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By Terry

By Terry Baume de Rose Le Stick + Hand Cream, Lash-Expert and Glow-Expert Review

March 6, 2018

By Terry New Launches Baume de Rose Le Stick, Glow-Expert and Lash-Expert Mascara

I picked up a few new items from By Terry and after testing them for a few weeks have found some hits and misses. The latest launches include the Baume de Rose Le Stick, Lash-Expert Twist Brush Double Effect Mascara and new shades of Glow-Expert Duo Stick. It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed the classic Baume de Rose so I thought I’d do a comparison of all 3 formulas and add some thoughts on the Baume de Rose Hand Cream. To round things up, I also wanted to review swatch one of the older shades of Glow Expert that I’ve had sitting in my stash for a while.

Up first is the new Lash-Expert Twist Brush Mascara ($30 for 8.3 g). This has a unique rubber wand with a twist function on the cap so you can have the tip straight or twisted for different effects.

By Terry Lash-Expert Mascara Review

Straight gives a lengthening effect and twisted gives a volumized effect. For my ultra straight can’t-hold-the-curl wimpy lashes I found the best application was with the straight wand. The twisted wand gave my lashes a very clumpy look. Formula though is quite good with ultra rich black pigment, it’s definitely volumizing and lengthening. I was extremely impressed to find it had zero smudging. The only downside for me is that it simply did not hold the curl. But the fact that it still stayed on all day without smudging makes it a win for me. Some readers have told me they layer their mascaras. I used to do this but found it too high maintenance, I’d rather find one formula that does the trick. With this one, I did like the volume, color and length so I tried layering it over the Maybelline Total Temptation Waterproof and the curl stayed!

By Terry Lash-Expert Mascara Review

I have the worst natural lashes ever so I think this will work for most people and it’s worth looking into.

Next are the Glow-Expert Duo Sticks ($48 for 7.3 g) in Amber Light #1 and Beach Glow #5. I think these are both hit and miss. These each have two colors in one stick so you can highlight and contour. The formula is creamy with the most beautiful smooth pearl finish. Even though it feels slightly emollient it didn’t get oily or greasy on my skin all day. The miss parts for me are all about the design. There are two shades which are supposed to give you a two-in-one product, but the stick is so small I find it almost impossible to apply just 1 single color. As much as I loved her Sun Designer Palettes and Compact-Expert Powders, this is the one of small pans or closely positioned colors is what I find most challenging about application. The size brushes I use or the way I apply makeup makes it hard for me to get just one color. Not a deal breaker for me as I like to swirl and mix the shades. There is a small brush at the end of these Glow-Expert Sticks. Even after some breaking in I find them extremely stiff and hard. It’s designed to blend the product on your cheek but for me any sweeping on the skin pulls product off the face.

By Terry Glow-Expert Highlighters in Amber Light and Beach Glow

All this said, I think if you’re ok with swirled or mixed colors then I think these are a hit formula-wise. If you have oily or greasy skin you may find them too emollient in which case I’d recommend the NARS Easy Glowing Palettes (powder formula) or the Hourglass Vanish Flash Sticks (better suited for oily skin).

By Terry Glow-Expert Highlighters in Amber Light and Beach Glow

Swatches below, Amber Light is more neutral golden, Beach Glow is a pinky peachy blend.

By Terry Glow-Expert Highlighters in Amber Light and Beach Glow

Beauty look below with Amber Light Glow-Expert on the face and eyes below. Also wearing Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation in Y340, La Mer Pressed Powder in Light, Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Cocoa Mirage, By Terry Lash-Expert Mascara, Diorshow Brow Styler in Universal Brown, Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist in Shade #11, Tee from Madewell, Nail Color is Chanel Nuvola Rosa.

By Terry Glow Expert in Amber Light look

Last is a look at the Baume de Rose Le Stick ($34 for 2.3 g) and the Baume de Rose Hand Cream (mine is a mini from holiday which you can still find here, full size is $50 for 75 g).

