While I was off stuffing my face with free fruit samples at the farmer’s market last night, I road tested a couple of goodies from the Boots makeup line — Natural Blush Cheek Colour in Candy Pink ($9) and Botanics Lip Gloss in Star Anise ($6). ‘Cause, you know, I’m all about beauty bargains. And multi-tasking. And free food!
Have you tried any Boots makeup before? I’m new to their makeup, but I like the few Boots skin products and makeup wipes I’ve tried.
Originally from merry olde England, the Boots line sailed onto Target shelves a few years ago. Their makeup offering looks pretty thorough with lots to choose from (foundation, blush, eyeshadow — basically, the works) in colors galore.
Candy Pink blush (a sheer matte pink) and Star Anise gloss (a sheer, creamy nude rose) represent my first dalliances with Boots makeup, and based on the two of them I’m thinking chocks away! — here’s something great for gals who love natural-looking makeup.
Candy Pink Blush
Candy Pink goes on VERY sheer. As a matter of fact, the lightly flushed look in these pics took about three layers. The powder feels velvety soft, and even though it took a few layers to reach the level of color I wanted (it may take you less if you’re lighter than moi), the blush was still pretty easy to apply and blend… Might be something to consider if you’re on the market for a natural pink cheek look.
Star Anise Gloss
I 
Star Anise and her medium-weight, moisturizing texture. She’s uber-smooth, too, NOT uber-sticky, and doesn’t feel or look thick or heavy at all. She also has a wonderfully subtle shine.
Candy Pink Blush
Star Anise gloss
Swatches from left on NC35 skin: Candy Pink blush, Star Anise gloss
A closeup of Star Anise
Yesterday Star Anise lasted about two hours on my lips, which is great considering what I shoveled into my mouth (a veggie Greek wrap, hella random fruits and veggies, a small bag of kettle corn and a weird but totally delicious sour cherry soda).
Lest you think all I did was eat at the farmer’s market, here’s photographic evidence to the contrary. I also bought things to eat AFTER the market ended, NOM!
Sweet white peaches, bok choy and blackberries
Red chard… What the heck do I do with this?!
Yummy avocados
Apparently, I shop for veggies in much the same way I shop for shoes, making my decision at the last possible second. The red chard was a spur-of-the-moment purchase based solely on how it looked. I love the reddish purple veins! Urgh, too bad I have absolutely no idea what to do with it. ‘Twas thinking about chopping and lightly steaming it, but now that sounds unappealing. If you have any ideas for “the red chard,” PLEASE HOLLA!
Oh, and also holla if have any experience with the Boots makeup line (available at Target stores here in the U.S.). Anything you can’t live without? Inquiring minds wanna know! 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Steph B says
July 16th, 2010 at 3:29 pmChard rocks. You can toss it into pasta, soups, risotto, or an omelette. I love to saute with some shallots and a splash of lemon juice.
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:42 pmI never knew chard was so versatile! I’ll have to try it w/shallots… that sounds delish.
Elizabeth Craig says
July 16th, 2010 at 3:32 pmSaute that chard with some garlic, balsamic, and halved cherry tomatoes and serve it over polenta with some goat cheese crumbled over the top. DELISH!
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:41 pmI have all those things in my pantry right now! 🙂 Thank you for the recipe.
Tiffany says
July 16th, 2010 at 3:35 pmI haven’t tried anything from this line…. the lipgloss looks great. So do the blackberries! 🙂
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:41 pmI just ate a handful of them with some yogurt. Summer fruit is the best!
dani@callitbeauty says
July 16th, 2010 at 3:56 pmnever tried their makeup but i’ve been using the cleansing milk and i love it 🙂
.-= dani@callitbeauty’s last blog post… Boots Original Beauty Formula Cleansing Milk – Review =-.
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:40 pmOh, that sounds promising. Is it good for dry skin?
Lily says
July 16th, 2010 at 4:09 pmI have never heard of that line! Your blog always teaches me something new! well maybe i have, i just though it was called No7? who knows where i get these ideas?
red chard is really great in salads! i love it, its 2nd to only rainbow chard and spinach 🙂
.-= Lily’s last blog post… Loving- lusting- buying inspired by the look for less blog =-.
