Summertime. . . Vacation time

Our family is always excited when summer comes.  It is a time to unwind and visit our favorite getaways.  My daughter loves the beach and would gladly go to Boracay anytime.  The husband and myself personally love cold places.  Our most memorable vacation in the last few years was our trip to the States 4 years ago.  The weather then in LA was cold as it was early Spring.  We stayed in Chino Hills and went to Las Vegas for a weekend.  We had a blast in Disneyland, Sea World and Universal Studios.  Of course, I did not dare miss all the fabulous outlets there like Cabazon, Carlsbad, Primms etc.

The little brat had a lot of fun trying out the rides in Universal  Studios but got scared of Kingkong.  Her most anticipated moment however is to see and experience some snow.  Being in LA however, there is of course no snow.  We were seriously thinking of trying vail vacation rentals just to make her happy then. I heard from friends who were from the States that their vacation packages are well worth it and truly remarkable.  One can ski, play golf, shop and dine in any of their getaways. The rooms or cottages are comfortable and well equipped thus ensuring a truly perfect vacation.  Unfortunately for us, our time then was limited thus we had to forego our planned getaway.  Next time we go to the States, we will definitely avail of vail valley's vacation packages.

Cheek Stains

Benefit Benetint

This cheek stain is the best one in the market for me.  It not only smells wonderfull (fresh cut roses scent), it also lasts practically the whole day.  It's non greasy and easy to apply.  Don't be deceived by the bright red color as it lightens when applied.  Apply moderately on cheeks and blend with your fingertips.  Apply a light powder afterwards to lessen the harshness.  If applied moderately, one pot would last for 8-12 months.  SRP is about Php 1800.  Got mine for HKD300. 


Tarte Cheek Stain

             

The Tarte Cheek Stain available in most Sephora stores is a water based gel cheek color.  Unlike the Benetint which comes in only one color (not considering the Posie tint), Tarte has a variety of shades, all of which are great and smells yummy!  My personal favorites are tipsy (sheer coral pink and apricot scented) and flush (sheer berry and raspbery scented). I particularly prefer this cheek stain as it blends well wih dry skinned gals like myself.  Since it's gel type, it glides easily leaving a rosy and dewy flush.  The only disadvantage is that it does not last as long as the Benetint.  Tarte cheek stain: $30 in Sephora.         

Smashbox O Glow

           

As I am partial to Smashbox products, I decided to try their O Glow as well.  All their powder based blush, liquid foundation, primer and lipstick work well for me thus, I thought this would do as well. It is said to be an "intuitive" stain that reacts to your natural skin chemistry to turn cheeks into the color you blush naturally.  Ths product is ok I guess, but I'd rather get the Tarte or Benetint.  It doesn't last that long (it lasts longer than the Tarte though), and it's a bit chalky sometimes.  Plus, you have to apply a bit much for it to work. It's much too pink for my taste as well.  SRP: Php 1300 in Beauty Bar.