TOP PICK: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

I adore these eyeliners... adore! They are, by far, the most long-lasting eyeliners that I have ever used, and far superior to MAC Fluidlines and Stila Smudgepots. It's better than MAC because they aren't as slippery, and therefore you have more control when applying. It's better than the Stila because the finish is not as matte and flat. And, of course, the Bobbi surpasses both in longevity.

This is available in 17 colors, in varying shades and in metallic or regular finishes. The two that I swear by are Espresso and Caviar. Espresso is a coffee color with no hints of red at all, and is enough to define my dark brown eyes. (I usually cannot wear brown liners because I need a lot of eye definition.) Caviar is an even darker brown, almost black... so pretty!

$21 for a little pot seems a little expensive, but even with daily use, I've still had my Espresso one for like 6 months, which is way longer than some pencils. I'll probably throw it out within the year, though, just because the idea of dipping a brush in there every day seems very bacteria-ridden. (I am also the girl who throws her mascara away exactly at 3 months, if not sooner!)

Definitely try this! You're guaranteed to find a color you like, and you will be pleased with the lasting power and results!

Do Mondays Deserve a Smile?

Man, I'm tired today! I didn't get much sleep, so don't mind the bags under my eyes in this horrid pic! I've already had a giant Dunkin' Donuts coffee and a can of Diet Dr. Pepper, and I am still exhausted!

Yesterday, I had the chance to explore the Dolce & Gabbana makeup that was released earlier this year. Currently, it is only available in 2 Saks stores in the US -- Beverly Hills and NYC, so I thought I would check it out. I walked away with 2 eyeshadow duos, an eyeliner, and a lipstick. In this pic, I am wearing some of the items.

For the full line of D&G's products, please see their official website at:

http://www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com/

The line is manufactured by P&G Prestige (yes, good ol' Proctor & Gamble), who also makes their fragrances and also does SK-II. The talented Pat McGrath is the beauty consultant on this line as well. Everything is packaged in elegant gold.

FACE

Cle de Peau Concealer in Ivory (reviewed before - my holy grail concealer!)

Chanel Double Perfection Compact in Soft Beige 1.0

Chanel expanded their color offerings in this about a year ago, as well as changed the formula. It used to be a lot more powdery, and immediately after application, you had to wait for it to meld in with your skin.

The new formulation is better -- it is quite finely milled, but offers about medium coverage. The finish is matte with a slight radiance, if that makes sense. It only offers SPF 10, so you will still have to wear sunscreen underneath. It's not as heavy as, say, MAC Studio Fix, so if you're used to that level of coverage, you may find the Double Perfection to be too sheer.

However, this is one of the few powder foundations that look like skin. The only reasons that I would recommend the Dior Forever compact over the Chanel are that the Dior controls oil better, and that I can personally find a better color match in Dior.

The Chanel compact is offered in 13 different shades, but some of them are kind of strange (like too peach or too pink.) The Soft Beige 1.0 is a new color, and is a warm-toned light beige. However, it is like half a shade too dark for me. The next color down is too light.

This retails for $50, which is pricey, but it does last a long time. Also, they now make separate refills that are available for $40.

Chanel Joues Contraste in Narcisse (Have reviewed this previously.)

EYES

Dior JazzClub Palette -- Only using the brow powder (Have reviewed the palette previously.)

Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Color Duo in Stromboli

Retails for $36. This duo is really beautiful. It consists of a peachy-nude with shimmer and a dark pearly grayish-black with silver and gold sparkles. The peach color is a little warmer than my skintone, and is like a peachier, prettier version of MAC Naked Lunch, or a mix between the dark and light colors of NARS All About Eve duo. It looks really pretty as a base color, but I think it could also be lovely on the browbones. The dark gray color can be used as a crease or liner color, or also smoked out all over the lid.

Here, I did a very natural looking eye, with the peach from lashline to crease, and then the dark gray along the lashline. However, for more drama (and outside of the office!) -- it can easily be brought to a more dramatic effect by using more of the dark color. I will probably do that one of these weekends. You can also use them wet for a more metallic effect.

The texture of these shadows is just lovely -- very silky, and also quite pigmented. I've experienced no creasing or fading, and I'm not even using a shadow base.

