I’ve been meaning to swatch my Rococo Nail Polishes but usually feel you can get a better idea of the color on a full mani or pedi. I realized it would take me forever to get a manicure of every single Rococo nail polish I have. I have been meaning to do my RBLs but still haven’t been able to get through many due to a few other distractions along the way from MAC Abalone Shell, Lancome Pop Petrol and Chanel Rose Paradise. So I’ve decided to swatch each shade on each finger.
You can see my Rococo Nail Apparel line up here at this post Rococo Nail Apparel from Space.NK.apothecary and a full manicure of Reissue here. Rococo Nail Apparel can be purchased in the US at various SpaceNK locations. I got mine from the NY store and Bloomingdales SpaceNK. Each color retails for $16.50.
I highly recommend these other amazing resources I’ve found for additional swatches, reviews, photos (these are the ones I know of):
Swatches Part 1 (two coats each, no top coat) No Shrinking Violet, Tokyo Nites, Organza, R2T2, Andromeda
No Shrinking Violet – vibrant rich shimmery purple
Tokyo Nites – pretty fuschia red iridescent
Organza – pretty nude with pink iridescence
R2T2 – note in my previous photo, I thought it was called Molten Lava, someone kindly corrected me, the shade is actually R2T2, the formula is Molten Lava, this has a non-glossy foiled finish
Andromeda – complex black/grey base with holographic sparkles
In natural sunlight:
The formulas are excellent and easy to apply and last a decent amount of time without chipping or peeling. The price is decent in my opinion for the size of the product. Check out my previous Rococo posts for additional info/reviews.
I’m in desperate need of a real mani ASAP, so I’ll probably be swatching the second round of Rococo’s in a week or so.
I feel like I haven’t done a Color Focus feature in a while! The release of Rhapsody in Two from MAC’s Too Fabulous collection gave me a good reason to write a Color Focus post on my favorite light pink shimmery blushes and highlighters.
There’s something so pretty and girly about a light pink shimmer powder. Unfortunately, many times, the light pink ones go on white on my skin even though they look pink in the container. These are the ones that are shimmery and that do show up pinkish on my skin (light-medium, Chanel Shell, equivalent to MAC NC30).
Note, MAC Cute (discontinued) is only photographed for a frame of reference.
Paul & Joe has a number of great lighter shimmery pinks too that aren’t too frosty/shimmery like MAC can sometimes be. Compared to MAC Porcelain Pink as a base-line. The products from Paul & Joe are called Face Colors and come in a mirrored compact.
Le Metier de Beaute has a beautiful shimmer powder called Whisper. Chantecaille also had a blush product called Whisper, but it’s now discontinued (the lid is pinkish because I dropped nail polish on it). Both compared to MAC Porcelain Pink.
Swatching was difficult today, so I only did my MAC Blushes, MSFs and Beauty Powders + Becca Sylph. Swatched over MAC Prep & Prime.
What are your favorite light shimmery pinks for cheeks?
Urban Decay’s Afterglow Blush in X is among my oldest blushes. I used this on a regular basis when I was an undergrad and it’s one of the few blushes that I hit pan on and used up. It never failed to give me a natural pretty glow (a less frosty version of NARS Orgasm) and generated endless compliments whenever I wore it. Unfortunately, it’s since been discontinued, but luckily I repurchased it before they pulled the plug on the color.
I recently ventured to my local Sephora to check out the other shades. Score is a peachy shimmer and Quickie is a bright cool pink shimmer. Here are the colors compared to X. Each retail for $17.
Label/Packaging – Seems similar to the original, but the weight went down a bit:
Overall thoughts: I think these are highly underrated, but I believe this is due to the price and size. $17 for 3.8 g is a bit pricey (compared to MAC $18.50 but for 6g/.21oz). I’m not usually one to nit-pick on price-per-gram, but when I saw the actual product, my first instinct was “eek, tiny!”
