Nars Blush in Taj Mahal Review

When I first saw this color in Sephora, this was my first reaction: "Jesus".

It is a ritual to me to check Nars counter whenever I step into Sephora.  I have never ending platonic love situation with Nars, but I can not marry the brand (shop anything Nars online without a swatch) since I do not find it dependable at all times.  Sometimes it is totally faulty, sometimes it does not deliver any magic given the price tag, but when the brand does it right, you have to have it, you must have it, I love you, blah, blah, blah....

Usually, Nars counters in Sephora are similar and boring.  Some out of stock new collection items, and some cult favorites from the permanent line.  At first sight, I jump on the counter, play with pretty much everything on the display like Alice in Wonderland and then leave like a bad boy without any commitment.

However, Taj Majal was different.  I do not hear it much on Youtube.   Maybe because:

• It is winter and this can not be any more summary color, 
• It looks ridiculously orange 
• Within tens of Sephoras I have ever been, I only come across this color in Santa Monica branch.

I must say, I did not buy this color right after I swatch it.  At first, I said "Wow" but also scared.  It is pigmentation is more like an eye shadow density rather than a blush. In my opinion, it can not be used as a highlighter either because it simply is too orange.  It is a book definition of burnt orange with gold sheen, and if you are like me, do not know where to place your blush, it may transform you to a clown in no time.

Against all doubts,  I could not take my mind off the color.  I do not know why I get tempted by such difficult ones.  But I finally got it.

This photo, although looks painfully blur, taken after ten hours of carrying the brush. (At times exposed to California sun and wind).

Now to the summary...

Pros:

• One of a kind
• If it is a right match for your skin color and to your taste, well worth the money
• Good Nars product: the color transfer is exactly like in the pan, pigmented, buttery smooth, blendable, does not fade.
• It lifts the face.  The gold sheen gives the highlighter effect on higher points of the cheekbones, so one product performs as both highlight and a blush. 

Cons:

• Light handedly, light handedly, light handedly,....
• Good brush is a must and pay attention to buttery formula.  Good thing for an eye shadow but maybe hustling for a blush.  
• It is a smart product.  Meaning, rest of the colors you pick for your complete look has to match with the blush.  So blush retails for $30 but you may end up with few extras like a matching sheen, brownish red lipstick and warm brown eye shadows for a complete bronze goddess look. 

Useful tip: Once you lightly dip you blush brush into the product, swirl the brush at the back of your wrist before you place it directly on your face. This not only help you to eliminate excess but also warms up the product with your body heat and the distribution of the product on the brush becomes more even.  From there, you can repeat until you get the desired density.

Optional, based on preference: Instead of starting with apples of the cheeks, where people usually place their blushes, start under the cheek bones from ears and work towards center of the face while marrying the color with your bronzer.

Life after New Years....

So tired these days.  New Year started with too much pressure and worrying over things that are out of my control.  What to do on those days?  I try organizing my house and my schedule assuming this will help me get through things.


Home Organization

This is actually a crucial subject.  I used to think that cleaning is a waste of time.  As soon as I start living on my own, I realized that my room reflects my mood.  Being untidy is a state of mind.  Being in war with your living space is not a healthy thing.  You should feel at piece when you are home.  If you are staring in disgust to your kitchen counters, it is time for an action.

I just do not know how to handle this part though. First of all, it is not only me.  There is a messy husband involved who is better at cleaning but far worse than shooting the dirties into the bin. Untidiness is only one aspect of our situation.  Than there are things you can not even figure out the purpose of their existence.  For example, when we were in Turkey, we purchased a devise to cut chestnuts both ways at once to save time.  The problem is, we maybe bbq chestnuts once a year.  So what is the purpose of saving time from cutting chestnuts.   We are surrounded and trapped by excess.  I even have developed a phobia: whenever I entered to our garage, I am scared that I will discover a dead rat.  Thanks to investing heavily onto industrial strength shelves and shoe racks, I am getting over my phobia.

 Also, 'Small tiny boxes' strategy does not work for me because I can not remember where anything is.  Big size vacuumable  bags are awesome to save space.  It is funny that I don't even offer a pillow to my staying guests not to unvacuum one of those.

I would like to turn one of my guest rooms into a hobby room.  It is possible with a nice color on the walls and pieces of basic  furniture.  Maybe hanging a big size mirror and some light color on the wall can lighten up things.  I want to have my own space in my own house.

Exercise Issue

Ok, I am happy that I to him. But making a program for two is complicating things.  Now, I want to exercise. I have a super cool gym membership which I keep even during the most difficult financial times. But I can not go.  He wants to work out in the morning and he prefers to sleep. Every morning same thing.  No, I do not hate him just yet.  But, I think he deserves a punishment. How about I go after work and look smokin hot in no time?  Yes, I am my own solution.  I better get my lazy ass of the couch.

Healthy Diet Issue

There is nothing I want to quit.  Because I tried it and failed million times. But maybe I can manage sacrifices here and there.  As much as I can remember, I usually try to eliminate certain types of foods from my diet. Instead of cutting, how about I add food that I am supposed to eat.  I would never eat berries instead of chocolate. Instead of feeling guilty about eating chocolate, how about I add a bow of berries every day to my diet.  Ok sweety, here are the portions of healthy food you need to consume everyday on top of nasty ones.  I am assuming that in time I will be able to cut on unhealthy staff due to space limitation.  This is not a proven method. Do not take my word for it. But last night, I forced myself eating a bowl of mixed, fresh berries topped with plain yogurt and a table spoon of honey right before my tea and biscuits routine. Guess what happened?  It was so disgusting that by the time I finished the bowl, it was way passed my sleeping time.  So, I could not drink tea and eat biscuits.  Ok, cutting to the chase, drink water as much as you can. Probably, blotting will sort things out.

Clothing Issue

I have been through a lot last year.  Regular hormone shuts in efforts to get pregnant.  I could not get pregnant but I put on 12 pounds.  It is crazy really. Saved up money, spend it all for a disappointing result, and end up with hard to lose weight. I do not want to even think about it.  For now, my style is shabby chic, lots of dark something to cover up. But I am working on it.  For a better, happier person.

In my opinion ladies, everybody should exercise and pump oxygen to their cells. This is the only healthy, awesome way to increase your energy level, clear your mind, and get back on your feet.   And have fun doing it.  Does not matter what it is but remember to move.

Accomplishments will be posted.