BEST OF BLUSHES

With a teething baby, I cannot remember the last time I got a full night’s sleep without any interruptions, so as a consequence I feel I am often looking tired and washed out – and one of those makeup products sure to make me look a little ‘fresher’ in an instant is a blush. In other words, I simply couldn’t live without one, and hence has a selection of different ones depending on my mood and occasion..

 

 

ELES Mineral Blush in Mixed Berries

 

I have previously reviewed the ELES Mineral Blush in Coral Sun, and it remains one of my all time favourite blushes. But one in Mixed Berries, which is, as the name suggests a darker shade, is so on-trend, and perfect for winter look. Normally I would not go for a blush that looks so dark in the pan, but the colour has surprised me. While it is extremely pigmented so you have to apply it with a very light hand, you can of course also get just a touch of colour, but just adding the tiniest amount of blush to your brush. It is long wearing, and doesn’t slide or fade during the day. I love that it contains absolutely no chemical nasties, but rather it cares for your skin, containing vitamins A, E and C to condition and protect the skin.

RRP: $39.50 (3.4g) – Available from ELES Cosmetics

 

Clinique Blushing Blush in Precious Posy

 

With combination skin, prone to shine by the afternoon, I don’t like too shimmery products as I feel it makes my skin look even greasier – but this blush has just the right amount of sheen to still give you a nice glowing look. It has a lovely peachy-pink shade that brightens up your face and makes you look fresh and like you’ve just had 8 hours of un-disturbed beauty sleep (I wish). And it simply stays put until you take it off again, and I love that it is oil-free so it won’t make my skin break out. It is very pigmented, so you can add just a touch of colour or build it up to a more intense look – which is so easy to do with the soft angled sculpting blush brush that comes with the blusher.

RRP: $49 (6g) –Available from Clinique

 

Nvey Eco Powder Blush in 957

This blush from Nvey Eco is another one of my go to blushes, and the palest one in my line-up today (check out my initial review here). I simply love the product is certified organic and the products are paraben free and made without talc, synthetic fragrances or chemical nasties. The pale dusty rose and is perfect for pale skin and during winter, and it has a tiny touch of shimmer to give you a nice sheen – it is just perfect for those days when you want a subtle natural look. And being dusty rose colour, it is perfect to use as an Eyeshadow too.

RRP: $29 (2.5g) – Available from Nvey Eco

The Powder Blushes from Left to Right:
Nvey Eco, Clinique and ELES

Swatches (non-blended) of the Powder Blushes from Left to Right:
Nvey Eco, Clinique and ELES

Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick in Peachy Blush

 

If you are more for a cream blush, you cannot go past the Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick in Peachy Blush. This stick goes on like a cream but transforms into a powder as you blend it onto your skin. The wind-up stick is easy to use and I like to dab on a little onto my cheeks with the stick, and then blend it out with my fingers. And the result is so lovely, giving my cheeks a nice natural flushed look, so perfect for those casual days when you don’t want to look too made up. And while the stick is easy to pop into your handbag without fearing it will spill, there is no need, as it simply stays put all day!

RRP: $43 (6g) – Available from Clinique 

Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush in Charisma

 

Don’t be fooled by what looks to be a very dark colour, as Charisma is a burgundy shade that looks very dark in the stick, yet it blends to a lovely sheer and natural look. This tiny blush stick has a lovely cocoa scent and is full of high quality and very concentrated creamy blush, so you only need a small sweep for a dewy radiant glow. It goes on like a dream and is so easy to blend with your fingers – and as it is so small, it is perfect for the handbag too if you’re on the go, - and then it’s perfect to use on your lips too – and regardless if you use on your cheeks or your lips, it is very long lasting.

RRP: $48 – Available from Adore Beauty
 

The Cream Blushes from Left to Right:
Clinique and Jane Iredale

Swatches (non-blended) of the Cream Blushes from Left to Right:
Clinique and Jane Iredale

Mineralogie Blush in Pink Sand

 

If you are more for loose mineral pigments, you cannot go past the Mineralogie Blush in Pink Sand. The slightly shimmering blush in Pink Sand is a beautiful dusty pink shade that will brighten your complexion and give you a nice healthy glow, while looking very natural. It is so easy to use and blends like a dream with a soft blush brush. I love that it has been formulated with vitamins E and A to help sooth and protect the skin, and it doesn’t contain talc, starch, perfume or dyes so it is very gentle on the skin. And as a bonus it can also be used as any Eyeshadow.

RRP: $39.95 (3g) – Available from Mineralogie 

 

Vani-T Powder Blush in Tibetan Ochre

 

I have previously reviewed this mineral blush from Vani-T (which you can see here), but thought it was worth a second mention too as it is still one of my favourites. The warm rose colour is shimmery, but again, has just the right amount of shimmer to give you a radiant and healthy glow without being over the top. It is easy to blend, and just as easy to build up in colour if desired. And I love that it is free from all the chemical nasties. And how gorgeous is the square jar that looks like it has a massive diamond on top!

