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	<description>Fresh Beauty Finds, Picked Daily!</description>
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		<title>I Pledge to Love My Hair, Do You?</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/05/15/i-pledge-to-love-my-hair-do-you/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/05/15/i-pledge-to-love-my-hair-do-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hair Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hair Dryer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KMS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Orofluido]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ulta]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3445</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Bad hair days happen to the best of us. Having had long hair most of my life, I can relate to those humid days, the weird kinks and the I-can&#8217;t-believe-I-curled-my-hair-and-now-it&#8217;s-raining moments. Then there was that time I went jetskiing and &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/05/15/i-pledge-to-love-my-hair-do-you/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><script src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/ReviewBadge/OID5027_Ulta_Love_Your_Hair_ReviewBadge_009/@x13" type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript1.1"></script>
<p>Bad hair days happen to the best of us. Having had long hair most of my life, I can relate to those humid days, the weird kinks and the I-can&#8217;t-believe-I-curled-my-hair-and-now-it&#8217;s-raining moments. Then there was that time I went jetskiing and forgot a hair tie&#8230; 3 hours of brushing/conditioning followed (true story). I recognize the need for good quality hair products. Not just products that make my hair <em>appear</em> healthy, but ones that truly help repair any damage. Luckily for all of us, ULTA Beauty is hosting the <a href="http://goo.gl/U36GT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Love Your Hair</a> event from May 12 to June 1st. This celebration of hair includes hair events, demos, prizes and daily Beauty Steals<span>™</span> featuring some amazing hair care products at discounted prices (in store and online). Some of my personal favorites that will be featured as Beauty Steals are:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Orofluido-Macro.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3438" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Orofluido-Macro.jpg" alt="Orofluido Macro" height="683" width="1024"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Orofluido, I&#8217;m sure this must be called liquid gold. This oil does wonders for my hair. I use it after I have washed/towel-dried my hair. Not only does it help condition and add shine, but it also shortens my time with &nbsp;<span>the blow dryer! </span></p>
<p><span><br /></span><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Osis-Mattifying-Hair-Powder-Macro.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3439" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Osis-Mattifying-Hair-Powder-Macro.jpg" alt="Osis Mattifying Hair Powder Macro" height="683" width="1024"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;Osis+ Dust It Mattifying Powder &#8211; There will be always be days when I simply do not have the time to wash and dry my hair. This hair powder is a life saver! I sprinkle a bit near my roots and fluff my hair around a bit and all of the oilies are gone. Huge bonus: it&#8217;s totally volumizing. It gives me more lift than hair spray!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ConAir-You-By-ConAir.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3440" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ConAir-You-By-ConAir.jpg" alt="ConAir You By ConAir" height="683" width="1024"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;ConAir You Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer &#8211; Hair dryers never seemed too different from each other to me. This model is much quieter than the one I was using before, and my ears are grateful!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Hot-Tools-Hair-Straightener.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3441" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Hot-Tools-Hair-Straightener.jpg" alt="Hot Tools Hair Straightener" height="683" width="1024"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hot Tools Nano Ceramic 1/2&#8243; Straightener &#8211; I&#8217;ve never been a hair-straightening kind of gal. I can get straight hair just from using a blow dryer so using one just seemed like an unnecessary extra step. After testing this out I can see the appeal. My hair is smoother and more &#8220;finished&#8221; looking when I use it. It heats up in record time and was easy to manipulate in my hair.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/KMS-Hair-Stay-Macro.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3442" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/KMS-Hair-Stay-Macro.jpg" alt="KMS Hair Stay Macro" height="683" width="1024"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;KMS Hair Stay Dry Xtreme Hair Spray &#8211; I&#8217;m pretty laid-back when it comes to hair spray. I have never tried one that really knocked my socks off and just went with something inexpensive, readily available and that could hold a curl. This stuff smells great, comes out almost dry already (how do they do that?!) and really holds my style in place. I used it after curling my hair, and the next morning I woke up with my hair still&nbsp;<span>partially curled! A perfect day to use some of the powder I mentioned above, right?!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;<a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Crystal-Light-Lipstick-Challenge-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3434" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Crystal-Light-Lipstick-Challenge-3.jpg" alt="Crystal Light Lipstick Challenge 3" height="768" width="804"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hair Styled with Orofluido, Conair You Hair Dryer, Hot Tools Nano Ceramic Straightener and KMS Hair Stay Hair Spray</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As part of <a href="http://goo.gl/U36GT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this amazing event</a>, ULTA Beauty is also asking all of us to make a Hair Pledge, to love our hair, just as it is. As bonus for taking part in the pledge, you will be entered for a chance to win free blowouts for the rest of the year (ummm, way cool!). To join us, all you need to do is tweet your hair pledge with the hashtag #ULTAHairPledge and you&#8217;ll be entered. I&#8217;m eager to see all of you take part in this super fun event so I&#8217;ve teamed up with BlogHer to offer one reader a $100 ULTA Beauty Gift Card so you can experience some new products to help you on your hair journey. Simply leave a comment below telling me your hair pledge. &nbsp;</p>
<div><strong><br /></strong></div>
<div><strong>Sweepstakes Rules:</strong></div>
<div><strong>No duplicate comments.</strong></div>
<div><strong>You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:</strong></div>
<div><strong>a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post</strong></div>
<div><strong>b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the </strong><strong>following unique term in your tweet message: &#8220;#SweepstakesEntry&#8221;; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post</strong></div>
<div><strong> </strong> <strong>c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post</strong></div>
<div><strong>d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.</strong> &nbsp;</div>
<div><strong>This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.</strong>&nbsp;</div>
<div>
