Lipstick Archives - Page 2 of 46 - The Beauty Look Book

Best Red Holiday Lips + Cozy Sweater Try On Haul

December 17, 2018

I’m so excited it’s finally sweater weather here! We have hot humid weather almost year round here in Tampa making it too hot to even wear denim jeans most of the time. While I love the sunshine I’m thrilled that it has cooled down enough to haul some cute sweaters. By popular request I’m combining two topics today that many of you have been asking for: best holiday red lips plus a sweater try-on haul.

I’m a neutral lip lover so I was actually really surprised to find how many red lip products I own. I sorted through around 35+ colors and formulas to narrow down my absolute top picks for the best color, pigment, lasting power and a few budget friendly options. I’ll discuss each color with the sweaters I paired below.

___________________

Everlane Cashmere Crew + L’Oreal Color Riche Shine

I did my first Everlane haul and picked three styles to try out. I haven’t tried the line before so I relied on online customer reviews for height and weight to decide on XXS and XS depending on style. I lucked out because I’m really happy with what I ordered. For sizing reference I have been losing weight but also gaining a little bit of muscle with our weight training. I’m 5’3″ and currently 114 pounds. I usually wear XS in most sizes, sometimes XXS because I’m on the shorter side.

It’s been a long time since I’ve invested in anything cashmere (again because it’s simply TOO HOT to wear here) so I can’t compare to current styles of other brands. I have tried J.Crew, Vince and Theory to name a few which I’ve loved in previous years. I think the styles I ordered from Everlane are just as good. For the Everlane Cashmere Crew ($100) I picked Light Oatmeal in XS and it’s a PERFECT fit. This is my favorite one of my purchases. It’s soft, lightweight but not tissue thin. I plan on getting a couple more colors. Denim worn are the Paige Verdugo Ankle (for me ankle jeans are the best because I usually don’t have to hem them!).

I’m wearing the L’Oreal Color Riche Shine in Enamel Red which is one of the best medium glossy lipsticks I’ve ever tried. I swatched all the colors of this formula in this post here.

___________________

Everlane Cashmere Rib Round Crew + NARS Powermatte Pigment

Up next is the Everlane Cashmere Rib Round Crew ($145) in Heather Grey in XXS. I would have bought XS but one of the models on the website was wearing that size and quite a bit taller than me. I’m happy with the fit of XXS. This is a nice soft semi thick ribbed sweater. It’s one of the ones I was wearing on stories.

I paird this one with the NARS Powermatte Pigment in Starwoman. There are a lot of reds in this formula this one seems the most classic to me (Vain is warmer, Light My Fire is brighter and there are options with either more blue or deeper tones too). This is one of the nicest liquid matte lipstick formulas that is matte but doesn’t shrink my lips to look like raisins. It has excellent staying power and doesn’t transfer on my teeth. (If you want a neutral option American Woman is the best chestnut neutral rose out there.)

___________________

Leith + Everlane with Tom Ford Dylan

Tom Ford Lips and Boys Dylan isn’t a new color but remains a favorite for a semi-matte finish. It’s a classic bright bold red with a warm undertone. I’m wearing it below with two sweater colors. A soft nude pink fitted Metallic Pullover from Leith ($49, XS is pretty fitted) that I bought at Nordstrom and the Everlane Cashmere Waffle Crew in Black ($150, XXS) which is boxy but I think has a nice hang to the sides. I like the side slit detail too which makes for a little more interesting sweater.

Another look at the Everlane sweater so you can see the neckline, it’s hard to see the detail but check out their website for close ups which you can see better.

___________________

1.State + Pat McGrath Lip Fetish in Wild Cherry

In terms of red lips I don’t think it gets better than Pat McGrath. I could have done an entire dedicated post to swoon over all her lipsticks but wanted to give some other brands and formulas some love. If you feel like you can’t wear full on red lips, opt for a sheer gloss or balm. The Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Balm in Wild Cherry is a great sheer but buildable red. I reviewed it in this post here.

