March 2020 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

March continues with me finding makeup that suits me while my dark tan continues to fade.  Lots of similar tones in eyes and lips.

Hope everyone is well and is taking care during this time.

1.  Makeup Revolution The Emily Edit - The Needs Palettes:

I can wear the Emily Edit Needs palatte again.  Wasn't quite possible with the very dark tan, that I returned with, in the middle of February. I love this palette -- especially when I'm in a hurry.  Almost every thing I need is in there -- hence the name of the palette.  The one thing I wish it had a was a shimmery medium shade shadow.

2.  NYX Professional Makeup Lid Lingerie Shadow Palette:

I need to use this palette more.  As you can see, there are a lot of similarities between this palette and the Needs eyeshadows.  Again, I wish there was a shimmery medium shade for the lid in this palette.

3.  Kat Von D Shade + Light Quad in Rust:

I bought this palette for the same reason I bought the Emily Edit Needs palette.  When you have ADHD, having something that has just about everything you need in it, can help save time.  These colors are wonderful, they apply like a dream.  Again, I wish they could have put a shimmery shade in there.

4.  Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation -- Medium 59 Neutral - tan acorn with neutral undertone:

This was originally the shade I thought would work with my dark tan.  My tan had to fade a little to be able to wear this.  By the end of March I was able to mix my usual shade 52 with this.

5.  Kat Von D Eyeshadow -- Lolita:

I've featured this before.  This has got to be one of the prettiest dusty dried red rose shades.  When I use this with Wet 'n' Wild's Bed of Roses palette, it looks WONDERFUL!!!

6.  Wet 'n' Wild Rebel Rose ColorIcon Eyeshadow Quad -- Bed of Roses:

Bed of Roses has the shimmery shades and darker shades that I like, but lacks a medium matte shade.  KVD's Lolita fits the bill perfectly for that!

7.  Kat Von D 24-Hour Super Brow Long-Wear Pomade in Dark Brown:

I've featured this brow pomade several times.  I've decided that when I am done with my pencils, I want to stick with pomade.  Skinny pencils run out too fast and create a lot of waste that goes in landfills.  With a little practice, the perfect brow brush and some liquid eyeshadow mixing medium, one container of pomade can go a long way.  I've had this pomade for over a year.  It has started to dry out, but with mixing medium I can make it the texture that I like.  One I have, that I really like, and that I've had for ages, is Inglot's Duraline.  You can also place a bunch of drops of Duraline in your pomade before you close the lid.  The next time you open your pomade the Duraline should have been absorbed into the pomade.    

8.  Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed -- Opal:

I had this in February's favorites, as well.  This actually looked better during the month of March.  Not as big of a contrast.  Still glowy, but a little more subtle.

9.  Girlactik Luminous Pressed Powder -- Fair:

By the middle of March, the e.l.f. Bronzer, I was using, as face powder, was a little too much, I started mixing the L.A. Colors mineral powder that I got in Alabama with my Girlactik powder.

10. Kat Von D #70 Pomade Brow Brush:

I've had this brush on my favorites list several times.  This brush is AMAZING!  If you have sparser brows like I do and need a brush to give a defined shape with a clean edge, this is the brush!

11. Colourpop Just A Tint -- Gimme S'more: 

I just love the way these smell -- like passionfruit!!!  I got this in a bundle that emilynoel83 curated for Colourpop.  It's a warm nude color with some gloss to it.

12. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick -- Cathedral:

I've loved this color for years!  It's the older formula which seems to dry to longer lasting matte finish. It's described as a satin matte coco-rose.  A beautiful color!

13. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick -- Pillow Talk:

I got this during the holiday season.  They were selling the lipstick with a free lip liner.  It's a comfortable formula and goes on with a satin-matte finish.  Pillow talk is a very flattering pinky-beige nude.

14. Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick -- Wrath and Harvest:

I've said before that Black Moon Cosmetics makes my favorite formula of liquid lipstick. I also love the flat applicator, which I think makes it easy to define lips.  Wrath, which is a dusty rose color and Harvest with is a muted orange both fit the complexion bill in March.

