[Review] YSL baby doll kiss & blush in #4 Orange Fougueux and #8 Pink Hedonista

Hi everyone! Today I would like to review YSL baby doll kiss & blush! I really like how YSL comes up with their product names 🙂

Brand: Yves Saint Lauren (YSL)
Product: Baby doll kiss & blush
Shade: #4 Orange Fougueux and #8 Pink Hedonista
Type: Lipstick, Lip tint, Cream blush, Cheek tint
Price: US$40 (I got it at SGD45 duty free)
Website: YSL website

 THE PACKAGING

Comes in a clear square-cut container where you can see the shade clearly. And signature YSL gold tube handle. Simple and sweet! Light and won’t hurt to squeeze a few in your pouch XD

  
The applicator is like felt material with a pointed tip and a round pop in the centre. Overall it picks up the product very well, not too much or little at one go. 

The pointed tip is good for dabbing a few spots on the cheek before blending; and the round pop is great for spreading colour onto your lips. Truly made to work for both lips and cheek huh?! Clever people at YSL!

The bottle opening is made to be as small as possible but sometimes I still worry about air going in and out whether it will dry up the product *paranoid*

THE PRODUCT

On YSL Website:

Kiss your cheeks. Blush your lips. Play with color and mix and match your lips and cheeks. Yves Saint Laurent introduces the latest innovation in the edgy Baby Doll attitude. This 2 in 1 ultra blendable air whipped mousse beautifully highlights your lips and cheeks with a sensual soft matte finish. Available in 12 signature YSL shades.

What’s inside:

• – Hyaluronic Acid Spheres
• – Moisturizing action emollients
• – Softening action
• – Pomegranate extract
• – Antioxidant action
• – Candellila Resin
• – Protection
• – Mineral Pigments
• – Bright sheer color

THE SHADES AND TEXTURE

Edit    

Sorry the lighting is on yellow side. The  pigmentation is really high and colour difference is so clear with flash. 

#4 is a really bright orange coral while #8 is a sheer baby rose pink. Both are just my type of shades 🙂

The texture is really light – truly like air whipped mousse indeed and I love it! Nothing like it elsewhere. 

Blended look below! This shows how it might look on cheeks when you blend it out. 

  

You achieve also this finish when you dab product on lips or cheeks for natural look. Colour depth is certainly adjustable if you layer on concealer on lips or sheer foundation on cheeks. 

You need to dab rather quickly on cheeks to blend it out nicely before product settles. I use bb cushion or concealer to blend out the sides to avoid any harsh lines 🙂

Next, on mua lips!

  

It would work awesome to apply on cheeks too for a matching look, but I was lazy XD

 #4 suits me well as a my-lips-but-better product isn’t it?  #8 really brightens up my face, as with how coral / orange lippies work on me.  What I love is its consistent soft matte texture and gorgeous colour… 

The staying power is ok on lips, and longer on cheeks. I haven’t found a lipstick that truly stays anyway LOL. Because of its matteness, it could feel abit dry on lips and accentuate some fine lines. I also notice it leaves a tint of colour on lips even after product fades – which is a good thing although the tint tends to cling to the dry parts of lips…

MY VERDICT

Pros:

• Love the soft matte texture on both lips and cheeks
• Buildable colour from sheer to highly pigmented
• Wide variety of gorgeous shades (#4 and #8 suit me well but I’d love to get the whole range!)
• Truly dual function where it works well for both lips and cheeks – travel friendly!
• Staying power on cheeks are good! Colour can also be adjusted if you layer on sheer foundation. 

Cons:

• Pricey at US$40 if not duty-free. But product probably will last a long long while. 
• Abit drying on lips and may accentuate lip lines
• Staying power on lips not that long although it leaves a tint on dry parts of the lips which looks fine from far (not so much from near)

Overall 

I carry #8 in my daily pouch now and works great as quick touch up to both lips and cheeks when I need it! I keep #4 at home for us during weekends when I want bright lips 🙂 it’s also a great dual product perfect for travel. 

