17 posts from May 2008

I am truly enjoying my sampling of Aromaleigh Pure Hue mineral shadows. I am pleasantly surprised at how easy these are to apply and blend, and the pigmentation is just beautiful and strong. I am amazed that I bought several samples of Aromaleigh Pure Hue shadows, and out of the ones I've tried so far, not one is a dud. Not one. I also loved the staying power - the pigments stayed immaculate on my eyes after a long day at work. My only gripe is the very miniscule amount of the samples, 1/16 of a teaspoon! 1/8 teaspoon would have been perfect, but, oh well, that's what you call enterprising. I'm just going to save and use my samples up to the last crumb/smidgen.

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I decided to use some of my MAC products that I haven't used in months. In this first look, I used my classic MAC neutral shadows in Tempting on outer lid, Mulch on the crease, and the limited edition Summer Neutral on the lid (love this color). I used Graphic Brown to line and Femme-Fi to highlight. I used Blusche full-coverage mineral foundation for oily and combination skin in a 50-50 mix of Brazilian and Creme Brulee. I love the finish of this foundation, and I also like the amazing coverage.  For the cheeks, I used my CARGO blush in Mendocino (it's about time I used my CARGO blushes!) with MAC Lightflush MSF on top. I used MAC lipliner in Whirl, Composure mattene lipstick and C-thru lipglass.

Last week I ordered several samples of Aromaleigh Pure Hue eyeshadows because they were on sale for $0.98 each with free shipping if you only buy samples. I was honestly disappointed when I got the samples because there was only a smidgen of the pigment per baggie, just like The She Space, but at least She Space samples are only fifty cents each. I then decided to try these pigments out today and I am just impressed by how pigmented and beautiful they are when applied. Application was also very easy and I didn't have a hard time blending these out. I can honestly say that these Pure Hue minerals are the closest thing to MAC pigments, both in pigmentation and application, at least in my experience with mineral eyeshadows. Hmmm, is that the reason why these are expensive? I like the fact that they are not just sparkle bombs, but, just like their name, they radiate pure hue and the texture is outstanding, especially for mineral shadows. I applied all these foiled using my MAC mixing medium, and boy, did my mixing medium love these babies! They really worked very well together and were never splotchy in application. 

I guess the real test would be the staying power of these shadows. I used my MAC Beige-ing shadestick as base, then I applied Rollickin' paint pot on the lid under the shadows to smoothen the application and to make the colors pop. I'm still wearing these as I write and I have applied the pigments 5 hours ago, and amazingly, the eye look is still immaculate with no trace of creasing or smearing. I now understand why I read a lot of raves regarding Aromaleigh shadows. I would prefer to stick with Pure Hue for now, though (for those unfamiliar with the company, Aromaleigh offers a wide range of formulas and an unbelievable spectrum of colors for the eyes). I can't wait to try my other little baggies of pigment bombs! 

Also, I am wearing my favorite mineral foundation in DreamWorld, but this time, I added Amenti shade to my usual shades of Theia and Tethys. Amazingly, it looked a lot better to my eyes. I love that Amenti infused a warmer color to my face, without making me look jaundiced. Unfortunately, I forget the exact ratio of these shades, but I surmise it won't be hard to come up with this look using the three, as DreamWorld shades are very forgiving. I also used DreamWorld's Butterscotch cream topping (finishing powder) in the silk formula, and I just LOVE how creamy the finish was. Perhaps it's time go get full sizes of the cream toppings and Amenti! 

Here's another look using MAC Neo Sci-Fi eyeshadows and Soft & Slow lipgloss which is also part of the collection. I amped the colors up by using Indianwood paint pot underneath, and I also applied falsies to complement the bold colors. I likewise used Firespot eyeshadow from last year's Moonbathe collection, and as expected, it went well with the Neo Sci-Fi colors.  
 
Also, I am using a new mineral foundation, this time it's Pure Anada, a Canadian company. I found out about this brand while browsing MMU forums, and I saw this lovely look using this brand from Vely, a co-mineral makeup enthusiast (I can't post the link to her blog entry as it is only viewable by friends and family). I was so intrigued by this brand because it looked so flawless on her. I bought 12 samples of foundations, finishing powders and eyeshadows for only $9 including shipping, and I was so surprised when it arrived in just a couple of days. Needless to say, I immediately tried it out. I think I found a good match in the shade Flaxen Field. I liked the brochure of products that came with my order, basically introducing the company to the consumer and the different shades and formulas of its foundations, finishing powders, eyeshadows and blushes, and also a step-by-step instruction (you can view their brochure on their website). I'll create another look featuring its eyeshadows in another entry.

Let me say that I've been as delighted with Neo Sci-Fi as I had been with last year's Moonbathe collection. I reiterate my observation that Neo Sci-Fi is the lovechild of Moonbathe and C-Shock collections from last year, but it takes more after Moonbathe when it comes to rich, warm, celestial colors. When I swatched the eyeshadows, I was floored by how creamy and buttery they applied on my skin. The texture is just amazing, and application was a cinch. 

I am featuring two looks in this entry, and I better do this quick before I forget what I wore in these photos.

First of all, let me say I am truly in love with Milani's Runway Eyes shadows. I have not come across a single review that says they are absolutely atrocious. Most of the reviews I've read say that these are not only good, but great eyeshadows, especially for a drugstore brand. I am particularly mystified over Beach Sand because I love how smooth the pigment glides on my lids even when foiled (and dry gives off a pretty shimmery neutral color that is just chic). I really like how this eye look turned out because I love how light, neutral but definitely polished Beach Sand was. It totally elevated the look in my humble opinion.

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The point between love and lust is this succulent, tender, and eat-me as all bon-bon-tinted lip balm. Six new, four popular bring-backs. All of them sheer, satiny, sun-protective and moisturizing. Some richly tinted to provide summer’s deepest sexiest stain. Others deliciously and lightly cotton candy. Delicately strawberry-kiwi-flavoured.

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I can't wait for this all-out, outrageous collection (in my opinion the lovechild of last year's Moonbathe and C-shock collections)!

OUT TO SHOCK THE FASHION GALAXY WITh THEIR SUPERSONIC RAY GUNSHADES AND NEON ORANGE COMPACTS AND CASES. SPINNING THEIR GLAMOUR INTO ANOTHER ORBIT: A MAGNETIC FIELD OF ALLURING HOT FLUORESCENTS, MODERN BUFFS, BEIGES AND FLESH TONES SET AGAINST A CYBER-CHROMATIC ARRAY OF NAIL LACQUERS DESTINED TO TEST THE LAWS OF YOUR STYLE GRAVITY. THIS IS YOUR BEAUTY'S FUTURE.

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