016. (M)anasi7, Slow Beauty Budget, On The Radar
Plus a shortlist on where to donate for Beirut
Hi! I'm Maggie and welcome to Tender Forms Off-Camera: a weekly newsletter about slow beauty and slow living. If you enjoy and would like to support this newsletter, click the button below! No pressure but thank you if you do.
Today's newsletter explores the polar opposites of budgetary consumption! First, I'll be speaking to my most expensive multi-purpose makeup item to date, then talk through my spending plans for the rest of this year.
For the past week or so, I've been teasing the (M)anasi7 All Over Colour in Etruscan ($57, 5g | 0.17oz) on Instagram. Today, I'm here to shout from the rooftops of why I believe I made the right purchase, and why I am in love.
First, a little background. This brand is not new to me. I stumbled upon it a few years ago and instantly fell in love with the branding. While the website was not the easiest to use back then (it's slightly better now), the overall vision was already there. Fast forward a few years, and they've since developed quite a following on social media, made its way into several retailers across the U.S. (the brand is from Sweden), and expanded their collection.
Last year, I tried two of their products for the first time by ordering a custom sample from Ayla Beauty. If you read last week's newsletter, you know they're one of my favorite retailers, and the fact that they stocked Manasi7 and had a sample program, I knew it was time. I tried their All Over Colour in Densuke and their Bronzelighter in Roseate in a vlog you can watch here. It was my first time trying it, and I was overwhelmed by the almost sickening sweet scent that wafted from these samples. I'm not one for sweet scents, and this was a shockingly strong, vanilla candy one (similar to the Ilia Color Haze, but an ultra-concentrated version).
I was also searching for a more coral peach shade, and Densuke just pulled too pink on me. Roseate was beautiful and didn't have a sweet scent. However, I don't tend to go for sheeny, shimmery bronzers and don't wear highlighters too often. I loved this shade on the eyes, though.
A few months back, I finished my Ilia Color Haze in Before Today and searched for another neutral pink multi-use color to replace it. I was trying to decide between the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Poppet, or the Manasi7 All Over Colour in Fuchsine. Both are bright fuchsia, but I imagined I would don a sheer layer, and it would be a beautiful cool pink. Both are not cheap, so I had to start thinking more critically about the two. I'd never tried the Westman Atelier blushes, so I wasn't sure how they performed. I knew that the Manasi7 would set and last all day, but I heard from a friend that the product only lasts its six-month shelf life and will go bad.
So I started switching gears to perhaps finding a more neutral, everyday shade that I could use more of to make it last the full six months and go through as much of it as possible. I remembered my friend Asti saying the shade Etruscan was a staple for her, so I looked on both Ayla and Manasi7's site, and the description did indeed sound perfect:
A neutral antique rose pink hue with earthy undertones.
Color me, ecstatic! Online and social media searches of swatches and photos seemed to corroborate this description, and it was similar to Ilia's Before Today, so I used up some rewards I had saved from Ayla and purchased it.
I'm thrilled to report this does all I hoped it would, though not in ways I had anticipated. For one, this is by far, the sheerest shade from them I've tried. I had also gotten a sample of Fuchsine with this purchase, and WOW, does that one pack a punch. I barely dip my finger in, and it delivers enough pigment for both my cheeks, lips, and eyes. The texture of Fuchsine, Densuke, and Roseate are all similar. They feel like a drier cream and have that cream to powder finish. Etruscan is the outlier. It's the sheerest of the bunch and is more emollient. If I do more than three layers, it has a tacky feel, and flyaway hairs get stuck. Luckily, I never need to wear more than two! Even though this is on the sheer side, the pigment builds beautifully, and the shade is perfection. Day to day, when I want a barely-there flush, I’ll wear one layer, and it dries down impeccably. I describe it as a warm rose that instantly brightens the face and gives you that healthy from within look. It's there, but not too in your face; natural beauty.
The shade also plays well with everything! Bronzers, cool and warm eyeshadows, light, and dark lips. I've used this every day since getting it and don't see myself stopping ever! Yes, half of it is to make sure I can get through the entire thing, but the other half is just the joy of using it. It has incredible lasting power, and I'm happy to say that while it does lean sweet in scent, it is nowhere near as strong as the samples I tried last year. Not sure if it was a previous formulation or that specific batch, but this one’s not too bad. *I do think working with Ilia Color Haze built up my tolerance for the scent, haha!
