Maggie Knows Makeup

I'm always on the hunt for the perfect foundation, as are, I think, most people who wear makeup. And my requirements are extensive: it needs to look like my skin, cover all my redness, smooth over fine lines and pores, and provide a naturally radiant finish. So basically...magic.

The Lightbulb Foundation from Shu Uemura was the latest to be put to the test.

Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Foundation and Sponge - 764 Medium Light Beige and 774 Light Beige

I recently found out that Shu Uemura has a particular expertise when it comes to oils. They have a huge reference catalogue of pretty much every oil in existence, complete with the most up-to-date information about their various properties and benefits. When they formulate anything involving oils, they have this vast resource to pull from, and do so with very specific aims in mind. When they formulated the Lightbulb foundation, they did so knowing they wanted to create an oil-based foundation that would have high coverage, yet retain an illuminated appearance no matter the actual level of light. They achieved this with a mixture of fast and slow-evaporating oils, including macadamia nut oil - which is more reflective than other oils, and remains on the skin longer, with a longer-lasting glow.

In practice, what does this mean for the look and feel of the foundation?

Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Foundation in764 Medium Light Beige and 774 Light Beige

Top to bottom: 774 Light Beige and 764 Medium Light Beige.

I actually had a bit of a learning curve when it came to application. For one, I needed less foundation than I would otherwise, due to the high pigmentation. I made the mistake of over applying at first. I also used my hands, which is how I usually test foundation the first time I use it, to get a solid impression of consistency and feel. Again, I felt like it went on too heavy this way. This foundation really does best when applied with a sponge - and luckily, a unique, specially designed sponge is actually included with the Lightbulb foundation. (And can be purchased separately if you need a replacement.)

Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Sponge

The idea behind the sponge is that it can be used to enhance glow by using the bigger side in a tapping motion, or to diminish it by using the pointed side in a stroking motion. I didn't see a huge difference in terms of glow, but I do think the tapping application results in the smoothest finish. (The sponge is much denser and smoother than the Beautyblender, by the way.)

(Side note: I noticed that the kind of moisturizer I used made a big difference in how the foundation turned out on my skin. I was testing a water-based cream with alcohol content at the same time as I started testing this foundation, and they did NOT like each other. It just looked like a hot, flaky mess. When I switched over to my trusty Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentré, no such issues. If you have dry skin, I would recommend using a rich, oil based moisturizer as well.)

Overall, I think the Lightbulb foundation has great coverage - solidly medium to full. It's very buildable, as the oil-based texture keeps the product pliable and layerable for quite a while.
It covers pores nicely, too. What's amazing is that for such a full coverage foundation, it does indeed have this perpetual glow. I happened to pass by a mirror in my house during a dimly lit evening, and I was taken aback by how much radiance my skin managed to bounce back. Despite this, it doesn't look shiny in the daylight, and it photographs beautifully.

One thing to keep in mind is that the very ingredients that create that glow and pliability, also keep it moist and movable. This is by no means a transfer-resistant foundation, and it can collect in lines created by movement (such as crows feet). Setting with powder was a must for me. (For what it's worth, the Nars Light Reflecting Powder is my favourite, because it doesn't interfere with the luminous finish. The Hourglass Ambient powders might be a good pairing as well.)

To give you an idea of the finish and coverage, this is a before and after of me wearing just the Lightbulb foundation, no powder or concealer. I used a mix of both the Medium Light Beige (which has a neutral undertone) and Light Beige (which is marginally lighter, with a yellow undertone). Both of them look quite yellow when compared to my skin in the swatches above, but as you can see they blend out perfectly with my skin tone.

I'm really impressed by how alive it makes my skin look, considering a) the coverage level and b) the fact that I was just getting over the flu, and looked like a wet rag.

Have you guys tried this foundation yet?

Availability: Can be purchased from www.shuuemura.ca and www.shuuemura-usa.com, as well as from select Holt Renfrew and Sephora locations in Canada. The Lightbulb foundation comes with the sponge, and retails for 66$ CAD , and the sponge by itself is 26$ CAD.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated, all opinions are my own.)

One of the more interesting recent launches fromCover Girl is their set of three products in the TruMagic line-up (which debuted alongside their re-formulated and expanded TruBlend base range). This line features a "skin perfector", a bronzer and a luminizer, all in silicone-cream formulation.

Cover Girl TruMagic, TruMagic The Sunkisser and TruMagic The Luminizer

I'm always pleased to see drugstore lines getting more experimental with their products and formulations. The concept for the skin perfector is not unique or original to Cover Girl, of course, (Mally has had something similar out for a while, and Stila came out with their own version this past year) but it's refreshing to see a brand branch out.

The question is - were they a worthy addition?

TruMagic The Perfector

This is the one I was most intrigued by, since I had been lemming the Mally version for over a year. Essentially a silicone product in balm form, it can apparently be used alone as a mattifier, under foundation as a primer, over foundation as a finishing step, or throughout the day to refresh the look.

I was really eager to receive this, and imagined I would have a few days of testing and get a review up shortly. In reality, I found myself testing and using this over a few weeks, loving it and being bemused by it in equal measures.

The biggest win for me is using it as a mattifier. I love, love, LOVE how quickly and easily this provides a shine-free finish to my skin, without adding an ounce of weight or any added texture or cakiness. The key is to not use too much, just dabbing the provided sponge into the product and lightly dab/rolling it over the skin. This is especially important when applied overtop foundation or powder, as using too much product or a rubbing motion will only succeed in eroding the makeup. I made that mistake several times, with rather disastrous results. Applied with a light hand, it is absolutely fantastic. (And is a great option if you don't love the look or feel of powder.)

Another great benefit is the way this blurs minor imperfections, like dilated pores and fine lines. It's not going to fill in wrinkles or make major dents vanish, but it does wonders for making the skin look fresher and smoother.

Below is a before and after of my forehead (that is the area with the most noticeable shine at the end of the day). In the before shot I am wearing a BB cream and powder, applied 15 hours earlier.

Cover Girl TruMagic The Perfector, TruMagic The Sunkisser and TruMagic The Luminizer

Pretty good!

It does fumble for me as a primer, however. It has an instantly smooth, silk-like finish, which would seem ideal as a base. In practice, I just couldn't get my foundations to blend over it without some patchiness and flaking. I tried applying more or less, and it just didn't seem to work too well. I think because of its mattifying function, it just exacerbates my dry areas, which become amplified once foundation is applied overtop. If you have no dryness at all, this might work a lot better for you.

Another thing to note - after using it almost daily for two weeks and intermittently for a couple more (so let's say about 20 uses), I've already hit pan! That is really, really unusual for me. I don't think I'm being especially heavy-handed when applying it, so I have to assume there just isn't a ton of product in here, at least not for the kind of application that would be the norm.

TruMagic The Sunkisser

I honestly had no expectations for this, and was very pleasantly surprised. It has the same silcicone/balm formulation and silky, seamless texture as The Perfector, and applies beautifully over bare skin or foundation. It's not a cream, so there's no dewiness or drag, and it's not a powder, so you don't have to worry about blending out edges.

The shade is a little too warm for me to use as a contour, but it's awesome for adding a layer of warmth and a true tan finish. It can be applied with the sponge provided, but I actually preferred using a synthetic buffing brush to hit the perimeter of my face and a bit over my cheeks for a really natural, bronzed effect. It blends out so easily, making it virtually goof-proof. Although it's not in any way a dupe for the Soleil Tan de Chanel, it's a nice, budget friendly way of trying out that kind of product. I found it lasted well throughout the day as well.

Really, really like this one. My surprise favourite out of the three.

TruMagic The Luminzer

I'll say right off that this guy probably isn't for me, at least not used conventionally. Same formulation and feel as the previous two, though this one is a slightly gold-toned clear base loaded with a ton of gold micro-glitter. And I do mean glitter, not shimmer. This is not a subtle highlight by any means. For clubbing, or a stronger look, however, it might be just right, and it does share the convenience of application with The Sunkisser - it can be dabbed on over makeup without adding weight or disrupting the finish underneath. For the right look, and especially over deeper skin tones, it can be fun. On fair to medium skin, the gold tone can come across a little yellow, however.

Alternatively, I do like dabbing it on the eyelid as a finishing touch for an extra bit of sparkle. A nice advantage is that the glitter stays put.

Left to right: TruMagic The Luminizer, TruMagic The Sunkisser swatches heavily and blended in.

Have you guys given these a try yet? What do you think?

Availability: At all major drugstores and select grocery stores, as well as Wal-Mart and Target. Also at well.ca. Prices vary, but 9$ to 12$ CAD is about average.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. I am a #BeautyUnited blogger. As part of my affiliation with this group, I receive products and special access to P&G events. The opinions on this blog are my own.)

Oh, the Pantone Color. I feel like by the year's end we are all well and done with whatever the shade is. (I'm looking at you, Emerald. Not even Once Upon A Time will make me love you again.)

With the freshness and bright promise of spring lurking (possibly hiding) around the corner, though, I am MASSIVELY feeling the Radiant Orchid. I love pink, and I adore purple, so this not-quite-pastel lovechild of the two is right up my alley, trend or no.

Makeup brands are obviously feeling it as well, and have pulled out several offerings from their permanent lineups to cater to the demand. I was sent a few different ones to try out, and I shopped my stash for another item to cover all aspects of my face. (In retrospect, the Benefit Lollitint would have been perfectly appropriate as a cheek option.)

From Lancôme, we have the Artliner 24H in Amethyst, the Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eyeshadow in Golden Orchid, the YSL Vernis à Lèvres Rebel Nudes in #108 Violine Out of Control, and the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Fantastic (limited edition from a past holiday set).

This was my first time trying out an Elizabeth Arden eyeshadow, though I've been lemming them for a while now. From what I recall from my obsessive swatching, they seem to vary a bit - some are dense, creamy and more opaque, some are softer in texture and payoff. Golden Orchid is one of the latter, and works very nicely as a wash over the eye. The shade itself is a warmer, more neutral play on the Orchid theme. It's not a faithful interpretation, but probably a more wearable one for a lot of people.

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eyeshadow Golden Orchid

This was also my first experience with the Artliner, and I loved both the formula and the application. This has the same kind of applicator as the Stila and Make Up For Ever waterproof liquid liners, and the same kind of shellac-like finish. Intensely liquid, setting to a vinyl shine and holding on for dear life in the face of oil, sweat and tears (and most makeup removers). It did crackle a bit in the folds of my eyelid after several hours, but that's the norm for me when it comes to this kind of formula.

