It seems many of my recent purchases have been inspired by others. The new Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams $22 (from Sephora) are no different. This post I dedicate to Lakshmi. She had her eyes on these as soon as they came online and e-mailed me “gorgeous taupe eyeshadow alert!” the moment her Sephora received their shipment. I immediately went to Sephora the following week to check them out and my first try, I was not impressed. I’m not sure if it was just the questionable sanitary tester conditions, poor lighting, or use of my fingers that had me leaving empty handed. The first time I tried it, it didn’t blend well and looked extremely muddy on the eyes.
However, after getting more info from Lakshmi and reading Karla’s post about her swatch adventures with the MUFE Aqua Creams, I decided to try it once more. I have to say I agree with Karla that applying with fingers isn’t the best way to apply them. Spreading the color on the eye with my finger leaves an uneven application since it sets fast and doesn’t blend well. It applies much better when you use a brush. I used my MAC 242 and Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Brush (one on each eye today) and I can definitely see a difference in the application.
Those not familiar with MUFE Aqua Creams – they are a new high pigmented cream shadow that is long-wearing and waterproof. I can’t attest to the waterproof part. I have tried their Aqua Lip Liner in 1C and I can’t say that it was longlasting. However the Aqua Creams do indeed last a long time without fading. Right now they are a Sephora Exclusive in the U.S. When I was at Sephora, the sales rep told me he recommended that I apply with a brush in thin layers. He said the pigmentation/texture of the cream was such that if you apply too much at first, you will get a cakey layer that will crack when dry. I’m not sure if this is true or not, but his input/advice did make sense.
I ended up coming home with #13 Warm Beige (which is a pale champagne pink) and #15 Taupe (a shimmery taupe):
I tried #2 Steel at Sephora with a Q-Tip applicator and it lasted from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm without any smudging or fading. The only reason it came off was because I removed it in the shower. I passed on it at the store because it seemed similar to Bobbi Brown Galaxy (which I don’t find myself wearing frequently). I wasn’t able to compare it side by side, but knew I most likely wouldn’t use it a lot.
Those wondering, I swatch tested a few shades meant for cheeks. I personally didn’t see how it was possible to blend them on the cheeks since it’s a bit tricky for me to apply on the eyes. Some of the colors are stunning, but the texture seems too thick to be able to blend well for a natural blush.
Dior has released a new lipgloss called Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss which comes in a larger tube than the regular Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect formula. Does this mean the original Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflects are going away? I’m not sure. There are quite a few of the same shade numbers in the new packaging/formula, just with different names, my SA did not know when I asked her.
The new formula retails at the same price as the old, even though the newer tubes have slightly more product. Both retail for $26.50, the new tubes have 6.3 ml/.21 fl oz versus the older tubes which have 6 ml/.19 fl oz.
Also, new and exclusive to Sephora for Spring 2010, there is a new Lip Polish called Petal Pink in #004 for $29.50. I wrote about the other 3 lip polishes last June, click here for the review/swatches.
L to R: Lace Beige, Pink Silk, Negligee Pink, Petal Pink
Close up:
Overall lovely with nice soft-medium pigment and smooth texture. The new Addict Ultra-Glosses range from cream non-shimmer to soft iridescent to super sparkle, so there’s a wide range to suit your sparkle needs. I picked the ones that were more subdued. (From Nordstrom.) If you own any Dior glosses, I suggest you go through your current stash and write down the numbers of the colors you own so you don’t experience the same “do I already have this shade” that I did while playing with all the colors.
(FYI those not familiar with Dior, most of their lipglosses are labeled by number at the bottom, the product name is typically only on the boxes, making it a challenge to remember what colors you have.)
The new Lip Polish in Petal Pink is fairly sheer. If I had tested it in-store, I probably would have passed. It is very dupable from other milky pinks, although it does give your lips that pretty youthful looking glow. These are pricey at $29.50, but this is due to the roller-wand and unique ingredients. I personally find the rolling wand a bit awkward to use since I’m not used to it. (From Sephora.)
I’ve been a huge NARS Orgasm Blush fan ever since it came out (I believe in either 1999 or early 2000). Clearly many others love it too – this blush alone currently has 3,344 reviews on Makeupalley.com with a 4 out of 5 stars average and ranks #3 as the product with the third most reviews.
