Thursday, May 19, 2016

BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush and The Friday Forum

BECCA's Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush ($34) is a curated, colorful collection of six lustrous blushes to let your cheeks glow with light. I was attracted to it by Sephora's offer to provide it to VIB Rouge members early, and I'm so glad I took advantage of the offer.

The blush is available in six shades, and I did something uncharacteristic. I selected a coral shade, Snapdragon, not my "comfort zone" shade. I recall there were only two shades available as part of the "early purchase offer."

BECCA’s Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush features multi-dimensional, versatile blushes to create a subtle, shimmering flush. Specially designed to flatter all skin tones, this collection is inspired by the fan-favorite Shimmering Skin Perfector - just the right balance of color and light. Wear them alone for subtle blushed luminosity or as a blush topper layered on top of your favorite matte blush for an added pop of radiance. 

That's BECCA's advice, but I can't see me using Snapdragon as a topper blush. It's so beautiful as it is. Have I been captivated by coral? The unique thing about this coral is that it's very pink-heavy. I would have described it as a warm pink.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine. Just took at that beautiful sky reflected in the compact's mirror for proof. I believe that my photo of the compact is more true to the actual shade than Sephora's, which I placed at the top of this feature. The photo below in the color lineup of all six shades is more representative of Snapdragon.

My swatch photo shows how gorgeous this blush is on the skin. As usual, I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photo in full sun. I applied the blush fairly heavily for the photo, but I'm sure you can translate my swatch into a revelation of the shade's color when applied to the skin with a blush brush.

Look at its gorgeous color! I'd call it a warm pink - a shade that will appeal to many. The shade is definitely not coral. I was rewarded for taking a chance on it.

The luminosity of this blush is real. It's not sparkly, but it does offer a subtle shimmering touch of radiance to the cheeks. Now I want more. The photo below shows all six shades. Which ones would you select? The caption is hard to read. From left to right, they are Camellia, Tigerlily, Foxglove, Snapdragon, Blushed Copper, and Dahlia - all floral names except for Blushed Copper. Go figure.

I think I need Camellia. Who knows? I might indulge myself with Blushed Copper too. It would make a gorgeous bronzer.

There you have it - a very nice new blush, inspired by BECCA's popular Shimmering Skin Perfector. If you know and appreciate that one, you will love this blush. I purchased mine at Sephora. You can also find it at BECCA's Web site.

I have a very early-morning meeting tomorrow (and I must watch the season finale of The Blacklist tonight), so I'll publish The Friday Forum here as a two-in-one feature. The e-mail notice of this feature will not go out until tomorrow. The Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I hope to see you in the comments.

I'll leave you with a photo of a Siberian iris blooming in my garden. The clump had just started to bloom last weekend when I snapped this photo.

Photos at top and of the color lineup courtesy of BECCA; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

14 comments:

Eileen said...

No Spoilers! The Blacklist: It's one of the most intelligent thrillers on TV and as I've said before, if you decide to start streaming it, be sure you start at the beginning because it is a mystery inside a mystery inside a mystery; sort of like those Russian nesting dolls. As the season finale approached, I assiduously avoided reading anything about it and was thoroughly taken by surprise at how it ended. But, of course, for The Blacklist it never really ends as it left us with a cliff hanger worthy of the past season. I won't say any more about the finale as there might be some of you who have not streamed it yet. Suffice it to say that there are a few surprises that will have you thinking you had a particular character pegged all wrong. And, of course, Spader's performance as "Red" is superlative. Why that man hasn't gotten more industry recognition for his amazing performance is beyond me.

On to beauty:

I saw a preview of Chantecaille's Fall (Yes, fall!) 2016 Protect The Lions collection and it is a beauty--warm, earthy colors that speak of vast plains under a hot sun. It's a beautiful collection of neutrals. And the blush is a beauty, too. Warm, soft pink that will add a flush of color that is more delicate than bold. And who could resist those images of lions embossed on the powders? Well done!

The Chanel summer collection arrived at the local counter last weekend and so on Monday I stopped by to take a look at the glosses. I bought three: Sahara (peach packed with golden micro-shimmer which gives it a metallic effect), Adenium (sheer pink that Charlestongirl reviewed for us), and Tanami (cheerful, bright pink-coral). The three that I selected are all classic summer colors; no surprises, just lots of beautiful gloss. These all convey a color presence but because they are sheer, they interact with my natural rose lip color which is something I like because it makes the colors look like they were meant just for me ;-) As for the new Aqua Glossimer formula, it's name says it all. It's like an Aqualumière/Glossimer hybrid. It feels so good, I find myself constantly pressing my lips together just to feel that silky, balmy texture :-) The applicator is that flattened one that several brands have been using just lately. It really does enable you to get a precise application by using the narrow edge to get a clean line and using the flat to get an even fill-in. It has just enough give and flexibility that it conforms to your lips without skipping. It's a great innovation and I'd like to see it in all my favorite glosses.

