Guerlain - Météorites Compact in Teint Rosé, 01

 Guerlain recently updated their Météorites Campact, and this is the glorious offspring. Before, this compact was, I believe, a bit more shimmery, and it had many colours in it, which then blended into one (the same idea as with the Météorites powder pearls ). Now, however, those colours have already been crushed up, blended and pressed, and the result is what you see below.

The pattern on the powder is so pretty :)

First off, let me tell you that this does not give you enough coverage to be considered a powder foundation. Instead, this mattifies your complexion while still giving it a bit of a satiny sheen or a subtle glow, and it is therefore ideal as a setting powder. I really love it, since it doesn't take the "life" out of my skin, as the case is with so many mattifying powders. This is also very useful for touch-ups during the day, when you can use the accompanying sponge for blotting your face.

This product smells strongly of perfume - which I don't mind since I can't smell it once it's on, but if you're sensitive about things like that, then you might not like this.

These powders come in 3 shades, mine is the lightest, and I love how light it is - sometimes it's hard to find a suitable powder, not to mention foundation, when you're pale. Note that on the Guerlain website, there seems to have been a mix-up with the swatches of those - the lightest shade is showing up as the darkest and vice versa.

The packaging is beautiful, as you can see above, but I was surprised to feel how little is weighs. That is of course nice if you don't want to weigh your purse down, but the downside is that it doesn't feel as luxurious, and almost feels plastic. The compact comes in a little pouch.

Product (65%) - 8/10

Value (10%) - 7/10

Would I repurchase? (15%) - 9/10

Packaging (10%) - 8/10

Overall - 8/10

Love,

Miss Diorista

The best memories are the ones that you try to explain, but in the end you just say: "You had to be there". - Anonymous

Benefit - Hello Flawless!

I... am in love with this. You all know that I love powder foundation, and this (as well as the Diorskin Nude Compacte one) has to be my favourite so far. For reference, mine is in the colour "Gee, I'm swell - shell" (and don't you just love that name?!)

The compact is made out of plastic and is not very sturdy, so I wouldn't travel loads with it. It has two "floors", the upper one is the powder itself, and the lower one keeps a brush (pictured above) and a sponge (which I've already thrown away and replaced).

Frankly, the brush is really not good, I think. It is scratchy and thin, and simply scrapes up powder... don't like it. The sponge was good, though, and when it got too dirty I just bought new ones at a drugstore. I like to use a sponge with this powder, since that gives me better coverage than a brush could. 

As you can see, I´ve already hit pan on this, I use this so much! The coverage is really nice, light to medium, but buildable.

I honestly don't know what more to tell you, all I can think about right now is how much I love this product :) Ask in the comments if I didn't cover some of your questions about this product, I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Product (65%) - 9.5/10

Value (10%) - 8/10

Would I repurchase? (15%) - 9.5/10

Packaging (10%) - 7/10

Overall - 9/10 (because of the flimsy packaging...)

Love,

Miss Diorista

My Current Foundation Routine

Some of my favourite posts to read are all kinds of routines - foundation routines, skincare routines, blush/bronzer routine... you get the idea :)

So I thought I'd share my own foundation routine with you. This is my liquid foundation, I'll post my powder foundation one later (which is quite simple, though...). But let's get into it, hope you enjoy it ;)

1. First off, I prime my face with the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, using clean fingers. Now I love this stuff, but I've been hearing from people who break out from it, so be careful... try before you buy :) 
2. I like to put on foundation before concealer, so next up is my current go-to foundation, Dior's Nude Foundation. I prefer using my fingers for this foundation, I just make sure they're clean. I can't say enough about this foundation!
3. Now my foundation is in place, I can see where I need some extra coverage. I'm currently using Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer under my eyes, but I also use Benefit's Erase Paste. If I have anything else than has to be concealed (for example redness on my nose and/or chin), I generally use the "green" side of Make Up Store's Cover All Mix. This stuff really hides redness. Again, I use my clean fingers for both concealers.
4. For a setting powder, I've been using Dior's Diorskin Poudre Compacte in "Transparent Light" for quite some time now. I use the included sponge for this powder, and I feel it actually does a great job.

That's it! Really quick and simple, and I've been using this same routine for a little over a month now... ever since I got the Dior Nude Foundation actually :)

What is your fave foundation routine? Please tell me in the comments! Oh, and don't forget to include your favourite foundation, I'm always on the hunt for new ones to try out.

And finally: Have you tried Sigma brushes? What did you think of them? I'm looking into buying a brush kit from there...

Yours,

Miss Diorista

Dior - Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Sculpting Powder Makeup SPF10

That has to be the longest product name in history... (if you know a longer one, though, let me know!)
I have talked about this product to you before, and it is a powder foundation - that is, a powder, which covers like a light foundation. If you read my blog on a regular basis, you probably know that I love powder foundations. However, there are a few "extras" about this one, which made me fall completely head over heals:

• The compact itself is beautiful, can be carried around easily, and has a special place for a small brush/sponge.
• You not only get powder foundation, but also blush and highlighter, in the same compact!
• When you're done with the powder, you can buy a filling, instead of having to buy a whole new compact. Environmentally friendly :)

 Now on to the product itself.