By Terry Baume de Rose Review and Overview, Original, Crystalline, Le Stick and Hand Cream

I’ve been a long-time fan of the classic Baume de Rose ($60 for 10 g) in the large round pot. It’s thick, lush, hydrating and lasts a long time. I also love the Baume de Rose Crystalline ($53 for 7 ml) in the tube with the wand because it’s easier for application on-the-go and doesn’t require you get your fingers messy as it has a sponge tip applicator. This one has a lighter weight feel to it but still just as hydrating. Based on great results from trying the By Terry balms, I was super excited to try the Baume de Rose Le Stick version. Huge plus that it’s priced lower and comes in a twist up version! I am so sad to report that this was a miss for me. I was left extremely disappointed. Regular with the stick use only gives immediate hydration, moisture is not long-lasting. With the others formulas, my dry lips are left lush, soft and well hydrated within 1 day. With regular daily use of the stick, my lips are still dry with no improvement. All this said, we are in the driest months here in Tampa. I remember when we moved here a year ago everything (face, hands, skin, hair) felt very much dried out. I thought it was the water (it was a contributing factor) but many other Floridians informed me that this was the dry season. So right now I’m extra dry. I am going to keep this balm and revisit later because in 1 to 2 months the humidity and heat is going to pick back up and this might have enough moisture to work during hot humid months.

I’m ending this roundup with a hit. I love a good hand cream but the high price point of the full size Baume de Rose Hand Cream was too pricey for me to justify as I’m not the biggest fan of pure rose-scented body products. I usually need some kind of a blend in the scent. I bought the mini in a holiday set which you can still find at some places online like Dermstore and Barneys New York. The Baume de Rose Hand Cream is indeed very rosy smelling but the formula is incredibly hydrating. It also has some kind of ingredient that smooths the look of the hands and after application skin looks remarkably smoother with a youthful effect. I think it’s an excellent hand cream and would purchase the full size in a heart beat if I didn’t already have a lot of other ones on hand.

Overall, I think the Lash-Expert Mascara and Baume de Rose Hand Cream are the two items I’d definitely recommend checking out. The Glow-Expert Cheek Sticks are so close to being perfect, I would have rather it been double ended in product with one color on each side because the brush didn’t work for me. I do like the color and formula though so will be using them regularly as I love the effect. The Baume de Rose Le Stick is not working for me now but I’ll revisit in a couple months. For now if you’ve been interested in trying the lip balms I’d recommend you opt for the classic round pot version as it’s truly phenomenal.

You can find By Terry products at Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Dermstore, Space NK, Beautylish, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.

Do you have any By Terry favorites? If you tried anything I reviewed today let me know what you thought!

 

NARS

NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palettes Reve Sale and Coucher de Soleil Review and Swatches

February 26, 2018

NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palette Reve Sale and Coucher de Soleil

NARS has two new products for cheeks called the Easy Glowing Cheek Palettes ($49 each for (0.12 oz/3.5 g x 3) in two options Reve Sale and Coucher de Soleil. Images surfaced on social a few weeks ago and I have been stalking them online for days! Right now they’re exclusive to Nordstrom but they’ll launch at other retailers later this spring. As a huge fan of Banc de Sable and Bord de Plage I knew these two new ones had to be mine.

Both Reve Sale and Coucher de Soleil palettes have the same formula as the Banc de Sable/Bord de Plage palettes. Some of the colors have some similarities to previously launched palettes but to me I do think they are different enough to justify purchasing. The shimmer is really pretty with a smooth high sheen. You can wear the colors wet or dry. I prefer them dry so the shimmer becomes more diffused. Lasting power is the same as the previous launches. They’ll stay put on the face all day long without getting greasy looking. The deeper one also does not darken or oxidize on my skin which is a huge plus.

Reve Sale

Reve Sale has a pale soft light apricot shimmer, pale soft rose and peachy tan. The shimmer in this one looks a lot softer on my face than Banc de Sable. It doesn’t emphasize my pores. To me this is a highlighter palette, those with fair skin tones will probably find this more of a blush palette rather than highlight.

NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palette Reve Sale review and swatches

NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palette Reve Sale review and swatches

NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palette Reve Sale review and swatches

Coucher de Soleil

Coucher de Soleil is the deeper option with a medium tan gold, deeper peachy tan and a soft plum shimmer. It looks darker but doesn’t oxidize or look muddy on the skin for me. This one definitely has more color, on my skintone it has one highlight and two colors that can pass more for shimmery blush.