I tend to always get a natural sheer colour and a bright coral / orange shade for lippies but I’m really tempted to get other shades of this range like #5 as recommended by beautifymeeh YouTuber. The only thing stopping me is the cost and the chance to try something new from a zillion brands out there.  Till I figure what to do, I’m certainly happy with my purchase  and probably won’t ever need to repurchase since quite a lot of product in there XD

I’m just infatuated with YSL, you know?

Brazil Haul and Travel 2015

I was in Brazil for 2 full weeks for work and hauled a couple beauty items from duty-free airport shopping, and of course grabbed some must-get Brazil goodies! 

1. YSL baby doll kiss & blush 

  
Got this in #4 Orange Fougueux and #8 Pink Hedonista. Been wanting this for the looooongest time since its launch! Finally…I succumbed and even got 2! First impression, I love its soft matte texture and dual functionality of a blush and lippie. Just what I need for travel ^_^

2. Laneige two tone lip bar

  
Uh huh…yet another lip product. I got #2 Red Blossom and #3 Pink Salmon. I don’t even apply much lipstick actually, but I can’t stop buying! What’s wrong with me LOL XD 

These have two tones in 1 lipstick – and so far the only product in the market like that! I’m just very intrigued by this idea, saw some good reviews, tested #2 Red Blossom and #3 Pink Salmon and it flattered my skin tone.. so into my pouch it goes!

3. Havaianas flip flops

  
THE must-get if you come to Brazil. 
They are so much cheaper in Brazil and probably nicer designs too. Two for about USD35 including accessories add-ons!  Pretty sure you can’t get that price outside Brazil. I love how you can add accessories or bling bling to these flip flops. See the diamond heart and pink turtle? ❤ 

 

4. Kopenhagen chocolates

  
This is the Godiva of Brazil and I must say I love what I’ve tried from this chocolate cafe/shop. Bought 3 types of their 70% chocolate – should be dark chocolate in 3 different flavors but I can’t read Portuguese so not exactly sure LOL. 
I’m still in Brazil and going home in 2 days! Gotta take a 25 hour flight – oh my gawd…. Probably won’t travel here for personal trip cuz it’s simply too far! But Latin Americans are sooooooo friendly I really enjoyed their hospitality ❤

As a bonus, sharing some travel pics!

Iguazu falls weekend getaway. This is a world heritage site and won the 7 new wonders of nature! Seriously..just breathtaking. 

Argentina side~ nope this is not from a postcard and there are so many rainbows! 

  

Brazil side. Also worth visiting!

 

And my next favorite is the street art gallery at Vila Madelena. Love this place and the art is so diverse! 

   

  
I had fun taking selfies lol. I wonder if I’ll ever come brazil again cuz it’s so far but definitely a unique and friendly city! 🙂 

☆ Liebster Award ☆

Thanks so much, Kelly Jung for nominating me for this award!! I feel so happy and it’s my first ever award since I started blogging!!  I never thot I’d ever ever get any ‘award’ but I’ve been loving my blogging experience and the wonderful people all around the world! Check out Kelly’s awesome blog here 🙂  

So here goes!

Kelly’s 11 Questions:

1. What is your favorite restaurant?

Wow I’ve been to so many good restaurants it’s really difficult to pinpoint a favorite. But my fav type of hangouts are cafes and I like cosy rustic quiet ones. Which girl doesn’t? Hehe. 

 

2. What is the unhealthiest thing you ever did?

Having Indian prata (fried dough bready thing) with sugar and curry as supper.  It’s a very common supper option for Singaporeans as these places often open till dawn, but I try to steer away from these now~

 

3. What is your worst habit?

Peeling my lips.  It’s just stuck with me since infant days and i just can’t kick it off..   I guess I perpetually have dry chapped lips so always looking out for good lipbalm and moisturizing long-lasting lippies!