15. Wet 'n' Wild PhotoFocus Pressed Powder -- Warm Light:

I love, love, love this pressed powder!  It has a satiny finish.  I've mixed this with my darker mineral powder and before my tan, mixed this with Girlactik's powder.  I will use it on its own if my skin is on the oilier side during the month.

16. Milani Baked Powder Blush -- Bellissimo Bronze:

This warmer blush suited my medium tan complexion very nicely in march.  I love Milani's Baked Powder Blushes because there is some shimmer to them.  Really makes the skin look alive.

17. ILNP Nail Lacquer -- The Magician:

ILNP makes some of the most unique nail polish ever!  Per their website: "The Magician effortlessly shifts between intense hues of red, orange, and green once applied over just about any base color."  The effect over dark nail polish is just beautiful!

18. Alba Botanicals Mega Moisture Conditioner -- Coconut Milk:

I got this from Costco.  I was needing a moisturizing conditioner that wasn't a hair mask.  This feels really nice.  The only caveat with this conditioner --  it has a LOT of slip to it.  It can make your shower or bathtub floor a bit slippery.

19. L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder -- Cream Beige:

I bought this when I was in Alabama, and my e.l.f. Sunkissed Bronzer, which had hit major pan, broke while it was in my suitcase.  Argh! I couldn't find it in Target so I bought the L.A. Colors Mineral powder.  I use this with Girlactik's Luminous powder.  It goes good together!

20. China Glaze Nail Polish Liquid Leather 544:

If you like layering certain polishes over a basic black polish, this is THE one!  A YouTuber I watched several years ago tested several black polishes.  This was the only one that was opaque in one coat.

21. Josie Maran Holistic Fragrance -- Courage Vanilla Apricot:

I really love this fragrance.  I wish it was a staple in Josie Maran's line -- but alas! I hadn't worn this in a while.  I decided to use it during March and was in love all over again!

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

October 2019 Favorites - Beauty And Bath

1.   Nyx Suede Matte Lipliner in Jakarta:  I've had this since around Christmas time.  I bought a set of mini Nyx liquid lipsticks that came with matching lipliners.  I have a vertical labret piercing and it makes it very difficult to wear a traditional style lipstick w/o lipliner.  But, I love the precise look a lipliner gives to traditional lipstick. Jakarta is a very pretty burnt orange shade.

2.   Nyx Lip Lingerie Push-Up Long-Lasting Lipstick in Exotic:  These come in some of the same colors that the original Lip Lingerie liquid lipstick shades come in.  I think the Push-Up version feels a little more comfortable on the lips and also looks better on.  Exotic is a lovely burnt orange shade.

3.   Covergirl Colorlicious Oh Sugar! Tinted Lip Balm in Punch:  Tinted lipbalms are nice on days when one would prefer a more natural makeup look; or, if one's lips need a little relief from drying lipsticks.

4.   e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator:  I've been using e.l.f.'s Lip Exfoliators on and off  for some years, now.  YouTuber emilynoel83 made me buy it (LOL).  These work great.  I don't have to stick my fingers into a goopy jar.  They are nicely priced and come in several flavors.

5.   Milani Amore Metallics Lip Creme in Raving Matte: I love a magenta-purple lipstick!  This shade is flattering on me when I want something a little more dramatic on the lips.

6.   Milani Luminoso Glow Shimmering Face Palette:  YouTuber emilynoel83 made me buy this too. (LOL). I'm really loving glowy blushes lately.  This palette also has highlighters and glowy bronzers (which can be used to darken the blushes). After a certain age, looking too matte is not flattering.  This palette can be used on the eyes, as well.  Although I would caution that hooded eyes need some matte to give them dimension.

7.   Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso:  This blush came in a bundle with the Luminoso Face Palette and a Luminoso Lip Gloss.  Holy cow!  There is a reason this blush is so popular!  I was worried that it wouldn't show up on me; but, it does!  Luminoso gives the cheeks a beautiful glow!  I would say it gives more of a glow than their other baked blushes.