NARS Coucher de Soleil Easy Glowing Cheek Palette review and swatches

NARS Coucher de Soleil Easy Glowing Cheek Palette review and swatches

NARS Coucher de Soleil Easy Glowing Cheek Palette review and swatches

Both next to each other below:

NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palette Reve Sale and Coucher de Soleil

NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palette Reve Sale and Coucher de Soleil

Shown on the face left is Reve Sale, right is Coucher de Soleil.

In both photos I’m wearing the Marc Jacobs Beauty Shameless Foundation in Y320 and Y360 mixed together (I ordered Y340 to see it it will be my perfect match). On the lips is YSL Tint in Balm #7 (reviewed here). On the nails is OPI Lisbon Wants Moor OPI. Top from Revolve.

NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palette Reve Sale and Coucher de Soleil swatches

Comparison next to Banc de Sable. The new palettes are slightly bigger in size and weight:

NARS Cheek Palettes Reve Sale, Coucher de Soleil and Banc de Sable

NARS Cheek Palettes Reve Sale, Coucher de Soleil and Banc de Sable

NARS Coucher de Soleil Easy Glowing Cheek Palette review and swatches

I’m obsessed. Both are must-haves for me. If I had to pick one I could not, because they’re both different in their own unique way. I stopped buying backups years ago and even bought back-ups of these. I thought the Natasha Denona Diamond and Blush Palettes were going to be my must-have palettes this year. They still are amazing, but these NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palettes are just as gorgeous, just in a different way. The formula is among my favorite – they’re a unique powder that almost has a slight creamy texture so it melds into the skin. I can wear these on both the eyes and cheeks. You can use any cheek brush you have in your beauty stash, I really like the Chanel Precision Powder Brush because it’s the perfect size for the pans and also lets me give a wash of color and build.

Both of the NARS Easy Glowing Cheek Palettes are available now at Nordstrom.

Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Beauty SS18 Runway Color Collection

February 23, 2018

Tom Ford Beauty SS18 Runway Color Collection Review

Tom Ford launched three minimalist beauty pieces for their SS18 runway collection. All three are limited-edition that come in special edition silver packaging, two repromoted products and one new:

  • Shade and Illuminate Intensity One SS18 is the classic shade and illuminate in a limited-edition silver packaging. Colors are a sheer glossy white pearl and cream tan.
  • Eye Gloss was launched last season with eyeshadow singles but has been repromoted with silver packaging.
  • Shadow Extreme SS18 is a new product of intense shimmer shadow in a silver case. Color is a metallic gunmetal silver loaded with tons of sparkle.

Everything has pretty mirrored-like packaging that looks modern and sleek. The only downside is fingerprints show up like crazy.

Tom Ford Beauty SS18 Runway Color Collection Review

The Shade and Illuminate has been a longtime classic and I can’t believe that I have never tried it. Cream products for cheeks can be hit or miss and contour colors need to have some warmth for my complexion so I never looked into this. I’m glad I did because it lives up to the hype for a natural dewy contour and glow. I would pretty much die of happiness if Tom Ford launched this in a powder form, but for now these two give a very natural contoured effect. Cream finish does have a natural dewy glow but it’s not overly shiny and stays put pretty well throughout the day. I applied on top of my powdered/foundation face and had no issue with it disturbing the base.

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Intensity One SS18

A closer look:

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Intensity One SS18

The Eye Gloss has been relaunched in the special packaging. I reviewed it back in December when I reviewed the Tom Ford Private Shadow singles. I wasn’t a huge fan of it then and I’m still not. Eye gloss just isn’t my thing. I do like the packaging design though and think if this were to be used for regular cream shadows with a sponge tip applicator it would be perfect.

Tom Ford SS18 Eye Gloss

Last but not least is the Shadow Extreme SS18. This is a new eyeshadow formula Tom Ford describes as, “light-reflective, long-wearing shadow that mimics the look of melted metal in two distinct finishes—micronized glitter, which gives a lustrous, opulent finish, while a bolder, shinier look is achieved with a foil finish. Longwearing polymers ensure each shadow glides an ultra-thin, water-resistant gloss of color effortlessly onto lids.”

Tom Ford Shadow Extreme SS18 review and swatches

SS18 is a gunmetal silver with lots of sparkle. One swipe gives a medium wash but you can layer it for more intensity. This color is quite trendy for me. It’s hard to tell in the eye look I’ll show below, but I hope the arm swatch will show just how sparkly it is. I think it would be fun for a date night out if you did a smokey eye. I wore it alone to show the color, but normally I would layer and blend with a black liner. This is the first color in the Shadow Extreme formula, based on the snippets on social – more to come in March.

