Addicted to Blush Tag

Thank you Emma for tagging me and Kat for creating the tag! While I don't consider myself a fully fledged #blushfiend, I still have more blushes than most people. I think my main issue with blush is I don't find subtle variations show up on my skin. I tend to group blushes into large, sweeping colour families (pink, orange/peach, deeper berry/plum, red, tawny/hybrid bronzer shades and pinky nude), and if I have one or two per category, I feel I'm pretty much done. I certainly don't share that perspective when it comes to lipstick or eyeshadow, hence my compulsion to continue buying despite an existing overabundance. The other thing about blush is application is so hard to get right. My technique is still a constant work in progress. I also find blush requires a truly flawless canvas to look good, and notwithstanding the fact that everything looks a bit worse for wear at the end of the day, most times I don't put in the effort to really perfect my skin other than slapping on my foundation.

1. What colour blush suits you the most?
Definitely peachy pinks or corals. Basically something that's mainly orange with a bit of pink/red in it. I can't wear berry shades at all, most pinks look terrible on me (especially cool pinks ... horrid), and pinky nudes, as much as I want to love them, have generally been underwhelming (I'm looking at you Tarte Exposed and Illamasqua Naked Rose).

2. Pressed/cream/loose blush?
Pressed. I never wear loose blush (don't have any, not interested), and while creams have their strengths and serve their purpose, they're just that extra bit fiddly compared with pressed powder blushes.

3. Favourite shimmery blush?
Benefit Sugarbomb. I put it in my 2013 Favourites and it's still one of my all-time favourite blushes. Probably top 3. It looks like it might be too light judging from the pan, but it builds up to a fairly pigmented sherbet orange with a luminous golden pearl. Special mention goes to Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat. More coral than Sugarbomb and less intensely shimmery, it has a beautifully soft texture, good lasting power and really perks up the complexion.

Benefit Sugarbomb

4. Favourite matte blush?
Easy. NARS Douceur. I can't believe NARS discontinued it. NARS, what were you thinking?! This is a rare pinky nude blush that works for me. I use it with my Ecotools Blush Brush in a tapping motion up and down my cheekbones to sculpt my face. It's not so brown that it belongs in serious contouring territory, but it's not overly red/pink so that the placement looks slightly strange. The overall effect is subtle and sophisticated. I should really reach for this one more.

NARS Douceur

5. Favourite cream blush?
Another obvious choice. Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera. I love this cream blush. It is one of very few pinks that I can pull off, it applies in a non-patchy manner and has a beautiful dewy finish that instantly adds life and freshness to the face. It goes on easily with the fingers, but for best results I like using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, working the product from the temples downwards onto the cheek.

Stila Gerbera

6. Favourite drugstore blush?
This was a recent rediscovery. Rimmel 3 in 1 Powder Blush in Autumn Catwalk. I mainly use a combination of the first two shades and steer clear of the third (not that there's anything wrong with it, but I prefer the look of the first two pinks combined). While lasting power could be improved, I just love the warm, sweetly youthful shade of pink this blush creates. The shimmer in the middle section is not frosted or whitish but actually pink-based with diamond sparkles, which I find very rare in a drugstore blush.

Rimmel Autumn Catwalk (l-r: first two shades combined, third shade by itself)

7. Favourite high end blush?
I took this question to mean favourite line/brand of high end blushes, as opposed to favourite specific high end blush. I'd have to say NARS. I've built up a little collection that I cherish. While there have been 1-2 semi-duds (more on that later), overall, they make my favourite blushes. Flattering shades, extremely pigmented, unparalleled lasting power and excellent quality in general. Runner up would be Benefit. You already know my love for Sugarbomb, but Hervana is a perfect everyday blush and Dallas is beautiful in the cooler months.

