Peach Blush

Back in January, I noticed an alarming lack of peach powder blush in my collection. You may recall the great hunt that I broadcasted at the time. By the way, beauty bloggers and beauty blog readers are the greatest. Within minutes of posting, you guys were making all sorts of great suggestions on how I could get my hands on that Cherry Blossom blush and some of you even offered to pick one up for me from all across the country! It was like a collective, "GIRL, YOU NEED THAT BLUSH." I probably don't say this enough, but thank you, guys! :-)

As a result of that debacle, we are looking at more peach blush today. I suddenly ended up with a lot more than just Essence Cherry Blossom.

After looking up some swatches and comparisons online, I felt that MAC Peaches was a classic staple worth investing in. Then when I went to the MAC store to see in person, I was torn between Peaches and Melba. Peaches looks prettier in the pan, but I got the distinct feeling that Melba was going to look better once worn. The inner Reductionista was in torment until the MAC Fairy came to the rescue and even threw Pinch Me into the blush maelstrom. (THANK YOU, MAC FAIRY!)

MAC describes the shades as follows:

Peaches (Sheertone) - Pure peach.
Melba (Matte) - Soft coral-peach.
Pinch Me (Sheertone) - Medium dirty rose coral.

There are plenty of swatch comparisons online for these shades already, but what's another to the mix? As you can see, Peaches is the lightest while Melba takes on just a slightly deeper hue -- and Pinch Me is a deep, browned rose with just a hint of orange in its depth.

The three are distinct enough from one another that I don't feel a terrible sense of urgency to give up any at this moment. But I do have a couple of other similar shades, or so I thought.

I was deathly afraid that Chanel Frivole was going to be a complete dupe, but I was wrong. Frivole is almost pink and much more brighter and cooler. In fact, the closest shade to Peaches is BY TERRY Peach Nude, which as you can see is nearing its life cycle.

Each blush brings something different to the table. While I can be ruthless with culling shadows, I can't seem to exert the same strength when it comes to my beloved blushers. Peaches works effortlessly for a soft, natural effect on a low maintenance day. Melba steps it up a bit when I want more colour. Frivole works on a day when I want to look brighter. Pinch Me is going to be amazing in fall. And Peach Nude is on its way to a certain end.

In an effort to push out this post, I ended up with four layers of blush on my face the other day. I began with MAC Paint Pot in Coral Crepe, which I applied very lightly since it's not actually meant to be used as blush. Feeling that it lacked depth, I added Peach Nude on top. Sensing that it had faded somewhat after a hot afternoon walk, I patted some Peaches on top, and finally rounded it off with Frivole. Is it insane that I felt more and more cheerful with each layer of blush? Maybe I should have topped everything off with Estee Lauder in Naughty and called it a day.

SIMPLE Foaming Cleanser and Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15

Here are two new Simple face care products, which I've been testing for about a month. For a refresher on my thoughts regarding Simple products, click here.

Simple Foaming Cleanser

"...a perfect blend of skin-loving ingredients and Pro-Vitamin B5 to remove impurities and remaining traces of makeup. Your skin will feel cleansed, refreshed and moisturized. Perfect even for sensitive skin."

Ingredients: Aqua, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Dipropylene Glycol, Methylisothiazolinone.

Because I wear foundation regularly, I haven't used this cleanser to remove makeup. Instead, I use the Foaming Cleanser as a second step after removing makeup with either wet wipes or an oil cleanser. For that purpose, I find that it's a basic, no-nonsense cleanser that leaves the skin feeling clean and slightly tight. The cleanser is dispensed as a foam, and two pumps are enough to ensure even coverage. If you like cleansers that wash away completely and leave squeaky clean skin, this is for you. Personally, I prefer the gentler non-foaming Refreshing Facial Wash Gel, but I can definitely rely on this cleanser to get me through grimy summer months. I'm not able to detect any scent and appreciate that it doesn't leave a film on the skin like some other cleansers do.

Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15

"...a perfect oil free blend of skin-loving ingredients and added vitamins, moisturizers with a light, non-greasy feel and helps protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays."

Active Ingredients: Ensulizole (1.0%), Avobenzone (3.0%), Octisalate (5.0%)

Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glycol Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Allantoin, Bisabolol, Glyceryl Stearate, Potassium Stearate, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Xantham Gum, Stearamide AMP, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone

The first thing I notice about this moisturizer is the sunscreen smell and texture. Despite the low level of SPF, it looks/smells/applies just like a sunscreen. But don't be scared. It's not as heavy as it first seems. Despite this remarkable resemblance to a sunscreen, it absorbs well into the skin and doesn't remain greasy and weighty on surface. I've used it alone in preparation for strolls under the warm spring sun and haven't burned or felt adverse effects. I've also used it under primers and foundations and find that it provides a nice barrier between makeup and skin. It definitely won't be hydrating enough for anyone suffering from dry skin, but it makes a nice low-key option for the lucky few who aren't bemoaning skin woes. Compared to the Hydrating Light Moisturizer, the hydration level of both products are even, and only the SPF 15 factor would make a difference in selection.