Application was super smooth and easy to control, with really great pigmentation on one pass. The colour is a blue-toned, almost eggplant purple, with a bit of shimmer. It's lovely with brown eyes, and should be stunning with green eyes.

Lancome Artliner in Amethyst

I'm already a fan of the YSL Vernis à Lèvres, and this had the expected feel and performance. Long-wearing and glossy (though it did not make it through a meal), it also seemed to plump my lips slightly, which was an unexpected bonus. (The copy claims a Euphoric Pearl technology that creates a 3-D luminous effect, so perhaps that's it?)

Probably the truest interpretation of Radiant Orchid, this is a lilac tone with subtle shimmer. I don't think this pulls the yellow in my teeth nearly as much as others in this colour family do, but it's not brightening either. If you have concerns, layering it over a trusted lipstick might also be a (subtle) option for getting a bit of that orchid tone.

YSL Vernis à Lèvres in Violine out of Control

The mini Tarte blush was one I pulled out on a whim. I wanted a fairly cool, bright pink to keep in tune with the rest of the face, but one that would be a supporting player. As with all the other Amazonian Clay blushes, it's ultra-smooth, long-lasting and pigmented, so I used a light hand to add just the faintest hint of colour.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Fantastic

And, of course, the comparison swatches:

Pantone Color of the Year "Radiant Orchid" Lancome art liner Amethyst, YSL glossy lips violin out of control, Tarte blush fantastic and Elizabeth Arden golden orchid

Left to right: Elizabeth Arden Golden Orchid eyeshadow, Lancome Artliner in Amethyst,
YSL Vernis à Lèvres in Violine out of Control, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Fantastic

This is the look I put together, which is what I actually wore to my birthday supper. (The big 3-6. I'm not traumatized or anything.)

I used Golden Orchid all over my lid, with some added definition in the crease and lightly in the lower lash line with some brown and taupe shades from the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette. Then I did a simple wing with the Artliner, keeping the flick fairly straight. (Eyebrows au naturel, because I'm lazy.) I used the new Benefit BB Cream as my foundation and concealer (no powder), and a veeeeeery light dab of the Tarte blush. The finishing touch was a single coat of the Violine Out of Control.

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with how this turned out. I generally love purple tones, and the various incarnations of Radiant Orchid seem to work nicely for me.

Are you guys feeling the Pantone colour this year, or is it a miss for you?

(Some of the items featured were provided by the brands/PR. This post is not sponsored or compensated, all opinions are my own.)

It's no secret that the Sephora VIB Rouge program has had some hiccups. Whether you think people had overly high expectations or Sephora just under delivered on its promises, the grumblings on the interwebs made it clear - this is a program that needs to be revamped, ASAP, or risk alienating those high spenders they were courting.

I've generally been pleased with what is the biggest perk for me - the unlimited free shipping. When few US companies and even fewer Canadian companies offer free shipping to Canada, being able to make a 20$ order on a whim is deliriously freeing. (I had no trouble making the 75$ minimum before, but it's SO nice not to have to - especially in conjunction with those 25$ minimum purchase promo codes. As a side benefit, orders under 20$ also ship duty and tax free! Win on all sides.)

That said, there's always room for improvement. If this weekend's Spring Social Rouge events are anything to go by, it might be a case of one step forward, one step back. There's still a fair bit of huffiness on chat forums about the discount amount (same as what BIs and VIBs will presumably get during Chic Week) and the stinginess of foil samples in the free bag.

I'm a ~~cheap~~ wily shopper, so when it comes to Sephora I tend to shop online, where I can combine the free shipping, promo codes and Ebates cash backs to the best advantage. Knowing the discount would barely account for the taxes and having heard about the minimal samples in the goodie bag, I went to this event with a small list and low expectations.

I was very pleasantly surprised.

I should mention that I had to drive 30 minutes through a snowstorm, so being greeted personally by the Store Director was nice, and I very much enjoyed the good coffee, chocolate croissants and the deluxe sample bar (3 samples per Rouge, from a great selection).

The service was spot-on - all the SAs were friendly and cheerful, and they had a nice selection of reps across makeup and skincare. I wandered idly by Caudalie, where the fabulous rep took me in hand and somehow convinced me to buy that 100$ eye cream that I had been contemplating not at all. Seriously, she used sorcery of some kind. She then placed some amazing GWPs into my bag, which amounted to a 70$ value!

I also got two sets that are not available on-line (the Fresh Skin Superstars), or at least not on Canadian orders (the Sephora X system), as well as a staple I didn't want to wait for (Josie Maran Cleansing Oil) and the lone Hourglass Ambiant blush missing from my collection and out of stock online (Dim Infusion). No worries about sacrificing my Ebates cash back, and then I still received my deluxe samples and the Rouge bag o' samples.

Overall, I was very happy with this event and felt like it was well-organized and fun, and a good value for the amount of money I dropped.

But it appears like that experience was uneven across the stores in the Montreal area, and that is perhaps the biggest issue with Rouge at the moment - the lack of consistency. Some people get to experience awesome events because they're in NYC or SF (Yes, I would have liked to have met Marc Jacobs and received a free MJ palette as well, not gonna lie). Others get full-sized products included in orders. (Only a handful of people, it seems, but this one has fostered whale-like proportions of resentment.)

What do you guys think about the program and/or this event in particular? If you're Rouge, are you feeling it? If you're not Rouge, are you enticed to try to qualify?

I'm not generally a makeup conservationist, but there are a few products that I have in my collection that I have yet to touch - their sheer gorgeousness will not be despoiled. The Giorgio Armani Belladonna Palette almost joined those ranks, were it not for the fact that it was a press sample and the desire to do some Gollum-worthy hoarding didn't seem like the thing to do.

But I mean seriously.

Giorgio Armani Belladonna Palette Highlighter

This is a stunner, no doubt about it. Named after the Belladonna flower (poisonous and psychotropic, yes, but also used in cosmetics and medicine), it also bears the bas-relief imprint of the self-same bloom.

I have to give GA some love here, for choosing this dual-natured flower as opposed to something more prosaic. It takes a certain appreciation of history and horticulture to base the centrepiece of the angelic-toned Spring collection on a plant that evokes the "beautiful woman" with its name, yet also possesses a murky history and a strong association with the darker arts.

The packaging is classic Armani, sleek and elegant and somehow practical, with a heavy plastic compact that flips open to reveal the mirrored pan and a storage compartment beneath for the circular fan brush. (This brush would be just "meh" in a blush palette, but actually works well when it comes to applying a highlighter like this along the cheekbone.)

The product itself....GAH. Pardon me while I wipe the drool. It's a gorgeous champagne shimmer that looks incredibly reflective, even metallic, when viewed in the sunlight.

Now, if you've tried the MAC Extra Dimension line, or the Gelée textured products from Estée Lauder, then you're familiar with the type of formulation that this has - a hybrid of powder, cream and liquid. It has the same bewilderingly complex texture, and feels dense, without any powdery kickback or that touch of dryness that these kinds of products tend to have. It also feels smoother and more finely-milled, and blends more easily.

It can be used wet or dry for varying intensity, and built up for greater opacity. Applied with a fluffy brush, it leaves a soft, sparkling glimmer, like fairy dust. The sparkle is incredibly fine and ethereal, the polar opposite of club-y.

With a firmer, synthetic brush, it can be applied for stronger shimmer highlight, and over eye primer it builds up to a wet-look gleam. The latter is super beautiful when paired with a simple, lash-heavy eye look.

Lasting power is great when worn as a highlighter, maintaining a nice sparkle and sheen over 8 hours (though I would welcome the excuse to take the compact out in public for touch-ups). As eyeshadow, it does best over a primer, otherwise starting to crease after about 4-5 hours.

In the swatch below you can see it applied straight on the left, and buffed out with a fluffy brush on the right.

Giorgio Armani Belladonna Palette Highlighter swatches review

Although I have a lot of highlighters in my collection, I actually had a hard time finding a dupe for this. The closest is the lighter shade in the MAC Definitely Defined Skinfinish, and even at that it is cooler and more pink-toned, and doesn't quite buff out to that same fairy-lit finish.

Giorgio Armani Belladonna Palette Highlighter MAC Definitely Defined

Here you can see the Belladonna Highlighter on the left, and Definitely Defined on the right.

Giorgio Armani Belladonna Palette Highlighter MAC Definitely Defined swatches review

I was quite surprised to see that this is that rare luxury beauty product that is actually less expensive in Canada than it is in the United States: it's 70$ at Holt Renfrew, compared to 88$ on the Giorgio Armani website. I KNOW. It's not a steal by any means, and like I said, you can find a similar formulation from other brands - but the gorgeous design, the finer texture, and the particular way it reflects light and sits on the skin is truly unique. It is the luxury version in more ways than one.

Have you guys tried the Belladonna Highlighter yet? What do you think of it? How does it compare for you?

(This item was provided by the band/PR to be considered for review. This post is not compensated, all opinions are my own.)

A few months back I was able to attend a presentation from Biotherm about their Aquasource line - which was actually one of my first experiences with the brand, with the exception of a BB cream I had sampled previously. (If you follow my Instagram, I posted some pictured from the event.) Since I had not previously used anything from Biotherm, I wanted to give myself several weeks of testing time with the new products to get a better gauge of how they performed for my combination, leaning-to-dry-because-of-this-damn-winter-that-will-not-end skin.

If you're a skin-care geek, you'll note that the formulations contain some unique ingredients and sophisticated formulations.

The Aquasource - Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel for Normal or Combination Skin (47$ CAD - 39$ USD) features:

Mannose - a natural sugar derived from tree pulp, it increases skin thickness by 25% and helps it further retain moisture over a 48 hour period. Tested on reconstructed skin, it has the ability to encourage skin regeneration.

Life Plankton™ Cellular Water - a blend of minerals, including potassium, phosphor, calcium, iron, Zinc, copper and manganese, as well as b2 (riboflavin), b6 (pyridoxine), b8 (biotin) and b3 (pp). It is also rich in 23 amino acids ranging from aspartic acid to lysine. This fluid aids in preventing moisture loss and stimulates skin regeneration.

Jelly!

The texture of this is really neat, something in between a cream and a gel. It goes on light and cool-feeling, like a gel would, but once smoothed in it feels the same as a an oil-based moisturizer would, only without that heavy, greasy feeling. It does contain shea butter and silicone oils in addition to the unique ingredients, as well as alcohol to keep that lightweight, airy feel in the formulation. (I was told that the potential drying effects of the alcohol are negated by the hydrating factors, but if your skin is particularly dry or sensitive, you might want to take that into consideration.)