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:40 pmHi Lily,
LOL! Next time you’re at Target take a look in the beauty aisle… they should have a couple of Boots makeup items there! 🙂
Rainbow chard some yummy, btw.
Katherine says
July 16th, 2010 at 4:20 pmChard is so delicious! You can use it almost anywhere you would use spinach. I like it in quiche, sauteed with garlic (a delicious pizza topping), and in pasta dishes.
And oh yes, the makeup is very pretty too. 🙂
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:39 pmI will have to try it in a few recipes as a spinach replacement then! Pasta sounds good…
Indoorkitty says
July 16th, 2010 at 4:22 pmWe’re lazy, we have chard salads with honey-mustard vinaigrette and lots of avocado. But I love sour stuff, on rough days I can eat a whole lemon.
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:38 pmHi Indoorkitty,
A whole lemon… wow! I take it you like Sour Patch kids.
Gisele says
July 16th, 2010 at 4:56 pmI tried Boots Mousse foundation about a year ago and it was not a good experience, way too yellow for my skin and it oxidized within an hour. I use Boots Botanics eye cream nightly. It’s repkaced 2 high-end products I onced used.
It is so hot in this part of Ca. that the thought of leaving the house for a farmer’s market is painful. Hubby went on Monday to one near his ofc. and the fruits and veggies he brought home are long gone. We’re awfully spoiled in this state with all of the wonderful produce and all this heat that helps ’em grow! 109 on the thermometer and just sunscreen on the face.
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:36 pmOOOH, I’ve actually been looking for an affordable eye cream. Do you think it might be good for dry skin?
ace says
July 16th, 2010 at 7:09 pmRed chard is a sort of cross between spinach and beetroot leaves- sautee it with olive oil and garlic and chili flakes. If the center veins are too tough just cut them out 🙂 theyre also nice in salads! (btw its not my favorite vegetable or anything but my mum <3 s it and this is what she says is a good way to do it lol)
.-= ace's last blog post… The Body Shop Eye Definer =-.
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:35 pmHi Ace,
Thanks for the red chard ideas! 😀
ace says
July 17th, 2010 at 6:50 pmlol youre welcome!!
.-= ace’s last blog post… The Body Shop Eye Definer =-.
Savannah says
July 16th, 2010 at 7:31 pmI just wanted to let you now that your post on the Stila Road to Radiance palette made me go buy it! I am so excited to try it, thanks for always posting things like this because if you hadn’t then I would have had no clue about it.
XX
Savannah
.-= Savannah’s last blog post… OOTD- FOTD-EOTD =-.
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:34 pmHi Savannah,
Yay! I hope that you like it. Have you been a Stila fan for long?
L. says
July 16th, 2010 at 7:33 pmYou’re skin looks really beautiful in these photos! May I asked what you used – whether it’s a makeup or skincare product that you attribute it too? My skin can be temperamental, so I’m always interested in what someone with great skin is using!
Alison says
July 16th, 2010 at 8:09 pmI have been singing the praise of Boots Extreme Length mascara to anyone who will listen for the past couple months. It is my current favorite mascara! Aside from lengthening, it really defines and separates lashes- not a clump in sight! Love it, love it, love it!
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:33 pmHey Alison,
What kind of lash look does it give you? Is it dramatic or natural?
Alison says
July 17th, 2010 at 5:27 pmI’d say it’s pretty natural. It’s a good everyday mascara.
Agnes says
July 17th, 2010 at 1:44 amhmmm never tried their makeup line but i use their day rebalancing gel and it is amazing 🙂
.-= Agnes’s last blog post… Giveaway Winner Announced !! =-.
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:32 pmYeah, a few of their skincare products are awesome! How long have you been using the rebalancing gel? Has it made a big diff w/your skin?
