NATURAL contour, highlight, blush

I was in a search for nice blushers. I've gotta tell you I've always hated them. I was intimidated to use them because I have rosacea (strong redness) and why would I keep adding redness to my face, right? But it's not really like that. I've already told you how to get rid of redness (HERE), but complexion with no colour is dull and perfectly concealed face makes you look like a cartoon character. That's why we have to add add dimension back using contour, highlight and blushers. Some will go natural, some will go dramatic, it's your choice. :)

I tend to wear heavy sculpted face using cream products most of the time. But since summer is coming and I really don't want to look like a moving cake I started experimenting with powder formulas. I've been loving Essence Silky blush in 40 Natural beauty because it's such a pretty pink-brown shade. You won't even need contouring, I actually use it as contour when I want warmer face.

I was thinking of writing a special guide post about heavy cream contour & highlight, would you be interested in reading it?

As you already know, I'm a huge fan of Paula's Choice products. From skincare saviours to special makeup must-haves. Their latest collection Spring-Summer 2015 includes Blush it on Contour palette. I was dying to test it out and my wish came true.

This six-color blush and contour palette features 4 blushes, 1 silky contouring bronzer and 1 luminous highlight shade. The colors can be used individually or mixed for a variety of looks.

Shade Descriptions:
Pearl:soft, slightly warm ivory with a hint of opalescent pink
Bronze: warm slightly golden brown with soft tan undertone
Delicate Coral: soft, peachy-pink
Dusty Rose: classic rose with a slight brown undertone
Peony: bright healthy pink
Soft Mauve: understated sheer rose-toned shade.

How I use it:

I contour cheekbones, temples, nose, jawline, under lower lip using Bronze and a large brush. It's more of a dusty matte shade, no more orange faces! The shade is really a hit, it beats all the bronzers I've tried. It's quite light, perfect for the ones who are afraid of using bronzers and contours. It blends with ease.

Then I put on blush. I usually apply it over my bronzer on cheekbones and a little bit on apples of my cheeks. I really love almost transparently blushed cheeks so it still looks natural. This palette is a great choice for the ones who love looking natural. Those four blushes are wonderfully pigmented but at the same time they blend nicely and don't stick to your face when you put it on, don't worry about having lines of blush anymore. You can choose between warmer and colder shades, which is wonderful. I especially love the one at bottom right, Soft Mauve, because it's quite dusty and looks gorgeous mixed with Bronze. But you can also gradually build the intensity up if you want to.

Then I apply highlight shade Pearl on top of cheekbones, bridge of my nose, cupid's bow, under eyebrows. It's the only shimmery shade in this palette, but it's so finely grinded you won't see any glitter, it will only appear as a light luminous reflection. The shade is very light, you really have to pack it on if you like prominent highlight (personally, I wish it was more intense), but on the other side it's a great choice for the ones who like it delicate.

Thoughts and recommendations:

I would absolutely recommend buying it if you like natural looking sculpted face. I assure you it's easy to use, even for beginners. Just use a big fluffy brush and voilà!

It retails for 39.90 EUR on www.paulaschoice.si , which may seem a lot for a student's tight budget, but it's worth it. It's so practical to take it with you anywhere, you also have a mirror inside. You get a generous size of products, 3g each. Plus - it's multifunctional. I use the blushers as eyeshadows almost every day, they look especially pretty on blue eyes. I'm sure you'll like it. Paula's Choice launches only a few makeup products each season and they always make sure they're exactly what you need.

Share you thoughts with me, have you tried it? Do you like it? Or will you maybe even consider buying it? What is your favourite blush palette?

Next post will be the outfit I was wearing on those photos, I think you'll like it! Stay tuned!

Xx, Agnes

7 Spring lip looks

Girl, if you like vampy lipsticks even in summer just rock it! I'm already in spring mood, feels so refreshing. I prepared a selection of 7 lip products I've been obsessing with lately. Some are very quirky, some are just basic lip colours that I like. I think all of you will find something for yourself. And almost all products mentioned are very affordable. :)

1. Makeup Revolution mat Salvation velvet lip laquer in shade Depravity (4.95€ on Licila.si - click!)

I think it's pretty obvious this lipgloss is my new favourite lip product. I'm wearing it all the time. Its liquid formula dries completely matte in a minute. It does chip off after time, but it's very easy to fix it buy reapplying it to the centre of your lips. It dries your lips but frankly, I don't care. It's too amazing not to buy it.

