My OLD/SUMMER skincare routine

The summer is officially over and so are my skincare products that I've been using for the past half a year. I thought it would be nice to do a short post about my previous skincare, all the positives and the negatives of it along with some summer skincare tips.

Now I'll first represent main skincare products I've been using:

1. Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil-Free Facial Wash

This cleanser is amazing. It's quite cheap, you get 200ml for around 6€ . It's oil-free and alcohol-free, which is always nice. It just cleanses your skin deeply and leaves you with a nice, healthy-looking skin. It's perfect in the summer, because it's great for oily skin. It's also quite gentle and smells lovely. I noticed it didn't clog my pores. It contains salicylic acid that removes dead skin cells and prevents breakouts. It also doesn't contain soap, so it won't dry your skin. I highly recommend this cleanser. 

It also smells amazing, very fresh and like oranges. The wash has an orange tint.

2.Lancôme Eau Micellaire Douceur

This is a lovely makeup remover. It feels very refreshing and has nice smell to it. It is expensive (30€ for 200ml), but it's actually also a toner. It's a great 2-in-1 product. So if you dislike having tones of products or if you're travelling it's very handy. I always use facial wash first (to remove makeup or in the morning) and than I use this cleanser just to make sure I removed all my makeup/dirt/oils and this also tones my skin nicely. It isn't drying and it's very calming. It will suit all skin tones.

I used to use 1, maybe 2 pumps and applied it to my face with a cotton pad. It has a nice dispenser that gives you just the right amount of product. 

And it's also a whole face makeup remover. By that I mean that it's gentle enough for your skin, but it will also remove your eye makeup/eye liner. It never irritates my skin.

Th formula is very light and it looks like transparent liquid. I used it 3 times per day (in the morning, after I removed my makeup and in the evening) and it took me around half a year to finish a 200ml bottle. But I used it after my Neutrogena Facial wash so I probably needed less product than if you'd use it on its own.

3.Lancôme Aqua Fusion Continuously Infusing Moisture Fluid

This is supposed to be a very light fluid that moisturizes your skin without making it oily. But in reality (or at least for me) it was nothing like that. First I used it in late spring/summer time, the time when I don't have dry skin. And believe it or not this even dried my skin. I was left with a strange combination, oily skin with some really dry patches. It's oil-free but it made my skin even more oily. It didn't feel refreshing at all. The smell if very strong, like a powdrey-rosey. The scent is just overpowering.

And when I applied it to my face it immediately burnt my skin. And I don't have extremely sensitive skin. It felt itchy and my face went straight red.

The fluid is colored, it has a light blue tint.

The texture is silky and light, it also has a cooling effect, but it didn't do much for my skin. It didn't moisturize and I don't like it. I stopped using it after a month or more and I tried it last week, just to be sure. It burnt my face again.

It just didn't work for me. And I think Lancôme has discontinued it.

The price is also to much, you get 50ml for around 45€, which is ok for a good, high end moisturizer that actually does something. But this was waste of money for me. The only thing I like is the packaging.

 

Conclusion on my products:

I used some amazing skincare products this summer, like the Neutrogena Facial wash or the Lancôme Eau Micellaire Douceur. I love them and will be repurchasing them. But I also had some horrible product I don't like. The main point of this summer skincare for me wasn't finding those "it" products, but just to try different types of skincare and to learn what suits my skin tipe. I learnt how important regular care is. And I will continue on learning about skin care, products and myself. 

Some tips on summer skincare:

  

a) Try to keep your skin hydrated 

- Drink plenty of water

- Use face masks at least once a week 

- Use a refreshing toner or a revitalizing spritz

b) Exfoliate

- This will remove dry skin and provide smoother skin with a healty glow

- It will also boost the effect of moisturizers, toners or serums

c) Use SPF on your face

- I remember that as a child I never wore SPF on my face. I hated heavy, creamy SPF's that made me feel greasy. But there are so many good moisturizers or sun lotions with SPF that have light and lovely texture. Be sure to use on everyday. This will also tone down your redness (If you have it).

Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Lies

Today, I'll share some thoughts on a cream blusher from Illamasqua. The shade I have is called Lies. You get 4g/0.14 oz.of product for around 26$. It's also a part of permanent collection, but there are some rumors that Illamasqua will discontinue it.

