Pat McGrath Labs has launched one of the best tinted lip balms I’ve ever tried with her Lip Fetish Sheer Colour Balms ($38 each for 3.5 g/0.12 oz, made in USA). She previously released a clear version (reviewed here which I bought and love) and her sparkly Astrals (I bought the Nude one, but the others looked a bit too sparkly for me). This month she launched 9 new non-shimmers in tinted colors which I think are absolute perfection. I really liked the formula of her clear version even though the price point was pretty high. Having color added feels like I can justify the price point a little more for a lip balm, but seriously ALL her lip products are phenomenal.
There are 9 perfect colors ranging from nude, pink, beige, to bright pink, plum and red. I think the color selection is very good, there’s not a single bad color in the launch. I also really appreciate that she offers sets on her website that give us a price break versus buying individually. You can find the Lip Fetish Sheer Colour Balm Everything Kit for $275 with 9 colors or three variations of Lip Fetish Sheer Colour Balm Trios for $95 each.
For tinted balms my favorites have been the Dior Addict Lip Glows followed by any of the YSL Volupte line (Tint-in-Balms and Volupte Shine Oil in Stick). The Pat McGrath Balms aren’t as soft in density which makes them have a less slippery feel on the lips. As much as I love super emollient balms that have an almost buttery feel, the Florida heat can make those feel like they are sliding off the lips sometimes. The Pat McGrath ones have a balmy feel but without the sliding feeling. You can feel and notice lips are moisturized but it’s not heavy. There’s no detectable scent or taste to me.
Color swatches very sheer on the arms/hands. Once on the lips the color shows up in a sheer to medium coverage. Even with the light ones I see my entire lip covered with pigment. They’re sheer compared to her lipsticks but have enough color that you can see them on your lips. Application is smooth and perfect with every single color. Color descriptions:
521 Blow Up is a warm beige
522 Love Supreme is a cool rose cream
523 Succexy medium coral peach
524 Passion Flower is a light pink peach (turns pink on my lips)
525 Full Fantasy bright pink
526 Wild Cherry is a deep cherry red
527 Dark Devotion is a mulberry wine
528 Ultra Vixen is a deep wine plum
529 Flesh 3 perfect red brown rose
Also shown in direct sunlight below:
Swatches, first straight from the tube:
Swatches applied with a lip brush:
Lip swatches, done on bare lips, for reference my skintone is MAC Studio Fix NC35. Note Passion Flower turns pink on my lips, I triple checked and triple lip-swatched to make sure I didn’t have any remnants on my lips from other colors mixing in. Also quick note, I take my photos with a flash – depending on your screen the lip swatches may look a tiny bit more glossy below. I’d describe these as having a soft sheen finish.
Individual close ups, I’m having a bad skin week so please excuse the patchy skin, I packed on tons of extra powder and foundation to cover up some scars and skin breakage. All lip swatches are taken indoors but with a flash:
Bottom line perfect. EVERY single one is perfect. Lasting power is better than your average balm, it still won’t last as long as her LuxeTrance or MatteTrance lipsticks, but for a balm I get several hours of wear without fading. Formula is hydrating and really does moisturize the lips nicely. I love the natural sheen these have and also the fact that once you apply they don’t feel like they’ll slide off. I still have some more lip product reviews from other brands that I’m working on including some of the new Tom Ford Boys and Girls, Sisley Le Phyto-Rouge and more, but being the gloss girl that I am, I love these balms. They’re easy to wear, effortless, apply flawlessly and the colors are perfect. I think it’s a little odd Passion Flower turns straight pink on my lips when it looks peach in the tube but I love it regardless.
I’m thrilled to share that the Diptyque City Candles will be available online at Diptyque and in Diptyque boutiques for a limited time starting today 9/27 through Sunday 9/30. There are currently 9 city candles that have been created for Beverly Hills, London, Miami, Tokyo, New York City, Shanghai, Berlin, Paris and Hong Kong. Each candle comes in a beautifully designed jar. Since they are only available to the stores in each corresponding city they’re harder to find and track down, but Diptyque is launching them all online for a limited time. Two new launches this round for online include Hong Kong and Paris. There is also a new Boxed Set of Six City Candles that comes packaged together in a white box.
