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Lipstick

Fragrance

Tom Ford Beauty Velvet Orchid Lip Color and Orchid Soleil Eau de Parfum

September 10, 2016

I reviewed the a few items from the Tom Ford Orchid Collection last month and today I have two more to share thoughts on which includes the Velvet Orchid Lip Color ($53) and Orchid Soleil Eau de Parfum ($82 to $168). If you recall from my last post I was waiting for the pink highlighter powder in Velvet Bloom to arrive before posting this particular review. Turns out they had a mix up on the website and shipped the wrong color with my order. I went to the store to exchange and it was actually a good thing that I went in store to try it. I’ve read mixed reviews about pink option and the one I tested in store was very sheer with non-existent pigment. It looked chalky with a hard stiff texture and barely any color showed up as I swiped it with a finger and also a brush that was a tester at the counter. As much as I adore Tom Ford cheek products, I decided to pass.

Up first is one of the limited-edition lip colors that comes packaged in a deep violet embossed packaging. Size is the same as the regular lip colors – only the exterior is different. I opted for the lighter option which is called Velvet Orchid. It’s a plum pink with silvery shimmer. It’s medium to full coverage and falls somewhere in between medium to bold in color. It’s not quite dramatic or deep enough to be bold but it’s still not a neutral. The shimmer is visible on my lips but it’s a pretty kind. 

Below it’s swatched on bare lips. It pulls neutral to cool on me. With the flash the silvery shimmer shows up more than without a flash.

 

Swatch comparisons below:

  • Tom Ford Lip Color in So Vain (review here)
  • Tom Ford Lip Color in Negligee (review here)
  • Tom Ford Lips and Boys in Daniel and Malik (posted here)
  • Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Bond Girl (on lips here)
  • Chanel Rouge Coco in Suzanne (review here)
  • Dior Addict Hydra-Gel Core Mirror Shine in Sophisticated (on lips here)

It’s a lovely color for fall that pulls mauve, plum and pink all at the same time. If you have the Lips and Boys in Daniel I do think it’s similar enough that you can skip. So Vain is warmer with a bit less shimmer.

Up next is the Orchid Soleil Eau de Parfum. I bought the 30 ml version which is a Sephora exclusive (other sizes can be found at all other Tom Ford retailers). I ordered this one without testing it and I must admit the beautiful rose gold packaging was calling my name as soon as it popped up. It’s a warm cashmere floral but it has notes that makes me think of licorice and root beer. Once I had those two in my head I just couldn’t get them out and all I can think of is food when I wear this. I will say this one is just not really my cup of tea. I asked my husband what he thought. He usually likes Tom Ford fragrances on me. His response, “not my favorite, but I don’t hate it.” I feel the same.
  • Top notes: bitter orange, tuberose, cypress, peppercorns
  • Middle notes: lily, spider lily, black orchid, clove
  • Base notes: cashmeran, patchouli, vetiver, ambroxan, sylkolide, vanilla, chestnut cream

I’m still working my way through testing a few new scents that have launched this fall. I hope to review them soon for those curious. I will say that so far I’m head over heels in love with Louis Vuitton Parfums Apogée and Matiere Noire along with the Replica Filters.

Bottom line, both nice to have, but given the comparisons for the lips, I don’t think Velvet Orchid is a must, especially if you own So Vain or Daniel. There are little differences that make them different enough to justify though so if it’s your kind of color I’d say go for it. After all I have dozens of the same neutral pink for lips but will never stop getting excited about new ones that launch. Perfume is so personal I think Orchid Soleil is hit or miss. If you like warm florals with a bit of spice you may want to give this a spritz at the store. For me I’m glad I bought the smallest version so it wasn’t as expensive of a mistake as buying the larger sizes.

I found the 30 ml Orchid Soleil at Sephora. The rest of the Orchid Collection including the Velvet Orchid Lipstick, Black Orchid Lipstick and Nightbloom Powders are available exclusively in the US at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Tom Ford. At this time I believe the lipstick and powders are limited-edition.