RRP: 40.95 (8g) – Available from Vani-T

The Loose Pigment Mineral Blushes from Left to Right:
Mineralogie and Vani-T

Swatches (nob-blended) Loose Pigment Mineral Blushes from Left to Right:
Mineralogie and Vani-T

Estee Lauder Pure Color Cheek Rush in Techno Jam

 

Finally, if you prefer a tint, you’ll love this light water-based gel from Estee Lauder. I have also previously reviewed this one (see my review here), but again one that continues to be a favourite of mine. It is so light, and so extremely pigmented that you just need a few drops on the apples of your cheeks for that perfect ‘pinched cheeks’ and flushed look that stays put throughout the day.

But I have to warn you, because it is so pigmented you have to work fast to blend it, or it will come up very dark (and stain your fingers too), but it is all worth it. I also love using it as a lip stain, for natural ‘just bitten’ lips!

RRP: $60 (8g) – Available from Estee Lauder

 

Estee Lauder tint - non-blended

Estee Lauder tint - blended - and if you look closely, you can
see the little darker 'dot' from the picture above, as I obviously
 took too long blending it out while I was taking photos..

So there you have it – a selection of blushes, and something for everyone from light to dark shades in and textures, from standard powder, to loose pigments, cream and tint. So which one is my favourite one, you might ask? And I honestly couldn’t pick one over another, as I love them all, and that you with this line-up can achieve just the look you’re after, be it a barely there flushed cheek to a more intense look for a night out.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What do you think of these blushes? Tried any of them? What type or blush do you prefer?

Product Review: Vani-T Brazilian Bronze Self Tan Mousse

I am (naturally) normally cautious spending too much time outside in the sun, but this summer, being pregnant, I have spent even less time outside, as the heat has simply made me feel uncomfortable. To make sure I didn’t look completely pasty, I have therefore been relying on self-tanners for a bit of a summer tan. Over the years I have tried numerous self-tanners, but I am still looking for the perfect one, so when I was asked to trial the *Vani-T Brazilian Bronze Self Tan Mousse by the lovely and talented makeup artist, Tammerly from Spoilt by Pink Diva, I naturally happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;

 

What They Say:

"Brazilian Bronze is the ultimate in self tanning for those wanting a rich, ultra dark tan with ease of application of a velvety mousse - a guaranteed flawless, streak free tan in as little as 1 hour!"

"The lightweight formula infused with Aloe Vera and Cehami (Australian botanical) will provide an even, natural looking tan, whilst hydrating the skin. The potent anti-aging and skin firming properties of Quandong, Australian Kakadu Plum Extract (Vitamin C) and Vitamins A & E mean you are one step closer to younger, healthier looking skin with each application."

RRP: $39.95 (125ml) – Available from Vani-T Online, and Select Beauty Salons.

What I Say:

The Vani-T Brazilian Bronze Self Tan Mousse comes in a small white pump bottle with a bright pink label, which makes it look so girly. The actual self-tanner is a liquid, but the pump nozzle on the bottle turns the liquid into a lightweight foam, in similar style as the new breed of hand soaps currently on the market.

The Brazilian Bronze is made from natural ingredients, and it is infused with Aloe Vera and Cehami, as well as it contains Quandong, Australian Kakadu Plum Extract, known to be extremely high in Vitamin C, as well as it contains Vitamins A & E, to provide the skin with hydrating, anti-ageing and skin firming properties.

As with all self-tanners you get the best result if the skin is well exfoliated first, and dry areas such as knees and elbows are moisturised first to avoid these areas absorbing too much of the self-tanner, and thereafter developing a darker tan than the rest of the body.

Vani-T does recommend using the special Vani-T's Bronzing Mitt, when applying the self-tanner for a more even result – but not having one of the mitts at hand, I have simply been using my hands, as I usually do when applying self-tanner.

The foam is easy to spread and blend into the skin, yet it absorbs extremely quickly, so you need to work very fast to ensure an even result.

Vani-T, recommends waiting just 60 seconds before getting dressed. The tan then develops – and according to Vani-T, you can then ‘customise’ the depth of the tan depending on how long you leave it on before washing it off. Washing if off after 1 hour will give you a dark tan, 2 hours a darker tan, and 3-4 hours will give you the darkest tan.

Again, not having been much outside this summer, I was a little pale, so consequently decided to wash it off after just an hour. And I was then left with a natural looking tan, which lasted for about 4 days before it starting fading evenly, so it continued to look natural.

