Loose Powders -La Mer - Skincolor De La Mer - The Powder - Poudre de La Mer
MARmaladeJay 4/11/2012 3:32:00 AM
Given the fact that I have been looking for a setting/powder-type 'foundation' to wear every day for the past two months and the products I have tried thus far, have stopped here. Keep in mind that I have tried NARS Loose Powder in Eden, Lancome's Translucence Mattifying Silky Pressed Powder in 350 Bisque, Giorgio Armani Micro-FIl Loose Powder in #02, and BareMinerals Original Mineral Veil, and Smashbox's 'Photo Set' Finishing Powder SPF 15. Of the 5 powders, BareMinerals came the closets next to La Mer's in terms of oil control, but La Mer's worked the best. I use the shade Neutral 02. I really wanted to like all of the powder I tried, but within an hour the other powders made me very oily. La Mer with its finely milled texture is the only powder that has given me the oil control and at the same time allows my natural skin to 'glow' without looking greasy. It does contain very small shimmer particles, but it is not visible on the skin when applied. After all the trail and error, this 'Powder' is worth every penny. I do need to touch up after 4-5 hours, which is fine with me. The only low rating I gave is the packaging. Obviously, it's way to bulky to carry around so I have a small container that I carry with me. The puff that is included is incredibly soft. I use it only to set my foundation, cream blushes, and concealers. I do wear this alone on most days and I apply it with a buffing brush. It leaves a sheer coverage without looking cakey. I will definitely repurchase this.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Lancome - Rouge in Love - Violette Coquette 381B
MARmaladeJay 4/6/2012 6:50:00 PM
According to Lancome's website, these luxury lipsticks are categorized by the following: *Jolis Matins: Fresh shades for daytime wear. Jolis Matins shades are identified with the letter M in the shade number. *Boudoir Time: Pop shades for cocktail hour. Bourdoir Time shades are identified with the letter B in the shade number. *Tonight is My Night: Intense shades for magical nights. Tonight is My Night shades are identified with the letter N in the shade number. FROM THE TUBE AND WHAT IT CLAIMS: Lancome's Rouge In Love Lipsticks are amazing! From the tube, 381B appears like a matte lipstick, some with obvious sparkle and others a flat matte. Though it appears matte, it applies with a slight shine. When I looked at the color from the tube, it looked very bold. Although I love my bold lips, this is definitely a color I would not dare try on. But I did and I fell in love and immediately bought two tubes! These lipsticks claim to be 6-hour long wearing. As soon as I got 381B, I tested it out. I ate frozen yogurt and was still in place. Though you do consider eating more carefully than without lipstick I definitely got the full 6 hours of wear with slight fading at the inner part of my bottom lip. In addition, it did not dry out my lips. The next day, I wore it again, this time without eating and it stayed on for the full 6 hours. No fading. No drying. It also leaves a wonderful berry stain once removed. MY INITIAL REACTION: On my lips, it's like a very wearable fuchsia. This is the shade I wanted NARS' Funny Face to look like on me. It has visible pink shimmer from the tube, but it does not show up when applied. It's used more to give this lipstick its pink hue. I do advise wearing a lip liner because these will feather. Since I could not find a lip liner to match 381B Make Up For Ever's Lip Line Perfector work best, which is a clear lip liner that can be used with any color. FINAL THOUGHTS: I have a photo of it against my NC40 skin as well as a swatch on my hand and from the tube. I tried to capture the picture of it from the tube, but I couldn't capture the pink shimmer. You're going to have to see this shade in person. I think this is a beautiful color for the spring with a very light eye and a heavy wing. It definitely brightens up your day! Would I purchase this again? At $25 USD each, I would definitely fork out the extra cash because these are so pigmented, long lasting, and does not dry my lips out. I also have it in Lasting Kiss 200B (nude pinkish brown), Fiery Attitude 391N (deep berry wine), and Jolie Rosalie 275M (natural mauve)
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -NARS - Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
MARmaladeJay 2/18/2012 4:18:00 PM
