RIMMEL LONDON STAY BLUSHED LIQUID CHEEK TINT: Apricot Glow 005, Pop of Pink 001, Touch of Berry 002, and Sunkissed Cherry 004

Hey y'all! As a beauty enthusiast, trying out a new shades and different brands of lipstick or blush is generally exciting.  However, it is especially exciting to try out a new "concept" or "innovation" in the beauty world. 

In my opinion, the Rimmel London Stay Blush Liquid Cheek Tints are quite innovative.  Perhaps makeup artists or more experienced beauty bloggers than myself may have already tried a product such as these cheek tints, but for me its definitely the first time. 

I seem to only be capable of writing an extensive review on a product when my experience with or opinion of the product is in the intermediate or gray-zone.  When I am fully satisfied and happy or dissatisfied and regretful, then my reviews seem to be brief.  Well, not always, but let us continue with the review... 

What can I say? Well, let me begin by saying that I simply adore these cheek tints!  Sometimes I think that I really need to spice up my reviews, add a little "masala" to them. After all, I am Indian.  Instead of building up the suspense, I already gave y'all my conclusion. 

Availability / Price 

Thus far I have only spotted these at one of my local Walmarts. So, these might be hard to find for now.   The display at my local Walmart only had five shades.  I picked up four of the five with the assumption that the shade I opted not to buy would have been too light for my skin-tone.  These cheek tints are very affordable - about $2.99 each.  The price sort of surprised me.  After all, these tubes are the size of a typical lip gloss tube and drug-store lip glosses cost about $5 to $10 at a minimum.  I don't really compare or think about product price in terms of product quantity when it comes to makeup.  I care more for product quality when considering product price.  As far as quality is considered, the low price of these cheek tints blows me away in a good way. 

Packaging 

Considering the formula of the product, I like that these cheek tints come in a tube.  The tube is easy to squeeze and the product comes out nicely - no over flow, no excessive squeezing required.  The tube opening stays relatively clean.  I like the wash of color against the white background as the tube's external design.  The color scheme also gives you an idea of what cheek tint shade to expect.  These tubes are not sealed though, so I would remove the cap and check the tube opening to make sure that no one has tampered with it. 

Colors / Pigmentation / Scent 

The swatches in the pictures below are in the following order, your left to right: Apricot Glow (001), Pop of Pink (004), Sun-kissed Cherry (005), and Touch of Berry (002).  

These cheek tints have a beautiful, subtle rose-floral scent.  Personally, the scent reminds me of high-end makeup scents.  

My favorite two shades are Touch of Berry and Sun-kissed Cherry.  Sun-kissed Berry is a deeper version of Apricot Glow and Touch of Berry is a deeper version of Pop of Pink.

The pigmentation is demonstrated by the pictures below.  I used two pumps of the deeper two shade and three pumps of the lighter two shades to achieve the look I desired.  Of course I blended it out more on my face than I did on my arms.  The swatches on my arms are less blended out, so I can show the variation amongst the shades.  Now for your reference, I am one of those people that like a "pop of color" or "flushed" look rather than a very subtle wash of color.

The following picture shows the product when I initially squeezed it out of the tube.  Each drop equals one pump. 

Formula / Application / Staying Power 

I would describe the formula of these cheek tints as a mousse-gel hybrid.  I like to apply these cheek tints using my fingers.  It does not feel unhygienic to me.  I think using a stippling brush might over blend these cheek tints and misguide you into believing that these cheek tints are not nicely pigmented.   

Once applied on the cheeks, you may notice a very slight dewy appearance, but when you touch your cheeks, you will not feel any stickiness or tackiness.  Another feature of these cheek tints that blew me away was the staying power.  As you all know I don't wear face base makeup and despite the fact that I had nothing on to set this product in place, my cheeks stayed "tinted" for more than the average 

three to four hours.  Dare I say, the Touch of Berry cheek tint stayed on my cheeks for a seven hour drive.  Of course it gradually faded out and reapplication would be necessary for a fresher look, but it did not completely disappear.  I used two pumps of the product on each cheek. 

In the picture below I have blended out the cheek tints with my fingers.  These swatches below were captured in natural light. 

The following picture is taken with flash. 

In the picture below, I added a pinch more product to each swatch.  Pictures sometimes tend to wash out the effect of the colors.  This picture was taken in natural light. 

These cheek tints would be great for someone who does not have a lot of time to get ready in the morning.  The small size and ease of application, makes these cheek tints excellent for travel, carry-on luggage, to keep in your purse, touch up during a bathroom break, and in general on-the-go.  These days everyone seems like they are catchin' a train that they are extremely late for - huffin' and puffin' away. 

Whether you are a fan of creme blushes or not a fan, you may want to try these cheek tints.  Overall, these cheek tints are Meesha approved, stamped, and sealed!  Y'all know I only say this when I am very excited to share my thoughts on a product. 

I hope this post was informative and helpful. Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Come back soon. Thanks!

