Guerlain Perles D'Azur Meteorites by Emilio Pucci Review, Photos and Swatches!

Guerlain Perles D'Azur Meteorites by Emilio Pucci

Guerlain Perles D'Azur Meteorites ($59) is a illuminating powder that gives the skin a natural, radiant appearance. There are six different colored pearls that come together to create a harmonious veil of light to the skin. The blue and pink pearls counteract yellow toned in tired complexions, beige and orange bring warm to the complexion, and ivory and white reflect light without a white cast. These particular Meteorites were limited edition from the Guerlain Summer Collection.

I find Meteorites something really hard to explain, but something you almost have to experience yourself.

I don't really like setting powders because I feel that many times by adding powder on top of liquid foundation, the powder can have the tendency to mattify the skin too much making the skin appear unnatural. But this powder absorbs the shine from the foundation without erasing the natural glow of the skin. In addition it will balance redness/discolorations in the skin and add a bit of luminosity to the skin.

I don't like much shimmer other than an occasional shimmery blush or highlighter, but I do wear Meteorites on a daily basis and I don't find it to be noticeable. Sometimes I apply a good amount on my face, and sometimes I'll apply a light dusting, but I'll tend to skip any extra shimmer if I'm applying a good coat.

With many shimmery products after several hours and the skin becomes oily, shimmery products tend to be more obvious, but I don't find it to be the case with Meteorites. Shimmery products also tend to make the pores appear enlarged, but with Meteorites, my pores actually appear softened.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Under $25!

1) Sparkling Faux Stone Necklace $19.80, Forever 21.
Forever 21 in general is a great place to gather stocking stuffers for a low price. Earrings and rings range from an average of $3-$7 each, and bracelets and necklaces range from an average of $7-$20. There are also fun accessories such as makeup brushes, mirrored compacts, makeup, nail polish, hats, gloves, scarves, cosmetic bags and more!
2) Essie Razzle Dazzle Manicure $16, Ulta.
Nail polish is a fun stocking stuffer, but what I love about this set is that is contains a base coat, nail polish and luxe effects glitter polish. A perfect little trio to create a pretty holiday mani or pedi.
3) MAC Russian Red Lipstick $15, MAC.
What's fun about the holidays is you sometimes receive gifts that you eally like but wouldn't necessarily spend the money on yourself. We'd all like to own a statement lipstick, but many of us are unwilling to pay for a product that we won't use on a daily basis. Russian Red is one of MAC's best selling red lipsticks that is flattering on most skin tones and is an overall great color for the holiday season.
4) Real Techniques Stippling Brush $10, Ulta.
I love Real Techniques Brushes, but I especially love the stippling brush. No one can go wrong with a foundation brush, and this one works exceptionally well for liquid, cream and powder foundation.
5) Smith's Rosebud Salve $6, Sephora.
Who doesn't need a good tube of lip balm? Smith's Rosebud Salve is my favorite for extra dry lips.
6) Tangle Teezer $12.99, Sally's.
The Tangle Teezer is such a fun product to give as a gift. Aside from the cute shape/design, it's really effective for brushing through easily tangled hair. If you have any friends/family with unruly hair, they can probably appreciate this little brush.
7) Sonia Kashuk Brush Set $24.99, Target.
I've been eyeballing this limited edition set for the past month every time I visit Target. Sonia Kasuk brushes are very high quality, and the brushes in this kit are extra soft and extra glamorous. It also comes with a glittery clutch which you can actually wear out, or use to store your brushes (I'm assuming they fit). I can't imagine anyone not liking this gift.
8) Pink Up All Night Body Mist $15, Victoria's Secret.
Victoria's Secret is an awesome place to stop by for stocking stuffers. Head over to the bins near the checkout and you'll find lots of goodies from lipgloss to mini body sprays and perfumes.
9) Physicians Formula Ph Matchmaker Blush $12.95, Drugstore.
I love everything about this blush. It comes in a nice compact that actually has LED lights so if worst case scenario, you can apply your blush in the dark! haha! The blush also has a pretty design and the brush included is actually soft and usable! Also, I found this blush to be the longest lasting drugstore blush I own.
10) Salux Japanese Nylon Wash Cloth $5.98, Salux Shop.
If you love to exfoliate, you'll love the Salux Cloth. It's a must-have product in my shower at all times. When used in conjunction with a moisturizing body lotion, you won't believe how soft your skin will be!
11) Faux Leather & Knot Combination Gloves $25.90, Zara.
I think anyone could use a good pair of gloves and I'm loving this pair from Zara. They are sold out online, but you might be lucky enough to find them in-store. Anyways, you might be able to find a trendy pair at TJMaxx/Marshalls for a similar price.
12) Anastasia Brow Prep $10, Sephora.
If you have a friend that pays special attention to their brows, I'm sure they'll appreciate a good pair of tweezers and brow gel. For $10, you can't beat it!
13) Too Faced Glamour to Go Palette $22, Sephora.
This set is great for teenagers, beginners or for anyone who loves makeup! It contains all of the products one would need to complete a look: (8) eyeshadows, (1) blush, (1) bronzer and (1) lipgloss.

Cinema Secrets Friends & Family Sale Coming Soon!

Cinema Secrets Friends & Family Sale

Cinema Secrets will be hosting their Friends and Family Sale from Wednesday, December 12th through the 19th. Use the code: FF25 at checkout to receive 25% off your order! Now is a great time to try some goodies from the popular special effects makeup brand.

I've only tried the Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation, Foudation Palette & Moisture Spray, so I can't really comment on any of their other products, but the Ultimate Foundation is great. Although I don't find it ideal for every day, it makes the skin look flawless, and it photographs really well.

I like pairing the Ultimate Foundation with a silicone based primer and a light dusting of a setting powder and my skin will look airbrushed for hours. Because it's a cream-based foundation, I can start to really feel it on my face after 4-5 hours, and by the end of the day I can't wait to wash my face. Of course results may vary, and if you're use to cream foundations, it might not bother you. I like to save it for the holidays or occasions when I know I'll be in lots of photos.

Also, because it's a fairly full coverage foundation, you don't really need to use it all over the face. Sometimes I'll just buff a little over areas that need extra coverage.

Also, the palettes are great to have in your makeup artist kit!

Here's an older photo of me wearing Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation in shade #302A, which is equivalent to the MAC NC30 coloring. (click for full-size)

A little self-motivation for your day.

Being Confident

I don't know if any of you are familiar with Sprinkle of Glitter on Youtube, but she's a fabulous UK blogger/youtuber with a really down to earth and witty personality. When I want a laugh, I like to watch Louise's videos.

I really liked this video Lousie uploaded last week and I've been meaning to share it as I think it sends a really positive message to us all regarding our own self image. The video is titled 'Being Body Confident'.

We already know that no one is perfect, right? And that whatever the media sees as perfect, unique or beautiful isn't necessarily true, nor is it all realistic.

So regardless that we know no one out there is perfect, so many of us strive and exhaust ourselves over trying to reach our own personal ideal of what "perfection" is.

I've gone through being bullied growing up, being judged and being criticized for the way I look when I was older (even now) and although the way I present myself is important to me (I was raised in a house where looking put together/presentable on a daily basis was valued as a reflection of my family) but I also feel that through the years of people picking on the way I look, it has affected the way I see myself and has caused me to be absorbed in my looks over the years. Although I'm still not 100% happy with the way I look, I have really grown over the past few years. With the losses we go though in life, as well as the changes, growth, gains, etc it really starts to put some things in a better perspective.