Tom Ford Shadow Extreme SS18 review and swatches

Swatches of everything in the collection:

Tom Ford Beauty SS18 Runway Color Collection Review swatches

Wearing the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate, Shadow Extreme SS18 and Bad Lieutenant Lipstick (reviewed here). Foundation shade worn is Estee Lauder Doublewear in Tawny 3W1.

Tom Ford Beauty SS18 Runway Color Collection Review

Tom Ford Beauty SS18 Runway Color Collection Review

Overall thoughts: I’ve been a long-time die hard Tom Ford fan ever since he launched the lipsticks. The quality is usually on point and texture, pigment, lasting power etc. is phenomenal. These three items were no exception and performed very well. That being said I can’t call any of the items in this collection must-haves.

The Shade and Illuminate is indeed a classic, but the color already exists and I suspect many of you already own it. As happy as I am to now own it, I would have been more excited about something new or different. If you haven’t tried this yet though, I highly recommend you check it out because it’s a product that I think will become a regular beauty staple in my routine.

The Shadow Extreme is very sparkly and I did experience fallout with the glitter falling off the brush, even a densely packed one. It’s best applied in a patting motion. Once on the eyes it stayed on all day. I did apply over a cream shadow base to help the glitter adhere. I’m lukewarm about this one because the particular color just isn’t for me. I do love a glitter shadow, I adore his Powder Cream Duos and the Natasha Denona Crystal Top Coats are amazing. SS18 is too trendy for me for everyday wear with the sparkle and glitter color-wise. I’m looking forward to the other shades because if this comes in a lighter champagne or bronze or nude than I will be all over it.

I am however super excited about the Spring-Summer launches which have already popped up online at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. I ordered the Soleil Contouring Compact in Nude Glow and one of the new Ultra-Shine Lip Colors. I plan on seeing if anything else is in stores this weekend.

Several of you have asked about the Eau de Soleil Blanc and Soleil D’Ambre Eye and Cheek Palette. I did check out both last week. The new fragrance smelled almost identical to the original Soleil Blanc but when I was in store I had smelled several other items so my nose may have been confused. I’ll have to smell it again. At this time I decided to pass on the Soleil D’Ambre Palette. It is really beautiful but I really preferred the previous launches from other seasons. I decided to see what summer would bring instead.

That wraps up my Tom Ford SS18 Colour Collection review. All three pieces are limited-edition. You can find the items now online and in stores at Neiman Marcus and Tom Ford. Did you check out anything from this launch? What did you think? Is Shade and Illuminate on your favorites list or is there another contour product you love?

Tom Ford SS18 item provided courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty for review.

 

Chanel

Chanel Dernieres Neiges de Chanel Collection

February 22, 2018

Chanel Dernieres Neiges de Chanel Collection Review

There’s a new collection out for spring called Dernieres Neiges de Chanel. For the moment the entire collection appears to be a Chanel.com exclusive but you may be able to also find the pieces at Chanel boutiques. At this time I’m not sure if the items will trickle into retail stores and counters. I ordered a few pieces online and after testing these for several weeks now I’m about 50/50 on this collection. Everything is limited-edition.

At first glance all the colors look right up my alley with soft pinks. What I ended up with:

Premiere Fleurs Harmony of Powders and Les Tissages de Chanel in Evanescent

Chanel Premiere Fleurs Harmony of Powders and Tweed Evanescent Blushes

Premiere Fleurs Harmony of Powders ($70 for 13 g) is a highlighting powder with three colors of powdery white, light peach and pink. The white has an overspray of glitter and underneath is a sheer satiny powder. I had high hopes for this as I’m usually a huge fan of the limited-edition highlighter powders. This ended up being chalky, fairly pale and barely had any glow. I’m not sure how it would look on fair skin, but on medium tan or darker I’m pretty certain this would be almost non-existent. It swatched so well on the arm but on the face it pretty much disappeared into the skin.

Les Tissages de Chanel in Evanescent ($45 for 5.5 g) is a medium-deep pink. It has a lovely shimmer in the pan and if you swipe it on your fingers. Once applied either on the arm or face the shimmer almost disappears into a soft semi-matte looking blush. It seems a little darker than most pink Chanel blushes I’ve tried, many are often brighter or more blue based. This one is so pretty on the skin.

