Yearly Archives

2014

Lips Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Lip Color Matte | First Time, Pink Tease, Pussycat and Velvet Cherry

October 17, 2014

Tom Ford has released a new lipstick formula called Lip Color Matte ($50 each, made in Belgium). I spotted some shades at the Tom Ford Boutique on Rodeo Drive last week. The new Lip Color Mattes are currently available online at Tom Ford and Neiman Marcus, they should be released at all Tom Ford retailers later this season. I found some helpful swatches and photos on Instagram from @beautyprofessor, @reallyree and @tanyabuzzetta. I saw seven different shades in Pink Tease, First Time, Velvet Cherry, Pussycat, Flame, Plum Lush and Ruby Rush, although there are reports that an additional shade Black Dahlia might also be released.

The Lip Color Matte formula is a lipstick with a velvety semi-matte finish. They are designed to be matte lipsticks but they aren’t really a traditional full matte which is a huge plus for me. I rarely say I hate anything beauty related, but on me, I really hate matte lips. I find they emphasize lines, look heavy/thick and end up aging the face. Finding colors that work with the matte texture is also tricky for me. The Tom Ford Lip Color Mattes have a soft cushy velvety texture. They glide on smoothly onto the lips and don’t look dry. I do find that if you have any peeling or dry areas, prep the lips with a lip balm for a few minutes and then wipe it off before applying the lipstick. Another good alternative I like is MAC’s Prep + Prime Lip (it’s a good lip primer to keep lipstick in place, but not really a lip moisturizer).

These have the same vanilla scent as the regular lip colors do. Lasting power is quite good, they aren’t budge proof but they do stay put fairly long. I picked out four colors, three neutrals and one deep burgundy red. The others were very dark and bright – good if you want a dramatic lip, but too dramatic for my taste. The color I bought include:

L to R: First Time, Pink Tease, Pussycat, Velvet Cherry

  • First Time is a peach nude pink, this one applies nicely on the lips, you have to let it sit for a minute and warm up on the lip though, it doesn’t change color but the texture melds into the lip after a minute of sitting on the lips
  • Pink Tease is a very cool-toned medium pink, this looks like a neutral pink in the tube, but on my lips it went a bit fluorescent and pulled very cool on my skin, this one needs tweaking with a gloss or lipliner to warm it up, otherwise it makes my lips look really dry just because the color clashes with my skin
  • Pussycat is a cool mauve pink, this one surprised me, I thought it would go on too blue-toned based on how it swatched on my hand, it’s a surprisingly wearable mauve
  • Velvet Cherry is a deep red, this something I usually don’t go for, but it’s a classic deep dark red that isn’t too dark, this one needs careful application and lip prep, it has such a sharp contrast with my natural lip color, precise application is key, I applied it below straight from the tube (scroll down) although I should have fixed it with a lip brush

Close ups and swatches, you can see below the coverage and pigment is really good:

Comparisons, Set One has the following (I’ll link previous swatches and reviews):

Set Two has Aerin Wild Lilac, Tom Ford Black Orchid (discontinued), MAC Ruby Patent Polish, Burberry Blueberry Lip Mist

Lip swatches of the four lip mattes I picked out below:

I like First Time, Pussycat and Velvet Cherry. In real life they look very natural and smooth on the lips, a camera flash tends to emphasize any shadows or fine lines so they might look a bit dry in the photos above. The exception is with Pink Tease which I am not a fan of (at least on me). I can’t really pull off cool-toned bright pinks well, they end up looking too mod-like. The color just looks really aged and dry on my lips, but in all fairness, all colors similar in tone and brightness do the same.

I’m not a fan of matte-finish lipsticks so I can’t say I am absolutely in love with these, but I am very pleased with 3 of the 4 shades I bought. I personally prefer Tom Ford’s other lip formulas and color options, but the Lip Color Mattes still perform very well and I do think they are worth looking into, especially if you like rich deep colors.

The Lip Color Mattes can be found online and in stores at Tom Ford Boutiques and Neiman Marcus for $50 each. They should be widely available at all Tom Ford counters soon. (PS Neiman Marcus has their Incircle event now and an online mini lipstick gift with $100 purchase, while supplies last).

Are you a fan of matte lips or Tom Ford lipsticks? Have you picked up any of the colors?