l-r: NARS Orgasm, NARS Deep Throat

8. Favourite bright blush?
This was easy to answer because there aren't many contenders to begin with. I'd have to go with e.l.f. Studio Blush in Pink Passion. While it looks frightening (or glorious, depending on your blush proclivities) in the pan, it's almost tame when blended out on the cheeks. You do need a light hand and something like the SUQQU Cheek Brush to diffuse the intense pigmentation, but once properly blended, it gives an earthy rosiness to the cheeks that looks surprisingly natural.

e.l.f. Pink Passion

9. Biggest blush disappointment/regret?
I didn't get along with the Becca Beach Tints at all, which was extremely disappointing given they seem to enjoy a good reputation. Fig barely showed up on my skin (making it effectively useless), and while Watermelon didn't have the same problem, I disliked how it looked on me. Not a fan of reddish berry shades with my skin tone, especially since every bit of redness in my face gets highlighted. Watermelon fared much better on the lips, though it's nearly the same colour as Revlon Soft Rose, so why bother.

While I said NARS made my favourite high end blush, there have been a couple of disappointments. I never managed to make Sin work for me, despite repeated attempts. When swatched, it's the most unique, captivating, berry-purple with gold shimmer, but on my face, it either looks like a disturbing bruise or a sheered out, complexion-draining, ruddy mess. Enchanted seems like a peachy cream blush, but it's a straight up glittery highlighter. There's barely any pigment, but rather, CHUNKS and flakes of glitter. Don't get me wrong, the glitter in this is stunning in action, but it's the least inconspicuous highlighter you could find. I love glitter as much as the next person, but unfortunately daily office life doesn't call for it.

NARS Sin

NARS Enchanted

10. Best blush packaging?
Surprisingly, there wasn't one blush that really stood out for me. I picked Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in the end. I like the sturdy feel, gold exterior and square shape, plus the inside is gorgeous.

11. What's on your blush wish list?
Quite a few blushes! Perhaps doing this tag has reignited my blush spark. Top of my wishlist are the newish Bobbi Brown Brightening Bricks. I have my eye on Pink or Tawny. I'm sure I'll love Benefit Rockateur and feel that it's only a matter of time before I cave and buy it. Apparently I need NARS Madly. I've been eyeing Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Earthy as well, though it's closer to a bronzer. Chanel Joue Contraste Blush in Jersey looks like a blush staple I NEED (I trust both Emma and Temptalia). The Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic blushes and Clinique Cheek Pops are also mightily tempting.

12. Number 1 holy grail blush?
This one was hard, but I think I'll have to go with NARS Luster. It's a foolproof option that complements my skin tone and does it all. If I'm running out of time in the mornings and can't be bothered with separate contouring, highlighting and blush, I'll whack on a bit of Luster and be done. It's sculpting, injects warmth and colour, and imparts a soft, golden glow.

NARS Luster

And those are my responses. I now tag Cherie, Michelle, Jennifer, Tiffany, Kelly, Shari, Pam, Sharlynn (the blush queen!), Amanda, Diana, Coco, Tasha, Sheri, Evelyn, Karen, Jennie, Amy, Emma and Tram. Think I may have gone just a touch overboard with the tagging there. But basically, anyone who feels like joining in!

The Lipstick Tag

I was recently inspired to do this tag by Jennie May of sailboat. after thoroughly enjoying reading her answers and admiring her gorgeous pictures. Lipstick is probably my ultimate makeup weakness, surpassing even eyeshadow and nail polish. I'm not even going to pretend I don't have a problem.

Not exactly short on options

1. How many lipsticks do you own?
It's shameful to admit, but more than 80 ... not including lip crayons, lip glosses, tinted lip balms or multipurpose cream products that can be used for both cheeks and lips. Let me now hide in a corner.