While these are typically only available in city boutiques (similar to the Le Labo city perfumes), there have been a few times where Diptyque has launched the collection online so I was able to buy the ones I didn’t own from boutique trips, but they sell out very fast! Earlier this year I found a wonderful Paris shopper who travels from the US to Paris frequently for work to purchase a couple of the Paris ones for me. Every single one is amazing and beautiful. The boxes these come in are just as beautiful if not prettier than the actual candle jars themselves.
I have a review for each one today except Berlin. I have the older version which is packaged in a clear glass jar and based on the description I think the tinted design jar is same as the clear one but I haven’t smelled it to confirm.
Quick note for the US city candles and if you’re based in the US. While the candles are only available at each city boutique (Beverly Hills, Miami, NYC) – you can call the store to order and they will ship to you! Every store I’ve ordered from and called is very friendly, patient and helpful.
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills was the first city candle I discovered. I reviewed it several years ago when we were still living in San Diego. I am a little embarrassed to admit how many I stocked up on but this was my go-to for a long time. It has lemon, mint, orchid and freesia. It smells like a fresh citrus and the mint is a sweet mint but it’s really subtle.
The description, “With its palm trees and lush gardens, the Beverly Hills candle embodies the aroma of an iconic city. A unique citrus scent blending mint and lemon with a hint of Freesia, the candle exudes a bright and zesty scent. The candle’s colorful design has a psychedelic touch that is native to the west coast and pays homage to the famous Martinique wallpaper, the iconic pattern used in the Beverly Hills Hotel.”
Miami
Miami is another one I bought online the first time city candles were offered. I also bought a couple in person at the Diptyque store at Bal Harbour. This is another floral citrus with magnolia, lemon, lime, vanilla. To me it’s similar to Beverly Hills, but Miami is creamier and a little more green while Beverly Hills smells sweeter and more vibrant.
The description, “The scent of the Miami candle offers an exotic aroma of delicate magnolia blossoms enhanced by delicious citrus notes. Reminiscent of the tangy lemon and lime native to the city, the candle suggests hints of vanilla and an homage to its signature tropical atmosphere. Its design pays homage to the city’s iconic Art Deco architecture, lively atmosphere and unique culture.”
New York
New York is inspired by New York City nights. I don’t know that I can attribute a smell to the city, but this candle has a warm patchouli, cedar and vetiver. It smells like fall in a warm cozy leather chair to me. It has a strong masculine vibe with the cedar. The candle doesn’t smell like New York to me but regardless I think it’s a beautiful one.
Description, “New York City candle evokes the spirit of speakeasies and the atmosphere of New York City by night… Like an echo: cedar, vetiver, and patchouli together are heightened by incense, reviving the scent of New York City at its golden age.”
London
London candle has beautiful floral notes like a garden. The lilac and juniper are what I smell and it has a very soft airy feel to it. I haven’t been to London in over 15 years, I have fond memories and am dying to go back to visit. When I was in college I did a summer study abroad trip to Oxford and went to London frequently. This was a life-changing experience for me not only to see England for the first time, but also because I met a boy who I married nearly 10 years later. I also roomed with a girl who became my long-time bestie even to this day we still keep in touch.
Description, “The scent of the London candle takes you to the heart of the Columbia Road flower market. Its unique notes of heliotrope, lilac, juniper and hyacinth are warmed with a touch of spice. With its floral detailing, the vessel celebrates a traditional bright and refined English wallpaper—paying homage to the pattern of the historic Westbourne Grove diptyque boutique.”
Paris
The Paris candle is something I can’t quite describe. It’s described has having chypre accord with aromatic twist of lavender. It smells fresh, light, floral, deep all at the same time. It feels like a little bit of citrus, lavender and cedar all mixed in one. This is in my top picks because of the name Paris. It’s a dream of mine to live there (always dreaming of the croissants and beautiful gardens!).
