Pür Minerals Haul + Review

I got this off of The Shopping Channel (Canada's version of Home Shopping Channel). They always have a great deal whenever Pür Minerals comes to town. This entire set cost me $69.99, which at TSC retails reguarly for $129.99. Yeah...

So, here's what it comes with, and my thoughts on each item:

4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder (0.28oz/8g)
*see review below

4-in-1 Mini Pressed Mineral Powder (0.15oz/4.3g) :
a mini travel-size version of the foundation; great for on the go.

3-in-1 Universal Pencil with Brush in Cocoa Topaz
This is smudge/waterproof. Can be used as a eyeliner, lipliner (way too dark for that, for me...) and to fill in your eyebrows. I really like it!

Natural Calcite Lip Pencil
I LOVE this liner. Both this and Universal Pencil have a twist cap; which is great for traveling! This color suits my lips perfectly, and it lasts all day on me!! No need to reapply!

Marble Powder in Spice
This is the multi-colored powder for the face, that can be used for the eyes and cheeks. It's a lovely natural color if you need a bit of color on your cheeks. Just apply lightly; I ended up looking like Bozo the Clown the first time I used this.

Lip Gloss in Spiced Barite
The consistency of this gloss is nice; moisturizing and light. And really pearlized looking. I personally think it didn't look good on my skintone, so I gave it to my mom :)

Revitalizing Wash (4fl.oz/120ml)
Have yet to try this out. I usually don't venture out when it comes to my HG Obagi Cleanser, so I might just give this away to my mom again lol.

Chisel Brush
This is the brush that is recommended when applying their 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder. I have tried applying their foundation with other brushes (mostly MAC), but this one is the best (duh...it was made for this purpose hehe). You don't need a lot of it; you just dip it into the powder, swirl it around on the inside cap, and apply on the face.
Utility Brush
This brush is specifically made for those "hard to reach" areas (around the nose, the eye corners...etc). It's super soft, and works great for this purpose.


Powder Brush
The powder brush was made for "layers Pür Minerals specialty mineral powders over their 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder. It's soft, and fluffy. Great for applying their Marble Powder.

And now, I'm going to review one of my favorite foundations of all time. The Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation With SPF 15 is amazing. Here's my review on it:

Ingredients:

Active Ingredient:
Titanium Dioxide 8%
Inactive Ingredients:
Mica, Boron Nitride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bismuth Oxychloride, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Carbonate, Silica, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Tocopheryl Acetate, Iron Oxides

I've been using every kind of foundation you can imagine for the past 8 years, and have tried every brand you can imagine [ Bobby Brown, Lancome, Chanel, Dior, Shiseido, MAC, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Maybelline, Revlon, just to name a few....], and needless to say, they didn't work. If they looked good in the beginning, they would disappear in a few hours, or they didn't cover my flaws. Basically, I have always been searching for my HG Foundation, and I have come to find it , finally.

I had seen the informercials on television, and never thought much about Pur Minerals. I didn't give it a try until I read the great reviews here. So, I bought it off their website, and in the shade "Light", which was a perfect match for my pale skin. It blends in perfectly, and I use the Body Shop Face/Body brush with it, and it works great.

It's really hard to explain how amazing it is, but here goes! When you apply it on, it may look a bit powdery, but after a few minutes, it does settle into your skin's natural oils. The best way I can describe it is that it doesn't look like you're wearing any foundation. It let's your skin show, and covers all the "issues" you may have flawlessly, without looking like you put on 3 layers of concealer. It's just amazing! And it takes me about 2-3 minutes to buff it on my skin [ I tend to take longer..maybe I just love how the brush feels on my skin?? haha]. It also does not break out my sensitive skin, and it does not smell like anything, thankfully.

On a final note, I decided to switch back to liquid foundation for a bit, stating how much I missed it, and when I had it on, the entire time I wanted to take it off and put on my Pur Minerals!! And I haven't gone back since, to be honest!!
This is the best foundation I have ever used. I feel so natural and flawless in it. It is a miracle, and its not too pricey! Give it a try!!

