Sephora says: Tarte Cheek Stain is a water-based gel cheek tint that gives you a natural flush—exactly like someone just pinched your cheeks! This formula is alcohol-free so it won’t dry your skin and it’s also oil-free so it won’t clog your pores. Plus, it contains Skinvigorating™ ingredients like a T5 Super Fruit Complex™—pure water to help skin retain moisture, and mineral-derived pigments known for their soothing and softening properties.

What exactly is tarte’s cheek stain?  It’s nothing more than a sheer, cream blush in a stick form.  It goes on sheer but has buildbale coverage.  The color is a medium nude with pink undertones.

When I first got this product, I thought it was the same concept as their LipSurgence Skintuitive Lip Tint, which reacts to the skins pH and turns a customized color on each person’s skin.  Both products were released at the same time and sit right next to each other on the display at Sephora.  They also have similar packaging.  It wasn’t until I was researching the product that I figured out that this didn’t follow that concept.  However, that explains my odd swatching method later in this post…

Application can be a bit tricky with cream blushes, but I found it to be quite simple with this one.  I simply stipple (bounce) the product straight from the tube onto my cheeks, starting at the apple and going up towards the temples.  I go over about 3 or 4 times to create a natural glow.  It wears for 6 hours before starting to fade, and on tarte’s website it promises “all day wear.”  Although “all day” isn’t a concrete term, to me that means at least 8 hours.  To increase wear time or intensify color, layer with a powder blush {how to}.  The color is sheer and would suit light and medium skin tones, darker skin may find that it’s too sheer.

Overall
An easy way to create a natural glow on the cheeks.  Application is easy (use a stippling motion).  This would best suit light-medium skin tones.  The only downside is the shorter wear time (6 hours).  If you’re someone who has been scared to try cream blush before, this is an easy way to incorporate it into your makeup routine.  It’s also an easy way to spruce up your spring/summer makeup regimen!

Glitter Rating: 4.5 / 5

Where: Sephora, Tarte, Amazon. Price: $30.00/0.5oz.
For additional pics,

The Tarte T5 Super Fruit Complex™ is a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits.  The first blend of its kind, it is loaded with naturally occurring, antioxidant-rich nutrients, and vitamins that have been known to deliver refining, antiaging, and skin-restorative benefits with each application. It also contains a natural fragrance and is dermatologist-tested. In keeping with Tarte’s eco-friendly efforts, they’ve partnered with Sambazon, creators of the Sustainable Açaí Project—an initiative to promote positive change in the Amazon Rainforest through forest conservation, improved living conditions, and educational opportunities through the sustainable management of the Açaí Palm tree. Açaí is an antioxidant-rich super fruit that helps fight free radicals; promote healthy, youthful looking skin; and has known anti-redness and skin-softening properties.

Push bottom to dispense more product.

Formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates

Where: Sephora, Tarte, Amazon. Price: $30.00/0.5oz.

What do you think of Tarte’s Awakening cheek stain?  Do you have a favorite cream blush?

Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims at the Boston Marathon yesterday.

Drink water. Wear SPF.

DISCLOSURE: This product was provided for me by the manufacturer through my employer. I am under no obligation to talk about this product/company nor do I receive additional benefits for talking about this product/company. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Awakening Cheeks with Tarte is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

I say. . .

Both!  My round face needs a soft contour to give it some dimension.  I also love the way blush brightens my complexion!  I guess if I had to choose… I’d say bronzer.  I love applying it and getting seeing how it transforms my face shape.

I’m so sad that I’m missing IMATS in NY this weekend   Last year my BFF and I made a promise to each other that we were going to go this year, and… well, life happens.  It did make me think how far I’ve come in this past year though.  A year ago in April I was working for a doctor dreaming of a career in the cosmetic industry.  Fast forward to now, and I’ve made it happen!  Even though I don’t have the funding to send myself to NYC (yet), I have to say I’m happy with where my life is at right now

I hope you guys are having a great weekend!