Description, “The newest addition to the City Candle Collection, the long-awaited Paris candle. Dressed in an ornate vessel that reveals the capital as seen from the sky, the pattern pays homage to the iconic city of light. The scent is marked by a chypre accord that permeates the enigmatic Parisian chic atmosphere.”
Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai
Hong Kong is one of the newest online launches. I haven’t had a chance to burn this one as this is my first time seeing it in person. I love the bold red reflective jar with the design inspired by the high rise buildings in the city. The scent has floral notes that are built around the Bauhinia Blakeana one of their orchid trees. There are also also supposed to be notes of steam rice which usually doesn’t have a scent to me. It’s a creamy floral with a musk feel to me.
Description, “The Hong Kong vessel presents a setting inspired by the citys colorful, graphic, urban density. Ever present is the persistence of nature as it attempts to reassert its power throughout the city. The olfactory tribute to this city is expressed through a floral accord, built around the famous Bauhinia Blakeana, Hong-Kong’s emblem, complemented by comforting steam of rice. Come, discover the newest addition to the city candle collection online or at our Hong Kong boutique.”
Tokyo is one of my favorites because it has a fresh light scent of pine and cedar but doesn’t feel as green as those notes typically are. There’s a hint of hinoki and incense in it with subtle floral feels. This was one I was really excited to be able to buy online.
Description, “The aroma of the Tokyo candle takes you on a stroll amongst the majestic Japanese cypress trees. Notes of pine oil and cedar leaves celebrate majestic branches shading a hidden temple path and diffuses notes of soothing incense. Inspired by the art of the Japanese garden, its design evokes the harmony and serenity of two of Tokyo’s most famous parks, Yoyogi Koen and Shinjuku Gyoen.”
Shanghai smells like a sweet flower mixed with green tea. It almost smells sweet like a dessert I’d want to eat.
Description, “The scent of the Shanghai candle is closely linked to a Chinese tradition. Deliciously perfumed osmanthus flowers complemented with notes of green tea and maté to reveal the aroma of a freshly brewed cup of tea. The candle’s design is an ode to the beauty of Huxinting, Shanghai’s oldest tea house. The vessel’s deep red shade, blue porcelain and gold are an ancient symbol of good luck.”
City Candles Box Set 2018 Edition
The amazing 6-piece box set with Beverly Hills, London, Paris, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai. It retails at $432 and while you don’t get a price break compared to buying individually but I can’t think of a more amazing gift that this would make having them in a beautiful white box.
The only one I’m missing is Berlin but as mentioned at the top of the post I have the original glass jar version and while I’m almost 100% sure the colored green and yellow jar they have right now is the same, I haven’t smelled it to confirm.
Going through all the descriptions again has me itching to travel overseas. I have such good memories of travels to Europe and I have only been to one country in Asia before but have so much on my travel wishlist. I love these city-inspired candles and as a Diptyque lover it’s fun to have something a little rarer and harder to find.
The Diptyque City Candles retail for $72 each and the Boxed Set of Six retails at $432. Available online at Diptyque for a limited time through 9/30, in limited quantities. Also available in the free-standing Diptyque boutiques.
Have you tried any of these before or visited any of the Diptyque stores in these cities? If I’m traveling to a place with a Diptyque boutique it’s always a MUST that I stop inside one. They’re beautifully designed and the staff is always so knowledgeable and friendly.
Huge thanks to Diptyque for sending me all the candles for this feature. Being the Diptyque fan that I am I had already purchased all the scents on previous occasions except for Hong Kong. I’m the happiest person on earth to be stocked up on these scents from a brand that I’ve adored for many years.
Today I have a purse review of the Chloe Mini Marcie Bag. I featured it in a few travel/packing posts and received so many questions about it asking for a review. As much as I love having a good medium sized tote to carry daily things, I’ve found myself wearing smaller bags more often for their convenience and style. Since I’m on the petite side, smaller cross body bags often are better suited for my short frame. The Mini Marcie style has been around for a long time but I think it’s still one you can wear today. I love the casual look it has. There are so many good colors – it was tough to pick one, but I narrowed it down to the Tan (medium warm golden brown) color and find it really versatile for my wardrobe. My next two picks would have been either the Black or Abstract White.