Illamasqua describes it as a "Light pearly pink" cream blusher. It has a frosted, pearly finish. The color in the pan is sheer pale pink, but on my skin the color just disappears. I'm left with amazing sheen on my cheeks. It's extremely glowy and in some lighting you might see some color. And keep in mind that my skin tone (in mac) is 10 with neutral undertones. So you can't get any lighter. And even on me it isn't that pink, it's just a glowy highlighter. But you can also use it on your lips as a glossy creamy lipstick or even on your eyelids. It's a true multi-purpose product.

The texture is very creamy, almost buttery. I usually just lightly tap the product with my fingers and pat it on my cheek bones and other highlighting places on my face.You could probably use a buffing brush to.  It creates almost wet, glossy look that reflects light. It will suit those who like more strong, shown highlighter, because it's not that subtle. It's easy to apply, and you can build it up quite a lot. It blends nicely to your skin, but be careful, because it can it can emphasize your pores or dry patches.

The blusher comes in a black, plastic container. It's very suitable for traveling. It also has a slight scent of vanilla or candy. It's not that noticeable, just a light scent. But it definitely disappears when you apply it to your face.


CONCLUSION:

This is a very interesting product, because it's a cream highlighter with a slight frosty pink tint to it. It applies quite nicely, but it can make your pores stand out. It's not very subtle, but it does give you that healthy glow. I personally am not a big fan of this product, even though it was something new to me. I don't know, it's just not my style. It's too glowy and it can look a bit cakey if not applied carefully. But if you have the patience to work with it and if you're a big fan of dramatic highlight than go for it. 

Comparison: Naked vs. Naked 2 (from Urban Decay)

The first thing  before we start with the real comparison and review: this is probably the most mainstream post any beauty blogger can do. But it's also (in my opinion) one that makes you THE REAL beauty blogger. I think you can't be in this without owning either one of Naked palettes. They are true cult products. They are marked as best-selling products from Urban Decay. And they are essential part of my makeup.
You will have to pay 50$ and they are available in Sephora, Ulta,...or on website of Urban Decay. Each one of them contains 12 eyeshadows that weight 1.3g/0.05 US oz.
The eyeshadow texture is creamy and they are very pigmented. There isn't to much fallout. This palettes are really good. 

NAKED has a velvet case in dark brown, chocolate color with golden foil lettering "NAKED". It also has small mirror (well..medium sized mirror) and you will get a Good Karma Eyeshadow Brush. This palette comes with a travel-size Primer Potion. 
NAKED 2 has a metal case (in taupe color) with embossed name in brown. The packaging is easy to travel and looks nice. But I prefer the look of NAKED. It's just nicer. But it gets more dirty than NAKED 2. You also get a double-ended Good Karma shadow/crease Brush. And you get a travel-size Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Naked. I LOVE this lipgloss. It has that amazing tingling effect.
Both palettes are also cruelty-free.

Now for the color comparisons:

"Foxy" (Naked 2) doesn't have similar shades in Naked. It's described as a matte yellowed beige. Than we have "Virgin" (Naked) and "Booty Call" (Naked 2). "Booty Call" is peachier than "Virgin", but they are very similar. I love them both. They are probably my most used colors. Perfect for iner-eye corners. Now "Sin" (Naked), which is a champagne- light pink shimmer. This is my favorite color (beside "Sidecar"). It's absolutely amazing. This color has no comparable shades.

"Sidecar" (Naked) and "Suspect" (Naked 2) are both light brown shimmers. They are warm colors with almost cinnamon tone to it. You can also see some champagne shimmer in it."Suspect" is more taupe/brown than "Sidecar", which is more champagne. They are also in my top section of UD shades.  

"Verve" (Naked 2) has no dupes here. It's a silver undertoned taupe with lots of sheen to it. It also has cool undertone.
Than we have some matte colors. First, "Naked" (Naked) is a matte light brown with warm undertones. "Buck" (also from Naked) is darker version of "Naked". "Tease" is a true taupe with matte finish. It can't compare with other shades.
"Half Baked" (from both, Naked and Naked 2) is a warm golden with some copper in it. It's highly pigmented and almost glittery. Shades from both palettes are exact dupes. They are actual same eyeshadow.