2. Makeup Revolution mat Salvation velvet lip laquer in shade Keep flying for you (4.95€ on Licila.si - click!)

Same collection, different shade. Amazing pigmentation, it's unbelievable. This gorgeous neon pinky orange is a great choice for pale girls. I think it looks amazing with subtle makeup.

3. Essence longlasting lip liner in shade 03 Yummy berry (around 1.9€)

Since Essence lip pencils are my favourite ones, I absolutely had to try new line of them- longlasing liners. It's pigmented, glides on easily, is very precise and is hydrating. So you can really use it instead of a lipstick. This bright purple will suit most of you. Can you rock it?

4. Sleek Matte me lipgloss in shade Fandage Purple (9.95€ on Licila.si, click!)

I saw you loved my selfie on Insta and FB with this lipgloss (click). I love it too! This matte gloss is a bit more liquid comparing to Makeup Revolution ones. It doesn't dry out your lips that much. But I find it harder to apply even because of the applicator. I would advise you to use a lip pencil before. Good news, it dries matte even with a creamy lip liner underneath!

5. Lancome Lip Lover lipgloss in shade 355 Framboise Etoile (around 30€)

From matte to super-shine glossy. I'm not a big fan of glossy lips to be honest. But I got this one as a gift so I had to try it out. I was a bit disappointed by its sheerness. The texture is amazing, feels very lightweight, non sticky, very creamy and luscious, though. In total = lovin' it!

6. Essence longlasting lip liner in 02 Sweetheart (around 1.90€)

It's a bit less pigmented than their basic lip pencils but still amazing, not mentioning the price. This cool toned pink will be an amazing spring alternative for the ones who are scarred of wearing bright pink.

7. Collistar Professional lip pencil in shade 19 (around 12€ in Muller, new product)

Best orange ever. I wanted to start wearing oranges so bad, but I always changed my mind when I saw some horrible circus makeup pictures combining it with flashy blue, red, green and other bright colours.. Personally, I think it looks the best with monochrome makeup. This liner is super pigmented, but also a bit drying, so make sure you apply lip balm underneath, or use it only to outline your lips. It's gorgeous, isn't it?

Thanks to Robert Ribič for the photos.


You were asking me on Facebook what makeup I was wearing on those photos, so I decided to write a list of them here, just click on the links and see where you can get them:

-Kryolan Ultra Underbase primer
-Parisax foundation
-Ben Nye Highlight wheel of concealers
-Kryolan shadows in RB32 and Oak used for contouring
-Paula's Choice Brow-Defining Cream Duo (reviewed soon + natural eyebrow guide)
-Kryolan eyeshadow in RB25
-Essence I <3 Extreme mascara
-Kryolan Translucent powder

I hope you liked this post and that I inspired you to try wearing bright shades this spring.
Which look is your favourite? Comment below! I'd love to have some feedback!

Xx, Agnes

Guide to perfect skin + My skincare routine

Skin is a mirror of what is happening on the inside. Skin reacts to all the problems and having the best skin possible an important step to a flawless makeup. Base first! You may wonder whether it is even important to spend a lot of money in skincare. I believe it is important to use good products, because after 10 years the consequences of using cheap products could be horrible. Skin interfaces with the environment and is the first line of defence from external factors. Using harmful chemicals can affect the whole body. Personally, I rather spend some more money on skincare and buy only essential makeup products than vice versa.

Water

I cannot emphasize how important water is. I try to drink at least 2L of filtered water per day. That way my skin stays hydrated and all the renewal processes are quicker. You'll notice a big difference. 

Sleep

As our body needs a good rest so does our skin. As soon as you sleep too little it starts showing on your skin first. Dark under circles,  puffy eyes, dull complexion, redness etc. Try to get a good sleep. I'm really bad at going to sleep before 1am so I have a lot to cover in the morning.. Bad girl!

Diet

I would dare to say food is the most important of them all. But it's ofter overlooked. Changing your diet will not make immediate changes, the results start showing in a month or so. All the layers have to recover and clear up. What I would recommend is a balanced (vegan) diet with the least processed products possible. Clean food, lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Try and see what works for you.

Pillow, hair, touching

It seems like not important at all but those things effect your skin too. Regularly change your pillow cases (buy a silk case), keep your hair away if you can (all those hair products irritate your skin and cause many other problems) and do not touch you face because you may contaminate it with bacteria.