Chanel Premiere Fleurs Harmony of Powders and Tweed Evanescent Blushes

One look with the Premiere Fleurs Harmony Powder packed on heavily and the Rouge Coco Shine in Dernier Givre. Foundation worn is the Diorskin Forever Undercover in 21 + 31 mixed together set with MAC Next to Nothing Pressed Powder in Medium Plus.

Chanel Premiere Fleurs Harmony of Powders and Magnolia Rouge Coco Gloss

Below wearing Chanel Tweed Evanescent and the Rouge Coco Gloss in Camelia. Same base as above.

Chanel Tweed Evanescent Blush and Camelia Rouge Coco Gloss

Rouge Coco Gloss, Rouge Coco Shine and Rouge Coco Stylo

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss in Magnolia and Camelia

 

Rouge Coco Gloss in Magnolia ($30 for 5.5 g) is a very sheer light warm pink with lots of sparkles. The color is so sheer on my pigmented lips there is practically no color. If it had enough pigment to look more like what you see in the tube I’d give it a thumbs up. For me I’ll use it up as I think it is pretty, but it’s not unique enough to justify if you already own a lot of sheer shimmering glosses.

Rouge Coco Gloss in Camelia ($30 for 5.5 g) is a deeper pink, this one is also very sheer but the brightness gives this more color payoff than the lighter option. There is a lot of sparkle in this shade as well but it’s smooth and cushiony in the shine.

Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo Poesie and Rouge Coco Shine Dernier Givre

Rouge Coco Stylo in Poesie ($37) is a medium nude pink cream. Coverage is medium with this one and it has a semi-sheer shiny finish. Since it’s a glossy lipstick lasting power isn’t going to be long. It’s like the Rouge Coco Shines where you will have to reapply every few hours.

Rouge Coco Shine in Dernier Givre ($37 for 3 g) is a pale sheer pink opal shimmer. Color payoff is also very sheer but the iridescent quality makes it actually show up on the lips. It has a smooth hydrating feel and adds a pretty sheen.

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss Magnolia, Camelia, Rouge Coco Stylo Poesie, Rouge Coco Shine Dernier Givre

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss Magnolia, Camelia, Rouge Coco Stylo Poesie, Rouge Coco Shine Dernier Givre swatches

Le Vernis Aurore

Chanel Le Vernis AuroreChanel Le Vernis Aurore swatches

Le Vernis in Aurore ($28 for 13 ml) is a warm pink with a hint of blue undertone. It has a very subtle hint of pearl if you look closely in the bottle. On the nails it acts more like a cream. Coverage is full and opaque. Above applied with two coats.

Chanel Dernieres Neiges de Chanel Collection Review and Swatches

Overall I love the Aurore Nail Polish, Tweed Evanescent Blush and Camelia Rouge Coco Gloss. The others I like but don’t think are must-haves due to the sheerness and fact that they seem very easy to dupe from previous Chanel launches. That being said I did find myself reaching for the sheer Rouge Coco Shine quite a bit in the past week.

Everything from the Dernieres Neiges de Chanel Collection is limited-edition. Available now at Chanel.com. If you’ve spotted it at counters or know if it will launch in stores at a later date let me know in the comments.

Have you tried anything from this launch? What did you think?

 

MAC

MAC Roundup: Hyper Real Glow, Mineralize Skincare, Prep + Prime Fix+ and New Brushes

February 20, 2018

MAC Newness, Scented Fix+, Mineralize Skincare, Hyper Real Glow Palettes, Synthetic Brushes

MAC has launched quite a few new things this year and I feel I blinked and almost two months have already passed by. New products roll out at lightening speed which I can barely keep up on so today I have a roundup of several launches.

Hyper Real Glow Palettes

MAC Hyper Real Glow Palette

Up first are two new highlighter palettes called Hyper Real Glow ($39.50 each). There is a warm gold option called Get it Glowin’ and a cool pink option Flash + Awe. They come in cardboard packaging with a magnetic closure and mirror inside. Both seem pretty sturdy in packaging. The shimmer is very smooth and doesn’t emphasize pores or imperfections on the skin. They can be built to a high shine frost but if you layer them over blush or bronzer the shimmer effect is smoother and not quite as intense. The colors in each palette aren’t the most unique – if you own a lot of highlighters these will probably be similar to other MAC shades. The formula is really good and I think these are a pretty good value for the price.