Kaelin says
July 17th, 2010 at 1:50 amHi Karen, I read your blog RELIGIOUSLY everyday. I live in Novato too, and whenever i read the bits in your posts about places i’ve been to too i get a little jolt of excitement inside.(btw, try the chicken from the chicken truck at the farmer’s market. definitely on the steep side for a chicken, but it’ll make your taste buds dance like a Madonna revival) Not to sound stalkerish but i keep hoping that one day i’ll run into you. You see, i’m currently going to an art school, and because of your blog i’ve gone into the writing division. You’ve shown me that writing doesn’t have to be all sitting couped up in an attic writing novels, but that it can be fun,adventures, and interesting. You’ve inspired me, Thank You 🙂
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:31 pmHi Kaelin,
LOL, chances are we’ll run into each other someday at the Whole Foods salad bar (aka, my home away from home). 😀 Damn those $12 salads. They’re so expensive, but they taste so good!
SO happy to hear that you’ve found your passion! Are you enjoying the writing program so far? What classes are you taking?
Oh, I will make a note to check out the chicken truck. I’m hoping to go back next week with a few of my cameras to take pics (and eat, of course).
inaya says
July 17th, 2010 at 2:02 amtry their 17 lip palette in peach tone. moisturzing, pigmented LOVE
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:24 pmNoted!! 🙂
Amanda M says
July 17th, 2010 at 5:34 amI would suggest sauteeing the Swiss Cahrd with garlic and some red chili flakes in olive oil (and I see some others have suggested that too). We are growing Bok Choy in our garden this year…do you have any suggestions for recipes?
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:24 pmYum! I will have to try that.
As for the bok choy, I like to chop it up and throw it into fried rice along with any other leftover veggies I’ve got in the fridge, frozen shrimp and some scrambled egg.
It’s also good steamed with a little bit of oyster sauce. 🙂
Marina says
July 17th, 2010 at 5:56 amKaren, I LOVE your shirt!
Also now , because of you, I am craving avocado, mmm
.-= Marina’s last blog post… Beauty Blog Link Love-17-07-2010 =-.
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:22 pmHey Marina!
Aww, thanks! That’s one of my fave tops.
Avocado is so yummy. How do you usually like to eat it?
Nina says
July 17th, 2010 at 7:44 amThe Star Anise gloss is pretty! I likey. Ill be at Target today and will check this line out!
That sour cherry drink — im all up for that! Love sour cherry! 🙂
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:22 pmI really, really like Star Anise. It’s going into the prize lipgloss pocket in my purse w/MAC Nymphette. 🙂
You’d probably love that sour cherry soda! I wish I bought a few bottles… they are addictive like that.
Nina says
July 18th, 2010 at 1:03 pmI bought Star Anise yesterday afternoon while waiting for Hubs. I saw the blush too but I have a couple of blushes coming in the mail so I resisted.
Its so pretty – lovelovelove it! 🙂
Sugarenia says
July 17th, 2010 at 7:50 amOy, where did you find that Luxe (it’s pronounced this way) sour cherry soda, girl? That’s a definite original greek product! 😀
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:20 pmThat soda was SO DELICIOUS. I am still craving it! I picked it up when I bought the veggie Greek wrap at the farmer’s market on Thursday. I wish I could buy a pack of them at the store!
Vicki M.. says
July 17th, 2010 at 12:34 pmIs that jadite that those avocados are sitting in? I am a jadite fanatic. Do you collect it?
Karen says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:15 pmHi Vicki M,
Yes, it is! Unfortch the only thing in my collection is that bowl, LOL! I want to collect more of it because I love how it looks and how sturdy it is.
Where do you get your jadeite from?
Larie says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:17 pmInteresting, I’ve never tried Boots, either. And I just thought I’d say, that little caption you have of “El Hub’s foot” in the soda picture, made me crack up laughing. So cute!
Redhead says
July 17th, 2010 at 4:59 pmAll the food, and the makeup, look gorgeous 😀 As for the chard, my mom made it once by ripping it lightly into pieces, sauteeing it in olive oil until it became tender (but not mushy), and adding sweet cherry tomatoes and a little crumble of Parmesan cheese right before you turn the heat off to add flavor and counteract the bitterness of the chard. It’s SO good, and really healthy. 😀
Michele DiCola says
July 24th, 2010 at 6:36 pmYes, Karen follow Ace ‘s advice with the chard. That’s how i learned how to make in NC. It is great if it is tender. You will get the hang of it. The Candy Pink blush looks MAC’s DollyMix.
and the Star Anise is lighter on than i thought it would be.
Have a great Sunday!
I was in the pool all day.
Michele