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New Additions to the Burberry Beauty Eyes Collection | Bold Lash Mascara, Effortless Liquid Liner + Effortless Kohl Eyeliners

November 17, 2014

Burberry Beauty recently added some items to their Eye Makeup lineup, including new eyeliners, mascaras and brow definers. All of the items are beautifully packaged in sleek and modern gunmetal-colored tubes. These should be available at all Burberry Beauty counters now, online at Nordstrom, Saks and Burberry. I’ve been playing with some of the new items for a few weeks now and have some to share thoughts on today.

Shown below:

Bold Lash Mascara ($29) comes in two shades, Ebony No. 1 and Chestnut Brown No. 2, I’ve been testing out Ebony and was really surprised with how easily it defined the lashes. It’s not the thickest most volumizing mascara I have used but it does add very good volume. The color is a true black (many turn grey on me) and stays the same deep color once it dries. I didn’t have any smudging or flaking and it came off the lashes easily at the end of the day with a bi-phase makeup remover. The brush grabs the lashes easily, even at the base, application is clump-free.

Effortless Liquid Liner ($34) is a liquid liner that has a pointed felt tip applicator. It comes in one color Jet Black No. 1 and is one of the deepest colors of liquid liners I’ve tried. The handle of the pen has a slightly groove making it easier to grip when you apply it. The handle + shape of the tip allows for super precise application. If you’re a liquid liner pro, you will really like this one. If you’re more of a novice like me, it will take a bit of feathering to get an even line, but I found it easy to control and apply on the lash line. Lasting power is really good. I swatched on the back of my hand in the morning and it didn’t budge from around 5:30 am until 8:45 pm no matter how much I rubbed it. It did come off with a bit of water. On the eyes the liner lasted really well looking as fresh in the evening as it did in the morning. No smudging or creeping. Being a liquid product, I would say treat this like mascara when you apply. It will be wet when you apply, so let it sit for a minute. If your mascara is prone to transfer when you first apply when you blink, this will have a similar result. Try to let it set for a minute and dry.

Close up of the felt tip:

Effortless Kohl Eyeliners ($29 each) come in four colors, Jet Black No. 1, Chestnut Brown No. 2, Storm Grey No. 3 and Pale Grape No. 4. Burberry sent me Jet Black and Storm Grey for review and I’ve been extremely pleased. I’ve been a fan of the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof liners, but many have commented that the quality isn’t consistent among all colors. I do think it’s hit and miss sometimes based on testers I’ve tried at the counter to the ones I have at home. Some are hard and tug at the eyes. If you experienced this but want a twist-up long-lasting pencil that comes with a sharpener at the end, the Burberry Effortless Kohl Eyeliners are the solution for you. These are rich pigmented Kohl Liners. The Jet Black is one of the deepest blacks I’ve tried (the Hourglass 1.5 mm Mechanical Eyeliner in Obsidian is one of the deepest I’ve tried and the Burberry is slightly deeper). Storm Grey is one of the richest greys I’ve swatched before, it’s a deep color but not so dark it looks black. I don’t think either of these are waterproof, but both of these have really good lasting power. You do need to let these sit for a minute to completely set, but once they do set, I found they did not budge.

These are a huge improvement in formula compared to the original formula of eyeliner Burberry released. The Eye Definer Eye Shaping Pencils have really good pigment and gorgeous colors, but lasting power is medium unless you set with a powder shadow on top.

Removable end reveals a built-in sharpener:

Swatches of the liners:

Comparison swatches:
Trish McEvoy Grey (discontinued)

A few more detail shots:

If you’re looking for classic eye products that work and last long, I highly recommend you check out the new offerings from Burberry. I’ve already ordered the other two shades Effortless Kohl Eyeliners in Chestnut Brown and Pale Grape, two of each, one set for my mom who likes plum and brown twist-up liners that don’t tug at the eyes and don’t smudge, the other set for me.