In this set of swatches I'll start with the darkest color, which is "Blackout" (Naked 2). It's just a matte black. It has no dupes.
Now for the most unique shades of both palettes, "Pistol" (Naked 2), "Gunmetal" (Naked) and "Creep" (Naked). They are all cool-toned with gray base. "Gunmetal" is very pigmented and the most blue of all 3 of them. "Pistol" is a true gray with silver shimmer (I LOVE this color). " Creep" is the darkest color of them and is so beautiful. But "Creep" is very sheer.
Than comes "Smog" (Naked). It's golden, lighter version of "Snakebite" (Naked 2). They both have lovely sheen. "Hustle" is chocolate brown with mauve undertones. It has some shimmer. It's similar to "Darkhorse" (Naked) and "Busted" (Naked 2). They are all chocolate brown shimmers. "Darkhorse" is the darkest on and "Hustle" has the most mauve undertone.
"YDK" (Naked 2) is similar to "Toasted" (Naked). "YDK" is more shimmering and less coopery. It's also very similar to "Sidecar" (Naked).
In the end we have "Chopper" (Naked 2). This is a bronze, cooper color with shine. It's the most orange color in both palettes. Closest color is "Toasted".



Conclusion:

Both palettes are amazing. Naked is more warm-toned and Naked 2 is more cool-toned. They have many similar shades. Each one of them has something unique.
If you want champagne color, go for Naked, because it has Sin and Sidecar.
If you want a matte cream like Foxy, go for Naked 2. Also pick Naked 2 if you want more silver-toned colors (like Verve), matte black (Blackout) or bronze colors (Chopper).
You will prefer Naked if you like silver-blue colors (Like Gunmetal and Creep- they are amazing).
So you see that each palette has some unique, amazing shades. You have to decide what colors do you prefer.
I can't decide which palette I prefer.
But a good tip is: choose palette that suits your undertone more. Than for the colors from the other palette that you like, just buy singles of those shades.

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow (#101 Gri-Gri)

Here is another review. But it's not just an ordinary one, this is a review of a product I've been wanting so badly ever since I first saw it. It was love on first sight.

This gorgeous single eyeshadow is from the Chanel's Fall 2013 Superstition Collection. And this really deserves a capital letter for Collection. It's just amazing. I want every single piece of it. Not only they created some incredibly gorgeous and new products, but they are also very useful. Perfect for every day wear with a touch of sparkle and luxury. Some might complain that the colors are cold, but don't forget it's a fall (even winter) collection, and this time of year is cold.

And their single eyeshadow is not only everything I wrote about whole Collection, but even better (if possible).

You will have to pay around 29€/28$ for 1.6g/0.05 oz. 

The packaging is very sleek and classy. Just the normal Chanel black compact. It's quite small, great for traveling. It also has a mirror and you get the compact in a soft, velvet pouch.

It's officially described as a "metallic taupe". But it's more than that. It's just a divine mix of a neutral under toned light taupe with shimmers of mauve, gold, silver and even bronze. That makes it more suitable for all skin tones.

The color could be more pigmented, but that way it's perfect for every day wear. No one wants to go to work/school/... with tones of glittery eye makeup. This is just right combination of both: subtle color and amazing shimmer. I would also suggest applying some eye primer before, just to make sure this baby will survive through the day. The fall out is nothing to much.

The texture is soft and almost a bit creamy. The application is heavenly.

 

Now for the comparisons:

I was surprised when I found out I don't have any good dupes for this eyeshadow. I tried my best and as usual the Naked 2 came across. I also found something from Chanel's previous collection (Summer 2013), an eyeshadow stick. 

None of them were actually similar. First comparison was with Urban Decay's YDK. It's actually more chocolate brown and way darker. The shimmer is also different. I wanted to show you how light Gri-Gri is. Than I tried Tease (also from UD). It has similar color but it's a matte eyeshadow. It's also a bit darker. My next choice was Suspect. It's warmer and has more subtle shimmer. Gri-Gri also has more grey in it. 