Have you tried these yet? I will have reviews of the new Lip Contour Duos and the AW16 collection up as soon as I can! First impressions are very good and I can’t wait to share them with you.
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MAC

MAC x Star Trek Collection Picks

August 31, 2016

Last month I stopped by the MAC x Star Trek Preview at Comic-Con. The collection officially launches this month and is currently available online at MAC and Nordstrom but was available for early access to anyone in the San Diego area during the week of Comic-Con. I am not one who has followed Star Trek very closely and have never attended Comic-Con even though it is in my hometown, but I could not pass up the opportunity to see something MAC-related and was curious to see what the Star Trek collection looked like so I took an Uber for the first time in San Diego (second time I’ve used it ever!) to downtown since I knew finding parking on my own would be virtually impossible (or extremely expensive).

The MAC x Star Trek Preview was held a few blocks away from the San Diego Convention Center where Comic-Con is actually held. They had a space ship station setup with areas for makeup testing, makeup application and checkout. Everything was decked out in a Star Trek theme. You can see more from the event on Star Trek’s website.

The day I stopped by some items were already sold out from the early preview. I ordered a couple more items once they popped up online and now have my picks ready to show you. The collection celebrates 50 years of Star Trek and at the event a tiny collectors pin and some Legos were given with each purchase. Everything as you can imagine has a metallic and space-like theme with lots of shimmer, glitter and glitz. All items have the silver Star Trek logo. The most conservative colors I could find and picked out:
  • Trip the Light Fantastic Powders ($34 each for 6.5 g/0.22 oz) in Luna Luster, Strange New Worlds, Highly Illogical
  • Pressed Pigment ($23 each for 3 g/0.1 oz) in To Boldly Go and The Naked Time
  • Lipstick ($18 each for 3 g/0.1 oz) in Llap and Where No Man Has Gone Before
  • Lipglass ($17 each for 4.8 ml/0.16 oz) in Pleasure Planet

Up first are the Trip the Light Fantastic Powders which are swirled highlighters. MAC describes these as sheer powders but I find that the color can be built for more pigment. I don’t really find them sheer but you can blend the colors for a more sheer look. Luna Luster is a pale opal rose with tiny flecks of silver sparkle (they look like super tiny micro glitters), Strange New Worlds is a warm peachy rose shimmer, Highly Illogical is a mauve plum shimmer. I’ve been a long time fan of MAC Mineralize Finish Powders even though they can be very shimmery, I find these Fantastic Powders to have less frost and more of a softer sheen. They are still on the shimmery side though. My favorite is Strange New Worlds for the most natural sheen. The other two are more shimmery and have more contrast with my skin and work best as a soft highlighter for the cheeks or eyes.

Next are two of the Pressed Pigments, both of which are what I’d call glitter bombs. I’ve tried and used MAC Pressed Pigments before so I was aware of how sparkly they might be. I talked myself into being brave with these thinking I could pull them off (at least my version of brave). I cannot. They are simply too sparkly for me, even when pressed lightly over other matte shadows or when layered with other colors. The base colors are gorgeous. Not to worry for me though because I have a friend who is dying to take these off my hands, lol. Once on the lids there is minimal fallout and I will say they last an impressive amount of time.

For the lips everything was shimmery or metallic. Most options are for the person who likes super edgy looks. Where No Man Has Gone Before is a gorgeous metallic rose with golden sheen, Llap is a shimmering frosted beige, Pleasure Planet is a very sparkly multi-colored gold with a sheer yellow base. In my experience some MAC frost and shimmers look best with a clear or sheer gloss on top to help tone down the shimmer a bit and bring out the color. I think both of these lipsticks are in that category.