Dolce & Gabbana Crayon Intense Eyeliner in Stromboli

Retails for $29. Stromboli is quite a unique color. It is a dark gray-black flecked with gold glitter. I have to wear dark eyeliner to define my eyes, so this is dark enough to do that, but the harshness of gray or black is tempered by the glitter. In this pic, I didn't apply a lot of liner, just a thin line along the lashlines, but if you were to use a thicker line and use the smudger tip to blend, you could really get the glitter to show up.

I haven't used liners with glitter since college, when Hard Candy had a pretty black one with silver glitter, but Stromboli is definitely mature enough that you can wear it as an adult.

The texture is quite blendable, which means that you will see a bit of smudging towards the afternoon, unfortunately, It's not super creamy, so you won't get a raccoon effect, but it's no Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner, either!

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Mascara (reviewed previously)

LIPS

Dolce & Gabbana Shine Lipstick in Soiree

Retails for $30. Pretty hefty pricetag for a lipstick... the only other 2 lippies that I've owned which are near that pricepoint are Chanel Rouge Allure and YSL Rouge Volupte. Compared to those 2, I do prefer the D&G.

There are 2 formulations of D&G lipstick - Shine and Classic. I've tried colors in both ranges, and am pleased with the lasting power, the fragrance, and the creamy consistency of both.

Previously, I'd strayed away from any "shine" lipsticks because the lasting power was always a joke, but I have to say that D&G has hit the nail on the head with these.

The Shine lippies are available in 12 colors. Soiree is supposedly one of the most popular. In the tube, it looks like a flamingo-ish pink with a bit of glitter, but on the lips, it is a soft peach-pink color with a semi-glossy finish. There is a light, flowery scent, but nothing offensive or strong. And it is long-lasting and also moisturizing. I don't use lipsticks too often because they dry out my lips, but I think this lippie has changed my mind!

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Can't wait for the Fall collection to come out! More reviews to come...

MAC Daddy

I've greatly reduced the amount of MAC makeup that I own, but there are a few things that I've kept. This eye look is a modified version of an old shadow look that I used to wear in college. (Ahh, the college days...)

I am wearing:

FACE

MAC Face & Body Foundation in C3

This was the first MAC foundation I ever purchased, except the first time I purchased this (about 8 years ago), the sales associate had directed me to C2, which is too pale for me. Since then, I've purchased it in C3. Even though it looks dark when you squeeze it out, it would match NC25-NC35 skin tones.

Face & Body is very reasonably priced, at $32 for a big 4 ounce plastic squeeze bottle, and is available in 11 colors. It is sold exclusively at MAC Pro stores and on the website. It is supposed to be waterproof and transfer-resistant, and can be used on the face or body (hence its name.)

It is water-based, and the consistency actually feels very watery. The coverage is sheer to medium, like maybe a step up from a tinted moisturizer. You don't need to use powder to set it, but just note that the finish is very dewy -- there is no shimmer (unlike Hyper Real), but it does look very realistic-skin... maybe too much so for someone like me who has a super-oily t-zone.

I don't love this foundation, but it's pretty good for daily use and when you don't need a lot of coverage, and you can quickly apply it with your fingers. I've tried using on my legs before, but it does rub off onto clothes, unfortunately.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC20

This retails for $16.50 for a 0.19 ounce glass pot. The container is kind of cumbersome, and the twist-off lid can be annoying if you're used to the convenience of a flip-top lid.

As for the actual concealer, the consistency is very creamy, but not as cakey as the Studio Finish. The coverage is heavy, and can be used on dark undereye circles or on blemishes. It is supposed to be water-resistant and long-wearing, but I do find it can slip around a bit, especially the undereye, if you don't set with powder. Also, for best results, apply with a brush.

MAC Frost Blush in Margin

This blush now retails for $18.50, but I got it at the company outlet for $12.75, which is a more appropriate price, I think.

Margin is a warm-toned peach with golden shimmer. On me, it's a more golden-tawny version of NARS Orgasm. MAC's frost blushes are all kind of too frosty, and this one is no exception. Also, unlike the NARS blushes, or Chanel, they are not as blendable or finely milled.

It's a decent blush, and if you can find it for a good price, I would recommend getting it, especially if you do like peaches. This would be flattering on anyone with a golden undertone, though for darker skintones, it may show up more goldish.

EYES

MAC Matte Eyeshadow in Omega (Used on brows. I have reviewed this already.)

MAC Paint in Bare Canvas

I love using this as a primer. It is a matte, creamy beige color that is slightly lighter than my skintone. The container is annoying (like a tube of oil paint) and messy, but the product inside is great. It really evens out the skin and creates a good surface for shadow.