The Marcie Bag comes in a few size options, the mini one is the smallest option that I picked. It’s currently priced at $890 and it comes with an adjustable strap. I have it set to the shortest option which works well for me (I’m 5’3″). The bag is made of grained calfskin leather. It’s soft but pretty sturdy (so far). It’s also retained it’s shape well as I haven’t seen any sagging. It has an open interior with two small flat pockets which I haven’t made use of, but I like that they’re there. The bag has a rounded but flat base so it will stand up on it’s own. Measurements are approximately 6 inches wide by 7 tall, depth of the base is 3.5 inches. There’s an open ring at the base to loop the strap at the bottom in. I really like the design features because it’s super easy to access the contents inside, but the flap keeps everything pretty secure. The only thing I would change is the strap design. The end kinda hangs loose if you adjust it to the shortest measurement. I wish there was some kind of clasp to keep it in place/secure.
A look at the details, the front has a pretty saddle shaped front flap:
A look at the side and back, I like that it’s flat so it doesn’t feel like it’s poking your sides when you carry it:
Inside the bag and a look at the base clasp:
Here’s what I was able to fit inside my bag over the weekend. I can switch things out of similar sizes – if I skip the hand cream, I can fit a small dry shampoo inside. If I opt for a flat card case I can fit my sunglasses inside (without the case). It is small inside but not too small for me. In an effort to edit my closet and accessories I sold almost all my small wallets and accessories in a blog sale earlier this year. I slowly realized as I started carrying smaller bags that I would need to repurchase a small wallet. I did a lot of research and opted for the Gucci Marmont Card Case again. I had this in an older style in the quilted pattern. Out of all the leather goods I’ve had I find Louis Vuitton and Gucci to be the sturdiest regardless of leather type. The smooth leather of my older one held up really well. This one has a grained surface which I like more in general. The case has enough slots for my ID and cards that I carry. The current version has a zipper for small change and a compartment for cash. It fits my iPhone X.
Sunglasses shown are the Kate Spade Johanna Sunglassses style – depending on what I have in the bag I can sometimes fit them inside without stretching the purse
All tucked inside:
For those curious, a closer look at the Gucci Petite Marmont Leather Card Case, I bought mine from Nordstrom but this particular style has sold out several times. A few places have it on backorder online, but you can also find it at Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue right now. It has four card slots, zipped coin compartment, and slot for cash.
Earlier this year in Miami, top by Joie, shorts by Blank NYC (old style), sandals by Tory Burch.
One last look with a side by side of two other small cross body bags. The YSL Wallet on Chain is one I’ve had for many years but the interior and flat design makes it hard to carry anything except just cards and small items. It’s a great going out purse or one if you just want to carry a few lipglosses or keys and phone and the quality is excellent. The Tory Burch Marsden Leather Wallet Crossbody Bag is something I bought during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale over the summer but they still stock it. It’s a great simple pouch. Inside there are slots to hold cards if you don’t want to carry a separate wallet. It’s on the pricey side for the design but still a more affordable option compares to the other designers.
That wraps up my Chloe Mini Marcie bag review. I really like it! I’m really happy with everything: size, shape, design and the tan color. You can find the Chloe Mini Marcie at a number of places online and in store. I bought mine from Nordstrom. Also available at Chloe, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York.
Chanel has brought us quite a few new mini-launches this season. They’ve continued their Le Mat de Chanel launches with a whole collection of lips with new formulas called Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme ($37 each for 3.5 g/0.12 oz, made in France) and Rouge Allure Liquid Powder ($30 each for 9 ml/0.30 fl oz, made in France). I previously reviewed the eyes and cheek products in the Le Mat de Chanel Collection here (I think the Clair Obscur Eyeshadow Quad is a must). Today I’m thrilled to share swatches of all the new lip formulas.