That being said, the pigment is excellent/easily blendable and formula seems to be of high quality. The texture makes it easy to layer. Being that they do seem to have high pigment, I would recommend applying with a lighter hand and then proceed by layering/blending so you don’t get a dark spot on one part of your cheek. I do believe they formulas justify the higher price, but unfortunately, I know I’ve passed by these numerous times just because of the price-to-size ratio.
I personally like a lot of Urban Decay products, particularly their shimmer eyeshadows. I’ve tested a number of their other products and have found a lot of great items but they’ve discontinued almost all my favorites, including their Lip Gunk (original wand lipgloss), Nail Polishes, Original Surreal Skin Powder Foundation, and a number of their Lip Liners that were fabulous.
I would expand my UD collection in a heartbeat if it weren’t for their bizarre packaging and neverending glitter supply. Then again, I don’t think I am exactly their target market. I do like that they are unique, edgy and very rocker-chic. There are some staples I have from the collection including Toasted, Blaze, Stray Dog, YDK, and Sellout Eyeshadows. Their eyeshadows have amazing pigments/texture. Zero Deluxe Eyeshadow is the one of the prettiest black shimmers ever.
I am still keeping my fingers crossed that they will release the exclusive colors in their Book of Shadow Series into individual shadows, in particular Mushroom, Nylon, Sidecar, Gridlock.
I wanted to thank everyone who filled out my survey! I received quite a few special requests for certain topics, I’ll be covering the ones that received more frequent requests every once in a while. The first requested topic I’d like to cover includes foundations, powders, concealers and primers that I personally like.
I wrote about all the foundations I’ve been matched to and have purchased HERE. To clarify, these are the shades I’ve been matched to in both summer and winter months. I don’t use all 13 foundations right now, the darker colors were swatched from nearly-empty bottles that I had neglected to toss. And, yes, my skin is very odd in that so many different colors match my skintone.
My Skintype: I have normal but sensitive skin. I react to most sunscreens. I cannot use any MAC foundation, Kiehls lotions, Trish McEvoy skincare, Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation because my skin reacts horribly to all of these. I have not tried every single foundation or brand out there, but the ones listed below are the ones I have tried, liked or repurchased. At this stage in my life (28), I don’t have wrinkles, large pores, or much sun damage.
My Skin Coloring: I’m Asian and have yellow/olive undertones. I tend to tan easily – but often times I find I am in between shades for a lot of lines which makes it a challenge to find the right match, but being the foundation junkie I am, have been able to find quite a few that work with my skin-type and skin-tone. Right now, for MAC reference, I’m in-between NC30 and NC35.
How Do I Find My Matches for Color and Formula? I usually rely on the expertise of the makeup artists and sales associates I shop with. Anytime a new foundation comes out, I test them at the counter. I always request them to try on 2-3 shades along my jawline so we can both see the range, how they blend in etc. There are times when I will just match myself. If the artist isn’t busy, I’ll ask her to apply it all over so I can see the full effect and finish. If I’m ever unsure, I usually ask for a sample – I find it easier to get one when you make a purchase, even if it’s a small one.
Current Foundations in Rotation: I typically go for sheer to medium coverage. I don’t like SPF because there are some sunscreens that I get a reaction to. I also don’t like the way they photograph, but these days it’s almost impossible to find a foundation that doesn’t have some SPF in it.
Chanel Teint Innocence Shell 30 Liquid ($47) & Beige 40 Compact ($56) – Sheer to Medium Coverage and photographs great. Long-lasting coverage with a slightly dewey finish. There is a very subtle iridescence in the liquid version but it’s not noticeable on the skin. The texture prevents it from looking flat on your face. I also find the compact shades run a bit lighter than the liquid. These 2 are my Holy Grails of all time. (Repurchases = too many to count, but at least 4 of each)
NARS Oil Free in Punjab ($42) – I love the finish and color of this foundation. Right now, it’s just a tad dark. I’ve been matched to Santa Fe since I bought Punjab, so I simply mix a lighter highlighter with Punjab. It looks oddly peachy in the tube and swatched on the hand. It can oxidize and darken on the skin if you’re oily. I’ve heard that it makes some people break out, but I haven’t had any problems. I don’t think it’s for everyone so definitely get a sample to try out first. (Repurchases = 0, I have yet to hit the halfway point on this one.)