2. What was the first lipstick you owned?
Do lip balms or glosses count? My first ever lip product was the Passionfruit Lip Smacker when I was in primary school. My dad bought me one from the pharmacy and it started something in me. I remember pestering him for the assurance that once I finished my current one, he'd buy me another in a different flavour. After he relented, I spent the whole night trying to use up as much as I could just so I could move on to the next one. They were just that exciting. A few years later, I progressed to ultra-shimmery, berry-scented glosses from Bonne Bell. But if we're taking purely lipsticks, my first one must've been some kind of mauve/rose colour from Maybelline, Revlon or Australis that was fashionable at the time but too dark and completely age-inappropriate.

3. What is your favourite lipstick brand?
MAC, followed closely by Revlon.

4. What is your most worn lipstick?
In terms of being closest to being finished, Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Melonade or Revlon Beyond Natural Protective Liptint in Pink Rose.

In the makeup bag

5. What is your favourite finish?
For everyday wear, I'm partial to hydrating, relatively sheer, slightly glossy, very lightweight formulas like MAC Lustre finish lipsticks. Otherwise, for bold and bright colours, I prefer a more matte finish.

6. What was the last lipstick you bought?
Revlon Lip Butters in Juicy Papaya and Pink Lemonade. Because my existing Lip Butter collection of basically every shade they ever produced was lacking.

7. How many lip products do you currently have in your bag?
Six. Not as bad as I thought. Korres Lip Butters in Mango and Jasmine, Lancôme Baume in Love in À La Folie, Cherry, Revlon Beyond Natural Protective Liptint, a pinky nude Napoleon Perdis lip gloss that was a freebie with November 2013 InStyle magazine and my ever-reliable Maybelline Baby Lips in Relieving Menthol.

Daiso, Target and Officeworks storage

8. What is your favourite red lip colour?
I'm not huge on reds, but definitely the unfortunately discontinued Revlon Matte Lipstick in Strawberry Suede. Liked it so much it was the only lip product I featured in my Best of 2013.

9. How do you store your lipsticks?
I use two drawers of my Keji 4 drawer storage organiser to hold the majority of my lip products. As that isn't enough space for everything, I also have a separate Daiso rectangular box that houses a selection of my favourite and most reached for lipsticks. Along with that, I keep a mini tiered lipstick stand, primarily for my MAC lipsticks.

10. Which lipsticks are you currently lusting after?
At the moment, my lipstick lust has calmed right down. It has to be an utterly extraordinary lipstick for me to bite the bullet and purchase it, given how acutely aware I am of the ridiculous number I already have and barely use. Having said that, I have plenty of temptations. I'm looking forward to eventually welcoming a YSL Rouge Volupté Shine to my collection, possibly 6 Pink in Devotion, 9 Nude in Private, 13 Pink in Paris, 15 Corail Intuitive or 19 Fuchsia in Rage. I've also had my eye on Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Curviest Caramel for a while. I'm always open to more MAC lipsticks, especially a classic pick like Ruby Woo or Russian Red, though I wish I'd snapped up Betty Bright when I had the chance after seeing it on Shaaanxo. She also has me almost running to my nearest Target to hunt down NYX Black Label Lipstick in India, though it would probably be too pale for me.

Before I forget (like with the last tag), I tag Pam, Ash, Jennifer, Zoë, Emma, Liz, Kelly, Tiffany, Amy, Amanda, Hollie, Coco, Kat, Mishelle, Michelle, Cherie and anyone else who wants to have a go!

Perfect Palette Tag

I was tagged by Zoë to do this Perfect Palette Tag I've seen floating around lately (thanks for including me, Zoë!). I am absolutely palette crazy as you may have deduced from my latest wishlist, so I've thoroughly enjoyed reading and watching responses to this tag on blogs and YouTube. There's a certain irresistible quality to a beautifully executed palette, whether it be a standout shade or two that makes the whole thing a must-have, or how the different colours and finishes promise a world of possibilities and creative potential.