Up first is the Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme which a new intense matte lipstick formula. It comes in 6 shade options and is also encased in a soft matte black finish. These have that click-up magnetic packaging like the Rouge Allures and Rouge Allure Velvets. I tried the Rouge Allure Velvet formula in a number of shades years ago and thought the formula was just ok. The Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme formula completely blew me away though! It’s different in the sense that it has more opaque coverage. They’re creamy and non-drying. The finish is soft and velvety and long-lasting. I wish more colors were available in this formula. They’re completely comfortable on the lips with a very slight scent.
The six colors include:
102 Modern is a nude pink
110 Impressive is a vibrant coral orange
112 Ideal is a deep red
114 Epitome is a blue-based bright bold pink
116 Extreme is a deeper red
118 Eternel is a nude rose
Every single color is perfect. Lasting power is really good. Even though I wear neutrals most of the time I think these bold reds, orange and plums are classics that you can wear for any occasion. I do think Modern and Eternel are really close in color. Eternel has a bit more pink/rose to it, but they’re very similar.
Ingredients, some have slight variations which I’m assuming is the color:
Next are the Rouge Allure Liquid Powders. These are so unique to me! They are a matte cream to powder lip product with a sponge tip applicator. The package base is a squeeze tube. These give the lips a diffused matte blurred tint of color. Almost like a watercolor finish but with a matte feel. The Rouge Allure Liquid Powders have a weightless feel. The color vibe to me is similar to the shades from the Rouge Coco Lip Blush launch, but formula is different.
The lighter shades are sheer on me, but the deeper shades have buildable pigment. Simply squeeze and apply straight from the tube. They layer easily without feeling heavy. Dry down is a soft blurred matte. Once on the lips it feels like you have nothing on. Lasting power is quite good. The deeper shades leave a slight stain on the lips but they wear like a regular lipstick in terms of lasting power and how they fade.
950 Plaisir is a sheer soft coral peach
952 Evocation is a soft rose
954 Radical is a coral orange
956 Invincible is a deep red
958 Volupte is a bright bold cool-pink
960 Avant-Gardiste is a deeper plum
Ingredients:
Overall I think the formulas are excellent and Chanel has launched well-edited color selection for fall. To me these are classic kinds of colors. I would have liked to see a few more neutral options or true plums, but Chanel does have excellent reds and bold pinks. I think they are wearable and suitable for a wide range of skin tones.
I really love the Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme formula. Long-time readers know I’m super picky about matte lips and I think these wear very well. No dry patches or raisin-looking lips with these! Also deeper shades in general can run patchy with the contrast of my natural lip, but every single color in this formula applies smoothly without any issue. Pigment is very very good.
The Rouge Allure Liquid Powder is unique and I think they’re really good. I didn’t know what to expect from it as I haven’t tried a cream to powder product for lips. I think the packaging is well designed. I love it when you can see the color in the outside so you don’t have to guess or take those extra few seconds to look at the bottom label to see what color you are picking up. I’m not sure these will be everyone’s cup of tea – they’re just so different!
Many of you have been e-mailing me about the Les Eaux de Chanel fragrances and the Le Volume Revolution de Chanel Mascara. I just received my order of the mascara and I’m going to test it this weekend. I also did try the perfumes when I saw testers in store as a preview, every single one is amazing. My two favorites are Venise and Biarritz and I will be reviewing all three soon. If you can’t smell in store right now Chanel.com has them available in their complimentary sample selection. I’ve ordered from their website a number of times and they always have samples that they rotate (you can pick two with each order).
Quick update: Here’s a look at two of the mini samples that came with one of my recent orders:
Bobbi Brown has two new limited-edition Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Eyeshadow Palettes ($59 each, made in USA) and they’re exclusive to Nordstrom. I’ve been eyeing these for months as they launched first in Asia and I was almost convinced we would not receive them in the US but we did! There is a pink version called Rosy Nudes and a medium bronzey version called Bronzed Nudes. Both are beautiful for a neutral with a twist eye look. If you’re one who doesn’t wear a lot of eyeshadow, are just getting into makeup, or want something easy to wear every day both are great options. I particularly appreciate neutrals these days because the warm red copper orange trend for eyes is still going very strong. As pretty as they are on many complexions, I often find them difficult to pull off.
