Saturday, September 27, 2014

Marc Jacobs Sky Liner Vault Photos and First Impressions

Eye liners are tricky business.  You want it to soft, but not too soft.  Creamy, but stays put.  Smokeable, but smudgeproof.  While hunting for the perfect liner, I came across the Marc Jacobs Beauty Sky Liner Vault, a Sephora exclusive for the holiday season.  The set includes seven mini liners, five of which are from the permanent line and two are exclusive to the set.  While these are minis, I find them to be a great value as you get seven colors for less than the price of two full size liners.  There's also a fair bit of product per pencil, as each one contains .37 grams of liner and a full size has .5 grams so you're getting more than half a full size pencil in each color.  


The other nice thing to point out in this set, is the package.  You get a luxe black plastic box that houses the liners, which has a super high shine finish, similar to enamel.  It's something that will certainly look gorgeous on a vanity, and I think the liner insert could be removed so it would hold a fair amount of trinkets.  I really love when companies include something extra in the packaging, so I was quite pleased to see it included, plus it's emblazoned with Marc Jacobs in silver letters, whom I've started collecting make up bags from.  

The swatches are very true to pan so to speak, and the color was reasonably easy to achieve in one or two passes.  The colors are as follows:  O(vert) a medium tone forest green, Brown(out) bronze with shimmer and previously available in this size as a 100 point perk from Sephora, Sunset is a warm golden bronze with lots of shimmer,  Midnight in Paris is an inky indigo blue with shimmer and a bit of micro glitter, Th(ink) is deep navy with shimmer, (Plum)age is a warm vivid purple with shimmer, and Blacquer is a deep black creme.  It's a good mix of colors that will be easily wearable throughout the season, and flattering on every eye color.  I've been told these liners hold up well on the waterline, something I'm not used to doing as every single liner I've ever worn on my lower lash line has smudged.  I'll be testing this and reporting back.  I did wear the swatch on my hands for a few hours, including lots of hand washing, and they held up nicely, with some noticeable fading on Midnight in Paris, Th(ink), and (Plum)age.  
Left to right:  O (vert), (Brown)out, Sunset, Midnight in Paris,  Th(ink), (Plum) age, Blacquer.   

Overall, I'm really pleased with the set, I think it's a great value and introduction into the brand.  I do have the Parisienne eyeshadow palette and a VIB Rouge exclusive Lip Gel in Cabaret yet to swatch and review, so stay tuned!  Are you familiar with Marc Jacobs Beauty?  Have you tried anything from his line yet?  


NudeStix First Impressions and Photos

A new line to hit the beauty world, Nudestix is a brand designed to streamline the make up application and size of a make up bag.  Created to emphasize a woman's natural beauty as well as her time in the morning, the product list is short but thoughtfully worked in such a way that all items are a multitasker, combining lip and cheek products, eye liners as eyebrow pencils, and shadow sticks as highlighters.  As a frequent allergy sufferer and sensitive skin aficionado, I need products that won't irritate my skin.  According to Sephora's product page, the products have been dermatologist tested for sensitive skin and  are all preservative and fragrance free.  I'm still waiting to hear back as to whether these are gluten free or not.  



All of the products come packaged in a sleek black tin, which includes a mirror for touch ups and a sharpener.  I like the idea of using tins, as that reduces the risk of getting product all over whatever bag you're carrying, but the black seems like it would be difficult to find at the bottom of a dark bag.  I'm actually capable of carrying all four of the products I ordered in the larger eye pencil tin, which I'm really happy with.  This could seriously reduce the amount of room one needs when traveling, and would fit splendidly in a travel on bag.  The tin concept is also environmentally nice, as they can be repurposed after the make up has been used up.  


Now let's get down to the fun stuff, the products.




The concealer pencil is designed to hide blemishes and darkness, operating on the concept that your natural skin is beautiful and your products shouldn't suffocate the skin under layers of foundation, concealer, and powder.  The shade range isn't huge, offering only 8 options.  The potential exists for contouring with the cream pencils, perhaps not the original intent, but for those of us that like a little more, it's something to be appreciated.  I ordered Light 1, the fairest of the options.  I'm still testing the wear on this, but it seems reasonably buildable but did fade rathe quickly on a blemish I was concealing.  