MAC Hyper Real Glow Palette Review and Swatches

Get it Glowin has two golds that look really similar on my skintone, the variations are slight once on the skin. Then there is one warm bronzey shade. At the moment I’ve just started to get back a little of my tan after being in Miami over the weekend. Right now Get it Glowin adds a lot of warmth and glow to the skin. As I get darker I suspect it will be more of a highlighter.

Flash + Awe surprised me because I was almost certain this would look white on my olive skin. The shades are pale and definitely highlighter material but they aren’t as pale as I anticipated. The colors are similar on my skin but I really love the soft diffused pink glow these give. Lasting power is really good with these powders and there is very little powder fall out.

MAC Hyper Real Glow Palette Swatches Get It Glowin' and Flash + Awe

Both palettes applied the face on two separate occasions:

Left with Get it Glowin’:

MAC Hyper Real Glow Palette Swatches Get It Glowin' and Flash + Awe

Right with Flash + Awe:

New Brush Launches

Next are the new brushes. MAC redesigned all their Makeup Brushes with synthetic materials. Some of the classics have remained but there are also new shapes and options. If you want a more detailed review of their brushes I can do a separate post on them. For now here’s a quick look at some of the new ones alongside a few others I had purchased before.

Some brushes like 125S, 128S and 127S are split fibers which gives two different effects. The one side you’ll see below is the brown fibers for powders and the other side is a different material more ideal for creams.

All the brushes are very well made with smooth and super soft tips. My MAC brushes have lasted a long time over the years, some I think I’ve had since 2003 and they’ve held up without any issue. So far the synthetic version seems to perform just as well as the originals.

My top 4 MAC brushes are the 239S, 219S, 140S and 217S.

In addition MAC has also started carrying beautyblenders in their stores and on their website. These are the best makeup sponges I’ve tried. Nothing really quite compares to them!

MAC New Brushes Synthetic Launch

Mineralize Skincare Additions and Fix+ Scented

MAC Mineralize Reset & Revive Charcoal Mask, Mineralize Charged Water Charcoal Spray, Fix+ Scented

Last but not least are some new additions to skincare. There are two new products in the Mineralize Skincare Line. They launched two new charcoal infused products which are designed to detox the skin. The Mineralize Reset and Revive Charcoal Mask ($31 for 100ml) is a gentle purifying mask that removes excess oil without stripping the skin. On the face it feels really soothing. It will shrink a little as it dries but not so much that it feels overpowering. Skin is left feeling a lot more clean and less oily. They’ve launched a Mineralize Charged Water Charcoal ($26 for 100ml) spray with you can use before moisturizer or to set makeup. To me this has a similar feel to the MAC Fix+ on my skin. I do like to use it as a freshening product before I apply moisturizer, but to me the effect is almost identical to the MAC Fix+ just a tad bit more moisturizing.

Perhaps my favorite launch is the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Scented Mist ($26 each for 100ml) . These came in the mini sizes last year in Rose, Lavender and Coconut. I stocked up on TONS of these since the minis were limited-edition. I’m beyond thrilled that they launched these in the full size. I love these to set makeup, refresh the skin or even to prime before moisturizer and foundation. I find them really versatile and the scents are soft and not overpowering.

That wraps up my MAC roundup! Of course as I’m finishing this post more launches have already arrived. I’ll be reviewing more in the weeks to follow.

You can find the new MAC launches out now. Available online at MAC, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty and Saks Fifth Avenue.

MAC launches provided courtesy of MAC for review.

 

Sisley-Paris

New Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist Mattes and Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eyeliners

February 16, 2018

Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Mattes and Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eyeliners Review

There are quite a few new launches from Sisley-Paris to get excited about! I have two to share today for makeup including the new shades of Phyto-Lip Twist Mattes ($50 each) and a new product called Phyto-Khol Star ($55). More reviews to follow for brows and hair care but today I’m excited to share a look at some products for eyes and lips.