Who would have thought that a single blush would be the beginnings of a series of “O” colors and products? I think sometimes I am just easily impressed and amused. I find it hilarious how many puns are done on the Super Blush version and the Multiple Stick version. One of my favorite NARS artists refuses to say the entire name for the multiple because she cannot handle the reaction customers have to that phrase. I myself am hesitant to say the word outloud when I’m at the counter.
The new Illuminator finally hit Sephora stores a few days ago, I tried it out on my hand and it seemed really sheer. I couldn’t tell if it was just the bad lighting or if it really did disappear so I managed to get a small sample from the store and played around with it today.
I tried the Illuminator 2 ways today. Clearly I should have focused on other more productive things today, but here goes.
Method 1: On 1/2 my face I mixed the Illuminator with foundation since the description said it’s good for an all over glow. Since it was pretty sheer, I didn’t see much of a difference in my foundation. Perhaps if I use a greater proportion of Illuminator to foundation I will be able to see a more glowy effect.
Method 2: On the other 1/2 of my face, apply foundation and powder, then apply the Nars Illuminator with a brush on the cheeks. The result is a very subtle but pretty glow. The glow is definitely noticeable. It doesn’t go on as bronzey or dark as it looks in the tube. I took a picture of my cheeks but unfortunately the camera cannot capture the effect. I think I may have to go back to Sephora and actually purchase the full tube.
Conclusion: I do believe it really does give you that glow-from-within effect. You will have to play around with it to see how it work for you. It’s more subtle than the Orgasm Multiple (the multiple is frostier and more sparkley). I find Multiples can feel greasy or get shiny mid-day if you don’t use powder underneath and over them. The Illuminator is neither greasy or oily. I can’t say that it dries to a powder, but it stays put and doesn’t feel like you have anything on after it dries.
If you don’t like subtle – you won’t like this.
In honor of the newest extension to the “O” series, the Orgasm Illuminator, I thought I’d try to swatch all the items in the line. Yes, I have caved and purchased most of the items, my thoughts on each after the photos.
The top blush is the regular Orgasm Blush. The one at the bottom is Super Orgasm.
Swatches:
The nail polish swatch:
The nail polish next to the blush version:
Thoughts on each item:
* The Regular “O” Blush – I love this, but I have to apply this with a light hand. Sometimes the gold shimmer is overpowering if I apply this too heavily. I like layering this over other light peaches so this adds a nice glow.
* Super “O” – Would really love if they took away the glitter. I find that tapping the brush before I put it on my face gets rid of most of the glitter. I like that it’s more pink and less gold.
* Multiple – A bit frosty for my taste, I actually preferred the Mustique that they discontinued once the Orgasm version was released.
* Lip Gloss – I like this the most out of the series. Such a pretty soft peachy pinky gold.
* The Nail Polish – I hate this. Maybe I’m just not used to orangey colors on my finger. If you are more tan, perhaps it would look less orange/gold. I just don’t like it with my skintone. I don’t know why I’m still holding onto it. I don’t think it’s flattering on me. It was good in theory, but in real life, just not my thing.
So what’s everyone’s guess as to the next product in the “O” Series? My guess is a lipstick version. Or do you think the series is going to stop here?
Received another goodie in the mail yesterday from Sephora.com along with my new shadows which is the DiorShow Black Out Look set which basically their Black Out Mascara that comes in a soft black tied pouch and a mini iridescent quint of Smoky Light 019. The set retails for $24 so you basically get that cute quint for free.
I’m a huge fan of Dior Mascaras, I actually prefer Iconic and DiorShow, but couldn’t pass on this cute quint.
I have seen this on various e-bay international seller auctions and have been looking all over to see if they have this quint in a full size, but I believe it’s only in the mini size right now. I haven’t had a chance to test it out, but it seems like what I wanted Sky Glow to be (that is the quint minus that powder blue shade which I know I will never wear).
Has anyone seen this in full size or know any other details? I think I would be in heaven if this came out in full size, even more so than when they released the Leather Palette for Eyes and Iridescent Leather quint.
