Summer Fridays added a few new makeup launches to their lineup with lip pencils! They launched a SoftLine Lip Liner Long-Lasting Lip Pencil ($20 each) and Flushed Lip Stain ($22). These are available now at Sephora and Summer Fridays. I received the full set to try and review and as someone who struggles with lip liners showing on my pigmented lips, I am 10/10 thrilled with this launch!
The standout for me is definitely the SoftLine Lip Liner Long-Lasting Lip Pencil. This is available in 8 shades and what I love about these is that they are really like a traditional lip liner pencil. Lasting power is very good but I appreciate that these aren’t like the gel pencils that are completely budge proof because those tend to look dry on my lips as the day wears on. A more traditional pencil like this one is easier on my lips, especially if they are dry.
Formula is smooth but they don’t glide on like the ones from Merit (which is more glossy). Love the pigment, even the lighter tones show up on my pigmented lips with very good coverage. Love the shade range in this formula. I think every color is flattering!
I swatched these on my entire lip for shade reference although normally I would just line the outer rims and then find a matching gloss or lipstick to coordinate.
Flushed Lip Stain
The Flushed Lip Stains are beautiful and the pigment is exceptionally good. I personally do not like stains because there’s something about my lips that makes liquid lipsticks and lip stains darken to an unrecognizable color. What I see on my lips rarely matches a swatch or what I see in the applicator.
I think the product is excellent and the lasting power is definitely there. I tried to remove the swatches from my arm and the stain lingers even with a bi-phase makeup remover. I wasn’t able to lip swatch all of them because the stain adhered so well to my lips I felt like swatching more would mix colors.
Overall love. I think the combination pairings with the Lip Butter Balms are also fun. I haven’t played around extensively layering different shades together but I think the colors they created are so beautiful.
I hauled a few lip products from Chanel recently and I am thrilled with the things I picked up! They re-released a few shades in the Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue and Rouge Coco Flash formula (both great colors). Chanel also launched new colors of the 31 Le Rouge in both the satin and matte formula and I splurged on two of the new ones. I shared a demo here in case you want to see everything in action.
31 Le Rouge
The Chanel 31 Le Rouge ($195) is still one of the best lipstick formulas I’ve tried. It is one of the most expensive lipsticks on the market but it’s everything I want in a lipstick. It’s a classic formula that is super creamy, smooth in coverage, bold in coverage (except the shimmers) and absolutely perfect to me. You can read my original review here (lots more swatches in this post!).
There are six new shades, 3 satin and 3 matte. I picked up 7 Rouge Brode (satin) and 17 Rouge Confident (matte) and love them both. I also realized I had two of the previously launched mattes in 13 Rouge Jersey and 14 Rouge Intimiste in a storage box that I had never got around to reviewing. I’ve added them to my roundup today.
7 Rouge Brode (satin) is a shimmery light pink. It’s on the sheerer side, similar in the finish to 1 Rouge Beige (my favorite). The sparkles are multi-colored if you look really close. I think it’s a stunning one. It reminds me of some of those epic Glossimer shades that have long been discontinued (ie Seashell).
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17 Rouge Confident (matte) is an ultra pale beige matte. I was worried it would be too pale for me, but since it has a warm undertone I decided to give it a try. In store I still do not try testers on my lips or face, but I do still swatch on my hand. It was an expensive risk to take but I love it! Most shades this pale are too cool toned or pastel – but this one is perfect for me.
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The other two mattes are darker and beautiful for fall. Both are full coverage with a classic matte finish. Since it’s matte it adheres a bit more to the lip and they tug a little when you apply, but it’s not a deal breaker. I love that they don’t look or feel dry. I think 14 Rouge Intimiste is a beautiful mauve pink brown color that isn’t too dark or brown, but I think out of all the shades this is probably the easiest to dupe.
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13 Rouge Jersey is another beautiful neutral. It pulls very warm but I tend to like warmer nudes on my dark pigmented lips.
So many of you have asked if these are “worth” the price tag and I don’t know that anyone can say a $195 lipstick is “worth it.” I still don’t know that I can even say a $50+ lipstick is truly worth it. I am 100% happy with my purchases though and I have no regrets.
Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue
The Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue ($50) is the best long wear liquid lipstick I’ve tried. Once it sets it’s pretty much budge proof. They re-launched 174 Endless Pink which is a warm pink shade so I repurchased it the second I saw it pop up. I think it’s a great everyday almost coral pink, but still pulls neutral on me. If you’re looking for a true neutral 186 Pink Nude is still the best one.
These liquid lipsticks come with two sides, one has the color, the other has a gloss topper and I think you absolutely need to apply the top coat otherwise the liquid lipstick side can feel a little thick or tacky.
Rouge Coco Flash – Bisous
Chanel also recently launched the Rouge Coco Flash in Bisous individually. This was exclusive to the Nature Getaway Set from last year and I think that it’s one of the prettiest coral pink shades I’ve ever tried. It is sheer but you can build the color if you apply with a brush. The formula is smooth, hydrating and glossy. Pretty much my go-to formula for a lip.
Overall love these new splurges. I picked them up from my local Chanel boutiques. Also available online at Chanel.com.
Do you have any recent lip loves? Let me know what you’ve been loving these days!
Refy Beauty launched a new lip product called the Lip Stick ($28 each, available at Refy Beauty and Sephora). This is an innovative liquid lipstick in a unique twist up pen + roller ball type applicator. I was thrilled to partner with them to share a try-on of all shades on Instagram here but also wanted to share a blog post with more thoughts + swatches here.
These are a satin finish liquid lipstick with a sponge tip applicator. These are hydrating and creamy with a soft texture. The pigment is unique in the sense that you can achieve an almost entirely different color with 1-2 clicks of the pen vs 3-4 clicks. More clicks result in a deeper more opaque color.
The applicator tip has a pointed end so you can apply with precision around the edge of your lips. Formula is truly incredible. They’re smooth and apply easily just like you’d expect from a liquid lipstick but they don’t look dry. Lasting power is very good – they will stay put without migrating for hours, however they aren’t budge-proof or transfer proof.
Shades in this launch are bold and pull very dark. The colors are darker than shades I usually wear but I think there are some beautiful shades like Ruby or Maple I can wear for a more glam look. I hope they consider expanding the shade range because the formula is SO good – I am a huge fan of the tones in their Lip Sculpt and Lip Gloss line (review here) and I think shades like Oat, Blush, Taupe, Rosewood would incredible in this particular Lip Stick formula.
If you’ve been curious about these I hope the swatches help!
The Archival Lip Essentials Gift Set has three full-sized lip items with a new mauve shade called Archival. The set includes a Signature Lip Lightweight Lip Blush, Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner and the Tinted Lip Oil.
The pencil and lipstick both pull very cool toned on me. I wasn’t sure they would work for my skin and lip tone since most cool colors look greyish on me, but they work! And the gloss really pulls the entire look together.
The Merit Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liner is very different from any other liner on the market. It’s almost like a glossy crayon in lipliner form. Unique for sure and nice for those who like a minimalist look. I love that they glide on the lips and have that glossy finish. Lasting power isn’t quite as long as a matte, but I think they’re really interesting.
The Lip Blush has a very lightweight feel, it’s a subtle kind of lip product but pigment is still very good. Texture is smooth even though it’s matte. This is very different from their other Signature Lipsticks. I tried their lipsticks a while ago when they launched and wasn’t a fan. They felt a little to waxy for my taste, but I might give them another look since so many of you love them. The new Lip Blush in this set is almost like a diffused matte lip tint instead of a regular lipstick. I’m still a glossy lip lover at heart, but I do like the texture and finish of the Lip Blush.
Lip Oils are nice for a subtle tint. These also pull on the sheer side for me but I really like them on top of a lipstick to add dimension and shine. They are very thin in texture so they’re not sticky. Also since the texture is thin they won’t have very long lasting power, but they do stay on longer when you pair them with a lipstick or liner.
I shared a demo of the lipliner and oils in this post here back in April. I don’t think I did a blog post on these so I swatched the shades I have so you can see the new Archival tones next to some of the existing colors.