8.   e.l.f. Jelly Pop Flush Blush in Berry Pop:  This is another beautiful glowy/dewy blush option that won't break the bank. My recommendation with this blush is to put a dot of the blush on the back of your hand, then use a stippling brush to blend it into the cheeks.  I've found that a couple of  small dots is enough for both cheeks.  You can always add more. Hard to take away if you put too much on.

9.   Manny MUA X Makeup Geek Eyeshadow Palette:  I've had this palette since around when it first came out.  YouTuber mirrorsandhaze made me buy this one.  What stands out, in my mind, in this palette, is the shade Mars (which is described as a deep cherry red with a matte finish) and the shade Insomnia (which is described as a warm red brown with blue reflects and a foiled finish).  Those two colors make for quite a dramatic look, which I love.  I forget, however, that the palette has a host of soft colors that are perfect for a natural look or a more "office friendly" look.  A very versatile palette.

10.  Kat Von D Pastel Goth Eyeshadow Palette:  I am in love with the shade Clementine -- which is a soft pastel orange that is slightly sheer.  I wish Kat Von D made a single shadow in Clementine.  It is perfect for blending out warm looks.  I have used the other colors in the palette -- mostly for complementing shadows in other palettes.   For me, it works really well for that.

11.  e.l.f. Superclarify Cleanser:  This cleanser works well.  My only wish is that it was in a container that suited the consistency of the cleanser better -- like a pump bottle.

12.  Nquea.d Mediterranean Fig and Rhubarb Candle:  I've had this candle for a while.  I'm reminded of how much I like it, when I'm in the kitchen.  It smells heavenly!  I don't know if this brand exists anymore.  The candle was on sale when I bought it in April at Papyrus.  If it doesn't exist anymore, that's too bad.  It's a really good candle.

13.  Mane 'n Tail Conditioner (Original):  I stopped using this for a little while because I kept forgetting to get a new bottle from our pantry.  When I finally remembered -- several months later -- I used it and was smitten all over again.  It helps with the manageability of my long, easily tangled hair.

14.  DermOrganic Leave-in Argan Oil Treatment:  Although this can be used in dry hair to help detangle and give hair some shine, I find that this leave-in treatment works best when worked into damp hair.  (It will help stop the frizzies before they start; and, help with detangling hair.)

15.  Diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette:  This is like fresh roses layered with more complex notes in the background.  (Per Diptyque: Pick up the petals of a rose, add its green leaves, its stem, and don’t forget its buds. Immerse in clear water and wait to reveal its rosy delicateness, fruity accents and acidulated green notes... Eau Rose is composed like an infusion of the finest damascena and centifolia roses.)  One can definitely smell the "acidulated green notes" in the background.  Now that it's fall, I feel more comfortable wearing a fragrance like this.

16.  Atelier Cologne Vetiver Fatal Cologne Absolue Pure Perfume:  I love Atelier Cologne's fragrances.  Most are perfect for traveling in warmer weather where fragrances with heavier notes may be too cloying.  (Per Atelier Cologne it's notes are: Bergamot from Calabria, Lemon from Sicily, Heart of Bigaradier from Paraguay, Orange Flower Absolue from Tunisia, Violet Leaves, Black Plum, Heart of Vetiver from Haiti, Cedarwood from Texas, Dark Oud Accord.)  The combination is unisex, with a bitter but refreshing note.  If I were to put an image to it -- I'm reminded of a personal library with luxurious wood shelves that go all the way up to the elevated ceiling.  The kind of library where you need one of those rolling ladders.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

"What's that over there, Mama?"

REPOST: My Favorite Travel Essentials Pt 1 -- Makeup

So, I was doing the Part 2 blog.  I thought I accidentally published it.  I deleted it; and, realized I deleted Part 1.  Oy vey!  So I am reposting.

Since 2010, I travel, at least, three times a year.  Once a year, we travel to some states we haven't been to (which entails a plane ride, car travel and several hotel rooms).

Let me tell you -- I really HATE packing!  I really do!  Because of this, it has been a never ending quest of mine to make packing easier for myself.  I'm not quite there yet, but getting close.