All swatched on bare lips, just as labeled:

Swatch comparisons:

I found the MAC x Star Trek launch to be a fun and innovative collection filled with lots of unique colors and interesting textures for shimmer and glitter. In case you haven’t seen it, Karen at Makeup and Beauty Blog has a really fun series of looks on her blog of the collection. I had a lot of fun visiting the Star Trek setups at Comic-Con, it’s always fun to people watch and the costumes are quite amazing. If I had to pick anything as a must-have, it would be Strange New Worlds Trip the Light Fantastic Powder.

The collection is available online and in stores starting today at MAC and Nordstrom as well as all other MAC counters. Everything is limited-edition.

Have you checked anything out yet? Or do you have anything on your wishlist?
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Chanel

Chanel Fall 2016 Le Rouge Collection N°1 and Ultrawear Flawless Collection Picks

August 29, 2016

 

Today I have a few picks from a couple Chanel collections for fall. There are a series of new product launches, the first being the Le Rouge Collection N°1 and second being the Ultrawear Flawless Foundation Collection. I’ve been a long time fan of Chanel beauty and the fall launches are usually the ones I look forward to the most for new innovative products and shades that have a modern twist on classic colors. This year’s launches so far fall short of my expectations in terms of innovative colors and I found the options this year to be some of the most boring and unoriginal shades I think I’ve ever tested. I will admit that I do believe there are only so many ways to do red – perhaps at this point it’s already all been done? The quality for the most part is still excellent and I did find some things I have been really happy with – in general though, I feel the Chanel fall launches lack excitement, especially compared to previous collections.

 

In addition to the first color launch for fall Chanel a new foundation called Le Teint Ultra Tenue Ultrawear Flawless Foundation which is a fluid long-wear formula. The powder foundation has also been reformualted to a new silky formula called Le Teint Ultra Tenue Ultrawear Flawless Compact Foundation. I got a small sample of the liquid in shades 30 and 40 (my usual colors) to test. 30 is an almost perfect match, just a tiny bit too pink on my skin. It blended seamlessly on my skin, gave medium natural coverage, had impressive lasting power and stayed put all day without getting oily or patchy. The only down side is by evening I saw tiny little bumps surface along the sides of my face. After testing two days I saw bumps get worse so I suspect I am allergic to it which is a shame because it wears so beautifully. I have not yet tested the powder foundation but hope to go back to the counter soon to do so. There are two new blushes featured in this collection called Evening Beige and Rosewood which are not the baked formula (yay!!). More details below as I work my way through the colors I picked out from the two launches.

What I bought, listed below, first from the Ultra Wear Flawless Foundation Collection:

  • Joues Contraste in Rosewood is a medium rose pink
  • Joues Contraste in Evening Beige is a warm shimmering copper beige

From the Le Rouge Collection N°1 Collection:

  • Joues Contraste in Rouge Profond is a matte red
  • Le Vernis Nail Gloss in Rouge Radical is a transparent jelly red
  • Le Vernis in Rouge Puissant is a deep red
  • Rouge Allure in Rouge Ingenue is a nude cream beige

 

Swatches:

 

 

Up first are the three blushes. All three are the regular US formula which I prefer over the baked formula you’ll find in other countries. These are soft, finely milled, smooth powders that are easy to dust on the skin. All three are darker so if you’re medium-tan to deep in skintone and have found most Chanel blushes to be too light to show up, you will rejoice that Chanel has finally launched colors that will show up on your skintone! The pigment is quite intense so a super light hand is needed. I found the red in Rouge Profond to have an almost vintage feel. For my skintone I need a very light hand to be able to wear this and one swipe too many results in a clown-like look and almost burnt on my skin (scroll down to the bottom for a look).
For the two blush shades in the foundation launch, so far you can find them both online at Chanel and Neiman Marcus. At the moment, Nordstrom only has Rosewood and not Evening Beige. Rosewood is lighter and easier to wear compared to the fall red, but the intensity is still a bit much for me. By comparison I’ve just been completely blown away by the Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush (yes they’re very expensive but are amazing, review soon) which looks better on the skin compared to these. Last but not least, Evening Beige is probably the one unique shade of the bunch – it’s a warm coppery shimmer. I don’t really see beige in it, but I suppose one could call it a coppery beige. My personal preference is for the Golden Sun blush which is less warm and more of a beigey color.