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Sunscreen PA+++ Net WT. 1.9 Oz. 50 mL Price: $42 (USD) My shade: St. Moritz, Medium 1 (Sheer Glow/Matte: Barcelona, MAC: NC40, Shiseido: B60) My skin type: oily, acne-prone Ingredients: Active ingredients: Octinoxate 7.4%, Titanium Dioxide 6.1% Inactive ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Cyclomethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydorxide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxano, Fragrance, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisodium EDTA, Aluminum Distearate, Talc, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polysilicone-2, Vibrio Alginolyticus Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Alteromonas Ferment Filtrate, Sea Salt, Hydogen Dimethicone, BHT, Algae Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Potassium Sorbate, [+/- (May contain): Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides]. NARS claims: “This lightweight oil-free tinted moisturizer immediately helps thirsty skin feel hydrated. It has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in just 4 weeks. It obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections. SPF 30/PA+++ adds a translucent veil of protection. Oil-free, Paraben-free, Synthetic-Fragrance-free, Non-comedogenic. Dermatologist tested.” MY REVIEW: I have been using this for about 10 days. Please keep in mind I am comparing NARS to Bobbi Browns tinted moisturizer, which I used for about 2 months. I wanted to try something new so I went to the NARS counter to purchase Sheer Glow and was introduced to this product (I walked out with both). The Sales Associate first applied Annapurna, which was too yellow for my skin. It left my skin orangey. She then applied St. Moritz, which is one shade lighter and a better match. I was a bit hesitant using another TM because after using Bobbi Brown’s TM for 2 months, I noticed my face getting oily shortly after application. So back to the store it went. I skip moisturizer and sunblock while this product allows me to. I enjoy the one-step kind of products. It has been about 10 days and this is by far one of the better TM that has kept my oil under control. After 4 hours of wear, there is a nice sheen to my skin, definitely not oily looking. USAGE AND APPLICATION: After cleansing and toning, I apply my eye cream then follow with NARS’ Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer then NARS’ tinted moisturizer with clean fingers. I prefer applying with my fingers as I do with most of my liquid foundations. I usually spot conceal after applying my liquid foundation, but I skip this step when using TM’s. The reason being, is that I like the finish of this TM as it shows my natural skin. My skin has minor blemishes, so it covers just enough to even out my skin tone. I then apply blush and finish my whole look with NARS’ Loose Powder in Eden. CONSISTENCY AND COVERAGE: It’s your typical creamy moisturizer, but a bit thicker. But not too thick that it can’t spread easily. The coverage is light to medium. I suggest starting off with half a pea size and build if you need more. The first time I applied it, I use double the pea size and it looked way too cakey. Keep in mind, it's buildable. If you want more coverage, spot concealing can be followed after application and before a finishing powder if preferred. WHAT DO I EXPECT FROM THIS PRODUCT? I expect this product to give me a more even look as well as the added protection from the sun. In addition, I’m looking for oil control, but not a matte finish. This product does exactly what I'm looking for. OVERALL: I really like the lightweight feel of this TM. I haven’t noticed any reduction of my hyperpigmentation. I will continue using this solely for the coverage, finish, and texture. Even if it does not reduce discolorations, I’ll still use this. I do like the moisturizing effects of both BB and NARS, I mostly like the oil control better with NARS especially since this will be my spring/summer coverage. I will add a more in depth review later on to see if there have been any improvements. It’s also nice to see a TM that uses PA+++, which is an element in a lot of Japanese sunscreens that adds extra protection. I definitely could see more brands following this method for tinted moisturizers in the near future. ***UPDATE: MARCH 10*** I love it, but haven't seen any changes to my skin. I have minimal scaring left behind form acne so as it claims to lighten and I don't see that. I didn't buy it for that reason anyways, so I'm keeping it. I was setting it with NARS' Loose Powder in Eden which looked beautiful when first applied, but then I noticed I was getting extremely oily shortly after. Now that I've stopped using both products together I'm less oily. I now set it with Giorgio Armani Micro-fil Loose Powder. That seems to work the best for my skin at controlling oil. PURCHASE AGAIN? Yes
52 out of 52 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -NARS - Pure Matte Lipstick - Valparaiso
