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Lipstick

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Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick | Insatiable Ivory and Intense Nude

August 12, 2014

Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipsticks ($30 each) launched several months ago and I just got around to checking them out at my local counters. Swatches and looks kept surfacing showing beautifully pigmented rich colors. There is a diverse range of color options with this new lipstick formula. I’ve avoided Estee Lauder lipsticks for a long time due to the super strong fig scent which I could not tolerate. I’m happy to report the new Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipsticks have no detectable scent and that they come in a sleek modern-looking navy and gold tube.

These are described as a high-intensity sculpting lipstick that comes in statement classic colors. I found the ones I tested to be very creamy and highly pigmented in color. They applied smoothly and the color did stay put quite long, however on my bare lips, the formula seemed to appear a bit thick and dry in texture emphasizing my lip lines (although right now I do have lips that are a bit more dry than they normally are). I added a bit of By Terry Baume de Rose underneath and this fixed all texture issues. Of course I picked out two natural shades. Insatiable Ivory is a peachy nude beige and Intense Nude is a medium rose brown with pinkish tones.

Swatches and close ups:

Insatiable Ivory pulls more peachy on my skin. It’s a good nude shade that doesn’t wash out the complexion. You get full coverage with two swipes:

Intense Nude isn’t really nude (at least not to me). Some call shades like MAC Twig or Spirit nudes, but to me they’re really rose colors with different variations of brown. I find Estee Lauder Intense Nude to be a more pinky rose brown rather than a true nude.

Some comparison swatches:

NARS Dolce Vita Lipgloss (swatches)

I like these lipsticks but feel they are on the steep side for Estee Lauder. For some reason I feel these should be more in the mid $20ish range, but that’s just me. The quality is there but the colors, although classic statement colors, seem a bit basic for me. They do have a sculpting/defining quality which I attribute to the thicker (but smooth) texture. On me, I prefer something not quite as sculpting since I already have full lips, but I could see a difference with these as they made the lips more defined.

Bottom line, they are good basics and there are a lot of wearable colors. I like that the colors seemed to just work, no lipliner or gloss needed to tweak the colors, although it was a bit dry on its own for me. Since I haven’t tried much from Estee Lauder lately, I thought I’d try something new from the line. It’s like, but not love. I’ll still be reaching for my Burberry, Tom Ford, Edward Bess, YSL lipsticks.

I purchased my Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipsticks ($30 each) from Nordstrom. There are currently 25 colors to choose from.
Did you try any of these lipsticks? What did you think?
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NARS Dolce Vita Lip & Nail Set | Nordstrom Anniversary Beauty Exclusive

July 31, 2014

I picked up the NARS Dolce Vita Lip and Nail Set from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale a couple weeks ago. It retails for $52 for a Dolce Vita Lipstick, Lipgloss and Nail Lacquer (all full sized) cased in a chic black lacquered box. Online it says the set is a $66 value, but if I add up the individual items ($26 for the lipstick, $26 for the gloss and $20 for the nail polish) it totals $72. It’s basically like buying the lip items and getting the box and nail lacquer thrown in.

I’ve owned several tubes of Dolce Vita Lipstick and also owned the older version of the Dolce Vita Lipgloss – but this was many years ago. Dolce Vita is probably one of NARS’s most famous classic colors for lips. It’s a universally flattering rosy pink shade with a slight hint of brown. On my lips and complexion it’s always pulled quite a bit more rosy than it does on others.

I don’t have the original tube of lipstick to compare, but I do believe NARS has reformulated their lipsticks at least once since the 2000’s (which I first got into the line back in my early college days). Each time I’ve checked it out at the counters, the Dolce Vita seems to be a bit lighter and less brown than the original but since I don’t have old tubes, I can’t compare.

I’ve been testing this for several days and am pleased with my purchase. I was worried I would have meh feelings about it since the colors are repeats, but they are good classics that are both office-appropriate but not boring. On me the colors are neutral rosy shades that feel quite grown up. If you’re new to NARS this is a good entry set to the brand.