 

 

Next is the Rouge Allure in Rouge Ingenue. Most of the colors launched are variations of red and this was the only light neutral. The color is a light beige cream which is absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately the color went on my lips patchy and required a lot of blending, blotting and reapplying to get smooth application. I found this odd since I’ve had great success with most Rouge Allure lipstick formulas – I suspect the paleness of the color might have played a part in my application issues. Swatch comparisons below for some similar colors.

 

Left to right:

 

 

Last but not least the items I usually get the most excited about, the nail colors. There are two in the Le Rouge Collection N°1, one is the Le Vernis in Rouge Puissant which is a deep red cream. This one is almost identical to the discontinued Dragon, the Rouge Puissant is just a tiny bit darker. Once dried on the nails it deepens in color and appears to be a dark red that ages my hands. I would say unless you’re a Chanel collector, pass on this one. The other color is a Nail Gloss formula called Rouge Radical which is a transparent jelly red. I did not know what to expect with this one and was pleasantly surprised to find how opaque and pigmented it was once on the nails. Even though it has a transparent formula it covers the nail entirely for a bright red look. I absolutely love this one and by now it has already sold out at many locations (you can still find it online at Saks, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s).

 

 

 

 

Comparison swatches, note that the Pirate shown is the older formula (I have not seen the new one to compare), Gitane is the new formula reviewed here:
Stand outs to me include the Nail Gloss in Rouge Radical and Joues Contraste in Evening Beige. I had high hopes for the new foundation but unfortunately caused tiny bumps to form so it’s a no-go for me. I passed on a lot from the the reds collection – I think red is hard for me to pull off, especially on the eyes which seemed to be a heavy focus for the illusion d’ombre, quad and liners. The rest just wasn’t really my cup of tea color-wise, but quick swatching at the counter showed the quality to still be on point. I do think the Rouge Profond blush is unique even if I think red blush is a bit boring – I keep hoping it will grow on me, but I have to apply with a very careful light hand. Even then, sometimes after it sets and warms on my skin the color darkens so I have to go back with my powder brush and blend along the edges. I’m usually hesitant to post negative reviews because I don’t want to offend anyone, especially in this case if you loved the pieces in this collection. I want to reiterate that products are great quality-wise, for reds I would have been head over heels had Chanel relaunched previously discontinued colors like Cosmic Violine, Tulip Noire or something that I feel are a bit more special.
Do note that many of the pieces in the red collection are limited-edition and some have already sold out online. You may have to do a bit of shopping around to find all the items if they’ve been on your list so I do recommend buying sooner than later if any of the colors speak to you.
You can find both the Le Rouge Collection N°1 and Ultrawear Flawless Collection online at Chanel.com. By now I’ve spotted both in store near me. Also available online at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s.
Have you checked out Chanel fall bits yet? What did you think?

 

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Dior Eye Makeup Highlighters

Dior Skyline Collection for Fall 2016

August 23, 2016

The Dior Skyline Collection for Fall 2016 is the first fall collection I’m reviewing this year. A lot of you have been e-mailing me and messaging me about fall beauty which has just started to arrive at counters. The most highly requested item for review has been the Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer in this collection and I will say right up front go buy it now – Dior never disappoints with highlighters and they give a very pretty glow. The Dior team has also created a special promo code for Beauty Look Book readers so if you see any items that catch your eye, scroll down to the end of this post for details.

