Makeup Crush Monday: Bourjois and True Match Concealers

Vacation is a funny thing for me.  Unlike at home, where I can usually be found lounging in yoga pants and a tank top, I like to dress up for sightseeing and being out and about with the fam.  I especially like to dress up when I'm in foreign countries...say, China, for instance.

However, despite wearing decent clothes, I find it impossible to wear a face full of makeup outside of my hotel room.  Perhaps it's the extreme 108 degree heat we've toured in (You read that right. My family's travel practices often teeter on the edge of insanity... though I wouldn't have it any other way) or maybe it's because I like to give myself the false sense of accomplishment for allowing my skin to "detox", if that's even possible. But either way, no makeup vacations are my thing.

The concealers posing on my comfy hotel bed.

That being said, having a couple different concealers on hand is an absolute must for me.  If you have finicky skin like I do, then the climate change, water quality and daily use of sunscreen will likely give you a few new spots that need some coverage.  I mean, can't a girl want to look halfway decent in family photos?

Bourjois Healthy Mix Radiance & Anti-Fatigue Concealer

If you keep up with the UK beauty blogging circuit (a la Essie Button, Vivianna Does Makeup and What I Heart Today), then you should be quite familiar with Bourjois's Healthy Mix line, known for its gentle formulations and impressive shade options.  But wasn't until arriving in Hong Kong that I was able to pick up a tube of the Healthy Mix concealer, a product I've had on my beauty radar for quite sometime. It's normally something I'd have to order in the States. 

I'm happy to say Bourjois Healthy Mix did not disappoint.  Not only does this concealer cover everything, it also doesn't cling to dry patches and its texture is truly something to rave about.  My single complaint is the little flecks of glitter it contains, but that should only be worrisome if you plan on using this concealer in large quantities, like all over your face.  It was 108 in Hong Kong Dollars at Sasa, which translates to about $14 USD.  Though you can't simply pick it up at Sephora or Ulta, you may be able to find a reasonably priced tube here.

 L'Oréal True Match™ Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer

This concealer is a bit of a tossup for me.  While I love the crayon format, the thicker texture makes this crayon concealer a poor match for healing blemishes.  It does have a tendency to cling to dry patches, but on the plus side, it is extremely pigmented.  Old acne scars and red spots are no match for this concealer. Luckily for my USA readers, this one can be purchased at Ulta, which is where I purchased mine for about $9.

So, everyone... do you prefer a makeup-less vacay or do you do a full face every day?

Fall Back and Relax... with Rosy Cheeks!

As most of you know today is the day that everyone set their clocks back one hour. Today was also the day that I decided to try cream blush for the first time! Well, more like cream to powder, but you get the idea. I've always been faithful to powder blush, thinking that it was the only thing my oily skin could tolerate. I am pleased to say that I was wrong! I found the L'oreal Paris Magic Soufflé Blush in Plume at a Walgreen's and thought the color looked so light and natural that I had to try it. I was really pleased with color once it was on. It's the perfect natural flush for fall/winter. There are a few sparkles in this blush, but nothing that should deter shimmer-phobes from at least giving it a try!