In looking through my closet I find that I own a lot of white tops and sweaters. It’s funny because in San Diego I used to wear all black and grey, or stripes. Since moving to Florida I’ve suddenly found my closet has changed. So many of you have been asking about all the white tops I’ve been wearing. This is a cute one from 1State Convertible Zip Neckline Sweater ($109). This is an XXS and runs big but slouchy. It’s cute to tuck in or belt. I’m not 100% sure I love this style. The zipper is adjustable which makes it so you can wear this a number of ways. A similar option that I have really liked in a tee form is the Free People Nikala Tee which I find has a better fit.

___________________

Frame + NARS

My favorite purchase is the Frame Stripe Crewneck Merino Wool Blend Sweater ($235) and it’s one of my most expensive sweater splurges in a long time. I’m a huge sucker for anything with stripes, so much so that I tried to ease up on wearing and buying them. This was too cute to pass up. It’s soft, thin and I love the fit. I really love everything I’ve bought from Frame. Prices prevent me from splurging more. I paired it with the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Rebel from the holiday collection from the Riot Lip Pencil set. Unfortunately it’s sold out but Pat McGrath MatteTrance in Elson is close (reviewed here). Denim worn is also from Frame Le Skinny.

___________________

Loft + Pat McGrath

For affordable sweaters that aren’t itchy or scratchy I’ve found some amazing deals from Loft. They have cute cable knit basics. I tried two styles. One is the Loft Textured Button Cuff Sweater in XS ($49.50 but I got mine 50% off, they have online holiday sales so check their site for current code). At $20 it was a steal. This one is a little long for me but on most people I think it will be just the right length. I’m wearing it with the Pat McGrath BlitzTrance Lipstick in Rebel Red which is one of the most fun sparkly blue red lip colors I’ve tried. Full review here.

___________________

Loft + Em Cosmetics

Another Loft find is the Cable Knit Trim Sweater in Silvered Heather Grey (XS, $49.50). I could have sized down for a shorter fit but this one is super cute and easy to wear as well. I paired this with the Em Cosmetics True Gloss in Scarlett Knight which is one of the best red plumping glosses I’ve tried. I need to review this formula for you, I have been sitting on all the colors for a while now. It’s been on my to-do list! They have some cute sets for the holiday I think are worth checking out. I have all the colors individually otherwise I would have ordered one.

Tucked vs. untucked

___________________

BP + MAC Grand Illusion Glossy Lip

MAC Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lip in It’s Just Candy is a nice blue-based red shimmer. It’s called a liquid lip but is more along the lines of a full pigment gloss. It has great lasting power and a really pretty sheen. Full review on all the colors in this formula here. If you want a matte metallic long-wear version try the Retro Matte Liquid Lip Color in In Retrograde instead.

Sweater worn is the BP Heritage Stitch sweater in XXS. It’s so soft and plush. Unfortunately it just sold out online, but you might want to check in stores to see if they still have some near you. It does run on the large side, I ordered an XXS and it’s very roomy!

___________________

Lipsticks worn/featured in this post (all shades are press samples):

L’Oreal Color Riche Shine in Enamel Red (review here)
Pat McGrath BlitzTrance in Rebel Red (review on lips here)
Em Cosmetics True Gloss in Scarlett Knight
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Rebel (swatched here)
Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Balm in Wild Cherry (on lips here)
NARS Powermatte Pigment in Starwoman
MAC Grand Illusion Glossy Lip in It’s Just Candy (review here)
Tom Ford Lips and Boys in Dylan

Swatches alongside a few other options:

Hourglass Confession Lipstick in My Icon Is (on lips here)
MAC Retro Matte in In Retrograde
NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer in Red District (review here)

Pat McGrath and Tom Ford options swatched next to two of the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution colors. I used to think the Charlotte Tilbury formula was the best, I still think it’s very good, but Pat McGrath’s formula wins 100%.