 

 This is what the product looks like (mine is in shade 020, called Beige Praline).

It comes with an accompanying brush, which is actually usable if you want very sheer coverage, but I don't use it so I couldn't find it... sorry :S

You can see I've already hit pan on the foundation part, which is the lowest one. The middle part is a beautiful peachy blush with some shimmer to it, and the top part is a matte highlighter. Let me tell you, I'm in love with this highlighter! Nothing makes my nose look slimmer than this ;) All the powders are very smooth and easy to work with (I like using a sponge for all of them).

The foundation gives me even coverage, it is definitely buildable, but covers light to medium. The average wear-time is about four hours (maybe five) before I have to touch it up. This product can also be used as a setting powder, over liquid foundation. I even think my foundation looks slightly more natural with this powder than without it. However, most of the time I wear this product by itself.

I tried swatching those for you, but my camera was giving me a hard time with the lighting and all... but as I said, the blush is a light, fresh peach with shimmer, and the highlighter is a soft, slightly pinkish white/beige.

The only obvious downside I can see to this product, is that you go through the foundation part so much quicker than the blusher and the highlighter, since you alternate those more. This can be a problem when you want to buy a new filling for the compact, but still have more than enough of blush and highlighter. However, I don't mind this problem, since I really love the foundation.

Product (65%) - 9/10

Value (10%) - 8.5/10

Would I repurchase? (15%) - 9/10

Packaging (10%) - 9.5/10

Overall - 9/10

Love,

Miss Diorista

Happiness Boosting Makeup?

Chances are, if you're reading my blog, makeup makes you happy. But is it possible for makeup to produce a true, deep feeling of happiness, every time you use it?
Well, Physicians Formula is giving it a shot. I have neither tried nor seen (in real life, that is!) those two products from their "Happy Booster" line, but I am very intrested in those products. But what about it makes you happy, except for the supercute look of it?

First of all, the blush and the face powder (this line currently has only two products, to the best of my knowledge) both include the anti-depressant Euphoryl (which by the way has omega-3 in it). In this way, the product is supposed to mimick the effect of endorphin, which is what our bodies release when we are happy (for example after a workout!).
Second, the products have a sweet smell of lavender, which supposedly has positive effects on your mood.
And last but not least, the products use texture therapy - those are supposed to be very soft and silky.
And as I mentioned before, those beautiful, bright colours and shapes are also sure to make you smile.
Above is the face powder. I might need this one...

... and the blush is very pretty, too.

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So, what do you think about this? Do you think makeup can really make you happy? Tell me in the comments ;)

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Love, Miss Diorista

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P.S. Both pictures from http://www.physiciansformula.com/.

Tag: Top 10 Summer Products!

I found this tag on YouTube a few weeks ago, and obviously, I'm a little late with it since half of July has already flown by, but still! I have eleven products, actually, but they're still ten... ok?
So let's get this thing started!Starting from the left:

1) Summer foundation. Mine is by The Body Shop (my nice nice aunt gave it to me - thanks!). It is a powder foundation, has very sheer coverage, feels light and gives my skin a healthy glow. You need the kabuki to apply it. Mine is shade 03.

2) Mattifying powder. This is possibly one of the most important things for summer, especially if you have the tendency to "shine"! My powder is by Dior, it is their Dior Diorskin Poudre Compacte, and mine is shade 001. It is sheer, but still gives me a bit of coverage as well as acting as a mattifyer. A standard in my purse!

3) Illuminator. When I'm out in the sun, I want my skin to literally glow, especially my cheeks and cheekbones. You can get powder, liquid or cream illuminators, but personally I prefer powders... No matter what you pick, though, be sure not to pick a glittery one, buy one which gives you that nice glow/sheen/slight shimmer. And remember that less is more, you don't want to look like a disco ball! My favourite illuminator this summer has been MAC's Beauty Powder in Shell Pearl. It was LE and came out with the Liberty of London collection.

4) Natural-Looking Eyeliner. In summer, I don't wanna do the whole dramatic thing with my eye makeup. I save the attention for my bright lips! So my favourite thing for 'a summer night out', is to wear a teeny tiny bit of brown eyeliner, instead of black. You can pick a matte one or one that has glitter/shimmer. I recently bought the Maybelline Line Definer in Brown Bronze Gleam. It is a dark brown with bronzy tones and a bit of shimmer.

5) Tinted Moisturizer. IMO, this is a must for summer! Preferably, pick one with SPF. I don't feel like wearing heavy foundation when it's hot outside, so I wear my tinted moisturizer. Now, you have to realize that I am letting you in on a secret, here... the tinted moisturizer you see above is absolutely... amazing! A dream... It is by Dior (surprise, surprise!) and is from their HydraLife skincare range. It is called Dior Pro-Youth Skin Tint. Mine is in shade 1, and it has SPF 20, which I love! This gives me the perfect coverage, evens out my skintone, gives me a glowy look, and is extremely moisturizing. Ok... I'll stop obsessing about it now... did I mention that I love it? And that applying makeup on top is easy peasy?! Ok... I know, I said I'd stop... I'll write a review on it soon!
1) Makeup Remover Wipes. A must-have when you're on vacation or just don't have time to do the whole thing. In summer, I want to spend most of my time having fun, not removing my makeup! So I love those, they are from Preven's Paris. Of course, washing your face with wipes every night is not a good idea, since it doesn't, IMO, do quite the same thing as a cleanser would. But two or three nights a week, three months a year, is no biggie!