Phyto-Lip Twist Mattes

I’ve been a huge fan of the Phyto-Lip Twists since trying my first one last July in Baby #2. I’ve since added quite a few more to my collection which I’ll share in a later post. Today’s review includes the Phyto-Lip Twist Mattes because there are four new shades that have just launched (there are two existing mattes in the lineup). These are super smooth luxurious mattes that have a velvety feel. There’s no tugging or drying out effect with these. The pigment is ultra rich and give the lips full coverage with a soft radiant matte finish.

Four new shades below include 19 Ballet, 20 Drama, 21 Ruby and 22 Burgundy:

Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Mattes new shades 19 Ballet, 20 Drama, 21 Ruby and 22 Burgundy

The Phyto-Lip Twists are insanely expensive but I really love the formula for a quick and easy kind of lip. I almost always have Baby in my bag with me. There is a wide range of shades in the regular lineup, but the matte shades tend to be more on the bold side with one new nude. The shades in the current lineup plus new ones:

  • 17 Kiss is a bold fuchsia pink
  • 18 Tango is a deep and bold classic red
  • 19 Ballet is a nude pink
  • 20 Drama is a purple plum
  • 21 Ruby is a pinkish red
  • 22 Burgundy is a brick red

Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Matte in 17 Kiss, 18 Tango, 19 Ballet, 20 Drama, 21 Ruby and 22 Burgundy

I have all six mattes swatched below, lasting power is excellent and the deep shades leave a bit of a stain so as they fade you’ll still see some color on the lips which is nice. There’s no detectable scent. They are comfortable feeling on the lips as well.

Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Matte in 17 Kiss, 18 Tango, 19 Ballet, 20 Drama, 21 Ruby and 22 Burgundy swatches

Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Matte in 17 Kiss, 18 Tango, 19 Ballet, 20 Drama, 21 Ruby and 22 Burgundy

Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eyeliners

Next are the new Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eyeliners. These are probably the most expensive eyeliners I’ve ever tried but the pigment and colors are so unique to me. Although the colors seem standard classics, they have an ultra rich base and the formula glides on the skin very smoothly. There is a little bit of a drying period which allows you to blend or smudge on the eyes – it’s like the dry time of a mascara, simply try not to blink or squint your eyes for a minute otherwise there will be transfer. However once it dries I found these stayed put all day long without any smudging. I don’t line on the waterline but I did put these along the upper lashes and on the lower lash line. I have yet to test these in the pool but plan on doing so later this summer. For now the lasting power was very impressive to me.

Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Eyeliners

Most of the colors have some sort of sparkle in them. It’s like micro-fine glitter flecks. Three have a smooth metallic pearl quality. Pigment is quite intense and the colors are really beautiful. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt compelled to wear anything except bronze or brown eyeliner. I usually wear a powder shadow so the lines aren’t as harsh. These have made me change my mind about eyeliner in general. The bottoms have a removable sharpener. These are the twist up kind and I really appreciate that the caps are very snug at the top – some don’t have a tight seal and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to throw away liners because they dried out. I suspect these will stay fresh because the packaging seems really well designed.

Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Eyeliners review

Swatched in the same order as shown above:

  • Sparkling Black is a true rich black with silver sparkles
  • Sparkling Grey is a blue grey with silver flecks
  • Sparkling Brown is a shimmering bronze brown with brown and silver flecks
  • Sparkling Bronze is an olive shimmer
  • Sparkling Blue is a bold blue with silver flecks
  • Mystic Purple is a metallic rich purple
  • Mystic Blue is a metallic navy
  • Mystic Green is a metallic forest green

Sisley Phyto-Khol Star Eyeliners

Bottom line lots to love with the new Sisley-Paris launches. The price points are indeed spendy but so far I’ve been beyond impressed with everything I’ve tried from them. The quality is really there in both skincare and makeup. So many of you had raved about the skincare for years long before I tried the line. They often have good gift with purchases on their site and other retailers. I try to wait for a good one before splurging. Also in case you missed the post they have an awesome Beauty Subscription Program (the only one I’ve kept). I did a review on their 6-month program from last year. This allows you to try things before splurging on the full size.

You can find the new Phyto-Lip Twists and Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof out at all Sisley-Paris counters now. Also available online at Sisley-Paris, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys New York, Beautylish and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Do you have any Sisley favorites?

Phyto-Lip Twists and Phyto-Khol Stars provided courtesy of Sisley for review.

