Swatches + Review - Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base is a cult favorite among many beauty bloggers and YouTube vloggers. I never understood why because the swatches online look Oompa Loompa orange. I already have the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer, which is my holy grail bronzing and contouring product not orange, it's completely matte and it gives my face dimension. I decided to purchase the Chanel cream bronzer with the intention of using it as a base and to prolong the wear of my powder bronzers. 

The texture of the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel is creamy and it blends into my skin effortlessly when applied with a synthetic brush, such as the Royal & Langnickel BX-25, BX-15, BX-30, BX-35 and BX-70 brush (review + comparison). (Do not use a brush that's made from natural hair because it will shed when it comes in contact with cream products.) I usually apply my foundation, then the Chanel cream bronzer and finally, I'll set everything with a translucent powder. I prefer to apply the cream bronzer in a tapping motion rather than a sweeping motion because if I use the sweeping motion, it can mess up my foundation and the finish can look blotchy. Tapping the product into my skin leaves a more natural finish.

The BX-25 brush is denser than both the BX-15 and BX-30; therefore, it picks up more product, applies more heavily and requires less layering to get good color payoff. The BX-15 and BX-30 are by no means flimsy, but they apply more lightly and prevent you from over applying the product. However, it's difficult to over apply the Chanel bronzer because it looks so natural no matter how many times you layer it. Therefore, it doesn't matter which 3 of the brushes you use. You'll still achieve the same result.

If I want a more "chiseled" look, I'll use the BX-35 to contour my cheekbones and the BX-70 to contour my nose. (I use the BX35 in a tapping motion rather than a sweeping motion to prevent it from moving my foundation and from creating a harsh line.) To finish off the look, I apply a setting powder and then my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil as the final step. I find that it gives me more dimension than Soleil Tan De Chanel because it's darker and completely matte.

Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brushes: BX-25 ~ BX-15 ~ BX30

(brushes are dirty, sorry)

Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brushes: BX-35 ~ BX-70

Soleil Tan De Chanel looks scary orange compared to Chocolate Soleil, but I assure you, it looks completely natural when applied to the face. For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35, MUFE HD 127, L'oreal True Match W4 and Dior Forever 21 mixed with 31. I have also wore this when I was a MAC NC35/37, MUFE HD 128, L'oreal True Match W6 and Dior Forever 31 and it looked absolutely gorgeous. However, lighter beauties may find this to be too orange and darker beauties (NC42 and up) may find it to be too light. This product works best on medium skin tones as it adds warmth to the skin and enhances the complexion.

It is important to mention that Soleil Tan De Chanel looks slightly shimmery under direct sunlight. However, the shimmers are barely noticeable and it looks nearly matte under artificial lighting. It's still very safe to wear during the day time because it looks very natural. Also, it lasts at least 12 hours without fading when worn over liquid/cream foundation and set with a powder.

The price can be a turnoff, but it contains a hefty amount of product and you only need about 3 taps of product for each cheek. Therefore, it will take months before you'll need to replenish.

Bottom Line: I highly recommend getting the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel to use as a base in order to lengthen the wear of a powder bronzer. If you have a medium complexion, this will also work well alone and leave your skin with a natural sun-kissed look.

Note: The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base contains 1oz of product and is available on their online store, Nordstrom, and at Chanel makeup counters for $48.

*This post contains affiliate links.

What product do you use to contour your face?

Swatches: DHC Skincare and Makeup for 2013

I was recently invited to a DHC event and I had a really great time. There were cocktails, appetizers, music and lots of swatching going on! Also, the staff was amazing and I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful beauty bloggers. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera to the event. =( However, DHC provided a goodie bag for each of us. So, you guys/gals can at least enjoy the swatches. ^_^

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

• available in three sizes: 6.7oz ($28), 2.3oz ($14), 1oz ($5.50)
• removes dirt, makeup and sunscreen completely and with ease
• contains only 8 ingredients with no added fragrance, colorants, mineral oil, parabens and sulfates
• won't clog pores
• antioxidant-rich olive oil helps protect skin from damaging free radicals
• with daily use, skin becomes softer, pores look smaller and complexion looks more radiant

I have been using and repurchasing DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil since high school because I love that it removes my makeup effectively and gently without tugging my skin. As most of you guys/gals know, eye makeup, especially waterproof mascara, is a b!tch to take off. Tugging around the eye area, which is the most delicate area on the face, causes premature wrinkles. However, the Deep Cleansing Oil, which is an oil-based remover, makes the removal process a breeze. 