The lipstick is on the sheer side with a glossy sheen but still gives enough color to show up on the lips. The lipgloss is very pigmented and smooth without any detectable scent. The nail polish is in the older packaging (the cap doesn’t remove) and has a shorter brush which I find makes it super easy to apply smoothly without any issues. Two coats gives full coverage.

Do note that these swatch rosy on me, on you these will probably look more neutral. My lips tend to pick up a lot of pink and red tones. More photos and swatches:

Out of the three, my favorite item is the Dolce Vita Lip Gloss (which you can purchase individually), but I’m also smitten with the black lacquered box. I wish I could find larger ones for my desk to put stationary and photos in. Bottom line the set has timeless classics – you really can’t go wrong with them.

The NARS Dolce Vita Lip & Nail Set is exclusive to the Nordstrom for the Anniversary Sale in the US (ends August 3rd). You can also find it at in the UK at Selfridges.

Did you pick up any of the NARS items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year? I was hoping for another 6 pan palette like they’ve had in past years but perhaps they will release some in the winter.

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Dior Addict Fluid Stick Rose Tricheuse #669 (Nordstrom Anniversary Beauty Exclusive)

July 25, 2014

There are two Dior Addict Fluid Sticks that are Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives for their anniversary sale in Rose Tricheuse #669 and Mona Lisette #872 ($35 each). I picked up the lighter option Rose Tricheuse #669 which is a medium-bright coral with pink tones. I’ve been really happy with the Fluid Stick formula (see thoughts here and swatches here). These are highly pigmented lip colors that have a lipgloss formula that act more like a full-coverage lipstick.

The Nordstrom Beauty Exclusive shades are on the bright side for me but I’ve been trying more color for the lips, especially this summer. Rose Tricheuse #669 is a bright color but not fluorescent. Coverage is full like the other shades in the Fluid Stick formula but melds well with the lip. They have a slightly glossy sheen with a nice feel. I like that they don’t dry out the lips like some liquid lipsticks can.

On the lips:

Comparisons to:
Tom Ford Paradiso Lip Sheer (swatched here)
Chanel Misia Rouge Coco Shine (Neiman Marcus exclusive)

Dior Rose Tricheuse #669 ($35) is a Nordstrom Beauty Exclusive for their 2014 Anniversary sale in the US but you can also find it at the Dior Beauty Boutique in Las Vegas, you can reach them at (702)-734-1102 (while their stock lasts).

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Marc Jacobs Beauty | Cabaret Lovemarc Lip Gel, Satisfaction and Shooting Stars Lip Vinyl (Full)

July 22, 2014

Marc Jacobs has released some new lip products in a number of different formulas. If you didn’t have 1000 Sephora Beauty Insider Points for their Marc Jacobs Point Perk, don’t fret because you can now buy the colors individually. The new colors out now:
I purchased the Cabaret Lip Gel, Satisfaction Lip Vinyl and Shooting Stars Lip Vinyl. They are richly pigmented lip colors that have a fall vibe.

Cabaret Lip Gel is a muted plum in the tube but applies as a bright plum that pulls a bit fuchsia. The pigment on this one is extremely rich and blends easily with a few dabs. I’ve been a huge fan of the Lovemarc Lip Gel Formula (see Role Play and Serevine). The formula is unique with a slightly jelly-like texture but in a lipstick form. The pigment is really phenomenal and wears quite long. I find the ones I’ve tested to be full coverage but still natural looking (they aren’t too heavy). Testers at Sephora can look less than appealing as they are usually well-tested (I didn’t test them on my lips) but they are definitely worth looking into.

