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Bronzer + Blush Lips

Brights by Mario – Makeup by Mario Summer Collection

July 23, 2024

Brights by Mario - Makeup By Mario Summer 2024

Makeup By Mario launched his Brights By Mario Collection for summer with new shades of his MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum ($24 each) and Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil ($30 each). The colors are fun and bright – perfect for this summer. You can find these at Sephora.

Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil

Brights by Mario - Makeup By Mario Summer 2024

There are four new shades of the Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil in bright bold colors. The formula is creamy and easy to blend. They blend out to a much sheerer finish for a veil of color compared to what you see in the pan. Since these are significantly brighter and bolder in color they show up much better on my medium tan skin compared to the other shades in this formula. The colors in the original launch (reviewed here) didn’t work so well for my skin tone (they were too pale for me).

They have a soft dewy finish but it’s not too dewy or shiny. Since they are creams I think they’re best suited for normal or normal to dry skin types. On me lasting power is very good indoors but outdoors they become very dewy looking within a short period of time. To be fair though everything gets dewy looking in this humidity!

Brights by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil

Pink Peony is a cool toned powdery pink, this has a very pastel undertone so looks a little streaky on me if I don’t blend it out all the way. For skintone reference I’m wearing NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in Vanuatu below (formula reviewed here).

Below: Pink Peony + Watermelon Glow on the lips

Makeup By Mario Pink Peony + Watermelon Glow on the lips

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Papaya Pop is a bright orange but sheers out to a tangerine glow on the cheeks.

Below: Papaya Pop + Tangerine Glow on the lips

Makeup by Mario Papaya Pop + Tangerine Glow on the lips

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Strawberry Sunset is a bright warm pink.

Below: Strawberry Sunset + Cherry Glow on the lips.

Makeup By Mario Strawberry Sunset + Cherry Glow on the lips

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Paradise Pink is a fuschia pink.

Below: Paradise Pink + Pomegranate Glow on the lips.

Makeup By Mario Paradise Pink + Pomegranate Glow on the lips

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Swatched below next to the blush shades I still have from the original launch.

Brights by Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil - cream blush swatches

MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum

There are five new shades of the MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum and I love these colors. Texture is the same as the other lip serums in the lineup: very soft, balmy, glossy, sheer in finish. They are bright and sheer at the same time so you’ll get a healthy wash of color on the lips. You can sheer them out for a more subtle look.

Makeup By Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum

Makeup By Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum swatches

I think every single color is beautiful and perfect for summer. I do wish they were in a squeeze tube format instead. The texture is really soft and almost melty on the lips. I haven’t had any product melting issues but I also haven’t put these in my bag this summer. Also quick note in case you’re new to these: they twist in one direction (they don’t twist back down).

You can find these now at Sephora.

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Press samples sent by the Makeup By Mario team for review.

Bronzer + Blush Lips

rhode Pocket Blush + Peptide Lip Tint New Shades

July 15, 2024

Rhode Pocket Blush + Peptide Lip Tint New Shades

Rhode launched new lip and cheek colors for summer with the Pocket Blush ($24 each) and Peptide Lip Tint ($18 each). They’re available now at Rhode Skin with discounted bundles if you buy one of their sets. The shades looked perfect for summer so I ordered one of everything in the sets. I have swatches today!

Pocket Blush

Rhode Pocket Blush

The Pocket Blush is a creamy blush with a twist up base. There are six shades total and I bought the Pocket Blush Set. Pigment is bold with one swipe but when you blend it’s medium in coverage. They’re dewy in the finish if you apply on bare skin or just on top of foundation or a skin tint. If I apply on top of a powdered face the finish is less dewy and more satiny which I prefer. In terms of a cream blush these are some of the better ones I’ve tried for lasting power. Creams are challenging in humid weather but these have held up pretty well if I’m out for a couple hours. Right now the humidity levels are so high literally nothing will hold up some days.

I really love the look of these. I do get better wear and coverage with the Armani Luminous Cheek Tints but those are different in application and formula.