<p><strong>The Official Rules are available&nbsp;<a href="http://www.blogher.com/beautiful-hair-program-sweepstakes-official-rules" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here.</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>This sweepstakes runs from 5/15/13 – 6/1/13.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Be sure to visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blogher.com/ulta-beauty" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ULTA Beauty page on BlogHer.com</a>&nbsp;where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!</strong></p>
</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>This post, the products and the giveaway are sponsored by ULTA Beauty.</div>
<p><script src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/SCU/OID5027_Ulta_Love_Your_Hair_SCU_009/@x13?_RM_HTML_FRAMEWIDTH_=450" type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript1.1"></script></p>
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		<slash:comments>33</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>New From NARS: Not Your Average Summer Collection</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/05/03/new-from-nars-not-your-average-summer-collection/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/05/03/new-from-nars-not-your-average-summer-collection/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 23:43:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NARS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NARS Barrow Street]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NARS Biscayne Park Lip Pencil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NARS Boys Don't Cry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NARS Boys Don't Cry dupe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NARS Boys Don't Cry Swatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NARS Euphrate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NARS Euphrate dupe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NARS Euphrate Swatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NARS Lodhi Lip Pencil]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3417</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Don&#8217;t you hate being disappointed? It wasn&#8217;t long ago that I eagerly anticipated the arrival of each NARS seasonal collection. I would make note of the exact release date and excitedly order several things from each new launch- batting 300. &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/05/03/new-from-nars-not-your-average-summer-collection/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Don&#8217;t you hate being disappointed?</p>
<p>It wasn&#8217;t long ago that I eagerly anticipated the arrival of each NARS seasonal collection. I would make note of the exact release date and excitedly order several things from each new launch- batting 300. It was with their fall collection last year that I began to feel a bit let down. My excitement for their collections was rivaled only by my dismay with items that looked good <em>in theory</em> but ended up not working for me (I&#8217;m looking at you, Autumn Leaves- one of the worst NARS products I&#8217;ve ever tried). In fact I rarely touch anything I purchased from that collection. Then the Andy Warhol collection came out and absolutely nothing from that appealed to me. The same story was repeated when their spring collection was released. The colors were not was I was expecting- but not necessarily in a good way.</p>
<p>After months of being disheartened I was super excited to hear about the new Satin Lip Pencils AND the summer collection AND the Pierre Hardy blushes- all of which have not let me down. I&#8217;ll say this: NARS knows how to redeem themselves.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Euphrate-Shadow.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3424" alt="NARS Euphrate Shadow" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Euphrate-Shadow.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>NARS Euphrate Eyeshadow</p>
<p>This appealed to me on several levels- the beautiful shimmer, the silvery-green color and the oh-so-buttery texture. This is a must have from the summer collection for me. Of course, I went through my stash to see if I had anything similar&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Euphrate-Swatch-Comparisons.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3425" alt="NARS Euphrate Swatch Comparisons" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Euphrate-Swatch-Comparisons.jpg" width="926" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>(excuse the goosebumps! The sun was out the day I did swatches but it was a few weeks ago when the weather was still fairly cold!)</p>
<p>L-R: Sunday Riley Fool&#8217;s Gold, Chanel Epatant, Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel green shade, NARS Euphrate, Lancome Erika F</p>
<p>Euphrate is significantly more icy/silver than the shades I had to compare it to. The formula is spot on and highly pigmented. It is a unique shade for certain.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Barrow-Street-Eyeliner-Macro.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3418" alt="NARS Barrow Street Eyeliner Macro" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Barrow-Street-Eyeliner-Macro.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>NARS Barrow Street Larger Than Life Eyeliner</p>
<p>This is my very first NARS Eyeliner. No other shade has seemed unique enough to warrant a purchase and I don&#8217;t know that I ever really hear anyone rave about the formula. I enjoy it. It is highly pigmented and very smooth. This mint-y shade is so on trend right now&#8230;NARS describes it as <em>seafoam</em>. It leans more green than blue on my skin, but I think it&#8217;s a &#8220;your mileage may vary&#8221; kind of product depending on your undertone.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Barrow-Street-Swatch-Comparisons.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3419" alt="NARS Barrow Street Swatch Comparisons" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Barrow-Street-Swatch-Comparisons.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Swatches L-R: NARS Barrow Street, MAC Aqua, NARS Euphrate, NARS Habanera Duo Mint Shade</p>
<p>I didn&#8217;t really have much to compare Barrow Street to. The other three swatches are eyeshadows and none of them are as bright or as minty. I did, however, include the mint side of the NARS Habanera Duo to compare to Euphrate. It&#8217;s lighter still and even more icy. Euphrate is more olive in tone but if you already own Habanera you might not feel as pressed to rush out and buy Euphrate.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Boys-Dont-Cry-Blush.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3422" alt="NARS Boys Don't Cry Blush" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Boys-Dont-Cry-Blush.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>NARS Boys Don&#8217;t Cry Blush</p>
<p>Isn&#8217;t she a beauty?! The gold worried me until I found that it was a very thin overspray. The blush is matte and super, super pigmented. By far the most impressive NARS blush release in a long, long time. The pan is oversized, and quite a bit larger than regular NARS blushes. Fine by me as the color is stunning. However, if you keep your blushes in drawers it&#8217;s worth noting the size differential as it may or may not fit in your storage unit. I use the IKEA Alex drawers and it can sit upright in there with plenty of room to spare. Also, the price is quite a bit higher on this as a result of the increase in size. It retails for $41 USD, which is $12 more than a regular blush.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Boys-Dont-Cry-Blush-Macro.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3421" alt="NARS Boys Don't Cry Blush Macro" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Boys-Dont-Cry-Blush-Macro.jpg" width="1024" height="665" /></a></p>
<p>In the macro you can see just how thin the overspray is.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Boys-Dont-Cry-Swatch-Comparisons.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3423" alt="NARS Boys Don't Cry Swatch Comparisons" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Boys-Dont-Cry-Swatch-Comparisons.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Swatches L-R: Tom Ford Flush, NARS Boys Don&#8217;t Cry, MAC Bite of an Apple, Tarte Achiote</p>