A note on their pigments: Every shade I've tried leans pink on me. I'm not sure if it's my pH level that's reacting with the pigments or its undertones mixed with my undertones, but it's just a fact I've come to face. The shades also run the danger of becoming too alike. Similar to how I've found some Kjaer Weis blushes in the past. And now having Etruscan, I can attest that not all shades are equal in pigment and feel. Because there seems to be some variance, I'd suggest trying samples before pulling the trigger. When/If you do, I'd recommend purchasing from a trusted retailer that you know stocks fresh inventory and under best conditions (not in direct sunlight or overly warm environments). Since this formula is more sensitive and runs at shorter shelf life (six months), you'll want to make sure you're getting the best product. Of course, the safest way to go is to purchase directly from the Manasi7 site, but international shipping costs quite a bit on its already steep price tag (currently 15 euros to ship it to North America).
Speaking of price tag, this jar alone costs $57, so if you want to get the best bang for your buck, try and find a shade you can use often, use a lot of, and that maybe doesn’t exist within the rest of your collection. Or better yet, put this one on the birthday wishlist for a loved one to surprise you with.
Last but not least, I filmed an everyday GRWM for IGTV highlighting Etruscan so you can see it in action. A brief swatch is at the end of the video! The lighting kept going in and out, so I’ll most likely film a follow-up. But in the meantime, I hope you enjoy this one! Click the image below to watch or head over to my Instagram!
I am extremely hesitant to type this because once it's out there, it's real! But in all honesty, it's not that big a deal. Alright, time to rip off the bandaid.
I am on a no-buy for the rest of the year.
WAIT, let me caveat that by stating unless I fully run out of all items in one category: i.e., I don't have any cleanser left; I'll purchase a cleanser. But I'll be on a strict need-only-basis from here on out!
How did I get here? Like many of you, 2020 just really upped the ante when it came to retail therapy. For those of you who don't know, I'm the sole earner in my household. Luckily, our household is pretty small right now; it's just Husband, Muto, and me. And thankfully, I have no debt, so monthly I'm paying:
mortgage
utilities
life (food, hygiene)
Muto life (his food, treats, toys, litter)
healthcare (plus dental)
I'm also a freelance Creative Director/Designer, and I've gotten significantly less work this year than in previous years due to COVID. What's worse is that when I'm down, I like to shop. Because who doesn't love looking at glitzy new things, ordering it, waiting forever for the package to arrive (because again, COVID), tearing it open, and holding said glitzy new thing in your hands. However, logical Maggie knows, pulling in less income, means no more shopping. That was until BLM.
Like many, I threw myself into supporting BIPOC brands, which broke nearly all of my one out one in rules, and I completely lost sight of my budget. In July, I took some time to compare my running Google spreadsheet of skincare, makeup, tincture, body care, and haircare inventory. To my shocking surprise, I already spent over half of what I did in 2019, and we haven't even made it to the holiday season yet, which is when I spend the most! I had a moment of panic, then sat in a corner, hugging myself to sleep while crying (not really, haha, but my brain did something akin to that).
What has been working to my advantage this year is that I've been using things up like it's my business. I've gone through countless skincare (alright, I could count it because of my Google spreadsheet, but there are more important things to do), hit pan on my already dwindling (more well-honed) makeup collection, and the more I try, the more I know what to look for in the future. Plus, ever since I started my slow beauty journey and slow living, my one out one in rule really helped curb my spending, keeping practical Maggie happy and clutter-free.
So, unsurprisingly, I feel much braver about this no-buy than I did initially going in! I'm tremendously happy with my minimal makeup collection now, as well as my skincare. The toughest part of the no-buy will undoubtedly be the holiday season. Those who are family or friends know I LOVE the holiday season, and gifting brings me more joy than I can express. But it also brings tireless mornings, nights, and weeks to my wallet, and all its credit cards. So we'll see how that goes when it comes around. Not to mention birthdays from now until then too! *Although, I don't enter gifts into my spreadsheet since that's for others and not myself. However, I love me some great sales, so hopefully, there won't be too many amazing ones this year because I'll be so…sad.