Makeup breakdown worn in all other photos include:

Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation in Buff
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Honeymoon
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero
some photos I tried on the Velour Effortless Lashes in Would I Lie?
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Glow Powder + Hourglass Luminous Bronze Light on cheeks
The best red nail polish I’ve tried is from Christian Louboutin’s Red, although OPI is also a favorite of mine, I just don’t own any reds from them at the moment

I hope you enjoyed this sweater try-on haul and red lip roundup! If you love a good red lip let me know what your favorites are in the comments. I love cozy sweaters and I would haul more if we had cooler weather in Tampa.

I didn’t have time to post yesterday but did not forget my giveaway for the week! One reader will win four Pat McGrath lip products including: Opulence 1995, Opulence Flesh3, winner’s choice of two other lips formulas. Not sponsored or affiliated. Open internationally to those 18 years or older. Simply enter via the widget below. Giveaway runs this week and I’ll pick a winner within 48 hours after giveaway ends and contact via e-mail.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’ve linked all the details in this post above, but you can also shop the post below:

Lip colors featured are press samples. All sweaters purchased by me.

54 Comments

Beauty Lips

Christian Audette x Beauty Professor Lipstick Collection

November 27, 2018

I’m thrilled to share a peek at a collaboration between Christian Audette and one of my favorite beauty bloggers Rachel from the Beauty Professor. They launched a Christian Audette x Beauty Professor Lipstick Collection ($60 for the bundle) with three perfect lipsticks in Elle, a gorgeous neutral-cool pink rose, Golightly, a neutral but bright peach and Johanna a flawless peachy nude. I feel fortunate to call Rachel a dear friend – I still remember the day we met many many years ago 🙂 She’s beautiful both inside and out. I think she’s the mix master with neutral lip combos and has quite the eye for layering products for the perfect lip.

The three lipsticks are available exclusively on Christian Audette’s website. This is my first experience trying the brand and I think the best way to describe the formula is that they are classic lipsticks. Elle and Johanna seem more creamy to me while Golightly had a slightly more opaque matte finish. Each one has smooth flawless coverage. It’s medium but buildable. Weightless. No scent or taste. You can see them all on Rachel on her blog post here. Fun fact is that most of the year we are skin twins! We also both naturally tan easily so our coloring changes depending on how much sun we each get even though we are now on opposite coasts. A closer look at each color and then side by sides at the bottom with full face photos.

Elle is truly one of the prettiest cool pinks I’ve ever seen. Anything cool-toned is hard for me to wear (ie Tom Ford Pussycat) with my olive complexion but this has enough warmth that it does not look blue on me. It has a tiny bit of sheen to it but on the lips the shimmer isn’t really visible. It has the perfect creamy finish.

Golightly is a peach that is neutral but pulls a little bright on my olive skin. It’s a really fun mood lifting color I think would be nice to wear year round.

Johanna is a beautiful peach pink nude that has full coverage, doesn’t look streaky and doesn’t wash me out! It’s a solid winner and I think it would suit a wide range of skintones.

Swatched side by side on the arm and full face:

Below also wearing:

Foundation is Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 6.5
Powder is Armani Neo Nude Powder in 4 + 5.5 mixed (review here)
Concealer is NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger
Brows are Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Soft Brunette
Mascara is L’Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof
Eyeshadow is Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rose Gold
Cheeks are Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base in Soleil Tan de Chanel + Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra
Nails are Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Puissant
Rib Knit Henley is from Nordstrom (runs true to size)
Lips top to bottom are Elle, Golightly and Johanna

Overall perfect. The colors are truly flawless as is, you can layer to mix the colors but each tube is perfect alone. I cannot pick a favorite. Each one is unique in its own way. I find the formula is comfortable and non-drying. They’re not really moisturizing lipsticks but I was thrilled to find that they did not dry out my lips at all and that the days after testing my lips felt nice and smooth. Lasting power is average for a lipstick, they’ll last several hours without fading or budging. You can find the Christian Audette x Beauty Professor online at Christian Audette in a $60 bundle. Available for a limited run.

Christian Audette x Beauty Professor lipsticks gifted for review.