The items from fall that I have to review:

Up first are the standouts in my opinion which include the Diorblush Light and Contour Sticks and Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer. I already reviewed and swatched the contour sticks but I will repost photos for reference. As a quick recap, the Diorblush Light and Contour sticks are natural looking contour creams that are very easy to use and that won’t give you a harsh look. They blend nicely along the cheeks and for a contour-dummy like myself, they’re impossible to overdo.

A closer look at the contour sticks:

The Diorskin Nude Air Luminzer 001 for fall is absolutely stunning. It comes with an embossed design on the surface. This is one of those shades that will look different on everyone. Fair skin-toned beauty lovers will find this almost peachy while deeper skintones will find this more pale. On my medium skintone I find it to be a champagne gold with slight peachy tones. It’s finely milled, blends in with the skin flawlessly, doesn’t emphasize pores, stays put all day and has the prettiest sheen. The highlighter comes with a tiny kabuki brush which is well made but for me on the small side so I find it best for touch ups or on-the-go rather than for regular application.

Left is swatched heavily, right is blended out. You can blend or sheer out the color more if you prefer a more diffused glow. It’s absolutely perfect!

Swatch comparisons below show that the Nude Air Glowing Gardens 002 from spring is a tiny bit lighter than the Nude Air Luminizer for Fall 2016. On my face they are almost identical, I put one on each side of my face and they looked pretty close. Photos of course cannot do the shimmers or texture justice but I hope these help show the difference. And yes, even if you already own the spring versions, I think the one for fall is still a must.

Up next are the two Skyline Eyeshadow Palettes. These also come with a stunning embossed surface. Texture is similar to that of the highlighter – they’re powders with a slightly creamy feel. Pigment is medium but buildable and the texture melds in with the skin so they don’t look powdery. If you apply them with a slightly damp brush the color can be intensified.

Capital of Light has a mix of shimmery and satiny shades including a gorgeous grey taupe, pale ivory white shimmer, satiny baby pink, shimmering tan and deep violet plum. The mix of colors creates a pretty smokey plum eye.

Parisian Sky has all shimmery shades. This one is better suited for an everyday kind of look. The colors include a shimmering tan, light sand shimmer, pale blue shimmer, silvery blue sparkle and deep chocolate shimmer. The blues give a sheer wash on the eyes and brighten the entire eye area when layered with the sand and beige colors. As one who rarely wears blue colors on the eyes, I found these surprisingly wearable.

Next up are two lip colors for the fall collection which is the Addict Hydra-Gel Core Mirror Shine Lipsticks ($35 each). There are a few repromoted colors like Incognito 316 which is a classic neutral pink that pulls cool on my skintone. There is one new limited-edition color called Sophisticated 927 which is a cool-toned plum with a silvery sheen. These have a smooth sheer to medium coverage and glossy shine. If you’re one who likes glossy finish lipsticks but want something to give visible coverage these are it. They have more coverage than the Rouge Dior Baumes but have that same glossy finish. These have a semi-thick almost gel-like feel which makes the pigment adhere well to the lips. Adding a liner of course will help extend the wear but they feel very comfortable on and fade nicely. As far as I can tell there is no detectable scent.

I applied these on the arm with a lip brush because these are the types of lip colors that don’t show up well on arm swatches straight from the tube, but do on the lips:

Below, applied straight from the tube on bare lips:

Last but not least are the Dior Vernis nail polishes in Minimal and Skyline. Both look very standard in the bottles and borderline boring. I will say at first glance I thought they looked a bit unimpressive but Dior polishes rarely disappoint. In my opinion, out of all the luxury brands that have reformulated their nail polishes over the years, the Dior revamp has been the best. Formula has always been top notch with a smooth, glossy flawless finish. They improved the brush by rounding the tips so application is really easy. Minimal is a perfect creamy beige peachy nude. Good nudes can be hard to find and this one brightens the hands without looking too pale. Skyline is a gorgeous chocolate cream, also not the most unique color but it has the perfect mix of brown and vamp to give the hands a perfectly polished look.