And the last comparison was with Chanel stylo eyeshadow in #7 Moon River. This is the least similar one. It's more gray and has tones of silver sparkle in it. The color is also more pigmented and darker. 

That was it for comparisons, actually I'm glad I didn't find anything to similar, that would make it less original. 

 

 Here is another picture of Gri-Gri. And for the end just something interesting about it. You've probably heard the story for Superstition Collection. Madame Chanel strongly believed in luck and destiny. So she was surrounded with lots of charms and talismans. That way she would get good fortune. She also got her inspiration from them. And as Gri-Gri is a part of the collection, it's also part of her amulets. Not the product, but the name. Gri-Gri is also a voodoo talisman from Africa. This is suppoused to bring luck. 

And maybe if you'll wear this gorgeous eyeshadow, it'll also bring you some luck. 

Who knows?

Dior Addict Lipstick (#680 Millie)

I've been a huge fan of Dior's lip products for ages. And I adore their Addict lipsticks. My favorite of them is called Millie (#680), which is a sheer mauve. It will cost you around 30€/32$ to get this beauty. The formula is sheer and extremely moisturizing. It doesn't have any particular smell and it feels lovely on your lips. 
It's just the perfect everyday lipstick for me, very hydrating, has a bit of shine and adds some color to your lips. It isn't long lasting, on me it lasts around 3 hours before it fades into sheer stain. 

Heavy swatch and blended out

But there is something very interesting about this lipstick. In the tube it appears as a vibrant, very bold plum with some shimmer. But on your lips it turns into a sheer mauve and it loses lots of the shimmer.I know most people wouldn't like the lack of pigmentation of this lipstick, but I adore it. It's just the perfect "your lips, but better" color for me and great for every day. It isn't to strong and still has some shine to it. It's just such a flattering color for all skin-tones. It will enhance every one's natural lip color. It also has neutral undertone which is great for me. I have neutral skin undertone and it's quite hard to find a lipstick that will suit me perfectly. And keep in mind that YOU CAN build it up. You can see in the swatch picture, how much I build it up to a more plumy color.

Because it has some plumy color to it, it's perfect for fall.
And the packaging is AMAZING. Chic silver tube that changes color in different lighting. Just incredible Dior product. 

Here are some lipstick I compared it with

Now for the comparisons.
I couldn't found the exact same lipstick, but I will show you some comparisons anyway.

I compared it with Dior's Jelly Lip Pen in Gaia. Gaia has more peachy undertone. It's also more moist. And it looks more rosy to me. Than I compared it with Bourjois Color Boost jumbo lip pen in Fuchsia Libre to show you that Millie has truly neutral undertone. Fuchsia Libre has a blue undertone and is a fuchsia colored lip product. It's also less shiny. Also keep in mind that this was a light swatch for the Bourjois one.
Than I found another lipstick, from YSL. It's called Volupte sheer candy and it's in shade #12 Tasty Raspberry. I think this is the most similar color to the sheer version of Millie (or the blended version). Just the YSL one is much more shiny and moisturizing. But colors are quite similar.
I think (I'm not sure) maybe new lipstick from Bourjois called Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick (#24, Rose xoxo) could be similar. 

From these swatches you can see 3 things: It has neutral undertone, it's not that shimmering and there I couldn't find true dupe.

So I went to a beauty store and looked for some other comparisons. I thought these two would be the same, but it turned out they weren't.

I compared it with Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine in #61 Bonheur. You can see that Bonheur is more peachy and has slight red color to it. It's also not that moist. Now for the Revlon one it's pretty similar to Chanel's Bonheur. It's just a bit more shinny.

In the end I couldn't found similar lip color. Millie is pretty unique, it's just my favorite lipstick at the moment. My cat is also named Millie. I love them both.

Comparison: Urban Decay NAKED 2 vs. Too Faced NATURAL eyes

I got my Naked 2 palette over the summer and I've been loving it ever since. It's just the perfect mix of colors I use daily. You can get almost every single natural look out of it and the colors are amazing. Super pigmented and just stunning.
And a week ago my dad got me another neutral palette. He went to NYC and was able to get it for me. And when I got it the first thing I thought was how similar some colors were to my Naked 2 palette.
So I've decided to compare them.

