Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Wearable Marsala Look For The Eyes & Pairing It With Some Neutrals

Marsala, Pantone Color Of The Year for 2015 is quite the gorgeous color. Its probably one of my favorites of all the recent ones like Radiant Orchid, Emerald Green or even Tangerine Tango. While it can be super easy for the lips or nails, the color can be a little too much for the eyes (the red tones can be a little too strong for some skin tones), unless paired with a nice neutral. 




To make Marsala more wearable for the eyes, I used Shiseido’s Konipeto Cream Eye Color as the base - Konpeito is a gorgeous dark maroon with some shimmer. The texture is just fabulously smooth and blends itself. I used Clinique’s Black Honey Eye Shadow over it to intensify and take down the pink a little bit since it can make eyes look a tad tired. I blended the edges away with a matte transition shade (a random one not pictured, from the Smashbox Full Exposure palette) and added a little bit of Dior’s Mono Eye Shadow in Velvet to the outer corner and crease to soften the look. A little bit of brown or soft black liner with curled lashes and mascara completed the look. I used Urban Decay’s Demolition on the upper lash line and Zero on the lower and waterline. To add a little bit of a pop, I added Konpeito on the lower lash line as well. 


Since the eyes can look a bit strong, I paired it with a super subtle neutral blush and peachy pink lips. I used Chanel’s Destiny Cream Blush on the cheeks and Dior’s Rouge Dior Lipstick in Grege paired with YSL Gloss Volupte in Rose Orfevre on the lips to complete the look. 

*Shiseido Konpeito is a press sample.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Dior Instant Gentle Exfoliant With Pure Lily Extract

Dior’s Instant Gentle Exfoliant ($38; sephora.com) is a gentle, easy to use exfoliator for sensitive skin types. I’m not one to spend too much on physical exfoliators, but wanted to give this a shot after quite a bit of rave reviews.

Dior’s Instant Gentle Exfoliant With Pure Lily Extract




Its quite a gentle, super finely milled, slightly gritty exfoliant in a creamy base. Its not foaming like Dior claims it to be, but washes off easily with absolutely no residue. There’s a little bit of fragrance to the product, although marketed for sensitive skin, but I haven’t experienced any sort of redness or sensitivities so far. It really is one of the mildest exfoliators I’ve tried so far. I just apply a small amount on damp skin, massage for a few seconds and wash it off. It leaves skin feeling smooth and a little more refined. It doesn’t do much for blackheads, but if your skin leans towards the dry and or sensitive side, this is a pretty good exfoliator to look into. I'm not sure if I would run out and repurchase when I’m done with this tube, but I definitely am enjoying using it. If I don’t find anything as nice, I might splurge on another one again. But for now, I really love it.

Dior’s Instant Gentle Exfoliant With Pure Lily Extract
Dior Instant Gentle Exfoliant With Pure Lily Extract
Dior’s Instant Gentle Exfoliant With Pure Lily Extract
Dior’s Instant Gentle Exfoliant With Pure Lily Extract
Dior Instant Gentle Exfoliant With Pure Lily Extract
Dior’s Instant Gentle Exfoliant With Pure Lily Extract Ingredients
Dior Instant Gentle Exfoliant With Pure Lily Extract Ingredients

Royal Apothic Tinties Lip Butters in Pink and Berry


Royal Apothic’s Tinties Lip Butters ($14; anthropologie.com) come in the prettiest packaging in four shades of nude, pink, berry and coral. I have two of four shades here, Pink a very fresh, light pink and Berry, a gorgeous, deep plum.

Royal Apothic Tintes Lip Butters in Pink and Berry




I love the packaging and the texture of these lip butters. They are smooth, glossy and add a beautiful, natural looking tint without any kind of heaviness (maybe a little bit of a waxy feel). There’s a very slight scent that isn’t bothersome, and the colors are perfect if you want only a light wash. They do wear comfortably, keep lips very moisturized and smooth and the color tends to fade after about 2-3 hours with a slight sheen and moisture left behind. I like them on their own as opposed to under lipsticks since the slick texture can make products over it slide off. Not a miraculous cure for super dry or chapped lips, but good to maintain lips moisturized during the day. I can’t speak for the other two colors, but Pink and Berry are quite lovely - great texture, pretty packaging and the colors are so wearable.

Royal Apothic Tintes Lip Butters in Pink and Berry
Royal Apothic Tintes Lip Butters in Pink and Berry
Royal Apothic Tintes Lip Butters in Pink and Berry Ingredients
Royal Apothic Tintes Lip Butters in Pink and Berry Ingredients

Royal Apothic Tintes Lip Butters in Pink and Berry Swatch


*Press Sample

Monday, December 29, 2014

Today's FOTD | Super Quick Neutral Eyes, Matte Pink Lips

A quick makeup look to do with just a pop of color, keeping the lips matte and eyes very neutral. I’m not a huge fan of matte lips, but I can do them once in a while when I find a color combo I like.