Drink water. Wear SPF.

Poll: Blush or Bronzer? is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Here’s my month in Instagrams:

I passed my written examination!  I studied my butt off for this, I’m so relieved to have it out of the way!

That’s my biggest news of the month.  Other than that, I worked at the Big 12 Tournament at the Kansas City Power & Light District.

This little tournament is a big deal for us Kansas Cityians.  Unless you’re me, and you could care less about college basketball #sorryImnotsorry.

The weather was GORGEOUS and there were thousands of fans there.  After 3 full days of pouring beer all over myself and counting change incorrectly, I decided that beer-cart girl is not my calling.  I’ll stick to makeup.

I went back and visited my old school for two of my close friend’s last day.

My good friend Rachel also graduated this month!  We both began the esthetics journey together in January 2012.  We’ve both grown so much since then, I remember when we learned how to wax on each other (I almost cried because I was so nervous!).  I’m so proud of her, she will be a great esthetician and makeup artist!

So proud of them!  They will accomplish greatness, no doubt.

I’ve been OBSESSED with this new skin care line called NUDE.  I want to buy everything in the entire line!  Full review to come.

I FINALLY got my hands on the MUFE Flash Palette!  It’s a hefty investment, but I’m so excited to add it to my kit.  If you have any tips for usage, I would love to hear them in the comments!

This month has been all about emerald at Sephora, it’s the color of the year!  I love the Pantone collection, the eyeshadow palettes are really nice quality!

I had a few weddings this month, I’ve been busy updating my kit with new products.  One of the most recent additions is a hot pink kitchen timer (on the far left), so I can stay on time!  It really helps keep me on track!

2013 is off to a great start!  I hope you guys had a great month!

Little by little, one travels far. -J.R.R. Tolkien

Drink water. Wear SPF.

About/Disclaimer: I am currently a makeup artist and esthetician in the Kansas City area. It is my life’s passion to make people look and feel their best! Click here to learn more about me.

What I’ve been up to: March 2013 is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Sephora says: A fade-proof blush with remarkably rich pigment to enhance individual features and the complexion. Be brilliantly flushed from sunrise to far past sunset with this long-wearing blush. The smooth, velvety powder glides onto cheeks and effortlessly blends into the pores to enhance the natural radiance of your skin. The fade-proof formula promises up to 24-hours of color and the rich pigment offers buildable, custom coverage for every skintone.

Say what you want about the famous (or infamous) Kat Von D, but there’s no denying that she has established a very decent color line.  A lot of people have fallen in love with her foundation, which is super full coverage with a matte finish (btw, it’s currently out of stock at most Sephoras.  I’ve heard that they’re changing the packaging).  Her new blush definitely spiked my interest, especially with its 24 hour claim!

I love the way this blush applies, it’s sheer but buildable.  This is the type of blush you could throw on in a hurry and not look like a crazy person from the 80′s.  Essex is a cool rose and Bellisima is a peachy pink, both matte finish.  Any skin tone could wear these due to their sheer buildable coverage and what color you prefer to see yourself in.  The matte finish is perfect for my oily skin, and the smooth texture doesn’t get all powdery on me.  I like the packaging, but I’m a person who likes a simple, no frills approach.  It makes a good use of space, has a mirror, and securely closes with a “snap.”  These only come in 7 shades, 5 mattes and 2 shimmers.  I can’t say it lives up to a 24 hour claim (which is quite a ridiculous claim) simply because I don’t run on vampire time, so I wash off my makeup when it’s bedtime.  It does, however, wear for a good 9 hours with no fading.

Overall
These applies beautifully with sheer, buildable, natural coverage.  It only comes in 7 colors, but there’s nudes, pinks, and rose shades in that small range.  These are just as good as the famous NARS blushes and you also get more product for $4 less.  I recommend to anyone who’s in the market for a long wearing blush!