<p>I struggled to find a dupe for this. The pigmentation just blows the rest of the competition out of the water. I haven&#8217;t layered Boys Don&#8217;t Cry; you are looking at just one swipe. Bite of an Apple is closest in tone, but still not as smooth or as intense. Rotunde (the other shade released in the collection) is firmly on my wishlist.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Lodhi-Satin-Lip-Pencil.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3426" alt="NARS Lodhi Satin Lip Pencil" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Lodhi-Satin-Lip-Pencil.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>NARS Lodhi Satin Lip Pencil</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Biscayne-Park-Satin-Lip-Pencil.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3420" alt="NARS Biscayne Park Satin Lip Pencil" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/NARS-Biscayne-Park-Satin-Lip-Pencil.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>NARS Biscayne Park Satin Lip Pencil</p>
<p>I ordered two of the new Satin Lip Pencils in my standard, go-to shades. Biscayne Park is a lovely nude that isn&#8217;t too cool or too warm- it&#8217;s just right. Lodhi is a gorgeous coral-peach that&#8217;s perfectly ripe for spring and summer. I will be doing a separate review post with swatches and my full thoughts after I have used them more. For now, I&#8217;m pretty impressed with the colors and the staying power.</p>
<p>What started off as a brand being, well&#8230;.. <em>disenchanted</em> has turned into a true Cinderella story. NARS fully redeemed themselves with their latest releases and I&#8217;m back to being excited again.</p>
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		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>It&#8217;s Looking Like An Early Summer With Clarins Splendours Bronzer</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/04/21/its-looking-like-an-early-summer-with-clarins-splendours-bronzer/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/04/21/its-looking-like-an-early-summer-with-clarins-splendours-bronzer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:54:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bronzers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clarins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clarins Bronzer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clarins Splendours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clarins Splendours Swatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dior Aurora Dupe]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3408</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It wasn&#8217;t that long ago that I posted a call for help to pick out a new bronzer. Since that time several have caught my eye (and I may or may not have purchased more than one &#62;.&#60;) but the &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/04/21/its-looking-like-an-early-summer-with-clarins-splendours-bronzer/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It wasn&#8217;t that long ago that I posted a call for help to pick out a new bronzer. Since that time several have caught my eye (and I may or may not have purchased more than one &gt;.&lt;) but the bronzer that stood out the most was the new Splendours Bronzing Compact from Clarins.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-Bronzer.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3412" alt="Clarins Splendours Bronzer" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-Bronzer.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>The compact itself is HUGE. This is a generous amount of product (20 grams) and the compact takes up the entire palm of my hand. The real selling point is, of course, the design. I mean&#8230;. just <em>look</em> at that detail&#8230;.I smile every time I open this!</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-Bronzer-Macro.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3410" alt="Clarins Splendours Bronzer Macro" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-Bronzer-Macro.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>I&#8217;m still kicking myself for missing out on the Mosaic Bronzer Clarins released a few years ago. I had to buy this overseas because I have not seen this in stores or online stateside yet. I have no official word on whether or not it&#8217;s being released here. But for the life of me I wouldn&#8217;t understand it if they didn&#8217;t.</p>
<p>The colors blend wonderfully together, a true harmony of peach and bronze tones that do not overwhelm the complexion, or give it a muddy appearance. In fact, it reminds me of a slightly darker version of the famed Dior Aurora (a favorite of mine). Check out the swatches below.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-Bronzer-Swatches.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3411" alt="Clarins Splendours Bronzer Swatches" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-Bronzer-Swatches.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Swatches L-R: Dior Aurora, Clarins Splendours, MAC Give Me Sun, Too Faced Chocolate Soleil (original)</p>
<p>You can see that Splendours sits right in between Give Me Sun and Aurora in terms of shade. It&#8217;s not quite as orange or as dark as Give Me Sun, but it&#8217;s slightly deeper than Aurora. This is the kind of bronzer that you can wear as an entire cheek color, no need to add blush (which is how I wear it below). It is incredibly smooth and finely milled and is almost completely matte.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-Bronzer-FOTD-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3409" alt="Clarins Splendours Bronzer FOTD 2" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-Bronzer-FOTD-2.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Wearing Splendours on/under cheekbones</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-FOTD.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3413" alt="Clarins Splendours FOTD" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clarins-Splendours-FOTD.jpg" width="1006" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>Overall I give the Splendours bronzer a big A+. It has a generous size, a gorgeous design, perfect color for my skintone and is incredibly smooth in texture. I purchased mine from <a href="http://www.salonskincare.co.uk/" target="_blank">SalonSkincare</a> (a UK store that ships to the US).</p>
<p>What new bronzer(s) for spring/summer have captured your attention? Have you seen the new Guerlain ones? I&#8217;m dying to get my hands on one of them!</p>
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		<title>PSA: MAC In Extra Dimension Blushes!</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/04/05/psa-mac-in-extra-dimension-blushes/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/04/05/psa-mac-in-extra-dimension-blushes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:22:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MAC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC At Dusk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC At Dusk Swatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Bareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Bareness Swatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Blazing Haute]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Blazing Haute Swatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Flaming Chic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Flaming Chic Swatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC In Extra Dimension]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC In Extra Dimension Blush]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC In Extra Dimension Swatches]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3397</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Happy Friday! I&#8217;m looking forward to an evening out&#8230;enjoying pizza and margaritas soon. But before I could get my relaxation on I had to share the latest MAC release, the In Extra Dimension collection. If it sounds familiar that&#8217;s because &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/04/05/psa-mac-in-extra-dimension-blushes/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Happy Friday!</p>
