Review - NARS blush in Almeria

I made sure to pick this up during the VIB sale, since I was unsure whether or not this blush would stick around past the sale. I'm glad I ordered it, because it was not on the shelves at both the Sephora locations I visited. Checking the site, Sephora lists this as "permanently out of stock."

NARS Almeria blush in Limited Edition packaging.

NARS Almeria, opened.

Wrist swatch of Almeria, no base.
Concentrated, then blended out.

I've always loved NARS' blush formula. As always, the product is finely milled, non powdery, and highly pigmented. Since I'm pale, I used a light hand and the NARS Yachiyo blush to apply to my cheeks (the swatch above was done with an eyeshadow brush, and blended out with a Hakuhodo J210 blush brush.) The blush is highly blendable, which is visible in the swatch above. 

This shade is described as a "tan rose," but I would describe it more as a plummy rose. When applied, there is a slight amount of shimmer on the skin left by the blush. However, in the pan, the blush appears to be matte. I'm really happy that for their LE Holiday shade, NARS went with a very versatile color that will play nice on a large range of skintones - it can be blended down for pale ladies like myself, but will be gorgeous on darker tones as well.

Pros:

• Highly pigmented
• Finely milled
• Blendable

Cons:

• Limited Edition

NARS blush in Almeria (Limited Edition) - $30.00 for 0.15 oz

Review - 5/5

September 2014 Favorites

Happy October! I'm so glad that it's finally autumn and that the weather is cooling down. I hope you enjoy my shoddily crafted together favorites image for this month's favorites post!

1. Lit Cosmetics glitter in Champagne Wishes - I've got five Lit glitters hanging around my vanity, and I seemingly never reach for them. This month I've played with them a lot more to try and see how I can work them into an everyday look. Champagne Wishes is just that - a champagne gold, and it looks great mixed in with neutral looks.

2. NYX Cosmetics blush in Angel - This blush is one of my go to "Don't know what to wear" blushes because it is such a versatile color. The color is described as a "matte soft pink," but can come off as almost peachy on the skin (well, mine, at least.) It's the perfect blush to pair with a bolder eye or lip look, since it is so understated.

3. NYX Cosmetics Wicked Lashes in Bashful  - If you read my earlier reivew, it was pretty easy to tell that these would end up on a favorites list sooner or later. I've worn them pretty much every day this week, and have opened up my second pair. Definitely give these a try if false lashes are your sort of thing!

4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Smoke - I've really been digging defined, yet not using black liner to do it eye looks, if that makes any sense. Reaching for a gray liner gives that definition, finishes a look, but doesn't scream EYELINER! I love the UD pencil liners, and Smoke gets the job done for that liner look. It's matte and not too dark, which is perfect!

5. Bioderma Sensibio H2O - I received this in a lovely package from a wonderful friend in the UK. This micellar water is fantastic. I love how it picks up any spot of makeup leftover on my face after cleansing, and makes my skin feel refreshed. I have this teeny baby bottle pictured here, but I can see bribing overseas friends with Pretzel Flipz for more bottles of this.