The Lip + Cheek Pencil was created to complement a nude look without being overbearing, offering a coordinated look that appears fresh, not stuffy.  Of course, the colors can be mixed and matched as desired, and none are so overly pigmented that it requires constant touch up.  I opted for Sin, a pretty rose gold color.  I'm looking at adding Love, a pink shade, and Ripe, a peach/coral.  Still testing the wear on this as well, but it did blend nicely on the cheek.  I'm undecided as a lip color, mostly as my contact dermatitis has flared up and I'm not ready to apply new colors just yet.  I do like the pencils enough as a blush that I am planning to add Ripe and Love to my collection during the hopeful VIB sale at Sephora in November.  


The NudeStix Eye Pencils are described as a next generation eyeliner, eye shadow, and highlighting pencil.  The pencil comes with a dual ended smudger and an included sharpener so you're never without.  I'm intrigued by these, I'm wondering if they'll be workable as an eyebrow pencil as well.  They offer a range of shades from Cream to Smoke, all without shimmer or sparkle.  I started with Smoke, a cool grey, which I think will play well as a liner and a smokier shadow shade.  I'm interested in Pewter and Stardust as well.   I'm a big fan of the two eye pencils, Smoke blended nicely and stayed put without primer!  I will most likely add the other two shades to my kit in the near future.  



Magnetic Eye Pencils claim to be budge proof eye pencils that will stick around on all lids, oily included.  Shades range from off white to black and should be smudged with the fingers or the included smugder end.  They are intended to be workable as shadows and liner, but I think these could also work as highlighters and potentially as a contour shade too.  I picked up Lilith, a white/off white shade that I think will mix and pair nicely with Smoke.  I'm looking at also picking up Moon, Gilt, and Spirit as I am super impressed by Lilith.  I didn't use a primer and my shadow was exactly where I left it!  I also used it as a highlighter on the cheekbones and nose, which I did like as well.  




Left to right:  Smoke, Lilith, Light 1, Sin.

The one product I haven't tried from the line is the mascara, and I really couldn't see why I would need it, as I have a pile of mascara waiting to be used up that I already know I like.  I also prefer a bit more drama in the lash, and since I'm able to achieve a natural or dramatic look with my current favorites, I plan on sticking with the Too Faced Better Than Sex and Urban Decay Perversion.

My personal take?  I like the packaging, I like the concept, I like the sensitive ingredients, I like that it's make up brush optional.  I'm not sold on the "minimal make up bag."  I'm a product junkie, and I like having lots of options, vibrant brights included.  I can see this being useful on the mornings I wake up late and need something quick.  I can also see this being a great travel set, airline travel friendly, or something one could stash in an office or emergency kit for quick fixes or late mornings.  I'm still testing for wear, but I think the line up is pretty solid overall.  

What are your thoughts?  Is this something you can see finding a home in your make up bag or a total flop?  






Thursday, September 25, 2014

Urban Decay Full Frontal Lipstick Stash Swatches and Photos

There is just something about mini beauty products that seem to make me swoon.  Maybe it's the cute baby packaging, maybe it' the fact that I might actually finish the whole thing before it expires.  Either way, part of Urban Decay's Holiday 2014 line up includes a set of 6 mini lipsticks and a full size Ozone lip liner in a kick ass little vault box.  The value is on par, as the Ozone liner is $19 on it's own, so you're paying $20 for 6 minis and the box, which I think will look great on a vanity.  





There are two reds; F-Bomb-a bright cool red from the permanent shades and Gash-a limited edition deeper, darker red that was released earlier this spring.   
The three pinks featured are Crush-a cool toned hot pink previously only found in the Super Saturated lip pencil line, Ladyflower-a set exclusive in bright rose pink, and Illicit-a more sheer baby pink.  
The set also offers one nude, Liar, which is a flattering pinky brown. 


 Left to right: Ladyflower, Crush, Illicit, Gash, Liar, F-Bomb


Ozone is a clear lip liner, designed to line the exterior of the lip as well as be a universal liner, preventing the need to own a liner for every shade of lipstick.  I personally love that concept, as I'd much rather tote one liner around and multiple lipsticks, but that's just me.  My lips are not super pigmented, so I don't find that I need the extra coverage.  If you have more color to your lips, you may benefit from matching lip liners.  

