When Refinery 29 reached out asking if I’d like to participate in the Maybelline #MyLipMagic campaign I had two reactions:
Maybelline - love them!
Wait…lipgloss? You sure?
Now…not to be rude but I’m so not the lipgloss kinda gal anymore *flips hair*. Ever since I discovered the lasting power of lipstick way back when, I’ve become a new woman. Wear lipstick or go home.
Never say never friends because one day you will get stuck at work without your makeup bag and suddenly make plans to grab drinks with friends - and all you’ll have at your desk are lipgloss. What better time to test out new product then 30 minutes before you run out? Thus began what I’m calling #DeskSelfies.
don’t mind the hair, okay! I was attempting to cover it up/ make it presentable.
As one of my drugstore favorites I can count on Maybelline to deliver high performing products without costing an arm and a leg and the Color Elixirs are no different. I honestly wish my webcam wasn’t so 2001 and really picked up on the colors present because they are VIBRANT! What you see is what you get and there’s really no need for lipstick underneath when you have these.
They offer intense color like a lipstick but feel like a lip balm and have the shine of a lipgloss. Not a single color went sheer on me and it’s super easy to build on (although I will say one or two swipes is more than enough). It’s a smooth application and, more importantly, not sticky at all. Expect to see these on more outfit photos (I swear I’m going to get back on those!).
Post sponsored by Refinery29; opinions are all mine!
After an eye irritation left me panicked at the possible cause, I’ve been taking it easy on my daily makeup routine. Not only did I start wearing a new foundation, I used a new face brush AND mascara in the same week leaving me unable to identify the cause of said irritated eye. As a result I’ve been keeping the focus on my lips, playing with different colors outside of my usual bright red or popping pink.
The result is this unbelievably gorgeous orange combination consisting of one of NARS’ newest products and a new to me lipgloss from NYX.
Part of the Guy Bourdin collection (available now), Short Circuit is a pretty coral that glides on lips and can build up for super intense pigment. Though it doesn’t apply one even coat with one swipe (I find that two applications gets a more even look), it certainly makes orange a more wearable color. Not as bright as MAC’s Morange (the ultimate orange in my book) this is less in your face and wayyyyy creamier. I got a solid two to three hours of wear before I felt the need to reapply.
When that time does come to reapply, I’ve been using NYX Butter Gloss in Orach Cobbler. It provides a sheer wash of color on my lips that complements rather than overpower. It’s non-tacky, has a faint candy scent, and does the job. It isn’t an intensely pigmented lip color say, like MAC’s Lipglass, but is a decent lipgloss especially considering the under $5 price tag.
Outside of these two, I’ll apply a bit of powder to even out my face and blot throughout the day to control the oil. Easy, peasy daytime look!
Disclosure: NARS provided a sample for editorial consideration.
Am I a little late to this party? Yes. Do you still love me? Below are reviews from press samples I received.
Description from M·A·C Cosmetics
You’re invited to a dinner of supreme decadence, where no taste is too extravagant and no behaviour beyond limits. On the menu: Cremeblend Blush flushes skin with a sensual glow while Eye Shadow smoulders for the ultimate in seduction, intensified by Fluidline in Gilt Gourmet and Deliciously Rich. Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash darkens and lengthens lashes, while Lipstick and Lipglass further intoxicate the senses, as lacquered nails shimmer in jewel tones and molten metallics.
M·A·C Indulge has been out for some time now and while some items may be sold out, you can still purchase a thing or two. I guess what took so long was nothing truly stuck out as OHMIGOD I NEED TO GET THIS NOW - kind of like how Retro Matte got me. There are some standouts, highlighted below:
Lipglass $15
(L-R) Ultimate Dish, Utterly Tart, and Lust for Life
Like all of M·A·C’s lipglasses, these are a bit tacky and thick but what I love about Utterly Tart is that it’s opaque in its coverage. Ultimate Dish is described as a “light beige with pearl,”n and isn’t something I’d typically wear alone. Over another lip color, maybe but alone it’s a bit too light for me (perfect for those with fair skin). It has visible shimmer underneath the peachy beige color and is somewhat opaque but can be sheered out a bit. Utterly Tart is a beautiful, deep crimson with a creamy finish. As I mentioned before it’s opaque which means I don’t need a lipstick or lip liner underneath. The third color pictured above is Lust For Life, which is similar to Utterly Tart but has visible shimmer in it. It’s a slightly darker, more berry hue that’s semi-opaque. The shimmer throws me off from making it my go-to but it is pretty nonetheless.