The first thing is size. You can see the difference in packaging. The UD one is made out of plastic and is amazing for travelling. It also has a big mirror.While the Too Faced palette is made from cardboard and is slightly smaller. It also doesn't contain mirror and brush. But you get 3 cards with tips on how to use the palette.

Natural palette and 3 cards with tips

UD one retails for 45€/50$ and you'll get the Too Faced palette for 36$. Naked 2 has 12 x 0.05 oz eyeshadow.
The size of Natural palette: 3 x 0.07 oz eye shadows and  6 x 0.03 oz eye shadows.

Naked 2 has 12 eyeshadows, from matte ones (foxy, tease, blackout) to pearly eyeshadows (bootycall) and mainly shimmering colors (half baked, chopper, snakebite, suspect, pistol, verve, YDK, busted).
My all time favourites are bootycall, suspect and YDK. They are my favorite eyeshadows in my collection. 

Now the Natural palette has 3 matte colors (Heaven, Velvet revolver, Sexpresso), and others are shimmering. You get 9 eyeshadows, 3 of them are larger. I like Silk Teddy (lovely champagne shimmer).

Here is comparison:

For the lightest shades of both palettes (Foxy and Heaven) I can't say they look similar. Both are matte, but Heaven is ivory and Foxy is more yellow.
Bootycall is lighter and less shimmering version od Too Faced "Silk Teddy". Nude beach is the same as Silk Teddy but more glittery (It also has more fallout).
Verve can't compare with anything.

Push-up and Chopper look similar, but Push-up is more brown and less shimmering.
YDK is unique.
Suspect is shimmering and more gray version of Velvet revolver, which is matte. Suspect is more beautiful.
Tease can't compare with anything.

Half Baked and Honey Pot look similar, Half Baked is more pigmented.
Cocoa puff isn't comparable.
Snakebite is shimmering version of Sexpresso. 

Erotica is lighter and less pigmented version of Busted. 
Blackout can't compare with others and Pistol is also unique.


Conclusion: 
If you don't know which one to choose, I'd say go for Naked 2. Not only has wider selection of colors, but they are also more pigmented and you'll get less fallout. With Natural palette you get 2 not comparable colors and they're nothing special (Heaven-matte ivory and Cocoa Puff- chocolate brown shimmer). I also prefer the packaging of UD palette and you get a brush and a mirror, so it's more useful.
Also if you already have Naked 2, don't go for Natural palette, it's nothing special, colors are the same, but not so good. I think extra money is worth it with the Naked 2. But I like the packaging and the cards with tips from the Too Faced palette. It's cute, but nothing special.

Marc Jacobs nail polish ( #110 GATSBY)

This summer was released one of the most expected collections, Marc Jacobs one. It was launched at Sephora stores in August 9, 2013. You can find it exclusively at Sephora and Marc Jacobs stores. The first collection from amazing designer created lots of buzz in the beauty world. It offers more than 100 products.

There are also nail polishes, named Enamored Hi-Shine Lacquers that retails for $18. Product contains 13 ml/0.43 fl oz. Line has 24 shades that are all in style of Marc Jacobs, some of than represent iconic Marc Jacobs products (like Daisy nail varnish that has the same name as the cult perfume from MJ, same as Lola.)
One of the shades called Jezebel was also on nails of models at Jacobs' Fall 2013 runway show.

Product is a unique, rounded glass bottle that has a  black laquered cap. It has a modern, almost futuristic feel.

I chose one nail varnish to start with, and I decided to get #110 Gatsby. This is a metallic champagne light pink. The metallic finish is AMAZING, I've never seen anything so shiny in my life. The color has a light mauvey tint in some lighting. And you know how some "metallic" colors are in normal lighting just normal, sometimes even boring colors and turn metallic only in direct sunlight...well, Gatsby isn't like that. This will has a metallic finish in every possible corner, even in dark.
It's also very pigmented, but just a bit difficult to apply. Because the formula is very rich and can aplly wih a streaky result. So be sure to apply 2 coats and it will be perfect. 