  • Freckle is a nude beige
  • Piggy is a pale pastel pink
  • Sleepy Girl is a mauve
  • Juice Box is a bright pink
  • Spicy Marg is a coral peach
  • Toasted Teddy is a brown

Rhode Pocket Blush swatches

After trying all the colors I think Spicy Marg and Juice Box are my favorite. Piggy is a bit too pale for my skin tone right now but I can make it work if I layer something else on top. Since Toasted Teddy is deeper and more contrasted with my skin tone I need to blend it out a little more than the other shades, but blending is pretty easy. Overall a solid A.

Peptide Lip Tint New Shades

rhode Peptide Lip Tint New Shades summer 2024

There are four new shades of the Peptide Lip Tints. Set linked here. I love these lip balms and have purchased every single shade. Some of ones from previous launches seem to have developed some crystalized chunks, but not all of them have. I am hoping these new ones won’t develope the gritty texture.

New shades this launch pull on the sheer side, I wish they had more pigment but the colors are really pretty. As a lip balm lover, I like these. I don’t know that I’d call them must-haves, but the colors are stunning. New colors include:

  • Shortcake a cool pink
  • Peach Pit a sheer peach
  • Salty Tan a sheer mauve
  • Guava Spritz is a coral pink

rhode Peptide Lip Tint swatches

Looks below, also wearing:

Freckle Blush + Peach Pit Peptide Lip Tint

rhode pocket blush in freckle, lip gloss peach pit

Juice Box Blush + Short Cake Peptide Lip Tint

rhode pocket blush in juice box, lip gloss shortcake

Piggy Blush + Ribbon Peptide Lip Tint

rhode pocket blush in piggy, lip gloss ribbon

Sleepy Girl Blush + Salty Tan Peptide Lip Tint

rhode pocket blush in sleepy girl, lip gloss salty tan

Spicy Marg Blush + Guava Spritz Peptide Lip Tint

rhode pocket blush in spicy marg, lip gloss guava spritz

Toasted Teddy Blush + Espresso Peptide Lip Tint

rhode pocket blush in toasted teddy, lip gloss espresso

Summer Lip Case

rhode lip iphone case

Rhode launched a super cute iPhone case (available in different sizes) in colors to match the new summer lip glosses. They are super cute and I love the concept. In real life I found mine a bit too chunky feeling and a little awkward to hold. I kept mine on for about an hour and then took it off but I’m the type that has a very streamlined basic phone case so I can slip it in and out of my pocket or put it in mini bags. I think they’re fun, but for me not practical.

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You can find these available at Rhode Skin.

Lips Pat McGrath Labs

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil

July 2, 2024

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil review via The Beauty Lookbook

Pat McGrath launched a new lip pencil called the Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil ($29 each). These are in a large pencil format that require sharpening. They’re available at Ulta Beauty, Sephora and Pat McGrath Labs.

I really love these. Colors for every single shade I tried is absolutely stunning. Formula is creamy and easy to apply with a matte finish. They glide onto the lips without any tugging and the coverage is smooth and opaque. Once they set on the lips they have impressive lasting power and these are among the few lip products that don’t transfer to my teeth at all. They’re not 100% transfer-proof but the transfer to a cup or napkin is minimal once it sets on the lips. I also like that they feel relatively weightless on the lips which is a huge plus especially in hot summer months.

I do wish they were in a twist up formula or came with a sharpener, but for a matte lip formula I really do like these. They can look a little dry if you have dry lips, but this can be fixed with a lip balm or primer. If you haven’t tried the MAC Prep + Prime Lip Primer I think you need to. It is the best lip primer that helps smooth the lip surface, adds a light veil of moisture and really helps lipsticks go on smoother without feathering.

Shades are all on point – I think I can see myself wearing every single color (except the red though, since I rarely wear reds). Some of the neutrals look similar swatched on the arm but on my lips there’s a clear difference in undertone. The darker shades will stain the lips but the lip primer is really good in preventing the staining.