Additionally, all Simple products:

• are suitable even for sensitive skin
• are dermatologist tested
• are non-comedogenic
• are hypoallergenic
• do not contain artificial perfume or dye
• do not contain animal derived ingredients

Overall: Simple continues what they do best, which is to provide easy options for cleansing and moisturizing. Their products won't cure specific skin concerns but act as reliable staples for the basic morning/night routines. It appeals to me because the products align with my personal philosophy that each products should simply do what it was created for, instead of attempting to multi-task and failing (cleansing should cleanse, moisturizers should moisturize). For my acne concerns, I rely on spot treatments, masks and other topical treatments, and taking a simpler approach to skin always wins out for me.

Have you tried Simple before? What's your approach to dealing with finicky skin?

Featured products were provided by PR/company for review.

2013 Empties Part 3

It is that time again, folks. I've been doing a little bit of spring cleaning and trying to part with things that are too old or useless. And in that process, I find it a shame to have to toss full size products that haven't been used up. In the past it made me feel massively guilty, only to have all that guilt to go out the window at the speed of light when my eyes landed on the next pretty new thing. Lately, this feeling has evolved. It's now a pang of regret that results in a firmer resolve to not waste and spend needlessly. I'm determined to conquer this wasteful habit!

Herbal Chumket Shampoo - I received this from a friend who's obsessed with finding quality, all-natural products. I had my doubts since she has this naturally awesome hair and I've never seen her have a bad hair day. But true to her words, this thing rocks. It's gentle and almost conditions while it shampoos. I'm not sure which website she orders from which she does in bulk, but here's the Chumket blog for some more info on the product if you're interested.

John Frieda Root Awakening Detangling Spray - I consider this sort of product pretty worthless, but maybe that's because I don't have hair that tangles much, even though it's super long right now. I used it all over while damp as a leave-in conditioner spray for the sake of getting rid of it.

Nivea Creme - Bought it in Singapore because I mistakenly thought it was the famed German Nivea. Turns out it's the Thailand Nivea, which I'm not sure is any better than the Mexico Nivea that we get here in North America. In any case, I used it as a hand cream for half a year, and it's actually not a bad hand cream during winter because it's so thick. I consider this the poor man's version of L'Occitane Shea. (Hilariously, I am now in possession of the German Nivea which was a gift from the Persian couple we had Christmas dinner with.)

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub - I buy this regularly when it goes on sale for $2.99 because it makes an awesome multipurpose scrub for the face, body, hands, feet, etc. I also really like the fresh scent of it.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel - It's a facial cleanser that I was really excited to try, since I'm a big fan of the Effaclar Duo. Everyone told me it was awesome and clearly set up my expectations too high for it, because I thought it was just sort of okay. I've grown to really like the mild, non-foaming facial cleansers and miss the Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. Because this LRP Foaming Gel is included in the Effaclar Duo kit, I have two more of these travel sizes to go through.

Simple Vital Vitamin Restoring Night Cream (PR Sample) - Reviewed here. My sister and I both really liked this and used it day and night throughout winter. We're currently using a more expensive brand right now, but she says there's no difference between this and that. I sort of agree but haven't been using the current cream enough to tell.

Clarisonic Brush Head for Normal Skin - I stopped using the Clarisonic daily because skin was pretty good for a while, so it took longer to replace the brush head than the recommended three months. After talking to a few people, we agreed that the Sensitive brush was somehow rougher than the Normal brush, so I'm committed to using the Normal brushes for the next little while.

NUDE ProGenius Treatment Oil - OMG best Sephora bonus perk ever. My skin devoured this during cold winter nights and I am converted. Not sure that it will agree with me during warmer months, but I am definitely thinking of springing for a full size bottle around November.

My Beauty Diary Red Wine Sheet Mask - Dear Ashley knows me well. I'm a heavy red wine drinker most of the year 'round. This mask smelled delicious and left my face plump and glowy. So far I never met a MBD mask that I didn't like. I'm even thinking of going into the dreaded Asian beauty salons to buy boxed sets.

REN Vita-Mineral Day Cream - I liked the Hydra Calm cream so much in winter that I wanted to explore REN's lighter options for spring and summer. The Vita-Mineral Day Cream felt just as good as the Hydra Calm and the scent is also fresher and more uplifting. But I started to break out quite severely around the time that I was testing this alongside the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream. After days and weeks of trying to isolate the cause, I had enough of the whole ordeal and tossed both.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream - See above. :-(

Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum - Didn't want to splurge for the bottle yet, so I used up another free sample. I should probably just buy the damn thing.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino EDP - I love and I don't. Or so I've said here. There was just a few drops of it left in the spray vial, so I decided to go all out and dowse myself with the remainder before bed one night. My criticism with this was that it has no lasting power. I kind of have to eat my words, because the next morning I could still detect it on my skin. Maybe the trick is to use lots of it. Sooooo... it's kind of gone back up on the wish list. Damn you, Tom Ford, damn you.

