Dynamic Duo: ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Cream
Bronzing was something I used to be afraid of. I thought that it was supposed to darken one's complexion and I didn't know if I can sport that look. But since I've started reading a lot of beauty blogs, I learned that instead of darkening, it's just supposed to warm up one's skintone. When you're looking a bit too pale or your skin looks flat, you can use a bit of bronzer to liven up your look! Pretty much like blush! I have to say, I don't have the art of bronzing figured out. I'm still playing around with it and finding out which works for me. I've used a powder bronzer before but now I've moved to cream formula. This is what I've been using lately, the ELF Contouring Blush and Cream Bronzer:
I think everyone knows that ELF is like the drugstore baby brother of NARS. From the packaging (sleek black with a hefty mirror) to the type of product (duo in a pan or single in a pan). Now I can't say the same for the product quality because I don't own a NARS face product yet (I'm visiting Rustan's soon, count on it) so the comparison ends here.
I really like this product. This is very easy to use because it removes the guess work on what blush works with the bronzer. The cream formula is also super easy to apply and blend out. What I do is I apply the bronzer first using the ELF stiffling brush. I lightly dip the brush in the bronzer and then apply it directly on my skin between my cheeks and ears right below my cheekbones. And then I work the brush around and move it up towards the temple to form the number 3 shape. After the bronzer, I then apply the cream blush using my fingers. I really like how the combo looks on my skin!
I think the blush is such a pretty warm pink color. And if you're been reading my lj posts earlier, you'll know that I'm all about cream blushers right now. The bronzer color is perfect for me too. It's not muddy but is a warm brown color that looks great together with the blush. What I don't like about this is that it's messy as heck. The product looks super pretty in the photo above but believe me, that's not how it looks anymore. Haha! I do wipe it but it's just not pristine anymore. When it's extra hot (when I have to commute and walk under the sun for a while), this also disappears from my skin after around six hours. That's really a bummer for me because I hate retouching face products (aside from powder) when I'm in the office. I'm still trying to figure out how to make it last longer (primer?) but I'm happy with it anyway. This duo is making me want to try other products from ELF. I have my eye on the matte lip color next!
I think everyone knows that ELF is like the drugstore baby brother of NARS. From the packaging (sleek black with a hefty mirror) to the type of product (duo in a pan or single in a pan). Now I can't say the same for the product quality because I don't own a NARS face product yet (I'm visiting Rustan's soon, count on it) so the comparison ends here.
I really like this product. This is very easy to use because it removes the guess work on what blush works with the bronzer. The cream formula is also super easy to apply and blend out. What I do is I apply the bronzer first using the ELF stiffling brush. I lightly dip the brush in the bronzer and then apply it directly on my skin between my cheeks and ears right below my cheekbones. And then I work the brush around and move it up towards the temple to form the number 3 shape. After the bronzer, I then apply the cream blush using my fingers. I really like how the combo looks on my skin!
I think the blush is such a pretty warm pink color. And if you're been reading my lj posts earlier, you'll know that I'm all about cream blushers right now. The bronzer color is perfect for me too. It's not muddy but is a warm brown color that looks great together with the blush. What I don't like about this is that it's messy as heck. The product looks super pretty in the photo above but believe me, that's not how it looks anymore. Haha! I do wipe it but it's just not pristine anymore. When it's extra hot (when I have to commute and walk under the sun for a while), this also disappears from my skin after around six hours. That's really a bummer for me because I hate retouching face products (aside from powder) when I'm in the office. I'm still trying to figure out how to make it last longer (primer?) but I'm happy with it anyway. This duo is making me want to try other products from ELF. I have my eye on the matte lip color next!