* Due to the uber-tiny size of this, I probably won’t be swatching the palette. Thanks for understanding!
Dior just released a collection of single eyeshadows in a new formula called “1-Couleur Ultra-Smooth High Impact Eyeshadow,” retailing for $27.50. Dior released a few in the new formula in Argentic 056 & Trendy Taupe 066 with their fall 2009 Jazz Club collection in the US.
I bought these from Sephora.com because of the “ONLY AT SEPHORA” note beside each shade, but it seems like Sephora simply received the new eyeshadows first (similar to the release of the reformulated Addict Lip Color where they received the lipsticks first before other retailers like Nordstrom & Bloomingdales) since today, I now see the shades available at Nordstrom.com.
Nordstrom.com describes the product saying, “Dior takes shadow play to extremes with Color Extreme powder eyeshadow singles. Maximum color. Maximum wear. In a single sweep they’re on to stay for hours. The new innovative eyeshadow uses a new Japanese slurry powder process to create a formula that delivers maximum color payoff and extreme hold in just one coat.”
Sephora.com has decent product photos and color descriptions.
I ended up purchasing two of the shades Bronzy Night 486 and Beige Print 626. I had purchased Argentic 056 when the fall collection came out.
Additional product photos, swatches and scans/pictures from various magazines.
Swatches compared to a few other singles from the original single eyeshadow line:
1. Argentic (new formula) 2. Bronzy Night (new formula) 3. Beige Print (new formula) 4. Beige Sunshine (original formula for single shadows) 5. Brown Sequins (original formula for single shadows)
From Biteki September 2009: * Item #1 is Gold Touch 546 * Item #2 is Trendy Taupe 066
These come in the same size compact as the One-Colour Eyeshadow which retail for $25.00, I don’t know what the difference is in formula that would justify the higher price tag of $27.50 (which I think is really steep). I will have to play around with the colors a bit more to see exactly what the difference is, but initially, it seems that the new formula is more shimmery and the texture is highly pigmented and slightly creamy versus powdery like traditional eyeshadows.
Overall I’m really pleased with the pigmentation and the shimmer is finely milled so it’s not over the top or too subtle. I will definitely be on the lookout for the product instores to test out the other colors like Nude Luminescence, Ultra Violet & Brown Fever.
For makeup I’m obsessed with neutrals, but for nails, I’m obsessed with dark vampy colors and reds. Even though it’s mid-summer, I thought I’d share my favorite vampy colors to go along with the recent fall release themes like Dior Black Plum & Nars Tokaido Express. (Please excuse the messy manicures.)
***Note all pictures taken in direct natural sunlight. Also note the bottles shown don’t necessarily coincide with the shade on the finger directly above it. Bottles shown are notated in each category.***
Vampy Burgandy Shades (Sephora for OPI I’m With Brad & Chanel Vamp bottles shown): 1. Sephora for OPI I’m With Brad 2. Chanel Vamp 3. Chanel Rouge Noir 4. Chanel Cosmic Violine 5. Chanel Tulip Noir
Vampy Wine Shades (Dior Black Plum & Nars Gimme Shelter bottles pictured): 1. Nars Gimme Shelter 2. OPI NYPD Beet 3. Sephora by OPI Meet for Drinks 4. Dior Black Plum 5. MAC Boom!
Vampy Plums & Purples (Dior Licorice & Chanel Feu de Russie bottles pictured): 1. OPI Black Cherry Chutney 2. Nars Tokaido Express 3. Le Metier de Beaute Black Orchid 4. Dior Licorice 5. Chanel Feu de Russie
Miscellaneous Dark Shades (Chanel Nuit de Russie & Blue Satin bottles pictured): 1. OPI My Private Jet 2. Laura Mercier Caviar Dreams 3. Chanel Nuit de Russie 4. Chanel Blue Satin 5. Chanel Vendetta
Unfortunately for me this is how these blues/purples look on me without the sunlight:
I’m new to photographing nail polishes – so for more views or to check out these colors, I’d highly recommend checking out other various nail polish blogs for more swatches in case any of these look off on your screen! Or if some of the shades look identical, these blogs and galleries might help!