MARmaladeJay 2/1/2012 2:15:00 AM
OVERALL: Valparaiso is an amazing rich raspberry color. It sort of reminds me of NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned. The only difference with Valparaiso is it has very subtle shimmer whereas Damned is a true cream shade. FORMULA: The formula includes mango butter, which helps with moisturizing. I had to remove one lippie because it wasn't as moisturizing as I'd hoped it would be. Even though I normally put lipbalm before applying any type of lipstick/gloss, I would highly suggest you do it with this. As with all matte lipsticks, I advise exfoliating your lips because matte lipsticks tend to accentuate any dry flakes. LASTING POWER: This lasted on my lips for about 4 hours without any bleeding and/or feathering or even fading. I used it without a lipliner too. Application is needed after eating or drinking. It does leave a pleasant magenta stain on the lips, which I like. PACKAGING: It's your typical twist up and down slim black matte casing, which looks very sleek. It's very simple, yet stylish. WOULD I BUY THIS PRODUCT AGAIN? Definitely! I'm always on a hunt for a nice blue-based red and when I find it, I have to have it as my skin-tone is very finicky with reds. Matte lipsticks are truly my favorite finish. Perhaps my review is a bit biased, but if you want to change up your look or if you like matte's just as much as me, this is the product for you.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter in Red Velvet
MARmaladeJay 1/12/2012 4:08:00 AM
PACKAGING: It is packaged in your typical lipstick swivel case with a quilt-frosted cap that matches the shade in which you purchase. The top has a clear window so you could actually see the color. This is not so much a packaging complaint, more of the consistency of the product itself. Beware not to press too hard upon application as these are quite soft. The stick itself will shift and smoosh as you roll it back down leaving messy sides. When you go and close with the cap, it will smear. OVERALL: Red Velvet is your average shade of red. On my cool tone tanned skin, it looks more of a brick red. Reds are hit or miss for me and this is a miss. It wasn't the red I was going for, it looked too brown on me. So I experimented and the advantage of these balms being so pigmented, I layered Sugar Plum over Red Velvet and became more of a blue-based shade. The shade was improved a little. For a balm, this is an OK product, which is why I took 2 lippies away. When I first purchased this, I generously used this for two days straight. By the second day, I noticed my lips became chapped. In fact, my lips began to peel. My lips were not dry prior to using this product, so between not having dry lips and using these lip butters, I can say these were the culprit of peeling lips. I want to say the consistency reminds me of Palladio's Herbal Tinted Lip Balm. These also are similar in concept, but I prefer the Palladio over Revlon's. In addition, they are half the price. I'm using this strictly for color. Since I do like the Red Velvet and Sugar Plum together, I would suggest using a lip moisturizer underneath this. Once this tube is done, I won't be buying any backups.
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Lips -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter in Sugar Frosting
MARmaladeJay 1/12/2012 4:00:00 AM
PACKAGING: It is packaged in your typical lipstick swivel case with a quilt-frosted cap that matches the shade in which you purchase. The top has a clear window so you could actually see the color. This is not so much a packaging complaint, more of the consistency of the product itself. Beware not to press too hard upon application as these are quite soft. The stick itself will shift and smoosh as you roll it back down leaving messy sides. When you go and close with the cap, it will smear. OVERALL: Sugar Frosting is a nice sheer wash of color. My skin tone is cool tanned so this shows up as a nice color for days I just need some color. For a balm, this is an OK product. When I first purchased this, I generously used this for two days straight and even went out to buy two other shades. By the second day, I noticed my lips became chapped. In fact, my lips were peeling. My lips were not dry prior to using this product, so between not having dry lips and using these lip butters, I can say these were the culprit of drying lips. I almost want to say these remind me of Palladio's Herbal Tinted Lip Balm, which I like better and are half the price of these. In fact, Palladio's Golden Pink is the gold version of Sugar Frosting. Since I do like this light shade, I would suggest using a lip moisturizer underneath this, Once this tube is done, I won't be buying a backup.