Satisfaction Lip Vinyl is described as a pinkish mauve with a copper sheen. On me this one is a bit more caramel colored with brown tones, but you can definitely see some pink in there. The pink prevents this one from looking too brown on the skin. There is a bit of a shimmer in the tube but on the lips it’s very finely milled. This is my first time testing the Lip Vinyl Full formula. They are similar in size and scent compared to the Lip Vinyl Sheer (see Kissability, Overprotected and Heart Shaped). They have that same minty feel but with a vanilla scent. They do have a slightly tingly sensation. The difference is that the Lip Vinyl Full glosses have full coverage with an easy to blend creamy texture. The tips are also stiffer with a pointy tip making them easier to apply.

Shooting Stars Lip Vinyl looks like a sparkling mauve in the tube but it goes on a brown berry with minimal shimmer. It’s very dark on me and most of the time it pulls more brownish but in certain light looks more red.

Here they are swatched side by side:

Comparisons:
Nudestix Soul Lip & Cheek Pencil (swatched)
Hourglass Canvas Extreme Sheen (review)
Tom Ford Black Orchid Lipstick (discontinued)
MAC Ruby Patent Polish (reviewed)
NARS Clubmix Velvet Gloss (swatched)

Overall I give these a huge thumbs up. The pigment and texture are excellent. They are a bit dramatic for summer (right now) but are still classic shades that you can wear any season.
Cabaret Lovemarc Lip Gel is available in a 1000 Point Perk at Sephora or for purchase as a Sephora VIB Online Exclusive ($30). Satisfaction and Shooting Stars Lip Vinyl – Full ($28 each) are available now at Sephora and Marc Jacobs Beauty.
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YSL Babydoll Kiss and Blush – Rose Libre #3, Corail Affranchi #7 and Pink Hedoniste #8

July 21, 2014

YSL Babydoll Kiss and Blush ($40 each for 10 ml/0.33 fl oz) launched earlier in the spring with twelve shades. These are multi-purpose colors to apply on the lips and cheeks. The Babydoll Kiss and Blush comes in a rectangular tube and angled sponge tip applicators. I’ve been playing with these for the past few months and although I rarely match the lip and cheek colors exactly I find these work well. There are twelve shades total so far. After swatching these in store, I picked out three shades for my medium olive skin:

  • Rose Libre #3 is a cool neutral rose
  • Corail Affranchi #7 is a soft peachy coral
  • Pink Hedoniste #8 is a baby pink-peach

All the shades currently available shown below. There is a wide range of colors to suit everyone’s taste and skin tone with pink, orange, plum and brown. I fell in love with #9 Rose Epicurien in the store but it’s too cool-toned for my olive skin. For reference, all shades swatched on Planet Martha.

The Kiss and Blush shades have a velvety almost silicone-like feel to them. On the lips they smooth out quite well and dry to a matte-looking finish but have a velvety feel. They don’t dry out the lips even though the product does dry down. You do need a perfect lip texture to wear these. These will emphasize any flakes or peeling areas. If you have lips that are on the dry side, prep them with a rich lip balm before applying (I’m currently loving Malin+Goezt or By Terry). They stain the lips which makes any fading less apparent. On my lips they last like a regular lipstick.

I was worried these might be difficult to blend on the cheeks because of the pigment but they actually blend really easily. I apply these by dabbing the tip onto clean fingers or directly onto the face. I prefer fingers since I almost always have powder and foundation on the face so applying directly from the sponge tip can get it a bit dirty. The color blends nicely for a hint of color. The pigment is visible on the skin and gives you color without looking clown-like.

The sponge tip applicators are beveled (on the nails, NARS Zaynthos, review soon):

Close ups of the tips front view, side view and back:

Swatched straight from the tube:

Swatched and blended:

On the lips, applied straight from the tube:

Thumbs up for the Kiss and Blush shades that I purchased. The colors do look a bit different on the lips compared to when you swatch them on the hand because of how they dry down. The coverage is quite good and covers the lip entirely without looking too matte. I am not a fan of matte or velvet finish lip products (I need a little shimmer or shine) but the Kiss and Blush shades from YSL aren’t too matte. They make my lips look full and add color. On the cheeks they add a nice tint of color and last all day for me. I prefer them on the lips. At $40 each they are pricey but the formula hugs the lips and the cheeks quite well and the pigment is very good without looking too fake or overly matte.

