Beauty Spree From the MAC PRO Store: Gold Studio Finish Face Powder and Cantaloupe Blush.

December 4, 2010 | 33 Responses

You won’t see many haul posts here on Glitter Geek, so you know I’m excited about my new products when I post a haul!

Yesterday I went shopping at the MAC PRO Store on Queen Street with Jenn of So Very Fabulous! It is the only PRO store in Toronto, so it’s the top destination for MAC PRO card owners to shop. Those who don’t have a PRO membership (like me!) can still pick up PRO only products. I only ended up getting two things, but they are two very pretty things.

PRO Studio Finish Face Powder in Gold

The first is the mystery gold powder I’ve been obsessing over after attending the MAC Master class two weeks ago. I learned yesterday that it was the MAC PRO Studio Finish Face Powder in Gold ($22). This shimmery loose powder is a finely milled banana gold coloured powder. It’s in every way as delicious now as when I swatched it (and gasped) for the first time. I plan to dust it on my neck and décolletage for parties this season. I also think it would work beautifully on top of glossy red lips.

PRO Studio Finish Face Powder in Gold

Gold PRO Studio Finish Face Powder in daylight (concentrated / blended with brush)

Gold PRO Studio Finish Face Powder Swatches with flash (concentrated / blended with brush)

PRO Blush in Cantaloupe

My second newest acquisition is MAC PRO Blush in Cantaloupe ($18.50), a beautiful browned peach. It is only available in a pan (no pots). Although she looks like a matte in the pan, Cantaloupe actually has a satin finish, which is perfect for that ever coveted “glow” to the cheeks. Its pigmentation rivals that of a NARS blush — it is ultra pigmented and very smooth to apply. It’s a definite must have in my blush collection.

PRO Blush in Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe PRO Blush Swatches in daylight (concentrated / blended with brush)

Have You Been to a MAC PRO Store Before?

If you haven’t been to one available in your city, then you absolutely must go! It is a makeup addict’s playground. For my Canadians who do not have access to a PRO store in their city, you can also order PRO products over the phone at 1.800.387.6707 (available Monday through Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm Eastern Time).

Going (Sort of) Au Naturel with NARS Douceur Blush.

September 12, 2010 | 22 Responses

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Did you know that before my Chanel madness even started, I always had a special place in my heart for all things NARS? It’s true. I always felt that their powder blushes and eyeshadows are some of the best, both in texture and colour.

New and limited edition for the NARS Fall 2010 collection is NARS Blush in Douceur ($29), a browny pink with a satin finish. First of all, how could I not get mesmerized by that NARS imprint? Oh and by the way, the imprint is actually quite deep because after really working my buffer blush brush into it a few times, it is still there.

NARS Douceur Blush

At first glance, Douceur seems to only suit pale beauties. Have you seen it on The Beauty Bite? Stunning! You may have also heard that Douceur does not apply as pigmented as the usual NARS blush, but don’t let this stop you from checking her out in person. I admit that I tend to be heavy handed when it comes to blush, but when I buff this in to my skin it’ll never look clownish. On my skin (between NC35 and NC40) it is the most natural flush, i.e., like I’m not wearing makeup, except I look a lot less like death. Here are a some (heavy) swatches.

NARS Douceur Blush swatch on NC35 / NC40 skin (indoor lamp)

NARS Douceur Blush swatch on NC35 / NC40 skin (natural light)

Wearing NARS Douceur on cheeks

As expected, NARS Douceur is very long wearing. It stayed on even after an entire day of sweaty bike rides around the city. Despite the lack of pigmentation, on me it layers quite easily to get a natural colour on my cheeks because it is soft and smooth. Very NARS; very worth it.

Is it Too Good to Pass Up, or Too Subtle for the Price Tag?

What do you think? I don’t own a blush quite like this so I am a yes yes yes!

The Reason Why I’m Banned from the Chanel Counter: Chanel Rose Temptation Joues Contraste Blush.

September 2, 2010 | 35 Responses

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It has recently come to my attention that blush is the most frequently featured product here on Glitter Geek, which means that I probably have an unhealthy blush addiction. What can I say — I love a magical product that instantly brightens the face, and Chanel Joues Contraste in Rose Temptation ($47, LE from the Fall 2010 Collection) is just what the doctor ordered.

Ladies, I have been missing out! This baked powder blush is kind of amazing. First of all, my nose has never before sniffed a blush that smells like roses. Who here loves rosy scents? *raises hand* Who just totally inhaled took a whiff of this gorgeous blush? *raises hand* LOL.

Alright alright. Enough of that madness.

Chanel Joues Contraste blush just screams luxury to me. It blends incredibly, goes on smooth and leaves my cheeks perfectly kissed with colour. It layers easily for a much deeper, bolder colour too. The powder is baked with a small amount of tiny sparkles that is not at all noticeable once it’s on, so you could totally fool the boys into thinking this is your natural cheek colour. Surprisingly the brush isn’t bad either; it is soft and blends the blush nicely.

While it is not the most economical choice for a blush, Rose Temptation is a welcome new addition to my ever growing stash. I really want to see her work together with a smoky eye. I almost forgot to mention that it also comes in a velvet pouch, so I can erase my greasy finger prints from the shiny packaging!

Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Temptation Swatch
Can you spy the several tiny sparkles?

Wearing Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Temptation

Wearing Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Temptation
This photo is kinda awkward, but shows off the blush colour best.

So there you have it: the reason why I’m on a self-imposed ban from the Chanel counter. Still, it’s fun to indulge sometimes, you know?

Speaking of Indulging…

Have you indulged recently? Whether it is makeup, sweets (cake anyone?), or whatever your guilty pleasure is, I hope you have. You totally deserve it!

P.S. Oh yeah, I got a haircut.