SEASONAL CULL: Blushes...

Hmmm, this seasonal cull wasn't quite as productive as the first exercise, but while concealers and blushes are both vital makeup items, they're hardly comparable hey ♥ The spectrum of blush shade families, textures and finishes available is pretty much unlimited, and I for one delight in having lots of choices - hence the collection below ♥ But still I reckon it's worth reassessing every now and then, if for no other reason than to keep a mindful eye on storage space ... 

I started by sorting them into formulas and colours - first separating creams and powders, and then grouping them into pinks/purples, oranges/corals, and mauves/bricks/plums. Below are the creams, which I use when I want a more dewy finish, or as a base to boost the powder topping, and make it last all day. The lidless pots are by Lacura, and the Lip & Cheek Rouges are by DB Cosmetics. That Australis one on the far right is the last of the handful I bought when it was discontinued years ago, and it's STILL viable...

These are the two I decided to dispose of because I hardly ever wear them - the Lacura one because it's so very pale on my skin, and the Maybelline hue, well it just isn't quite right...

And here are the powders sorted into colour families...

I started with the corals and oranges - nothing pricey at all here, and more than enough to cover every need for this autumnal hue. Top left is NYX Ombre, and the bold trio in the middle is by Sleek...

I made up my mind to ditch the BYS Endless Summer palette as I've only ever used the middle pan, plus it's many years old. The two essence blushes are fairly recent additions, but again, the hues aren't quite flattering enough for my complexion, and the matt touch one has very little colour payoff...

Next up were the pinks and purples - without a doubt my passions, especially when wearing black/white outfits. Although I call myself a "warm", I'm actually a neutral, and can therefore wear some of these ever so pretty cooler tones. The purpley one without a label is by Real Purity, and was sent to me by a darling friend (♥), and I'd forgotten all about the Mirenesse one top left - found it in my work room on the "must swatch before reviewing" shelf, so I'll be giving that a go shortly (once I've swatched it lol). Top right beauty is by NYX, and the middle trio is by Sleek...

Couldn't bring myself to toss out very many here as they're all quite different, and equally gorgeous. However the essence blush up has seen better days, and I only ever wear the colour on the left side of the pan. The BYS palette is another ancient one, and well, it was time to say goodbye...

I tend to wear the mauves, plums and bricky reds more often in Autumn and Winter, although the mauves really have a place all year round. The one on the top right (no label, another gift) is the second untouched one I found on my shelf, and bottom left is the only Laura Geller makeup item in my kit, and it's divine - must explore this brand further! Bottom right is by Ulta3, my most treasured plummy cheek enhancer, next to it is a duo by BH Cosmetics, and the patchy looking one in the middle top row is NYX Ombre - seems to be have been moisture affected, but whatever I did wrong, it still lays down magnificently...

Could only give one the flick here - I do love the colours in this Maybelline pan, but it's just too shimmery, and gives me trouble in my EOTD photos because the particles always seem to spread up to my under-eye area, and accentuate my wrinkly bits...

I excluded these two palettes from the cull because they're indispensable - the big one by BH Cosmetics has such a fabulous assortment of shades, and the Hourglass one, well, besides being so beautiful, how could I throw away an Hourglass anything? ♥...

So there you have it - started with 40 in total (13 cream & 27 powder), and reduced them down to 32. Not quite the ruthless result I'd planned, but not a bad effort considering my fickle nature. I can't possibly label any one of these as my HG, but below are my personal faves and the ones I reach for most often - for their stunning colours, impressive pigmentation, and silky formulas ♥...

Haven't decided what I'll cull next - I'm torn between eye liners and foundation. I reckon the liners will be a breeze (thanks to Eye of Horus Cosmetics), but the foundations will be a challenge as there's so many I love ha ha ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Adding this to Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥ - the pick of the bloggers crop...