theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer

theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer ($24) is described as an all-in-one essential, smart shadow, beautiful blush and subtle highlighter that is tucked inside a go-anywhere compact. The light-reflecting peachy pink hue adds a splash of color to your cheeks and a hint of shimmer to your lids, while illuminating your finest features.

This beautiful soft sheen pressed powder can be used as a highlighter, blush or shadow on the lid. If you're familiar with theBalm products you know that they are very pigmented and have a silky buttery texture. This is the same for this multi-use beauty product. Use a light tap of your brush when applying the Cindy-Lou Manizer; its high pigment goes on smoothly so you don't need to use much of it.

Packaging
As with all of theBalm line, the packaging of this compact has a unique whimsical theme that is carried throughout their powder products. The inside holds a nice sized mirror which comes in handy for those of us that like to use compact mirrors.

With .30oz of product it is a fairly decent size compact powder that will last you for quite some time. Remember, a little goes a very long way with their products so use it sparingly. I have yet to hit pan on my previously reviewed Mary-Lou Manizer and have had it for more than year now; I use it on a regular daily basis.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer is similar to the Cindy-Lou but just in another shade. The Cindy-lou Manizer is a soft pink powder with peach undertones whereas the Mary-Lou Manizer is a champagne-colored powder.

Swatches

At first, the swatch applies heavily but when sheered out using a brush it gives a more subtle shine to the skin and does not appear as powdery as the intial swatch done with my finger.

Wearing Cindy-Lou Manizer on cheeks

Overall Thoughts
Although it is a beautiful powder I don't think it will be replacing my Holy Grail highlighter, Mary-Lou Manizer. Since I have more of a medium skin tone I plan to use it more as an eyeshadow and blush. I do think that it will work great as a highlighter on lighter or darker skin tones. On my skin though, it gives a subtle sheen on the cheeks but I tend to go for more dramatic highlighters on my cheekbones. Be mindful when working with high sheen powders like these. If you have drier areas on your face make sure you avoid putting them on those areas being that they tend to emphasize them more. All in all this gorgeous powder is going to be a nice little addition to my collection and I recommend it to anyone looking for a pink-toned highlighter.

Availability:Nordstrom / theBalm 
Pricing: $24

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions as they are my own honest experiences with the product.

CHANEL Soleil Tan De Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid Review

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid ($48) is described as a sheer, weightless liquid that instantly brightens your skin and evens out skin tone. The light reflecting pigments provide radiance and luminosity. Botanical extracts soften, smooth and moisturize. Oil free & fragrance free.

This micro-shimmer bronzer is great if you're looking for a subtle highlight to the skin. Many will appreciate the understated luminous glow that this product has to offer. It is absolutely beautiful when it hits the sunlight.

You can use the Sheer Illuminating Fluid on both the face and body. Use it on the high points of your face (cheekbones, temples, bridge of nose) for a small highlighted lift or mix it into your moisturizer or foundation for a radiant healthy glow to the skin.

It blends out well and its drying time allows for blending without resulting in patchiness. It can be used by all skin types. If you have oily skin you won't have to worry about it sliding, it will stay put.

Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid Swatched & Blended

Throughout the winter I've been using it as a highlight on the high points of my face and can't wait for the sunny days in spring and summer to add it into my foundation routine.

PACKAGING
If you're familiar with Chanel products you know that the high end brand doesn't skimp when it comes to packaging; they're known for their simple yet sexy luxurious design. The Sheer Illuminating Fluid comes in a glass bottle with a plastic twist cap. It is a bit difficult to pour some of the liquid out without spilling it on the sides of the opening since it has a thin consistency. I would have liked the convenience of a pump for the liquid especially considering how much you pay for it. And although the glass gives it a more luxurious touch, it is a bit heavy for this 1 oz bottle. This can be inconvenient for travel purposes.

The other downfall to the Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid is the lack of variety in color. It only comes in this "sunkissed" shade which may not be ideal for every skin tone. It works well for pale to medium skin tones but may not show as much on darker skin tones. 

The Rundown
This is a product that I do enjoy but I rarely reach for. Although it does provide a nice subtle glow to the cheeks when used as a highlighter but I prefer to save it for the summertime and use it for an overall glow by mixing it in with my foundation. It is a splurge item so a pump would have been nice. I do recommend it but only to those with lighter complexions.

Availability: Nordstrom / Chanel / Macys / Bloomingdales / Neiman Marcus
Price: $48 (1 oz)

What is your favorite liquid bronzer/highlighter?

Brown Smokey Eye

 

I've been MIA for a while but I plan on revamping my blog page as far as the layout is set up. In the meantime, here's a quick post on a brown smokey eye I did this past week. I kept the rest of my face pretty clean and simple.

*No filters/editing was used for the pics and were taken with my Samsung Galaxy s3*

Don't forget to follow me on my social networking sites for more makeup posts. (FIND LINKS AT THE END OF THIS POST) You can find detailed information of what products I used to complete other looks & see what I have been up to!

SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PICS! CLICK TO ENLARGE!