And don't worry. I'll be checking in, letting you know how my new slow beauty budget is going.
I'm keeping it short today by only listing three film and tv titles. Did you ever think this day would come? Haha!
Diving right in, there are three titles I am most excited about coming soon from now through the end of this year (fingers crossed).
First and foremost, of course, is Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet.' Currently set to release on September 3rd after multiple pushbacks (both in premiere date and in format). I'm 99% sure this date will stick, but who knows anymore. The bigger question is, how will I watch it? I'm hoping it's released on a streaming service alongside a theatrical release, and available through iTunes rental…right?
Second is the sophomore season of Amazon Prime Video's 'The Boys.' If you have not watched Season 1, I don't know what you're spending your time watching instead. This under-the-radar series shook me to my core and was everything I wanted HBO's Watchmen to be. I am already on the edge of my seat, scared (because what if it's not as good as Season 1), tingling with anticipation. September 4th can't come fast enough!
Third is Steve McQueen's BBC television series 'Small Axe.' The first three episodes are set to open the 58th New York Film Festival on September 25th. Then, at some point, it will premiere on BBC One and, eventually, Amazon Prime Video here in the U.S. As with all McQueen films, I like to know as little as possible before viewing. This man is one of the greatest storytellers of our time.
Honorable Mention: Clearly, even three is just too short a list for me. I had to add in Wong Kar-Wai's 'Blossoms.'* He's been caught up in developmental hell for a bit with his original television series 'Tong Wars,' which was set to be on Amazon until it was canceled. Now he's focusing his efforts on a film adaptation of a 2012 novel under the same name by Jin Yucheng. *Not to be confused with the 30-episode online series adaptation he is producing, also called 'Blossoms.'
My heart goes out to Beirut: to all who are there, have loved ones there, and are providing on-the-ground around-the-clock aid. Below are just a few charities taking donations (from this Bustle article, easily digestible and gives a good short synopsis of each charity):
Thanks so much for reading! I know this week's a shorter one, but I spent too much time on the IGTV. Remember, you can always leave a comment or reply to this email directly to chat!
I'd love to hear if you've tried Manasi7 and if there are any items on your wishlist. I hope you have a great start to your week! See you next Sunday!
I enjoyed reading about your experience with (m)anasi7 make-up and also your rationale before purchasing any product! Thank you for being open about your budget plan - it inspired me and I know it inspires other people as well since it can be a hard subject to talk about because lets be real.. our passion tends to be on the luxury end spectrum and we all can be each other's friend to inspire slow purchase hehe. I made a personal beauty budget at the start of the year but what's worse is that I'm already close to hitting my budget now! Fortunately, my beauty habits are similarly still in the "slow mindset" - I only purchase things I love and have done research about / sampled (lol trying to convince myself) and also following the 1-in-1-out rule. I also try to buy things that are multi-purpose and how long they will last vs how fast I can use it up is also a big determinant to my purchasing power too. These days, I like to tell my husband before I purchase things just to go over my rationale to keep myself accountable lol. You're one of my superwomen, Maggie! I cannot wait to learn more about your slow beauty ~
And about the (m)anasi7! I'm so happy to hear that you love the color!! Btw, it's interesting how you said that their shades tend to pull more pink on you!! It has a similar effect on me too but I couldn't quite put a finger on it before. I have tried their samples Ikura and Kuranberri which I had a similar feeling about - there's just something about the undertone. I think when I finish up my next shade would be the Bisque! It's so neutral I love it :) and btw I also cry with its 6 months expiry date. It's such a beautiful and expensive product that is too short-lived ~ I hate to say that it's my fave blush ever.
I love the show The Boys! I'm excited about season 2!!!!!!! I think you talked about it before in your newsletter and when I found out about it, I gulped season 1 a little too quickly.
i wish that all over color didn't have castor oil :( but i probably wouldn't wear it everyday and it would go to waste going beyond the 6 months. i really need to go on a no buy. how did you summon the will-power? i need to work on that. maybe you can share your spreadsheet with me someday... i don't know how that will help me, but i've spend too much this year too. yikes!
may money grow on trees for all of us