Pigment is good on these palettes. It’s soft and sheer to medium. Color is truly natural but buildable. If you want intense pigment these palettes are going to be too natural looking for you. I find using an emollient cream shadow as a base helps the color show up better. I really love the Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes as my base. I don’t have oily lids so I can use a creamy base as my shadow base all over the lids without it getting greasy looking by afternoon.
How cute are the compacts?
A look at both in direct sunlight so you can see the shimmers better:
Rosy Nudes has pink nude options. There are mattes, shimmers and sparkles in the palette. There are variations of soft pink nudes and shimmers mixed in with a set of deeper tones for crease and definition. Each palette has a small pamphlet inside with combination ideas with step by step application instructions – so if you’re confused on how to apply shadow, it’s a good starting point. I don’t have a go-to technique, sometimes I start light to dark, other times I start with a medium color and then build and blend from there.
Colors include:
White Smoke – pale matte powder pink
Watercolor Pink – shimmery soft peachy pink
Nudest – light matte pink
Sunrise Glow – shimmery champagne pink peach
Nude – nude pink matte
Dusk – shimmery rosy shimmer
Milk Chocolate – sheer matte cool brown
Tan – matte tan
Chocolate Smoke – sparkling light brown
Rich Caviar – deep plum brown
Bronzed Nudes is my favorite of the two. It has the perfect neutral bronze tan shades to create a natural everyday eye. I’ve been reaching for this one more frequently. It’s one I can see myself wearing year round.
Colors include:
Bone – matte sheer beige
Golden Glow – soft shimmering gold beige
Frappe – matte tan
Pink Copper – sparkling light copper
Burnt Amber – shimmering tan
Buff – warm beige matte
Copper Chocolate – shimmering warm bronze brown taupe
Chocolate Truffle – shimmering taupe
Milk Chocolate – sheer cool matte brown
Black Chocolate – matte blackened brown
Pigment is good on these palettes but it’s soft with natural-medium coverage. Color is truly natural but buildable. If you want intense pigment these palettes are going to be too natural looking for you. I find using an emollient cream shadow as a base helps the color show up better. They layer well together but if you have dry lids I recommend using something to moisten the skin a tiny bit.
Below wearing Bronzed Nudes along with the following:
Eyes – Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes in Platinum as a base, Bronzed Nudes Palette * with Golden Glow, Frappe, Pink Copper, Copper Chocolate and Black Chocolate
Overall nice easy to wear colors. I still think the Urban Decay Naked2 Palette is probably one of the best everyday neutral palettes I’ve found, but using it everyday can get boring real fast for me. These Bobbi Brown ones offer a nice variety and I think they’re a great way to start if you’re just getting into shadows.
Given that there are so many options out there a few thoughts on some other palettes I’ve tried recently:
Natasha Denona’s Camel Palette is a lot more pigmented and runs more camel/tan. These Bobbi Brown palettes are softer in color with pink or bronzey options.
NARS Mojave Eyeshadow Quad is easier to use with only 4 shades, it pulls more neutral with more pigment. I’ll be reviewing the new NARS singles and duo formula in the next week!
Bottom line I really love the Bronzed Nudes. All the shades are colors I gravitate towards. I have a soft spot for Pink Copper which I wish was made in full size. Both palettes are nice basic staples that you can wear without having to think about how to wear them. All this said she has launched quite a few nude palettes in the past. I haven’t kept track of them in quite some time so you might want to shop your stash if you own any of her eyeshadows. I keep swatching the Nude Drama Palette every time I go into Sephora but haven’t caved on it yet.
You can find the Nude on Nude Eyeshadow Palettes in Bronzed Nudes and Rosy Nudes Palettes available now at Nordstrom. They just started Triple Points today for card members and refreshed their Gift With Purchase page. I have a whole cart full of things I’ve been wanting to try and have to narrow down/edit my picks.