2) Light-Catching Lipgloss in a Light Colour. I want my lips to look like precious jewels in the sun... lol! Well, maybe that was a bit too poetic for a beauty blog, but you get the idea! Mine is L'Oréal's 6H Glam Shine, in Forever Nude. I love it, feels nice, lasts decently, can be worn over lipstick, or alone.

3) Bright Lipgloss. I love bright and bold lips for summer. Why not make a statement? This summer´s pick was The Body Shop's Love gloss in shade 18, called Tropical Pink. It is not pink. That is simple! It is a bright coral colour, almost orange... but very wearable, yet bright. It is has shimmer (you have probably picked up on it by now, that I love shimmer!). If you look at the swatch on TBS website, then know that the gloss is way brighter in real life than it seems there!

4) Bright Lipstick. Yes. I love bright lips, so bright lipstick are love... My favourite for this summer is L'Oréal's Glam Shine Crema in Hot Lilac (check out my review!). It is a bright, glittery lilac colour.

5) Light-Catching Lipstick in a Light Colour. Light-catching, meaning shimmery and pretty... Mine is MAC´s Lipstick in Beachbound, LE from the To The Beach Collection. It looks like a simple nude indoors, but in the sun, it. is. beyond. beautiful. Period.

6) Nailpolish in a not-tradiational-summer-colour... long, and hard to figure out? No. Not at all! Just pick a colour that seems fun to you, but is not the summery pink/coral/red. My fave these days is the OPI Chicago Champagne Toast. It is very pretty and yes, has a sheen/shimmer to it!

So that is all. Please tell me your must-haves for summer, do this tag and let me know in the comments below! Or do you want a review on any of the products? Comment and tell me!

Yours,
Miss Diorista

June 2010 Favourites

Yes, I know I'm a bit late with this maybe, but still, I wanted to let you guys know what I've been loving this June! So let´s get started!

This one is to the side, just flip your computer if you can... or tilt your head! This is OPI's Chicago Champagne Toast. A really pretty pinkish plum colour, and a nice break from this season's bright corals!

This beautiful blush to the left is simply love, love, love. It is in shade 02 and it is by Golden Rose (I got in a pharmacy). I have absolutely been loving the gorgeous pink glow that it gives. You can see it swatched on the bottom.

The lipgloss is by GOSH and the shade is 0058. This is a really nice rosy pink colour with shimmer. Looks good on its own but is still sheer enough to be put over lipstick. It is swatched on top.

The lipgloss is 6H Glam Shine in shade 103, called Forever Nude, by L'Oréal. My aunt gave this to me for my birthday in April, and I love it! Love the texture, the colour, the shimmer, the consistency, the packaging, everything! It is a pinky nude, wearable enough to wear on its own but simply outstanding over lipstick! It is swatched on top.

The lipstick is my favourite lipstick, and it is by Dior, in shade 559, called Rose Drama. It is so wearable, a pinkish mauve colour, with a hint of plum maybe, and has a beautiful sheen to it. No chunky glitter here. Very sophisticated and goes brilliantly with the L'Oréal lipgloss. Swatched on the bottom.

This is a beautipowder by MAC, and it came out with the Liberty of London collection. It is called Shell Pearl, and the name really tells you all about it. This is a gorgeous pale pink powder. I love the pearly sheen it gives, and I use it either as a pale blush or over another blush to give me that nice, pearly look. Great to wear out in the sun!

FYI, you're looking at a miracle product here! This is Cover All Mix (in the lighter shade) by Make Up Store. I don't use the red colour, and the lightest shade I only use to prime my eyelids (works well as a primer, but not as a concealer!), but it's the green shade that I'm in love with! I use it on my chin and nose to conceal any redness that I have and this works wonders, covers well and blends in perfectly. Does not look green on the skin!

This is probably my number one summer product (though I do use it a lot no matter the season, this is one of my makeup collection's stars!). It is Dior's Diorskin Poudre Compacte in shade 001, called Transparent Light. I use it either to set my makeup or as a 'foundation' on those "almost no makeup days". It makes my skin look healthy, even and it mattes the areas which get shiny in summer (my forehead and my nose) without making them look powdery, chalky or 'made-up'. Just beautiful.

This is my summer foundation, Nature's Minerals by The Body Shop. Mine is shade 03. This is a powder foundation, but it gives me a very glowy, almost dewy look, and does not feel or look powdery at all. It is very sheer coverage, but on the other hand it looks so natural. The kabuki brush is necessary to apply it and I love this brush, so dense and soft.

This is it for now, I hope you enjoyed and please comment and tell me your favourites, or if you have tried any of the products above!

Dior-ish regards,

Miss Diorista