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Rescue Beauty Lounge Buy 2 Get 1 Free, Now Until Monday 10/20/2014

October 17, 2014
http://www.rescuebeauty.com/index.php/buy-2-get-1-free.html

Rescue Beauty Lounge is having a promotion where you buy 2 nail polishes and get 1 free with world-wide free shipping! The offer is good now through Monday 10/20/2014 noon EST. There are a few exclusions, the promotion excludes Italian Summer and Anatomy of a #Kdrama. The following colors are excluded from this promotion: Oh Slap!, Monologue, Cue The Montage, Instant Amnesia, Not Your Baby, Will They Won’t They, Burn The Evidence, Gondoliere , Motorini, Oliveto, Bicicletta, Gelato Al Cioccolato, Meow Meow and Melanzane but are eligible for worldwide free shipping.
I love almost all of the colors I have, the formula is really phenomenal and among the best I’ve tried but my top five picks include: Naked Without Polish, Stormy, Small Dim Summer Stars, Kellie Gonzo, Forgiveness.

No codes necessary for the promo, but be sure to select the Free Shipping option at checkout.
Happy Shopping!
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Formula X Challenge with The System Kit

October 16, 2014

I’m a huge fan of Formula X line and have been particularly impressed with the way The System works to extend manicure wear. Several of you have asked for a follow up post to my original one back in May wanting to see nail shots of my Formula X manicure through the course of a week. I’ve put the color in Blazing to the test for the Formula X Challenge. My manicure lasted quite well for almost an entire week. My husband and I have been busy packing boxes and bubble wrapping fragile items for our move and my manicure still managed to survive. For those new to the Formula X System, it’s a set that comes with four easy to use items:
  • Nail Cleanser – An essential step that frees nails of residue and oil,
    optimizing base coat and lacquer adherence
  • Base Coat – An advanced
    adhesive primer containing essential bonding agents that form a sticky
    layer to fuse with your lacquer
  • Nail Color Of Your Choice – Choose from
    over 200 Formula X shades and effects
  • Top Coat – A super glossy,
    state-of-the-art, long-wearing final step that enhances your lacquer’s
    shine and performance, this helps extend your nail polish like no other

The color I’ve tested is Blazing which is a rich shimmery wine-red. It applies very smoothly with two coats. The first coat will look a bit sheer, but it levels out perfectly with the second coat. Even though it’s more of a metallic, it doesn’t have visible brush strokes which is a huge plus for me. It has a multi-dimensional look because there are different colors of shimmers infused throughout the polish. There’s a mix of deep red, bright red, pearl and plum. It looks different depending on how the light hits the nails. Sometimes it’s clearly red. Other times it looks more cool-toned and more plum. I’m obsessed.

The System is super easy to use and apply on your own. I’ve found the nail cleanser makes a huge difference in helping your polish adhere better to the nail by prepping the surface of your nails. Below are Steps 1 through 4 to apply polish with the Formula X System:

Below is my Formula X manicure over the course of 6 Days. Your mileage may vary with polish lasting power depending on nail length and everyday activity. I usually cover the end/tip of the nail with a thin dab of polish and smooth it with top coat over the edges to help the color last longer. If you type a lot for work, longer nails may be subject to tip wear faster, especially if your nails tend to hit the keys frequently. I try to keep mine on the short side and hold my hands relatively flat when I type, but the tips of my index and middle finger have more surface contact compared to my other fingers and end up getting tip wear first.

Day 4 and still perfect:

On Day 5, I started to see slight tip wear on index and middle fingers, I attribute this to packing boxes and extensive use of bubble wrap and tape for our move:

I’ve had really good results with the Formula X nail colors and System set. I know many of you have chimed in with comments on past posts and also raved. I highly recommend a visit to their dedicated website www.formulax.com. It’s a nail art destination for Formula X fans to browse images and get inspired. It’s filled with clickable images of nail products and looks. You can also click on any interesting color palette for ideas on Formula X shade color combinations. Formula X fans can then upload their own nail looks right to the website, or with tag Instagram images with #myformulaxpic and have their nail look appear on the inspiration grid.

Right now, you can visit their website for a chance to experience The System yourself with the Formula X Sweepstakes. They are giving away 150 Formula X System Kits (terms and official rules apply). Entries will be collected through October 28, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. PST (must be a US resident and 18 years or older).

To stay up to date with the latest and for more inspiration be sure to follow Formula X on Instagram @formulax, Twitter @formulax, Facebook or Pinterest.

Have you tried Formula X? What colors are your favorites?

Many thanks to Formula X for sponsoring this post. For more information, refer to my Disclosures page.