  • Nude Venus is a light cool nude pink
  • Coralust is a neutral peachy pink
  • Divine Rose is a warm mauve rose
  • Naked Seduction is a warm dusty rose
  • Nude Oasis is a warm brown rose
  • Flesh3 is a mahogany rose brown
  • Garnet Glow is a deeper wine shade
  • Belle Amour is a cool-toned berry with some fuchsia vibes (this color looks like it’s only available at Pat McGrath online, I like the Lip Fetish Balm color version of Belle Amour a lot more)
  • OBSESSED! is an electric bold orange red

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil review via The Beauty Lookbook

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil swatches via The Beauty Lookbook

I lip swatched most of the shades below, also wearing:

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil Nude Venus via The Beauty Lookbook

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil Coralust via The Beauty Lookbook

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil Divine Rose via The Beauty Lookbook

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil Naked Seduction via The Beauty Lookbook

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil Nude Oasis via The Beauty Lookbook

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil Garnet Glow via The Beauty Lookbook

Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil Obsessed! via The Beauty Lookbook

Overall love. I’m usually not a fan of matte lips but I like the colors and lasting power of these shades. I would say my top 3 are Coralust, Nude Seduction and Divine Rose.

Available at Ulta Beauty, Sephora and Pat McGrath Labs..

6 shades received in PR and 3 purchased by me

Lips YSL Beauty

YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm

May 28, 2024

YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm

YSL Beauty launched another tinted balm called the Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm $40 and out of the three balm formulas they have out now this one is my favorite for pigment and formula.

There are 6 shades right now. I ordered all of them from Sephora they sold out almost instantly but finally restocked. You can also find these at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges.

3B Rosewood Blush below 

YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm 3B

The Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm is a soft buttery balm in a twist up format. Candy Glow is more pigmented and more buttery feeling than the Loveshine which has more slip to it. The new Candy Glow isn’t as thick in texture as the Candy Glaze. For softness level they’re soft but not as soft as the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Balms, but with the hot summer months coming I do wonder how they’ll hold up in my bag if I’m out and about with the summer heat.

Candy Glow Balms have the same sweet signature YSL lip balm scent like the Candy Glaze and original Rouge Volupte Shines (sweet and fruity). Pigment is sheer medium but noticeable on my pigmented lips. I really love these! You can see them all in action here.

Below all shades, also wearing Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in Shade 6.5, Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder Shade 3, Dior Rosy Glow Blush in Pink, Natasha Denona My Dream Palette.

  • 1B Pink Sunrise is a color shifting shade which will transform into a pink flush
  • 44B Nude Lavalliere is a nude pink and it’s the best variation of all the 44B colors because it has more warmth to it making it more wearable on my complexion (see the others here)
  • 3B Rosewood Blush is a warm rose pink (I think this is my favorite)
  • 5B Nude Crush is a brownish rose
  • 6B Brown Nude is a sheer neutral brown
  • 7B Nude Pleasure is a warm brown

YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm review via The Beauty Lookbook Blog

YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm swatches via The Beauty Lookbook Blog

YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm lip swatches via The Beauty Lookbook Blog

Application in action:

 

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A post shared by Sabrina Shorb (@beautylookbook)

Overall love. I do like these Candy Glow Balms a lot better than the Loveshine because the lasting power is better. Since there isn’t quite as much slip they grip the lip much better and don’t feel like they’re sliding off. I still really like the Candy Glaze formula and colors but they can feel a little thick, especially in the hot summer months. This newer one is more comfortable on the lips.

A few of you asked how these compare to the Dior Addict Lip Glow and I would say the Dior formula is similar for color/pigment but the texture feels a little more waxy on the lips.

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Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges and all YSL Beauty retailers.