Conclusion:  The set is a steal, especially if you can't commit to one color. The Ozone lip liner is a fantastic addition to any make up kit, and the shades will be quite flattering on any skin tone.  

The formula is made without sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, however it is not gluten free.  I'm not a huge stickler for gluten free cosmetics all the time, but I strongly prefer my lip products to be so.  (Thanks again, Celiac's.)

Too Faced Under the Mistletoe Lipstick Trio

Can anyone else believe it's still only September?  With all of the holiday sets launching already, it's hard to believe.  I'm still waiting on the Halloween collections myself, but to even attempt to be competitive, one must start early, cosmetic companies and beauty bloggers alike.  Today I'm showcasing the Too Faced Under the Mistletoe lipstick trio which includes 3 full size (0.11 oz) La Creme lipsticks in the shades Shimmering Marshmallow Bunny, Shimmering Spice Spice Baby, and Shimmering Naked Dolly.  It also includes a pink glitter cosmetic bag.    


 
Front of packaging, I really like the concept they've chosen for this year.  Very girly and holiday oriented!

 Ingredient list

 Three full size limited edition lipsticks!

With the bag, be prepared for some fall out.  The glitter is pretty large and chunky, and while most of it is well secured, there were several pieces in the box and a few fell off while I was handling it.

(Sorry for the fuzz, new contacts)


The set is a steal considering a single La Creme runs $22 each.  Giving the bag a $10 value, you're actually getting $76 worth of product, which makes this one of the best holiday buys in my opinion.  All of the shades are limited edition; however, it is worth noting that they are shimmer versions of shades already available in the permanent collection.  The shimmer isn't obnoxious, it's a very fine color that matches each shade.



I really like the embossed logo used on these lipsticks, luxe without being overstated.

Left to right: Shimmering Marshmallow Bunny, Shimmering Naked Dolly, Shimmering Spice Spice Baby
Left to right:  Shimmering Marshmallow Bunny, Shimmering Naked Dolly, Shimmering Spice Spice Baby

I really like the La Creme line, I find the formula somewhat moisturizing but not as long lasting as I would prefer.  I've also started to back away from most of the Too Faced lip products, as I'm highly allergic to something in the Melted lipstick line, and I would REALLY like to avoid that.  The other complaint I have is the lack of shade range, as these are all fairly soft MLBB but better colors.  When I think holiday, I think rich shimmering reds and maybe even a bordeaux color, not necessarily soft pinks.  I've heard that the inspiration for the Holiday 2014 collection was lots of pink, glitter, and utter girlyness, and while I most certainly appreciate that, I do think a proper holiday red should be present.  Overall, it's a great set with tons of value, it's just not as diverse as I would have hoped.  What are your thoughts on this set?  Great value or more of a holiday faux pas?  Let me know in the comments below!

These are not gluten free, much to my dismay.  

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Really quick swatches of the new Vice LTD! I'm really impressed with the new shades, however there are a couple of the dupes that I'm not loving, the pigmentation just wasn't as good as prior releases and that's quite frustrating.  Goddess seemed to be the most powdery, while other colors like Chase were so smooth and creamy it was beautiful.  Hopefully these will satiate everyone's craving until Urban Decay or Sephora get them back in stock!

Bottom to top: 
Nameless (medium taupe satin)
Backdoor (cool dark brown matte)
Deeper (metallic medium bronze)
Disco (pale metallic gold/iridescent glitter)
Heat (bright metallic copper)
Crystal (icy metallic blue shimmer)
Goddess (deep smoky blue/micro-glitter)
Vaporize (medium metallic gray-taupe)
As I've found with a few of UD's matte shades, they're a tiny bit stiff and dry.  Nothing to deter one from the colors, just not as beautifully workable as some of the other finishes.  The metallic shades are a dream, so soft and creamy.  Disco is nicely pigmented, but it does have pretty large glitter chunks.  