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Nordstrom + Estée Lauder Fall Gift With Purchase

October 15, 2014
http://rstyle.me/n/bb3qmubf6

Nordstrom has an awesome Estée Lauder Gift With Purchase going on right now. With any $45 Estée Lauder purchase, you get a sleek cosmetics bag filled with deluxe travel-size items and your choice of a lifting or repairing moisturizer duo. Be sure to use code LIFT or REPAIR at checkout to redeem the gift. The makeup bag is a two-toned zip pouch with a textured surface. It contains:
  • Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask (1 oz.)
  • Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II (0.3 oz.)
  • Full-Size Pure Color Lipstick in Rubellite
  • Pure Color Gloss in Orchard Passion (0.2 oz.) 
  • Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black
For the skincare duo minis, you have two options:
  • Lift option (use code LIFT)
    • Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Creme (0.5 oz.)
    • Resilience Lift Night Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Creme (0.5 oz.)
  • Repair option (use code REPAIR)
    • Advanced Time Zone Reversing Line/Wrinkle Creme (0.5 oz.)
    • Advanced Time Zone Night Reversing Line/Wrinkle Creme (0.5 oz.)

I replenished on some favorites including the Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser (for normal/combination skin) and the Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion which I find good for my sensitive skin (both are regular staples). I also picked up two new items from Aerin Beauty including the new Weekday Lip Gloss (a neutral mauve pink) and the Cool Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Essential Brown (a shimmering cool brown).

In case you need some ideas of what to try, some of my tried and true favorites below (each item is clickable). I find the Estee Lauder prices reasonable for a high-end line, two items will most likely be sufficient to qualify for the $45 min purchase.

The Estee Lauder Intensive Smoothing Hand Cream is one of my favorite hand treatments to smooth lines and hydrate dry hands. I also like the Aerin Bronzers for a natural bronze glow. If you need to replenish on skincare items, now is a good time to shop. I actually like the makeup bag this time, it’s something I will actually use 🙂

What are your Estee Lauder favorites? I’ve discovered so many things because my mother is a huge Estee Lauder fan and passed along numerous recommendations to me over the years. The Fall Nordstrom Gift With Purchase is available online and in stores with ant $45 Estee Lauder purchase, while supplies last. If you order online, be sure to enter code LIFT or REPAIR to redeem the gift.

Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post, all items purchased by me. For more information refer to my Disclosures page.

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Lipstick Queen Silver Screen Lipstick in You Kid

October 15, 2014

Lipstick Queen’s latest Silver Screen Collection which features seven new shades of lipstick cased in a super glamorous silver bullet tube ($50 each for 0.12 oz/3.5 g, made in Canada). The Silver Screen Collection lipsticks have a rich lush formula that give rich coverage with a glossy finish. According to Lipstick Queen, these contain a high percentage of an innovative new active ingredient Pomegranate Sterols derived from the pomegranate fruit, which improves the barrier-function of the lips, keeping them soft and hydrated for longer. It’s further enhanced with anti-oxidant vitamin E, moisturizing plant oils, beeswax and skin-perfecting vitamin A, which ensure lips stay nourished and comfortable all day long. These have a high quality peppermint oil which gives this a fresh feel to the lips without tingling or irritation.

I have the shade in You Kid to share with you today. It’s described as an “understated yet eye-catching nude” and I couldn’t find better words to describe it. It’s a beautiful full-coverage lipstick that has a naturally glossy finish to make the lips look like they have a natural shine. It might seem quite basic but, I actually find You Kid to be a unique nude. It has a good mix of pink and beige in it so in some light it looks more pink while in others it looks more nude. It has enough color that it doesn’t wash out the complexion or make the lips look too pale. This is probably one of the easiest-to-wear nudes I’ve ever tried. There’s no shimmer in it, it’s a straight cream with a super moisturizing feel.

At $50 each, you may be super hesitant to jump and buy one. I’ve tried a number of Lipstick Queen lipsticks and the Silver Screen formula is definitely superior to the Saint and Sinner formulas. Silver Screen is super moisturizing, lush and glides on the lips flawlessly. Lasting power is quite good for me lasting several hours if the lips remain untouched. The price for these lipsticks is rather steep but Lipstick Queen went all out with design and formulation of these lipsticks. The formula is one of the best I’ve tried. It feels absolutely amazing on the lips. The packaging is heavy in weight and luxurious in design with a magnetic base so it snaps shut when you put the lid on it.

Indoor lighting shows it to be a bit more pinkish:

Swatches:

Some comparisons to Tom Ford Indian Rose Lip Color (review), Nudestix Soul Lip & Cheek Pencil (review), Lipstick Queen Pinky Nude Sinner and Pinky Nude Saint (swatches).

You Kid is bottom line flawless, but I don’t know how I feel about the $50 price tag. For any lip product priced over $35, I am usually very picky with color, formula, texture and scent and no matter how amazing it is, I still can’t really get over the sticker shock (except for items from Tom Ford). The Lipstick Queen Silver Screen formula is really phenomenal, but I’ll have to investigate the other shades in person and do more testing before I splurge. That being said, if these interest you, you might want to take advantage of the Space NK Discovery Promotion (online for US) which offers $20 off any $75+ order with code DISCOVER20 at checkout, good through the 21st of October. 