11 Comments

Lips Pat McGrath Labs

Pat McGrath BlitzTrance Lipstick Review + Swatches

November 12, 2018

Continuing holiday beauty reviews with a look at the Pat McGrath BlitzTrance Lipsticks ($38 each for 3.9 g/0.13 oz, made in USA). Pat McGrath continues to launch innovative colors and formulas in a way that makes me want to go beyond my usual conservative makeup comfort zone and try new things. These BlitzTrance Lipsticks have intense sparkle and pigment. They’re described as an “iridescent lipstick that releases a full-coverage blast of explosive color with multidimensional, high-shine effects” and I could not describe it better. They’re opaque, ultra-reflective, explosive in color pigment and luminous.

These lipsticks are very sparkly but the sparkle and glitter varies per shade. I’ll describe them in more detail next to each shade description. There is a little bit of texture from the sparkle with a couple of these but it’s not a harsh texture and once on the lips I barely notice it. Lasting power is really good – the color base is emollient and has a hydrating feel so it helps the glitter adhere and it doesn’t migrate. Only Pat McGrath can make me want to wear sparkle this intense. I was prepared to tell you that they are way too sparkly and intense for me based on the online swatches I saw, but some of the colors are really wearable and I think the bolds are going to be particularly beautiful for holiday parties or dinners.

There are currently 7 shades available. I received 6 of these as press samples and then picked up the 7th color from my local Sephora. There is another 8th shade listed online as “coming soon.”

Nude Romantique is a refined peachy pink shimmer, it has lots of sparkle but this is one of the more subtle sparkles
Flesh Fatale is a medium bronze nude shimmer, also has softer shimmer
Fuchsia Perfect is an intense cool-toned bright blue based pink sparkle
Cyber Orchid is a bright cool-toned purple pink sparkle (it’s similar to Fuchsia Perfect, Cyber Orchid just has more blue tones)
Rebel Red is the most stunning metallic red I’ve ever seen, sparkle is chunkier in this one with a noticeable texture
Club Kiss is an intense plum-red shimmer, sparkle is also very metallic and bold
Blitz Gold is a yellow 24K gold metallic, it’s smoother in shimmer, but very foiled
Electra is listed as “coming soon”

I’d recommend looking at the @patmcgrathreal Instagram page for live swatch videos to get a better sense of the sparkle. The ones I have don’t capture the sparkle quality quite as intense as I see in real life. Although I do think the studio lights used on social emphasize the sparkle and glitz a little more intensely than they actually appear.

Close ups of each color below, Nude Romantique:

___________________

Flesh Fatale:

___________________

Fuchsia Perfect:

___________________

Cyber Orchid:

___________________

Rebel Red:

___________________

Club Kiss:

___________________

Blitz Gold:

For me the only two colors I did not like are Cyber Orchid (it’s really blue on me) and also Blitz Gold (I just don’t like really yellow golds) – but this is just a matter of color preference. If you don’t like sparkle or glitter in your lip color I think it’s going to be a safe pass for you. If you like bold colors and don’t mind some shimmer and glitz I think they’re really worth checking out. Out of all the shades Nude Romantique and Flesh Fatale are the most conservative in color and shimmer.

I think these have the perfect festive holiday feel. For me they’re a little too sparkly for everyday wear but I do think the neutrals Nude Romantique and Flesh Fatale are ones I can wear without feeling too sparkly. Rebel Red and Club Kiss are my favorites out of the entire collection. I always feel like bold reds and plums draw so much attention to my already full lips – but these two are so stunning and festive I think they’re going to be fun for holiday. No detectable scent or taste with these! Lasting power is really nice.

You can find the Pat McGrath Labs BlitzTrance Lipsticks out now online at Pat McGrath. Available at $38 each or in various bundles and sets on her website.

6 shades provided for review. Fuchsia Perfect purchased by me.

87 Comments

Lips MAC

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick Review + Swatches

October 22, 2018

MAC launched a new formula of matte lip color called Powder Kiss Lipstick ($19 each for 3 g/0.1 oz, made in Italy). These were seen all over the backstage beauty photos in recent fashion week coverage and I thought these were going to be too trendy for me but was pleasantly surprised. Long time readers know I really do not like matte lips. These are described as, “A moisture-matte weightless lipstick that delivers a romantic blur of effortless soft-focus colour.” Depending on your lipstick finish preference these are going to be hit or miss for you. For me these are a solid win.