Makeup

You should use SPF protection. Almost all good foundations have at least SPF 15.

Skincare

Super important. Sadly we cannot prevent UV radiation, smokes, stress levels etc. And here's where good skincare takes its part. First you have to clean your skin and remove and makeup. Then you usually use a tonic, a serum and a moisturiser. Or like it works for you. Not all the products are good for everyone. I advise you to buy good products that will probably be more expensive but this is an investment in yourself. In 10 years your skin will thank you. I rather save up some money at makeup and invest in really good skincare.

What I've been using lately (since the beginning of January) and works best for me:

Stage 1: I remove makeup and cleanse my face using Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser.

A purifying cleanser that contains micro-granules, for a gentle exfoliating effect. Lathers quickly into a rich foam, to remove harmful excess sebum and impurities without stripping away skin’s essential moisture.

It's an amazing product. You squeeze out a pea size of product and foam it up with water, it's soooo foamy but still silky. At first I thought it was some kind of milk/cream but when you work it into your skin it does its magic. It quickly lathers into a rich foam, and leaves skin feeling refreshed and silky-smooth to the touch. It removes most of the makeup. I use an oil remover before using this product in a case I wear waterproof makeup, though. It leaves clean feel and is non greasy. I would recommend it to all of you who cannot bear makeup wipes and cotton pads. I love how quick it cleanses my skin. It's on the drier side, I would recommend it for combination or oily skin. It's also appropriate for sensitive skin because it's very gentle. It's actually a cleanser and a toner in one, I don't even have to use a toner separately. A really good product!

Stage 2: I finish cleaning T-zone with Missha Super Aqua Black head melting oil gel

I reviewed it here: http://agneskrown.blogspot.com/2015/02/get-rid-of-blackheads-with-missha.html

It cleanses skin even deeper, I always notice how dirty the oil gets, that means that this step is much needed. It leaves my skin silky soft because of the beneficial oils it contains.

Stage 3: I apply a few drops of Collistar Attivi Puri Glycolic Acid

It's an effective, tolerable and safe glycolic acid concentration and added two more alpha hydroxy acids (mandelic and gluconic acid) product developed for daily use. It acts an effective, gradual, non-aggressive peeling which renews the skin and helps restore it to perfection.

Results:The peeling is an authentic skin renewal treatment, resulting in:
-a firmer and smoother epidermis
-a pure and bright complexion
-less visible wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of ageing
-finer, more even skin tone
-reductions in pore size and small blemishes, visible from the very first applications, the results improve gradually over time

It does the work! I noticed a big difference. My pores are smaller, I no longer have dry patches, bumps on cheeks, even one wrinkle disappeared. Not tired and dull anymore. My skin feels really fresh and firm. There are only effective ingredients in it that provide real results. The price (around 35EUR in Muller) is completely justified, it's an investment you should consider making.

(from left: Collistar Attivi Puri Glycolic Acid, Shisedo Ibuki Gentle Cleanser, Collistar Deep moisturizing cream)

Stage 4: Moisturiser- I use Collistar Deep Moisturizing Cream or Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel moisturizers, I change the routine and use what my skin needs that day

Collistar: Perfect hydration is essential to the health and beauty of the skin. Thanks to its special formula this rich, concentrated cream does not merely moisturise the skin from the outside, but also regulates and reactivates the natural processes which maintain the skin's water balance.

I use the Collistar one when my skin feels dry. It feels light and is absorbed quick. It leaves a pleasant soft finish, nothing too oily. I use it mostly as a night cream. It isn't as rich but I still prefer to stick to minimum oils on my skin by day. I would say it's a perfect regular moisturiser that would fit almost anyone. You get what you pay for (around 20EUR in Muller). It's not a surprise that all the beauty review sites rate it 5/5.

Paula's Choice:

I already introduced you to my favourite moisturiser for sensitive and combination/oily skin in this post here: http://agneskrown.blogspot.com/2014/12/get-rid-of-redness-now.html

This product works amazing! Not only that it's a good moisturiser, it works great also as a primer. I tend to use this on in the morning when I cannot afford my skin to be greasy at all because it would look awful with a matt foundation.

*Note: It's my own genuine opinion, not influenced by any of the brands mentioned.

I hope this was helpful! Comment down below what your favourite skincare products are! I wanna know :)

Xx, Agnes