A lot of you have asked for nail comparisons – I’m fresh out of nail wheels so I will post comparisons in a separate post as soon as I get them in the mail. I will say right now though that Minimal is almost an exact dupe for Chanel’s discontinued Secret (the Dior is a bit brighter and has smoother/better coverage) and by comparison Chanel’s discontinued Emprise is a lot peachier and darker.

Two coats in sunlight:

Two coats of Skyline:

Bottom line gorgeous. Top three stand outs to me are the Diorskin Nude Air Luminzer 001 and Dior Vernis in Skyline and Minimal. The Addict Hydra-Gel Core Mirror Shine Lipsticks comes in close fourth for formula – right now I’m still in the summer state of mind but I think Sophisticated is perfect for fall. Quality-wise everything is excellent. Pigment on everything is rich and visible on the skin but easy to blend and layer for those who like a natural refined beauty look. If you buy just one item I would say go for the highlighter unless you already have a lot and don’t feel the need for one more in which case I would say opt for the Minimal nail polish. It’s a great everyday neutral that will give the hands a clean polished look.

Dior is offering an exclusive promo for Beauty Look Book readers. Dior.com usually offers complimentary samples with any online order but starting today through the end of the month they are giving my readers extra deluxe samples. With any $100+ purchase using code BEAUTYLB at Dior.com you will get some extra deluxe minis including a 5 ml Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming fragrance, mini Hydralife Sleeping Mask packette and mini Diorshow Maximizer 3D. Code is valid today through 8/31/2016, while supplies last (U.S. site only).

You can find the Dior Skyline Collection for fall available now online at Dior.com and at all Dior counters. All the items are limited-edition. Have you checked out the fall pieces yet? What did you think? If you haven’t, what’s on your wishlist?

Skyline Collection provided courtesy of Dior for review consideration. Many thanks to Dior for providing my readers with a special promo code!
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Uncategorized

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande II

August 22, 2016

I’m thrilled to be able to share a sneak preview of the next MAC Viva Glam collection with the Viva Glam Ariana Grande 2 Lipstick ($17) and Lipglass ($16). Both will launch next month online and in stores on September 8th. While most Viva Glam collections have a matching lipstick and lipgloss, this launch, similar to the first MAC x Ariana Grande collaboration has contrasting shades.

The Viva Glam Ariana Grande 2 Lipstick is a matte formula and is a medium-bright cool-toned orchid pink. Viva Glam Ariana Grande 2 Lipglass has a tiny bit of shimmer and is a neutral-cool mauve pink nude. I of course am 100% obsessed with the mauvey-nude color of the lipglass. If you’re looking for a lipstick version to layer the gloss with, the closest I’ve found is Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Very Victoria (reviewed here). I thought I could find a MAC lipstick version – it’s possible there is one, but the neutrals in that color range that I own are either deeper or warmer in color (ie Velvet Teddy, Brave, So Select etc).

More photos, swatches and comparisons below:

As always, lip products swatched on bare lips, foundation shade is Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in Y315:

Swatches and comparisons:

Swatch comparison Set 1:

Swatch comparison Set 2:

The lipstick of course is brighter and bolder than what I would wear for everyday but still fun. Considering it’s very cool-toned I find it’s not too cool on my olive complexion (although still very bright). I’m in love with the lipglass though – it’s the perfect everyday mauvey neutral that I think will look good on every skintone.

Both will be available online and in stores on September 8th. At maccosmetics.com and other MAC counters. They are limited-edition.

Have you seen these yet? If not what do you think?

Press samples of the MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande 2 provided courtesy of MAC for review consideration.

