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Pat McGrath Labs Sephora

Pat McGrath Huetopian Dream Collection

August 26, 2021

Pat McGrath Mothership IX Huetopian Dream Palette

Pat McGrath launched her new Huetopian Dream Collection and the new palette is absolutely stunning. All the items are available now online at Pat McGrath Labs and Sephora.

Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette Huetopian Dream

Pat McGrath Mothership IX Huetopian Dream Palette

Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette Huetopian Dream ($125) is probably my favorite palette launch to date from Pat McGrath and if you don’t mind wearing glitter sparkle toppers I think you’ll love it too. It has a mix of smooth shimmers, mattes, duo chrome shimmers, intense shimmers and sparkle glitter toppers.

Pat McGrath Mothership IX Huetopian Dream Palette Review

Pat McGrath Mothership IX Huetopian Dream Palette

The shimmers and mattes apply smoothly on the skin while the sparkle toppers are more chunky with the glitter flecks. Colors include:

  • Skinshow Nude Xtasy – cool toned champagne shimmer
  • Secret Eden – soft plum pink matte
  • Bronze Desire – sparkling bronze
  • Bronze Solaris 005 – glittery golden yellow
  • Astral Venusian Orchid – white gold glitter
  • Xtreme Plum Noir – deep matte plum brown
  • Cosmic Bloom – complex rose pink sparkle shimmer
  • Shockwave – matte coral pink
  • Blitz Sextreme – duochrome bronze purple silver shimmer
  • Astral Amethyst Moon – sparkly lilac purple

Pat McGrath Mothership IX Huetopian Dream Palette swatches

IntensifEYES Artistry Wand

Pat McGrath IntensifEYES Artistry Wand

Another new launch is the IntensifEYES Artistry Wand ($32) also available in a Duo Set ($52). This is a multi-purpose product which is quite interesting and I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it. You can apply it to the lids to prime for eyeshadow (in particular the glitters or sparkles to make them adhere better). Or you can also apply on top of shadow and it transforms it into an almost liquid formula. I think it’s quite unique but for me not essential as it’s an extra step I don’t think is necessary.

FetishEYES Mascara

Pat McGrath FetishEYES Mascara

For the eyes the FetishEYES Mascara ($30) has been a repromoted which I think is a good basic everyday mascara, but I actually prefer the Dark Star Mascara formula for better volume and length.

I did a look on my Instagram Reels wearing the palette, also wearing:

  • Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation in LM14 (review here)
  • Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer in LM 13 (review + swatches here)
  • Pat McGrath Huetopian Dream Eyeshadow Palette
  • Victoria Beckham Eyeliner in Cocoa
  • Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Divine Blush in Divine Rose
  • Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Divinyl in Divine Rose 2 (review here)
  • Pat McGrath LUST Gloss in Aphrodisiac (swatches here)

 

I think the colors in the palette are gorgeous. The texture, pigment and lasting power are all excellent. There is some fall out with the glitters when I apply but once product is on the lids (I pat on with fingers) they pretty much stay put. As much as I love it though I wonder how many of you are glitter/sparkle wearers. I think she does such a great job on her palettes for that extra glam vibe – I wonder if she will ever launch an all matte palette or one without glitters.

I have heard that some think this one is similar to other palettes. Based on what I have Huetopian Dream seems different enough to me to justify owning, although I do not have the Mothership VIII Divine Rose II which looks like it could be similar in some of the tones. In case you want to see swatches of other palettes/quads I’ve reviewed, I’ve linked them below:

You can find the Pat McGrath Labs Huetopian Dream collection out now at Pat McGrath and Sephora.

Pat McGrath Huetopian Dream collection provided for review.

Chanel Lips

New Shades Chanel Rouge Allure Laque and Ink Fusion

August 16, 2021

New Shades Chanel Rouge Allure Laque and Ink Fusion

Chanel launched new shades of Rouge Allure Laque and Rouge Allure Ink Fusion ($40 each). The colors run on the bold side which I think will be really nice for the fall season or if you like a classic bold lip. I also ordered a few pieces from the fall collection and have a quick look at one item today (the new blush). These are out now at Chanel.com.

