Milani Baked Blushes & Swatches

I purchased these Milani Baked Blushes from Walgreens because I've been itching to try baked makeup for awhile. The colors of these really caught my eye. I ended up getting four blushes in shades Rose D' Oro, Luminoso, Fantastico Mauve and Corallina.


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: A luxurious powder blush that features a mélange infusion of colors baked on Italian terracotta tiles. Easy to use, sensorial in texture, the nuances of color become extraordinarily luminous. Silky smooth application leaves your face looking healthy and radiant all day. Available in nine shades.

So here are the blushes I purchased..

 clockwise; fantastico mauve, rose d oro, corallina, luminoso

rose d oro, luminoso, fantastico mauve, corallina

Out of all of them, Fantastico Mauve is easily the most pigmented. With one stroke, there was great color pay off. For a everyday wear, I like Luminoso because it adds such a pretty glow even when I'm wearing very little makeup. I like all of the shades i have purchased and I would like to try out a couple more from the collection.

 I LOVE these blushes. My first time trying out baked products and I adore these. They have great pigmentation, blend smoothly and are long lasting (I usually wear them over my cream to powder foundation in the daytime). They are highly affordable (less than 8 dollars) and come in a variety of shades. I would definitely reccomend this product.

So far I have seen the Milani baked products at Walgreens and Target. I know Cherry Culture has them online also. Have you tried the Milani baked products?

China Glaze Crackle Nail Lacquer Swatches & Review

China Glaze Crackle Nail Lacquer in "Lightning Bolt" and "Black Mesh"

My journey to acquire these polishes was kind of frustrating. These babies were sold out practically everywhere! In the city, there are not too many places that sell China Glaze so I had to search online. Even there, I didn't have much luck. So I finally had to purchase them from Amazon. I ended paying about ten dollars for both (Black Mesh cost more than Lightning Bolt) from two different sellers (I really wanted these polishes!). I was very pleased that both sellers shipped my products promptly and I got them within a week.

So here's some info about the Crackle Polishes..

FROM THE COMPANY: The China Glaze Crackle Glaze Collection for Spring 2011 features innovative technology that creates a deconstructed crackle design over your favorite shimmer, glitter or crème nail lacquer. The look is edgy, creative, and makes a bold statement. This unique crackle polish is specially formulated to crack as it dries, creating a fun design.

DIRETIONS: Apply your favorite China Glaze polish. Depending on the color you are using, apply either one or two coats for full coverage. When the colored enamel is dry, brush on a thin layer of the Crackle Glaze color. Allow the Crackle Glaze top phase to work its magic during dry time. After approximately 5 minutes when the Crackled design has completely formed, apply a top coat to seal the design for prolonged wear.

My Review: The Crackle polishes come in six colors but I only got two which were "Black Mesh" and "Lightning Bolt". I had absolutely no trouble with Black Mesh. The first time I used it over China Glaze's "For Audrey" and it crackled perfectly. The polish will crackle more intricately if you apply thinner coats. I laid it on pretty thick the first time and the cracks weren't that fine. It is pretty cool to watch it crackle as you're doing your nails. I haven't tried "Lightning Bolt" yet as i am going to do a nail tutorial using that color.

Black Mesh layered over For Audrey

You don't have to use China Glaze nail lacquers as a base, I just used For Audrey because it's one of my favorites. The second time, I used N.Y.C's "Late Night Lilac". This time, I used thinner coats so I liked the crackle effect this time around.

Black Mesh over N.YC "Late Night Lilac"

This is one of the rare instances where I give a product a perfect score. I liked everything about this product and have almost no complaints. It does have a smell that's kind of paint-like but it didn't bug me much because all nail polishes are smelly anyway lol. They are now more easily available online, now that the hype has died down a bit.

PROS: affordable, comes in a variety of colors, easy (and fun!) to use
CONS: hard to find in the NYC area
OVERALL: 5/5

 

OOTD: Baby, You're A Firework

This is what I wore to my birthday bash. I wanted to embrace Spring as much as possible. I was counting on Spring weather but it was unusually cold last week for some reason. But I still wore my orange dress anyway. Loved the dress because it gave the girls a lift, it had like a built in bustier underneath. The dress was one shoulder with some gathering along the bodice and some detailing on the shoulder.

I accessorized with nude, strappy heels. Something basic and neutral since the dress pretty much stood out by itself with its vibrant color.

dress- Cynthia Steffe (available at http://saksfifthavenue.com/)

shoes- Pierre Dumas "Carolina" (available at http://piperlime.com/)

necklace and ring I accessorized with, both from F21

Some pictures from the event...

 Happy Birthday to me!

All the ladies that went that night. The shortest one is my older sister lol. You might recognize @Clothes_ShoesLover and @lafashionchica. They are such wonderful ladies and a whole lot of fun! Thank You for coming!