<p>I&#8217;m looking forward to an evening out&#8230;enjoying pizza and margaritas soon. But before I could get my relaxation on I had to share the latest MAC release, the In Extra Dimension collection.</p>
<p>If it sounds familiar that&#8217;s because it should. MAC released a similar collection last spring called Extra Dimension. Funny how adding &#8220;In&#8221; changes things &#8230; <img src='http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  Anyway, you can see my swatches and review for that collection <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2012/04/03/mac-in-extra-dimension-shadows-swatches-comparisons/" target="_blank">here</a>. I loved it and still use many of the items from that collection on a regular basis. The formula is touted as being a hybrid, somewhere in between cream and powder. The initial collection was quite shimmery. When I first heard they were releasing blushes I thought it was going to be a disco-ball train wreck. Imagine my surprise that the blushes aren&#8217;t metallic or shimmery. They have the smoothest, softest sheen. Infused with a kiss of sunlight, they are the perfect consistency.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s get on with the photos, then, shall we?</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-Bareness.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3399" alt="MAC Bareness" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-Bareness.jpg" width="4259" height="3027" /></a></p>
<p>MAC Bareness</p>
<p>Bareness is a light, slightly peached nude. If you are darker than NC40 you may have to layer a bit more to get it to show up on you as a regular blush&#8230; it maybe easier as a highlighter. It&#8217;s a gorgeous nude, but it&#8217;s more pale. Fine by me as I&#8217;m obsessed with nude blushes.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-At-Dusk.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3401" alt="MAC At Dusk" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-At-Dusk.jpg" width="4608" height="3072" /></a></p>
<p>MAC At Dusk</p>
<p>At Dusk is another nude shade, but with slightly more rose/mauve to it. It ends up giving a very natural flush. Again, this is a paler shade. The paler your skin the better this will work as a blush. It can be layered, just like Bareness, but I have a feeling for those darker than NC40 it will again need some extra dips in the pan.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-Flaming-Chic.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3400" alt="MAC Flaming Chic" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-Flaming-Chic.jpg" width="4608" height="3072" /></a></p>
<p>MAC Flaming Chic</p>
<p>Flaming Chic is a gorgeous <em>flamingo</em> type pink. It&#8217;s bright, but has some peach undertones to it to keep it from going cool toned. It&#8217;s warm and cheery, perfect for spring and summer. I think all skin tones could pull this off.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-Blazing-Haute.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3402" alt="MAC Blazing Haute" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-Blazing-Haute.jpg" width="4608" height="3072" /></a></p>
<p>MAC Blazing Haute</p>
<p>Blazing Haute is a a true bright peach shade. It borders on being slightly orange in some lights, but mostly I just see a pigmented, gorgeous peach. I think this is a universally flattering shade.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-In-Extra-Dimension-Swatches.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3398" alt="MAC In Extra Dimension Swatches" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAC-In-Extra-Dimension-Swatches.jpg" width="4608" height="3072" /></a></p>
<p>Swatches L-R (sunlight): Flaming Chic, Blazing Haute, At Dusk, Bareness</p>
<p>These blushes have a lovely texture and a gorgeous finish. Let me address some initial thoughts and concerns I have seen about these blushes:</p>
<ul>
<li>They are <em>not</em> metallic or shimmery like their skinfinish and eyeshadow counterparts.</li>
<li>Pigmentation is medium. Some shades are bright, others are pale. Do not expect intense color payoff, at least not at first swipe.</li>
<li>They are buildable. You can layer to get the desired effect. I personally prefer this method to insanely pigmented blushes. These are not going to be easy to over-do. No clown cheeks here.</li>
<li>There seems to be a slight &#8220;waxy&#8221; thin layer over the top of the blushes. Once you swipe your brush over them a few times pigmentation increases.</li>
<li>The finish is gorgeous. They melt into the skin and it&#8217;s hard to tell where the blush starts and finishes on the cheeks. Blendability is phenomenal.</li>
</ul>
<p>Overall I think MAC did well by me on this new blush formula. I&#8217;m happy with the colors I chose (only leaving behind the more red-toned Fiery Impact). They are wearable and not at all the shimmery mess I was expecting. However, if you are looking for a highly pigmented blush you should continue your search elsewhere. They are easily buildable, but it may not be your cup of tea.</p>
<p>Have a great weekend! It&#8217;s finally getting warm here (let&#8217;s hear it for 60+ degrees and sunshine)!</p>
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		<title>MAC Fashion Sets: Swatches and Comparisons</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/28/mac-fashion-sets-swatches-and-comparisons/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/28/mac-fashion-sets-swatches-and-comparisons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2013 22:09:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MAC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Ablaze]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Ablaze Dupe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Ablaze Lipstick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Embrace Me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Embrace Me Dupe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Embrace Me Lipstick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Entertain Me]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Lasting Sensation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3388</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Happy Spring! Spring has finally arrived to my area and the sun is shining, all of the snow is gone and I can feel the air getting warmer as the nights get longer. I am so pumped for the change &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/28/mac-fashion-sets-swatches-and-comparisons/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Happy Spring! Spring has finally arrived to my area and the sun is shining, all of the snow is gone and I can feel the air getting warmer as the nights get longer. I am so pumped for the change of weather!</p>
<p>Quickie post for you today. I wanted to put up some swatches and comparisons of the newly released MAC Fashion Sets collection. I only ordered 3 items, all of which are lip products. I hope this helps!</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Ablaze-Lipstick.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3391" alt="MAC Ablaze Lipstick" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Ablaze-Lipstick.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>MAC Ablaze Lipstick</p>
<p>I was happy to discover Ablaze is more of a true coral than it was an orange coral. It&#8217;s a matte formula so it is drier in texture and I anticipate the lasting power will be longer as well as a result. It&#8217;s a beautiful color and perfect for the summer.</p>
<p>Of course, I did my usual comparison swatches:</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Ablaze-Lipstick-Comparison-Swatches.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3390" alt="MAC Ablaze Lipstick Comparison Swatches" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Ablaze-Lipstick-Comparison-Swatches.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>L-R: Tarte Glamazon Lipstick in Timeless, Tom Ford True Coral, MAC Ablaze, MAC Sail La Vie, MAC Scarlet Ibis, MAC Hibiscus, MAC Vegas Volt, MAC Neon Orange</p>
