Tag Archives: Make Up For Ever

What I Bought This Month – September 2016 Haul

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This month wasn’t incredibly spendy (which is nice!), but that’s all about to change because IMATS is on October 1st!

As a reminder, and just a note for people who are new here, items that go into these monthly haul posts are items that are either purchased by me, gifted to me by friends and family or received in a beauty swap. These posts never contain PR samples that are sent directly to me.

On with the haul!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Moonchild
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Moonchild ($40 USD)

You’ve potentially already seen my review of this, but I picked up the Anastasia Beverly Hills Moonchild Glow Kit last month when my friend Samantha was putting in an ABH order online. I had already picked up the Sweets palette the previous month and LOVED it so I figured I’d complete the crazy highlighter collection and get Moonchild as well.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Moonchild
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Moonchild

The colours in this palette are so freaking stunning and I’ve been loving wearing them so, so much (I’ve got Lucky Clover as my highlighter today!). If you’d like to see a full review of this Glow Kit as well as the Sweets one, head over to this blog post. (And there’s an international giveaway going on in that post as well!)

F.U.N. Lacquer in Black Holo Witch and Blessing (H) - $12 USD each
F.U.N. Lacquer in Black Holo Witch and Blessing (H) – $12 USD each

I’m going to have to stop referring to myself as “not a nail polish” person, because I’m starting to find myself enamored with certain kinds of nail polish. And F.U.N. Lacquer is definitely one of those brands! They’re out of Singapore and I discovered them via Cristine of Simply Nailogical (she’s a nail polish vlogger out of my hometown of Ottawa) since she collaborated with FUN Lacquer to create Black Holo Witch, a black holographic nail polish that I became obsessed with getting my hands on. While placing my order, I decided to pick up Blessing (H) which is a purple green duochrome shot through with holo glitter (hence the (H) at the end of the name). It’s GORGEOUS. As I type this, I’ve had Blessing (H) on my nails for TWO WEEKS and I’m not even getting bored of it!

Sidenote for anyone ordering from FUN Lacquer: I didn’t have any customs charges, but the delivery took almost two months to get to me. It wasn’t their fault – they shipped my order the next day, but holy smokes was the post ever slow!

NYX Micro Brow in Taupe ($12.99 CAD)
NYX Micro Brow in Taupe ($12.99 CAD)

I ran out of ALL my other brow pencils (that’s a serious accomplishment in my book), so I picked up the NYX Micro Brow in Taupe because it’s been my longstanding favourite brow pencil. However, I’ve found this pencil exceptionally rock hard this time. I have no idea if I got a dud, or if I’m so used to the softness of the QUO Precision Brow Pencil that I’m just not as used to this one. Hmmmm….

Tarte Application Mitt ($7 CAD)
Tarte Application Mitt ($7 CAD)

I recently received some self tanning items and figured I should probably pick up an application mitt, so I grabbed the one by Tarte at Sephora. A lot of my peers in the CBB had recommended this one to me so I figured I might as well go with their recommendation! Of course, as luck would have it, I went to an event the very next day where I was gifted a St. Tropez tanning mitt. /facepalm

Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette (free - swap)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette (free – swap)

All of the next items are from a beauty blogger swap that we had when Jodi was in town just last week!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette (free - swap)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette (free – swap)

This Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette has been passed around a few times at swaps now and I’m starting to wonder why no one’s in love with it. This time it’s my turn! I’ll give it a shot and see how I like it. 🙂

Avon - Anew skincare (free - swap)
Avon – Anew skincare (free – swap)

There were a bunch of Avon Anew skincare minis at the swap that I snatched up. I’ve been using the Avon Anew daily moisturizer with SPF in it recently and was surprised with just how much I love it. Since I’ve tried nothing else in the Anew range, I figured this would be a good place to start!

Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution and Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (free - swap)
Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution and Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (free – swap)

Well, we all know I love Bioderma, so there was no way I was leaving this little mini micelle solution behind. As for the Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser… well, I have a hard time saying no to skincare and no one else wanted it… so it came home with me!

MAC Flock and Roll eyeshadow and Unlimited Style lipglass (free - swap)
MAC Flock and Roll eyeshadow and Unlimited Style lipglass (free – swap)

I was kind of surprised that nobody was making a bee-line for the MAC products, and they were one of the last items on the table that were from a big brand. Although they’re EXCEPTIONALLY pink, I figure if I hate them, I can always Back 2 MAC them. The eyeshadow is Flock and Roll and the lipglass is Unlimited Style.