Glitter Rating: 5 / 5

Where: Sephora, Amazon (Bellisima, Essex). Price: $25.00/0.25 oz.
For additional pics,

Standout ingredients:
-Rose Extract: Excellent emollient and hydrating properties; helps the skin to stay soft and moisturized, fighting dryness and dehydration.
-Squalane: Plant-derived antioxidant with well-documented rejuvenating characteristics.
-Seed Oil: Natural plant oil which acts an emollient and moisturizer.
-Vitamin E: Antioxidant and antiaging properties.

Where: Sephora, Amazon (Bellisima, Essex). Price: $25.00/0.25 oz.

 Have you tried anything from Kat Von D?  What do you think of her color line?

Steven Tyler PJs, Steven Tyler PJs!

Drink water. Wear SPF.

DISCLOSURE: This product was purchased with a discount for personal use. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Everlasting Blush, it goes on and on and on… is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

L’Oreal says: This revolutionary souffle texture is extremely luxurious with an innovative air-whipped souffle texture that delivers an instant flush of color and blends seamlessly.  $12.95 for 0.3oz.

Overall:  I had a hard time getting this to show up on my cheeks after blending it in.  Layering it caused it to get a little weird, like I was trying to layer a powder.  It’s very soft and smooth.  Dry skin types, steer clear of this.  If you have combo/oily skin and are looking for a very sheer blush, this would work for you.

Glitter Rating: 2 / 5

For additional pics and detailed review,

The color featured is 840, Celestial Pink.

Packaging:  Glass tub, measuring 1.5 x 1.5.  1in tall.  The lid screws off.

Formula:  Mousse consistency.  It’s very soft to the touch and it swatches beautifully.  Unfortunately, when I put in on my cheeks and blend, it disappears.  It almost feels powdery once you start to blend it into the skin.

Longevity:  It’s about 4 hours until it starts to fade.

Application:  Use your ring finger and middle finger to place on the apples of your cheeks, then blend up towards the temple.

Where:  Any drugstore or L’Oreal retailer, or here online.  Price:  $12.95 for 0.3oz.

Have you tried these blushes?  What did you think of them?

Drink water. Wear SPF.

DISCLOSURE: This product was purchased by me for personal use. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

L’Oreal Magic Smooth Souffle Blush, Review is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Depending on your makeup and lifestyle, blush can sometimes rub off during the day, leaving your once-flushed cheeks looking pale and sallow. Summertime can make this problem worse, with high temperatures cause makeup to melt off the face.

Follow these steps in layering blush to lengthen its wear time.

1) Apply a light layer of a cream or gel-based blush with a stippling brush. Simply tap your brush in the blush 2-4 times and then stipple it onto the apples of your cheeks, working backwards and upwards towards the hairline for a more natural look. I love the dewy look this achieves, and will end the blush look here when I’m planning on being inside all day and am less concerned with lasting power.

2) Apply a light layer of powder blush in a similar color with a large blush/powder brush or an angled contour brush. Lightly pat the powder over the cream blush, starting on the apples of the cheeks and working back to the hairline. You may also try applying the blush using a sweeping motion, but I find this sometimes gives me a less smooth application, as the brush catches a little on the cream base.

Other tips:

• Less is more – start with a small amount of product to avoid a clown-like look.
• Experiment with different colors (even two different toned blushes) to see what look works for you. Layering two colors can add dimension and help you create a unique look.

Have you tried this technique before? What tips do you have for making your makeup last all day?

About Kate

Kate is a fellow 20-something beauty blogger that is based in Canada.  Stop by her blog for how-tos, product reviews, hauls, looks of the day, and more! You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

How To Layer Blush for Longer Wear Time is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

I put my head down and started to exit the cosmetics isle when something caught my eye.  Is that… NARS at Target?  No, but it sure looks like it.  And it sure looks like a dupe for Orgasm and Laguna.  I looked at the price tag ($3) and was happily on my way.  This trip to Target wasn’t a waste after all.