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Natural Radiance ($42) – This is a nice sheer tinted moisturizer with a visible glow. Not recommended for oily skins. I like to use this and set with a powder foundation on the good-skin days. (Repurchases = 3 times to date)
Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk 5.5 and 6.5 (mixed because I’m in between shades) – if you tried the Luminous Silk, loved the finish, but thought the formula was too heavy/oily, Lasting Silk is the solution to giving you the same coverage and finish, but with a more matte finish.
Current Powders in Rotation:
Chanel Double Perfection Powder in Tender Bisque ($50) – My Holy Grail powder foundation. Good natural coverage, long-lasting, easy to apply and great for touch-ups. I also use Medium Beige when I’m darker. (Repurchases = too many to count, probably over 10 times)
NARS Powder Foundation in Fiji ($45) – This is the newest powder foundation I’ve tried. I was a bit confused about whether this was just a pressed powder or a true powder-foundation. It seems a bit too sheer to be a powder-foundation. I like to use this to set my foundation for a flawless finish. Using this alone over moisturizer gave me a chalky look.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose ($34) – I like using this with a brush or puff. I love the colored powders, but unfortunately, I can only use Beige in the summer months and Ivory is way too pale.
Giorgio Armani Microfil 2 ($49) – Soft and sheer with a subtle glow. However, the shades in this product line are extremely limited. No. 2 is the darkest shade they currently carry. I don’t know what I’m going to use from Armani when I get tan.
Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation 40 ($28 for refill, $14 for compact) – One of those oldies-but-goodies products. I’ve been using this ever since I was in high school in the late 90’s. I find it’s best when you use this to set liquid foundation for a flawless glow. (Repurchases = 4)
Current Primers:
I have no loyalty to one specific primer. I use something different everyday. I know it’s probably a big no-no, but often times I skip moisturizer and just use a primer. I alternate between the following:
MAC Strobe Cream (mini size from a travel kit) – I’ve repurchased this numerous times. I apply it all over the face under foundation for a subtle glow. It also works when applied over foundation/powder on temples to add a very subtle highlight.
Chanel UV Essential ($52) – I actually love all 3 Chanel Primers. This is my most recent love. Looks white but blends out clear on the skin. It has SPF 50 and supposed to protect your skin from environmental pollutants. The only downside is the steep price for the amount of product you get. I like this, but I’m not sure that I love it enough to justify purchasing again.
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Without SPF ($25) – This is a silicone-based primer with subtle pearl particles to smooth and even the skin. I like this because it helps my foundation last and look smooth.
NARS Primer ($33, regular version) – This one contains no silicone, oil, or synthetic fragrances. I find this works the best with NARS foundations. The formula has a gel-like texture.
Current Concealers:
Concealer is a product I neglect to apply on a regular basis. For many years, I avoided concealer because I couldn’t find one that didn’t emphasize my lines under the eyes. Most were too thick making me look aged. I typically only use concealer under the eye and around the nose. I’ve yet to find a concealer that works for blemishes. I find most of them emphasize blemishes rather than conceal them. A few that I like include (do note that I’ve never repurchased a concealer to date):
Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightener in Revive ($36) – I call this my wonder eye product. I apply this after I’ve put on my foundation and powder under the eyes and it evens skin tone in a full coverage powder without looking cakey or emphasizing lines. The only downside is that it comes in 2 shades. When I bought Revive it was a perfect match. I’ve since gotten a bit lighter and it’s too dark for me now, so I will have to save it for the summer months.
Laura Mercier Undercover Pot UC-3 ($34) – I like that this has both the Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer with a mini translucent powder on the bottom which makes it convenient for travel. It’s sturdy enough to throw in your purse. The fact that it has 2 shades and 2 different textures makes it nice to blend and mix according to whatever you want.