I wrote about other brands of liquid liners I’ve tried and tested back in August. My top three picks back then were Tom Ford, Kat Von D and Charlotte Tilbury. The new Burberry has joined my top picks the list since it has a really rich deep black color that doesn’t bleed or budge (although the Tom Ford is still hands down my number one favorite).

The new Burberry Beauty Eye Makeup additions are available at Burberry Beauty counters now, online at Nordstrom, Saks and Burberry.

Many thanks to Burberry for sending me these items for review consideration.

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Chanel Notorious Ombre Contraste Giveaway (x1)

November 15, 2014

I’ve been going through my backup drawers and picking some items to giveaway. I’ll be hosting more in the upcoming weeks, but the one I have today is Chanel Notorious Ombre Contraste. It was a limited-edition release back in 2012 (original review + swatches here). I don’t think you can buy it anywhere in stores except for maybe eBay. Today I’m launching a giveaway of 1 brand new one, you must enter via the Rafflecopter widget below to have a qualifying entry. It’s an international giveaway, you must be 18 years or older to qualify. The winner will be selected randomly via the Rafflecopter widget and contacted via e-mail within three days after entry period ends. Winners name will be also be announced via the widget in the post below. See terms and conditions in widget for more details.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note comments are moderated, any and all comments that include any kind of links (ie links to any blog, websites, giveaways, personal accounts etc.) will be deleted and disqualified.
Good luck!
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On My Radar

November 14, 2014

A few things on my radar this Friday:

  1. Lumira launched a new line called Paradisium with an Eau de Parfum, Hand & Body Cream and Candle. I’ve been wearing the fragrance for the past few days and am in love, more on this soon.
  2. As cooler weather is starting to arrive in Southern California, I like to keep warm with a lightweight wrap, these Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool and Cashmere Wraps make it to my list every year, I’ve gone through several different colors, this year I’m eyeing the greys.
  3. Tatcha Holiday Gift Sets are absolutely gorgeous, this Golden Glow Beauty Set looks like a winner (note quantities are limited).
  4. Diptyque and Tomas Maier have collaborated to create three new limited-edition candles, they will be available at all the Diptyque boutiques and Tomas Maier store on Madison Ave in New York. The three scents are reminiscent of places dear to him, where he spends part of each year. These include the barrier island of Palm Beach (PB), a coastal north Atlantic island in Maine (WDR), and a bluff top lair at the extreme point of Long Island (OMH). Available soon. More info on Architectural Digest.
  5. By Terry has a set of five lip items in the Baume de Rose Color Collection – Rare Edition set. Available at Barneys and Space NK.
  6. This Tory Burch compact zip leather pouch looks perfect for storing the essentials on-the-go. Also loving the fun colors in this colorblock version.
  7. Violet Grey has a multitude of boxed gift sets for the holiday that come packaged in a sleek patent zip pouch and beautiful white boxes.
TGIF! Hope you have a great weekend 🙂

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Lip Primer and Lip Balms In Rotation

November 13, 2014

This post is inspired by and dedicated to my reader Gabby who sent me an e-mail last month asking if I could recommend a good lip primer for underneath lipstick. She liked the Jo Malone Vitamin E Treatment I featured a while ago, but found it didn’t do much for priming the lips for lipstick. It occurred to me that there are different kinds of “lip prep.” One kind of lip prep is to prime the lips for lipstick, the other kind is more of a skincare/moisture treatment.

Above shown:

I have sensitive lips that are prone to drying and peeling with many brands of lipstick (like MAC and some Chanel formulas). I use lip balm liberally on the low key makeup days, when I’m running errands, or in the evening after I’ve taken my makeup off. In the mornings if my lips feel dry I will prepare the lips with lip balm after washing the face and let it sit a few minutes while I do the rest of my makeup (for me lips are always last).