Pixi Glow Tonic, Glow Mud Mask and Glow Mud Cleanser (free - swap)
Pixi Glow Tonic, Glow Mud Mask and Glow Mud Cleanser (free – swap)

I was also surprised to see the Pixi Glow Tonic in the swap because so many people seem to obsess over this item! Melanie told me she had bought it at Gen Beauty but that it hadn’t worked well for her. I figured I’d give it a shot regardless. I’ve not used it yet, but once I’m done my current toner, this one will be next in line!

And of course, the mini Glow Mud Mask and Glow Mud Cleanser were just too adorable to pass up!

Tarte Drench Lip Splash in Top Down and Make Up For Ever eye shadows (free - swap)
Tarte Drench Lip Splash in Top Down and Make Up For Ever eye shadows (free – swap)

And lastly, we have the Tarte Drench Lip Splash in Top Down. I did a review on these a few months back and I LOVE the formula so, so much. I was really happy to see the shade Top Down in the swap pile because it was a shade I didn’t have yet!

There was also this Make Up For Ever eyeshadow duo that I’m pretty sure was from Gen Beauty as well. No one else seemed interested so I figured I might as well snag it!

Phew, there we go – that’s it for this month. There was a heck of a lot more items in the swap than I thought there was going to be! I went with a big ole bag of product myself so I was super happy to get rid of a bunch of things that either didn’t work for me, or that I wasn’t absolutely in love with. As for next month, I can just see October being an absolute mad dash to purchase holiday palettes… and of course IMATS!

What’s On My Face – Volume 47

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I’ve only just realized that this is going to be a very heavy “makeup posting” week! I’ve got a What’s On My Face post for you today, a makeup tutorial up on YouTube tomorrow and then a “Totally Cute Challenge Week” on Friday. So if you’re looking for inspiration, hopefully you’ll find something you like on here this week. 🙂

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Even though I had picked it up aaaages ago at IMATS New York, I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to play with my Mehron Fire palette. The look came out pretty nicely, but they were HUGELY benefited by a white, sticky base.

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Eyes
I first applied NYX’s Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk as a base, then:

  1. MAC Cork
  2. Mehron Inferno
  3. Mehron Hot Pink
  4. Mehron Purple Heat
  5. MAC Blanc Type

I created the wing with MAC‘s Blacktrack fluidline and applied Too Faced Better Than Sex waterproof mascara to my lashes.

Face

  • Foundation: Revlon Colorstay liquid  in 200 Nude
  • Blush: Hourglass Diffused Heat
  • Highlighter: MAC Soft & Gentle
  • Lips: Tarte Lip Quench in Rose

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More playing around with my IMATS goodies!

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Eyes
(all from the Violet Voss Holy Grail palette)

  1. Transition
  2. Toffee
  3. How U Doin
  4. Wine N Dine
  5. Teddy Bear
  6. Crystal
  7. Thanks A Latte

I created the wing with Kat Von D‘s Tattoo Liner in Trooper and tightlined both water lines with Marc Jacobs’ Highliner Gel Crayon in Blacquer. I coacted my lashes with Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Full Fan Effect mascara and applied a pair of House of Lashes Au Naturale falsies.

Face

  • Foundation: BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation in Fair
  • Blush: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush
  • Bronzer: Joe Fresh Sand Bronzer
  • Highlighter: MAC Whisper of Gilt
  • Lips: Wet n Wild Cherry Picking

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I did this one as a guest post for Zoe over on Writing Whimsy in June! She asked for “purple” and I just went hogwild with it.

201606_forzoe_purple_openeye 201606_forzoe_purple_eyemap

Eyes

  1. Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie through the top of the crease.
  2. Makeup Geek Blacklight all over the lid.
  3. Makeup Geek Masquerade on the outer half of the lid.
  4. Makeup Geek Drama Queen on the outer corner to deepen it up.
  5. Makeup Geek Vanilla Bean and White lies mixed together on the brow bone.
  6. Makeup Geek Phantom on the inner corner.

I lined the outer half of my lash line with Makeup Geek Masquerade and then applied Lit Cosmetics’ Disco Diva glitter to the inner half and painted it into a thin point (I used Lit’s glitter adhesive to get it to stick). I created the wing with Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner in Trooper and tightlined my waterlines with Marc Jacobs’ Highliner Gel Crayon in Blacquer. I applied Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof mascara to my lashes and popped on a pair of Bombshell lashes by Houses of Lashes.