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Polishes -Rescue Beauty Lounge - Bikini Bottom Polish
MARmaladeJay 10/20/2011 11:59:00 PM
Absolutely love Rescue Beauty Lounges' formula. Bikini Bottom does not streak at all. The milky jelly formula just self-adjusts on my nails limiting any streaks. I've been on a hunt for any color that is milky/jelly/squishy. After 3-4 coats, I'm in heaven! I don't care that it's fall, I'll still wear this. The brush really reminds me of Chanel's brushes. RBL usually lasts me about 4-5 days before I get my first chip. I hope they never discontinue this color. So gorgeous!
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Polishes -China Glaze - Innocence
MARmaladeJay 10/20/2011 2:18:00 AM
I'm not big on pinks, but what I am big on are sheer, milky shades and that is what attracted me to Innocence. The reason being, is that its opacity is controllable. I wore this a little different than what it was probably meant for, which is french manicures. I wore this as an actual visible nail color. What I mean by visible, is I wore this in 4 coats. FOUR COATS? Are you kidding me? Who has time to sit and wait for four coats to dry? Topped with Seche Vite, I'm in! The outcome is goooooorgeous! I have it pictured above. If you like jelly, milky, squishy (call it what you want) type shades, then try it with this shade. I don't want to ignore the fact that this color is just as beautiful in two coats. That just tells you Innocence has many looks depending on your mood. It's pretty versatile. Who knew you could get so many looks out of one bottle. I enjoy this color a lot. I get complimented on the color. Overall, you can never go wrong with China Glaze. I do have one complaint with the brush on this bottle. It seemed longer than other CG bottles. Perhaps this was a fluke, but no doubt, the formula makes up for application. I will definitely purchase this again.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Rescue Beauty Lounge - Square Pants Polish
MARmaladeJay 9/22/2011 7:24:00 PM
The search for a wearable yellow has ended with Rescue Beauty Lounges, Square Pants. Yellows are either too garish, opaque, or sallow against my natural tan skin. Before I purchased Square Pants, I did my research. Not really finding a definite answer to my question: "How is this yellow going to look against my skin," I took a risk and purchased it anyways. Afraid of being stuck with a color that looks horrible on me, I am so happy it is the complete opposite. I believe the color shines through because of it's jelly-like consistency. The opacity is controllable. I wear this in 3-4 thin coats. I would suggests cleaning up the cuticles and prepping the nail for this wonderful luxurious polish. RBL formula's are wonderful and usually last me 5-6 days. I would describe this color if butter came in a solid creamy jelly...oxymoronic, I know! I think this color will suit any skin tone from fairest to dark and everything in between. The brushes for RBL polishes remind me a bit like Chanel's, sort of short handle with a medium length brush enough to cover at least a third of the nail. It's very easy to maneuver. Wonderful job Ji!!!!
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Polishes -Lippmann Collection - Stop and Stare
MARmaladeJay 6/23/2011 2:06:00 AM
One of the best line of polishes around. Hands down and I mean it. I am a polish junkie and I always gravitate towards my Deborah Lippmann collection. I'm liking this better than Supermodel, which is more orange-red for the warm tone folks. Stop and Stare is a magenta based red for the cool tone folks. Both have the similar jelly-like finishes, which I absolutely love. I used three coats with a slight visible nail line. The first coat is pigmented, the second coat builds the color a little more and by the third, I'm ready to munch on my nails because of the jelly-like finish. It makes my nails look like candy. I think this a gorgeous color for the spring/summer. I may have to keep this on the rest of the summer. A gorgeous, classy shade. I love the self-leveling formula. I would definitely purchase this again!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Color Club - Revvvolution
MARmaladeJay 6/15/2011 1:34:00 PM