FOTD Makeup Look Easy Neutral Eyes and Matte Pink Lips





For the face, I used a mix of Burberry’s Fresh Glow Fluid mixed in with Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Foundation in #6 since my face is rather dry this time of the year and Fresh Glow adds a natural sheen. To conceal under the eyes, I used Bobbi Brown’s Corrector in Peach, followed by Clinique’s Airbrush Concealer in Medium, finally setting everything with Laura Mercier’s Translucent Finishing Loose Powder.



I kept the eyes very simple with just one eye shadow, Urban Decay’s Stray Dog, one of my favorite shimmery, grey based taupes. I lined the upper and lower lash line with Laura Mercier’s Black Gold Eye Kohl, which is a super gorgeous, shimmery olive gold. Urban Decay’s Zero on the waterline, lashes curled with Dior’s Backstage Lash Curler and two coats D&G Passion Eyes Duo Mascara completed the eyes. For the brows, I used Anastasia's Brow Pomade in Ebony with an angled brow brush.

FOTD Makeup Look Easy Neutral Eyes and Matte Pink Lips


For the cheeks, I used a very sheer wash of YSL’s Creme de Blush in Velvety Peach. I used Dior’s Rouge Dior Baume in Primerose  as a base and Bite Beauty’s High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb on top of it. 

FOTD Makeup Look Easy Neutral Eyes and Matte Pink Lips

Its an easy look with just a pop of pink on the lips. The lip color is a tad bright for me, but paired with neutral eyes, it makes it just a little more wearable.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick in 230 Iridescent

Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipsticks ($36; sephora.com) are moisturizing lipsticks with a slightly glossy centre that adds some shine to the otherwise satin finish lipstick. Iridescent is a peachy rose cream with a little bit of shimmer on the centre which almost doesn’t translate much on the lips.

dolce & gabbana passion fusion gloss duo lipstick in 230 iridescent
dolce & gabbana passion fusion gloss duo lipstick in 230 iridescent
dolce & gabbana passion fusion gloss duo lipstick in 230 iridescent review, photos & swatches



The color payoff is great and the texture is super smooth and creamy. I could feel a little bit of the grit from the shimmer, but it blends well with the lip color and doesn’t get left behind once the color fades. The formula tends to enhance dry patches, but it does't dry lips out too much and keeps them moderately moisturized. The cream finish makes the color last a bit longer, about 4 hours before it starts fading evenly. I love the packaging - its sleek and luxurious. There is quite a strong scent to the lipstick, but it does dissipate quite fast. I expected more of a glossy finish from the formula, but that apart, its a nice luxury lipstick with a really nice, comfortable formula worth trying. 

dolce & gabbana passion fusion gloss duo lipstick in 230 iridescent review, photos & swatches
dolce & gabbana passion fusion gloss duo lipstick in 230 iridescent review, photos & swatches
dolce & gabbana passion fusion gloss duo lipstick in 230 iridescent swatch



Have you tried any of the Dolce & Gabbana  Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipsticks?

Friday, December 26, 2014

Dior Diorshow Kohl in 079 Smokey Grey | Dior Kingdom Of Colors Spring 2015 Makeup Collection

Dior’s new Spring’15 collection is quite a large collection with a few new limited edition items that launched earlier last week. I wasn’t planning on picking up anything, but the Diorshow Kohl definitely got me interested. The Diorshow Kohl in Smokey Grey ($32; dior.com) , is a shimmery, metallic smokey grey twist up eye crayon that is to  be used as an eyeliner, an eyeshadow or base.

Dior Diorshow Kohl in Smokey Grey 079 Kingdom of Colors Spring 2015 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches
Dior Diorshow Kohl in Smokey Grey 079 Kingdom of Colors Spring 2015 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches
Dior Diorshow Kohl in 079 Smokey Grey
Dior Diorshow Kohl in Smokey Grey 079 Kingdom of Colors Spring 2015 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches
Dior Diorshow Kohl in 079 Smokey Grey



The texture is very creamy, smooth and the larger than usual tip is great for applying it all over the lid as a wash or when used as a base. The color, Smokey Grey, is fabulous - its a dark, blackened grey with a  good dose of shimmer. I tried using it as a liner, shadow and base and I must say I like it best as a base. The smooth texture is great as a liner, but it isn’t long wearing by any means, so I like to slightly smudge it out along the upper and lower lash line. The color sheers out a little upon smudging, but as a base it helps darker greys and greens pop. The color payoff is great, but I do wish it was long wearing or waterproof. By the 3 hour mark, most of it is gone when used as a liner, with a bit of shimmer left behind. If you like the  color, like I do, or like such textures as bases, Smokey Grey is something you might get a lot of use out of. You may be disappointed if you are looking for a long wearing eye pencil or cream shadow that actually sets. Overall, intense color, very smooth texture that is easy to work with, but the formula could be less smudgy and crease-resistant.  I haven't tried it on my waterline because of the shimmer, but according to Dior, it can be used that way as well. 