I think at this point in time, I'm pretty much set for the summer and so, apart from replenishing basics, I'll probably just coast along until the fall collections come out. In truth, fall and holiday are my favorites. I wonder if Guerlain will be able to top last year's stunning holiday collection? Oh, for heaven's sake, why on earth am I talking about holiday? It's still May! LOL Have a great weekend, everyone.

Charlestongirl said...

Eileen, I don't know why The Blacklist and James Spader in particular have not already won every TV award in existence. It is superbly written and acted. Even the music choices are phenomenal. One of the best ever.

Don't peek at my tweets from last night.

Anonymous said...

I give you credit for continuing this blog after a hiatus with you medical attention. Your surgeries and recovery sounded painful. My mother left me. After being with her for 50 years, it has not been easy for me. All the new makeup don't thrill me. You are an inspiration.

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you, Anonymous. I'm so sorry about your mother.

Anonymous said...

just had to let you know: sitting here in the Netherlands, telling my 18 year old son about your post. about our similsr taste in expensive make-up and The Blacklist! so much fun to know that around the globe make-up and good series connect us. Even made a print screen of Eileens post forca friend here in Holland, another Blacklidt fan! I think we are one or two weeks behind you guys. have fun watching, and although we are miles apart and complete strangers i cannot stop thinking about this connection, and how nice itvwould be if we all had a peaceful world to live in. have a great weekend! Gerda

Wendy said...

Hi Charleston Girl!! i'm excited because today is Cher's birthday!! I'm having fun looking at all her videos and pictures from the past! I'm still bummed about returning tom ford's naked bronze shadow! I've looked at many images online and all the cream part is smooshed to 1 side with lots of product on the cap. Well, I'm crazy that I ordered another but, it's my favorite for the season. I'm still waiting for a text to tell me that the Wayne Goss brushes that I want are back in stock. There is a "tiny" Armani Summer Collection on their website. Since, I'm not that familiar with the line, not sure if some items are repromotes? I was at my local Macy's today on my lunch break. They have a new Blue Mercury store . Unfirtunately, it's very small and nothing really excited me. I saw a few things at the Chanel counter. I was looking at the collection with Kristen Stewart (spelling?) and the "stylo eye sticks" caught my eye. I adored Moonriver and wished they still had it! Anyway, the shade Brun Chatain interested me. This collections been out for awhile and I can't recall anyone talking about it? It's been a long week and I'm tired....happy, huggy Friday to you!!! Xoxo

Charlestongirl said...

Hey Wendy!

That shifting of those pot shadows is legendary. I can understand it over time, but now when the arrive brand new.

I believe all the Armani items are new. I'll come back here with an answer. Who knows? If they posted in the last two days, I wouldn't have seen it.

Charlestongirl said...

Wendy,

The Sun Fabrics are not new. The two Cheek Fabrics shades are. There are three new sheer lipsticks. I posted them. http://bestthingsinbeauty.blogspot.com/2016/04/giorgio-armani-beauty-rouge-darmani.html

I think Chanel's eye collection didn't "smash" because it had a lot of repromotes.

Eileen said...

Hi Gerda,

If anyone had told me a decade ago that I'd have sisters-in-beauty from around the world, that I'd be viewing products and collections of products on foreign blogs, that I'd be chatting with women in other countries, learning about their experiences; getting their opinions, I would have thought that person was nuts. But, we are now able to see trends from one country sweep across continents which makes us even more aware of how global beauty has become and how we all share that same fundamental desire to be seen as attractive. I've encountered some of the most delightful people by reading blogs (and some real stinkers as well lol) and can only marvel at how the Internet has broadened my horizons and brought so many of us together via our common interests and shared experiences. And, that's just the beauty blogs. There are blogs, YouTube channels, Instagram, Pinterst, etc. for just about every conceivable interest and they all help to bring us together and reaffirm the belief that we are all citizens of planet earth. I'm amazed at how, via our computers, we are able to search the globe and encounter a multitude of people that we can call "friend". Have a wonderful weekend, my Blacklist friend :-)

Anonymous said...

I started streaming a few Blacklist episodes, then stopped again. I usually watch Midsumer Murders or Vera on Thursdays.
The green Chanel Oasis stylo suits my green eye color well and I like it a lot. The two bronzers are pretty, too. Most of the summer Glossimer colors don't show up much on my lips, perhaps, I'll need to retry them.
Have a great weekend.

Eileen said...

Hi Anonymous @ 3:31,

I'm so sorry for your loss. When we lose someone who has given us so much love and support, it's brutal to suddenly find ourselves without him or her, but we are stronger than we think and it is just a matter of time to find our way through our grief to that state where we can embrace all those warm, humorous, and loving memories without feeling bereft of happiness. May the blessing of peace fill you and help you get through this troubling time.

Anonymous said...

Right back at you Eileen! have a great weekend! �� Gerda

Anonymous said...

Eileen,
What beautiful, thoughtful words. You are a wise woman.
Tanja

ame said...

I picked up the Becca blush in Snapdragon. It really is gorgeous. But it had ZERO staying power, and I am not someone that will touchup. So back it went.