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Cle de Peau Beaute Lips

Cle de Peau Beaute Radiant Liquid Rouge Review

August 16, 2016

 

Clé de Peau Beauté launched a new lip product for fall called Radiant Liquid Rouge ($48 each for 5.5 ml/0.18 oz). These are luxurious lip lacquers with medium-full rich coverage and a glossy sheen. The texture is smooth and once they set on the lips they thicken a bit into a more gel-like finish. I picked up four shades at the counter, neutrals/natural shades of course in 11, 12, 13 and 14. For those curious about the other shades in the lineup, Bubbly Michelle has the entire collection for fall swatched (8 lip colors total).

 

The Radiant Liquid Rouge comes with a sponge-tip applicator in a very sturdy tube. I’m not entirely sure what the base packaging is made of but it feels like it could be glass. The colors I picked are suitable for everyday wear if you like natural colors. They do have a soft perfumed scent but it’s not too strong. Lasting power wise they stay put relatively well for a liquid lip lacquer and fade evenly. They have a hydrating feel to them although I am not sure they have any skincare properties in them.
  • 11 is a peachy beige cream. It does take a bit of blending and swiping on my pigmented lips to smooth out. I apply one layer, let it set, and then apply a second thin layer to smooth out the color. A lip brush can also help.
  • 12 is a medium rose brown cream, on my complexion it pulls a bit warmer, but on my arm it’s more of a neutral kind of shade
  • 13 is a cool shimmering rose. This pulls bright and slightly cool but has enough rose to balance out the cool undertone.
  • 14 is a pinky peach cream. This is the only one I had issues with streaks but I suspect those with lighter lip tones or those who can easily wear these kinds of colors will have no issue. For me this is one of those super high-maintenance shades that contrasts with my natural lip tone and therefore looks streaky. I personally prefer the Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Tiny Pink which is similar but less streaky on my lips.
A look at the shades in sunlight to better show the colors:

 

 

 

 

Two sets of comparison swatches in an attempt to find dupes:

 

Set two of swatch comparisons:

 

 

 

Out of all the shades I bought, I am most smitten with 11 the nude peach beige and 13 the shimmering pink rose. 12 is nice to have and I suspect better suited for fall due to the brown undertones. 14 is high maintenance for me – it takes a lot of work to get streak-free, but once it’s properly blended on my lips the color is really pretty. I don’t own a lot of Cle de Peau items – I tend to avoid the line because of the high price points, but I’ve been happy with everything I have tried from the line. The Cotton Pads are among the best I’ve tried (why I think so in this post here) and it’s one I will never stop buying (it’s well worth the splurge, although they have gone up in price since I reviewed them).

 

While at the counter I was seriously tempted by the new Luminizing Face Enhancer in Almond. It had a really pretty glowy sheen to it. I have a few other shades that I’ve bought and really like. I stick to my original assessment that I think the price point is just too much (even if you just buy the refills) but it’s one of those products I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with if you splurge. Given the vast number of highlighters I own I decided to pass.

 

As for the Radiant Liquid Rouge, I think one or two are well worth the splurge. The formula and pigment is top notch and I can’t really fault 14 because of my pigmented lips. As fall collections and launches start to trickle in, I’m sure there will be a number of new lip products coming out. Fall always seems to be the season for new lip formulas. You may want to wait a few weeks as September is just around the corner when most of the fall collections will be out.

 

I’ll be reviewing my picks from the Louboutin Loubilaque line soon, quick takeaway to compare the Louboutin vs Cle de Peau Beaute is that I prefer the Louboutin finish and coverage, but both are really good.

 

You can find the Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Liquid Rouge now. Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Clé de Peau Beauté.

 

Have you tried these yet? What colors did you test or buy?
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Lips Roundup

Favorite Luxury Lipstick Formulas

July 29, 2016

 

It’s National Lipstick Day today so I’m rounding up some of my favorite luxury lipstick formulas. I think everyone has their favorites – many of you want to know what I think the best ones are and as always, I have to say it depends! It depends on color preference, formula, finish, coverage and packaging. I gravitate towards neutrals and nudes, often times I have duplicates of the same color – but there are so many nuances in undertone, shimmer, finish I think often times they are different enough to justify owning. I’ve split mine into formula categories.