As seen in the picture, all of the items on this blog fit into my Medium Trish McEvoy Makeup Planner.  When I am not traveling, most of the items (with the exception of some of the items in the clear bag) stay in the planner to minimize time that I have to spend on packing.

Case, Palettes Liner:
Trish McEvoy The Power of Makeup Medium Planner:  I got this planner at least six years ago -- if not more.

Linda Hallberg Infinity Palette:  IMO this is the perfect travel face palette for fair to med-light skin tones.  It has pretty much everything you would need to create a look.  There's even two eyeshadows in there.  There is a warm and a cool blush, a cool contour powder, a face powder (or a nude shadow), two shades of shimmery highlighter, a medium brown (with a little mustard yellow mixed in) eyeshadow and a black eyeshadow.

Kat Von D Anniversary Palette: I originally got this palette in a FOMO moment.  I realized that this palette has a wide variety of colors in it and would be great for travel.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner in Olive:  I got this from either Hautelook or Nordstrom Rack.  A really nice soft flattering color.

Essence Micro Precise Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown:  Essence was having one of those buy one get one 40% off sale at Ulta.   One can never have too many micro brow pencils.

Brushes Left Side (Left to Right):
Wet n Wild Large Concealer Brush:  I use this for applying eye primer.

Wet n Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush:  This is one of my favorite eyeshadow brushes!  I will use it to blend a lighter color into the first crease shade or to put that first crease shade on.

Morphe M164 Small Flat Angled Contour:  I use this for applying contour on my nose and inner brow area.

Morphe M574 Pencil Crease:  I will use this sometimes to blend a darker crease color.  I will also use this for placing shadow under the eye.

Brushes Middle (Top to Bottom):
e.l.f. Travel Blending Brush:  I use this for contour.  

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Brush: Excellent for placing highlight on the inner corner of eye.

e.l.f. Eyeshadow "C" Brush:  I lay down the first shadow color under my eye with this & sweep it in an upward direction.

Morphe Flat Shader Brush:  These brushes are excellent for patting color on the lid of the eye.

e.l.f. Eyelash and Brow Wand:  When rocking a brow pomade a spoolie will help diffuse the pomade on the inner brow and take any areas that have too heavy an application.

e.l.f. Foundation Brush:  I actually use this for concealer.  I don't actually think these types of brushes make good foundation brushes.

Brushes Right Side (Top then Left to Right):
Morphe M431 Precision Pencil Crease:  As the name says, this is a slimmer pencil brush for creating a more defined crease with a darker eyeshadow (this differs greatly from "cut crease").

Kat Von D #70 Pomade Brow Brush:  I decided to try these when they were having a sale.  I already had the powder brow brush, which I thought was really wonderful.  When I tried the pomade brush -- OMG -- I had never used a brow brush that was capable of making an almost razor thin line!  This brush is so worth it!!!

e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush:  I heard about this brush from YouTuber emilynoel83.  She uses this for cream blush or other cream cheek products.  It works excellently for that; but, I also love using it for powder blush.  It cuts down on the chances of applying too much pigment to the cheeks.

Sonia Kashuk Foundation Bush:  This was actually from a set of face brushes, some years ago.  It has a nice, densely packed flat top foundation brush.  I now keep it with my travel items.

e.l.f. Powder Brush:  I love using this as a powder brush.  It's got a good surface area to work with.  I also think a flat top brush is better for simulating that pressing action that you can get with a velour puff, rather than just sweeping the face.

e.l.f. Small Taper Brush: Another recommendation from emilynoel83.  This has GOT to be my favorite cheek highlighter brush!

Makeup Bag (Top then Left to Right):
Covergirl Outlast Active 24HR Foundation 845:  I actually purchased this from Walgreeens while traveling.  It works decently and contains SPF.  I lighten or darken it with e.l.f Mix to Match Shade Adjuster.