You can find the Lipstick Queen Silver Screen Collection online at Lipstick Queen, Space NK and Space NK stores. Have you tried any of the Silver Screen collection lipsticks? 
The Lipstick Queen lipstick was a press sample provided for review consideration.
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Space NK Discover Promotion, October 14 – 21

October 14, 2014
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=MeQoh28EORo&subid=&offerid=211083.1&type=10&tmpid=11586&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fus.spacenk.com%252Fwomen%252F

Space NK launches their Discover Promotion for US online shoppers to discover something new with a limited-time offer of $20 off a purchase of $75 or more. The promotion begins Tuesday, October 14 at Space NK and ends midnight EST on Tuesday, October 21 with code DISCOVER20 at checkout.

Space NK is also offering free ground shipping and three samples of their choice with your order for this promo.

A selection of the latest introductions at Space NK includes:

  • By Terry Densiliss Collection: It began with a serum-foundation, which launched to great acclaim last year. Now, By Terry extends the Densiliss collection with four new products that combine advanced skincare with makeup
  • Lipstick Queen Silver Screen Collection: Color-rich, long-wearing, super moisturizing lipsticks inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Founder Poppy King says, “If this lipstick could walk, it would sashay.”
  • Diptyque Ambre Candle: The warm, woody fragrance with vetiver and patchouli is presented in a new amber-colored handmade glass and sets the perfect mood for fall
  • JINsoon Tess Giberson Collection: “The five new polishes transform a classic color palette by adding cool, subtle effects like shimmer and speckles to give the hues a completely new dimension,” said founder Jin Soon Choi.
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=MeQoh28EORo&subid=&offerid=211083.1&type=10&tmpid=11586&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fus.spacenk.com%252Fwomen%252F

To enjoy the Discover Offer, be sure to enter promo code DISCOVER20 at checkout.

Tag your discoveries on Instagram and Twitter @spacenkusa using #DiscoverSpaceNK. 

Terms and conditions apply: US customers only. Online only at Space NK (US). One per customer. Sale and gift cards excluded from promotion. The limited-time offer of $20 off a purchase of $75 or more promotion begins Tuesday, October 14 at Space NK and ends midnight EST on Tuesday, October 21 with code DISCOVER20 at checkout.
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On My Radar / New in Beauty

October 13, 2014

I’ve been busy with a move, I didn’t plan to take a break from blogging but ended up having to take a few days off. I have quite a few new things I’m excited to share with you and hope to get everything unpacked from boxes in the next few days. In the meantime, here are some new things that have popped up online in the beauty world. Holiday collections and new releases are trickling in each day.

Diptyque has three new scents coming out this holiday in Spice, Winter and Resin (1). Three are available online at Neiman Marcus in the large size. If you are near a Diptyque Boutique, they will have an exclusive in-store one-day preview this Wednesday October 15 before it is released officially in November. (These will also be available in the smaller sizes too.)

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Sky-Liner Set (2) has 7 mini Highliner Gel Pencil set for the holidays. It has in O(vert) (forest green), Brown(out) (bronze with shimmer), Th(ink) (deep navy), (Plum)age (vivid purple), Blacquer (black), Sunset (golden bronze shimmer), Midnight in Paris (inky indigo blue). This is on my wish list.

Chanel Holiday (3) has arrived in stores and online. I bought the Volage Rouge Allure, Phenix Le Vernis, Les 5 Ombres Palette and Envol Illusion D’Ombre. I’m in love with the peachy lipstick and eyeshadow, more thoughts on the other items soon.

Oribe Liquid Gold Set (4) has mini 50 ml sizes of the Gold Lust Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Oil. I tried a couple sample packets of the shampoo and conditioner and fell head over heels. I have some other shampoos I’m currently using now, so I may wait and get this set once those are used up.

Dior has added more shades to their 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette line (5). I have Cuir Cannage and Versaille to share soon. There will be two limited-edition options for holiday as well in Golden Shock and Golden Reflections.

Tom Ford Beauty has new matte lipsticks for the holiday (6). I am normally not a fan of matte lips but saw these last week and splurged on four shades. The colors currently available are Pink Tease, Pussycat, Ruby Rush, Plum Lush, Flame, First Time and Velvet Cherry.

Bobbi Brown has several holiday items and sets this year (7). There are some really pretty items from the Scotch on the Rocks collection. I played with these briefly at the counter a few days ago. I have my eye on the Bronze Glow Highlight Powder, Black Scotch Gel Liner, Scotch Nail Polish, Bellini and Gold Glitter Lipgloss, I will need to play more before deciding whether or not these will be too shimmery or not.
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I will resume posting as soon as I can, in the meantime I’d love to hear what’s on your beauty radar 🙂
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