On my skin type, I found it was perfect for when my skin was optimal (slightly oily in the t-zone, dehydrated everywhere), but wasn't quite enough for when the central air was turning me into an extra from The Mummy. (Not unexpectedly, as it is geared to normal/combination skin.)

The Aquasource Nuit - High Density Hydrating Jelly for All Types of Skin (50$ CAD - 42$ USD) contains:

P. Antarctica - sourced from a newly discovered micro-organism that produces a glycoprotein enabling it to maintain its internal water levels even in the frozen climate of Antarctica. The extract derived from this extreme weather survivor increases the production of new keratinocytes (new, fresh cells in the skin)by up to 25% after just 48 hours, boosting the skin’s overall capacity to hold water.

This has an even cooler texture than the moisturizer. Basically an oil-in-gel formula, it contains micro-droplets of oil that are 10 to 20 times smaller than those found in the usual moisturizers or oil-in-water emulsions. Despite the jelly-like texture, I could feel it transforming into a light balm as I massaged it into my skin. That super-light film took about a minute or two to absorb completely, and my skin afterward felt incredibly soft and supple, with a velvety smoothness. The Aquasource Nuit is my favourite out of the three products, and one I continue to use on a nightly basis. If you have dry skin, you may need to layer something richer over it, but so far I haven't needed to, even on my drier days. It doesn't have anti-aging ingredients as such, though, so if that is a concern you will definitely need to add an appropriate product to address those needs.

The Aquasource Deep Serum - Deep Moisture and Light Concentrate (60$ CAD)contains the same Mannose and Life Plankton™ Cellular Water as the moisturizer, but in a 3x greater concentration. It also has a micro-pearl formulation (essentially fine mica), for an extra light-boosting effect that lends a beautifully unified finish to the complexion.

Again, the feeling on the skin is fresh, lightweight, and it sinks in immediately. The combination of the hydrating ingredients with the luminous finish makes for a flattering complexion boost. If you're not inclined to wear much makeup, this by itself does a lot to create the look of smooth, glowing skin.

Overall, I think this is an elegantly designed line with ingredients and textures that are unusual enough to stand out from the usual counter offerings, and effective enough to merit some serious attention. Though it's not ideal for those with drier skin or anti-aging concerns, the lightweight formulations should be especially appealing to those with normal-to-slightly-oily skin who need that boost of hydration but who cannot tolerate a greasy feeling.

These swatches suggest the kind of jelly/gel texture these products have:

Left to right: Aquasource Moisturizer, Aquasource Nuit, Aquasource Deep Serum

Availability: At Biotherm counters at Hudson's Bay and Pharmaprix/Shoppers Drug Mart locations, as well as online at www.biotherm.ca and www.lancome-usa.com.

Have you guys tried anything from the Biotherm line? I have a couple of products from their dry/mature skin line to test next, and I'm really curious to see how they stack up. :)

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. All opinions are my own, this post is not sponsored or compensated.)

I was a big fan of the original HD Microfinish Blushes from Make Up For Ever. You know, the ones that came in the pump bottles...and that you could never, ever finish unless you wore blush like Mimi wore eyeshadow? I love me some blush, but there was just no way to go through a whole bottle, let alone several, when the average use amount was the size of a sesame seed.

The new Makeup Up For Ever HD Second Skin Cream Blushes, however, seem far more...useable? Packing a respectable 2.8 gram content and lovely pigmentation, so a little still goes a long way, without verging on the ridiculous.

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream hd Blush: #210, #330, #225 and #315

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream Blush, clockwise from bottom left: #210, #330, #225 and #315

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream Blush: #210, #330, #225 and #315

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream Blush, left to right: #210, #330, #225 and #315

Make Up For Ever claims that these blushes create the "second-skin look of a cream with the ease of a powder", and I would agree. This is a silicone-heavy formula, balanced with waxes and powder ingredients that give it a quick-dry, utterly weightless finish on the skin. Much like the new generation foundations (Chanel Lumière Velvet, l'Oréal Magic Nude) that blend right into the skin, leaving behind no perceptible texture, these blushes look completely, 100% natural. (Well, in so far as you opt for a shade that looks natural on you.)

If you're wary of cream blushes because 1) they seem difficult to apply or blend, 2) you're worried about applying cream products to oilier skin, or 3) you prefer the ease of a powder blush you can apply post-powder and reapply during the day....well, these guys are going to soothe all your fears.

One - the HD Second Skin Cream Blushes are absurdly easy to use. Applied with fingers or a brush, they blend out easily and don't catch on the skin. They dry fairly quickly, but because they don't go on crazily opaque you have to freedom to start light and build up. For a sheer application, I like a duo-fibre brush like the Senna Cosmetics Airbrush Blender. For a stronger look, the MUFE 152 Medium Highlighter Brush has served me very well. Honestly, I think these are actually easier to use than powder blushes, because of how blendable they are.

Two - because of that mix of oils, waxes and powder, they don't feel or look weird on oily skin (or dry skin, for that matter, as long as you don't have flakiness, which I've found to be the case across the board with silicone-heavy formulas). They have a very natural satin finish, neither dewy or matte. They look like...well, skin. Beautifully flushed, radiant skin.

Three - these can be applied to bare skin, foundation, or over powder. They don't drag or go patchy, and they last really, really well. Touch ups, should you need them, are about as fussy as they would be with a powder blush.

In a pinch, these can also be used on the lips, but I do find them drying when applied straight on. (Over a lip balm, as a stain, no problem.)

I ordered a few from Naimie's as soon as they were available, and was sent one as a sample from Make Up For Ever, so I had a chance to test a good range. There are 16 shades in total, and they are numbered in a way to indicated the general skin tone they are best suited for: 200s for fair skin, 300s for medium skin, 400s for deeper skin, 500s for dark skin. That said, I think most of the colours can be worn by a variety of skin tones, as it's just a matter of preference and how intensely you choose to build it up.

In the pictures below, I've swatched these heavily (a solid swipe from the pan) and buffed out with a fluffy crease brush to show how adaptable they are.

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream hd Blush: 210 and 330

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream Blush: 210 and 330

These two are the more cool-toned shades I selected: 210 is considered a "cool pink" by Sephora, and I would agree with that. It's a very classic, English Rose sort of blush, very flattering to fair, alabaster skins. 330 is called a "rosy plum" on the Sephora site. I would consider it more of a medium pink with a watermelon undertone, warmer and more muted than the 210.

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream hd Blush: 225 and 315

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream Blush: 225 and 315

On the warmer side: 225 is described as a "peachy pink", again very apt. This is a super easy, friendly colour that looks fresh on lighter skin and glowing on medium or tanned complexions. 315 is called "peach beige" and it has a bit of a redwood tone to my eye. When I wear it, it almost makes me look like I've caught a little too much sun - but sexy and beachy in that peach-blush-and-loads-of-bronzer way. I think this would be a really fantastic blush for olive and tanned skin tones.

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream hd Blush 225 315

And for comparison's sake, these are all four of the blushes side by side.

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream Blush, left to right: #330, #210, #225 and #315

Make Up For Ever Second Skin Cream Blush: #330, #210, #225 and #315

The Second Skin Cream Blushes are available at Sephora stores and www.sephora.com, for 26$ USD or 31$ CAD. (They can also be purchased in-store or via phone order from Naimie's and Nigel's.)

Have you guys tried these yet? What do you think of them?

(I purchased all but one of these items, which was sent by the brand/PR to be considered for review. All opinions are my own, this post is not sponsored or otherwise compensated.)

I've decided that Shu Uemura is my go-to brand when it comes to creating subtle, ethereal looks. I don't think their range lacks in any products for creating stronger or more graphic makeup, but I do think they excel in particular when it comes to evoking a more delicate, fey sort of beauty. More than any other brand, I think of creatures of air and water and woodland when I look at their collections.

The Bijoux collection for Spring is no exception. Kakuyasu Uchiide, Shu Uemura's international artistic director, suggests that "the key for this look is natural freshness, through using light reflection effectively, and also by using soft colours to create soft contours".

The key words here are "soft" and "light reflection". The formula of the blushes and eyeshadows is a literal interpretation of those concepts: their texture is marshmallow-soft and springy, and they are infused with a shimmer that comes across as either a soft sheen, or as a sunlight-on-ocean-waves sparkle.

The Silk Cushion Blusher is offered in two shades: Rose Quartz, a rose pink, and Orange Quartz, a peachy orange.

Shu Uemura Bijoux Silk Cushion Blush in Rose Quartz and Orange Quartz

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Blush in Rose Quartz and Orange Quartz

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Blush in Rose Quartz

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Blush in Orange Quartz

If you've poked at the Maybelline Dream Bouncy blushes, you won't be taken aback by the texture of these. They have a similar sort of plush "give" when you press into them, leaving behind a dent that very slowly fluffs back up. I would say these have a slightly more mousse-like consistency, but with a similarly slippy feel. They're cream blushes, technically, but don't fall precisely into the dewy camp or the cream-to-powder finish. They don't feel tacky on the skin - or even perceptible, for that matter.

They are actually fairly pigmented, and can be layered up to the full-blown shade featured in the first swatches below, if so desired. I do think they are best applied with a soft touch - specifically a duo-fibre brush. They blend so easily, and look very natural. Even the orange, which I normally would give wide berth to, looks fabulous applied like that. The finish is a satiny sheen, which only underscores that enchanted wood nymph image I have going on in my head. They have this lovely luminosity that doesn't rely on any kind of obvious shimmer.

Wear time was not exceptional. They averaged about 6 hours before I saw fading. If you're prone to having makeup slide off your face, you're better off stashing it in your bag and touching up. The nice thing is that they don't get all weird and cakey if you do need to add a bit throughout the day, even over powder.

In the swatches below I've applied them straight on and then as a softer wash, which is truer to the way I would wear them. (Apologies for the flipped swatches, but I trust you can tell which is the Rose versus the Orange. :P)

The Silk Cushion Eyeshadows are offered in four shades: Amethyst Purple, a pale lilac, Morganite Pink (MORGANite??? Come on now, Shu has to be with me on the fey thing with that one), Peridot Green, a light apple green with a hint of gold, and Amber Brown, an almost minky shade of brown, not nearly as warm as I expected from the name. It actually looks barely darker than my lid shade when applied, despite how it swatches out.