The Powder Kiss Lipstick has a soft blurred matte finish without looking or feeling dry. They have a weightless texture and finish that almost feels like it’s wearing an airy cloud on the lips. The finish is cushiony with full smooth coverage and I am truly surprised at how lightweight it is. MAC describes these as having moisture-coated powder pigments which seems so interesting to me. They’re not really as hydrating as a lip balm, but I do think they have some moisture in them given the fact that they do not look dry on the lips.

I tried these individually on their own. I suspect with some of the lighter shades you can mix and blend together for an ombre lip or to create your own custom color. There is only one shade that didn’t work for me by itself which is the palest option Best of Me. Still it applied smoothly without any patchy issues.

The packaging is just like the regular MAC Lipsticks but it has a slightly matte finish resembling the finish of the lipstick formula. Some have commented on the scent of these. I didn’t notice it while swatching or playing with them until I gave them a good whiff right out of the tube. It has MAC lipstick scent with a powdery slightly rubber smell. It’s not strong enough to bother me but it is noticeable. I consider my nose to be sensitive and it did not bother me.

First a look at all the shades plus descriptions:

Best of Me is a pale milky beige
Influentially It is a pale nude beige
Impulsive is a medium warm brown
Sweet No Sugar is a light warm pink
My Tweedy is a peachy pink blush nude
Scattered Petals is a medium pink
Sultriness is a cool toned pink
Mull It Over is a peach pink-brown
Devoted to Chili is a brick red brown
Mandarin O is a bright orange
A Little Tamed is a muted pink rose
Lasting Passion is a bright red with blue pink tones
Style Shocked is a vibrant coral orange
Fall In Love is a hot pink
Shocking Revelation is a hot pink red
Burning Love is a perfect plum

A closer look at the lighter neutrals, Best of Me, Influentially It, Impulsive, Sweet No Sugar, My Tweedy, Scattered Petals, Sultriness and Mull it Over.

Swatched on bare lips, skintone reference I’m MAC NC35 in Studio Fix and Studio Fix Fluid.

Deeper bold shades including Devoted to Chili, Mandarin O, A Little Tamed, Lasting Passion, Style Shocked, Fall In Love, Shocking Revelation, Burning Love.

Bottom line I’m impressed, especially since I’m a glossy lip girl. I really like how these glide on and give a blurred lip effect without looking or feeling dry. There’s no tugging at the lip when you apply. I also love the weightless feel. They did not dry out my lips. Lasting power is very good, it stays on and adheres well without fading for hours. Color isn’t transfer-proof though. My top 3 picks: Burning Love, My Tweedy and Sultriness.

A few thoughts on this formula compared to a few others I’ve tried and like. MAC Matte Lipsticks are heavier and more opaque in finish with a thicker feel. Pat McGrath Matte Trance has more impact pigment-wise, it has more weight to it while the MAC Powder Kiss feels like air. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution almost feels like it drags on the lips by comparison, and in reality it doesn’t really drag on my lips, but if you swipe it compared to the MAC Powder Kiss, the MAC glides on easier/smoother.

Available now at all MAC counters. Online at MAC Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Have you tried these yet? Or do you have any matte lipstick favorites?

MAC Powder Kiss provided courtesy of MAC Cosmetics for review consideration.

15 Comments

Lips Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Beauty Boys + Girls Lip Color – 2018 Picks

October 17, 2018

I look forward to the Tom Ford Beauty Boys + Girls Lipsticks every year! Today I have review and swatches of my 2018 picks for the Tom Ford Boys and Tom Ford Girls and the formula is true to Tom Ford style with well made pigment, texture and finishes. They have that subtle vanilla scent to them and lasting power is similar to those of previously launched clutch-sized lipsticks. The sheers are sheer and glossy with medium lasting power while the creams stay put longer. There were a handful I ordered online sight unseen and I received some press sample colors. By the time I stopped by my local counter to see all the shades I noticed they didn’t receive all the testers and I didn’t have a chance to go back and investigate. Based on my online guesses I’ll say up front that I ended up with a lot of similar shades. As a neutral lip lover I’m thrilled, but even on my lips I could have skipped a few and opted for some of the more edgy colors.