Mini Flush Blush Balm Trio
I’ve had such mixed feelings about the Merit cream blushes because they’re usually too dewy and sheer for my skin but so many of you asked for a review on this year’s Mini Flush Blush Balm Trio Set. This year has definitely been a transition year for me with our move, aging and skin changes and it’s been noticeably more dry. I’m still in the process of finding a dermatologist since we moved, but since it’s been more dry I can wear more creams.
I think these are so cute but I still think they are too dewy and creamy for my taste. They’re fun for a pretty flush of color and if you’re into cream blushes that blend to a sheer tint or like that dewy look then I think you’ll really like them.
There are four shades of the Prada Light Glowing Lip Oil Stick available in the US (I think other countries might have a few more shades). I picked up the tinted ones and love the formula. They’re smooth, comfortable, hydrating and feel ultra luxurious on the lips. The pigment is very sheer though and gives the lips a barely there tint. You can definitely bring out the color with a coordinating lip pencil, but on their own they are so sheer, I don’t know that the lack of pigment justifies the steep price tag. The formula is also very soft. While I didn’t experience any breakage due to the softness, they have shifted from the base a little after application so there are dents on the sides of the lip balm from the packaging.
U016 is a light pink
U018 is also a light pink, but slightly deeper
U019 is a soft brown
I am happy with the splurges although given my darker lip tone I would have skipped U016 if I had known how sheer it would be on my lips. If you prefer something with more pigment the Hydrating Lip Balm has better color payoff (I really like the Shade Guava). Or I would recommend opting for any of the YSL tinted balms like the Candy Glow or Candy Glaze (also still spendy but not quite as expensive).
Since these are balmy oils and sheer the lasting power isn’t going to be long with these but they are easy to reapply without a mirror.
Light Glowing Highlighter Powder
I did a poll on whether or not you were interested in the new Light Glowing Highlighter Powders and most of you were turned off by the steep price tag. I do think the price is outrageous but I was really impressed with these highlighters. The colors are just SO beautiful with the perfect amount of glow. I love all three and think the texture and pigment is SO stunning, I nearly forgot about the sticker shock after swatching these.
1 Champagne is a light cool champagne on my golden olive skin, if you have light or fair skin tones I think this won’t look as pink on you as it does my skin
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2 Pink is a stunning soft cool pink
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3 Deep is a soft bronzed shimmer, it’s a skin but better tone on me
I am still struggling with some texture and dry patches on my face so it did emphasize my texture a little bit, but with a lighter hand and good blending I really love how they look on the skin. Are they worth $90? I don’t think so, but I am still very happy with the splurge. Below wearing the following lip and cheek combos, also wearing:
Light Glowing Highlighter Shade 1 Champagne and Glowing Lip Oil Stick 016 Rose, quick note, I applied the highlighter with a heavier hand to show the color, but for normal makeup wear I would combine this with a regular blush or bronzer and apply the highlighter just as a softer highlight
Last we have a look at the Prada Dimensions Multi-Effect Eyeshadow Palettes. These are super finely milled palettes with an ultra smooth texture. They remind me of the eyeshadows from Surratt and Cle de Peau with the soft powdery almost creamy texture. I think the color combinations are SO beautiful but I have very dry eyelids so this kind of texture tends to look dry on my eyes if I pack the color on. Each palette has a good mix of finishes. I think the tones are beautiful and well thought out.
I had such high hopes for Peony but the colors match my skin tone so closely I cannot see any color payoff on my eyes. Pansy shows up better but still gives a very natural eye look. Primula has the best color payoff. I really wanted to love at least one of these for an everyday look but in the time I’ve had them I haven’t reached for very much.
Based on the feedback I’ve received from most of you it appears I’m in the minority with my eyelid area being dry, so if your eyelids are normal or oily I think these should wear very well on you.
06 Pulp has a rosewood matte, shimmery champagne, satiny yellow beige and sheer reddish pink matte
07 Peony has the most beautiful mix of soft neutrals, I really wish these showed up on my skin tone
08 Pansy has a dusty rose pink, soft satin tan, light warm pink, shimmery champagne with a duochrome shift
09 Primula has a dusty caramel tan, deep brown, brick brown and brown with green shift
Overall really love the highlighters, lip oil sticks are really pretty but so sheer I don’t know how I feel about the splurge. Eyeshadows aren’t bad, but the formula and colors aren’t something I am super in love with.
