Charlotte Ronson 3x A Charm - Shoshanna

I just love palettes as opposed to single-product compacts as they are less bulky in my handbag.  One such product is the 3x A Charm Palette from Charlotte Ronson in Shoshanna which contains Luminizer, Blush and Bronzer in one mirrored compact, reminiscent of the Sleek Blush By 3 products (3 x 8.3g/0.29 oz; Retail $28; available at sephora.com).  At the time of purchase, there was only one palette available but the fact that the one I have is named "Shoshanna" leads me to believe that there may be other palettes added to the range; perhaps one with a warmer or deeper-toned bronzer (hint! hint!).

Sephora says, 


What it is:
A three-in-one blush, bronzer, and luminizer.

What it does:
It's a whole new wardrobe for your cheeks: mix and match this trio of colors to create a range of looks. Each features LFT™ (Light Filter Technology) to automatically adjust its pigments based on your lighting. The result is the perfect glow under any light, day or night. Made with long-lasting, jet-milled talc, these three silky powders glide on evenly to create a natural, healthy-looking glow. Moisturizers and vitamins calm and soothe thirsty skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens

What else you need to know:
Charlotte's friends inspired each product. "As a designer and a busy mother, Shoshanna Gruss is always on the go. Somehow she always manages to look beautiful, stylish, and relaxed. This Trio compliments Shoshanna's fresh glow—and offers multiple ways to transition your own look." —Charlotte Ronson


Here are close-ups of each shade:

Here are swatches of each shade:

Here are blended swatches of each shade:

Overall rating: Booyah! considering that the blush is similar to Nars blushes retail for the same price for .16 oz of product.  In fact, the Nars Laguna, Orgasm and Albatross trio compact retails for $55 and the contents are .25 oz, .17 oz, and .09 oz, respectively.  I find the shades quite similar to the Nars shades with the exception of the bronzer as I find Laguna to be somewhat deeper and warmer in tone.


Have you tried any Charlotte Ronson products?  I'm mulling over some of the eyeshadow palettes.

Victoria's Secret Beauty Pro Products

Victoria's Secret Beauty offers various items from fragrance to cosmetics.  I recently purchased several items from their Pro line and wanted to share my thoughts on them.

The first product is the VS Pro Airbrush FX Perfecting Primer with SPF 20 (21g/.75 oz; Retail $18).  VS says, "Before our pros apply any makeup, they use primer to perfect the skin for even the tightest close-up.  This weightless formula creates that same exceptionally smooth, velvety surface.  Ensures a flawless foundation that lasts."

My take:  The formula lives up to VS claims.  It is quite smooth and works under every type of foundation I have used, though when using mineral powder foundation, I wait a bit after applying the primer before buffing on my base.  I love that it contains sunscreen and find it to be a bargain considering that it works as well as my Smashbox primer and for about half the price (Smashbox 1 oz retails for $36).  The pressure pump distributes the right amount of product.  Note that when I first received it, it took quite a few pumps before the product started to flow.  There is an Anti-Red Correcting Primer and a Bronzing Primer available as well (same price).

Overall rating:  Booyah!

The second product is the VS Pro Radiant FX Face Illuminator (24ml/.8 fl oz; Retail $15).  VS says, "Our pros created this highlighter to replicate the perfecting glow of a soft-focus flash.  The sheer, liquid-pearl formula blends effortlessly to diffuse the look of imperfections and give skin a warm glow. Highlight cheek and brow bones, or mix with foundation for a hint of all-over radiance."

My take:  I found this illuminator to be a little thinner in consistency to others I have but it blends easily into the skin and leaves a nice, subtle glow.  I have applied it as a highlight as well as mixed it with foundation or tinted moisturizer and have been pleased with the results.

Overall rating: Booyah!

The final product is the VS Pro Light FX HD Eye Brightening Pen (3.8g/.13 oz; Retail $14).  VS says, "This amazing highlighter -- indispensible to all of our pros -- is like beauty sleep in a pen.  Advanced optical diffusers pair with luminous Diamond Powder to lighten and brighten the look of dark shadows while reducing the appearance of fine lines.  Instant gorgeous for any close up."

My take:  Like most highlighting pens, this product flows through the brush end of the tube once you twist the other end to release the product into the dispenser.  I liked the highlighting effect but found that I needed to use more of it when highlighting dark shadows.  Other brighteners have somewhat thicker and more pigmented formulas so a little goes a long way.

Overall rating: Boo-boo!  I can use the VS Pro Light FX HD Eye Brightening Pen it to highlight my browbone, bridge of my nose, cupid's bow, etc., or under my eyes when I am well-rested.  However, I prefer my Revlon PhotoReady Eye Primer and Brightener (2.4ml/.08 fl oz; Retail $9.99) when Barnabas Collins takes up residence under my eyes, as it does a better job of concealing dark shadows (pardon the pun).

Here are some close-ups of dispensed product:

Primer, Illuminator, Eye Brightener

In general, I am impressed with the VS Pro line and hope to bring you more reviews of other products in the future.  Have you tried any of their other products?  As always, I welcome your comments.

Diorskin Poudre Shimmer All Over Face Powder - Amber Diamond

In keeping with the Dior theme of my recent posts, today I am featuring one of my favorite highlighters, the Diorskin Poudre Shimmer in Amber Diamond [002].  This regular collection product is a Dior best-seller!  Similar to Bobbi Brown Shimmerbricks, this product contains 5 complimentary hues of highlighting powder, for a perfect subtle glow that leans towards a lovely, light gold tone!  The powder is also available in Rose Diamond [001], for those that favor more pink-toned highlighter.

The mirrored compact comes in the signature velvet pouch and contains 10g of product (Retail $44) and does not include an applicator.  The surface of the powder is large enough for larger powder brushes in case you want to highlight your shoulders and décolleté.


Here is  a close-up of the compact as well as swatches of each shade individually and blended together (long swatch on the right):

Overall rating:  Booyah!


I hope this powder will continue to be offered by Dior as it is my favorite highlighter.  Just in case, I'm grabbing a back-up!


What is your favorite highlighter?  I'd love to know.