If you're interested, here is the color chart. You can order their stuff off their website, www.purminerals.com


And if you want to try it out, I recommend getting this starter kit, found here.
You get the following things in it:

• 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup
• Mineral Glow
• Universal Marble Powder in Pink
• The Chisel Makeup Brush
  

Here's a great video by Michelle Phan, who uses their products. Check it out! :)

And remember, Pür Minerals does NOT test its products on animals :o)

Solia Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron (1-1/4")

My old Solia straightner (which survived me 6 years!!) got hurt :( I accidentally dropped the plug thingy and it bent the 2 wire thingies (sorry, I don't have the correct terms here lol). But basically, I figured I can't risk it not working on a special occassion, so I got it replaced. With the same thing, only... in sexy red :)

The box


Came with a heatproof pouch for travel...I guess? haha

A close up. Sexy, isn't it? ;)


Really? I did not know that!!!!


My new one on the left, and the old one on the right.


Side by side, the old one has a grip to it, whereas the new one doesn't. Its smooff :)


Yes, it started coming apart a while back. My dad fixed it though, and it still works fine now! haha. So, I'm not chucking it away...keeping it JUST IN CASE the red one goes nuts one day.


I got both of these straightners off of www.folica.com. They are excellent! Fast shipping, excellent prices (much cheaper than buying these items at salons), and they have special offers regularly. I got mine for $64.99 (usually sells for $74.99). This particular straightner comes in the regular Black, as well as Purple, Red, and Pink :) So, of course, I just had to get my favourite color!!

Hope this helps :)

Hanskin Premium Magic BB Cream

Finally, this sucker arrived in the mail today. I will do a full review on my initial reaction/thoughts to this BB Cream soon. Stay tuned :)

Chanel Lumieres Celestes Collection for Summer 2009

Available: May 20


























this promo reminds me of........




















LADY GAGA!!! haha. Good cd by the way :)



























Glossimers ($27.00)

• Nebula Rosewood
• Meteore Deep coral
• Mica White
• Mirage Brown
• Venus Fuchsia
• Silex Coral
• Cosmos Bronze
• Jupiter Red

Le Vernis Nail Colour ($23.00) (not pictured, sorry )

• Mica Rose Rose
• Cosmic Violine Brown copper

I've tried Glossimers before, and they are really pigmented. But they do feel a bit gritty, if you know what I mean. And they're somewhat sticky. And they do have a funky smell. However, I still like them. Lol. Maybe because it's Chanel? Ah, I'm too shallow....

MAC Rose Romance Collection

Release Date: April 23rd, 2009 (North America), May 2009 (International).



I have never been THIS excited about a MAC collection in a very long time. I am dying for this one to come out!!! It is exactly everything I love; that English Rose look. You know how much I love the natural look ;)


Here are the items in the collection:










Way to Love, A Rose Romance, Odyssey


























Loving Touch, Tender Tryst, Secret Crush




















Virgin Kiss, Steal My Heart, Magnetique






















Summer Rose




























Blush of Youth


















Of Summer


















Silverthorn

















Et Tu, Bouquet?

















Creme de Violet

















Shadowy Lady














Just a Pinch














Mutiny













Circa Plum





















Love & Friendship, Blacksplash






















Fix+ Rose



















Creations Hue: Dejarose

















Nordstrom Exclusive Quad



The prices/info:

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Way To Love Creamy light yellow pink
• A Rose Romance Mid-tone pink with gold pearl
• Odyssey Spiked-up plum (Permanent)

Lipglass ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Virgin Kiss Sheer pale pink with multi-dimensional pearl
• Magnetique Frosted violet fuchsia (Repromote)
• Steal My Heart Sheer bright pink with multi-dimensional pearl

See Thru Lip Colour ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Loving Touch Sheer pearly light pink
• Tender Tryst Sheer pearly plum
• Secret Crush Sheer red berry

Pigment ($19.50 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)

• Mutiny Clean sky blue with gold pearl (Repromote)
• Circa Plum Frosty dirty mid-tone laevnder (Repromote)

Eyeshadow ($14.50 U.S. / $17.00 CDN)

• Of Summer Frosted light dirty mauve
• Et Tu, Bouquet? Frosted pale pink gold
• Creme de Violet Vivid pinkish-violet flecked with gold shimmer (Permanent)
• Silverthorn Mid-tone gray with silver pearl
• Shadowy Lady Darkly veiled plum (Permanent)

Nordstrom Exclusive Quad (approx. $38.00 U.S.)