 

Best Full Coverage

Best Matte

  • Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution (Very Victoria and Sexy Sienna shown) hands down best matte because it’s a luminous matte that also has a hydrating formula that won’t dry out the lips, swatches here and here

Favorite Classic Formulas

  • Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lip Color (Pure Impulse shown) my all time favorite in the top 3 lipstick formula, I will have a dedicated post swatching and reviewing all of his lipsticks soon, they are fig scented, creamy and just perfect in terms of pigment and coverage
  • Tom Ford Lip Colors (Guilty Pleasure shown) always a favorite, this is also in my top 3 for the ultimate luxury splurge, formulas have either a cream or shimmer finish, coverage is smooth with medium to full coverage, swatches here
  • Tom Ford Lips and Boys (Austin shown) perfect clutch-sized lip colors, multiple colors and shades reviewed and swatched here
  • Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G (Penelope Pink shown) review and swatches here and here
  • Chanel Rouge Coco (Marie shown) is a classic, they have a wide range of colors from neutral, pink, plum, reds and browns, eight shades reviewed + swatched here
  • MAC Lipstick (not shown but Sunblessed a Nordstrom exclusive featured in intro and final images) this has to be added to my favorites list because even though the formula makes my lips dry and peel a bit by day 2, I just can’t resist the classic and edgy colors, they wear really well all day long and I wear them frequently, I just have to add lip balm to my lips like crazy at night

Most Hydrating

  • Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo (Recit and Message shown) is the most hydrating and comfortable lipstick formula I’ve tried, I love the slim click up wand and the best thing about this one is it’s not just a one-way click (you can click it back down too), all the colors reviewed here

Best Sheer and Glossy Formulas

  • Louboutin Sheer Voile (Rose du Desert) is the most expensive lipstick on the market and comes with a hefty price tag, I will say that I don’t know that I think any lipstick is worth $90, but it doesn’t mean that I won’t buy one (or several), the Sheer Voile has a gorgeous glossy finish, it’s sheer but gives the lips a visible tint, review on these soon
  • Chanel Rouge Coco Shine (Boy shown) is what I think of as the epitome of classic beauty, Rouge Coco Shines have been a favorite for years, if you want a natural tint of effortless color, these are the way to go
  • YSL Rouge Volupte Shine (Shade 47 shown) are another favorite, they are similar to Rouge Coco Shines but the YSL is a bit more emollient and comes with a fruity mango scent (swatches of the latest Rouge Volupte Shine Oil in Stick eight shades here)

Best Liquid Lipstick Formulas

  • Too Faced Melted Chocolate are my favorites for liquid lipstick because these also have a chocolate scent! They come with a sponge tip applicator. Swatches of all the chocolate shades in this post here.
  • Anastasia Liquid Lipstick (Crush shown) come with a love-hate feeling from me. I love these because the color really does last all day long but I am not a fan of matte finish lipsticks. This one can be fixed by adding a bit of balm or clear gloss on top and then I have a lipstick that will last from morning to night and through snacks/lunch.
  • Chanel Rouge Double Intensite (shades shown Darling Pink, Bright Rose and Light Rose) is another one that will literally last all day on my lips. It’s a two step application process, first color, let dry, then top with the clear gloss on the other end. Bright Rose swatched here. Darling Pink is the best baby pink I’ve ever tried (I don’t think I’ve reviewed it) and Light Rose is a gorgeous pinky rose color too.
  • NARS Lip Cover (Get Dirty shown) is a liquid lipstick with a glossy finish. I have two shades in Get Dirty and Overheated. I believe these are limited-edition from summer, I hope NARS considers adding this formula to the permanent line because the formula is really really good. Both shades swatched on lips here.

 

 

That wraps up my lipstick favorites in honor of National Lipstick Day! What are your favorite lipstick formulas or colors?
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