<p>I was surprised by how much more pink Ablaze was then say, Scarlet Ibis or Sail La Vie. From early swatches I was expecting the color to pull closer to those shades but am happily surprised that it doesn&#8217;t. The closest in MAC colors is probably Vegas Volt, though Vegas Volt is a different formula and a bit more peach in tone. In all, I&#8217;m super pleased I caved and ordered this shade.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Ablaze-Lip-Liner.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3389" alt="MAC Ablaze Lip Liner" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Ablaze-Lip-Liner.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>MAC Ablaze Lip Pencil</p>
<p>I had to get the matching set! I think it&#8217;s an OCD thing. Anyway, I love lip liners and over the last year or so have really discovered how amazing they can be. Toning up or toning down a look, adding lasting power or simply on their own they are truly multitasking wonders.</p>
<p>Again, I hesitated with Ablaze lip pencil because I had two other similar shades from MAC in my collection, but opted for it anyway. You will see swatches below.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Embrace-Me-Lipstick.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3393" alt="MAC Embrace Me Lipstick" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Embrace-Me-Lipstick.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>MAC Embrace Me Lipstick</p>
<p>I&#8217;m not sure which collection it was early last year, but I purchased a lip pencil called Embrace Me and absolutely loved it. You can see it in this post <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2012/02/17/going-for-glow-with-givenchy-poudre-bonne-mine/" target="_blank">here</a>. It is a fun, face brightening shade and I have used it alone and layered with great success. When I found out a lipstick was coming out in the same shade I knew I had to have it. So bright!</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Embrace-Me-Lipstick-Swatches.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3392" alt="MAC Embrace Me Lipstick Swatches" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Embrace-Me-Lipstick-Swatches.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Swatches L-R: MAC Entertain Me, MAC Ablaze, MAC Lasting Sensation, MAC Embrace Me, MAC Embrace Me Lipstick, MAC Girl About Town</p>
<p>Ablaze lip pencil is less orange than Entertain Me, and darker/more coral than Lasting Sensation. Lasting Sensation leans a lot more peach on me personally. Embrace Me lipstick and liner are a perfect match. I don&#8217;t have another liner to compare it to. Girl About Town was the closest I had to Embrace Me lipstick, and you can see the formula is different and Girl About Town is darker/deeper.</p>
<p>Overall I&#8217;d say my picks from this collection were quite par for the course when it comes to my personal tastes. I&#8217;m happy with the items I picked and imagine I&#8217;ll get plenty of mileage from all of them as we head into spring and summer.</p>
<p>Did you pick up anything from this collection? Did any of the eyeshadows catch your eye?</p>
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		<title>Newsflash: Permanent MAC Products You Need to Know About!</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/17/newsflash-permanent-mac-products-you-need-to-know-about/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/17/newsflash-permanent-mac-products-you-need-to-know-about/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Mar 2013 02:12:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MAC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Chatterbox]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Copperplate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Coquette]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Cosmo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Eyeshadow Swatches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Fresh Brew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Grey Utility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Lipstick Swatches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC lovelorn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Mystery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Nehru]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Oak Liner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Orb]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Quite Natural]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Saddle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Soft Ochre]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3377</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I know better than anyone (ok, just as well as any other beauty enthusiast) that it&#8217;s easy to get caught up in limited edition collections and seasonal releases from just about any beauty brand on the market. However, with the &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/17/newsflash-permanent-mac-products-you-need-to-know-about/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I know better than anyone (ok, just as well as any other <em>beauty enthusiast</em>) that it&#8217;s easy to get caught up in limited edition collections and seasonal releases from just about any beauty brand on the market. However, with the vast majority of my collection it&#8217;s the permanent items that yield my most-used, highly-coveted pieces. For instance, MAC. MAC releases SO many new collections in one year that even I can&#8217;t keep them all straight. Many of the collections fall short of my initial expectations and many of the limited edition items I pick up end up in the bottom of a pile somewhere, or in the back of a drawer. But MAC&#8217;s permanent line? There are some serious contenders for lipstick, eyeshadow, base makeup, blushes and brushes readily available in their regularly offered range. If you&#8217;re reading this I am sure you already know the legends of Satin Taupe, Creme d&#8217;nude, and Gingerly (to name a few). Rather than stick with what I know you have already heard about <em>ad nauseum,</em> I thought I&#8217;d introduce you to a few gems from the permanent line that don&#8217;t seem to get as much press&#8230;.and they really deserve it.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Unknown-Eye-Favorites.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3380" alt="MAC Unknown Eye Favorites" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Unknown-Eye-Favorites.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a> Palette shades L-R, T-B: Orb, Shroom, Moleskin, Coquette, Copperplate, Saddle, Mystery, Smut, Nehru</p>
<p><strong>Eyes</strong></p>
<p>Although MAC does make some lovely limited edition eyeshadows and paint pots, their permanent range is worth a play in store or at the counter. That&#8217;s how I end up discovering so many that I treasure. They have some fantastic matte shadows and, in fact, every shadow I&#8217;m showing today is free of shimmer. There are a few shades in the palette above that I&#8217;m not featuring here, not because they aren&#8217;t great but because I really wanted to keep this to a well edited number and Moleskin was unfortunately limited edition. Mystery is my most used of the shades above. It&#8217;s perfect to deepen the lashline without looking harsh and can be mixed with a lighter shade to fill in your brows.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Eyeshadow-Swatches.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3378" alt="MAC Eyeshadow Swatches" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Eyeshadow-Swatches.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a> Swatches L-R: Nehru, Mystery, Saddle, Copperplate, Coquette, Orb, Soft Ochre, Quite Natural, Grey Utility</p>