FACE:

• Tarte Poreless Primer
• Mix of Maybelline Superstay Foundation (classic beige) + Loreal Lumi Foundation (nude beige)
• Benefit Fake Up Concealer (light) + Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer (light) to highlight undereye, down bridge of the nose and forehead, cupids bow & chin + MAC Prolongwear Concealer (nw25) + Ben Nye Banana Powder to set my concealer
• Loreal True Match Powder (cappuccino) as bronzer on temples, cheeks, nose & jawline + MUD Cosmetics Cheek Color (glow) on cheekbones.
• TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer as highlight on cheeks, down the bridge of my nose & cupids bow.
• Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray to set everything

BROWS:

• Make Up For Ever Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector (0) + Ardell Brow Powder (taupe)

EYES:

• UDPP on lids to prime.
• NYX Jumbo Pencil (dark brown) as base + Victorias Secret Velvet Shadow (rich) on upper & bottom lid
• MAC (soft brown) on crease to blend out the edges of the lid color and as transition color
• NYX (highlight) on browbone and inner corner
• Loreal Lineur Intense Liquid Liner + Inglot Gel Liner #77 on waterline
• Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara (Ultra Black) + Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara + Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara on top lashes
• Urban Decay Canonball Waterproof Mascara on bottom lashes

 LIPS:

• Jordana Lip Liner (tawny) + Loreal Coulour Riche (sheer linen) + Revlon Superlustrous Gloss (pink pop)
• TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer on center of bottom lip for a fuller effect

 FIND ME ON 

TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter

TheBalm MARY-LOU MANIZER

If you ask what my holy grail highlighting powder is, I'm most certainly going to tell you all about TheBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer Hightlighter.

What is it?

TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer (0.3 oz) is "..a seemingly innocent honey-hued luminizer that catches everybody's eye. This highlighter, shadow and shimmer diffuses light so your skin looks softer and younger while adding a subtle glow." Thebalm.com

Whether you are in search of a highlighter that offers a subtle or intense glow, this is the one for you. Dust on lightly by using a soft blush brush; for a more intense application pack more product onto an accent brush.

Swatches left to right: without flash / with flash

The champagne-colored sheen in this highlighter allows for a versatile use that some other highlighting powders don't have. I use it on the apples of my cheeks, the inner corner of my eye and brow bone, as well as on my cupid's bow. You can also use it on your eyelid as a shimmery shadow or as an all-over finishing powder for a shimmery look. I'm not big on having my entire face shine but for those that do, be sure to use a light hand when applying it all over the face.

It is not extremely noticeable at first glance when applied but the way the light (whether it's artificial or sunlight) picks up and diffuses the shimmer in the highlight is just gorgeous. Depending on which direction the light hits your face is when you can fully notice its beautiful sheen.

Although this is a powder, it has a creamy texture which means a little bit goes a long way with this highlighter. It may be a bit pricey for some, retailing at $24 for the compact but Hautelook has frequent sales for TheBalm Cosmetics where they sell the powder at a cheaper price. That's where I ordered mine along with other TheBalm products. I've had it for almost a year now and after using it on a daily basis I have yet to hit pan on it. If you aren't already signed up to Hautelook.com, be sure to check it out.

Hautelook is a members-only site that has flash sales of well-known brands, generally lasting for a few days. It is completely free to sign up and there are no commitments or membership fees. This is not a monthly subscription site like others we've been seeing floating around. To become a member through my referral link, simply click HERE!

Price: $24
Availability:Nordstrom.com / thebalm.com / Hautelook.com / Seen at TJ Maxx

Below are a few pics I took with my camera phone. You can see how beautiful this highlighter glows on the skin especially on the cheekbones. I will always continue to reach for this highlighting powder. Thus far, no other highlighter has been able to replace it.

To see more looks and to be informed of future product reviews, follow me on Instagram - @shugaandspice1

NYX Springtime Blushes

NYX POWDER BLUSHES

Spring is officially here!! The warmer weather here in New York City - not so much! Big WOMP. But no chilly weather is going to stop me from transitioning into spring trends. Just because I can't throw on some high waisted shorts like my lucky Californians, it doesn't mean I can't celebrate spring in other ways. Thus, out come my spring time beauty products.

Description: NYX PRESSED POWDER BLUSHES deliver sheer, silky color that glide on, blend beautifully and create a natural glow. The formula is richly-pigmented and lasts for hours.

Available in (24) shades: mocha (PB01), dusty rose (PB02), angel (PB03), silky rose (PB04), pinky (PB05), peach (PB06), natural (PB07), cinnamon (PB08), sand (PB10), taupe (PB11), terra cotta (PB12), mauve (PB13), spice (PB14), desert rose (PB17), cocoa (PB18), copper (PB21), pecan (PB22), espresso (PB23), red (PB24), pinched (PB25), rose garden (PB26), summer peach (PB27), bourgeois pig (PB28), amber (PB29)

NYX Cinnamon & Bourgeois Pig Blushes

Of all the colors available there may be some that are not as pigmented as others but if pigment is what you are looking for then Cinnamon and Bourgeois Pig are right for you. Quintessential spring colors; Cinnamon- a matte bright orange and Bourgeois Pig, a dusty pink with slight blue undertones; pack a whole lot of colorful goodness that can be carried into the summer. 

PACKAGING
Each blush contains .18 oz (5.2g) of product that is housed in a sleek black plastic container that allows you to see the color of the blush through a clear window. Some may consider the packaging a downfall because it doesn't house a mirror but I can do without it as it would just add to the bulkiness.

APPLICATION
As mentioned before, these blushes pack quite a punch of color. You can tell by the swatches below that a little goes a long way when it comes to application. A light touch with a blush brush is enough to give your cheeks a nice flush of color.

I like to use a real techniques blush brush or one by crown brush to apply these powder blushes since they are dense enough to pick up enough product but apply lightly as well as evenly. Just make sure to tap off any excess before applying to your cheeks for a light even application.

LASTING POWER
I wish I could say that these blushes last until the very end of the night but they don't. You can get a good 5-6 hours of wear with these blushes before they begin to fade a bit. But for the price ($5 each) and for the pigmentation, they are well worth giving a shot.

NYX Cinnamon Blush

NYX Bourgeois Pig Blush

Swatches left to right: Cinnamon - Bourgeois Pig

Price & Availability: $5.00 @ Ulta / NYX.com

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NYX BLUSH?