Bobbi Brown Nude Palettes provided for review. Other Press Samples featured indicated with a *.
By popular request I’m going to start covering some of my favorite budget beauty tries and buys! For my beauty blogging life I’ve primarily focused on mid to high-end luxury brands but every week I get questions about more affordable options or dupes. I’ve been experimenting more with different brands based on feedback and started testing things I think look interesting. I have some budget beauty items to share with you today of items I feel are worth trying. Prices vary depending on retailer and promos you can find, but at the full retail price, everything is under $20.
1. L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara is hands down my favorite drugstore mascara. It lengthens, volumizes, defines, holds the curl and does not smudge on me. I’ve gone through quite a few tubes of this! Several of you have commented it’s prone to clumping after a few uses. To solve this I take the wand once every other week and run it through a folded piece of paper in the crease to clean it. It does waste a lot of product but I do this with most of my mascaras but it’s the only way I can remove buildup. I have actually tried both the non-waterproof and waterproof versions. I think both are really good. Given the fact that I live in Florida where the humidity is intense, I prefer the waterproof version as a better smudge-proof option.
2. After the success I had with the mascara, I bought the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Primer as soon as it launched with high hopes. It was a hit! It works well to prime and condition the lashes. It’s pink tinted so you can see how much you’ve actually applied. The trick with this is to not let it dry down all the way before you add mascara. I apply a coat of mascara almost immediately after I apply the primer and it works like a charm. If I let it dry completely it almost becomes crunchy and mascara doesn’t adhere well.
2. OPI Nail Polishes are my go-to for favorite affordable nail polish brand. I know many others love Essie or Zoya, but for me OPI is the best for lasting power and color. My favorite neutrals are from OPI including Tiramisu for Two, Samoan Sand, Let Me Bayou a Drink and more. I’m going to be putting together an updated neutral nail polish post, but you can see my Favorite Neutrals in this roundup here. I also really like the Natural Nail Base Coat to help protect the nails, prime them for polish and prevent yellowing.
3. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water and Makeup Remover Sensitive and Waterproof are great micellar cleansing waters. I really love the ones from Lancome and Koh Gen Do, but I needed to find a budget friendly option as I go through a lot of remover with my swatching. I tried both the Sensitive Option and Waterproof Version and think they are both great. The waterproof version is stronger and better for removing darker lipsticks or eyeliner. For my long-wear waterproof mascara it’s not strong enough in which case I recommend you try the Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads. It’s the only thing remover that has enough power to actually removes my waterproof mascara these days. I bought this based on reader recommendations and they were 100% right at how effective it is.
4. L’Oreal Color Riche Shine Lipsticks are a close dupe for the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Oil in Stick. When I read others claiming this I was skeptical. I did not think it was possible! I bought a few shades and really like them. I was then sent the entire lineup for review. After testing them I do not think they are 100% identical but they make for an impressive cheaper alternative. The L’Oreal Color Riche Shine Lipsticks have the same balmy feel, comfortable wear and nice shine. I actually like them a little bit more because there’s less slip to them so they adhere better to the lips. They do have a completely different scent, the L’Oreal ones have that super sweet candy like scent. There are a couple colors that apply patchy because of how pale they are in comparison to my natural lip color, but most of them are solid wins. The only two iffy colors are Shining Peach and Dewey Petal for me – they run really pale.
5. L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion is something I would call a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter. This comes in four color options, Fair Glow, Light Glow, Medium Glow and Deep Glow. This is similar in concept to the Charlotte Tilbury product because the Lumi Glotion can also be worn alone, under makeup, to highlight or bronze. It has a subtle luminous glow that you can see on the skin but it’s not overly shimmery or frosted. I do think the color range differs for the deeper shades. If you’re fair to medium the colors are close. I like either Light or Medium to highlight and Deep works as a slightly deeper bronze shimmer.