Dior Diorshow Kohl in Smokey Grey 079 Kingdom of Colors Spring 2015 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches
Dior Diorshow Kohl in Smokey Grey 079 Kingdom of Colors Spring 2015 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches
Dior Diorshow Kohl in 079 Smokey Grey
Dior Diorshow Kohl in Smokey Grey 079 Kingdom of Colors Spring 2015 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches
Dior Diorshow Kohl in 079 Smokey Grey
Dior Diorshow Kohl in Smokey Grey 079 Swatch
Dior Diorshow Kohl in 079 Smokey Grey Swatch



Sunday, December 21, 2014

Bite Beauty Smashed Agave Lip Mask

Bite Beauty’s newest launch, the Smashed Agave Lip Mask ($26; sephora.com), is a new addition to the fabulous Agave Lip Mask range. Smashed Agave Lip Mask has a gorgeous red wine tint that looks more like a natural rosy flush on the lips.

bite beauty smashed agave lip mask review, photos

Smashed Agave Lip Mask comes in the same tube, similar to the one Bite redesigned recently. There’s no shimmer or glitter and the texture is rather thick and also a tad difficult to get out of the tube. The color looks more like a sheer pink on my lips, although layering helps build the color up a little to look like a sheer red tint. I love the color - its great on its own and super moisturizing on top of lipsticks. Its quite a glossy tint, but the color lightens a bit within a couple of hours with only most of the shine left behind. It still is moisturizing though and will definitely be among my most used lip products this winter!

bite beauty smashed agave lip mask review, photos
Bite Beauty Smashed Agave Lip Mask
bite beauty smashed agave lip mask review, photos



bite beauty smashed agave lip mask swatch
Bite Beauty Smashed Agave Lip Mask Swatch
Wearing a sheer layer of the Bite Beauty Smashed Agave Lip Mask


Bite Beauty Smashed Agave Lip Mask is now available online at sephora.com.

Have you tried Bite Beauty’s Smashed Agave Lip Mask yet?

*Press Sample

New Budget Beauty Buys | Quick Reviews, Photos

A few new, budget beauty picks that are new or fairly new, with quick reviews and photos.

budget beauty buys from burt's bees finger paints essence of beauty carol's daughter


Finger Paints Bright Lights Big City Collection ($5.29 ; available at Sally Beauty Supply stores in Jan/Feb 2015) - What are fabulous looking collection this one is! The colors may not be spring appropriate, but they are very glitzy, festive and beautiful. I found the glitters to be good for layering while the shimmers were opaque in three coats.

Finger Paints Big City Brighter Lights
Finger Paints Big City Brighter Lights
Finger Paints Big City Brighter Lights
Finger Paints Big City Brighter Lights swatches


Burt’s Bees has two new lip balms out in fun flavors like Wild Cherry and Vanilla Bean ($ 3.30 each; burtsbees.com). They are the same formula as the other flavored lip balms by Burt’s, 100% natural sans the tingle. Vanilla Bean especially smells delicious and super sweet! They are not a cure for very dry or super chapped lips, but good for light layering or to protect lips from further dryness.

Burt's Bees Vanilla Bean and Wild Cherry Moisturizing Lip Balm


Essence Of Beauty, a bath and body line available exclusively at CVS now has an all natural line that has everything from hand creams, to body scrubs and washes. The Botanical Body Washes ($9.99; cvs.com) smell true to what they are described to be and cleanse gently without stripping or leaving any sort of a residue. I absolutely love them both so much and will be picking up more once I finish! 

Essence of Beauty Botanical Body Wash Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil and Eucalyptus with Mint Oil
Essence of Beauty Botanical Body Wash Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil and Eucalyptus with Mint Oil
Essence of Beauty Botanical Body Wash Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil and Eucalyptus with Mint Oil
Essence of Beauty Botanical Body Wash Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil and Eucalyptus with Mint Oil Ingredients
Essence of Beauty Botanical Body Wash Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil and Eucalyptus with Mint Oil Ingredients



Carol’s Daughter Marula Curl Therapy Collection 3-Piece Starter Kit ($26; carols daughter com) is new and has products for dry frizzy hair. The collection is enriched with Marula Oil to help with manageability, better curl control and hair softening properties. This is a three piece starter kit, priced at $26 though all the products are all available individually.  The Gentle Cream Cleanser, which is more of a Cleansing Conditioner, is a very mild cleanser that is just ok. I found that it din’t make my hair super clean and the texture was a bit on the thicker side and difficult to work with. I did like the Curl  Control Diffusing and Styling Lotion and the Deep Hydration Mask, both of which are great for wavy, frizz prone hair. The Styling Lotion leaves curls looking beautifully natural and manageable while the Hydration Mask detangles and deeply hydrates. Hair looks healthy and super soft. I also love how the whole range smells, the deep conditioner especially.

Carol's Daughter Marula Curl Therapy 3 piece starter kit

*Press Sample