I like to use lip balm for lip prep in the morning, but Gabby is right, not all lip treatments are necessarily good for priming the lips for lipstick wear. A long time ago, MAC used to make a clear lipstick product called Lipmix (now they have the squeeze tube versions) that I used for a lip primer. They discontinued it but released their MAC Prep + Prime Lip ($16) which is a clear primer in a twist up tube. I like that this is color-free and really helps to smooth out the surface of the lip. It has a moisturizing feel but dries to a slightly tacky-matte feel to help lipstick and lipliner glide on easily. It also helps lip products stay put. Some lipsticks and glosses have a high shine finish or a glossy sheer formula which have a lot of slip. Those won’t hold up much longer than usual with the MAC Prep + Prime, but for your regular lipstick formula and gloss, the Prep + Prime Lip helps extend the wear of my lip products and also helps it glide on better.

For lip balms, I have a lot in rotation. In this post I’ll focus mainly on the clear treatments I’ve been loving. I prefer lip balms in stick or squeeze tube format because I find them easier to apply, but the only stick lip treatment I use these days is the Caudalie Lip Conditioner ($12). One tube lasted me quite a long time, even with regular use. It’s smooth and lightweight without having that waxy feel. It has a soft lightweight citrus scent which is really nice. It soothes dry lips instantly. (Also in this Hand + Lip Duo Set.) Right now I’m on my second tube.

I’ve been a long-time Chanel fan, but haven’t always been a fan of their lip balms. The Hydra Beauty Nourishing Lip Balm ($50) is a newer one that they released (to replace their Hydramax). It has a really smooth and slightly hard texture. It’s smooth, lightweight and moisturizing. It has a soft hint of the fragrance used in the Hydra Beauty line. I like that it comes in a sleek-looking pot. It feels nice and smooth on the lips, but for me others are more hydrating. This is something I will use this to the end, but I probably will not repurchase. It’s a good one if you have normal lips. If you have lips prone to drying with lipstick use, you may need something richer.

By Terry Baume de Rose ($60) is a classic. It’s the most expensive lip balm I own, but it’s at the top of my list of favorites. It’s soothing, hydrating and feels super luxurious. It has a soft rose scent with a slightly pink tint, but it goes on the lips clear. One pot is very large and will last you a very long time. (You can see reviews of the tinted versions here and here.)

Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm ($12) is #2 on my favorites list. It comes in a little squeeze tube and has a clear gel-like formula. It glides on easily, doesn’t slip, moisturizes and feels amazing. There is a regular version as well which I also like. I prefer the Mojito one because it has a fun soft sweet lime scent without being too citrusy.

Last but not least is the Tatcha Camellia Moisturizing Lip Balm ($36, also in some holiday gift sets). It’s a clear jelly-like solid with a thin layer of crushed 24K gold leaf on top. If you’ve ordered anything from Tatcha you know how beautiful the packaging and presentation of all their products are (even their shipping boxes are packaged and sealed beautifully). I’ve been using the Tatcha Lip Balm regularly. It has a lightweight refreshing scent unlike any other lip balm. The gold flakes break off the surface and add a hint of gold shimmer to the lips, but it’s only on the surface. Some of mine transferred to the lid and I haven’t removed it. This one feels very nice on the lips and provides instant moisture and relief to dry lips. It’s a huge thumbs up from me. (Original review here.)

If I were to narrow down my top picks, the MAC Prep + Prime Lip is a definite must for me to prepare the lips for lipstick. For lip treatments, it’s a three-way tie between By Terry, Malin + Goetz and Tatcha.

I hope you found this roundup helpful! I would love to hear about your favorite lip treatments, especially with the winter season approaching with dry weather, I think most of us will be in need of an extra moisture boost.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Lip Gel in Have We Met? and Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl Sheer in Pink Diamond

November 10, 2014

I have two Marc Jacobs Beauty lip products to share today that I’ve been obsessed with for a few weeks now. The Lovemarc Lip Gel in Have We Met? ($30 for 3.6 g / 0.12 oz) is a medium rose pink with a bit of gold shimmer. The formula of the Lovemarc Lip Gel is really nice and smooth. It’s become a favorite lipstick formula of mine, I think they are highly under-rated. The lipsticks are a unique gel formula with a slightly glossy finish. The shades I’ve tested adhere well to my lips and give medium to full coverage. (Other reviews on blog on Role Play, Serevine and Cabaret.) The Lip Gels have a slight vanilla scent but it is very soft and subdued making it wearable for me even though I have a super sensitive nose.