I also tried to follow up with adding another ‘coat’ of the Brazilian Bronze a few days after the first application – and again, each time, only letting it stay on for an hour before rinsing it off, and thereby made it possible to not only build up the tan, but also extend the life of the tan before it started to fade.

As with all other self-tanners that I have used, the Vani-T Brazilian Bronze does develop a bit of a smell at the same time as the tan, although the smell is not as strong as other self-tanners I have used. I can’t say that I have ever really liked that smell – but as you do wash it off after a little while it does actually make this smell a little more tolerable.

At $39.95 for 125ml, the Vani-T Brazilian Bronze Self Tan Mousse is more expensive than other self-tanners on the market, however, as it is naturally based, I believe that it is worth paying a little extra for it. And it is very concentrated, so you will still get quite a few applications from a bottle – so it is certainly a lot cheaper (and not to mention more convenient) than going to a salon!

All in all this is a great self-tanner, and I like that it develops so fast that I can wash it off after an hour or so, and thereby avoid the ‘self-tan smell’ all day – and for that I give it bonus points! I will enjoy using the rest of the bottle and will look into purchasing it again in the future.

*This product was kindly provided for trial by Spoilt by Pink Diva, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you ever tried any of the products from Vani-T? Do you use a self-tanner? Which one is your favourite?

 

Product Review: Vani-T Powder Blush

The perfect blush makes a massive difference to the overall look of your makeup. So constantly in search of the perfect one, I happily accepted when I was asked to trial the *Vani-T Powder Blush in Tibetan Ochre. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:
"This ultra fine, satin-like powder blush floats over the skin giving perfect colour to the cheekbones. Triple milled, it provides long lasting colour. Contains light reflective pigments, mother of pearl powder and "nature's own face lift".

RRP: $40.95 – Available from Vani-T Online, and select beauty salons

What I Say:

As soon as I saw the Vani-T blush, I was impressed. It comes in a square shaped jar, which has a large faux diamond in the top of the lid. It will look so lovely sitting in my bathroom or on the bedroom dresser.

Having never previously tried any Vani-T products, I decided to do a little research, and I was so pleasantly surprised by what I discovered.

All of Vani-T’s products are rich in natural and organic ingredients. They contain no mineral oils or paraffins, no parabens, sulfates, talc, bismuth oxychloride. The products also do not contain any petrochemicals DEA, TEA or artificial colours, and they have not been tested on animals. Rather, the products are high in vitamins, active ingredients, natural oils and pure botanicals. The blush also contains Olive Squalene which promotes cell regeneration and cares for your skin whilst wearing.

But Vani-T also believes in preserving the earth for future generations, and does so by using recyclable products for the product packaging, off-setting the carbon emissions from the head office. Vani-T also believes in giving back to the community and assisting those in need and help fund vital research, so each month the company donates to some of the following charities; Australia Conservation Foundation, Anti Cancer Council, Land Care, Greenpeace, Breast Cancer Foundation, Smith Family, Heart Foundation , World Vision and RSPCA. Now how impressive does all of that sound – definitely a company that I feel like supporting.

And Vani-T is not only Australian owned, the blush is also Australian made, how good is that! I love supporting local brands!

Vani-T blush in the Tibetan Ochre colour does look quite dark in the packaging but when you put it on, it’ a warm rose colour. It has a slight shimmer, and I do like that it is only slight, and not over the top as often the case.

The blush is used, by with lid on, tap the container upside down to loosen the product, then turn over and tap product into lid to avoid mess. Using a blush brush pick up the blush from the inside of the lid, dust off excess powder from the brush, and apply to the cheeks using circular and buffing motions.

The blush is quite light and easy to apply. The powder went on very easily, and blended nicely. It is very pigmented, and I only needed a tiny amount to achieve a natural look. As it is so pigmented, my advice is also to be very caution when applying it, you will end up with very bright coloured cheeks. However, if you are after a stronger colour, you can easily build up the colour.

My words of advice is keep the jar on a level surface at all times, to avoid product gathering at the top making it hard to control the amount your blush brush would collect.

The blush has a satin-like formula which easily smooths out your skin for a beautiful finish, and a nice natural, healthy berry glow.

The blush lasts really well throughout out the day, even in during the very hot and humid weather we have been having in Melbourne lately, which is very impressive.

All in all, this is a very awesome blush, and it really ticks all boxes for me, so it has very quickly become one of my favourite makeup products, so I will definitely make sure to check out the rest of Vani-T’s product range. And guess what, this mineral blush, in this exact colour, Tibetan Ochre is also the favourite of Danni Minogue… and how great does she always look!!  

And for those of you in the US…don’t despair, this awesome Australian brand is coming to you shortly too! See here for more details..

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you ever tried any of the products from Vani-T? What’s your favourite blush?