Face

  • Foundation: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD liquid in Y225
  • Bronzer: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronze
  • Blush: Urban Decay Bittersweet
  • Highlighter: BECCA Pearl
  • Lips: Too Faced Unicorn Tears

201607_womfvol47_look3.1

I did this look for a YouTube tutorial back in March. At the time I thought I was going to be able to cross post every makeup tutorial I did on there to on here… and it looks like that won’t be possible, but here’s that looks regardless!

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Eyes

  1. BECCA Ombre Rouge shade #3
  2. BECCA Ombre Rouge shade #4
  3. BECCA Ombre Rouge shade #2
  4. BECCA Ombre Rouge shade #1
  5. BECCA Ombre Rouge shade #5

I created the wing with Make Up For Ever‘s Ink Liner and applied Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara to my lashes. I’m also wearing a pair of Bombshell lashes by House of Lashes.

Face

  • Primer: Make Up For Ever Step 1 Radiant Pink Primer
  • Foundation: BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting foundation in Fair
  • Bronzer: Bourjois Delice de Poudre
  • Blush: BECCA Flowerchild
  • Highlighter: BECCA Champagne Pop
  • Lips: I lined my lips with MAC‘s Boldly Bare lip pencil first, then filled them in with MAC Brave with MAC Shy Girl on top

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Annnnd more products I got from IMATS New York. Eesh, I had no idea how IMATS heavy this post was going to be!

201607_womfvol47_look4.2

Eyes
I first applied NYX‘s Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk as a base, then:

  1. Sugarpill Flamepoint
  2. Sugarpill Mochi
  3. Sugarpill Velocity
  4. Sugarpill 2AM
  5. MAC Blanc Type

I created the wing with MAC‘s Blacktrack fluidline and applied Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof mascara to my lashes.

Face

  • Primer: Joe Fresh Illuminating Primer in Pure Glow
  • Foundation: Clinique Chubby in the Nude in Intense Ivory
  • Blush: Stila Convertible Color in Peach Blossom
  • Bronzer: MAC Refined Golden
  • Highlighter: Too Faced Candelight Warm Glow
  • Lips: Clinique Pop Glaze in Licorice Pop

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils (Review & Swatches)

Makeup, Reviews, Swatches

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I have suddenly found several of the Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils in my posession, so I thought it was time to do a review! (I ended up with a couple from Gen Beauty,  a few more a Make Up For Ever Backstage Workshop that Samantha Jane invited me out to and then a couple more that she gifted me!)

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils

So, a few months ago, Make Up For Ever launched their Aqua XL Eye Pencils in a wide of array of shades (20, to be precise). They cover the bulk of the rainbow and to me they look like they’re rivaling the Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayons which has always been my go-to product for my waterline since it just doesn’t budge.

The “Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Liner‘s superior, long-lasting formula will not smudge, crease, or fade until you remove it. Its innovative formula blends intense, rich color with a super-gliding texture. This versatile liner’s smooth texture effortlessly glides onto lids without skipping or tugging while delivering intense, one-swipe color that lasts all day. Perfect for creating a tight line or smudging for a shadow effect, it features shades that range from everyday neutrals to bright pastel pops.”

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils

The shades come in a variety of finishes, although I would say the bulk of them are matte although they  do also have diamond, satiny, iridescent and metallic finishes just like their eyeshadow range.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils in M-10, M-16, M-26, M-92, M-30, I-32 and M-22 - swatched
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils in M-10, M-16, M-26, M-92, M-30, I-32 and M-22 – swatched

You can see that aside from I-32, all of the shades are matte, which is definitely my preference in a liner! I’m particularly enamoured by the vibrant pastel shades in the center since it’s refreshing to see those shades in eye pencil format instead of just as eyeshadow.

At the MUFE Backstage Workshop, we were instructed to produce a festival look that involved layering shades in order to produce a graphic liner look. It’s not supposed to be totally cohesive – more abstract and frivolous (for lack of a better term). I felt a little silly applying my liner this way, but when I took the shot above, I was astounded with just how neat it looked. I especially felt that the white really helped to pull it together.

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Although the Backstage Workshop look was fun, the way I’ve mostly been wearing the Make Up For Ever Aqua XL liners is by applying them to my waterline. In the shot above I have I-32 on the outer half of my water line, and then M-92 on the inner half and I’ve blended them together to create a gradient. I was really, really surprised and impressed by how well this stayed on my waterline all day. I wore the aqua shade (M-30) in the office and it stayed put all day. I did touch up a tad at the outer corner since that’s where my eyes water, but really, that’s to be expected with any pencil for me (including the Marc Jacobs Highliner).