Tom Ford Boys and Girls 2018 Picks

The formula for all the colors I tried is excellent. Smooth application, no streaky finish or patchy look. Even with the pale colors I found the finish to be really good. In addition this year the Tom Ford Girls Lipsticks have a stronger base than last year’s versions (at least the ones I have do). I experienced some breakage at the bases with the 2017 version. Some of you had the same issue. With all the 2018 shades I found them all to be 100% ok.

Colors I have reviewed have a mix of the Boys and Girls formulas. In general the Girls are sheerer with a glossy finish. These come in Ultra Rich (creamier but still glossy) and Lip Color Sheer (sheer and glossy). The Boys are more opaque and creamy with either a Matte or Cream finish. I prefer the Boys because they have better color payoff but really all the formulas are nice.

Uma (Girls, Ultra Rich) is a pale flesh nude cream, it’s a lot more wearable on me than Blushed Nude or Spiced Honey, but still very pale on my lips
Ava (Girls, Lip Color Sheer) is a semi sheer glossy shimmery champagne
Monica (Girls, Ultra Rich) is a sheer light brown cream, pulls a little warm on my lips, but in the tube is more neutral
Camilla (Girls, Lip Color Sheer) is a sheer shimmery peachy pink (please excuse the typo on the photos, I forgot to add an extra “L”)
Alistair (Boys, Lip Color) is a neutral cool-toned nude, on my olive skin it pulls slightly mauve
Gal (Girls, Ultra Rich) is a medium neutral pink cream
Tomoko (Girls, Lip Color Sheer) is a shimmery pink cream, has tiny flecks of gold, pulls a little deeper/brighter than Gal
River (Boys, Lip Color) is a medium peachy pink, pulls more peach cream
Bryan (Boys, Lip Color) is a pretty cool pink neutral, pulls the tiniest bit cooler
Ori (Boys, Lip Color) is a medium pink cream
Helena (Girls, Lip Color Sheer) is a sheer cool plum pink
Hudson (Boys, Lip Color) is a cream nude cool-toned pink
Chadwick (Boys, Lip Color) is the perfect brick brown red
Scott (Boys, Lip Color) is a sheer plum with subtle shimmer

A closer look row by row with lip swatches on bare lips. Set 1 has Uma, Ava, Monica, Camilla and Alistair:

Set 2 has Gal, Tomoko, River, Bryan and Ori:

I triple checked my swatches as they all look nearly identical. I do suspect if you have lighter lips or lighter skin tone you’ll see the difference between shades more on your complexion. I’m right at the medium olive point where these tones look the same. The color difference can be seen better from the product shot of colors in the tubes.

I did pull a few other Lip Color classics such as Sable Smoke, Pink Dusk, Spanish Pink to compare on my own. I think that it was a really tough call to detect the differences between Pink Dusk, Spanish Pink and the entire middle row of colors I swatched. If you had your eye on any of the full size neutrals but didn’t want to splurge, the clutch-sized Boys and Girls are a nice way to splurge at a lower price point with similar colors. Comparisons that look nearly identical to me:

Set 3 has Helena, Hudson, Chadwick and Scott (I also added Daniel for comparison):

For the Boys and Girls 2018 launches I tried, my favorites are Camilla, River, Bryan, Ava and Scott. I really feel like I should have ventured to try more of the plums or reds. I received a couple very bold colors (a bright purple and electric red) but since they weren’t colors I felt I’d ever wear so I gifted those away. I do think based on online swatches that Jordan, Ingrid and Nico look particularly stunning. I might take another look if I’m at the counter soon to see if they have testers, but there is so much coming out for holiday I’m thinking about waiting for other things.