There are several new shades of the Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl Sheers and I ordered Pink Diamond online sight unseen ($28 for 0.15 oz). It’s a soft sheer pink gold with a super smooth shimmer. It is on the sheer side like most of the other Marc Jacobs Lip Glosses I’ve tried. Alone it gives a soft pink glow to the lips, but I did find the gold shimmer seemed to emphasize lip lines as it settled into the creases a bit. I like this one layered over a lip pencil or lipstick better than wearing it alone. It has a slightly minty tingle to it but it doesn’t numb the lips.

Swatches on lips:

I give the Love Marc Lip Gel in Have We Met? a huge thumbs up. It’s smooth, feels moisturizing, has decent medium lasting power and is a medium bright pink that has enough color to show up on the lips but still natural enough that it isn’t fuchsia. The Lust for Lacquer in Pink Diamond is something I think will be either hit or miss. I have some of the glosses that I really like in this formula, but there are some shades that tend to be just too sheer and settle into lip lines. That being said, I do really like the way it feels and if you have a smoother lip surface you shouldn’t have issues with it settling. It does wear really nicely over other lipsticks.

You can find both items online and instore at Sephora and Marc Jacobs Beauty.

P.S. The Sephora VIB Rouge and VIB 20% off promotion ends today at 11:59 PM PST, if you shop in store you can use the coupon they mailed to you or they should be able to look up your Beauty Insider account. If you’re ordering online, use code GIFTROUGE at checkout for the discount if you have VIB Rouge status. If you’re a VIB member you can use the code GIFTVIB at checkout. Be sure to check the terms and conditions on your mailer or e-mail coupon.
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R29 + Rescue Beauty Lounge

November 10, 2014

Rescue Beauty Lounge has partnered with Refinery29 to release a stunning collection of seven new nail lacquers this month. The colors in this collection were inspired by the seven teams at Refinery29, each of which put together color inspirational boards to create their dream color of nail polish for Ji to mix up and create. I’m thrilled to share the colors with you today. They are available for purchase now online at Rescue Beauty Lounge, all are limited-edition. The seven shades include:
  • Elvis in the Cloud (inspired by the R29 technology team)
  • All About Yves (inspired by the R29 fashion group)
  • Sunny Skies (inspired by the R29 health and wellness team)
  • Better Than Boyfriend Jeans (inspired by the R29 shopping team)
  • Pretty Gritty (inspired by the R29 beauty team)
  • Bubblegum Punk (inspired by the R29 news team)
  • Galaxy Glue (inspired by R29)

Elvis in the Cloud is like a red sunset. It has a mix of orange, iridescent purple, gold and some green in it. This is a metallic but applies smoothly and the brush strokes are minimal. The texture is really beautiful with a slight transparent quality. Two coats will give you full coverage. It has a complex mix of colors making it very unique. I normally don’t like orangey nail polishes (unless they are creams) but this one has completely changed my outlook on orange colors.

All About Yves is a bold blue cream with a high gloss finish. You get full coverage with two coats and the texture is phenomenal. It’s quite bright – almost electric but it’s still deep in color. If you want a statement nail color, this is it. Even though it is opaque, there is a slight jelly quality to it giving it a cushiony look and feel.

Sunny Skies is a richly pigmented sea green + teal mix. This one applies smoothly on the nails as well with two coats for full coverage. This one will be fun to wear on the toes. These kinds of colors can be hard to pull off without looking too pastel or chalky sometimes. Rescue Beauty Lounge always has the best sea-green/teal colors.

Better Than Boyfriend Jeans is a baby blue cream. I love this one for the name. Most pastel blues tend to be sheer in formula on the nails and this one is no exception. I need three thin coats for full coverage with this shade. It will take a bit more time with application but it is worth the wait. Baby blues are also difficult for me to pull off but this one is just perfect. It has the right mix of white and blue to be very flattering on medium skin tone.