 

4. Stay at home or go out?

I’d say 70% stay at home; 30% go out.  I’m definitely more of an introvert.  Love cooping in my room watching K or J-dramas / movies or just beauty surfing.  I can watch youtube beauty bloggers all day LOL XD.  But I do get the urge to go out on weekends for get-together with close friends.  It’s also the time where I can try more daring makeup looks and I look forward to that! haha

 

5. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?

My favorite country is Japan (though slowing leaning towards Korea haha) – so I’d say Japan! There are just so many awesome things to do and eat in Japan, and I don’t really mean Tokyo.  Since I can speak Japanese, I love exploring the not-so-touristy areas that are just as beautiful and authentic 🙂 

 

6. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?

I know dark chocolate is much better than milk chocolate – higher cocoa content, less sugar – but if I’m in need of a sweet indulgence, I’d go for milk chocolate *guilty*

 

7. Did you ever buy anything from the boy’s section at a store?

Of course, for my boyfriend / fiance.  Always get shirts and gifts for him when I travel abroad 🙂

 

8. What is the first thing you notice when you meet a person?

Eyes, I think.  I believe you can tell alot from the eyes, whether they are sincere or just entertaining you.

 

9. What is your favorite fruit?

Hmm.. I think watermelon or chinese pear.  They are super juicy, crunchy and mildly sweet 🙂

 

10. Do you prefer sneakers or sandals?

Sandals.  I don’t even own a pair of decent sneakers now LOL.  Not a sporty girl at all haha. 

 

11. What is your dream job?

Owning a rustic woody cosy cafe.  Where I can serve a small andquiet crowd with great coffees and teas and some light meals.  And beauty blog when I want to! haha

 

11 Random Facts about me:

1. I lived in Japan for 3 years.  My favourite country!

2. I am the only child. 

3. I cry very easily when watching dramas or movies. 

4. I love Arashi – a Japanese boy band and my favourite member is Ninomiya Kazunari.  They are the epitome of cuteness and friendship! Watching them brings me pure joy. 

 

5. There is only 1 Korean boy group I can call myself as a fan for – that is, MBLAQ.  But they disbanded recently.  Sad!  Tough idol industry in Korea! 

 

6. I work full time in the finance field that lets me travel a lot!

7. I never understood why people put on lipstick in the past but since I got crazy over makeup about 2 years ago, I can’t stop buying lip products!

8. I feel so envious when my fav beauty bloggers get sent so many goodies from big brands. It’s so ex to buy them all with your own money!

9. I was born in Malaysia, Penang and I love that place. 

10. I live and work in Singapore now. 

 

I nominate the following awesome blogs for the Liebster award! Spread the love ❤

soydou

Hair Beauty & Style

auberginereverie 

makeupbyingrid 

STYLED BY S

fashionbeautyacne

My 11 questions are:

1. If you can pick only 1 makeup product to use, what would that be?

2. What’s your favorite makeup product now?

3. What’s your favorite skincare product now?

4. Where’s your next dream holiday destination?

5. Coffee or tea?

6. Introvert or extrovert?

7. What music do you like?

8. What languages do you speak?

9. iPhone or Samsung? (Or what phone are you using?)

10. What’s on your beauty wish list now?

11. What’s on your fashion wish list now? (can be clothes, bag, shoe, anything!)

If you got nominated for this award here are the rules:

– Link back to the blog that nominated you.

– Answer their 11 questions for you.

– Tell 11 random facts about yourself.

– Nominate 11 other blogs with less than 200 followers.

– Come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer.

Thank you guys so much again!!! <333

[Review] and [Comparison] – NARS Contour Blush in #5180 vs MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in #Medium Dark

Hi beautifuls! I always considered contouring / shading to be advanced makeup skills that only pro-makeup artists can handle, but for the past year or so, this concept has boomed so much that any new makeup junkie like me can learn the tricks of making my face look slimmer without exercising *hooray!*

Today I’ll be reviewing the NARS Contour Blush in #5180 that I bought in Japan, and also doing a comparison with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in #Medium Dark (gosh what a long product name). 