Bobbi Brown Lips

Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Tinted Lip Serums

May 15, 2024

Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Tinted Lip Serums

Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Lip Serums ($38) have arrived in tinted colors and the formula is exceptionally good. They initially launched a clear version Bare Pink which is a milky pink in the tube but goes on clear. There are now tinted options which are very sheer and offer a barely there wash of color.

The Extra Plump Lip Serums are smooth non-sticky balms in a wand form. They have a pointy sponge tip applicator and once applied you feel almost instant hydration and relief from any dryness.

Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Tinted Lip Serums Bare Blossom and Bare Rose

They’re described as plumping but there is no tingle or sting. I don’t really find them that plumping, but more enhancing. I would compare the performance to the Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Baths for the plumping effect (the Bobbi Brown ones are a lot sheerer in color and thinner/smoother).

I already splurged on 3 shades last month when they launched in Bare Blossom, Bare Rose and Bare Peach. The Bobbi Brown team sent a fun PR package with all the shades so I’ve swatched them today.

Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Tinted Lip Serums

  • Bare Blossom is a sheer milky pink
  • Bare Rose is a medium soft pink (one of my favorites)
  • Bare Peach is a sheer peach
  • Bare Lilac is a milky pale purple
  • Bare Cocoa is a sheer soft caramel brown
  • Bare Raspberry is a sheer red
  • Bare Plum is a sheer plum red
  • Bare Pink is a milky pink that is clear

I swatched all of these on the lips on my Reels. I’ve swatched my favorites on the lips in photos below.

Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Tinted Lip Serum swatches

I would say Bare Rose is my number one pick, followed by Bare Peach and then Bare Raspberry. They’re all incredibly sheer and I wish the pigment level was at least 50% higher but I think the formula is really good and they’re going to be nice for touch ups throughout the day when you need a boost of moisture for the lips.

Also wearing:

Below, BARE ROSE

Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Tinted Lip Serum BARE ROSE

Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Tinted Lip Serum BARE Blossom, Bare Peach, Bare Raspberry and Bare Plum

Overall love, but I don’t think you need more than one color since they’re so sheer. I actually prefer the pigment level in the Crushed Oil-Infused Lip Gloss better and wish they had expanded the shade line instead of launching tinted versions of the Extra Plump Lip Balms, but both are very good.

Available now at Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Nordstrom, Bobbi Brown and Selfridges (they have more shades in the UK).

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Extra Plump Lip Serums provided for review.

Chanel Lips

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche

April 19, 2024

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche

Chanel launched a new lipstick called Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche ($50 each at Chanel.com) in a black and white case. The lipsticks are designed for each hour of the night featuring Margo Robbie as their beauty muse. I’m late to the game trying these but I’m really happy I did. I managed to snag Shade 07:00 in the second restock after it sold out. I am really hoping they restock again!

The formula is an ultra smooth velvet with a slightly luminous kind of finish so it’s not flat or drying. This Rouge Allure Velvet formula is exceptionally smooth, truly beautiful and pure luxury. Colors apply flawlessly. You can wear these blotted for a soft diffused blurred matte or apply with a heavier hand for full coverage.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche

I shared a demo try on here.

 

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A post shared by Sabrina Shorb (@beautylookbook)

The Chanel team sent a 4 piece boxed set which I don’t see on their site, but all the Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche shades are available individually.

00:00 is a warm dusty red
01:00 is a burnt orange
02:00 is a brighter orange red
06:00 is a plum
07:00 is a sheer barbie pink

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche swatches

Wearing each shade below, also wearing:

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche 00:00\Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche 01:00\Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche 02:00\Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche 06:00\Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche 07:00

As a neutral lip lover you can probably guess my favorite is the one I bought shade 07:00. It’s the perfect bright sheer pink. The formula on this one seems to be different from the other shades. 07:00 is sheerer with less pigment and it also has a more glossy finish on me which I love.

Even though I don’t wear bold reds or oranges I can appreciate these for more dressy occasions where you want to wear a statement lip. Nobody else does it quite like Chanel for a classic luxury lip.

Avaialble at Chanel.com.

