I was at an event one time just chatting with Donna of My Lucid Intervals. She's one of the loveliest people I know, both inside and out. I really admire how she's still able to blog, pursue her makeup artist career, and still be a full-time lawyer! People like her remind us that there's always time for the things we're passionate about. ^_^

Anyway, of course we got to talking about our favorite products. One of the things that came up is the Ellana Mineral Blush Duo (P450). This spiffy palette contains two blushes that are just - how do I say this mildly - perfect. The slight sheen makes skin literally glow and it actually looks better as the day wears on! Donna and I marveled about how a mineral blush has good staying power (5 hours) as well.

I have three of these, my favorite being the Kitten/Peach Passion combo, but recently I am "discovering" the Obsession/Fulfillment duo. Obsession is described as a "sheer raspberry red" while Fulfillment is "watermelon peach with gold shimmer". I love them both, as it makes my tired complexion look fresh in just a couple of layers.

See swatches and a look after the jump!

Makeup for me has never been a way to cover up my insecurities. Sure I'm grateful for the fact that my imperfections are hidden, but that's just secondary to how empowered makeup makes me feel. All these colors and bases and pretty little things allow me to express myself - that is, they allow other people to see me the way I see myself. 

How do I see myself? Well, I think I'm pretty even though my facial structure isn't traditionally beautiful. I've always thought of myself as an artsy person so I love expressing that through the color combinations I wear on my face. Is this how an insecure person with low self-esteem sounds? No. I hope the people who look down on us makeup lovers understand this one day!

Moving on! Today I'd like to tell you all about the Shiseido Face Color Enhancing Trio in RD1 Apple (P1,500+). This is the second Shiseido "blush" I've tried and I can tell you, it's really different! It's much less pigmented but it makes my skin glow gently. I say "blush" because it's more of a brightener and lifting powder than a color.

It's also not available in Japan. Momoko-san, Shiseido's trainer who recently visited the Philippines, actually got a few here since she won't be able to find it when she gets back!

This compact has three colors, a light pink, sheer tan, and peach highlighter. The powder is almost matte but it somehow gives the face a glow-from-within effect.

Why do I draw and paint? It's a long list of reasons but it boils down to that feeling of joy of having created something from nothing. I take photos and write for this blog, but my work here is derivative. That doesn't mean it's unimportant or meaningless, but it's just not the same as making something with my hands. So I draw lines and sometimes I color them.

It also keeps me sane. I place a lot of pressure on myself to excel in what I do and be bigger, better. Sometimes, I want to escape from that. Painting for me has no agenda other than to please myself. Although, if in the future I can turn this into a commercial undertaking, then that'd be awesome too! I should know, there are few things more rewarding than earning something from doing things you love.

Buuut let's get back to makeup. I just want to share an FOTD and review of some Canmake products! Like I said in my earlier post I think Canmake cosmetics are beyond cute and offer pretty good quality for the (drugstore) price. I didn't truly understand that, however, until I wore the Canmake Glow Fleur Cheeks and Candy Wrap Lip Gloss together some weeks back.

Ta-dah! I loved this look. Even better, I did it in under ten minutes! I used a Maybelline Color Tattoo cream eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze and then a brown Essence eyeliner. I think the cheeks and the lip gloss stole the show though. They really made my complexion look amazing!

The Canmake Glow Fleur Cheeks #5 looks like something from a toy store but this is nicely pigmented with a beautiful glowy finish. The four colors mix together perfectly to create a cotton candy pink that just melts on top of my cheeks. Such a pretty blush!

Do you know how Jennifer Lopez achieved her trademark golden glow? Her makeup artist Scott Barnes would chop up sticks of the NARS Multiple in South Beach, and then mix it with her favorite La Mer moisturizer in a blender. That's a pretty cool idea! I recommend you try it too, except maybe with a less expensive cream color and moisturizer (unless you're loaded and lucky).

Anyway, the NARS Multiples are famous for their fine and uber-flattering shimmery finish, but sometimes a girl needs something understated and velvety. That's how NARS Matte Multiples (P2,250 in Rustan's) came to life. These sticks of pure color apply completely matte and come in skin-enhancing shades that would suit any skin color! 

I'm impressed by how creamy and easy to blend the formula is. The Matte Multiple also leaves quite a stain so staying power shouldn't be a problem even if you're super oily. 

During the launch, NARS International Makeup Artist Janice Daoud showed a few tricks in applying the Matte Multiples. She prefers to use her fingers to warm up the product and make it go on more smoothly. She also recommends you apply it with a wet brush or sponge to get bolder color payoff.

This product can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips, which make them a great purchase if you're looking for a product that can bring your face to life in just a few swipes.

Here are the swatches of all seven shades! I love Siam (a bright red orange) and Cappadoce (a neutral tan for contouring). I'll take a closer look in Rustan's one of these days!

In my sea of pretty things, the Clinique Cheek Pop (P1,550) is one that immediately stands out. Who can miss that gorgeous daisy-embossed compact? Packaging aside though, this is a good blush that's totally natural and easy to build up according to your preference. It has a silky texture that's not too hard or too soft so the design won't be ruined prematurely!

This shade is called 01 Ginger Pop, one of the four in Clinique's spring blush collection. It's a warm mid-tone ginger peach that has a satiny finish. It applies sheer but looks great after you add a few more layers. Yes, it's perfect for those who can't help but brush makeup on with a heavy hand!

Do you need bronzers and highlighters in your life? Frankly, no. You'd look totally great without them. But if you want to take your skin to the next glowy level then yes, these skin-enhancing products would be a great addition to your kit! You need them if you feel like your foundation and setting powder are no longer enough to make your skin look amazing.

Highlighters/illuminators help your skin look fresh by reflecting light off your face with ultra-fine shimmer. They are normally skin-toned, although some have a peachy or pink tint to them. Bronzers on the other hand are used to simulate the look of lightly tanned skin and are often used for contouring as well. Some are pink/peach-ish, which makes them fabulous blushes in their own right.

Bronzers are also a great way to bring some golden warmth to your face - that's really useful when you're looking pale and tired!

That said, I thought I'd show off some of my current favorite bronzers and highlighters. ^_^ I have five bronzers and three highlighters here that are perfect for Asian skin and can work with different budgets. Would love to know which ones you're looking to try!

You've tried blushes, of course, but have you tried a fabulously scented one that seems to perfume your whole face? That's what makes the Benefit Rockateur Box O' Powder Blush (P1,600) stand out. After you squee over the cute embossed design on the powder, you won't miss its bright floral scent as you blend it over your cheeks. It's surprisingly pleasant! I like that it doesn't smell chemical at all.

And the color? It's a beautiful pink rose with a generous amount of bronze in it. Rockateur is not a bronzer - it's predominantly pink - but it has enough to warm your face up in a snap.

I love that it's not overly pigmented so you get a couple of chances to layer this the way you want it. It delivers a pretty, glowy color on the cheeks, but it's not in any way oily-looking. The golden shimmer is very fine anyway so they hardly show up.

Staying power is okay at 4-5 hours before it starts to fade. I remember Hervana staying on longer than this one even though it was less pigmented. Nonetheless, like I said before a 5-hour cap on blushes is fine by me as I'm not often out all day.

Anyway, here's a look wearing a couple of layers of Rockateur!