I usually wet my face in the shower, then take 2-3 pumps of the Deep Cleansing Oil and rub it all over my face, including the eye area,then rinse with water. After that step, most of my makeup is removed and I'll use my facial cleanser to exfoliate my face and to remove any makeup that is left on my skin. When I don't use the Deep Cleansing Oil, I have to remove my makeup using a 3 step process. First, I have to remove my eye makeup using an oil-based product called the Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. Then, to remove my face makeup, I have to wash my face twice with my facial cleanser, which can be a little harsh on my skin since it contains 2% salicylic acid. I have to use a good moisturizer afterwards to prevent my skin from drying out. (When your skin is overly dry, your body produces more oil to compensate, which in turn causes breakouts.) Therefore, I prefer to use the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil method.

I did have reservations about this product because I have oily skin and I was afraid that it was going to make my skin oilier and break me out. I'm glad to report that it does neither of those two evils and it actually makes my skin more balanced. 

I highly recommend the Deep Cleansing Oil for any skin types because it removes long wearing and waterproof makeup easily and gently without leaving your skin feeling tight or greasy.

Ingredients: Olea Europaea (olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Oil

DHC Pore Cleansing Oil

• available in one size, 5oz ($31), on January 1, 2013
• minimizes the appearance of pores while gently and effectively removing makeup
• 9 nutrient-packed botanical oils and an amino acid help unclog & minimize the appearance of pores, hydrate skin and promote a younger-looking complexion

Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-5 Dioleate, Triethylhexanoin, Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Isostearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride,  Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyl Avocadate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Butylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Extract, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Sebacic Acid, 1, 10-decanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Propyl Gallate

DHC Pore Face Wash

• available in one size, 4.2oz ($25), on January 1, 2013
• age-defying foaming face wash
• creates a lavish foam to cleanse and exfoliate skin and helps minimize the appearance of pores
• refines skin's texture with baking soda and fruit juice AHAs for a smooth finish with smaller-looking pores

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glycosyl Trehalose, Glyceryl Glucoside, Sodium Bicarbonate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Pentasodium Pentetate, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Laminaria Digitata (Horsetail Kelp) Extract, Plantago Major Seed Extract

The Pore Face Wash leaves a film and a tight feeling on my skin when used alone. So, I have to use 2-3 pumps of the Pore Cleansing Oil afterwards to remove the residue. It also removes makeup well, but I find that the Deep Cleansing Oil does a better job. 

I have visible pores around my nose area and I've been using the Pore Face Wash and Pore Cleansing Oil together for 4 weeks and I've noticed that the size of my pores are slightly smaller. However, they are still visible and I still need to hide them by wearing a silicone-based primer. I will continue using the Pore Face Wash and Pore Cleansing Oil together to see if they'll minimize the appearance of my pores even more!

DHC Kakonjuka Cream

• available in one size, 1.4oz ($32), on March 1, 2013
• intensive moisturizer that fights fine lines & wrinkles
• contains 6 Japanese & Korean botanicals (Maitake Mushroom, Platycara Strobilacea, Licorice Leaf, Great Burnet, Purslane, Reishi Mushroom), which soothe, hydrate and fight fine lines
• free of added colorants and fragrance

I absolutely love this moisturizer! The texture is thick, but it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It does look a little bit greasy at first, but within a few minutes of application, the product fully absorbs into the skin and leaves a velvety grease-less finish. I love using this as a night moisturizer and as a primer for my undereye concealer because it's so hydrating and it prevents my undereye concealer from creasing or looking cakey. Also, it does not have a scent to it, which is a major plus for me.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil,, Glycerin, Cylcopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Octyldodecyl Myristate, PEG-75 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Butylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Glycosyl Trehalose, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Platycarya Strobilacea Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Tocopherol, Polyquaternium-51, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract, Ziyu Glycoside, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Stem Extract

DHC Velvet Skin Coat

• available in one size, .52oz ($22.50)
• makeup primer with a sheer, non-greasy powdery gel texture
• mattifying, smoothes skin, fills pores and fine lines
• contains antioxidant-rich olive oil to help fight free radicals
• leaves a silky feeling

As I mentioned earlier, I have visible pores around my nose area, but those ugly holes magically disappear when I apply the Velvet Skin Coat primer over them. It's a silicone-based primer; therefore, it leaves a very velvety and silky feeling to the skin. Also, it's colorless and it doesn't have a scent to it. I highly recommend this because it allows foundation to glide onto the skin effortlessly and it leaves a poreless finish to the skin.