From past palettes, Provocateur has been very prone to fall out.  I feel it's safe to say they've improved on that, it's much smoother and better pigmented than before.  
Crystal (icy metallic blue shimmer)
Goddess (deep smoky blue/micro-glitter)
Vaporize (medium metallic gray-taupe)
Floss (deep metallic emerald/micro-glitter)
Perversion (soft black matte)
Provocateur (icy metallic pink/micro-glitter)
Hoodoo (medium metallic violet/pink shift)
Freakshow (bright purple satin)


I'm really loving Roadstripe, I didn't have it before and the iridescent quality is something to look forward to.  Chase is so pigmented and creamy, it's damn near perfect.  Chase was previously released with the 15 Year Anniversary palette, and I think the new shadow formulation has done the older colors a favor.   
Floss (deep metallic emerald/micro-glitter)
Perversion (soft black matte)
Provocateur (icy metallic pink/micro-glitter)
Hoodoo (medium metallic violet/pink shift)
Freakshow (bright purple satin)
Junkshow (bright pink satin)
Blitz (bright metallic gold)
Chase (soft metallic bronze)
Last Sin (pale champagne shimmer)
Roadstripe (iridescent white/blue-violet shift)
Anonymous (pale peachy cream matte)
Laced (soft pink-nude matte)
Now that you've seen swatches, how do you feel about this palette?  Will you be picking it up?  Thoughts on Vice 3?  Let me know in the comments!

Urban Decay Vice LTD Photos!

Today I'm bringing you a sneak peak of one of Urban Decay's holiday palettes, which was previously unannounced.  It happened to pop up on Sephora's holiday section yesterday morning, and I immediately had to have it.  It's fortunate that I did, as they weren't live very long and quickly went from "Out of Stock" to "Permanently Out of Stock" before the end of the day. I haven't been able to find any other photos or information regarding this palette, so I hope you enjoy!  


The box is similar to the Vice 1 and 2, with the stylized orchid motif and raised UD symbol, this year sporting a vibrant lime green.

Shadow preview on the back, as per most UD palettes.

The packaging is very much like the original Vice, with the rubberized texture and raised jewel emblem.  I really wish they'd gone without the texture as it collect shadows like crazy.  


And finally, the shadows!  I already owned 14 of the 20 shades in some way or another, so it was nice to get the new 6, along with having the others in a more travel friendly shade.    The brush is really similar to other double ended ones Urban Decay has released, and I'm truthfully not a huge fan.  I find double ended brushes harder to clean, and the quality isn't what I'd like.  (Granted, I've been using Wayne Goss brushes, so it's just not a fair fight.)  

I'm hoping to have swatches up later tonight!  I'm still planning on picking up the Vice 3 as well.  What are your thoughts on the palette thus far?  Worth waiting for or a pass? 

Monday, September 8, 2014

Texture, texture, texture

Tonight I bring you textured nail polish courtesy of Lynnderella.  Generally speaking, I'm not a huge fan of texture polishes at all, I really prefer smooth and shiny or matte. For Lynnderella, I make exceptions, as it's only Miss Lynn or Chelsea from Enchanted Polish that could possibly sway me.  Featured tonight are (thumb to pinky) Orchid of the Year, Bright and Stormy, and Violet's Dark Side.  Orchid of the Year is a medium cool toned pink base with assorted holo micro and round glitters.  Bright and Stormy is a blackened base with black and holo micro glitters.  Violet's Dark Side is a cool toned purple with assorted round and micro holo glitters.  You really need to see these beauties in the sun to get the full effect, the results are appealing without though.  Bright and Stormy feels like a chic take on black, slightly less daunting than a straight black nail, the texture breaks it up nicely.  Violet and Orchid are colors that will easily carry you through the fall season, I think a gradient of Violet and Bright and Stormy would be gorgeous.  While I would still prefer a different top coat for this sort of thing, I do really like the colors.  I used butter London's Horse Power Nail Fertilizer as the base abs top coat, my mind are still recovering from a tragic gardening accident.  I think something thicker, like a gel top coat, so I don't feel the texture as much would help immensely.  I do own another textured polish from Lynnderella, Miss Isa Whizard GF, which is a much lighter, brighter pink than Orchid of the Year. 
What are your thoughts on textured polish, love it or hate it?  Would you rock black nail polish?  Let me know in the comments!