Final Thoughts

If you need a rock solid waterproof eyeliner, look no further than the Make Up For Ever Aqua XL. By industry standards, when something is labelled “waterproof”, it has to last THREE HOURS underwater (without any rubbing) and this one fits the bill! I love the shade range (although I would really like a red) and I’ve been having a lot of fun using these on my water line. They dry really solidly onto my water line – almost like it locks on and shellacs the area (I didn’t know how else to describe it) because if you touch the area with your finger it ends up feeling totally dry and yet it’s not irritating which is a huge blessing.

Also, removing these from your skin is no easy feat unless you’re using something oil based. Think that’s annoying? Think again, my friend! Cuz this means they are BUDGEPROOF! So in short… these are absolute winners. 🙂

The Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils can be purchased on sephora.ca for $25 CAD each or on sephora.com for $21 USD.

What’s On My Face – Volume 45

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As I was putting together this roundup of looks, I started to realize just how much I’ve been using my Makeup Geek shadows lately. I mean, I use them a lot on a regular basis, but three out of the five looks are solely Makeup Geek in here!

Viseart Editorial Brights makeup look

I did this for a YouTube video tutorial but had to repost it here because I know not everyone has the time for videos (I’ll continue to repost my video tutorial looks on the blog as time goes on).

Viseart Editorial Brights makeup look

Eyes
(using the Viseart 08 Editorial Brights palette) I first covered my lid with NYX‘s Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk and then:

  1. MAC‘s Cork in the crease.
  2. The yellow shade from the palette on the inner third of the lid.
  3. The orange on the middle of the lid.
  4. The red on the outer half of the lid.
  5. The lime green on the inner corner of the lid.
  6. (also listed as 5) MAC‘s Blanc Type to highlighter the brow bone.

I applied the light blue to the middle of my lower lash line and the purple to the outer section of the lower lash line. I created the wing with Kat Von D‘s Tattoo Liner in Trooper and tightlined my water lines with Marc Jacobs‘  Highliner Gel Crayon in Blacquer. I coated my lashes with Make Up For Ever Smoky Stretch mascara and applied House of Lashes Bombshell falsies.

Face

  • Primer: Make Up For Ever Step 1 Smoothing Primer
  • Foundation: Make Up For Ever UltraHD in Y225
  • Bronzer: Joe Fresh Sand
  • Blush: Hourglass Diffused Heat
  • Highlighter: Becca Champagne Pop
  • Lips: Too Faced Melted Chocolate Milkshake with Sephora‘s lipgloss in Good Fairy

KAt Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix look

Although I love the Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix palette, I’ve not been using it because I was trying to work through a bunch of other palettes. I said enough was enough, and went back to it for it this look!

KAt Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix look

Eyes
(Using the Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix palette) I first applied NYX‘s Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk to my lid, then:

  1. Misfit on the inner third of the lid.
  2. Synth on the middle of the lid.
  3. Dark Wave on the outer corner.
  4. (numbers are screwed up, sorry) Vinyl on the inner corner (to the right of 1).
  5. Ignore this one… I haven’t a clue if I put anything on my brow bone.

Echo is lining the outer half of my lower lash line. I coated my lashes with Make Up For Ever‘s Smoky Stretch mascara.

Face

  • Bronzer: Joe Fresh Sand
  • Blush: MAC Warm Soul
  • Lips: MAC Sweet Tooth

Makeup Geek look

Playing around with my new Makeup Geek duochromes!

Makeup Geek look

Eyes
(all Makeup Geek)

  1. Cupcake through the crease.
  2. Kaleidoscope on the lid.
  3. Pop Culture on the outer third of the lid.
  4. Duchess on the outer corner.
  5. Prism on the inner corner
  6. Vanilla Bean on my brow bone.

I used Blacklight on the lower lash line and created the wing with MAC‘s Blacktrack fluidline. I covered my lashes with Make Up For Ever Smoky Stretch mascara.

Face

  • Foundation: Revlon Colorstay in 200 Nude
  • Bronzer: Joe Fresh Sand
  • Blush: MAC Life’s A Picnic
  • Lips: Sephora Good Fairy

Makeup Geek look

Before anyone says anything – I know the lips look weird. I was playing around with different shades and I *thought* this went together. It wasn’t till I saw the photos that I was like “ohhh….”. haha

Makeup Geek look

Eyes
(all Makeup Geek)

  1. Prism all over the lid.
  2. Typhoon through the crease.
  3. Dirty Martini on the outer third of the lid.
  4. Vanilla Bean on the brow bone.