You can see swatches of the 2017 Tom Ford Beauty Girls picks from last year. I found myself reaching for Katherine and Lara the most, although to this day Bradley is still my go-to nude.

You can find the Tom Ford Beauty Boys and Girls Lipsticks at all counters now. I bought half of the featured shades from Nordstrom and the other half were sent as press samples. Also available at Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Beautylish, Net-A-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Have you tried the new Boys and Girls yet? What colors did you pick up?

34 Comments

Chanel Lips

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme + Rouge Allure Liquid Powder Review

September 21, 2018

Chanel has brought us quite a few new mini-launches this season. They’ve continued their Le Mat de Chanel launches with a whole collection of lips with new formulas called Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme ($37 each for 3.5 g/0.12 oz, made in France) and Rouge Allure Liquid Powder ($30 each for 9 ml/0.30 fl oz, made in France). I previously reviewed the eyes and cheek products in the Le Mat de Chanel Collection here (I think the Clair Obscur Eyeshadow Quad is a must). Today I’m thrilled to share swatches of all the new lip formulas.

Up first is the Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme which a new intense matte lipstick formula. It comes in 6 shade options and is also encased in a soft matte black finish. These have that click-up magnetic packaging like the Rouge Allures and Rouge Allure Velvets. I tried the Rouge Allure Velvet formula in a number of shades years ago and thought the formula was just ok. The Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme formula completely blew me away though! It’s different in the sense that it has more opaque coverage. They’re creamy and non-drying. The finish is soft and velvety and long-lasting. I wish more colors were available in this formula. They’re completely comfortable on the lips with a very slight scent.

The six colors include:

102 Modern is a nude pink
110 Impressive is a vibrant coral orange
112 Ideal is a deep red
114 Epitome is a blue-based bright bold pink
116 Extreme is a deeper red
118 Eternel is a nude rose

Every single color is perfect. Lasting power is really good. Even though I wear neutrals most of the time I think these bold reds, orange and plums are classics that you can wear for any occasion. I do think Modern and Eternel are really close in color. Eternel has a bit more pink/rose to it, but they’re very similar.

Ingredients, some have slight variations which I’m assuming is the color:

Next are the Rouge Allure Liquid Powders. These are so unique to me! They are a matte cream to powder lip product with a sponge tip applicator. The package base is a squeeze tube. These give the lips a diffused matte blurred tint of color. Almost like a watercolor finish but with a matte feel. The Rouge Allure Liquid Powders have a weightless feel. The color vibe to me is similar to the shades from the Rouge Coco Lip Blush launch, but formula is different.

The lighter shades are sheer on me, but the deeper shades have buildable pigment. Simply squeeze and apply straight from the tube. They layer easily without feeling heavy. Dry down is a soft blurred matte. Once on the lips it feels like you have nothing on. Lasting power is quite good. The deeper shades leave a slight stain on the lips but they wear like a regular lipstick in terms of lasting power and how they fade.

950 Plaisir is a sheer soft coral peach
952 Evocation is a soft rose
954 Radical is a coral orange
956 Invincible is a deep red
958 Volupte is a bright bold cool-pink
960 Avant-Gardiste is a deeper plum

Ingredients:

Overall I think the formulas are excellent and Chanel has launched well-edited color selection for fall. To me these are classic kinds of colors. I would have liked to see a few more neutral options or true plums, but Chanel does have excellent reds and bold pinks. I think they are wearable and suitable for a wide range of skin tones.

I really love the Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme formula. Long-time readers know I’m super picky about matte lips and I think these wear very well. No dry patches or raisin-looking lips with these! Also deeper shades in general can run patchy with the contrast of my natural lip, but every single color in this formula applies smoothly without any issue. Pigment is very very good.

The Rouge Allure Liquid Powder is unique and I think they’re really good. I didn’t know what to expect from it as I haven’t tried a cream to powder product for lips. I think the packaging is well designed. I love it when you can see the color in the outside so you don’t have to guess or take those extra few seconds to look at the bottom label to see what color you are picking up. I’m not sure these will be everyone’s cup of tea – they’re just so different!

