Lancôme Star Bronzer Palette in 'Bronze Essence'

Hey Everyone, 

As part of their Summer 2013 'Aquatic Summer Colour Collection', Lancôme has released their limited edition Star Bronzer Palette in 'Bronze Essence'. The palette, which consists of a coral-toned blush, a tan bronzer and a bronzed highlighter, can be used on any skin tone, giving the face a natural looking, sun-kissed glow. 

"Artistry made easy: Star Bronzer Palette offers three simple steps to tan, blush and highlight your complexion. For any skin tone, any face shape-your tan is magnified. The three powder formulas are silky smooth for an even application. They blend seamlessly and build from sheer to intense coverage. 

Thin, light, with a large mirror, this palette is purse friendly and works nicely for on-the-go touchups. While I personally didn't use the pamphlet that came with the palette, it would come in handy for those who aren't comfortable with contouring and highlighting the face, as it not only gives step by step instructions, it also has detailed pictures. 

The palette consists of the following three powders:

 Powder #1: Blush

A coral-pink with finely milled golden shimmer, the first powder in this palette reminds me a lot of NARS's infamous 'Orgasm' powder blush. Unlike, 'Orgasm', which I find to be chunky and difficult to blend, this blush is incredibly smooth and blends seamlessly into the skin for a 'lit from within', natural glow. 

This blush is very highly pigmented, meaning a little goes a long way, however, its smooth and creamy texture makes it easy to blend out for those who want a more subtle look. 

Powder #2: Bronzer

A light tan with brown undertones and fairly heavy gold shimmer, the second powder in this palette has absolutely no orange undertones (I hate looking orange!). What it does have, is a fair bit of shimmer which, unfortunately, draws attention to enlarged pores and imperfections (I really wish this bronzer was matte). 

The light tan colour of this bronzer works nicely on a variety of skin tones, as it can be easily blended out for fair skin or built up for darker skin. 

Powder #3: Highlighter

A gorgeous golden-bronze with very finely milled golden shimmer, the third powder in this palette is, in my opinion, the perfect summer highlighter as it gives skin a natural, lightly tanned glow. 

Highly pigmented and extremely smooth, this highlighter is easy to blend out and unlike the bronzer, does not emphasize large pores or imperfections. 

Overall, the blush and highlighter in this palette are absolutely stunning, very easy to work with and perfect for summer. However, for $45 CND I would have hoped to like all three powders in this palette equally. While the bronzer is the perfect colour for my fair skin, I don't like how its heavy shimmer highlights my already large pores and uneven skin tone. 

If you, like me, only like matte bronzers, this is probably isn't the palette for you. If however, you don't mind a little shimmer and want to achieve a natural looking sun-kissed glow this summer, definitely check out Lancôme's Star Bronzer Palette in 'Bronze Essence'. 

L-R: Blush, Bronzer, Highlighter

Will you be giving Lancôme's new 'Bronze Essence' Star Bronzer Palette a try? Do you prefer a matte or shimmering bronzer? What is your all time favourite bronzer? Be sure to let me know in the comment section below. 

Givenchy Blush Gelée in 'Croisiére Coral' (Review +Swatches)

Hey Everyone, 

After the success of Givenchy's limited edition 'Candide Pink' Blush Gelée in 2011, the high-end fashion and cosmetics brand recently introduced a new Blush Gelée just in time for Summer. 'Croisiére Coral', a bright coral pink with orange undertones 'brightens the cheeks with its chromographone colouring agent, ensuring an ingenuous radiance'. 

I was recently sent Givenchy's newest Blush Gelée and, as a complete blush addict, was more than a little excited to test it out. Below is my review: 

When I first tried Givenchy's Blush Gelée, I was somewhat taken aback by its watery texture. While I knew that it was a jelly blush, I was expecting a somewhat more creamy or mousey texture. After giving the tube a good shake (you need to shake it before application), I applied it to my cheeks and immediately noticed the 'pleasant, cooling sensation' created by the blush's high water content. 

While the blush's sponge-tipped applicator makes applying blush to your cheeks very easy (and precise), I did find that I still needed to use my fingers (careful, this blush does stain) or a synthetic haired brush to blend the blush out evenly. 

The blush itself is extremely well pigmented, and its jelly formula gives the cheeks a very natural looking dewy glow. Once set, the Givenchy Blush Gelée does not budge and stains the cheeks for a long lasting, touch-up free finish.  

While the price, at $37 CND, is more than I would like to pay for any blush, I have to say I am very impressed by, not only the colour of Givenchy's latest Blush Gelée, but its unique consistency/texuture and long lasting formula. 

If you are a blush addict like me and have yet to experience the wonders of a jelly blush, be sure to check out Givenchy's Blush Gelée in 'Croisiére Coral'. 

What do you think of Givenchy's latest Blush Gelée? Will you be giving it a try? Are there any other jelly blushes on the market you think I should try? Be sure to let me know in the comment section below. 

**The product reviewed in this post was sent to me for PR consideration. As always all opinions are 100% my own and completely honest**

My Week in Instagram Pictures #16

 1) He's really just a little lap dog at heart. 

2) First time wearing makeup in 3 weeks. 

3) Fan di Fendi Eau Fraiche smells pretty darn good. 

4) Dior Addict lipstick in 'Passionée'.

 5) A mini drugstore haul with a green theme.

6) Ruby Wing colour changing nail polish in 'Gypsy' and 'Sand Dune'. 

7) Throw Back Thursday: Being a scarecrow for Hallowe'en.

8) Was excited to try the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint, but unfortunately I didn't like it.  

 9) Ummm...three colours that look the exact same. I am seriously a makeup junkie. 

10) GlamGlow Mud Mask.

11) Filming a video outside on such a beautiful day. 

12) Playing gin rummy.  

 13) My top 10 bold/bright brushes for Summer. 

14) My roots need some colour ASAP. 

15) Korean makeup has the cutest packaging. 

16) This is not what your ice cream should look like when you are on a diet!

17) Napping on a bed at JCPenny after a long day of shopping. 

18) I found the new Maybelline Colour Tattoos. 

19) Do you think we should get this camo couch for our new place? 

20) My sister lost her Rebecca Minkoff virginity and bought a four zip clutch in lavender. 

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