I created the wing with Kat Von D‘s Tattoo Liner in Trooper and coated my lashes with Clarins’ Aquatic Green mascara.

Face

  • Foundation: Revlon Colorstay in 200 Nude
  • Bronzer: Joe Fresh Sand
  • Blush: Tarte Blissful
  • Lips: Colour Pop Donut

Makeup Geek look

More Makeup Geek goodness!

Makeup Geek look

Eyes
(all Makeup Geek)

  1. Peach Smoothie through the top of the crease.
  2. Poppy through the crease.
  3. Fortune Teller on the lid.
  4. Morocco on the outer third of the lid.
  5. Voltage on the inner corner.
  6. Vanilla Bean on the brow bone.

I created the wing with MAC’s Blacktrack fluidline and coated my lashes with Make Up For Ever‘s Smoky Stretch.

Face

  • Bronzer: Joe Fresh Sand
  • Blush: Hourglass Incandescent Electra
  • Lips: Benefit Coralista gloss

Wearing The Pattern Down

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Wearing The Pattern Down

This post is nothing more than an appreciation for embossed products – ones I’ve loved enough to wear down the gorgeous pattern that’s been imprinted on it. Enjoy!

Physicians Formula Bronze Booster
Physicians Formula Bronze Booster

Let’s start this post off with one of the more infuriating products I’ve had the pleasure of working with; the Physicians Formula Bronze Booster was in my Use Up 2014 project… and as you can see I clearly did not finish it up (or even hit pan!). The only thing I managed to do was dust away the sun emblem that used to appear in the very middle. I became so enraged with my lack of progress on this bronzer that I really don’t think I touched it at all in 2015. Damn thing hurt my feelings! 😉

MAC Sea Me, Hear Me
MAC Sea Me, Hear Me

With the infuriating product out of the way, let’s talk about something I love immensely. My MAC Sea Me, Hear Me blush is one I’ve reached for continuously since I bought it in 2014 (I even mentioned it in my 2015 Favourites video). I seem to have been focusing on wiping out the curve of the wave as well as the repeated MAC logo on the upper half.

MAC Whisper of Gilt
MAC Whisper of Gilt

Another stunner from MAC – the highgly coveted Whisper of Gilt. I purchased this when it was repromoted and it’s been my go-to highlighter when I want a gold shade. Unlike the blush above that has the same pattern, this one seems to flake off in odd chunks. It never looks that way on the skin, but it’s certainly left behind a mottled pattern!

Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo #1
Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo #1

Although the bronzing side from this Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo (#1) hasn’t been touched much, I can’t say the same for the highlighter! The iridescent pinky-beige highligter is unbelievably epic. Since it can lean quite pink, I tend to reserve it for days  where it’ll work with my makeup, but that definitely doesn’t mean it gets neglected in my collection! I’ve swiped clean the center of the upraised bumps and I’m sure I’ll have the whole thing cleared off by the end of the year. (Full review on the Pro Sculpting Duo right here.)

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

I’m sensing a pattern here… everything I adore with an embossed pattern seems to be either a bronzer or a highlighter! Although the highlight shade of the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow has seen some action, it’s really the sculpting/bronzing side that’s taken a beating. I love that Sculpt shade for almost any makeup look together – it’s just so versatile!

essence Autumn Peach
essence Autumn Peach

essence‘s Autumn Peach was a surprise winner for me. When I first used it, I knew next to nothing about essence as a brand, nor what to expect out of such low-cost products. But this blush completely blew me out of the water – I couldn’t believe just how flattering it looked on my face! As a result, I’ve worn this sucker over and over again and the center ring has already been destroyed as well as some of the other circles to the sides. Love, love, LOVE!

Tarte Park Ave. Princess
Tarte Park Ave. Princess

My Tarte Off The Cuff blush and bronzer palette saw a lot of love from me over the years, but it’s the bronzer that’s carried the bulk of my love. Park Ave. Princess is such a smooth and buildable bronzer that it’s easy to see why so many people are in love with it! I’ve seemingly destroyed the middle of the Amazon River imprint. Oops!

So how about you? Can you bring yourself to dab your brush into beautifully embossed products? I know I’ve got a few friends out there that find it difficult to dip in for fear of ruining the pattern!

The essence blush and Make Up For Ever duo were provided for my consideration (clearly many, many moons ago).