• Solar White Golden white (Frost) (Repromote)
• Contrast Dark purple/blue (Velvet) (Permanent)
• Seeds of Love frosted peach (Frost)
• Petal Worship Light, blue-based pink (Frost)

Just A Pinch Gel Blush ($18.50 U.S. / $22.50 CDN)
Sheer gel cheek blush in a pot delivers a rosy glow of coverage for a healthy complexion. Dewy texture blends into a thin film on skin, giving low to medium transparent coverage.

• Just A Pinch Sheer red pink tint

Beauty Powder ($22.00 U.S. / $27.50 CDN)

• Blush of Youth Clean pink with gold pearl
• Summer Rose Soft violet pink with pearl

Nail Lacquer ($11.oo U.S. / $13.00 CDN)

• Love & Friendship Creamy dirty mid-tone lavender

Creations Hue: Dejarose ($22.50 U.S. / $27.50 CDN)
A striking bouquet of lush Bulgarian, Turkish, and Tea Red Roses is ruffled with dewy watery and luminous green nuances. Velvety petals of exotic orchid, lily, jasmine and peony are teased with a hint of crimson red raspberry and the gentle texture of pink pepper. The interplay of light and dark woods, weathered teak contrasting with patchouli, adds to the intensity, while hypnotic incense vapours and amber crystals lend a sense of intrigue and allure to this sensuous creation.

Fix+ Rose ($17.00 U.S. / $20.00 CDN)
An aqua-spritz of vitamins and minerals, infused with a Calm-the-Skin blend of green tea, Chamomile, Cucumber, topped off with the scent of 100% natural rose water. Adds radiance, finishes makeup.

(courtesy of temptalia.com; heres the link: http://www.temptalia.com/mac-rose-romance-collection-official-information-photos )

Natural Vs. Obvious

I'm always preaching natural makeup. I think it's the best look for any girl, really. I think that all girls are naturally beautiful, and with a little makeup, they can look even more gorgeous. It's the imperfections that make us gorgeous. So, to illustrate my views on makeup, and why I'm so passionate about it, here are some pictures. To illustrate what I mean when i say 'natural' vs. 'too made up'.
















OK, so not everyone looks like Angelina Jolie. That's not what I'm trying to get at. What I admire most about Ms.Jolie is how her makeup is never overdone. You notice her first, not her makeup. Her look is always natural, and it always has a added kick, thanks to some nice eye lining! But even if her eyes are made up, she never overdoes the rest of her face; her lips are kept a natural shade, and her cheeks are neutral and pretty. Overall, you see her natural beauty shine though, not her makeup.


















OK, before you freak out, yes, this is a little too much for some people. But you know what, some people think this is "hot". In my opinion, I think not. What's the first thing we notice when we look at Shauna Sand? Her makeup, of course! But, what we don't see is her natural beauty (well, how can we under all that purple eyeshadow, lip gloss, heavy foundation and blusher?!). All I'm saying is: let people notice you first, not your makeup. The whole idea behind makeup is to enhance your natural beauty, and cover what you don't like about your face. Not to look like you were experimenting with it before you left your house.

The key point to makeup is: if you choose to enhance a part of your face, keep it to one thing; your eyes, lips, etc. If you decided, lets say, to enhance your eyes, keep everything else on your face minimal. That way it is a overall balanced look. Always choose your best asset, and enhance that the most. I, for example, always choose to enhance my eyes (not a fan of my lips or cheeks, that's why). That is how I keep my makeup natural.