Ingredients: Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Silica

DHC Designing Pencil Eyebrow

• available in 4 shades, Noir, Cocoa, Teal, and Plum ($9.50 each), on February 1, 2013
• highly pigmented eyeliner pencil 
• contains olive oil and squalane to nourish skin and for smooth error-free application

I've never had much luck with eyeliner pencils, which I suspect is due to my oily lids. I've tried many different brands, including those from the drugstore and department stores, but they all faded or smudged throughout the day even when I wore a primer underneath and set it with a powder. The DHC one was no exception. However, I do like that the Noir shade is highly pigmented and that it glides onto the skin effortlessly without tugging the skin. As for the Plum shade, I think I got a defect because when I was testing the one at the beauty event, it was so creamy and it applied smoothly onto my skin; however, the one that I got in my beauty bag applies blotchy. I do love the color, though. 

DHC Designing Pencil Eyebrow

• available in 5 shades, Black, Black Brown, Brown, Soft Brown and Gray ($9.50 each), on February 1, 2013
• eyebrow pencil that fills in brows for a polished appearance
• contains olive oil and squalane to nourish skin

The eyebrow pencil is not as pigmented as the eyeliner, which is a good thing because it does not leave a harsh line on the brows. Instead, it creates a more natural effect. I have the shade in Black Brown and it's a good match for my dark brown hair. I usually fill in my brows with MAC's Copperplate eyeshadow and I find that Black Brown is more brown and less grey. It still looks natural in natural sunlight and it lasts all day without fading even though it contains olive oil.

What DHC products have you tried and would recommend?

*This post contains an affiliate link and the products mentioned were provided by DHC for attending the beauty event. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.

Drugstore.com Coupon Code 2012: 40% OFF All Makeup

Drugstore.com is offering 40% OFF EVERYTHING* in their makeup department. Enter coupon code MAKEUP40 at checkout. Offer expires October 20, 2012.

*affiliate link

Tarte Cosmetics Coupon Code 2012: 20% OFF Entire Order + Free Shipping

Tarte Cosmetics is offering 20% off entire order (no minimum)* + free shipping on any purchase of $40 or more. Enter coupon code TREAT at checkout. Offer expires October 21, 2012. 

*Fine print: The following sets are excluded from any promo codes and/or discounts: pure maracuja oil, eye catchers 6-piece smolderEYES™ and skinny smolderEYES™ collector's set, mistletoe must haves 24/7 lip sheer trio, the perfect pink holiday exclusive cheek stain, the stand outs limited-edition best-sellers kit, fantastic foursome Amazonian clay 12-hour blush enthusiast set, limited-edition picture perfect™ curler & deluxe lights, camera, lashes!™ mascara, statement lips 5-piece LipSurgence™ collector's set, any items in the #SampleSale section and any items marked excluded from discounts and promo codes on their product pages. 

What will you be stocking up on?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Swatches: GlossyBox USA August September 2012 + Giveaway

I've never purchased any beauty box subscriptions because they usually send out only samples and mostly skincare products. I do like trying a sample of a product before buying the full size, but It's difficult to assess a skincare product when you only get one or two uses out of it. Moreover, I can get samples at Sephora or a department store for free.

GlossyBox costs $21 each month (with free shipping) and it's more expensive compared to other beauty box subscriptions, but they provide 5 travel-size products from well-known beauty brands, including Burberry, Illamasqua, Ole Henriksen, Zoya, Missha, and many more. You are actually getting more bang for your buck. I've calculated the value of the August and September box and each of them was worth more than $21.

GlossyBox USA August 2012 

GlossyBox USA August 2012 ($92.90 Total Value):

1. Touch In Sol Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base 1.06oz ($18.76) - The full size costs $20/1.13oz. It's a primer that preps the skin before the application of foundation. It has a gel texture that feels super lightweight and thins out to a watery texture once I start blending it. Also, it quickly absorbs into my skin. It doesn't leave a sticky finish at all, even though it looks thick and sticky in the tube. 
2. Ellis Faas Milky Lips in Burnt Orange L204 0.095oz ($35.00) - I received the full size! It has a creamy texture and excellent pigmentation without any scent or flavor to it.
3. Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Taint 0.5oz ($14.00) - I received the full size! It's a dark greyish brown with a matte finish and it has an opaque finish with 2 coats. This is definitely one of my go-to colors for the fall.
4. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum 0.5oz ($24.00) - The full size costs $48/1oz. There's actually enough product in the travel size for me to decide if I like it enough to buy the full size. It has a citrus scent to it and quickly absorbs into my skin without feeling sticky. I have been using this as a serum right before applying my moisturizer. I've noticed that I have gotten less dry patches on my skin when I wake up the next morning.
5. Biolage Exquisite Oil Replenishing Treatment 0.16oz ($1.14) -  The full size costs $22/3.1oz. I have been using this on the ends of my hair because they're a little bit dry. The serum makes my ends look more healthy.