L.A Girl Pro Conceal in Peach:  L.A. Girl makes some really nice concealers at a very decent price.  I just wish they'd exchange that tiny brush for a regular squeeze tube tip.  The peach color is really great for disguising dark undereye circles.  They also have a darker orange for richer skin tones.

e.l.f. Mix to Match Shade Adjuster in Lighten & Bronze:  I'm one of those people whose skintone can be on a spectrum from fair to really tan. Traveling means my skintone is never static.  I end up mixing foundation a lot - when I travel it's better to have smaller tubes that I can mix with.  I tried these e.l.f. Shade Adjusters and like them.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Mama:  I originally bought this as a dupe for Lime Crime's Pumpkin Liquid Lipstick. I'm finding this is one of the colors of lipstick that I love taking with me.

Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick in Mortis:  I don't feel right w/o having a red lipstick as an option.  I love Black Moon's formula and Mortis is a little darker than a bright red lipstick.

Kosas Kosasport Hyaluronic Lip Fuel:  Lips can get parched when traveling.  I got this because it has the added benefit of Hyaluronic Acid which can plump skin up with moisture.  I like to put balm on while I'm doing the rest of my makeup; then, I wipe it off before I put my lipstick on.  Before bed is when I can slather this on and sleep with it.

Wet n Wild Photofocus Pressed Powder in Light:  I just love this powder.  It gives a satin finish rather than a straight up matte finish.  

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator in Coconut:  Why stick your fingers in grainy goop to exfoliate your lips, when you can have it in "lipstick" form and rub it on your lips.  Just rub on your lips for about 10 seconds (or more), wipe off and -- voila!

Black Moon Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick in Gloom:  I like having a nude lipstick option in my arsenal.  Black Moon makes some of my favorite nudes.

Laura Geller French Vanilla Highlight:  I love using this to help set my undereyes. It's a subtle highlighter so it makes the undereye are look more natural.

Kat Von D Super Brow Extreme Long-Wear Pomade:  I love using this with the KVD brush to get a more precise application.  Sometimes I will outline my brows with my micro brow pencil and fill in with pomade afterwards.

Ta-Ta-For-Now!

 It was a Luna kind of Monday.

The Blush Tag

1. Best packaging

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel (Holiday 2016)

I had never tried Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Blush formula before.  I thought this was a pretty ingenious way to fit more into less packaging.  I use a separate mirror; so, it doesn’t bother me that there is no mirror.

2. Prettiest color

It Cosmetics Ombre Radience in Sugar Plum

This is kind of an odd question for a makeup addict.  "Prettiest Color" is contingent on what makeup it's been worn with, skin tone etc.  

So, I’m calling this the prettiest color based on how it looks in the pan – it’s ombre and has shimmer and is a pretty mauve color..

3. Most pigmented

Coastal Scents Forever Blush

I had heard of these blushes; but, it wasn't until I heard emilynoel83 of YouTube talk about them that I got some.  She was right.  These blushes are PIGMENTED and they last!.  I would say, if you're on a budget and want a blush that you're not going to have to replace very quickly -- this is it!

4. Everyday blush

Cherry Custard by Laura Geller

I don’t have an everyday blush.  But, I thought of what I would reach for if I was in a hurry.  The answer would be Cherry Custard by Laura Geller, which is in the Baked Color and Contour Palette.  The fact that there’s a contour and highlight in the palette makes it very easy to use when I’m in a hurry.

5. Party blush
Makeup Revolution Blush Queen Palette

I'm not sure what a "Party blush" is supposed to be.  Again, it all depends on what I'm doing with the rest of my makeup.  I would probably put something with a touch or shimmer on.  In that spirit, I will say the Makeup Revolution Blush Queen palette which is a palette of eight shimmery blushes.  No matter what I decide to do with my makeup for a party there will be something in there for me.

6. Regret purchasing (Two Answers) 

e.l.f. Blush (A bunch of them)

      YouTubers would rave about these blushes -- how pigmented they are, how beautiful the colors look on the skin.  I bought mine during a sale a few years ago and was severely disappointed.  Mine were so NOT pigmented.  The quad blushes that sell for $6 work just fine; but, the single ones, never work for me.

Cream or Liquid blushes

I like cream and liquid blushes.  However, I have so much makeup that cream and liquid formulas just sit there and go bad.

