NYX Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush Review | Fall 2019 Beauty Trends

I have a lot of blush in my vanity drawers but I’m getting bored of pink and dusty rose. It seems like every brand has the same range of shades and this fall I want something different.

On my quest to find sultry hues that define and enhance, I came across the Sweet Cheeks Collection by NYX. The plum, burgundy and golden undertones are deep and silky for effortless blending and sculpting. If you want to get really creative, the bright yellow and taupe-grey are quite eccentric.

Although the product name indicates a “creamy” texture, the powder is lightweight and satiny with smooth, buildable coverage. It does not settle into lines or accentuate dryness and depending on the blush you choose, the color can appear quite natural when faded just right.

The finishes range from soft matte to radiant shimmer with enough color payoff to double as eye shadow. The glow formula has built-in highlighter that is very saturated. Don’t use too much or it might look like fallout.

Of course anyone can wear these shades but they look particularly lovely on medium, deep, olive and tan complexions. The pigment lasts all day (even on oily skin) and you can mix and match to create your own gorgeous hues.

Summer Breeze (on the top) is a beautiful iridescent coral that instantly brightens and illuminates with a touch of gold. The other orange is the matte version of Summer Breeze but in person it looks more like a neutral mix of coral and brown. Risky Business is a frosty red-pink that can be swept on with a fan brush for a pop of holiday glam.

The shimmery garnet in the middle (Red Riot) is saturated and dramatic while the matte version (to the left) is a rich burgundy that has become my favorite autumn blush. Totally Chill looks orange under my studio lights but it has neutral, mauve and brown undertones.

I prefer the matte finish because it looks more like blush and less like eye shadow but they both work wonders on dull skin. The Compacts retail for $10.00 each and NYX is available at drugstores nationwide.

Revlon Ultra HD Vinyl Lip Polish: Review & Swatches

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Revlon makes beautiful lip products and the Ultra HD Vinyl Polish is no exception.

There are 12 trendy shades to choose from including fuchsia, classic red, sultry berry, violet, nude, deep burgundy and bright orange – a little something for everyone.

If you love lush, dramatic color with a bold lacquered finish and plump, scintillating shine then look no further! Infused with rich pigment, vitamin E, shea butter and aloe extract, these glossy vinyls keep lips moist and supple with no feathering or fuss.

The color glides on full-coverage, consistent and dramatic in one coat and hugs the curve of your lips to create a voluminous, juicy pout. I can wear these for hours without having to reapply because the rich texture clings to skin without stickiness, mess or discomfort.

After testing most of the shades, I think it’s best to use one layer and a little extra if necessary. When applied excessively, the color doesn’t look as neat.

Left to right: 950 Act Natural, 975 Rule The World, 935 Berry Blissed, 925 Birthday Suit, 910 Cherry On Top, 915 So Shady, 920 Power Up and 960 Date Night.

The delicious whipped vanilla scent is a bit strong as you pull the wand out but I love the candy aroma. Even as the color begins to wear away, my lips remain smooth, soft and hydrated which makes the polish perfect for chilly autumn days.

My favorite shades for fall are: Berry Blissed, Cherry On Top (blue-based bright red), Power Up (great orange-coral for Halloween) and So Shady (dark burgundy-wine).

Act Natural is the lightest shade in the collection with a soft pink finish while Birthday Suit is a neutral pink. Date Night has a mauve - dusty rose undertone that looks amazing on medium to deep skin.

Rule The World is a summery hot pink that looks gorgeous on everyone.

If you prefer shine-free, creamy lipstick, check out my review of the Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Is Everything Collection.

The Lip Polish retails for $11.49 CAD and Revlon is available at drugstores nationwide.

YSL Vernis À Lèvres Water Stain | Review and Swatches

As someone who has hundreds of liners, lipsticks and lacquers, I know that lip gloss can seem a tad boring. How can they make a sheer, shiny formula any better – add more moisture? Change the scent? Who cares!

Well YSL Beauty has created something wonderful - a versatile stain, gloss, lacquer formula that looks gorgeous and feels incredibly comfortable.

The Vernis À Lèvres Water Stains ($49.00 ea) are available in 18 stunning shades that make your lips appear juicy and plump. The unique moisturizing base is composed of 40% water for smooth glide and even layers that drench dry skin in supple color.

The finish is non-sticky but the stain adheres well and hugs the lip contour to prevent feathering. I love the lush texture, it feels like a soft, replenishing balm that repairs and accentuates. The light, luminous finish can be amplified from sheer to medium coverage and I was able to achieve amazing opacity.

You may need to reapply after eating or drinking but the applicator distributes the perfect amount of color that usually lasts for hours.

I have a few of the red, pink and orange hues but there are flattering shades for every skin tone including nude, wine, violet and deep berry.

The only shade that lacks saturation is 605 Bain De Corail because the color is quite light. If you prefer bold pigment, stick to the bright and deep tones.

I love wearing these while traveling because they hold up well during long flights and actually make parched lips feel soft and healthy. 

YSL Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Sears, Sephora and yslbeauty.ca