Chanel Correcteur Perfection (Long Lasting Concealer) in Beige Ivoire 20 ($40) – Pricey, but works wonders for under the eyes and around the nose. It has medium coverage that’s natural enough to blend in with the skin, but enough coverage to brighten the face.
If I had to pick just 1 brand to use powder, foundation, concealer and primer, it would hands down have to be Chanel. They have a wide variety of formulas for different skin types, ranging from sheer to full coverage. Their face products photograph really well and don’t give you that whitish cast that some foundations give with high-flash photography.
Please note that these are simply the products that I like best out of ones I’ve tried. I haven’t tried everything. I can’t guarantee that you’ll like any of these that I’ve listed.
This is an up-close feature of the new Chanel Rose Paradise Nail Polish I purchased from Neimans a week ago from the Beauty Week Event. (Read about the other Neimans Exclusive Items Here.) In the bottle, it looks like a complex warm bronzey-pink shimmer, but on the fingers, it went on a bit lighter than it looked in the bottle. I guess it depends on what angle you hold the bottle at. I wouldn’t call it a duo-chrome, but there are so many different colors of shimmer in this little bottle, it looks different depending on how you hold it.
Here it is, 2 coats, and it’s pure love:
Compared to some other Chanel Pinkish Colors:
I am super picky with pink nail polishes. Chanel usually comes out with great pinks. I love other brands like OPI and Essie, but warmer pinks don’t always work for my skin. They end up looking too coraly or have some color in it that makes my skin look very yellow.
I was so smitten with this new color I went back and got a couple more for my sister and mom. It was available on neimanmarcus.com a week ago, but it appears to have sold out. Call your nearest counter – you might have better luck finding it in store. The color is also available at chanel.com as a limited edition color.
Today’s lips of the day features the new Chanel Rouge Coco in Sycamore #32 and Paul & Joe’s Lip Lacquer Magnifique #10. Both colors are in the plummy-brown category.
I also used Paul & Joe’s #2 lipliner (not pictured) which is a perfect match for both colors. The lipstick has amazing pigment and those who like darker plummy-browns will really like this. It’s like a more brown version of the Crazed Rouge Allure (which is another favorite).
Swatch of all 3 lip items used:
I attempted lip swatches, but they turned out more red and a bit washed out than it looks in real life. In real life, the lipstick is a pretty plummy-brown shimmer and the gloss deepens the color and adds shine. The swatch photos really don’t do the lipstick/gloss justice.
Check out swatches on other blogs such as Karlasugar and Temptalia to try and get a better idea of the color on different skintones.
Just the lipstick (looks less reddish and more plum in real life):
Lipstick & gloss (note the sun makes it look lighter, this is actually darker in real life):
Chantecaille’s Les Dauphins Palette & Bourbon Rose Lip Chic are more beautiful than words can describe. I’ve been thinking of how I can give a review that does justice to the Les Dauphins Palette – and all I can say is I think it’s a must-have for those who love soft spring-like neutrals and especially those who love taupey shadows. Bourbon Rose is the softer color out of the 2 spring lip chics. It’s a natural rosey pink – similar to Tea Rose, but slightly lighter and has golden shimmer.
Another view with flash:
Without flash:
I haven’t had time to do swatches of this palette, but Karlasugar has already done an amazing feature on all the items – so I highly recommend you check out her post if you haven’t already.
I played around with the palette at Neimans and the color on the dolphins is an overspray. The shadows and blush all have a lovely subtle shimmer. I’m typically not a huge fan of split-pan shadows or blushes, but all the colors in this palette are so pretty, I don’t mind.
This is the planned look of the day with the Chantecaille Dauphins Palette & Bourbon Rose Lip Chic.
Cheeks: Giorgio Armani Blush 1 Chantecaille Dauphins Palette Eyes: Chantecaille Dauphins Palette Giorgio Armani Eyeliner #12
Lips: MAC Naked Rose Lipliner Chantecaille Bourbon Rose Lip Chic MAC Full For You Plushglass
Outfit: Jcrew Button Top Banana Republic Beige Pencil Skirt Jimmy Choo Black Pumps Gucci Princy Tote