New Shades Chanel Rouge Allure Laque and Ink Fusion Review Swatches

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque new shades fall 2021

The Chanel Rouge Allure Laque Ultrawear Shine Liquid Lip Colour is a glossy liquid lipstick formula with a lightweight feel and high shine finish. You can see my previous review with swatches here and here. I do think that the Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue is significantly longer lasting if you’re looking for extended wear. The Rouge Allure Laque has similar lasting power to a regular lipstick for me. Stays put but does fade if your lips touch something like cups or a napkin.

  • 82 Beige Confidentiel is a warm orange beige
  • 83 Beige Secret is a medium brown pink
  • 84 Rose Ambigu is a rose color (my favorite)
  • 85 Corail Alternatif is a bright coral red
  • 86 Rouge Captivant is a deeper red
  • 87 Rouge Irregulier is a plum brown

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque swatches

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque 82 Beige Confidentiel

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque 83 Beige Secret

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque 84 Rose Ambigu

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque 85 Corail Alternatif

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque 86 Rouge Captivant

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque 87 Rouge Irregulier

For skintone reference I’m wearing the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in BD41 right now (all my foundation shades in this post here).

Rouge Allure Ink Fusion

Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion

The Rouge Allure Ink Fusion is a fluid lightweight matte liquid lipstick. These colors looked fairly dark in the tube but I was pleasantly surprised by these colors! They’re a lot prettier on the lips than what I see in the tube. There are a couple of repromotes. My other review of other shades here.

  • 838 Orange Enigmatique is a soft muted orange (love this color)
  • 840 Rouge Paradoxal is a warm red
  • 842 Rouge Distinctif is a bold red with slight blue tones
  • 844 Rogue Imprevu is a pink red
  • 846 Rouge Particulier is a deeper red
  • 848 Brun Mysterieux is a plum brown

Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion New Shades Swatches

Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion 838, 840 and 848

Joues Contraste 608 Ombre

Chanel Joues Contraste 608 Ombre

I ordered 3 items from the Chanel Fall-Winter Collection, one of them being the new Joues Contraste in 608 Ombre ($45). It’s a super soft diffused nude almost neutral-cool caramel brown shade that offers a very subtle contour on my skin tone. I applied it and felt it was a little too neutral in the lip swatches with Rouge Allure Laque 82, 83, 84 and 85. I added some Laura Mercier Blush in Fresco and Ginger which I find similar in tone but show up better on my medium tan skin tone on the other Lip Swatch images above. If you want swatches and a more detailed of the Ombre Blush review let me know.

New Shades Chanel Rouge Allure Laque and Ink Fusion

You can find the new Chanel Rouge Allure shades available now at Chanel.com. Have you checked any of them out yet? Or anything from the Fall Collection? What did you think?

Chanel Rouge Allure shades provided for review.

EM Cosmetics

EM Cosmetics So Soft Blush + Multi FacePlay Sticks

August 10, 2021

EM Cosmetics So Soft Collection Review and Swatches

EM Cosmetics just launched their new So Soft Collection with cream twist up sticks for blush, bronzer and contour. I have a look at all the shades of So Soft Blush ($30 each) + and So Soft Multi Faceplay ($30 each). Available online at EM Cosmetics.

Both formulas have a soft super soft creamy texture in a twist up format. They’re creamy with a satin texture and have a skin like finish. Pigment is medium to sheer and easy to blend out. Once they set on the skin they have a very subtle minimal glow so they’re not too emollient but at the same time they’re not powdery in the dry down.

So Soft Blush

EM Cosmetics So Soft Blush

The So Soft Blush sticks are available in six colors, all are creams without shimmer:

  • Baby is a pale pink
  • Lychee is a soft melon
  • Pearl Tea is a neutral tan brown nude
  • Venetian Rose is a rose
  • Passion is an orange shade
  • Bitten is a plum berry

Swatches:

EM Cosmetics So Soft Blush swatches

Below wearing a few of the colors on the face, for my skin tone Baby is a bit too pale, but I can make it work. My favorites are Lychee and Pearl Tea. Also wearing the EM Cosmetics Lip Cushion in Magic Hour with Baby and Lychee. Pearl Tea blush on cheeks and lips. With the Passion Blush I’m wearing the Lip Cushion in Faded Clementine.

