. Then you have a light beige which is a nice soft highlight, but it's barely there. I'd use this more for my browbone (matte browbone highlight) if I'm doing a strong eye. Then we have a light pink highlight which looks chalky in photos, but on my cheeks it's AWESOME. it's a soft baby pink with subtle sparkle, which is what I would use to highlight my cheekbones. The three colors mixed together it's like the color of my skintone with a subtle shimmer. Even if I'm doing a strong eye and (or) a strong lip, the face colors mixed together are still too subtle to show up on my cheeks. 

The face colors are underwhelming for someone of my skintone, since I have nicer cheek powder highlighters in my stash (Champagne Silk from Le Metier de Beaute and Oscar de la Renta). I feel like the Suqqu palette was designed for someone who is NC25 and lighter. Individually I can use the colors for specific things, but mixed together I am a bit disappointed at how it shows up on my skin.

Cheek colors: the narrow strip is a cute strawberry blush color with some sparkle, and the last (far right) slightly warmer and it has no sparkle. I adore the colors myself, and mixed together the colors are lovely. These colors are the definite winner out of the palette.

Price and Size:  I paid 49 GBP.  Size is 0.43 oz or 12.4 grams.

Is it worth the money?: I like the palette itself, but do I LOVE it? No. I do see myself using the colors, but it's not something I'm that crazy about to use all the time. As for someone who is around my skintone or darker? No. It's definitely a bit sheer. I do think it's worth the money if you're like NC15.

Photos below: 

Face Palette from Left to Right.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Highlighting Liquid in Sea of Nectar +

hi ho hum it's June which means it's time to break out the warm golden colors ! you know bronzers, luminizers, highlighters, sparkly things that make me look like Jennifer Lopez. 

I never really bothered to look golden, well very simply because I can easily tan to NC35+ over the summer. I avoid the sun now, and given my schedule I hardly see it...but that doesn't change the fact that I still want to look like the sun and I get along sometimes. :)

So today we have Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Nectar...It's a highlighting liquid that's the darkest shade from Rouge Bunny Rouge line of highlighters. I know most of us like the pretty lighter shades for our cheeks such as Sea of Tranquility. But let's be real here, I know many of us want to have that warm radiance. Most of my life I always asked myself "What is it with Americans and wanting to be tan? but WHY!?!?!?" Ok, maybe I still ask that question but I get it, some people want to look nice and golden, like a rotisserie chicken (kidding!). 

Packaging: It comes in the gorgeous frosted glass packaging, just like Sea of Tranquility. with black flowers on the glass. I seriously fear the day I'd drop it from being such a klutz. Either way, it's definitely pretty and luxurious. It's something that you want out on your vanity because it's pretty to look at.

Formula and Texture: Sea of Nectar is a metallic warm gold, with a very slight red undertone. It's neat because it has this high metallic sheen, but when rubbed onto your skin, it's luminous. This is what I *wish* Becca's highlighters had been, but that's ok. I'm not complaining.  It's an opaque highlighter, which I personally don't mind because I like to wear it at night. You know...in the club...with all the strobe lights on you. heee. I would use this moreso on my body than on my face. When your skin looks and feels dull on a Saturday night, this would definitely give it luminosity. I can wear it on my face with a light hand as an awesome luminous blush.

Price and Size: $70 (the reason for this approximation is the conversion from GBP to USD),1.01 fluid ounce, or 30 mL

comparison photos: 

Left to right:

Armani Fluid Sheer #10

RBR Sea of Nectar

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze

Left to right:

Armani Fluid Sheer #10

RBR Sea of Nectar

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze

Left to right:

Armani Fluid Sheer #10

RBR Sea of Nectar

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze

see that sheen when you spread it at first? whoaaaa !! 

Left to right:

Armani Fluid Sheer #10

RBR Sea of Nectar

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze

you can see how opaque Sea of Nectar is when rubbed in a bit and the dry down? my fingers are in serious pain so I lazily rubbed in Bella Bronze (my HG body bronzer). nomm

Worth having?: For me I like it, and it has a specific purpose and I think it's worth it. At the same time, I can see why some people may steer clear from it because it may be too intense or too dark, especially if you're like a NC15. It can be sheered out a bit more than that, and it's still luminous . . . but you know what? It's glorious for us who are a bit darker in skintone...so yay !

Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility and Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #7

I've gotten requests as to how Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility compares to Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #7. They're both very nice highlighters, but there are some differences. For the sake of this review and to make typing easier Sea of Tranquility will be (ST) and #7 will just be #7. 

Packaging: Rouge Bunny Rouge illuminator comes in this gorgeous frosted glass packaging with black flowers on the glass. Definitely pretty and luxurious. The advantage of this is that you can see how much is left in the bottle. #7 is in the standard Armani Fluid Sheer opaque packaging. Minimalist in appearance and slightly shorter in height. With #7 is when you lift the lid, the pump doesn't come off. At times ST when you lift the lid, the pump can come off and if you're not careful, you can spill some of the illuminator. The downside to #7 is that you can't see how much you have left. Ok, so both overall have their small flaw, but the design of the bottle and packaging are pretty solid. 

Formula and Finish: ST layered on it has a nice pearlized finish on your face. Sheered out, the frost is less apparent, and it has a soft sheen. It has a soft smell, like a fresh garden after it rains. I'm not good with smell descriptions. It's a neutral pink with a very slight peach to it. #7 when layered is a cooler pink, and has a milky finish. When sheered out it's a super soft cool milky pink. It's an awesome highlighter, and not as opaque as ST. I can't detect a smell with #7, but it could be just my nose acting up. Fluid sheers have the claim that it's oil free, which is an advantage for us combo to oily skintypes. The Rouge Bunny Rouge illuminators didn't come with a list of ingredients so I don't know if it has oil or not. 

Size and price: #7 is 30mL for $59. ST is 30 mL for approx $70 (the reason for this approximation is the conversion from GBP to USD).

Keep in mind I layered it on so you can see the color/finish difference, applied both with fingers.


Left to Right:

Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #7

natural lighting. man, my arm looks so WHITE. 

Indoor lighting, with flash; slightly overexposed lighting.

Indoor lighting, I fixed the ISO so it's not overexposed.

Fluid Sheer #7 ingredients, as listed on the box. Rouge Bunny Rouge illuminators didn't come with an ingredient list, well at least mine didn't. 

Are these worth buying: Yes! They're both different, very nice highlighters with different finishes. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, because that's not the case. :)