Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush - POP (limited edition)

Daniel Sandler recently launched a limited edition watercolour blush, exclusive to Escentual.com. The colour, simply called 'POP'. To me this was exciting enough but even more so when I was informed that £5 from every sale goes directly to Macmillan Cancer Support. One of my favourite beauty products and money to a good cause...I didn't need persuading to order this straight away.

Any readers of my old blog and even twitter will know I hold Escentual.com in very high esteem - they are my go-to online beauty site for many reasons and as ever - my order was processed swiftly and arrived the very next day, without ludicrous and inflated postage charges.

Here is POP in all it's watermelon-y glory. I'll admit, I was a little afraid when this blush first arrived. I wasn't sure I could wear this shade of pink. Watermelon describes the colour very well as you can see from the (unintentional) spillage above. 

As with all watercolour blushes, a little goes a very, very long way. A miniscule dot per cheek is all that is needed.

without flash   /    flash

This colour is so beautiful and even better - so wearable. One of my favourite things about Daniel Sandler watercolour blushes is that you are always totally in control of application and depth of colour applied, as long as you stick to the less is more rule and don't initially apply too much. They are sheer but buildable for a more intense look.

The formula is beautiful and feels light and undetectable once on the skin. I've struggled in the past with liquid blush sitting in the pores of my cheeks and magnifying them (hello, By Terry Rose de Rose - I'm looking at YOU) but this doesn't sit in pores and doesn't contain so much shimmer that it highlights and emphasises flaws. The blush is oil free and silicone based and has caused no sensitivity etc on my sensitive/blemish prone cheeks.

These blushes are so forgiving and give the impression of a natural flush of colour whilst also being incredibly long lasting. If you are reading this from the UK, you'll be aware we are in the throes of a mini heatwave at present. I applied this blush around 11am and at 9pm the colour was still going strong. 

I previously used a light touch with my finger to apply my watercolour blush, but alongside the launch of this limited edition colour, Escentual went one better and offered 65% off the RRP of the Daniel Sandler 'waterbrush' making it just £5. 
The waterbrush usually retails for £15.50 and is a synthetic (taklon) slanted brush.
A professional standard brush for a bargain price? Oh go on then. You twisted my arm.

The difference when applying my watercolour blushes with this brush is amazing - it looks softer, more natural and the edges diffused and blended perfectly. Although applying with your finger does a perfectly nice job, I would highly recommend this brush for a flawless finish.

POP is priced at £14.50 from Escentual.com with £5 of the price going to Macmillan Cancer support. These are very limited edition (only 250 available) so get yours before they sell out.

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre - Illusoire & EOTD

I think it's highly unlikely that you haven't seen or heard of these new Chanel Illusion D'Ombres. Released as part of the chanel fall 2011 collection, there are 6 shades in the collection and they have caused quite a buzz amongst beauty lovers.

 
Chanel say: This intensely shimmering long-wear eyeshadow offers true versatility. An innovative gel texture that is both soft and cushiony allows it to be worn as eyeshadow or eyeliner. Includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula.

I spent a good while at the Chanel counter swatching these and the only one that seemed suitable for me was Illusoire. To the naked eye, this seemed to fall somewhere between a lilac/taupe/silver grey colour. These tones with hints of lilac or purple complement my brown eyes perfectly - so it had to be illusoire.
The colour that instantly sprung to mind when I laid eyes on illusoire, was my beloved shale by MAC- another 'not quite' lilac/taupe/grey colour.
Here is a comparison of the two:

 

No flash: Illusoire - MAC Shale / illusoire & shale swatched /Flash: Illusoire - MAC Shale

Although they do have similar tones, as you can see above they are not really that alike at all.  

Illusoire is possibly the most awkward item I've ever had to photograph. On my eyes, in swatches and in the pot the dominant colour was the purple but I just could not get that to translate on to the camera (and believe me, after 87 separate snapshots, it's fair to say I tried my best) In different lights this appears so different. Even on different skintones I see different colours dominating.
Illusoire is a veritable glitter bomb, so if glitter isn't your thing, steer clear. This isn't shimmer- it's full on sparkle. 

 

 

No flash   /    Flash

The texture of these are like nothing else I've ever used. A soft, almost bouncy sponge-like consistency. Its not wet like a cream shadow nor is it dry like a powder. Cool and smooth, despite the obvious glitter - truly unique. They are so easy to blend. Discard the brush it comes with - although it is a nice little brush, I don't find it of any use for applying these illusion d'ombres. Your finger is your best friend with these babies. A little gentle blending with a 224 to soften the edges and you're good to go.

As for their longevity, On my oily lids, sans primer, I do get slight creasing after a few hours and after a night out the colour has pretty much faded away and all that remains is a light hint of colour and wash of glitter (very pretty nonetheless)

After around 5 hours of wear

I am toying with more illusion d'ombre purchases but personally, I find the colour choices a little restrictive for my skin tone and personal tastes.
I would love a mink/taupe a dark navy blue, an emerald green and a rich dark brown in this formula.
My only concern with these is the lifespan- i really hope these will not be prone to drying out/cracking and eventually being rendered useless. Time will tell!
xxx 

This time 3 years ago...

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary to my  husband.

The prodigal blogger returns...

You may or may not remember me from back in the WelshBeautyBlog days - but that blog sadly is no more. Out with the old, in with the new - welcome to my new blog. A fresh start.

Here's to new beginnings.

New beginnings, new hair cut...whilst I was 'away' I went for the chop!

I don't hate it, but I miss my long hair. Please come back soon.

So, what else has changed in my absence, leave me a comment, tell me something new...