And remember, the first step to a gorgeous face is nice skin. But that is another post! :)

Everyday Look

Here are the products I use for my everyday look. I'm kinda embarrassed that I need 10 different things to get a 'natural look'. Oh well :(








Above, in the order I use them: Missha BB Cream, Lise Watier Portfolio Concealer, MAC paint in Bare Canvas, Shu Uemura: loose powder in translucent, MAC Brule eyeshadow, Shu Uemura eyebrow pencil, KATE eyeshadow, MAC Fluidline in Blitz & Glitz, Diorshow Mascara, MAC blush














The products used for the face.













The products used for the rest of the face. Eyeshadow & blush vary from day to day though...

















I like natural looks... not a fan of dramatic makeup, except for Halloween :)

Aspirin Mask

This is by far the best mask I have ever used. And I've used some preety expensive ones in my days!!

I learned about the Aspirin mask, thanks to YouTuber MichellePhan!! I followed her instructions, and I haven't had any breakouts in weeks!!

I do this mask once a week (she recommends not to do it more than twice a week, or your skin will become immune to it). It gently exfoliates my skin, and makes it bright and clear!! I LOVE THIS MASK!!!

all you need is : 3 non-coated aspirin pills, add a small teaspoon of water on them, let them dissolve, add a tablespoon of honey, mix, leave on skin for 15 minutes, and rinse off. It's super easy!! :)

YSL- Faux Cils Mascara

0.25fl. oz. (7.5ml)
Made in France

I decided to try this one out, after seeing what amazing lashes it gave my sister. Now, being a Diorshow Mascara addict, I thought this one would be a close competitor, no?
I was wrong.

This mascara clumped, it flaked onto my sensitive eyes, it made me irritated, and I can't believe I wasted $40 on this!!!!

The only good things about it are: it has a nice floral scent to it, and the packaging is uber luxe!

Other than that, a total waste of money. It is collecting dust on my vanity right now... =(

Missha - M Perfect Cover B.B Cream (No.21)

According to the front of this product, it reads:

"MISSHA M Perfect Cover B.B Cream offers a novel skincare concept with B.B Cream, which lightens skin tone by healing visible wrinkles and blemishes with excellent skin-cover ability, and prevents skin aging through effective whitening and anti-wrinkle properties"

The product has a SPF 42 PA+++


I got mine off of ebay, here is the seller I got it from (they are located in Korea; I highly recommend them. They offer fast shipping, and the prices are decently cheap!)

http://stores.ebay.com/Healthy-Skin-Care-Shop_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d999QQftidZ2QQtZkm

I've been using this B.B cream for a few days now. I'm hoping that it won't break me out (and if it does, expect another post on here!!). The consistency of it is quiet thick upon application. I don't like to use my fingers for this, so I rely on using my MAC 187 Brush. You don't need a lot of product to cover your entire face. I use about a dime's worth, and the MAC 187 makes it a fast process to apply it with. Now, keep in mind, you MUST set this thing with a loose powder, or it will look really dewy. If your skin is slightly oily after a while, this is important too. The B.B cream is also water resistant, I have found. So you will need a heavy duty cleanser to get this thing off (I use the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, and it does just that). The smell, well, you either hate it or love it. I don't mind it. But keep in mind the smell does not go away for quiet some time. Even after an hour after application, I could still smell it, but it doesn't bother me.

You can purchase this particular B.B Cream in a 30mL (as I did- just to see how it was) or a 50mL tube, which comes with a pump. Mine doesn't have one, but it's OK!

The coverage is medium. I did have to go back with some concealer on top of this for more obvious red spots. But, that's fine by me. The end look of this product is very natural! I love how youthful and clear it makes my skin look. It also makes it glow too, and it doesn't look like you're wearing a ton of foundation, or that you spend the entire day caking your face with powder. I love this B.B Cream for this effect the most.


I would recommend this for anyone experiencing skin issues. I think that if you like a natural look, and a quick application, then this is a good thing to try out. Just bear in mind that this only comes in 2 shades; #21 (fair) and #23 (natural). The #21 is more lighter than the #23, and I think the #23 would suit people with the range of NC20-25. If you would like to know more about this product, Bubzbeauty (youtuber) made a terrific video on it. Do check it out!!

:) hope this helps!!