Shades 00:00, 01:00, 02:00, and 06:00 gifted for review.

Charlotte Tilbury Lips

New Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Additions

April 15, 2024

New Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Additions

Charlotte Tilbury expanded her Pillow Talk universe with new shades of Pillow Talk in the Lip Cheat Lip Liner, K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick and Collagen Lip Bath formulas. She also launched a plumper called the Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm Plumping Lip Gloss in two variations. As a fan of her original Pillow Talk Matte Revolution and Lip Cheat, I bought all the new ones to try and review.

Lip Cheat and Lipsticks

New Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Additions: Pillow Talk Fair, Original and Medium

For her lip liners and lipsticks she now as a shade called Pillow Talk Fair which is a cool-toned baby pink. I really love the Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Fair which pulls a slightly bit deeper but the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick is too pale and contrasted with my natural lip tone to work for me. It has a beautiful creamy formula that performs just as well as her other lipsticks. The shade is just too light and for me. For those who find her original Pillow Talk warm I think the new Pillow Talk Fair will be much better for you.

I’ve swatched all the Pillow Talk shades I have in the Fair, Original and Medium. I added Icon Baby to the mix by popular request. I really love that shade (reviewed here) but several of you aren’t a fan of the sparkle and glitter texture. It does not bother me but some were hoping that Pillow Talk Fair would be the same as Icon Baby without the shimmer. Swatching them side by side I think they’re very different.

I still like the original Pillow Talk the best for her lipsticks.

Swatches Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Additions: Pillow Talk Fair, Original and Medium

Below also wearing: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Shade VI, Airbrush Flawless Powder in Medium, Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Pillow Talk, Pillow Talk Dreams Eyeshadow Palette

Charlotte Tilbury KISSING Lipstick Pillow Talk Fair

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick Pillow Talk Original

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick Pillow Talk Medium

Plumpgasm Plumping Lip Gloss

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm Plumping Lip Gloss

Charlotte Tilbury’s new Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm Plumping Lip Gloss is going to be either hit or miss for you depending on your pain tolerance for the tingle. I’d rate it an 8 out of 10 with a very strong sting that doesn’t go away. Some plumpers tingle for a few minutes but then the tingle fades. These are very strong on me and as much as I tried to love these, I just can’t. The tingle is as strong as the Fenty Heat and Maybelline Lifter Plumping Glosses on me and I cannot handle it.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm Plumping Lip Gloss Fair Medium

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm Plumping Lip Gloss Medium Deep

Colors are really beautiful though. I found it really interesting on my arm swatches (above) they pull really warm and almost orangey looking. In the tube and on my lips they pull more neutral.

I wish these were in a lip gloss vinyl/lacquer formula instead of the plumpers but I know plumpers are popular so I do see these being very on trend.

Collagen Lip Bath

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath

I’ve saved the best for last because I think I love the Collagen Lip Bath more than anyone else. These give the illusion of fuller lips but it’s not really a plumping gloss, it has a high shine with a cushiony feel that makes them look super lush and glossy.

Rosy Glow is actually my favorite which I don’t have anymore because I’ve used it up multiple times (so I’m re-ordering as one last Sephora haul). I do really love the new Pillow Talk shades along with the Original.

Pillow Talk Fair is a pale milky pink but it’s one I can wear without looking like I have white-out on my lips. Pillow Talk Original is a nude pink. Pillow Talk Medium is a deeper rose nude. Pillow Talk Deep is pretty sheer but with some layering it gives a really pretty chestnut brown look.

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Pillow Talk

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Pillow Talk swatches

I added swatches next to Refresh Rose, Peachy Plump and Walk of No Shame.

Overall I think these are beautiful additions to the Pillow Talk lineup. The KISSING Lipstick did not work for me shade-wise and the Plumping Lip Glosses are a no-go as they’re too painful for me to handle.
The others are solid A+ material.

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Available now at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Charlotte Tilbury and all other Charlotte Tilbury retailers.