I purchased mine from Nordstrom and Sephora (but available at all YSL counters and boutiques).

Have you tried any of the Kiss and Blush shades? What did you think? Do you have any shades you love that you think I should check out?
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MAC Look in a Box All About Coral | Nordstrom Anniversary 2014

July 19, 2014

MAC has several limited-edition boxed sets and palettes available for this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I bought the Look in a Box – All About Coral ($39.50) which includes 2 lip items and 2 eye products:

  • Passion Charge Lustre Lipstick is a glossy medium-bright coral peachy shade
  • Stoke the Flame Lipglass is a frosted peach with visible sparkles
  • Collective Chic Veluxe Pearlfusion Eyeshadow has a glitzy champagne, olive shimmer and plum-brown frost shade
  • Brownborder Technakohl Liner is a warm brown eyeliner, it’s the only item you can purchase separately

I bought this mainly because I fell in love with the lip items. The Passion Charge lipstick and Stoke the Flame lipglass combination creates a pretty peachy coral lip that’s perfect for summer. The lipstick is a lustre formula but has impressive pigment for a glossy lipstick. The lip glass looks good layered over lipsticks but has enough color to wear alone.

If you’re like me and only like the lip colors, here are some swatches that I did in attempts to dupe Stoke the Flame Lipglass. I couldn’t find anything identical but here are some swatches:

MAC Mimmy (Hello Kitty collection, discontinued)
MAC Eurobeat Dazzleglass (discontinued)
MAC Meteoric Cremesheen Glass (discontinued)

Some more dupe attempts with other corals and peaches. I was really surprised how close it is to Tom Ford Sweet Spot:

Tom Ford Sweet Spot (discontinued)
Edward Bess Forbidden Flower (discontinued)
MAC Fresh & Frisky Huggable (discontinued)

I swatched the eye palette in store and was really impressed with the pigment. On the eyes it proved to be a bit tricky to apply. The champagne color is quite glittery and when I applied with a brush I experienced a lot of fall out. I found it best either applied with fingers by patting all over the lids with a creamy base or on top of the other two shades to set. Once on the eyes it didn’t budge, but the initial application had some fall out over the face. The khaki olive and brown plum applied smoothly with a brush and layered nicely for a smokey eye. I tested this in warm hot weather outdoors at an event that lasted from 1 pm to 7 pm. I spritzed the Urban Decay All Nighter Spray (also featured here) over the eyes and face and it made the look last all afternoon and kept it looking fresh – nothing budged.
The eyeliner is pretty basic. I like the smooth creamy texture and find it lasts long, but if you have a lot of brown eyeliners it’s not a must-have. I did some comparisons for the eyeliner.

The MAC Look in a Box sets are limited-edition. It appears the All About Coral Set has sold out online along with a few other sets but I’ve linked it so you can find the Product/Item Number. I suspect it’s still available in stores and you may want to have Nordstrom Customer service locate one for you if you’re interested. They might restock online. I found the set to be a good deal for the price. If you only like a few items in the set I hope the comparison swatches above help find something similar.
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Lips of the Day: Tom Ford and Edward Bess

July 16, 2014

Lips of the day are pink which includes Tom Ford Lip Color Shine in Quiver (the perfect cool-toned pink infused with gold and pink shimmers) and Edward Bess Deep Shine Lip Gloss in First Kiss. I’m already half way thru the Tom Fordlip shine – I use it weekly for a quick swipe and go pink glossy lip. Adding the Edward Bess on top intensifies the color and adds more pink.

What are you wearing on your lips today?
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