EM Cosmetics So Soft Blush in Baby

EM Cosmetics So Soft Blush Lychee

EM Cosmetics So Soft Blush Pearl Tea

EM Cosmetics So Soft Blush Passion

So Soft Multi Faceplay

EM So Soft Multi Faceplay Sticks

The So Soft Multi Faceplay sticks are truly multi-taskers. You can use these as a bronzer or contour and the color range includes two very deep tones. I tried the lightest Summer on my face and it works perfectly to warm up my medium tan complexion.

  • Summer is a caramel brown
  • Terra is a cool brown (similar to Westman Atelier Biscuit)
  • Nomadic is a warm deep brown
  • Pangea is a deep cocoa brown

Swatches next to Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour and Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream (review here).

EM So Soft Multi Faceplay Sticks swatches

Below wearing Summer.

EM So Soft Multi Faceplay Stick Summer

Lasting power is pretty good for a cream product although if you have oily skin you may need to layer on a matching powder blush shade on top to make it set or last a bit longer. Pigment overall blends out to a very natural finish but you can layer for more color.

I’m still a powder blush person at heart but I do really like the formula of the So Soft sticks. In case you missed the previous roundup you can see my EM Cosmetics overview + review of other products here.

EM So Soft Multi Faceplay Stick

You can find these out now at EM Cosmetics. Have you tried these yet? What kind of blush do you prefer? Cream or powder?

EM So Soft Collection provided for review.

Laura Mercier

Everyday Natural Look with the Laura Mercier Rose Glow Collection

August 3, 2021

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Collection Review

I have a look at the Laura Mercier Rose Glow Collection today. The new Caviar Stick Eye Colors (6 shades, $29 each) and Highlighting Powder ($30) launched earlier in the summer and there are some really pretty options if you like shimmer or rose tones! I’m late to review this as it launched several weeks ago but I thought I’d add some comparison swatches in case you still haven’t had a chance to check it out.

Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Colors

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Color

There are six new shades of Caviar Stick Eye Color and they are all in a pink rose or plum tone theme. The shimmer is pretty high with these so if you feel like you can’t wear shimmery tones on your lids these may be too much for you. I still think you can use the deeper tones or layer 1-2 with your other shades without having it look too frosty. I really love that they did eye look swatches with all the shades on multiple skin tones and eye colors for their promotional photos (all available side by side on Lauramercier.com). I think these are so helpful!

I found these to have a little bit more shimmer than colors like Copper or Rose Gold. Similar to what I see in the Caviar Stick Eye Color in Sugar Frost. They’re easy to blend but they do set quickly and lasting power is excellent once it sets.

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Colors

Some colors have sold out on different retail websites but I’ve seen them restock. You can still find all the shades at Laura Mercier, others also available at Nordstrom, Saks, Ulta, Bloomingdale’s. Colors include:

  • Wild Rose is a shimmery champagne rose
  • Kiss From A Rose is a soft pink shimmer
  • Bed of Roses is a mauve shimmer
  • Strike a Rose medium soft plum rose
  • Forbidden Rose copper rose
  • Rose Thorn deep plum shimmer

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Colors

I did a look layering 3 shades including Wild Rose, Bed of Roses, Forbidden Rose + the Makeup By Mario Master Mattes. Also wearing:

Laur Mercier Rose Glow Look

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye in Wild Rose, Bed of Roses, Forbidden Rose

Comparisons below to Bobbi Brown, By Terry, Charlotte Tilbury and a few other Laura Mercier colors

Rose Pink Cream Shadow Swatches Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, By Terry

Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow

Laura Mercier Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow

The new Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow is a soft shimmery pale rose. It has a beautiful soft texture but the highlight is quite intense on my medium tan skin tone because it’s paler than my natural skin tone. Shimmer wise it’s smooth but for me it requires a light hand. I prefer it mixed with a regular satin or matte blush for a softer diffused look.