Lipsticks $15
In a surprise to absolutely no one, my favorite of the three pictured above is Just A Bite (center) which is coming off as a true red in the picture but it is definitely deeper. Described as a “mid-tone blue red” this Satin finish lipstick is a medium-deep shade with a creamy texture that layers beautifully underneath Utterly Tart if you so choose. By Design (left) is a surprisingly pretty color against my dark skin, coming off as a shimmering peachy pink that can be worn with a more intense eye look, while Feed The Senses is quite similar except minus the sheen a bit creamier.
Nail Lacquer $16
Last but not least in my faves from this collection are the nail polishes. M·A·C does make pretty good nail polishes but I’m afraid the price gets in its way. At left is Magnificent Feast, a sparkling gold that has a shiny, metallic finish to it. It does not have chunky glitter but there are visible sparkles. Great for the cliched holiday nails. Screening Room (right) is a gorgeous - absolutely stunning- teal shade with a cream formula. Apparently it’s a repromote but I’m glad I have it this time around as it truly is beautiful. It’s creamy so two coats is more than enough (I got away with one to be honest).
Again, I wish the sun wasn’t directly hitting the products when I was shooting because a lot of them are coming off brighter than they actually are (for example, Screening Room isn’t that blue but more of a deep teal) but c’est la vie! Get this collection while you can at various M·A·C counters and online.
When I say “Ruby Woo” chances are you already know what I’m talking about. Ruby Woo is legend - LEGEND, I TELL YA! - in the beauty world and I know many a fashionistas who swear by it. Heck, even Rihanna loves Ruby Woo so much so that she teamed up with the brand to release RiRi Woo (now a staple in my handbag).
With such a cult following for not only the color but the texture of the lipstick, M·A·C decided to create an entire collection of Retro Matte lipsticks in bold shades bound to catch your eye. There’s also the brand’s Pro Longwear Lip Pencils in new and vibrant colors.
Lipstick ($15.00 U.S. / $18.00 CDN) Steady Going Light pink matte Runway Hit Light nude matte Dangerous Orangey red matte Relentlessly Red Bright pinkish coral matte All Fired Up Bright fuchsia matte Flat Out Fabulous Bright plum matte Ruby Woo Very matte vivid blue red Fixed on Drama Rich wine matte
Pro Longwear Lip Pencil ($19.50 U.S. / $23.00 CDN) not pictured In Anticipation Soft yellow pink Staunchly Stylish Pink beige Shock Value Bright pink cream Dynamo Bright peony High Energy Bright orange red cream Trust in Red Bright cool red cream More to Love Intense bluish pink Fashion Boost Bright purple cream
swatches from left to right: All Fired Up, Relentlessly Red (not quite sure why it’s called a red since it’s more of a pink color to me; and yes it’s very similar to All Fired Up but All Fired Up is slightly pinker, less warm), Dangerous (my favorite!), Steady Going, Runway Hit, Flat Out Fabulous, Fixed on Drama (amazing for autumn!).
The collection is available online now and will be available at all M·A·C locations on September 12, 2013.
British interior and furniture designer Faye Toogood has teamed up with makeup artist Ayami Nishimura once again for a new and final concept collection for MAKE. Their previous collection, New Medieval, was stunning and had the best blue eyeshadow ever. No exaggeration.
The MAKE Aether Collection is a line of ethereal, Zen inspired products that are great for summer (and encourages the use of white into your everyday makeup - no easy feat.
The collection features a range of textures (from matte to creamy to pearlescent glitters) and tones (cold whites, silvers, and yellows)
The highlight, in my opinion, is the Aether Palette which features seven eyeshadows that allows you to create a different summer look that goes beyond pale pinks and bright pops of oranges. second runner up? The MAKE Face Gloss which can be applied on lids for a dewy, I may have just been swimming before work but not really look.
Like all MAKE products, 33% of every purchase will benefit the We See Beauty Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds women-led cooperatives.