<p>I know most people gravitate towards Carbon when choosing a black eyeshadow from MAC, but I went a different route. I already have plenty of black shadows but I didn&#8217;t really have an off-black or something a little less intense that would make smoking out an eye look easier. Nehru fits that bill perfectly. It&#8217;s a sheerer shade, but it&#8217;s meant to be. I bought Saddle for a similar reason. I wanted a nice crease color that could double as a blend-out and it works like a charm. It adds a nice warmth as well. Copperplate is a gorgeous, silky grey shade that I have featured before. If you don&#8217;t own it, you really need to check it out the next time you visit MAC. Coquette is an interesting color. It&#8217;s not quite brown and not quite green but it lies somewhere in between. It&#8217;s a shade-shifter and tends to take on a similar tone to those around it. It&#8217;s nicely pigmented and very smooth. Orb is that quintessential pin-up beige shade. It&#8217;s absolutely stunning, especially over Soft Ochre. Which I actually prefer over the more popular Painterly. Soft Ochre is a great fit for those who have more yellow undertones in their skin. Quite Natural makes a great base for a smokey eye. It can be a bit tough to work with if you try to apply it like a regular cream shadow. It works best when you dab or dot it onto your lids. Grey Utility is a lovely liner that filled a void in my collection: matte dark grey. It&#8217;s brighter than black and works well with Copperplate.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Unknown-Favorites-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3381" alt="MAC Unknown Favorites 1" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Unknown-Favorites-1.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Lips &amp; Cheeks</strong></p>
<p>MAC makes some of my most used lipsticks of all time. Their lip liners are also up there in my top echelon. It&#8217;s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of lipsticks displayed in such close quarters when you visit MAC. Keeping the shades straight is a full time job!</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Lipstick-Swatches.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3379" alt="MAC Lipstick Swatches" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/MAC-Lipstick-Swatches.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a> Swatches L-R: Tenderling, Fresh Brew, Chatterbox, Cosmo, Fanfare, Lovelorn, In Anticipation, Oak</p>
<p>It&#8217;s easy to overlook Tenderling when you&#8217;re in the store because it kind of fades into the background, looking very unassuming. But on the cheeks it&#8217;s a nice face-warming, complexion-brightening blush that&#8217;s bordering on nude. As far as lipsticks go, Lovelorn and Chatterbox are two must-have pinks for me. I enjoy Lovelorn so much that this is my second tube. I misplaced my first one and was devastated enough to purchase a replacement. Cosmo and Fanfare are close relatives, Cosmo being slightly darker. Both are that kind of face-brightening demi-red, that isn&#8217;t quite pink but isn&#8217;t a full on red either. Think Rosie Huntington-Whiteley type shades. Both also pair well with In Anticipation liner, which is a pro longwear lip pencil and oh so creamy. Fresh Brew is nice semi-sheer nude that doesn&#8217;t wash me out or look too cakey on my lips. It is similar in tone to Oak lip liner, which makes a great base for any nude lip combo.</p>
<p>I hope this helped introduce you to some new and less familiar products from MAC&#8217;s permanent range. I love discovering makeup gems but I love it even more when there&#8217;s no rush to buy before it sells out. What products do you treasure from the regular MAC line? Anything that is lesser known?</p>
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		<title>HELP! Desperately Seeking Bronzer</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/16/help-desperately-seeking-bronzer/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/16/help-desperately-seeking-bronzer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 Mar 2013 19:56:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Benefit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bourjois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bronzers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chanel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dior]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Estee Lauder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Giorgio Armani]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Givenchy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tarte]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Too Faced]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bourjois Bronzer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bronzer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bronzer Comparisons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bronzer Swatches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MAC Give Me Sun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Pro Bronze]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Too Faced Chocolate Soleil]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3371</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I posted a small cry for help on twitter the other day regarding bronzers. I took a break from buying new ones last summer because&#8230; well&#8230; here is a portion of the ones I own: Included in this group: Dior &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/16/help-desperately-seeking-bronzer/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I posted a small cry for help on twitter the other day regarding bronzers. I took a break from buying new ones last summer because&#8230; well&#8230; here is a portion of the ones I own:</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bronzer-Mania.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3372" alt="Bronzer Mania" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bronzer-Mania.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Included in this group: Dior Aurora, Estee Lauder Sea Star Bronzing Blush, Too Face Chocolate Soleil, Too Faced Aqua Bunny, Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel, Giorgio Armani Bronze Mania #1, MAC Give Me Sun, MAC So Ceylon, Tarte Park Ave Princess, Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzing Powder, Physician&#8217;s Formula Cashmere, Sonia Kashuk Illuminating Bronzer, Givenchy Bonne Mine, Mark Pro Bronze, Bourjois Delice de Poudre in #52 and #14</p>
<p>As you can see, I have tried numerous formulations, brands, textures and colors. Below is a swatch of a few selected shades featured above:</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bronzer-Swatches.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3373" alt="Bronzer Swatches" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bronzer-Swatches.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Swatches L-R: MAC Give Me Sun, Giorgio Armani #1, Mark Pro Bronze, Bourjois #52, Bourjois #14, Benefit Hoola, Too Faced Chocolate Soleil</p>
<p>Of the above, my favorites are definitely Give Me Sun, Mark Pro Bronze and the Giorgio Armani. All three have a great texture, give a slightly different tone to the skin (depending on the season) and have excellent lasting power. The Mark Pro Bronze has given me the most mileage with hardly a dent and it was literally the <strong>only</strong> bronzer I used from May to December last year. I started getting bored with it recently and was looking through my stash for something different. But, nothing is really popping out at me in terms of my next go-to shade. Also worth mentioning is that I loathe Benefit Hoola. It looks way too ashy on me and actually makes me look quite dirty in the face as opposed to glowing. Yeah, <em>yuck</em>.</p>
<p>Which brings me to this post. What bronzer do you use the most? Are there any you highly recommend I try? My wishlist at the moment looks something like this:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bronzer_wishlist/set?.embedder=6420717&amp;.svc=wordpress&amp;id=75664597" target="_blank"><img title="Bronzer Wishlist" alt="Bronzer Wishlist" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Fd6JZOcICdhDfddVOJj0g/cid/75664597/id/ciHtGdfCR82yjXoogw_KCA/size/c600x714.jpg" width="600" height="714" border="0" /></a></p>