GlossyBox USA September 2012 

GlossyBox USA September 2012 (at least a $56.99 value):

1. Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water 3.38oz ($13.00) - I received the full size! I use this to clean the fallouts underneath my eye. It makes my skin feel refreshed and it doesn't leave an oily residue.
2. GKHair Balancing Conditioner - The GlossyBox card says that the GKHair Moisturizing Conditioner is $20/10.1oz. I received the Balancing Conditioner and couldn't find the retail price on GK's website. On Drugstore.com, it says that the product is $18/10.1oz. I also don't know the value of the travel size because it doesn't say how much product it contains. The conditioner leaves my hair non-greasy and manageable. Keep in mind, I only use conditioner on the middle part and the end of my hair. Also, I haven't chemically processed my hair for about 2 years, so it's pretty healthy. However, my scalp gets greasy if I don't wash it every other day and my ends are a little bit dry. Moisturizing conditioners usually leave my hair greasy, while the deep cleansing ones leave my hair unmanageable. The GK one leaves my hair "balanced." 
3. Kryolan for Glossybox Moisture Rich Lipstick in Glossy Pink 0.14oz ($14.00) - I received the full size! This is a midtone rosy pink shade that's neither too bright nor too dark.
4. GKHair Balancing Shampoo - The GlossyBox card says that the GKHair Moisturizing Shampoo is $20/10.1oz. I received the Balancing Shampoo and couldn't find the retail price on GK's website. On Drugstore.com, it says that the product is $18/10.1oz. I also don't know the value of the travel size because it doesn't say how much product it contains. The shampoo is too moisturizing for my hair, but this would be more ideal for those with damaged, fried and overly processed hair.
5. Missha M Perfect BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++ in No.31 Golden Beige 1.69oz ($29.99) -  I received the full size! I'm about an NC35/37, MUFE HD 128 and Dior Forever 31 right now and unfortunately, Golden Beige is too dark for me. I'm going to have to mix this with a lighter foundation.

GlossyBox Giveaway

Prize:

• 1 Month Subscription of Glossybox

Deadline:

• This giveaway will end at 11:59pm EST on October 21, 2012.

Good Luck, everyone! ^_^

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. Also, the giveaway is sponsored by GlossyBox.

Review: MAC 215 Medium Shader Brush

From Left to Right: Royal & Langnickel BC410 ~ MAC 215 ~ MAC 239 ~ Royal & Langnickel BC411

MAC recently launched the Face and Body Fall 2012 Collection, which includes the limited edition 215 Medium Shader brush. The 215 is bigger than the 214 (review) and smaller than the 227. The head of the brush is short, dense and made from natural bristles. The bristles feel soft (not scratchy at all) and they're not extremely stiff like the MAC 214, which irritates my lower lash line.

Generally, brushes that are made from natural hair should not be used with cream products because they absorb alot of product and don't apply as smoothly as a synthetic brush does. Both the Royal & Langnickel BC410 and MAC 239 are made from natural hair and are ideal for packing on powder products. The Royal & Langnickel BC411 is made of synthetic material and is more suitable for applying cream products. The MAC 215 is more versatile and works well with both cream and powder products. It packs on color nicely and applies evenly without any patchiness or shedding, regardless of the type of product being used.

From Left to Right: Royal & Langnickel BC410 ~ MAC 215 ~ MAC 239 ~ Royal & Langnickel BC411

The size of the brush can be an issue, depending on how small your eyes are and how you hold the brush. When I hold the brush horizontally, I find that it covers a huge portion of my eye. However, when I hold the brush vertically and at a slight angle, it covers my lids perfectly.

When using powder products, I prefer to use a fluffier and rounder brush to blend because the 215 is too dense for that purpose. It ends up blending away the product. However, it's great for softening the edges when using cream products. 

Bottom Line: I love the uniqueness and the versatility of the MAC 215. It's not like any other natural hair shader brush that I have tried because it can be used with both cream & powder products. I love to use it for applying & blending cream bases, packing on powder eyeshadows and highlighting my browbone. This brush has become a staple in my collection.

Note: The MAC 215 Medium Shader brush measures 6.60 inches, while the 239 measures 6.5 inches. Both retails for $25 on Nordstrom. The Royal & Langnickel BC410 measures 6.25 inches and retails for $15.99, while the BC411 measures 6.5 inches and retails for $10.99 on their online store.

What brush do you use for applying cream & powder eyeshadows?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.