Shu Uemura Bijoux Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Amber Brown, Amethyst Purple, Peridot Green, Morganite Pink

From top left, clockwise: Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Amber Brown,
Amethyst Purple, Peridot Green, Morganite Pink

From top left, clockwise: Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Amber Brown,
Peridot Green, Morganite Pink, Amethyst Purple

From top left, clockwise: Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Morganite Pink,
Amethyst Purple, Peridot Green, Amber Brown

These have the same exact texture as the blushes, with the same potential for pigment payoff. My caveat to this is that they both look and perform better when applied lightly. Applied full on, the same way you would something like a Color Tattoo or a Paint Pot, can actually cause them to fade and crease within a few hours. It's like the slippery texture bunches up over itself as your lid moves naturally throughout the day. (Similar to the way the Flower Beauty and Lise Watier mousse-like cream shadows perform on me, actually.)

I had the best results applying a light wash, be it over a primer or as a finishing veil over another eyeshadow. The colour intensity is diminished, but the sparkle factor is enhanced. (Applied opaquely, they look more metallic/frosty.) The effect looks almost liquid, like the sun reflecting off water. It's a really beautiful look, but if you do prefer to have the colour intensity, you'll definitely need to use a fantastic primer and anticipate reduced wear time.

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Morganite Pink, Amethyst Purple, Peridot Green, Amber Brown
Applied straight on for color intensity.

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Eyeshadows in Morganite Pink, Amethyst Purple, Peridot Green, Amber Brown
Applied as a sheer wash.

Availability: This collection can be ordered from www.shuuemura.ca and www.shuuemura-usa.com. In Canada, they can also be purchased at Holt Renfrew and select Sephora and Hudson's Bay locations, if still in stock. Prices are 22$ USD/30$ CAD for the eyeshadows, and 25$ USD/35$ CAD for the blushes. (And yeah, the price difference for the blush is...not fun.)

Have you guys checked out anything from this collection yet? Or are you already onto the summer one?

(Items in this review were provided by the brand/pr. This post is not sponsored or compensated, all opinions are mine.)

Sometimes it feels like BB creams are the Lululemon yoga pants of the makeup world - they promise to lift and perfect everything you've been neglecting for the past 20 years, while making you look like you just sort of roll out of bed looking like this glowy, wheatgrass-shooting, got-it-together, piece of gorgeousness.

Sadly, makeup magic (and lycra) will only take you so far. On the other hand, I do appreciate an addition to the BB family that tries to do something a little different. Where most Western BB creams have focused on a dewy finish and light coverage (basically tinted moisturizer with some extra bells and whistles), Benefit has opted to bring something new to the table. Their answer to BB is The Big Easy, which promises to balance both moisture and oil-control, while concealing imperfections and self adjusting to your natural skin tone. With a liquid-to-powder formula, it also offers an alternative to the dewy or silicone-satin options currently on the market.

Benefit The Big Easy Liquid to Powder SPF 35 Foundation

The formula for The Big Easy is thick, rich, luxuriously creamy. Whenever I squeeze it out, I'm tempted to smoosh a big dollop on my face, just because it feels so nice. But that would be counterproductive, because I really only need the smallest dot. Benefit recommends using your fingers to apply it, and I do agree that the finish achieved that way is probably the smoothest. (Liquid-to-powder formulas can look cakey and will start kicking up flakes if you're over-enthusiastic with a buffing brush.) I also like the finish when paired with a Beauty Blender, though it will sheer out the product slightly.

I've seen some reviews saying that this is a sheer or light coverage foundation, but I would disagree. To me it feels solidly in between light and medium. I think if you're used to applying two layers to achieve medium coverage, then that might be the problem, as I don't think the finish is given to building up. I find a second coat takes the finish from velvety powder to straight-up powdery.

One application, however, takes care of my general discolouration and redness, to the point where I can wear it interchangeably with my medium-coverage foundations. The reason for that is while the coverage might be technically less opaque, it benefits (ha! pun!) from that light diffusing magic that seems to be part and parcel of BB formulations.

That sheerer pigment + diffusing effect is probably why Benefit can claim that this is self-adjusting to your natural skin tone. That's true, to an extent. In the swatches below, you can see that the Light is somewhat too pale and yellow, while the Medium is a touch too pink and dark. In reality, I can wear either of them without looking absurd. I wouldn't stretch it more than a shade either way, but I do appreciate that this is that rare base product that doesn't seem to struggle with my skin's natural undertone. (Light but kinda olive = freaking annoying to match.)

Top to bottom: Deep Beige 06, Medium 04, Light 02

To give you an idea of the coverage level and finish, I actually wore this in the picture I featured in my Radiant Orchid post. (I didn't use any concealer or powder.) As you can see, it didn't cover the dark spot I have on my cheek (my personal measure for full coverage), or obliterate my under eye circles, but it faked the look of nicely uniform, matte-but-not-dry skin.

As a side note, both the extra amount (35 ml compared to the usual 30 ml) and the broad-spectrum spf 35 are a nice touch.

Overall, I was really happy with how this foundation/BB cream performed. I though the finish was polished enough to be perfect for those days when I wanted to be a little less casual, but still wanted the ease of a tinted moisturizer. It wore well for me, about 8 hours before I noticed some very slight shine around my nose, but no breakdown otherwise.

If you have normal to somewhat combination skin, with no major skin concealing required, this would make a great everyday base. If you have dry or mature skin, however, I suspect the velvet/powder finish would be unkind to flakes and lines.

Availability: At Pharmaprix/Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale locations, as well as Sephora stores and www.sephora.com. (And if you're a BI, VIB or VIBR, you can also redeem 100 points for a deluxe sample via this link.) Price is 38$ USD and 46$ CAD.

Have you tried The Big Easy yet? How do you feel it compares to other BB creams or foundations?

(This item was provided by the brand/PR. All opinions are my own, this post is not compensated or sponsored.)

Is there any makeup-loving woman out there that doesn't appreciate the idea of a dual-use lip and cheek product? I think for most of us, the experience doesn't always live up to the claims. What feels lovely on the lips tends to slide off the face, and what sets to a beautiful, seamless stain on the cheek has us reaching for lip balm every 17 minutes.

Kudos to YSL for creating a product that strikes the perfect balance between the two, with their Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks.

YSL Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks - #5 Rouge Effrontée and #7 Corail Affranchi

Promotional background photo courtesy of YSL/L'Oréal

Packaged in a bottle that doesn't quite convey either blush or lipstick, it looks almost like some bizarrely elegant offspring of a swanky nail polish bottle, the Clarins Instant Light Liquid Blush, and YSL's own Glossy Stain packaging. It's cool and feminine and vanity-table appropriate.

I like it.

I like what's in it even more.

Left to right: YSL Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks #7 Corail Affranchi and #5 Rouge Effrontée

The applicator is a slightly chubbier, more oval version of the Glossy Stain one, albeit with a perforation in the middle for catching and holding a bead of product. This helps in picking up the amount required when withdrawing it from the bottle. (One downside I foresee with the packaging is getting the last bits out.)

The shades featured here are #5 Rouge Effrontée, a candied, pink-toned red that applies lighter and softer than it appears in the bottle, and #7 Corail Affranchi, which is a muted apricot that plays almost like a nude with my particular colouring. I thought it would be too orange-toned for me, but it actually looked amazingly natural.

Left to right: YSL Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks #5 Rouge Effrontée and #7 Corail Affranchi

The texture of the Kiss & Blush is unusual. If the Benefit Tints could be whipped up, this is sort of the result you'd expect - liquid yet mousse-y, dense but instantly spreadable.

As a blush, it has a lovely translucency that looks soft and sheer on the skin. My preferred method for applying cream or liquid blushes is with a duo-fibre brush, and with this formulation, the result is especially natural. Very much the kind of water-colour flush you see in paintings of frolicking milkmaids. The finish is a soft matte, meaning no shimmer, but very gently light enhancing. (If you're curious, I dab the brush directly over the applicator to pick up the product needed.)

This can be built up as well, but I would recommend some care at first, as it does dry fairly quickly. That would be the main drawback to this formulation - if you don't work quickly or carefully, you can wind up with some splotchy-looking cheeks.

(You can also apply and blend out with your fingers, as you prefer.)

Left to right: YSL Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks #5 Rouge Effrontée and #7 Corail Affranchi

It applies to the lips in much the same manner as a liquid lipstick, but with a smoother feel. It "pushes" across the lips easily, with none of the goopy drag of a lipgloss. It can be dabbed on lightly with a finger for a minimal stain, but applied straight it has medium to full opacity.

The "soft matte" finish here is especially cool. It initially looks more satin, and then matte as it dries - yet this is one of the plushest matte you're likely to find. If a matte finish could be pillowy, that's what it would be. My lips actually looked fuller and plumper, almost more hydrated. (A note here that the formula is not actually hydrating, just the look it creates.) It's sort of in between sitting on top of the lips and absorbing, and I suspect there's some silicone in there creating that feeling. Whether you like the sensation or not is a matter of preference, but I believe that's what gives it that cushy finish.

The formula stands up for a solid work day on the cheeks, and for several hours (though not a meal) on the lips. It has a faintly floral, sweet scent, which is less strong than the Glossy Lips fragrance.

YSL Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks #7 Corail Affranchi

YSL Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks #5 Rouge Effrontée

Availability - YSL counters at select Hudson's Bay and Holt Renfrew stores, as well as certain Murale and Sephora locations. Price is 40$ USD and 45$ CAD for 10 ml/0.33 oz. (For comparison, the Glossy Stains are 38$ CAD for 6 ml/0.2 oz.)

Have you tried this new-fangled formula yet? Are you a fan of the duo-function, or are you sticking to separates?

Personally, I have to say that while I really enjoy using this product as a blush, I am especially a fan of how it functions as a lipstick.

(Items were provided by the brand/PR. All opinions are my own, this post is not sponsored or compensated.)

I'm going through a bit of a busy period at work, and trying to work on some blog posts when I can. In the meantime, I just wanted to get some pictures and swatches out for some of the items from the new Maybelline Bleached Neons Summer Collection, which is in drugstores now.

I have a feeling this will be one of those blink-and-you'll-curse-the-gods kind of collections. If you like something, I suggest getting it now, because with only a couple of each item on the displays...

I decided to skip the nail polishes (from what I've heard they have a tricky formula, which is not unusual for pastel-type shades), but they were quite pretty. I also passed on the Master Glaze bronzers - just not feeling shimmery bronzers at the moment.