1. Best Packaging

Hands down, Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Odyssey (09). I mean, just look at it. I think I like it better than the more masculine, architectural packaging of Tom Ford, which would've been second in the running. This is just one incredibly good-looking palette. The intricate pattern at the front, the gold case and interior, the classic neutral eyeshadows housed within, that to-die-for gold leaf shade. So much eye candy.

2. Best Colour Payoff

I'm giving this one to the LORAC Pro Palette. The metallic shades are uniformly vibrant and pigmented, but what sets the Pro Palette apart from other comparable palettes is the inclusion of the matte shades. The darker mattes in particular (Sable, Espresso) are some of the most impressively pigmented eyeshadows I have in my whole collection.

3. Most Versatile

Laura Mercier Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette. We have light shades, dark shades, satin finish, mattes, a glitter/near duochrome and two blushes. If that's not versatile, I don't know what is. You can come up with anything from a barely there, daytime appropriate look (any combination of Buff Pearl, Tawny Apricot or Pale Pink), something with a bit more pizzazz (African Violet) or a smokey eye (Rich Cocoa or Black Plum). The two darker colours could easily double up as eyeliner. Buff Pearl is your standard inner corner/browbone highlighting shade. Pale Pink could be a transition/blending shade depending on your skin tone. The light and medium shades could be used on the lid alone, or the darker colours incorporated for added depth. And that's just the eyeshadows — wear the blushes separately or mixed together. The list goes on.

4. Best for Travel

When travelling, I have only one requirement. Small. What I bring needs to take up as little space as possible. At the back of my mind, it also has to be something I'm willing to lose (you never know with misplaced luggage, forgetful packing and any number of potential mishaps while on the go). In my last Shop My Stash, I unearthed this Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eyeshadow quad which I decided to bring along with me during my Europe trip. Along with Essence Eye Soufflé in Pas des Copper, it served me well.

5. Biggest Regret

Too Faced Naked Eye. The shades swatched so beautifully but the majority are complete fails on my lids. The three larger pans and Pillow Talk barely show up. Lap Dance and Unmentionables are too dark and cool for my colouring to sport all over the lid for the daytime. Satin Sheets is pretty, but what would I do with it? The matte black Stiletto is unremarkable. That leaves only Like A Virgin, which I do enjoy, but only with a shimmery purplish base like the one from Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow in Wild Orchids. For the same amount of money, I could've taken home Stila In the Light which I'm sure I'd be infinitely happier with.

6. Best Colour Names

This one was tricky for me to answer since I'm ridiculously hard to please when it comes to names. I find the majority of shade names to be dull and unimaginative, or cringe-inducing (e.g. the whole of theBalm ShadyLady Vol. 2 — I mean, Just This Once Jamie, really?). I prefer shade names that don't try to incorporate the literal colour in the name, but rather, evoke certain images or moods that tie in with the colour and paint an overall picture of the palette. I picked the Urban Decay Naked palettes for that reason. The names suggest to me a kind of dangerous, on-the-edge, racy, femme fatale, outlaw vibe which I suppose is meant to emphasize how seductive and daring a suite of neutrals can be.

7. Least Used

This one was easy. Sleek i-Divine eyeshadow palette in Bad Girl. I never use this thing. I regret buying it as it just sits in my makeup drawer untouched. The colours are just way too dark, green and blue to be used on a regular basis. And by regular basis, I mean ever.

8. Most Used, Most Loved, Desert Island

NARS And God Created the Woman. I am so glad the makeup fanatic in me latched onto the idea of procuring this palette and didn't let go. No other palette has captured my affections the way this one has, with the possible exception of Urban Decay Naked2 (though the original Naked still holds a place in my heart as well). I was contemplating forking out an insane amount of money for the limited edition Chanel Ombres Matelassées palette in Charming, but talked myself out of it by focusing on how much superior And God Created the Woman is in every single way. Most palettes contain a bit of filler in the form of certain shades that you rarely touch or that simply don't appeal to you. I can say with confidence I love and use every single colour in And God Created the Woman. It also has the left shade in the Kalahari duo, one of the most stunning eyeshadows I've come across. I easily see myself using this palette for the rest of my makeup-loving life.