7. Least used

NARS Exhibit A

This probably doesn't need any explanation.  It looked beautiful in the packaging. There is something about red -- eyeshadow, lipstick, nailpolish that captivates me. It is usable with an ultra light touch.  I think it's the inconvenience of having to be so careful with it that puts me off from using it.

8. Most used

Morphe Brushes 9N Palette

This is easy to grab for.  The blushes are easy to wear -- especially with the bolder eyes and lips of today.  And they are good quality!

8.1 would never let go of.

My two Kat Von D Shade and Light blushes

These were out on the market for a hot minute.  I managed to get my hands on two of them before they disappeared from the market permanently.  I have Piaf/Poe and Bonnie/Clyde.  I wanted Morticia/Gomez; but, alas, it was not to be.  

9. Favorite blush brand
None At The Moment

I don’t know that I have a favorite blush brand at the moment.  I suppose if Kat Von D or even Black Moon Cosmetics were to release some, I would probably be in love with those.

My requirements, now, are:

Cruelty free

Have pigmentation

Have a color I like

Don’t be chalky.

10. Greatest blush discovery of the year
Kat Von D Shade and Light blush

I really liked them and wanted more.  But, like I said, it was not to be.  I was fortunate enough to get my hot hands on two of them.

11. Most practical
Cherry Custard by Laura Geller

(See #4)

12. Least practical

NARS Exhibit A

(See #7)

13. Most expensive

Becca Beach Tint Shimmer Souffle in Guava Moonstone

I think at the time I bought my NARS blushes, they were still around $25.  These are $27.  I love that there's a bit of shimmer in them.

14. Least expensive  (Single blushes)

Nyx HD Blush Amber

 As I don't have my e.l.f blushes anymore, Nyx HD blush at $6.99, is my least expensive.

15. Longest Wearing

Coastal Scents Forever Blush

(See #3)

16. Best Blush Palette

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel (Holiday 2016)

Not only are these great blushes; but, I love how they fit ten of them into a very compact space by using both sides of the compact.  There are warms, cools and even a highlighter and bronzer shade in here.

Ta Ta For Now!

You Tube Made Me Buy It -- Blushes/Rouge -- Plus My Favorite Blush Brush Ever!!!

There are a lot of blushes pictured here.  These are not necessarily the only colors I've bought of these blushes.  I have hearts next to the ones that I would buy again, if I needed to.These are also not the only brands of blushes that You Tube  "made me buy".  I am working on using up the items I have that are not cruelty free.  And I have not included them here for that reason.  See below the picture for the list of items and also my favorite blush brush. 

1.  Physician's Formula Nude Wear™ Glowing Nude Blush -- I actually got this in a 2014 Holiday palette which also came with the Glowing Nude Powder and the Glowing Nude Bronzer.  I found the whole palette okay.  I used most of the Powder and Bronzer.  I hardly used the blush.  There wasn't a lot of pigment to the blush and it was a basic blush color.  Would not purchase again.

2.  Physician's Formula Happy Booster™Glow & Mood Boosting Blush -- Heard about this from emilynoel83. This blush actually has decent pigmentation. Plus it smells really good and looks darling.  Of the three blushes by Physician's Formula I have on this page, this is the only one, I feel, is decently pigmented and performs well.

3.  Hard Candy Blush Crush -- I love these!  I've come to really appreciate a blush with some shimmer to it.  I have Living Doll (pictured -- Heard about this from emilynoel83.) and Bombshell.  I love the healthy glow it gives to the skin (as I am one who likes to use face powder). Would repurchase again.

4.  Nyx HIGH DEFINITION BLUSH in Intuition-- I have this in Intuition (Heard about this from emilynoel83.) This particular color has some gold shimmer in it.  Very pretty!

5.  Physician's Formula Sexy Booster™ Sexy Glow Blush --  This looks so pretty in the container & the packaging adorable; but, for me it lacks pigmentation.  Will not purchase again.

6.  Milani ROSE POWDER BLUSH -- I have this in Tea Rose. This is a good blush.  I have so many blushes that for me, this is a novelty item.  But, if I didn't have a slew of blushes, I would definitely repurchase. (Heard about this from emilynoel83.)