The rest of the collection is right in my wheelhouse, however.

Maybelline Bleached Neons Summer 2014 Collection

I have a couple of these Master Glaze sticks, and while I'm not uniformly impressed by all of them, I think they're generally fun. A really easy, dab-and-go formula.

This one is in the shade Enchanting Apricot, which is a pink-toned peach with A LOT of shimmer. Really too much to wear during the day, and almost too much for a highlighter. On the plus side, it does apply more sheerly, so if you were inclined to wear it lightly over a less...rambunctious blush, you could.

Maybelline Bleached Neons Master Glaze in Enchanting Apricot

The Color Elixir Lip Colors that are included in this line-up are gorgeous, bloom-evoking shades. If you've tried the formula, these are again no surprise: moderate pigment, a cushy, slightly thick, buttery texture that is nevertheless not tacky, and a particular vanilla-floral scent that is make-or-break for a lot of people. (I happen to like it.)

The three I chose were I'm Blushing, a milky baby pink that looks best layered over a nude lipstick, Radiant Raspberry, a medium, vibrant rose, and Glowing Garnet, which is nothing like the name implies; it's a neutral, muted pink.

Maybelline Bleached Neons Color Elixirs in I'm Blushing, Radiant Rasberry, Glowing Garnet

Top to bottom: Maybelline Bleached Neons
Color Elixirs in I'm Blushing, Radiant Rasberry, Glowing Garnet

This collection also introduces the Master Drama Chromatics eye pencils. (Which I believe are remaining as part of the regular offerings.) I've never tried the original version, so I can't say how these compare performance wise. On my lower lash line, I got about 7 hours of wear before I noticed some fading and thinning, though it stayed put without smudging.

From what I saw, there were four different colours, and I chose the one that felt the most summery - the vibrant, peacock-y Blast of Blue. They all have a strongly metallic finish, and an intensely creamy consistency that applies with great payoff and without a hint of drag.

Maybelline Master Drama Chromatics Eye Liner in Blast of Blue

Of course, I had to get the Color Tattoos. Maybelline really hot gold with their original formula for this range, and I'm glad they're continuing to bring out new and limited shades with each season (though these can be hit or miss).

Both Sunwashed Sky and Shimmering Sea are pure Pisces bait - intensely shimmery shades of blue with a beautiful duochrome effect.

Sunwashed Sky is a pale blue with an icy violet duochrome. It is the more shimmery and sheer of the two, and the one that loses most of the dual-toned effect once applied on the eye - looking more silvery blue than anything else. I also found this one creased a bit on me after a few hours.

Shimmering Sea, on the other hand, has a distinct aqua/gold duochrome that stays visible once applied. And it is FANTASTIC. This is the kind of shade that is perfect for lazy summer nights - slapped on quickly, with a bit of shimmer brown in the lash line, and out the door you go. It's also a great option for brown eyes like mine, that otherwise tend to look beady with overtly pastel shades.

Maybelline Bleached Neons Color Tattoos in Sunwashed Sky and Shimmering Sea

Maybelline Bleached Neons Color Tattoos in Sunwashed Sky and Shimmering Sea,
and Master Drama Chromatics in Blast of Blue (in sunlight)

Maybelline Bleached Neons Color Tattoos in Sunwashed Sky and Shimmering Sea,
and Master Drama Chromatics in Blast of Blue

Availability: At SDM/Pharmaprix, Jean Coutu and Wal-Mart, prices vary by location and promotions.

Have you guys seen these displays yet? Are you getting anything, or are you waiting for the fall collections? (And I cannot believe I just said that.)

(I purchased all these items.)

When you love a brand, you really want to give every one of their products a fair shake. Lorac is one of those brands for me. Their palettes have consistently hit the top tier of favoured products, and I've collected them since I started getting into makeup. They don't hit everything exactly right, but their eyeshadow formula is consistently terrific.

Which is why I was sad that the items I picked up from their Summer releases didn't wow me like I had expected.

First out, the SummerGLO Eyeshadow Palette(24$ USD).

Lorac Summer 2014 Collection - SummerGLO Palette, Alter Ego Lipsticks, 3D Lustre/Liners

From the packaging to the shade selection, this looks like a great little summertime palette. It's sleek, small enough to be portable, but with a nice range of neutral and vibrant pastel colours.

The Good:

In terms of performance, the neutral shades are the best of the bunch. They have a smooth, silky texture that applies smoothly and blends out well. They also have a faint sheen that puts them somewhere between a matte and a satin - they read matte, but not flat. The coral peach shade is slightly sheerer, but has a similarly good performance.

The Meh:

The shimmery golden beige in the middle of the palette has a bit of a thicker texture, so it's not as smooth to apply or blend. The light brown with micro glitter really doesn't adhere well to the brush, and the glitters tends to go everywhere. The purple is beautiful, with a slight duochrome finish, but is much sheerer and needs to be packed on. The teal has tiny glitters that don't really transfer, and a more powdery texture.

The biggest problem for me with this palette was the way the eyeshadows blended, in that they did so really, really easily. Lorac eyeshadows are known for being easy to blend out, but they generally also have a fairly buttery texture that allows them to still adhere well to the lid. The texture with these is less buttery, more silky smooth, and it seems like they have less grip. I had to be careful to not over blend, or risk them disappearing altogether. The matte(ish) neutrals generally held up better, while the shimmer shades needed to be packed on to a sticky base on order to show up vibrantly, and they tended to fade out really easily. The teal shade was the worst, possibly because of that more powdery texture. As soon as my crease brush touched it, it blew away, and it wandered above my crease throughout the day as my eyelid moved, doing its usual eyelid-y things.

Overall, I think it's a decent, workable palette with some good shades, but it's one that requires some careful application and help from a primer or cream base. It's just not what I expected based on previous experience.

Lorac also debuted their new range of reformulated lipsticks - Alter Ego (16$ USD) - and all I can say is....why?

These are a total misfire. I can't fathom how a brand that's been in the game for this long - with an MUA at the helm, no less - thought that this formula was a good idea. I can understand when a brand like MAC slips up something in RnD, since they release eleventh billion collections a month, but if you're specifically revamping your signature lipsticks, why would you engineer them to be this unflattering? I suspect they were so focused on getting intense pigment (which these can definitely claim), that they didn't balance it adequately with comfort of wear and texture.

Alter Ego lipstick: Goddess, Nymph, Girl Next Door

The Alter Ego lipsticks have a silicone-heavy matte finish. These are not only not hydrating, they give me troll mouth - desiccated, wrinkly, flaky. If you're determined to wear them, arm yourself with an exfoliating scrub and a ton of lip balm, then dab the product on and blend in as best you can. Maybe light a candle and offer up a prayer. (Ok, not that bad, but still. With all the fabulous products out there, why spend good money on a product that requires significant effort?)

I think the pale ones are especially problematic, as their chalky finish exacerbates the textural issues. The deeper shade I tried, Goddess, was better overall, so potentially the deeper shades in the line are worth investigating. The way my lips felt dried out after wearing these, however, doesn't incline me to trying more of them out.

On the plus side, the colours I've tried are really pretty.

Alter Ego lipstick: Goddess, Nymph, Girl Next Door

They look nice swatched, right?

LIES. HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE LIES.

Not so Nymph-y.

Goddess is the better one. And yet my lips still look like I've been sucking on the bitterness of life.

And onto a product that is merely a little problematic as opposed to cringe-inducing - the 3D Lustre/Liners (19$ USD).

These are a two-in-one liquid liner, with one side featuring a near-black shade, the other a metallic shimmer shade in a light, complimentary colour.

3D Lustre/Liners: Copper Lustre/Black Cherry Liner and Amethyst Lustre/Black Berry Liner

3D Lustre/Liners: Amethyst Lustre/Black Berry Liner and Copper Lustre/Black Cherry Liner

The Liner portion is great! The brush applicator is thin, flexible but firm enough for excellent control and the ability to create a fine point. The formula is lovely as well, long-wearing and smudge-proof, yet not a pain to remove at the end of the day. The finish is somewhat glossy, and a little shimmery. I also like the different undertones (purple and burgundy here) which are a nice option to pure black.

The Lustre ends are less of a hit, as the texture is thicker, which makes getting a precise line more difficult. They tended to going patchy upon application, requiring a few passes and then sometimes balling up upon further application. (You can see in the swatch above of the Amethyst Lustre.) They work better dabbed over the eyelid with a finger than used strictly as a liner. Applied like that, they are beautifully sparkly and iridescent, and I do like them used this way. As a measure of how they are packaged and meant to be applied, though, I think they fall short of the liner end.

So.

Overall, a little disappointed, but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that the Pro Palette 2 will be return to the fine form of previous Lorac releases.

If you're curious, I also have a video review here:

Have you guys tried any of these? What do you think? (They're hard to get here in Canada, though www.naimies.com will ship to us.)

(I purchased these items.)

It seems like Sephora is trying to step up their VIB Rouge program. They recently had an open discussion on the Beauty Talk forums, which gave members the opportunity to lay out all the ways in which they felt the program was lacking. While the initial response from Sephora officials wasn't altogether promising, it appears that they are making some changes, slowly.

I've personally noticed that they are offering more frequent and better quality promo codes for Rouges, both online and in store. (The latter is actually a big bonus for me, since as much as I enjoy my local Sephora, I rarely shop there because the perks were always better online.) It's annoying that the minimum spend for these perks is arbitrarily higher (35$ to 50$), but it is a step in the right direction.

More recently, they came out with a 1000 point perk that is currently limited to Rouges: the Marc Jacobs Love and Lust Lip Set. This set contains two full-sized lip products in limited edition shades, not currently available for purchase.

The items come packaged in a nice little box to make you feel all fancy (though cardboard only goes so far), with a little booklet included. The latter is essentially an advertisement for the Marc Jacobs brand, and the first page congratulates you (yes YOU!) for being part of an exclusive inner circle of awesome people to get these two special shades that Marc designed just for you.

The Lovemarc Lip Gel is in the shade Cabaret, which is described as "deepest cranberry", and the Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl is in the shade Shooting Stars, described as "raisin berry".

Love and Lust Lip Set

Lip Gel in Cabaret

Lip Vinyl in Shooting Stars

As far as the actual product goes, I have absolutely no complaints. These are GORGEOUS.

I don't own of the Marc Jacobs lipsticks, and I have to say I will be investigating them after trying out Cabaret. The texture is wonderfully smooth, and feels rich while still having a light texture. Wear time is about average, and the finish is a creamy satin that retains a bit of sheen as it dries down. It's also vanilla scented, which is always a plus for me. The colour is fantastic for me - a rich wine with a strong violet/grape undertone, almost plummy in certain lighting. It wears down to a plum stain.