Brand: NARS
Product: Contour Blush
Shade: 5180 Olympia (ivory/rose)
Price: US$42 or 4200yen 
Type: Blush / Contouring
Origin: Made in USA
Website: NARS official website

THE PACKAGING

   

  

Classic black NARS packaging with velvet-matte finish very nice to the touch. 

  

Love the NARS font – so classy. Decent size mirror. Larger area for contour shade (rose) and lesser for the highlight shade (ivory). 

THE PRODUCT

From NARS:

A LUST FOR BLUSH

A duo of contouring blush shades to create natural-looking dimension for the face with a lightweight luminous finish. A deeper shade enhances definition while a lighter shade illuminates the high points of the face.

  

Closer look at the powders. They are TOTALLY MATTE. No shimmers at all, so double thumbs up for me! 

There are 3 shades from NARS for this product and this is the lightest and probably the only usable one for fair or Asian skin tone (I am NC/NW20). The other 2 shades are much darker suited for darker skin tones. 

Also love the fact it has both highlight and contour shade in one compact! Good for travel. Just gotta remember to pack a contouring brush along~

Now onto comparing with MAC!

  

Regarding MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural:

A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect light coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day. New mirrored compact.

I was introduced to this by a MAC salesgirl when I told her I am looking for a contouring product. This powder has a thousand shades and she picked #Medium Dark for me. It is really a natural light powder that can be a foundation, setting powder, etc and I never would have thot it could be used for shading. Thanks to the helpful MAC salesgirl!

THE SHADE AND TEXTURE

  

The contour shades are quite different. NARS has more of pink/red hues while MAC definitely lends more to a brown/beige shade. 

The contour shade in NARS is called Rose and I feel it is very apt. A rosy pinkish shade that can be a blush on its own. 

  

Swatches! Reconfirming the rosy hues of NARS and brown hues of MAC. 

On texture, NARS feels really smooth and silky while MAC powders are really fine though not as silky to the touch. 

Both are MATTE. No shimmer. 

  

Just nose shading only. It’s amazing how a small dab of powder makes your nose look taller/sharper. 

  

Nose shading comparison only. Can you see the shade difference? Sorry it’s really subtle. 

I think you can pick the colour that best matches your eyebrow colour or overall makeup look. 

Now onto cheek shading! I’m still super amateur in this so pardon the skills please!

No other blush product applied~

NARS definitely create a more rosy pink look while MAC is slightly darker. Both offer great contouring and definition!

I think you don’t need another different blush product for NARS whereas for MAC, perhaps a pastel lighter colored blush might be good to brighten the face. NARS also has the white highlight shade so it’s really convenient. 

MY VERDICT of NARS

Pros

• Super silky and smooth texture
• Easy to blend, hard to get unnatural blotches
• Fully MATTE
• Contains both highlight and contour shade in 1 compact
• Sleek flat portable packaging with mirror (but no brush)

Cons

• Packaging can get dirty easily with foundation stains from fingers on the matte surface
• Need to buy good contouring brush (no brush included)
• Rosy shade may not suit all skin tones (but it suits mine well!)
• On the expensive side?

Overall

It took me awhile to open this NARS product as I was using the MAC whenever I wanna do shading if at all. Still learning the technique. But I think the rosy hue of NARS probably suit me better than MAC, especially for natural neutral makeup daily. I also love that it has a matte white highlight shade! Don’t really like shimmers on face as I could end up looking like a shimmer ball. 

MAC probably suits a darker makeup look better but I’m definitely happy I have both! Can pick and choose to suit whatever look I have on the day 🙂

Btw for the brush, I use MAC angled contouring brush #168 or Hakuhodo angled highlight brush #B512 / #G512. Both work greattttt ~