<p>Guerlain Terracotta Four Seasons Bronzer, Clarins Splendours Summer Bronzing Compact, Edward Bess Daydream, Dior Nude Tan Healthy Glow, Dolce &amp; Gabbana The Bronzer</p>
<p>I have heard so many people rave about the Edward Bess Bronzer, and I am admittedly smitten with the two face products I have already purchased from his line (Quad Royale in Monte Carlo and South of France). The Clarins bronzer looks amazing but I am uncertain of two things: the color and if it will be released in the U.S. The reviews I have seen never show swatches and have been exclusively UK blogs. What gives??? I have also heard plenty of good things about the Guerlain and Dior offerings and have recently fallen in love with Dolce &amp; Gabbana makeup.</p>
<p>So the big question is&#8230;what bronzer do I need next? I am actually looking for drugstore/mid range and  high end recommendations as I&#8217;d like to get two new shades. I&#8217;m looking for a powder formula and something mostly matte or completely matte.</p>
<p>Thank you for your help!!!! <img src='http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
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		<title>Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone: Radiance in a Bottle</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/13/becca-shimmering-skin-perfector-in-moonstone-radiance-in-a-bottle/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/13/becca-shimmering-skin-perfector-in-moonstone-radiance-in-a-bottle/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:20:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Becca]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Becca Moonstone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Swatches]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3366</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It was sometime last spring that I first tried the famous Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors. I couldn&#8217;t decide on a single shade so I initially chose Pearl and Opal (you can see that review and the comparison swatches here). Both &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/13/becca-shimmering-skin-perfector-in-moonstone-radiance-in-a-bottle/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It was sometime last spring that I first tried the famous Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors. I couldn&#8217;t decide on a single shade so I initially chose Pearl and Opal (you can see that review and the comparison swatches <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2012/06/09/highlighting-perfection-with-becca-shimmering-skin-perfectors/" target="_blank">here</a>). Both were fabulous and offered my skin a dewy, ethereal glow without looking glittery or caked with shimmer. They just look&#8230;well..<em>glowy</em>. It&#8217;s exactly what a liquid highlighter should be, to my eye.</p>
<p>I believe it was late last summer that they introduced a new shade to their lineup called Moonstone. A lighter, gilded color that sat right in between Pearl and Opal. I picked it up in the Sephora VIB sale last fall and it&#8217;s found total favor with me this winter.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Becca-Shimmering-Skin-Perfectors.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3221" alt="Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Becca-Shimmering-Skin-Perfectors.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>L-R: Becca Opal, Moonstone and Pearl</p>
<p>Pearl is the lightest shade of the three and works best on me when my skin tone is lighter because of it&#8217;s more stark white coloring. In the summer Opal looks amazing on my more bronzed skin. I think Moonstone is the perfect all seasons shade. It looks great on my paler skin in the winter and has looked equally amazing while I&#8217;ve been using self-tanner (I&#8217;m SO ready for spring).</p>
<p>As I mentioned in my first review, you get A LOT of product. I&#8217;ve used all three shades countless times and still don&#8217;t think I&#8217;ve made a noticeable dent in any of them. You only need the <em>tiniest</em> amount to get radiant skin.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Becca-Shimmering-Skin-Perfector-Swatches-Opal-Moonstone-Pearl.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3220" alt="Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Swatches Opal Moonstone Pearl" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Becca-Shimmering-Skin-Perfector-Swatches-Opal-Moonstone-Pearl.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>L-R: Becca Opal, Moonstone, Pearl</p>
<p>All three shades have found a permanent place in my regular makeup routine. Your skin tone and personal preference will of course dictate which of the shades you will be most attracted to. But you can&#8217;t go wrong with any (or, *ahem* <em>all</em>) of these.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Heat-Wave-Dupes-Swatches-Sunlight.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3364" alt="Estee Lauder Heat Wave Dupes Swatches Sunlight" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Heat-Wave-Dupes-Swatches-Sunlight.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Swatches L-R: Benefit Watt’s Up, Becca Moonstone, Estée Lauder Heat Wave, MAC Whisper of Gilt, Jemma Kidd Rose Gold</p>
<p>I know I just included this picture in my last post, but I had to include it here again, for continuity. <img src='http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />  You can see the clear difference between Moonstone and the rest. Doesn&#8217;t it just glow more fiercely?</p>
<p>As an added bonus they contain SPF 25. You can now buy these and other Becca products from <a href="http://www.sephora.com/shimmering-skin-perfector-spf-25-P375987" target="_blank">Sephora</a> and they retail for $41 each.</p>
<p>Recommended? Highly!!</p>
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		<title>A Welcome Heat Wave from Estée Lauder</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/07/a-welcome-heat-wave-from-estee-lauder/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/07/a-welcome-heat-wave-from-estee-lauder/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:32:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Estee Lauder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Estee Lauder Heat Wave]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Estee Lauder Heat Wave Dupe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Estee Lauder Heat Wave Swatches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Estee Lauder Summer 2013]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3356</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I know every time new seasonal collections launch it&#8217;s always so hard to believe we are already looking at products meant to be used 2 seasons away. Although, with the recent launch of Estée Lauder&#8217;s summer collection, it&#8217;s definitely a &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/07/a-welcome-heat-wave-from-estee-lauder/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I know every time new seasonal collections launch it&#8217;s always so hard to believe we are already looking at products meant to be used 2 seasons away. Although, with the recent launch of Estée Lauder&#8217;s summer collection, it&#8217;s definitely a welcome change from the snowy weather we have had here in Chicago this week.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s no surprise that my stand-out pick from the collection is the new illuminating powder gelee in Heat Wave. A cruel irony is that the day <em>Heat Wave</em> arrived on my doorstep we were pummeled with 8 inches of snow&#8230;</p>
<p>Nevertheless I was super excited to see Heat Wave in person, and I was not disappointed.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3363" alt="Estee Lauder Heat Wave Gelee" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Heat-Wave-Gelee.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></p>