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Announcement: I already mentioned this in my previous post.  I apologize for the redundancy, but just want to make sure I reach out to anyone interested.  I am planning on having a blog sale in the near future, possibly May or June.  I am graduating this May from law school and moving, so I would like to clean out and downsize my makeup collection.  Some of the items that I am planning to sell include Tarte blushes in Natural Beauty and Exposed, The Balm In-stain blush in Houndstooth, YSL lipsticks, Chanel lipsticks, and Too Faced lipsticks. The items I plan to sell have been swatched for blogging purposes and that is the extent of their use. Please feel free to email me if you are interested and share this with your friends. I have not decided on the prices yet.  I will most probably post the sale on here and Instagram. 

CLINIQUE Cheek POP Blush POP Blush in Ginger POP 01

Hey y'all! Happy Holi as well as St. Patrick's Day to those of you who celebrate these festive holidays.  

In my previous post I review Makeup Forever HD Blush in #420 Indian Rosewood (click here for review).  If, even after reading this post I wrote, you conclude that you would not feel comfortable wearing a creme blush, then here is an alternative for you. 

At first glance of the two blushes, I was reluctant to purchase both the MUFE blush and this Clinique blush, which is the topic of our "unilateral discussion" today.  I do think that the two shades I chose are quite similar and for this reason I was not certain whether I needed both.  However, the gluttonous beauty spirit within me enticed me to purchase both, especially given the fact that I had a 10% off VIB membership coupon.  I was awarded for shopping like a champion and reaching level two of three. Yay! 

I am not trying to convey the message that you must choose one over the other.  I am so happy with the quality of both products.  I do want to convey that the shade #420 Indian Rosewood in my previous post appears similar to Ginger Pop 01 on my cheeks.  Similar does not mean identical.  Once you read both posts and see the pictures, you will realize the unique beauty of each cheek product. 

Let us now focus on the featured product today: CLINIQUE Cheek Pop Blush Pop in Ginger Pop. 

What do I adore about this blush? Firstly, of all the blushes I own, this blush has surpassed them all in the staying power (longevity) category.  Secondly, the shade is gorgeous and absolutely ideal for my skin-tone.  This particular shade on my skin-tone provides a natural flushed look without compromising the "pop" effect.  When I feel like wearing a bold, warm-toned shade, such as a bright red or vivid orange, or even a neutral, nude shade, I like to wear this blush.  It really pulls the whole look together and makes a statement, but does not take the glory away from the partnering lip color.  Yesterday, I posted a picture of me wearing this blush with a bright tomato red lipstick on Instagram.  I would describe this shade as a warm-toned mixture of terra-cotta with coral.  This shade might have subtle yellow or brown undertones, which is probably the reason it suits my medium beige-olive complexion. Fortunately, the yellow tone does not shown through.  I had purchased MAC Mineralized Blush in Love Joy and in pictures I had a yellowed glow on my cheeks.  I didn't even bother to review it and returned it immediately.  Also, Ginger Pop is not as brown-based as #420 Indian Rosewood.  In fact, I think women with lighter complexion can use the latter as a cheek contouring product. Lastly, the beautiful packaging speaks for itself.  It is simply adorable and appropriate for the current season.  Other than the product's flower design, I like the clear acrylic-sort of outer packaging.  It does not attract finger prints. It is a refreshing change from the traditional black compacts, which have a mirror and/or a little applicator.  This blush fits in the palm of my hands and the product pan is small.  

Anything I dislike or recommend in regards to this blush? Initially, you may think that the color pay-off and pigmentation of this blush is not that great.  I thought this at first.  However, it is very easy to build-up the pigmentation on the cheeks.  If you are a fan of NARS blushes, then surely you might not be satisfied by the pigmentation here.  Personally, I have a tough time controlling the application of NARS blushes, so I really don't mind that I just need to do a couple extra swipes of this one.  I have been using an Elf Studio blush brush, which is also small in size and has a tapered or fanned shape.  I generously swirl my brush in this product and apply two layers to attain the effect y'all see in my picture at the end of this post.  Again, keep in mind that despite the fact that this blush is might be on the subtle end of the blush spectrum for some of you, the staying power is excellent.  I am quite certain that this is the blush I would like to wear on my wedding day. 

Availability and price? Are these blushes limited-edition or part of CLINIQUE's permanent line? 

The CLINIQUE Cheek Pop Blush Pop blushes are available for a limited time only.  These blushes cost $21 each.  I definitely recommend this product.  Meesha approved, stamped and sealed! 

I hope this post was informative and helpful. Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Come back soon. Thanks!

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MAKE UP FOREVER HD Blush # 420 Indian Rosewood

Hey y'all! The new Make Up Forever High Definition Creme Blush in shade 420 (Indian Rosewood) is on the reading menu for today. 

I am very excited to share with y'all my review of this lovely cheek product. 

I first saw these blushes over a month ago on the Sephora website and was eagerly waiting their arrival at my local Sephora store.  I consistently check Sephora's website and brand websites to see what new products are coming up soon.  