(Sorry for my weird nails)

 I checked my nail varnish collection and found only one nail varnish that is slightly comparable. It's from Essie and it's called "Buy Me A Cameo". But actually is less pigmented and it turns more coopery. The metallic shine is also more subtle.

The new Marc Jacobs Beauty cosmetic line includes the Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lacquer ($18 USD / $22 CAD), available in twenty-four beautiful shades. Marc Jacobs Beauty is available exclusively at Sephora and Marc Jacobs stores and is inspired by the spirit of youth, confidence and experimentation.
These nail polishes come in sleek, rounded bottles with a black laquered cap and traditional brush applicator. They are really beautiful to look at- they almost have a ‘futuristic’ appeal to them which I really like. The shade range is huge and includes a variety of textures too!
- See more at: http://www.beautezine.com/marc-jacobs-beauty-enamored-hi-shine-lacquers-review-photos-swatches/#sthash.zS7iKLR3.dpu

I also compared it to Quartz from Chanel just to show that Gatsby isn't a taupy, greyish color as the Quartz is. It's pure champagne metallic.


But because I wasn't completely happy with comparisons I went to beauty store and they just got two new collections for this fall, Dior and Chanel ones. So I found two nail varnishes, "Rose Moire" from Chanel and "Destin" from Dior that looked similar.
But when swatched I changed my mind.

"Rose Moire" was the most similar one, just more pinky and less metallic. It's a subtle version of Gatsby. So if you think Gatsby is to shimmering or you don't like such a strong metallic finish go for the Chanel one.
And the Dior nail varnish wasn't so similar. It's more mauvey, violet version of it. "Destin" is more comparable to "Quartz", but more grey-mauve version of it and shimmers aren't that strong. They are very classy. It's a completely unique color.


Conclusion:


I think Gatsby is very unique champagne metallic color that can't compare to my other pinky metallics. But if you have something similar don't necessarily buy it. The texture is lovely, very thick and rich. Of course the application won't be perfect, but that's because it's a metallic nail varnish. The packaging is lovely, so chic and modern. The brush is also good, just a typical nail varnish one.
This doesn't have any strong smells and I like it a lot.
So if you like the color give it a go.

The new Marc Jacobs Beauty cosmetic line includes the Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lacquer ($18 USD / $22 CAD), available in twenty-four beautiful shades. Marc Jacobs Beauty is available exclusively at Sephora and Marc Jacobs stores and is inspired by the spirit of youth, confidence and experimentation.
These nail polishes come in sleek, rounded bottles with a black laquered cap and traditional brush applicator. They are really beautiful to look at- they almost have a ‘futuristic’ appeal to them which I really like. The shade range is huge and includes a variety of textures too!
- See more at: http://www.beautezine.com/marc-jacobs-beauty-enamored-hi-shine-lacquers-review-photos-swatches/#sthash.zS7iKLR3.dpuf

The new Marc Jacobs Beauty cosmetic line includes the Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lacquer ($18 USD / $22 CAD), available in twenty-four beautiful shades. Marc Jacobs Beauty is available exclusively at Sephora and Marc Jacobs stores and is inspired by the spirit of youth, confidence and experimentation.
These nail polishes come in sleek, rounded bottles with a black laquered cap and traditional brush applicator. They are really beautiful to look at- they almost have a ‘futuristic’ appeal to them which I really like. The shade range is huge and includes a variety of textures too!
- See more at: http://www.beautezine.com/marc-jacobs-beauty-enamored-hi-shine-lacquers-review-photos-swatches/#sthash.zS7iKLR3.dpuf

A highlighter lecture

If you asked me few years ago, when I wasn't using makeup, what was a highlighter, I'd probably say a pen in vivid, translucent color. But luckily I've improved my makeup knowledge since and nowadays I'm a faithful user of highlighter. I'm actually in love with it.
It's the easiest way to illuminate your face and create a youthful, dewy complexion. 

I. Where to apply it?

I usually apply it to my cheek bones, my chin, to the bridge of my nose and and sometimes a little bit on forehead. I also put some in inner corners of my eyes and under my eyebrow arch. This is super for brightening your eyes. You can also put some above your upper lip on your cupid's bow.  If you apply it properly and not to much you'll just brighten your face and make it prettier. It can create dimension and adds natural glow to your makeup.
You can learn to make certain features of your face stand out. That way you sculpt your face and balance the proportions.