This is my first Color Club polish and I'm loving everything about it. Consistency of Revvvolution is great. It's not too runny and not too thick. It's pretty opaque in one coat, but I used two coats just to even out and fill in any spots on my nails I've missed. I used this polish with a base coat. I used a top coat for an extra shine as it dries a bit dull and I did notice that it took away from the halo-graphic effect. The brush is medium in size, good enough for fanning out on the nail, but not wide enough to cover it in its entirety. I love the handle on Color Club's polishes; it makes application a breeze. I also like the bottle; it feels very sturdy. This polish lasted me about four days before it chipped. In low lighting, this is a black base polish with silver shimmer. But in the sunlight, the halos come out so vividly, it makes me giddy! I can't stop staring at my nails. You can see gold, hints of red, a touch of purple, subdued greens, and subtle blues all resting over a black polish. I tried taking a picture of this, but photos just do not do justice to this shade. My camera is being greedy for its true halo doesn't show well enough to drool, so I suggest you run out and get Revvvolution to see it in person! If you're looking for an alternative for a black polish, this is it! It's a must have especially if you've missed out on any of the China Glaze's Kaleidoscope or OMG collection. I'm absolutely loving Color Club and I can't wait to add more to expand my collection!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Polishes -Chanel - Le Vernis Nail Colour in Paradoxal #509
MARmaladeJay 6/11/2011 5:44:00 AM
Reason for removing one lippie: The color looks amazing in the bottle, but I can't seem to get the purple shimmer on my nails, but I had to have it! Chanel, you are the Master at being subtle with the shimmer! OK, so it could be a bit deceiving due to the fact that I enjoy doing my nails at night. Once I woke up the next morning and took the dog out to use the bathroom; sun shining, the purple/blue shimmer decided to join me. I was in awe with Paradoxal! Even in low lighting, it's a gorgeous deep grey-plum. I think this is stunning on short manicured nails. If you're looking for a replacement of your typical vampy color, this is a beautiful alternative to your vampy red, black, green, brown, black, or blues. Don't be surprised when you don't see the shimmer. It'll make its appearance under the right lighting. I've noticed under the sun or fluorescent lighting that is when the shimmer likes to come out. In low lighting, it goes into hibernation. It applies pretty opaque in one coat, but I used two coats just to even it out. It has very minimal streaking and feels like butter once it's dried; so smooth! Chanel polishes usually last me about 3-4 days before my first chip. I'm thinking of buying a back up bottle in case this doesn't become part of the permanent line.
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Polishes -Lippmann Collection - Call Me Irresponsible
MARmaladeJay 6/8/2011 9:14:00 PM
A lovely violet creme with a jelly-like finish that's self-leveling. This is a perfect shade for summer. It's a creme, it's jelly-like, and it's perfect for cool or warm tone folks. Incredibly sheer, almost a magenta pink the first coat, the second it begins to look more violet, the third nail is still visible, but by the fourth, it's the perfect vibrant violet. By the fourth, it's still not the color you see in the bottle, but no doubt pigmented with that jelly-like finish that makes you want to nibble at your fingertips (LITERALLY!) I wore this for five days before it chipped. Because I wore it quite thick, I did get some tip wear by the third day. But no doubt, a gorgeous violet shade I would purchase again and again.
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Polishes -Lippmann Collection - I dreamed you
MARmaladeJay 6/7/2011 5:42:00 PM
I'm a little late on this shade. I fell in love with it a while back and rediscovered it in my stash. This is a perfect sheer pink shade with a pink iridescent tone. This shade is a nice change if you're into really bright colors or need a break from cremes. Perfect for a spring/summer polished look. This is also a nice classy color for a wedding or a step up from your traditional french creme shades. As always, Lippmann's polishes are such a dream to apply. I took away one lippie because of all the Lippmann polishes, this one chipped three days I applied it, but since it's so light, it's not as noticeable. I would definitely purchase this again.
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Polishes -Butter London - All Hail the Queen
MARmaladeJay 6/4/2011 3:23:00 PM
Overall, great formula, application, shade, and packaging. Goes on very smooth. Very sheer at one coat, free edge still visible at two, and opaque at three, which I prefer. I wore this shade for about four days before I encountered my first chip. Packaging and brush is good size for application. I like the brush; it reminds me of Chanel's only with a shorter and skinnier handle. For reference, I'm NC40 or B60 (Shiseido). I'm a cool tone, beige with pink undertone gal. I want to say this shade is pretty neutral for most because of the gold and silver microglitter, which gives off a pretty halo effect in the sunlight. In low lighting, it looks like a pretty taupe shade with silver shimmer, perfect for a cooler tone person. I would definitely purchase from Butter London's line again.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No