I have tried the Lip Vinyl formula before, but Shooting Stars goes on more opaque than I was expecting from previous experience. It's not a liquid lipstick type formula, but it definitely packs a ton of pigment. It feels very comfortable on the lips, cushy and nourishing and not tacky. Lasting power is, again, average, and the scent is faintly sweet/floral, and it has a minty tingle. The colour is a very muted red, with a mauve undertone, (if they want to call this raisin, sure, but I don't see the berry at all) and pretty shimmer throughout.

Both these colours actually feel very autumnal to me, so I wonder if they are going to be released eventually and this set is a sneak peak for those "very special beauty insiders".

Lip Gel in Cabaret

Lip Vinyl in Shooting Stars

So am I happy that I spend 1000 points for this duo? Yes, in the sense that I love them, and I'm glad to own them. I didn't spend any money, and the points would otherwise be sitting in my Sephora account, to be spent haphazardly on random 100 point samples. I'd rather get two amazing full sized items rather than 10 deluxe samples, you know?

That said, I think the actual value system attached to the points is a little nuts. Compared to something like the Optimum Points system, it's laughable and almost insulting that spending 1000$ nets you 70$ worth of free product. I get that companies are under no obligation to give away freebies, but once they make a tiered customer loyalty program, they have to take into account that it also goes up against the loyalty systems offered by their competitors.

I guess I have mixed feelings overall.

What about you? If you're Rouge, are you thinking of picking this set up? If you're not, are you satisfying with Sephora's loyalty program as it stands?

I do believe this dual lip/cheek thing is a trend. YSL did it, and Shu Uemura is in the game as well with the Tint in Gelato Lip and Cheek Color.

Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato Lip and Cheek Color - Spiced Orange (CR 04), Blood Orange (CR 01), Berry Berry (PK 01)

Tint in Gelato, top to bottom: Spiced Orange (CR 04), Blood Orange (CR 01), Berry Berry (PK 01)

Like its sister brand, Shu Uemura has created a dual-purpose product that actually works well on both the lips and the cheeks.

Both products share a similarly perforated doe-foot applicator that captures a bead of product, making for a smooth application to both lips and cheeks - though Shu opted for the more classic lipgloss tube packaging rather than the nail polish bottle shape of the YSL variant.

Tint in Gelato, top to bottom: Spiced Orange (CR 04), Blood Orange (CR 01), Berry Berry (PK 01)

The formula for these two products is markedly similar, with the first 14 ingredients being identical. (Not surprising, since YSL and Shu are siblings in the vast l'Oréal luxury family.) I didn't find there to be a difference in terms of how the product applied or wore, but I did find the Tint in Gelato formula to be less...translucent? It's thicker and more opaque in texture, and more matte on both cheeks and lips, even when freshly applied. Where the Kiss & Blush dances the line between lipgloss and lipstick when worn on the lips, these are more clearly in the liquid lipstick family. (You can, of course, vary the pigmentation by applying it more lightly and blending with a finger.)

The Gelatos have that creamy, whipped texture that makes them a dream to blend out on the cheeks. Seriously no-fuss, and easily polished in less than three seconds. (They also work just fine over both foundation or powder.) You can apply with a brush if you prefer, but I like just dotting the product on and blending out with my fingers.

The formula also shares that quality of sitting slightly on the lips, due to the particular nature of the silicone polymers used. I find this is what keeps the formula feeling cushy, even as it dries down, but the sensation can feel odd. (See Tracy's review here, if that's the case for you.)

Because it has a thicker and more matte texture, as well as the slip of the silicone, it's best to apply in light layers to the lips - it's easy to underestimate how much you're putting on, and wind up with goopy lips. I don't find these drying or line-emphasizing, but they don't leave my lips looking quite as full as the YSL Kiss & Blush, probably because they reflect a less light due to the matte finish and opaque pigment.

Below are swatches - thicker and blended out - and you can see that they can go on quite punchy when applied straight on (the way you might prefer on your lips) but also sheer out and blend nicely for a faintly glowing but still relatively matte blush.

Tint in Gelato: Spiced Orange (CR 04), Blood Orange (CR 01), Berry Berry (PK 01)

I received a few shades to try out, included two from the "orange" portion of the twelve shade range. I admit to being a little wary of that word included in my lipstick/lipgloss names, but these were anything but tangerine on my lips. (I'm really curious who does the shade naming over at Shu, because I suspect they need to have a little convo with Inigo Montoya.)

This is Spiced Orange, which is more of a light, peachy nude. It's a completely wearable nude sorbet shade on me, and looks even lovelier as a blush - just healthy and faintly sunny.

Tint in Gelato in Spiced Orange (CR 04)

This is Blood Orange, which is a bright pastel version of the classic coral that generally looks amazing on anyone with olive or tanned skin (and with the pastel quality will also look awesome on paler skin). This shade is ALL about the Summer.

Tint in Gelato in Blood Orange (CR 01)

And finally this is Berry Berry, which...ok, this one sort of makes sense. If your berries are GMO'd like whoa, that is. This is a HOT berry shade, just this side of pink to be considered fuchsia. And obviously, I love it.

Tint in Gelato in Berry Berry (PK 01)

Though you can see the blended out swatches above, here is a picture of what the Spiced Orange looks like worn as blush (also on the lips).

Availability: At Holt Renfrew and select Sephora locations, as well as at www.shuuemura.ca. Price is 28$ CAD.

What are you guys feeling for these? Are you liking the dual function, or do you want your lipstick to be lipstick and your blush to be blush, dammit?

(Items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. All opinions are my own, I am not compensated. This post contains an affiliate link.)

I don't want to begrudge the cosmetic scientists who no doubt work long hours over at l'Oréal RnD their due. I'm sure they had a lot to do with the awesomeness of the brand-new Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream.

But let's be honest about what really made the difference here.

SORCERY.

L'Oréal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream: Anti-Fatigue and Anti-Redness

Like many of you, I tend to greet the release of yet another BB cream with a jaw-cracking yawn. Skin-smoothing, tone-enhancing, wrinkle-blurring - you and I have heard it all. Do we really need to hear it again and again with every new season?

In the case of the Magic Skin Beautifier, YES. Also, HELL YES.

This formula comes in two versions, one claiming to work against signs of fatigue to awaken the complexion, and the other to reduce the look of redness. Both of them come out of the tube distinctly coloured - one a sherbert orange, the other pale mint green - and transform to a peach tone when rubbed in. (In the swatches below I applied the Anti-Fatigue one a little more thickly, so it's showing darker and more opaque.)

I have to say that I wasn't particularly overwhelmed with the Anti-Fatigue version - on my skin it gives my skin a subtle bronzed glow, which is certainly welcome, but not game changing. If you have deeper skin in need of perking up, or skin with a washed-out, grey cast, it might be right up your alley.

The Anti-Redness one though, is purely amazing. Here are some before and after pictures to give you a better idea...

The first picture is bare skin, with just some moisturizer.

The second picture is with a thin layer of the Anti-Redness Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream. You can see that through some strange alchemy, it's easily taken care of the redness I had in my cheeks, around the top corner of my eyebrow, and on my chin. It even muted some of the darkness below my eyes, cancelling out the red in the violet shadows. Where I applied it more heavily by mistake (just under my eye) it shows up a bit more yellow than the rest of my skin, but otherwise I don't feel like this looked visibly peachier or darker than my skin tone, despite what it looked like when swatched on my arm. (And unlike tinted green primers, it does't leave my face looking strange and ghostly.)

I suspect that if you're very pale, or you have a lot of redness to cover and thus need to apply the product more heavily, it might look more obvious. If you're using it purely as a BB cream, chances are you probably don't need a ton of coverage. If you do, then I suggest using it as a primer instead. It feels comparable to a mix of the Hourglass Mineral Veil and those new-fangled second-skin foundations, with a very liquid, silicone texture and a quick-dry, natural matte finish. Like both those products, it can look powdery and cake up over dry areas if you apply a lot, so I would suggest going with a thin layer, and using foundation, concealer and/or powder, if needed, overtop. That said, I think you'll be surprised at the amount of coverage this has, and how little of the other products you'll need to use afterward.

The third picture is with my full makeup applied on top, to test whether it would wear as a regular primer would. And it did. I applied my Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation with a moist sponge (which would normally give me negligible coverage), misted down my face with a floral water, then dabbed some Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer under my eyes, a bit of Nars Light Reflecting Powder, and that was it for the face.

I am incredibly impressed with this product, even though I really don't understand how it works. So in the long tradition of humans before me, I'm going to ascribe its wondrous properties to the dark arts, and call it a day.

Availability: Should be showing up very soon (possibly now) at your local drugstore, with a suggested retail price of 16.99$, though of course that can vary with vendor and promotion.

(Item was sent by the brand/PR to be considered for review. Opinions are my own, and I am not compensated.)

To paraphrase the guy, sometimes a gimmick is just a gimmick.

Benefit is a brand I generally enjoy. I'm a fan of their boxed blushes, their eyeshadows and their foundation, and I usually find their faux-vintage vibe very appealing. They've come up with innovative products that really stand out as iconic - their liquid blushes, for example - and are the masters of the uber-cute sampler sets.

Which is why I so wanted the They'reReal! Push-Up Liner to be everything it promised. I mean, a cream liner formula in a convenient pen format that would make it foolproof to achieve a precise, lash-hugging line? A flexible, angled dispensing tip that would facilitate a neat wing? I was ready and willing to be converted, and doubly delighted when a deluxe preview sample of the liner found its way into my Sephora bag.

And yet.

I'll start with the positives, because there are indeed some really strong points here.

The actual formula is an incredibly pigmented, matte black. It goes on rich and velvety, and it wears like iron. It is waterproof, rub-proof, and generally ready to have a tangle with anything you throw at it. It's one of the only things that wears well on my waterline. (And despite reviews claiming that the only thing that gets it off is the They'reReal! Remover, I had no issues getting it off with a Bioderma-soaked cotton pad, pressed to the eye for 10 seconds and gently wiped away.)

Conceptually, the pen idea is also quite brilliant. It turns the usually cumbersome cream liner and brush duo into something that can be tucked away in a purse, perfect for adding some drama for a post-work cinq à sept. It's also a neat option for travel. The angled silicone tip is also great for precise lining, though still too thick for creating a really sharp point on a wing.