So… is the E.L.F duo comparable to the NARS?

Well let’s just find out!

Lets start with the E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer.

About:

Packaging:  A sleek black rectangle.  It measures 3.5in across and 2.75in vertically.  It is less than 0.5cm tall.  When closing it clicks securely.  It features a large mirror compact on the top.  The hinge that holds the mirror to the bottom part feels flimsy.

Color:  The blush is a warm, dark, peachy nude with small gold flecks of shimmer.  The bronzer is a warm medium dark terracotta brown with small gold flecks of shimmer.

Formula:  It’s very pigmented when applied to the skin.  It’s on the powdery side so there is some fallout involved with application.

Longevity: 4 hours.

Next is the NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo (in Orgasm/Laguna).

About:

Packaging:  A sleek black rectangle.  It measures the same size at the E.L.F one (see above) and features the same compact mirror.  It closes securely with a click.  It feels very sturdy and well-made.

Color:  The blush (Orgasm) is a warm, peachy pink with a golden sheen.  The bronzer (Laguna) is a warm, medium dark terracotta brown with small flecks of gold shimmer.

Formula:  Orgasm has medium coverage, but is very buildable.  You can use a dense or fluffy brush when applying, it just depends what kind of coverage that you are trying to achieve.  Laguna has sheer but buildable coverage.  You can use a fluffy brush for a light hint of color or a dense contouring brush for more definition.

Longevity: 8 hours.

Similarities:  The packaging looks almost identical, but the NARS is much more sturdy than the E.L.F.  The bronzers look almost identical in the pan.  The blushes are both in the peach family.

Differences:  Longevity, the E.L.F fades after 4 hours of wearing while the NARS lasts 8 hours.  The colors are very different (even though the bronzers look similar in the pan).  Orgasm is very obviously more pink than the E.L.F when looking at the pan.  The E.L.F pans are also slightly wider than the NARS.  The NARS is also heavier (in weight) than the E.L.F.

Overall:  As you can see, the E.L.F clearly isn’t a dupe for the NARS Orgasm and Laguna.  The E.L.F blush is more orange with golden flecks of shimmer, while Orgasm has a golden sheen overlay.  The bronzers look virtually identical in the pan, but apply very differently.  Laguna is sheer, but very capable of layering for more coverage.  The E.L.F bronzer is very pigmented, it’s very easy to look like you’re wearing a beard if you don’t apply correctly.

Unfortunately, the NARS duo costs 13x’s more than the E.L.F duo.  I mean, is it really worth that much?  Do I really have to declare a winner? ……….

OK, I’ve come to a decision.  The winner of today’s battle is:

The NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo.

While I still would recommend the E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer to anyone looking for an affordable duo, the NARS just surpasses it with its quality.  Nobody wants to re-apply their blush 4 times a day.  It is also easier to apply, you have the option to have a flush of color or built it up.

Glitter rating for the E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer:  2.5 / 5

Glitter rating for the NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo:  3.5 / 5

The E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer is $3.00 for 0.28oz.  You can purchase it anywhere that sells E.L.F products or here online.  The NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo is $41.00 for 0.35oz.  You can it at any NARS counter or retailer, or here online.

Have you guys tried either of these products?  What’s your go-to blush and bronzer?

Battle of the Blush and Bronzer Duo’s is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

Significant other:  ”… he makes makeup?”

Me:  *rolls eyes*  Yes, the lead singer of New Edition is into the high-end cosmetics business.  That makes perfect sense.

Silly boyfriend talk aside, the makeup artist Bobbi (with an i) Brown makes some amazing products.  This blush is no exception.

A bright matte pink that isn’t powdery and wears all day?  That’s crazy talk!

It’s the Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink.

Website description:  Silky formula glides on smoothly and offers a matte finish with long-lasting wear.