Most Worn Things: Summer

How is it almost the middle of March? The past three months have come and gone in a blink of an eye. Thanks to Cherie for tagging me to take part in this fun post reflecting on my most worn things this past summer.

1. Nail Polish
Revlon Whimsical. Though that would probably be at most only 3 times. Because of how much nail polish I have, I don't tend to wear the same shade over and over again in a short period of time. (Plus, I need to preserve this one bottle for as long as possible.)

2. Hair Product
Easy question, because Pantene shampoo every 2-3 days is the extent of my hair care routine. Usually, I can't even be bothered to condition. I literally don't do anything else with my hair, though I have been dabbling in Morrocanoil, which I bought on sale around Christmas. I use it on my ends after I've washed my hair, or the morning after (I always sleep with my hair wet — one of my many terrible habits). I'm not sure how I feel about it, mainly because I don't use it with enough frequency, and don't really pay attention to the state of my hair except whether it's clean or not. I have noticed when I put the Morrocanoil in it, my hair is more manageable and appears smoother, healthier, better-looking. Or maybe that's just what I want to see?

3. Bag 
Still my Mulberry Alexa. But I've recently switched to a navy Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Long Handle Tote because it's just so much easier. The Alexa was constantly overflowing and weighed a tonne. I need something that I can just chuck a lot of useless stuff into and be able to carry on my shoulder comfortably.

4. Shoes
These leopard print loafers I bought from ALDO in New York. I usually wear a pair of flats to death until it's time to buy another.

5. Clothing Item 
Nothing to do with summer, but probably a pair of black Zara work pants. I wear them at least 1-2 times a week. My wardrobe is spectacularly dull because I can't be bothered to think about what to wear most days. I just wear the same things over and over again to work, and the same (different but more casual) things if I’m going out on the weekend.

At home, I practically lived in this shapeless paisley cotton tunic all through summer. For a person like me who wants to expend as little effort as possible (mental and physical) to get dressed, it was the perfect garment. No buttons, no fastenings, you need only to slip it over your head. Super lightweight and thin (but not see-through), it also kept me cool in the heat.

6. Accessory
I rarely wear jewellery except some random rings I have lying around and the House of Harlow 1960 Double Sunburst Station necklace.

7. Foundation 
I was using Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow until I bought Rimmel Wake Me Up, which I started to mix with Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum as the shade I bought was too dark.

8. Bronzer and/or Blush
I went through a short-lived period of regularly using bronzer in an attempt to contour, but kind of gave up on it in the last few weeks. I liked the Bourjois Délice de Soleil Bronzing Powder and was close to putting it in a monthly favourites. As for blush, I'd say NARS Deep Throat. It's just easy to reach for because it goes with pretty much anything. I wore this to a friend's wedding in December, on laid-back weekends with more minimal makeup, and as a go-to blush during the working week.

9. Lip Product 
I'm going to narrow this down to something with colour, because clear Maybelline Baby Lips is just too boring. Truthfully, it's Korres Lip Butter in Mango or the underrated, now discontinued Revlon Protective Liptint SPF 15 in Pink Rose which lives permanently in my handbag.

10. Mascara
It's a toss up between CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume and more recently, Max Factor Masterpiece Max. I'm not really in love with either, but there's only so much a mascara can do for me with monolids and short lashes. They're both reliable everyday mascaras that perform reasonably well and don't have any glaring issues.

11. Eyeshadow 
Surprise, surprise. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. But I also really loved Laura Mercier African Violet from the Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette.

12. Fragrance
Lady Gaga Fame, though being terribly fickle, I'm kind of over it now. There were also my usual picks for the daytime, Liz Claiborne Liz, Estée Lauder Pleasures and Elizabeth Arden Pretty.