So if the formula is nice and the applicator is great, what's the issue? Simply put - they shouldn't be together. The product inevitably smears over the side and tip of the applicator as you use it, creating balled up product that needs to be wiped off or risk a gunky line. I tried eking out as little as possible, but that made the application patchy, as there was not enough product to work with, leading to skipping and weird "fraying" at the edge of the line. This required going over it a few times, which actually ended up being more of a problem, as the formula dries incredibly quickly - and the result was more crumbling.

Left to right: Clean line achieved with careful wiping,
thicker smeared line used as is, patchy line when using smaller amount.

You can see in the picture below that there is some patchiness evident in the inner corner, where I tried to use less product, and then again some of that on the wing and along the top edge where I tried to go over areas that had crumbled. The point is also not as sharp as I'd like it to be. From a distance it's probably fine, but close up it's just not the clean, flawless line I can usually get.

On the other hand, it's a nice, deep black, and it's kind of incredible for tightlining the waterline (if you click on the picture you can see in full size). That said, I would still need to follow up with a brush to get some of that black into the base of my lashes to get rid of any visible skin, as the silicone tip doesn't let me do that.

(Warning: Eyeball pic ahead.)

Yup. Kinda shitty.

And then there's just the sheer amount of product trashed, as it crumbles around and needs to be wiped off the tip. Considering that there's only 0.04 ounces (for 29$ CAD) compared to, for example, 0.17 ounces for a pot of Clinique Cream liner (at 17$ CAD), the waste is extra outrageous.

Product that needed to be wiped off, to achieve the liner in the pic above.

The formula, for this kind of application, really needs to be a little softer, but then I have to wonder if that would make the silicone tip problematic, as it would likely cut though the product it was setting down? I also assume that the quick dry time is also due to whatever it is that makes it so hardy, which is a point in its favour, at least for me.

I think if you're good at working with liner already and you want something tidy to carry and that will wear well, then you'll probably be able to forgive the application woes in favour of the indestructible formula and convenience. Personally, the time and energy (and wasted product) needed to achieve the same cat-eye effect I can get with a brush and a pot of my favourite cream liner just doesn't balance out. (And if you're a lining novice looking to execute a perfect wing, I would recommend starting out with a liquid pen liner. Same concept, but with a better applicator/formula match.)

That said, I do like this a lot for using in my waterline, and for that alone I might consider purchasing it.

Have you guys tried this yet? What do you think of it? (Tracy, I know you love it ever so much. :P)

(This was a gift with purchase at Sephora, and you can use code PUSHUP to get one if you place an order for 25$ USD/35$ CAD.)

I know the Lise Watier Eden Tropical Collection has been out for a little while now, but to be honest I wasn't inspired to use it until fairly recently. With the spate of blisteringly hot summer weather a few weeks ago, though, the tropical theme felt very appropriate.

This is a pretty massive collection, with mostly limited edition items, but it also includes some premiering additions to the regular line-up, as well as a limited item that feels like it might be a test run.

The major set piece is, of course, the Palette Eden Tropical (43$ CAD).This guy really is a stunner, from the vibrant and bold aesthetic of the packaging to the actual shades included within.

Lise Watier Eden Tropical Collection - Summer 2014

Lise Watier Eden Tropical Collection - Summer 2014 palette eyeshadow

All the colours are evocative of tropical flora: a super-pale mint, a green that shifts between sage and forest, a lovely violet-pink, a burnished antique gold, a slightly "dirty" bronze, and a rich turquoise.

On the surface, this looks like a somewhat difficult palette to work with - the finish on every shadow is frosty, verging on metallic, with really only one true neutral included. (I wouldn't term the antique gold a neutral, especially with the highly reflective finish it boasts.) This is definitely not the kind of palette you can tuck into your travel bag to cover your basic needs. That said, you're not limited to cobbling together some crazy Bird of Paradise eye look either, especially if you combine them with those workhorse "transition" shades in your collection.

The texture is fairly uniform on these, with an almost cream-like consistency that applies with medium pigmentation but is super malleable - you can sheer out, build or blend as you wish. You do have to be careful not to over-blend, but in this case it's not because the texture is so powdery that it wisps away. The longevity is good too, but not ironclad unless you use a primer. (I found a bit of creasing after 6 hours otherwise.) Out of all the shades, the mint-white and the violet-pink had the softest pigmentation.

This collection also introduces a new (and, for now, limited) product, the 24 hrs Gel Liner (25$ CAD). It's curious that Lise Watier hasn't had this in their repertoire until now, actually. It's a nice formula, a matte black that reads rich but not too intense, applies very smoothly, and dries to a smudge proof finish after about a minute of playtime. I do get a bit of separation in the corner of my eye, but that's usual for me due to the war my eye creases. If you're prone to that with gel/cream liners, I would suggest passing on this and sticking to liquid, otherwise this should be exactly as expected.

Lise Watier Eden Tropical Collection - Summer 2014 24 hrs gel liner ombre souffle sortilege

I have to say I was a little less wowed by the new addition to the Ombre Soufflé Suprême range. One of four new shades, Sortilège (24$ CAD) looks like a gorgeous gold-flecked bronze in the pot, but applied to my eyes it reads a little murky and dirty. Applied more thickly, I get more of that pretty colour, but the whipped-mousse formula doesn't play too well on my eyes when applied heavily - it tends to crease and slide off. (Though applied over a primer, or as a base for powder eyeshadow, it fares much better.) If you have drier lids, it may be the perfect formula, especially now that it has the added antioxidant benefits of Labrador Tea extract.

The other major piece in the collection is the Eden Tropical Bronzing Powder (38$ CAD). It's a totally gorgeous looking bronzer with a raised leaf motif and a peach blush at its heart.

Lise Watier Eden Tropical Collection - Summer 2014 bronzer creme blush satin coral paradise

Both the bronzer and the blush have a very flattering satin finish, but both have a lighter pigmentation than I would expect. The bronzer is a dainty, yellow-toned gold, and the peach is barely perceptible on my skin. I really had to squish my brush in there to get any payoff, and I don't imagine it would be visible on any but the fairest skin. When they're swirled together, the effect is a gentle hint of sun on the skin. I personally wouldn't use this as either a bronzer or a blush, but I do like it for adding some warmth to overly cool blushes, or for a faintly sun-kissed effect across my face. If you're especially pale, this may actually work very well as a bronzer, without looking overly strong or muddy.

This collection also has two limited edition cream blushes - the Blush Creme Satin in Rose Eden and Coral Paradise (24$ CAD). I have the Coral Paradise, which is actually more of a warm pink than coral on me.

The formula is silicone heavy, going on dewy and drying down to a seamless, but not powdery, finish. It has a ton of slip, feeling almost greasy when you first your finger across it. It blends super easily, and is perfect for fingertip application. The colour can be built up, but it sheers easily for a natural look. The lasting power average for a product of this type, looking faded on me after about 8 hours or so.

Lise Watier Eden Tropical Collection - Summer 2014 Hydra Kiss Balm Rouge Gourmand Velours lipstick

The Hydra Kiss Colour Balms (22$ CAD) included in this collection are perhaps my favourite, surprisingly. These have a translucent, glossy finish that is perfect for the season, and look wonderfully juicy and fresh on the lips. They're nicely hydrating, and, of course, completely not long-lasting. That's ok, though, as the sheerness and pencil format makes them a breeze to re-apply. The shade I have is Rose Eden, which is cool-toned pink.

Though not part of the collection as such, the Rouge Gourmand Velours Lipsticks (22$ CAD) debuted alongside, and are an EXCELLENT addition to the permanent collection. They are ridiculously pigmented and opaque in one swipe, with a modern matte finish that still feels comfortable and rich on the lips. Compared with certain other matte lipsticks I've recently tried, the formula actually seems to soften lip lines instead of emphasizing them. The claim is that these will visibly increase the volume of your lips - I don't know about that, but between the show-stopping punch of the pigment and the smoothing effect, it can certainly create the appearance of a fuller mouth. My shade here is Cassis, an intense blue-based red, with an almost berry slant.

Overall, I think there are some excellent products that bear checking out, before the Fall collections start rolling in. From the permanent collection, I highly recommend taking a look at the new Rouge Gourmand Velours lipsticks. From the limited items, the major standouts for me are the Hydra Kiss balms and the eyeshadow palette. If you are pale, leaning towards a warmer skin tone and in search of a bronzer, the one here might be worth a look as well.

PS - I will have a video coming up shortly, featuring most of the items from this collection! Here is a preview of the look:

(This collection was provided to me by the brand/PR to be considered for review. All opinions are my own, this post is not sponsored or compensated.)

My love of roses was inherited from my mother. She has cultivated a gorgeous garden in her backyard for decades, with varied types, carefully tended beds and a gorgeous, all-encompassing fragrance. (Compared to my approach to gardening, which is loosely based on Game of Thrones - you bloom or you die. My roses are aggressive little shrubs with prolific blooms and little scent to recommend them.)

Since rose is my second favourite floral - next to lilacs - I tend to have a fondness for products that remind me of them. (I know a lot of people associate rose with "old lady" perfumes, but I find the scent elegant and deeply comforting.) When I saw that Bite Beauty was doing a small series centred around a rose theme, I was ALL ABOUT THAT.

The Deconstructed Rose collection has four lipsticks: Damask, a rosy pink, Centifolia, a muted peach, Grandifolia, a fiery red, and Crimson, a muted dark purple.

(Side note: Glandifolia means "large leaves". So for example, Fagus grandifolia is a species of beech tree. Pereskia grandifolia is the rose cactus - and not a rose at all. I think what they meant is Grandiflora - which means "large bloom" and is used to describe a rose cultivar group. )

Bite Deconstructed Rose Lipsticks - Damask, Centifolia, Grandifolia, Crimson

Clockwise from top left - Centifolia, Damask, Grandifolia, Crimson

From top - Damask, Centifolia, Grandifolia, Crimson

Despite the typo, I'll forgive Bite, because damn, are these colours gorgeous or what?? Like...really, really ridiculously good-looking. The descriptions are pretty apt too, though I would categorize Crimson as more of a deep berry than purple. They are housed in the same kind of casing as the rest of the lipstick line, but special care was taken with the exterior packaging to play on the rose theme. I have the say that the boxes are so pretty that I'm finding excuses not to throw them away. (I think part of why I blog is so I can have the pictures of all the lovely things so that I can use them/throw away the packaging. It's an issue.)