Stila Smudgestick Waterproof Eye Liner - Got this a couple of years ago when I went on a quest for a long-lasting liner and swatch tests proved this to be a champ. Not quite the same as applying on creasy eyes, apparently. It still smudges on me and I hate that the ends become dull without a sharpening option. Also, don't wind it up too much because it won't wind back down. Boo it like it's Justin Bieber!

Stila In The Light Palette Sample - If you're still in the market for a neutral eye palette, this is a pretty good option. I especially liked the shade "Bubbly" which is a really pretty shimmery beige that I would perhaps like to have as a solo shade since the last thing I need is another shadow palette.

BY TERRY Lumiere Veloutee Ultra-Correcting Liquid Foundation - Reviewed here. I gave it to my mom who gave it back to me a year later. By the time I tried to get going on it, it was the wrong season and my skin didn't match. Now it's too late for it has truly expired beyond the point of usage. O WOE.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss in Papaya, Strawberry and Bordeaux - Each used not more than a handful of times and should have been in perfectly good condition. I'm not impressed with the Revlon people right now. Gonna think twice before I pick up their products again.

Almay Smart Shade Perfect & Correct Primer (PR Sample) - Gave it a thumbs down on this review and not sure why I hung on to it. Worthless.

Voluspa Chestnut & Vetiver Candle - It's definitely a luxurious fall/winter time scent. I fell in love with it but find it too much for current weather. Been gifting it to people everywhere whenever there was opportunity.

Voluspa French Bourbon Vanille Candle - Another rich, warm scent. I love this more than the Chestnut & Vetiver, and this is my second tin. I thought it was a limited edition seasonal thing, but I saw it stocked on the shelves at Indigo again, so don't be surprised if I haul some more next winter.

Can you tell I'm desperately trying to finish off my hoard of candles? Maybe I shouldn't talk about hauling or stockpiling any more. Anyway, not a tremendous amount of stuff but still a good pile of things I managed to plow through. Maybe the next round will be more exciting -- there's already an entire finished perfume bottle sitting in the newly emptied bag.

How are your empties and Project Pans and bans going?

Green Eye Shadows

After months of threatening to do so, I finally did it -- rounded up the green shadows! It turns out I only have four. It's a shade I've gone to severe lengths to avoid, apparently.

The complete collection: L'Oreal Infalliable in Bronze Divine (questionably not green to some, I'm sure, but green enough to me), theBalm Shady Lady Vol. 2 Makeout Mary, Clinique Chubby Stick in Whopping Willow, and Wet n Wild eyelid shade.

As you can see, there aren't any dupes and each green is unique. For a while back in winter I wanted badly to insert a bright matte green, just for the sake of having one in the collection -- but now I'm over it. In fact, the only green I actually like wearing is Whopping Willow! It's one thing to wear green on fingertips but another to put it on the face. On my wan face. I just can't get jazzed about it. It does me no favours.

I can't be certain if this state of ennui is a phase or something more long-term. Maybe I shouldn't overthink this. It could simply be that I just don't like green shadows that much. The kind of greens I like lately are bright, tender, dewy and fragrant. I just love that sweet, fresh smell of blossoming trees!

Green shadows, yay or nay? Does it look particularly good with a certain combination of shades? What am I missing here?

MUFE Aqua Cream #15 Taupe vs. Maybelline Color Tattoo Rich Mahogany

As someone who attempts to reduce the amount of makeup she owns, it's the most horrible thing ever when I bring home a dupe by accident. And I fully realize that when one buys dupes without realizing, there's probably very little reducing being done at all. Fellow makeup addicts will understand, however, that it can be quite difficult to limit purchases to just one shade of one small item. I don't know what it is about potted cream shadows, but the urge to collect every single one is simply overwhelming. To my credit (if you will allow me that), I have just one of each of the famous MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream and Maybelline Color Tattoo: Rich Mahogany (left) and #15 Taupe (right).

For a while, I suspected that they were kind of similar. Not the same but similar enough that it disturbed me from time to time. At least I didn't pick the really dupey shade Bad to the Bronze, right?

First, the texture of the two shadows are very different. Maybelline Rich Mahogany is a traditional cream shadow on the dry side, to allow for a quicker set and long-lasting endurance. MUFE #15 is a waterproof cream with elasticated texture that has some bounce and truly lasts without creasing or fading all day long. MUFE #15 can also be worn alone without layering a primer underneath while Rich Mahogany will crease and slide around without a primer for sure on my extra-creasy lids. As for the colour, as you can see, #15 is a bronze taupe while Rich Mahogany a rich dark brown with a slight reddish tint.

Both shades are quite warm and tend to emphasize redness. While I adore both shades on their own, they accentuate any redness around my eyes, especially when I'm bleary-eyed from lack of sleep. Strangely enough, #15 pulls out the red more despite looking less red than Rich Mahogany.

I think they're both headed for the blog sale pile. While I love the shades on their own, the redness emphasizing issue is a problem. No sense in hanging on to something that doesn't work!

Maybelline Color Tattoos are available at most drugstores (CAD$5-12) and MUFE Aqua Creams are available at Sephora (CAD$28).