Many of you have been e-mailing me about the Les Eaux de Chanel fragrances and the Le Volume Revolution de Chanel Mascara. I just received my order of the mascara and I’m going to test it this weekend. I also did try the perfumes when I saw testers in store as a preview, every single one is amazing. My two favorites are Venise and Biarritz and I will be reviewing all three soon. If you can’t smell in store right now Chanel.com has them available in their complimentary sample selection. I’ve ordered from their website a number of times and they always have samples that they rotate (you can pick two with each order).

Quick update: Here’s a look at two of the mini samples that came with one of my recent orders:

You can find the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme + Rouge Allure Liquid Powder available out now at Chanel.com.

Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme and Liquid Powder provided for review.

16 Comments

Lips Marc Jacobs Beauty

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick

June 15, 2018

Marc Jacobs Beauty launched new lip glosses in stick form called the Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick ($28 each for 2.1 g/0.074 oz). I’ve been such a huge fan of the Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquers I was eager to try the new formula. I ordered five sight unseen. I picked the neutrals which turned out to be a lot lighter in color than I anticipated but still lovely. My picks:

Sugar Sugar – sheer nude cream
P(r)each – sheer soft peach
One Mauve Time – perfect mauve
Sweet Escape – baby pink
Mocha Choco-Lata – perfect nude beige

These are emollient sheer smooth gloss sticks. They have a very shiny finish and moisturizing feel. Lasting power is medium – they won’t disappear quickly but they aren’t budge-proof. The gloss sticks have a melt-on texture. Packaging is slightly longer than the Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquers but similar in style. The Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick has a removable pull off cap and the product comes in a twist-up tube that clicks with each twist. The only downside is you can only twist up, you can’t twist back down. The good thing is each click will only push a small amount of color up.

The two lightest shades Sugar Sugar and P(r)each were patchy with the first application, once you have it warmed up a little it smooths out. Close ups of each color below with lip swatches.

Mocha Choco-lata!

Sweet Escape

One Mauve Time

P(r)each

Sugar Sugar

All side by side:

For quick reference my MAC foundation shade right now is the Studio Fix Fluid in NC37. Lip swatches as always done on bare lips.

If you want something light and glossy these are great. I think the color selection is a lot more wearable for me compared to the Le Marc Liquid Lip Crayons. The glossy texture feels similar to me although the crayons are full coverage while these new gloss sticks are a lot sheerer. I’d say if you like the feel of the YSL Volupte Tint in Balms or Chanel Rouge Coco Shines you will most likely really like the Marc Jacobs Enamored Lip Gloss Sticks. In terms of glossy lips though my favorite product this season are still the Pat McGrath LUST Glosses although the formula is completely different and also in liquid form.

They are sheer so depending on how much color you want these might be too sheer if you prefer a lot of pigment. I give them a thumbs up – although I do wish the packaging would click up and down. The only shade I think is iffy is Sugar Sugar – this is mainly because I find pale colors challenging to wear in general. If you see the last photo of my natural lip you’ll see that there is going to be a contrast between pale colors and my lip. This is why you’ll often see a dark ring around the outer edge if the product is slightly sheer or transparent. It’s my natural lip color showing through. Since I have full lips if I cover it entirely with product it makes them look EXTRA huge.

Based on how light and sheer these colors are I was tempted to order the other three shades which are deeper/brighter. I have not seen them at stores near me yet but have decided to pass for now. My top two picks are Mocha Choco-lata! and One Mauve Time.

You can find the Marc Jacobs Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Sticks at Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter and Marc Jacobs Beauty. Have you tried these yet? What did you think?

19 Comments

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Lipstick

Best Red Holiday Lips + Cozy Sweater Try On Haul

Christian Audette x Beauty Professor Lipstick Collection

Pat McGrath BlitzTrance Lipstick Review + Swatches

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick Review + Swatches

Tom Ford Beauty Boys + Girls Lip Color – 2018 Picks

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme + Rouge Allure Liquid Powder Review

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick

Follow @beautylookbook