Swatching Fun

With a trip for my little sister's graduation (WOAH) rushing toward me, for once I decided to be proactive about what makeup I'll be bringing with. I realized that I didn't actually know exactly how a shockingly large portion of my collection would look, so I got a little carried away with the swatching.

The only thing you can't tell in this picture is that I actually swatched highlighter all the way up to my upper arm! Doing this definitely helped me make the face chest for the looks I want to wear next weekend and with what outfits.

Knowing me, I'll probably still manage to throw in a few extra bits as I'm running out the door, but it sure feels good to be organized for once!

NARS Insider Private Sale: Enchanted

Here, we have a really lovely, totally illuminating cream blush that I snagged during the sale.

Called Enchanted I knew I had to have it.  In the palette, as you can see, it looks like a warm light peach, but on my skin it softens to a pale, barely there glow.  I wouldn't call this an impact player, but it does give my complexion a certain lightness that I'm really loving.  It definitely suits minimal makeup days where you want to look sophisticated without looking "done."  I really like NARS's cream blush formula, it stays put but moves around easily during application so you can get it exactly right.  In terms of lasting power, it's not top of the heap, I'd say 3-4 hours before a touch up is needed, but the buildup is nice and doesn't get cakey or anything.

With a tan, I think this is going to be a definite daytime summer player for me, edging out both NARS Penny Lane Cream Blush and Stila Convertible Color Gerbera.  What do you use to get a simple, sophisticated look in the summer?

Trend Alert: Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera

Guys, you're right, I totally gave in.

In my travels this week, I stumbled upon a store that still had Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera in stock.  This shade in particular seems to be a bit of an obsession in the beauty world at the moment, and I seized the opportunity to give it a try.  On me, the color is a bit too chalky to work as lipwear, but it is the perfect blush shade, giving my face a nice, healthy glow.  The texture is slightly heavier than you would normally get out of a cream blush, but that's because of it's dual nature.  It blends exceptionally well, and it comes in a cute compact that pretty accurately reflects the color inside.

All in all, I see this being a summertime staple, as it adds a nice freshness to any look and it's easy to apply.  Bonus: the mirror inside doesn't suck!  That's a win for everyone.

Are you switching to cream blushes for the summer?

Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera ($25) available online at sephora.com, stilacosmetics.com, and ulta.com and available in store at Sephora and Ulta.