Packaging:  Very simple black square.  It measures 2in vertically and horizontally, and 0.5in tall.  It has a secure “click” closure.

Color:  A bright cool toned pink with a matte finish.

Formula:  Pigmented!  It takes a careful application, use a fluffy natural fibre brush to apply.  It looks beautiful on the apples of the cheeks and blended out toward the temples.

Longevity: 9 hours.

Who would like this:  This looks great on everyone, I’ve used it on several clients.  Whether your skin is fair, cool, warm dark, Pale Pink seems to find a way to make you glow. It looks absolutely stunning on light african american skin (think, Beyonce).

Who wouldn’t like this:  Someone looking for a sheer coverage, neutral, cheek product.

Overall:  This blush isn’t for the faint of hearts, if you don’t like the way it looks in the pan then you certainly will not like it on your face.  It’s very pigmented, it’s imperative to use a light hand when applying.  Even though the color may look intimidating, it had sheer to buildable coverage (with the right brush).  It’s unique color (why is it called pale pink??), longevity, and formula is something that’s definitely worth checking out.

Glitter rating: 4.5 / 5

The Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink is $25.00 for 0.13oz.  It is available at any Bobbi Brown retailer or counter, or here online.

Have you tried any of Bobbi’s blushes?  I’m really interested in her Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks, I think it may be my next Bobbi purchase.

Blushing with Bobbi Brown is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

I say, oh well, I think everyone likes to sparkle in some way   Here’s one product that helps me on my journey to add more shimmer to my delusional world:

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick!

Website Description: Five bars of pure pearl color for shimmering lids and glowing cheeks. 

This Shimmer Brick is in the color Bronze.

My Thoughts

Packaging:  It’s a very simple plastic black square, it measures about 3.5in in length and width, a little over 1in tall.  The compact features a mirror.  The clasp closes securely (it clicks). There’s a button on the front that releases the clasp so it can reopen.  It feels very sturdy, but a bit bulky.

Color: There 5 different shades, the lightest on top and the darkest on the bottom.  They all have a shimmer finish (but no glitter) and are warm toned.  The very top color works well as a brow and cheekbone highlighter, and the inner corners of the eyes.  The other 4 brown shades all work for eyeshadows, either on the lid of the crease.  Swirling all of the shades together creates a medium brown color,which can be applied to the apples of the cheeks or just below the cheekbones.

Pigmentation: These are slightly sheer, but buildable.  Too much pigmentation would be problematic when using this as a cheek product.  It gives a nice wash of color the eye area.

Longevity: 8+ hours.  May differ on oily skin.

Who would like this:  I would suggest this to someone who doesn’t want to use 10 different things when applying their makeup.  This product can use used to create an entire neutral eye makeup look, and on the cheeks.

Who wouldn’t like this:  I would not suggest this to someone who is trying to hide wrinkles, the shimmer will make it look worse.

Overall: It’s not something that gets used in my every day makeup routine, but it does give my cheeks a beautiful bronzed glow when I do use it.  The color works well on my NC30 skin.  Darker skinned beauties may find this works more like a highlighter on their skin.  This would really compliment those of you with cool skin tones.  For my oily skinned gals (raises hand) don’t be scared of the shimmer, you can still use this.  Focus on applying the product on the backs of cheekbones rather than the apples of the cheeks.  I suggest everyone use a light hand when applying to your cheeks, a stippling brush works best (I like the MAC 187 or 188).

The swatch on the far right is all of the colors mixed together.

Lighting #1

Lighting #2

Glitter Rating: 3.5 / 5

The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick is $40.00 for 0.4oz.  You can purchase at any Bobbi Brown counter or retailer.  You can purchase it here online.

Do you have any of the Shimmer Bricks?  What do you think of them?

Check out my Beauty Talk with Arantha’s Gourmet Beauty!

Born to Sparkle with Bobbi Brown is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter

One Last Update From the Road is a post from: Peace Love and Glitter