 

Lips YSL Beauty

YSL Volupte Liquid Colour Balm Review + Swatches

February 14, 2018

YSL Volupte Liquid Colour Balms Review and Swatches

I’m a huge fan of YSL lipsticks and balms so when I found out they were launching a new Volupte Liquid Colour Balm I literally stalked the web daily to buy them the second they went online. Right now these are exclusive to Nordstrom and there are twelve shades total. I ordered seven of them sight unseen and they are amazing. If you like the Volupte Tint in Balms or Rouge Volupte Shines you’re going to be obsessed with the Volupte Liquid Colour Balms. YSL describes these as it having a “breakthrough formula” that is “packed with soothing shea butter, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, coconut water and jojoba oil, which soften lines, enhance lip texture and lock in moisture.”

These come with a flexible cushiony sponge tip applicator. The tips are in the cutest shape of lips! Pigment is rather impressive for a lip balm in my opinion, but they are still medium in coverage. They have an ultra smooth hydrating feel and it’s quite lush on the lips. Each balm has that distinct fruity melon/mango kind of scent which I love. One of the shades is a pale pink which is pretty much clear, but it’s an overnight lip mask instead of a tinted balm. You can wear it as a regular balm – to me it feels the same as the other shades and if left on overnight it leaves lips incredibly soft.

Lasting power is about the same as the other glossy YSL lips. They’ll stay on for a few hours and won’t fade as long as you don’t touch the lips. The formula leaves the lips so smooth and soft I don’t mind reapplying.

The colors don’t have shimmer but there is a high shine and some of them have a very subtle pearl which isn’t noticeable on but adds dimension. While these aren’t necessarily plumping for some reason on my already full lips the moisture and shine makes my lips look super full. Colors I picked were random, I literally wanted to buy all of them. After testing the shades I have I still do. I tried to show some restraint as there are a lot of other beauty releases coming out this spring. The colors are phenomenal and have a lot more color payoff than the Tint in Oils which are a lot thinner and more oily in texture.

YSL Volupte Liquid Colour Balms Review and Swatches

YSL Volupte Liquid Colour Balms descriptions:

  • Night Rehab 1 is a clear pale milky pink
  • Expose Me Rose 2 is a bright rose pink
  • Show Me Peach 3 is a medium peach
  • Spy On Me Nude 4 is a peachy nude
  • Watch Me Orange 5 is a bright orange
  • Devour Me Plum 10 is a plum
  • Chase Me Nude 12 is a pinkish nude

YSL Volupte Liquid Colour Balms Review and Swatches of Night Rehab 1, Expose Me Rose 2, Show Me Peach 3, Spy On Me Nude 4, Watch Me Orange 5, Devour Me Plum 10 and Chase Me Nude 12

YSL Volupte Liquid Colour Balms Review and Swatches of Night Rehab 1, Expose Me Rose 2, Show Me Peach 3, Spy On Me Nude 4, Watch Me Orange 5, Devour Me Plum 10 and Chase Me Nude 12

Side by sides next to the Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush from a few days ago:

YSL Volupte Liquid Colour Balms and Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush Swatches | The Beauty Look Book

YSL Volupte Liquid Colour Balms and Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush Swatches | The Beauty Look Book

A swatch of the Tint-In-Oil #9 swatched here vs the Volupte Liquid Colour Balm #12:

YSL Tint In Oil 9 vs Volupte Liquid Colour Balm 12

Bottom line 100% love. If you’re a lip gloss lover and like tinted balms but want something with color these are for you! I love every single color I bought although #5 Watch Me Orange is really orange on me. I highly recommend checking these out. As a comparison of this to other YSL lipsticks that are sheer and glossy, I cannot pick a favorite formula. They’re all different in color, texture and finish. I truly love them all, but these new Volupte Liquid Colour Balms are really phenomenal. The colors are pretty, fresh and perfect for spring to summer. I’m for sure going to have at least one these in my makeup bag at all times for the rest of the year.

YSL Volupte Liquid Colour Balms Review and Swatches of Night Rehab 1, Expose Me Rose 2, Show Me Peach 3, Spy On Me Nude 4, Watch Me Orange 5, Devour Me Plum 10 and Chase Me Nude 12

You can find them now at Nordstrom for $32 each. I suspect they have an early exclusive and that they’ll launch at other retailers later in the spring but I’m not 100% sure.

Have you tried any of these yet? What did you think?