7.  Milani BAKED BLUSH -- This blush has been talked about all over You Tube.  I have Dolce Pink.  Like the Hard Candy blushes, most of the baked blushes have some shimmer to them and impart a lovely glow to the skin.  (Could use less packaging with these, though.) Would definitely repurchase!

8.  Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush -- These blushes were talked about all over You Tube, as well.  I think I had Heather Silk or Pearlescent Pink.  It was a long time ago.  They are really decently pigmented blushes.  They've been repackaged, recently to have slightly less packaging.  I wish they'd do away with the useless applicators altogether, though. 

9.  Nyx ROUGE CREAM BLUSH -- I have mine in Orange.  I heard these were good, on You Tube, and I was looking for an orange cream blush.  I've been discovering, however that cream blush is not very practical for a makeup addict like me.  While I really like this blush I will not be purchasing any more cream blushes for a long time.

10. Sleek Makeup Blush -- I heard about, not only, this brand of blush; but, Flamingo from emilynoel83.  Her sister gave this to her as a birthday/Christmas gift.  Beautiful color and nicely pigmented.  Sleek only puts packaging around the blusher itself.  No extraneous packaging or useless applicators.

11. Colour Pop Blush -- These are great blushes with nice pigmentation.  This is a sort of cream/powder formula.  I love these; but, again, for someone who loves trying new makeup all the time.  I'm finding that cream formula's are not that practical and carry with it a certain pressure and guilt.  LOL

12. NARS Blush -- NARS has a reputation for great blushes and they do not disappoint in this area.  Pictured is Angelika.  I've also had the famed Orgasm; and, I also have Exhibit A - a very pigmented red. I believe Goss Makeup Artist is responsible for my purchases of Angelika and Exhibit A.

13. Coastal Scents Forever Blush -- Another emilynoel83 recommendation.  These are VERY pigmented.  So you may have your compact of blush, literally, FOREVER.  Could do without the sliver of a mirror in the compact (Why?  It's useless!) .  But otherwise, great blush!

14. Sleek Makeup Blush by 3 -- Yes, emilynoel83!!!  I got mine in Pink Lemonade, which is the shade she had.  It has a cream blush in the middle.  Very beautiful palette.  But, again, there's the cream blush dilemma.

15. e.l.f. Studio Powder Blush Palette -- This was actually very nicely pigmented.  Which is odd because as you'll see, I find the single blushes to be very hit and miss.  

16. e.l.f. Studio Pressed Mineral Blush -- The texture on these is nice but the pigmentation is very sheer, I find.  Not something I want to repurchase.

17. e.l.f. Studio Blush -- These were abuzz on You Tube.  I have found these to be hit and miss. Some are decently pigmented, some are chalky, some have practically no color.  I pretty much give up with getting any more of these.

18. Makeup Geek Blush Pan -- When these came out, You Tubers were going gaga over these.  After getting a set of them a few months ago, I see why.  They are talc free and have a very natural but nicely pigmented look to them.

19. Laura Geller Baked Color & Contour --  This is a cool palette.  It's about the size of the It Cosmetics Vitality palette.  The Baked Vanilla highlighter has just a touch of shimmer so can ever be used under the eyes.  The bronzer is not very dark and is a good color for me to add some color to my hairline and under my cheek contour.  The Cherry Cobbler blush is a beautiful shimmery pink shade with a hint of warmth.

20. Morphe Brushes 9B Palette --  Young Wild And Polished turned me on to this palette.  It is a gorgeous palette of both brighter and muted blushes.  Very nicely pigmented!  Great for travel!

My Favorite Blush Brush

The e.l.f Small Stipple Brush

I found out about this brush from -- you guessed it, from the number of times I've mentioned her channel above, emilynoel83.  Ever since I got one for myself, I've been hooked.  I not only use it for cream blush, as she prefers; but, I use it for powder blush as well.  I find the size ensures that I don't get a big patch of blush on my face, and the stippled bristles prevent too heavy an application.  I have many backups of this brush and have given this brush as a little "stocking stuffer" gift, many a time.

Ta Ta For Now!