<p>Unlike last summer&#8217;s launch, Heat Wave is much lighter and much more wearable. It&#8217;s the gilded, less rosey sister of the original gelee, Modern Mercury. In summation: perfect for summer. Bronzed goddess looks will easily be nailed with this in your makeup rotation.</p>
<p>I love the design this time as well. The ray of light effect is perfect and geometrically fun to play with&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Heat-Wave-Gelee-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3362" alt="Estee Lauder Heat Wave Gelee 2" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Heat-Wave-Gelee-2.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>If you didn&#8217;t already know, would you take this for a picture of makeup? I don&#8217;t think I would&#8230;. <img src='http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>I thought I&#8217;d bring out the other illuminating powder gelee&#8217;s that Estée Lauder has released for a quick round up:</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Gelee-Powder-Comparison.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3357" alt="Estee Lauder Gelee Powder Comparison" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Gelee-Powder-Comparison.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a> Clockwise from bottom: Topaz Chameleon, Shimmering Sands, Heat Wave, Modern Mercury</p>
<p>Modern Mercury is the one that started it all, the quick to sell out and rare to find piece that is one of the most gorgeous highlighters I have ever touched. Topaz Chameleon was released last spring and is an incredibly pigmented bronze shade. Shimmering Sands followed in the summer last year, and turned out to be much darker than I had anticipated and is also the least shimmery of the gelees released thus far. Heat Wave is of course the latest release and fans of the original Modern Mercury should not hesitate to snatch this up. It will surely sell out and be difficult to find soon enough.</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Gelee-Swatches.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3359" alt="Estee Lauder Gelee Swatches" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Gelee-Swatches.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Swatches L-R (sunlight) Topaz Chameleon, Shimmering Sands, Heat Wave, Modern Mercury</p>
<p>You can see the clear difference in all 4 in terms of shade, but also worth noting is that Modern Mercury and Heat Wave are the closest in terms of texture and shimmer. If you found Modern Mercury a bit too intense or dark in color, Heat Wave will probably look better to you.</p>
<p>I also pulled out a few shades of highlighters from other brands that I thought might be similar:</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Heat-Wave-Dupes-Comparisons.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3360" alt="Estee Lauder Heat Wave Dupes Comparisons" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Heat-Wave-Dupes-Comparisons.jpg" width="1024" height="643" /></a></p>
<p>Clockwise from bottom: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Moonstone, MAC Whisper of Gilt, Estée Lauder Heat Wave, Jemma Kidd Rose Gold, Benefit Watt&#8217;s Up</p>
<p><a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Heat-Wave-Dupes-Swatches-Sunlight.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3364" alt="Estee Lauder Heat Wave Dupes Swatches Sunlight" src="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Estee-Lauder-Heat-Wave-Dupes-Swatches-Sunlight.jpg" width="1024" height="683" /></a></p>
<p>Swatches L-R (sunlight): Benefit Watt&#8217;s Up, Becca Moonstone, Estée Lauder Heat Wave, MAC Whisper of Gilt, Jemma Kidd Rose Gold</p>
<p>In terms of texture, only Heat Wave and Whisper of Gilt are actually powders (albeit <em>hybrids</em>) and they are also the closest in color. Whisper of Gilt is warmer on my skin than Heat Wave, if not peachier. You can see the difference in warmth in the swatches, but your skin tone may play up or play down that slight variation. The texture is somewhat smoother on Heat Wave, but the formula on both feels very similar. Moonstone is much lighter, less shimmer and more glow. Watt&#8217;s Up is a distant relative being a full cream product and much less shimmery, but similar in tone. Rose Gold is, well, <em>rosier</em> and is also more toned down in the shimmer department.</p>
<p>As I said above, if you were a fan of the original Modern Mercury or regret missing out on it, don&#8217;t wait around to buy Heat Wave. I see it being a quick sell out. Highlighters happen to be quite an addiction for me, so I might be biased here. But don&#8217;t say I didn&#8217;t warn you&#8230; <img src='http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>You can pick up Heat Wave on the Estée Lauder website, and it retails for $40. However, Macy&#8217;s is running a gift with purchase right now on any $35 Estée Lauder purchase, so I&#8217;d start with them <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/estee-lauder-bronze-goddess-color-collection?ID=804198&amp;CategoryID=33607" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Spring Beauty Wishlist</title>
		<link>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/05/spring-beauty-wishlist/</link>
		<comments>http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/05/spring-beauty-wishlist/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:55:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Danielle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[polyvore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spring 2013]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spring beauty]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bloominbeautyblog.com/?p=3351</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; It seems like every time spring rolls around I get in the mood to change my makeup routine drastically. Last year I pretty much swore off getting new bronzers because I had purchased so many the year before (and &#8230; <a href="http://bloominbeautyblog.com/2013/03/05/spring-beauty-wishlist/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="width: 600px; margin: 0 auto;">
<div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/spring_must_haves/set?.embedder=6420717&amp;.svc=wordpress&amp;id=74503711" target="_blank"><img title="Spring Must Haves" alt="Spring Must Haves" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/5JJ4NNgQVbkGCgtuvlhcw/cid/74503711/id/EHpKhqZAQnCmN3cwEDwOVQ/size/c600x654.jpg" width="600" height="654" border="0" /></a></div>
</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It seems like every time spring rolls around I get in the mood to change my makeup routine drastically. Last year I pretty much swore off getting new bronzers because I had purchased so many the year before (and loved my Mark Pro Bronze <em>to death). </em>My love affair with <a href="http://www.harrods.com/brand/dolce-and-gabbana-makeup" target="_blank">Dolce &amp; Gabbana&#8217;s</a> Caramel blush has me seriously wanting to try out their Glow Bronzing Powder in Natural. Also, <a href="http://www.harrods.com/brand/bobbi-brown" target="_blank">Bobbi Brown&#8217;s</a> new affiliation with Katie Holmes has had me doing double takes on their new product launches. Two items that have me seriously salivating are the Lilac Rose Eyeshadow Palette and the Pot Rouge in Rose, both of which will pair gorgeously together, I&#8217;m sure. Lastly, I have been wanting to try out <a href="http://www.harrods.com/brand/lancome" target="_blank">Lancome&#8217;s</a> Baume in Love lipstick formula and Peach Melodie seems like the picture perfect spring shade.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Don&#8217;t be surprised if you see one (or all) of these beauties featured here soon&#8230; <img src='http://bloominbeautyblog.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">What&#8217;s on your spring beauty wishlist?</p>
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