That wraps up my first Budget Beauty Buys and Tries roundup! I’ll be incorporating 1-2 roundups per month. Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these and what your thoughts were. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Also if you have any dupe requests please leave a note in the comments and I’ll try to do some research for the next round.
I buy these brands primarily at Target, Ulta Beauty or CVS. If you have a go-to destination for budget beauty shopping I’d love to hear in the comments!
L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion and Color Riche Shines provided as press samples. L’Oreal Lash Paradise initially provided as a sample, but I’ve since repurchased it on my own many times.
Chanel relaunched their CC Cream Super Active Complete Correction with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($55 for 30 ml/1 fl oz, made in France) this month. There have been several launches of this product in the past and each time they release more shades. This round there are five shade options from 10 Beige to 50 Beige. They have revamped the formula and although I don’t have the original ingredients list or bottle to compare, this round has a similar natural semi-dewy looking finish but with a slightly less thick feel. It also seems to have a smoother finish on the skin this round.
For those not familiar with this product, the CC Cream is skincare and tint in one. It has SPF 50 which is what I’m most excited about. There’s no flashback with flash photography. It has a truly natural looking finish with some hydration without being greasy. I can blend easily with the fingers or a sponge and coverage is smooth and very easy to move around on the face. I haven’t had it long enough to notice the skincare benefits, but Chanel says that after 1 month use it is supposed to help reduce look of fine lines and wrinkles.
I’ve been testing it for around a week now. Even though there is a radiant quality to it and there is some noticeable moisture properties it held up remarkably well in Florida humid September weather. It lasted through lunch outdoors (in shade of course) without melting off the face. Andrew even commented that it looked natural like skin. With the Florida heat he’s taken more of an interest in seeing how my makeup lasts through the heat, sweat and sunshine so I have my own personal beauty critic commenting on my makeup each time we are outdoors for an extended period of time.
On the nails is Le Vernis in Organdi (reviewed here), Rouge Coco Gloss is 119 (newer formula replaced the Glossimer, swatches + review here)
Compared to the Chanel Les Beiges Tint formula that launched earlier in the summer, the CC Cream has more coverage and a thicker feel. I’d say the Chanel CC Cream is very similar that of a traditional CC Cream in the sense that you can feel it on the face, it’s scented, it has a dewy finish, but it’s not greasy looking. I definitely need to set with a powder. My favorite setting powders in this post here. I tested the CC Cream with the Hourglass Loose Powder and Chanel Les Beiges Pressed Powder and it seemed to work with a variety of formulas.
Throughout the wear tests it held up nicely. It didn’t separate, ball up or streak. Color-wise the shade range is still very limited and I hope they will expand it. Once applied it does not oxidize. My shade is 40 Beige. Swatches below:
Swatch comparisons to some of the Les Beiges shades that I still have. I gifted away the lighter options to a friend:
My match is 40 Beige in the CC Cream, bare skin vs one layer of the CC Cream below. It evens out the skin, covers most of my freckles, even did a decent job at covering a healing pimple on my forehead. Also wearing some of the Brow Powder Duo and Rouge Coco Gloss in 119 on the right with the CC Cream (no powder added in the photo, although I highly recommend adding it).
Even though it’s categorized as skincare I still consider it a makeup base that I can use in place of foundation. It’s not quite like a tinted moisturizer because I feel like it’s more corrective to smooth and even out the skintone. Overall performs really well. Even though I can feel it on the skin (like I can with virtually every CC cream I’ve tested), it’s not heavy. I can build coverage without it feeling cakey or thick. If you can find a shade match I think it’s worth a try.
Have you tried previous versions of the CC Cream? What did you think? More Chanel newness coming on the blog. I have some of the Rouge Allure Velvet Extremes I’m testing now and will be reviewing. They just launched a new Hand Cream in Texture Riche which I’m dying to try but am waiting for the new Le Volume Mascara to launch on the 15th so I can order both at the same time.
You can find the Chanel CC Cream out now. The new version has the words “super active” on the packaging. Available at Chanel.com.
Chanel CC Cream provided courtesy of Chanel for review.