I am so glad I patiently waited to buy this blush.  Last month, while strolling through Dillard's, I saw that Clarin's had released four new creme shades for this Spring.  I was drawn to the shade called Grenadine.  I would describe Grenadine as a warm rose shade with hints of coral, peach, and brown. The color was beautiful, but the product felt so strange.  It was difficult to pick up and blend.  It did not appear or feel creamy and smooth whatsoever.  It felt dry.  The Clarin's MUA told me that the best way to apply the product was by using a basic makeup sponge (not the beauty blender, the ones that are kept as testers at makeup counters).  The formula of the blush was horrible.  I would not even pay "drug-store prices" for it.  I did take into consideration that perhaps the formula had dried out because it was a tester that I had tried; testers are exposed to air and bacteria.  I politely told the MUA that I would like to think about it and will come back to buy it another day.  I decided not to go back for two reasons: the horrible formula and the soon-to-come Make Up Forever HD blush in #420 Rosewood.  

Initially, I was under the impression that the new MUFE blushes were powder blushes.  I did not realize that these blushes were actually creme blushes until I saw them in person in the store.  Honestly, I almost decided not to buy one.  Although my excitement level went down a bit, my curiosity did not.  I limited myself to purchase only one shade.  

I do not like to return makeup.  It makes me feel guilty, but sometimes I have to because I purchase and try so many products to review here on my blog.  For this reason, I visit the stores and contemplate endlessly before buying products, especially products that cost as much as a dinner at a restaurant for two people.  Holy moly!  Sometimes I am awed by the fact that a lipstick costs as much as a tank of gas or a few days worth of groceries. Eek!  How do I justify this? Hmm! I don't eat that much. Is that good enough? 

Indeed, MUFE HD blush in #420 ($26) has quenched my desire for the shade effect of Clarin's Grenadine. It also provided a better formula and was a bit less expensive than Clarin's Grenadine ($30).  I also used  my 10% off VIB discount on this purchase. 

The images of these blushes on Sephora's website make it seem as if these blushes are the size of a big compacts. In reality, the packaging of these blushes are quite small in size, but this does not bother me. The pan is almost twice the size of my Real Technique's stippling brush, so the small packaging is not an issue for me. I think it is cute, lightweight, and travel friendly. In fact, for these good reasons I prefer to purchase makeup with smaller packaging. The appearance of the little compact is clean and simple - black with white writing. 

I am not particularly a fan of creme blushes.  Although I have not tried many high-end creme blushes other than Tarte Maricuja Airblush Blush in Shimmering Poppy and my brief encounter with Clarin's Grenadine, I have tried both drug-store and high-end creme eyeshadows and am not a fan of this formulation of eyeshadows.  Due to my dislike of creme eyeshadows, I presumed that I will not like creme blushes. Testing out the new creme blush sticks from Maybelline turned my presumption into a confirmation. Also, seeing the testers of creme blushes turns me off.  The testers always look dry, dirty, and have foreign material ("fuzzies") sticking to the product.  

MUFE HD #420 has been an eye-opening experience.  I am thoroughly enjoying this product and really look forward to wearing it.  I think it will look even better on me once the warmer months come along because I tend to pick up a slight natural tan in the Summer months. At the moment I am quite pale as per Southeast Asian standards, but I don't mind.  I am quite grateful for my beige-olive-yellow skin-tone. 

MUFE HD blush in #420 is a warm rose with a brown base and hints of peach and red.  The formula is excellent.  The application is effortless.  The lighter shades in this line of blushes can come off sheer, but you can easily build up the product on your cheeks.  On the other hand, you can easily blend down the deeper or brighter shades.  The lightweight formula of this blush allows you to have better control over the product.  I think the formula of this blush is a hybrid of a gel and creme.  You receive the sheen, light weight, and sheerness of a gel formula mixed in with the rich pigmentation and emollient texture of a creme formula.  This blush did not look patchy and did not feel greasy.  

Fortunately, I have not had any negative reactions to this gel-creme formula.  For your reference, my complexion is normal with dry t-zone in the cold months and normal to dewy (not oily) in warm months.  I do get acne occasionally.  If a face beauty or skincare product does not suit me, I react very quickly.  

As I am writing this review, I want to go wear it right now!  I want to try out more shades.  Even if I may not have liked the way some of the lighter shades looked on me, I would most definitely like to recommend this product.  If you are in the market for a creme blush, then definitely consider this new collection of blushes. There are many shades to choose from in this collection.  The display at Sephora has displayed the blushes according to the skin-tones they would suit the best.  MUFE HD blush in #420 (Rosewood) was displayed in the medium skin-tone section, which is the category I fit into.  I did try some other shades, but this was my favorite one for now.  I am really hoping to find some more shades! 

I want to continue using this blush and will update my review with a few words on staying power.  

What else am I wearing in the picture above? L'Oreal moisturizer; Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner; Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara; Rimmel lipstick in Coral Shimmer; Coral sweater from Target; Gold ball earrings from Kohl's. 

I hope this post was informative and helpful. Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Come back soon. Thanks!

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