Below wearing Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow on top of Blush in Strawberry

Laura Mercier Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow look

Swatch comparisons next to Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight 01, Face Illuminator in Devotion, Chanel Eclat du Desert (reviewed here) and Pat McGrath Divine Glow in Golden Nectar (on the face here)

Pale Pink Highlighter swatches Chanel, Laura Mercier, Pat McGrath

I love the texture of the powder but color wise I have a lot of similar colors so I wouldn’t call it super unique for my skin tone. Performance wise it’s excellent and I do think it’s a beautiful highlighter.

Everyday Makeup Look Laura Mercier

Everyday Makeup Look Laura Mercier 3W1

You can find the Laura Mercier Rose Glow collection out now. Available at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Ulta, Saks, Bloomingdales and all other Laura Mercier retailers.

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Rose Glow Collection provided for review.

Charlotte Tilbury Nordstrom

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale x Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Exclusives

July 30, 2021

Charlotte Tilbury x Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives

Happy Friday! I have a look at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale x Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Exclusives and think there some great options this year. Nordstrom launched a new Instant Look Palette for the sale along with some good value sets to try out. I have a closer look with more swatches today.

Charlotte Tilbury x Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives

Collagen Lip Bath Set

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Set

The Collagen Lip Bath formula is one of my all time favorites. The colors Refresh Rose and Pillow Talk have been staples in my routine for an effortless look. They give the lips a plump lush shine without the strong stinging or tingle sensation (huge plus for me). Pillow Talk is the one that gives me the most compliments and I’ve gifted it to pretty much every single friend and family member close to me. Formula is comfortable and hydrating. There is peppermint which gives it a slight cooling sensation but it’s a pleasant one.

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Pillow Talk

This year’s Full Size Collagen Lip Bath Trio Set is on sale for $68 (full price is a $106 value). It includes:

Refresh Rose – sheer soft clear light pink

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Refresh Rose

Pillow Talk – perfect everyday rose

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Pillow Talk

Walk of No Shame – warm plum berry

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Walk of No Shame

Above wearing:

Sunset Dreamscape Instant Look in a Palette Set

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Instant Look in a Palette Set

The Face and Eye Palette Set includes one of her Instant Look Palettes called Sunset Dreamscape. It also includes a mini mascara. The palette has a good mix of everyday wearbale rose tones. On my medium skin tone it gives me a neutral rose bronze shade without being too pink or rosy.

Eyeshadows include a soft champagne, warm peachy copper shimmer, matte plum. For the face there is a nice soft light tan matte bronzer (neutral tones), two blushes in warm rose tones and a pale sheer highlighter.

Overall pigment level is medium but buildable. Lasting power is excellent for wear time and I love the colors!

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Face & Eye Palette Set swatches Nordstrom Sale

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Mascara

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Instant Look in a Palette Set

Skin Care

Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray and Magic Cream minis

A couple other mentions I wanted to include are some of her skincare items. There are two value sets including the Setting Spray and Magic Cream Set ($75 on sale, $113 value) and also the Magic Cream Set ($160 on sale, $240 value). I’m a huge fan of her Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and Magic Cream so I think if you’re looking to try her skincare these are some nice sets available with some good price savings.

You can find these items available at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in store and online at Nordstrom. Sale runs through August 8th. Don’t forget to check out the Gift With Purchase section online as well. They have new ones that rotate every week!

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post.

NARS Nordstrom

NARS x Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Palettes + Sets

July 28, 2021

NARS Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to the public today! In case you missed it you can see my Beauty Haul with swatches of my picks from Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury, NARS and more here. My Hair Care and Fragrance picks from Diptyque, Jo Malone, Oribe here.

Today I have a closer look at the three sets from NARS I hauled and after playing with them I think they are my favorites and definitely worth looking into!

PLEASURE TRIP CHEEK PALETTE

NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette Nordstrom Sale 2021

nail polish is Gucci Annabelle Rose

The NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette ($45 sale, $87 value) is a trio with one highlighter (Wanderlust), one shimmery brush (Lucky Star) and a soft matte bronzer (Wild at Heart). The palette shows up pretty well on my medium tan skin for a bronzed rose look. Colors are smooth and the shimmers aren’t too shimmery. Pigment is on the medium-high side but can be easily sheered out. The texture is that finely milled pressed texture similar to the older Banc de Sable or the more recent NARS Orgasm on the Beach – just not as glowy/shimmery on my skin.

NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette swatches + Afterglow Lip Shine Set

AFTERGLOW LIP SHINE SET

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Trio Broken Glass, Orgasm, Laguna

The NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Set ($45 sale, $78 value) is really nice, especially if you like smooth texture lip glosses. Pigment is sheer but still visible on the lips. I like them alone but they also layer beautifully with lipsticks or lip liners. Lasting power is pretty good for a gloss. The shimmery ones have no texture even with the sparkles.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Trio Broken Glass, Orgasm, Laguna

Wearing below:

Broken Glass is a clear base loaded with silver and pale gold shimmers.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Broken Glass

Orgasm is a medium pink shimmer.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Orgasm

Laguna is a warm coppery bronze with a subtle shimmer.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Laguna

AFTERGLOW MINI LIP BALM DUO

NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane

Last but not least lip swatches of the NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane. The lip balms in this duo are super mini, but it makes for a nice sampler size to give you a sense of how they will perform on your lips. Also makes a super cute gift. I think the full-size Afterglow Lip Balms ($28 each) are 100% worth the splurge. Love these for the soft wash of color + shine.

NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane

NARS Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021

Mirror Riki Loves Riki also on sale ($130), angled cheek brush from Laura Mercier

Available now at Nordstrom for the Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives. They’re currently having a Gift With Purchase too for NARS Nordstrom:

“Receive deluxe samples of Bronzing Powder in Laguna (0.04 oz.), Lipstick in Rosecliff (0.06 oz.), Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (0.09 oz.) and Climax Mascara (0.06 oz.) with your $100 NARS purchase. Online and in U.S. stores.*”

There is also another gift available online with any purchase in Beauty and Fragrance with $150 purchases (sample pack).

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Did you pick up anything from the Nordstrom sale?

By Terry Lips

New By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balms

July 23, 2021

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Review and Swatches

My latest love is the new By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm ($38, available at By Terry). By Terry created six perfect neutrals for lips in a tinted balm formula and every single color is perfect. The team kindly sent 2 and after seeing a few previews online I immediately ordered the other 4. I have all 6 swatched today. I think they’re great everyday kind of colors – basic staples without being boring.

The Hyaluronic Hydra-Balms are creamy and have a moisturizing feel without too much slip. Pigment is pretty good in coverage with medium level opacity. Formula-wise they have hyaluronic acid to add moisture and give the lips a full plump look. She also added a water gloss complex to give it a naturally glossy look. They do have a perfumed powdery rose scent but on me I feel like it fades within a few minutes (or my nose gets used to it).

Lasting power is similar to the Chanel Rouge Coco Bloom or YSL Rouge Volupte Shines. You will need to reapply every few hours but if you add a lipliner underneath lasting power is better.

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Review and Swatches

I really love the colors she launched. I would love to see her add more shades to the line in the future too though! Maybe some more pink browns or toffee shades!

  • Shade 1 Sexy Nude is a light cool-toned nude, I thought this would be too pale but it’s really pretty on
  • Shade 2 Nudissimo is a light pink with coral tones, this is the only one I felt too pale for my skin tone, but if I layer it with a lip liner or another lipstick it’s perfect
  • Shade 3 Tea Time* is the perfect tan beige
  • Shade 4 Dare to Bare* is a pretty soft berry neutral
  • Shade 5 Secret Kiss is a brown pink (love this one)
  • Shade 6 is a berry red nude

Swatches below:

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Swatches

Sexy Nude, Nudissimo, Tea Time on the lips also wearing:

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Sexy Nude, Nudissimo, Tea Time

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Sexy Nude

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Nudissimo

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Tea Time

Dare to Bare, Secret Kiss, Love Affair

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Dare to Bare, Secret Kiss and Love Affair

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Dare to Bare

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Secret Kiss

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm Love Affair

100% love and the formula is comfortable, hydrating, not too heavy or thick. I also think the colors are perfect for everyday. Highly recommend. You can find them online at By Terry.

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Press samples have a * next to them. All other items purchased by me.