Pretty Gritty is an orchid purple base with gold shimmer mixed in. It’s a really pretty color, one I find is well executed with the mix of purple and gold. It applies smoothly with two coats. The gold is very fine so there are no visible brush strokes with this one. The way it’s mixed in is impressive. It gives the effect of a soft veil of gold dust on the nails.

Bubblegum Punk reminds me of bubbles. I also like the name of this one. It’s a sparkling color that has tiny micro sparkles of clear iridescent glitters but it’s not a glitter nail polish. This one looks good alone with two coats but it’s also nice as a layering color. The shimmer particles are visible like micro glitters but the formula is very smooth and not chunky at all.

Galaxy Glue is a beautiful sea green iridescent mix. It has a mermaid-like feel and the colors change as the light hits the nail. In some light it looks more green, while in others it has more blue. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a nail polish as pretty as this one. I am going to need a backup.

All the R29 + Rescue Beauty Lounge shades lined up:

The R29 + Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polishes are available for purchase now online exclusively at Rescue Beauty Lounge ($20 each). All the shares are limited-edition and in my mind each color is a stunner. All winners in my book. If you asked me to pick a favorite, it would be impossible. I love them all, but my top three picks are Bubblegum Punk, Galaxy Glue and Better Than Boyfriend Jeans.

For more swatches, you can check out these awesome bloggers who have also featured the collection today, some with comparison swatches too:

You can read more about Ji’s inspiration on the Rescue Beauty Lounge Blog and get the 411 on the the inspiration from each team also at Refinery29.

Thank you Rescue Beauty Lounge for sending me a preview of these shades to share with you.
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NARS Laced With Edge Lip Gloss for Holiday 2014 | Soleil D’Orient, Corsica and Burning Love

November 7, 2014

For the holiday Laced With Edge Collection, NARS has three new Lip Glosses in Soleil D’Orient, Corsica and Burning Love ($26 each for .18 oz/6 ml, limited-edition). All the items in the holiday collection have a unique twist on the packaging design. Each item adapts architectural designer Chris Kabatsi’s digitally-rendered Nebula print with a black gloss embossing. It represents a modern take on lace.

The three glosses have a perfect holiday vibe.

  • Soleil D’Orient is a sparkling cool-pink champagne
  • Corsica is a warm pink raspberry with a slight hint of shimmer
  • Burning Love is a deep but bright ruby cream, it also has a slight hint of shimmer

The glosses come with a beveled sponge tip applicator which is sturdy but still soft to the touch. The angled tip allows for precise application. Views of the top, side and base:

While these glosses might seem familiar in color to many other shades, there is a multi-dimensional feel to each color. The swatches below will show how the base shifts depending on light. Soleil D’Orient has cool-toned shimmer mixed in with warmer champagne sparkles which prevents it from looking like white frost on the lips. Corsica is both warm and cool, it’s a pigmented pink with visible color but still soft. Burning Love is both deep and bright. There is a slight hint of sparkle in it but on the lips it’s mostly a cream. 

Lip swatches on bare lips, for skin tone reference I’m wearing Dolce & Gabbana Caramel Perfect Reveal Lift Foundation 110 with the Dolce & Gabbana Powder Foundation in Warm 100.

A few comparison swatches below:

I already own quite a bit of lip gloss. The one that is most unique for me is Burning Love because it’s a brighter color than what I normally wear. Reds are still fun for the holiday season and I am continuously getting requests to review bolder colors for lips on the blog. Soleil D’Orient is my personal favorite because it’s a warm and cool champagne. Many lip items this color are extremely cool on my lips/skintone and end up looking like white frost. Soleil D’Orient has enough warmth in it, I wish it came in eyeshadow format too.

All the colors are limited-edition. You can find them now at all NARS counters and boutiques. Have you checked out the NARS holiday collection yet? I haven’t been to the counters in a couple weeks, but am hoping to have time soon to see all the holiday offerings this year in person.

Corsica was sent by NARS for review consideration. I purchased Soleil D’Orient and Burning Love.

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