II. Choose the right color


I prefer shimmering, champagne highlighter, but there are lots of options. Either go with white, a matte highlighter or warm your complexion with golden shimmering highlighter all over your face. It's important to know your face, your skin tone and choose the correct color. If you have pale skin pink, light tones will be perfect. But with sallow skin, I wouldn't go with pinks.
Also have light hand when applying, because no one wants to look overdone and too shinny or even glittery.
The key is blending!


III. Types of highlighters

Today we know lots of types of highlighters. From shimmering, powdery ones to liquid, metallic products.
The concealer highlighters are super easy to apply and they blend well. So you get quite natural glow that is usually not overpowering. They also brighten your face and can be used to cover imperfections or dark undereye circles.  But most people prefer shimmering powdery highlighters. Mainly because they look gorgeous, the colors are very shinny and beautiful and you can also use it to set your makeup.
There are also liquid ones, and to be honest they are hardest to apply. You really have to blend quickly in order to achieve natural makeup.


IV. My highlighters

And now here are some of my highlighters. I've collected them through this year and slowly I'm getting to know different types of highlighters and different styles of application.
I have a small selection, from some liquid ones to more creamy textures. I also use concealer highlighters, but I forgot to put them in picture (Sorry). I definitely prefer powder ones. Maybe I'll change my mind with some time. 

My highlighters

Here are the swatches

So here is a list of them:

1. The Balm: "Mary-Lou Manizer" (17€/24$ for 3oz/ 8.5g)

Mary-Lou Manizer is a champagne highlighter that has some warm, honey undertones. It's very pigmented and the application is beautiful. It also has tones of subtle, golden shimmers that diffuses light. The result is softer and younger skin with pretty glow. I use it on my cheek bones and in other "high" places on my face. 
Currently it's my favourite highlighter.

2. Poudre Signee de Chanel, Illuminating Powder (55€/ $68.00 for 0.28oz./ 8g)

This highlighter is from the Chanel Spring 2013 ” Printemps Precieux de Chanel ” Collection. Simply, it's a beautiful illuminating powder that is quite sheer. But it still reflects light and creates most amazing glow on your face. It's perfect spring highlighter, because it's not to strong, but still great. It recreates first sunshines in spring, that are soft and delicate. Also the powder was embossed with Chanel's signature emblems, like camellia blossom, lipsticks, lipgloss and famous perfume bottles. It was so gorgeous that I didn't use it for one month, but then I did and I'm not sorry. The highlighter is great and I love it.

3.Benefit "Girl meets pearl" (32€ /30$ for 12.0 mL / 0.4 US fl oz.)

This is a liquid luminizer in soft, golden-pink pearly tones. It has light-reflecting pigments that create delicate dewy glow. It smells AMAZING like chamomile. It also has some soothing properties because it has chamomile, raspberry and almond extraits. 
It's quite subtle and it creates nice, soft glow.
I like it, but I'm still trying to figure it the best way to apply it (...currently it's with my fingers).
I also love pearly finish.

4. Benefit "High Beam" (28€ /26$ for 13ml/ 0.45 US fl oz)

This is a lovely pink liquid highlighter. It's very shimmering and gorgeous. If you use it properly and blend it well you get a dewy, radiant glow that is just perfect. The trick with liquid highlighters is that you can mix them with your foundation for more dewy look. Or in my case to lighten my foundation, because I'm super pale and I can't find the perfect shade.

5. YSL Dare to Glow (#3 Naughty Pink) ( 30€ /28$ for 15mL/ 0,5 fl.oz.) 

This is a shimmering pink liquid highlighter. Compared to the High Beam the texture of this one is more creamy and it dries super fast. The colors are quite similar, maybe YSL is more pigmented, but when blended this one goes quite sheer. When you squeeze some from tube it's incredibly pigmented, but when you apply it to the skin and blend it, it just transforms to something soft, very transparent.
It has many functions, you can use it as a highlighter, or as eyeshadow primer. The website says you can use it even on your lips.
But to be honest, this is my least favourite of the bunch. I've tried to apply it with my finger, with a brush, I even mixed it with my foundation and it always looks patch and uneven. I'll try to find a way because the color is amazing, but so far the texture is horrible. But I love the packaging, I mean this looks like a perfect product, hopefully the problem is in my application.