I can't say if the formula for these is distinct from the regular line, as I don't have much to compare it to. I do find them all to be very rich, well pigmented and supremely buttery - almost too buttery. I find these a little tricky to apply, actually, as they tend to slip easily past my lipline.

The best method, for me, is to pat a little on from the tube, spread out with a brush, blot, and add another thin coat. This gives me the most control and precision, without sacrificing the creamy feel and intensity. If I don't do this, I end up looking a five-year-old who's gotten into her mom's purse.

That said, if you like a hydrating, creamy lipstick, you have it right here. The wear time is surprisingly long for a lipstick with this kind of texture, though not comparable to a matte or truly long-wear lipstick. They also tend to collect a bit at the outer edge as they're worn, when a thicker layer is used. (Again, thinner layers work best.)

These lipsticks are also all scented with rose otto, which is a natural distilled oil. There are supposed anti-aging benefits, but if you have sensitivities to fragrance, I would suggest doing a patch test first. Even if you're not sensitive, the scent is not remotely shy, so be warned. (Like I said, I love rose, so no issues for me personally.) The taste is, as with most Bite products, faintly sweet and pleasant, despite the floral perfume.

Bite Deconstructed Rose Lipsticks - Centifolia, Damask, Grandifolia, Crimson

Left to right: Crimson, Grandifolia, Centifolia, Damask

Damask

Centifolia

Grandifolia

Crimson

Availability: The Deconstructed Rose series is exclusive to Sephora and limited editions, and they retail for 32$ CAD (28$ USD).

Have you guys tried these lipsticks, or any others from Bite? I have to say that I'm 100% coveting the new Matte Creme Lip Crayons right now, and need to head over to Sephora for a swatching session.

(I purchased all of these from Sephora. This post is not sponsored or compensated, and all opinions are my own.)

With Kylie Jenner spawning a thousand 90s neutral lookalike tutorials and the UD Naked on it's third iteration, it's about time drugstore brands hopped aboard the "nude" palette trend.

Maybelline is one of the first with their The Nudes palette.

Unfortunately, it doesn't set the bar all that high.

It looks cute and functional enough, with a practical plastic casing and what appears to be a good mix of mattes, satins, shimmers and metallics in shades ranging from light to dark, cool to warm. The layout is theoretically helpful as well, with three full quads laid out across the palette (or six sets of duos, if break them down further). If the formula was top-notch, this could indeed be a great all-around palette - though one point taken off for travel-considerations, due to the lack of mirror.

Formula is exactly where it stumbles: a mixed bag of some shades that have great pigment and creamy blendability, and others with poorer payoff and choppy application.

The best performers are, not surprisingly, the metallics. The middle "quad" is by the best formulated, with the bronze, gold and burgundy brown applying smoothly and with very good payoff. They blend without a hitch, and aren't prone to thinning out. (They're not UD comparable, but I have yet to meet a drugstore shadow that has that degree of intensity. For the standard I'm judging them on, they do very well.) The matte peach shade has softer pigmentation and tends to feel a little chalky, but as a brow bone colour or transition blender it's just fine. This is by far my favourite quad from the palette.

The satins and shimmers are a little behind the metallics, but not terribly so. They vary between having somewhat sheer to decent payoff, and are generally easy to blend, but they can tend to thin out when applied, leading to a soft, muddied look. (Though if you really prefer a next-to-bare eye look, that could work in your favour.) I'm a little puzzled why there are essentially three taupes in here, however, ranging from quite shimmery to almost matte. They look more distinct in the pan, but on the eye, I can barely tell them apart. I wish they had added something that leaned mauve, or a true warm medium brown, both of which would have added some more versatility.

The three matte shades - which are also the darkest - are the most troublesome. They have a dry consistency, and just don't apply or blend very well, creating a choppy appearance both in swatches and when applied. I had the best luck using them to intensify the outer corner of a look, or to add a bit of smokiness, especially overtop the metallics. I hate to say, they're exactly the kind of eyeshadow that gives drugstore eyeshadow a bad rap.

The colour that really stands out is the pale duochrome lustre from the top left corner. I had a hell of time capturing the colour shift, but the picture below is the closest, taken at a weird angle under incandescent light. It looks like a pale, slightly gold-toned cream when looked at straight on in the pan or when swatched, but it actually has this absolutely stunning pink shift at an angle. The texture is nothing to write home about - sort of a crumbly, flaky shimmer, not unlike MAC lustres - but the colour is lovely, either by itself as an inner corner highlight, or dabbed lightly over another shade.

In terms of lasting power, my experience was about average - six hours before I saw significant fading, but no creasing. With a primer, I got an extra couple of hours. The best performance overall - including intensity - was over a Color Tattoo base.

So would I buy this palette again? Probably not. It's a workable palette, but hardly a slam-dunk when almost half the shades are problematic in some way. The overall mix is also not as versatile as I'd like, despite those lovely metallics and the funky duochrome. Too many of the shades blend into one wash of taupe-beige for my preference.

That said, if you 1) really prefer a softer, natural eye look, 2) aren't looking for a ton of variety, but like the option of a metallic smoky and 3) have a limited budget, then this might be something to check out. (Though I'd probably steer you to the Coastal Scents Revealed palette first, or the trios from Wet'n'Wild.)

Here is an example of the very natural, truly nude look that comes from the less pigmented side of this palette. (I used the peach on the lid, a mix of the taupes in the crease and outer corner, a mix of the taupe shimmer and pink shimmer under the lower lashine, the dark brown as eyeliner and the duochrome shimmer very lightly as highlight.)

Availability: Most drugstores now, prices vary but the cheapest I saw were at Wal-Mart for about 10$, with Pharmaprix/Shoppers retailing them for 14-15$.

(I purchased this palette at Pharmaprix. Not sponsored, opinions are my own.)

If there's one thing I trust Make Up For Ever to nail - every single time - is the waterproof claim. When those guys say something is waterproof, it's enough to last through a deluge. (There's a reason MUFE is heavily favoured by both folks who do water ballet and makeup artists who do bridal.)

The Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eye Shadows are no exception.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eye Shadow

The Aqua Matics are not only waterproof, they're very nearly indestructible. They refuse to rub off, and easily make it through tears, sweat, and showers. Micellar waters make a dent only with significant elbow grease, so I had to rely on my trusty oil cleanser at the end of the night. (No rubbing-induced wrinkles for me, thank you!)

I've read that some people find them to be drying, and that wasn't the case for me, but the way they set does create a particular sensation on the lid. It feels almost like a bit of a light film? The closest comparison would be the way your skin feels immediately after applying a setting spray. It doesn't feel unpleasant or drying to me, but I can see how it might.

Aside from the waterproof qualities, I think these pencils are generally very long lasting. They really resist wear and tear, and last 10-plus hours on me. They're a little firmer and less creamy than other eyeshadow pencils I've tried, but not so much that they're uncomfortable to use. The packaging is also really practical, with a twist-up function and a sharpener built into the bottom of the pencil casing.

They can be worn alone or as a base, and depending on the shade you choose, the base option might be better. The I-30 (Iridescent Lime Green), I-22 (Iridescent Electric Blue) and ME-50 (Metallic Golden Taupe) all have great pigmentation, build up to complete opacity without a problem and apply smoothly. The D-10 (Diamond Black) is sheerer to begin with, and doesn't really look opaque on the lid, no matter how much it's built up. It does have an interesting oil-slick sort of look, however, so for a lived in, "greasy" look smoky eye that actually doesn't rely on greasepaint, it's a neat option. (Probably more editorial than the casual consumer would like.)

I do find that the Aqua Matics are best for an intense, graphic eye look if you're using them as eyeshadow. (The blue is particularly stunning applied all over the lid, with an exaggerated wing and smoky crease - if I have time, I'll do a video with this look.)

I tried applying these shades as more subtle washes, and they just end up looking patchy and odd. They're also difficult to blend out, because they set literally in seconds. If you want to buff the edges out, you have to work in small increments. For a more natural look, the neutral shades are best, because you can apply them all over the lid without sheering them out, and then layer a shimmer or satin powder eyeshadow over them for a softened effect. If you do want to try applying them as washes, I would suggest dabbing a little on with your finger instead of going straight from the pencil, as the body heat will make it a little easier.

If you want to use one of the vivid shades without committing to a bold eye look, they are excellent used as eyeliners, or accent shades in smaller placements (especially if you're prone to water-based wear along your lash line or inner corner, for example).

I don't think these are as user-friendly for the average consumer as similar eyeshadow pencils from other brands, but if you're looking for something waterproof and long-wearing with a lot of intensity, then these are exactly what you need.

Availability: At Sephora stores and www.sephora.com. Also available from Naimie's and Nigel Beauty Emporium, via phone order. Price is 21$ USD and 25$ CAD.

Have you guys given this a try? How does it stack up to other eyeshadow pencils you have?

(Shade D-10 was provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. I purchased the other shades. All opinions are my own, this review is not sponsored or compensated.)

Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Foundation and Sponge - 764 Medium Light Beige and 774 Light Beige

Cover Girl TruMagic The Perfector, TruMagic The Sunkisser and TruMagic The Luminizer

Pantone Color of the Year "Radiant Orchid" - featuring Lancome, YSL, Tarte and Elizabeth Arden

Sephora VIB Rouge In-Store Event

Giorgio Armani Belladonna Palette Highlighter

Biotherm Aquasource - Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel, Nuit High Density Hydrating Jelly and Deep Serum

Make Up For Ever HD Second Skin Cream Blush: #210, #330, #225 and #315

Shu Uemura Bijoux Collection for Spring 2014 - Silk Cushion Eyeshadows and Blushes

Benefit The Big Easy Liquid to Powder SPF 35 Foundation

YSL Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks - #5 Rouge Effrontée and #7 Corail Affranchi

Maybelline Bleached Neons Collection - Summer 2014

Lorac Summer 2014 Collection - SummerGLO Palette, Alter Ego Lipsticks, 3D Lustre/Liners

Marc Jacobs 1000 Point VIB Rouge Perk - Love and Lust Lip Set

Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato Lip and Cheek Color - Spiced Orange (CR 04), Blood Orange (CR 01), Berry Berry (PK 01)

L'Oréal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream: Anti-Fatigue and Anti-Redness

Benefit They're Real! Push-Up Liner

Lise Watier Eden Tropical Collection - Summer 2014

Bite Beauty Deconstructed Rose Lipsticks - Damask, Centifolia, Grandifolia, Crimson

Maybelline The Nudes Palette

Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eye Shadow