Valentino Beauty launched a new plumping gloss called the Puffer Lip Gloss ($38 each, Nordstrom and Sephora). I received a couple shades in PR but also picked up three as the shades looked really pretty in store.
These are sheer to medium in coverage although some of the shades have more coverage than others. The plumping effect is pretty visible and the tingle and stinging sensation is strong although I didn’t get numb lips and I was able to wear these without issue.
On a scale of 1-10 for tingle I would rate these a 7.5 to 8 for stinging. They’re not quite as strong as the YSL or Charlotte Tilbury ones but still strong enough that I feel them. If you have sensitive lips I recommend proceeding with caution.
I think the colors are really pretty. Out of the shades I tried there was only one I wasn’t a huge fan of (mainly because it was so sheer).
00R Dazzling Mermaid is a sheer sparkling holographic shade, this was almost clear on my lips
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300R In My Glowing Era is SO beautiful, I wish it had a little more pigment, but I love the iridescent pink shimmer and glow in this
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302R Extra Pink is a bright baby pink cream, I think it’s a flattering one and really pretty, I am now on a mission to find a lipstick this color since most baby pinks pull too pastel on me, but this one is perfect
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103R Don’t Be So Nude is a peachy nude rose with a tiny bit of shimmer, this pulls sheer so it’s almost like my lips but better, I would LOVE this in a pigmented gloss or lipstick form
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122A Warm Up is a pretty milky brown toffee shade, it also has a tiny bit of shimmer but the shimmer isn’t really visible on the lips
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Overall I really like them. Since they do sting/tingle I don’t know how often I will be reaching for them although if I apply a lip primer underneath it acts like a buffer in between my lips and the product.
YSL Beauty has some new lip launches for spring! As a huge fan of YSL lip colors I was excited to try the new Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss ($40 each). They’ve also added some new shades of the Loveshine Lip Oil Stick ($45 each) and Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick ($42). After putting to these to the test I have some hits and misses.
Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss
I received four of the new YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss as press samples. The gloss is smooth and non-sticky with stunning colors. These have beautiful packaging with a plush applicator. Pigment is 10/10 on point with perfect coverage and a nice glossy finish. These have Spicy Ginger and Pepper Oils and they have a noticeable spicy gingery scent. Plumping effect is very strong and noticeable within minutes. On me there’s a medium level for a plumping sting but the tingle is INTENSE on my lips with a slight numbing heated sensation.
1 Thunder Stealer is a stunning lilac with gold shimmer
8 Purple Dream is a pretty reddish plum
If your lips can handle the tingle, I do think the colors and finish are exceptionally beautiful. For me I have tried these on a few different days and I’ve decided these unfortunately are too strong for me. These launch at Sephora on 3/28 (on the app) and 3/29 online.
New Shades Loveshine Lip Oil Stick + Candy Glaze
I’m always excited for new shades of the YSL tinted balms. There are two new shades of the Candy Glaze which is my favorite formula from YSL. It’s on the thicker side but in a good way so the colors adhere well to the lips and they stay put longer than other tinted balms. They added 44 Nude Lavalliere to the lineup which is a pretty cool toned pink and 16 Watermelon High which is a warm rose. I love the colors and finish.
YSL also added new shades of the Loveshine Lip Oil Stick in 213 Pink Trip and 214 Wet Guava. Both are beautiful soft pink neutrals but since they are sheer they both look very similar on my pigmented lips. I pulled a few other pinkish neutrals I have in the same formula. While they look different swatched on the arm, on my lips they look so similar. I think I have a slight preference for Wet Guava if I had to pick just one. Both formulas/shades are all out now at Sephora.
Overall love the new Candy Glaze shades. I think the new Loveshines are pretty and will probably show up better on most of you. My natural lips are on the darker side so sheer shades don’t always show up on my lips. As much as I love the colors and finish, I think the new Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Glosses are a pass for me mainly because I can’t handle the tingle.