You can see comparison of High Beam and YSL. The YSL one is sooo beautiful and sparkling.

This was my selection for this post, but I forgot to include some other highlighters and concealers that are pretty great. I also use (daily) L'Oreal's Lumi Magique Makeup Base to lighten my foundation. Because normal foundations are to dark for me I have to use something to sheer them. And it's okay, it also adds some sheen to my face. As a under eye concealer I use L'Oreal's Magic Lumi concealer. In the beginning I hated it, but I've learned how to use it properly and since I've been loving it.


Conclusion: 
My favourite highlighter is from The Balm, and it's their Mary-Lou Manizer. I also like all the other highlighters I currently own (except the YSL one, but this one apparently need some extra care and special application I haven't found yet). You can achieve perfect glowy complexion with any of this, but make sure to know your face and skin tone in order to pick the best one for you.
And I'm also not done yet with the whole highlighter story. I will keep on researching and finding my next big love. So far it's the Mary-Lou Manizer and I can say it's definitely a HG material.

Dior 1 couleur eye gloss (#560, Tan)

Last year Dior released their first liquid eyeshadow as a part of their Dior Croisette Summer 2012 Collection. They were a limited edition. 
And this summer (one year later) I picked one of them. I picked #560, named Tan. Tan is a very shimmering bronze that has tones of gold toned flecks in it. Sometimes you can even see some multi-coloured sparkles.This eyeshadow looks the best in warm, sunny day. Sunlight just makes it pop and it looks divine. Summer is perfect time for wearing this baby.

Swatches

This eye gloss is not actually that liquidy. The texture is more like a gel and the consistency is very light.It's also not sticky. It has a cooling effect that is a must have in summer products lately. This is also one of those products that are super easy and quick to apply. It's very easy to apply and it doesn't dry immediately, so you have enough time to spread it over your eye lid.
When it dries you get a shimmery effect with a bit of bronze color. It compliments your summer tan and adds just enough glam.

Here are some comparisons: 

1. Urban Decay "Chopper" is more bronze, a bit more orange. And it isn't that shimmery, it's more shiny finish.
2.Maybelline Color Tatto "On and On Bronze" is a bit darker and more cool toned (even grayish). Shimmers are more silvery than the golden flecks of Tan. But both blended out are quite similar (sorry for no picture).
3.Urban Decay "Suspect" is lighter, less worm. Shimmers are more subtle.
4. L'Oreal infalible eyeshadow "Sahara Treasure" is more cool toned golden than Tan, which is more warm and a bit bronze. It's also more sparkling, but blended out it would be more similar to Tan.
5. Urban Decay "Half Baked" is more coppery and warmer. It's not that shimmery.
5.Mix of darker shades from Dior 3 couleurs smokey palette (#571 Nude) is lighter (between the normal, heavy swatch and blended one). It's more bronze and has the same amount of "warm/cool tones". It has less shimmers and it's more subtle.

I have oily skin and on my eye lids, it lasts whole day. You can use it as an eye primer and other eyeshadow won't crease. It comes with a doe foot applicator that is supper easy for application. The packaging is cute and the product is quite small.

This little tube of gorgeous creamy eyeshadow will cost you around 27€, but keep in mind that it was released as a limited product last summer, so your chances of finding it are very low. But check out those that came in with this summer collection. They are #530 Gold Sand, #740 Zenith (http://www.escentual.com/blog/2013/05/22/dior-bird-of-paradise-summer-look-2013/), #370 Outremer and #450 Bamboo (http://joeychong.com/2013/08/15/items-from-dior-summer-2013/). But because summer is almost over hurry up, they are also limited pieces. 

Overall I give this product an A+
It's not only a great, easy to use product, but the colour is very unique. I have tones of similar bronze/taupe colours and I couldn't find one that could compare. When the sun hits your eyelids, it looks just divine. The bottle is also very practical, great for travelling. I f you can still find it, you won't regret buying it.