MAC Satin Eyeshadow in Shale

Retails for $14.50. This is a mauve-plum with just a bit of shimmer. I am wearing it all over the lid. This shadow is pretty versatile, because you can use it on the lid for a soft, smokey effect, or in the crease when paired with a lighter shade. Also, this is really pretty on girls with hazel or green eyes. Like other MAC Satin shadows, it is fairly blendable, and decently pigmented.

MAC Satin Eyeshadow in Shroom

Retails for $14.50. I've purchased this many, many times because it is just so versatile. It is a soft creamy beige with some slight shimmer. In this pic, I am using it on the browbone, but I've used it before in the inner corners, all over the lid as a wash, or even as a highlighter for the cheekbones. As mentioned in the Omega review, it also looks pretty paired with Omega.

MAC Velvet Eyeshadow in Black Tied

Retails for $14.50. I got this in one of the smokey eye holiday palettes a few years ago. It's a black with silver sparkle/glitter. Unfortunately, the glitter doesn't really show up much, and the black of this is not as pigmented as MAC Carbon eyeshadow (which I prefer, but no longer own.) Also, I have to note that if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts, you will get some glitter fall-out if you use too much of this. In this pic, I am wearing in outer corners and blended along the lashlines.

MAC Frost Eyeshadow in Vex

Retails for $14.50. One of my favorite MAC shadows, because it is so unique. In the pan, it looks like a silvery-beige, but it has a duochrome effect of pink and green pearl. In this pic, I am wearing just a touch in the inner corners to brighten the eyes, but I also love it on the browbone or all over the lid. Two of my favorite looks are: (1) Vex from lashline to browbone and Club - another very original frost shadow - in the crease; (2) Club on the lid, Satin Taupe - another MAC mainstay frost shadow in the crease, and Vex on the browbone and inner corners. Vex works well with greens, plums, and browns.

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

Retails for $15.00. One of the first "gel" eyeliners, Blacktrack applies very smoothly, and is a deep, rich black. The finish is somewhat shiny, akin to a liquid eyeliner. I apply with the MAC #266 angled brush, which works pretty well. My only complaint with this is that it is a little *too* slippery, so you need to have good control when applying. Also, I do find that it does smudge a bit on the lower lashlines. As far as gel liners go, I prefer Bobbi Brown's.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara (reviewed yesterday) Not MAC, but I didn't have a MAC mascara.

LIPS

MAC Lip Pencil in Subculture (reviewed before - one of my fave nude liners)

MAC Lipglass in Prrr

Retails for $14. This lipgloss gained infamy by purportedly being the favorite of Paris Hilton, but I've been using it off and on for almost 10 years, so she's got nothing on me. It is a light peachy-pink with an icy shimmer. I like pairing it with heavier eye makeup, but it has enough pink in it not to look too washed out with lighter/neutral eyes. As with all other MAC lipglasses, this has a doe-foot wand applicator, and is very sticky/tacky. It *will* give you that dreaded white ring around the mouth effect after a few hours, but overall, it is fairly long-lasting.

If you like light pinks and peaches, definitely give this a try.

Lazy Sunday

This is a good basic work look, with some neutral colors. I am wearing:

FACE

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk Foundation in #5

I haven't purchased this foundation yet, but got a sample from the GA counter on Saturday. I have had good experiences with the Luminous Silk, but was attracted to the Lasting Silk because of its purported lasting power as well as the SPF20 content.
The color spectrum of this is quite nice, and I think it has many options for pale ladies. Though there aren't too many colors in the range (only 8) -- they are all quite wearable and skin tone colored. I normally wear a 4.5 in Luminous, but the Lasting runs darker, so I think the 5 is a decent match. The packaging is similar to the Luminous, except instead of a matte glass bottle, it is in a plastic bottle. However, it does have a pump, which is very sanitary and useful.
The finish is sort of a satin-matte -- not dead or flat matte like Revlon Colorstay -- so it looks pretty natural. I did have some oily breakthrough on my nose after a few hours (as you can kind of see in the pic), but it wasn't too terrible. It did last for the whole day, too. I applied with the GA foundation brush (which I find works quite well with the GA foundations), and didn't have to use much to give a medium coverage. I did still have to use concealer on my undereye circles, but this did cover the redness on my nose while still allowing my freckles to show through.
Overall, for the price of $58, I do think it's worth it, but I will probably wait until I use up my YSL Perfect Touch before I purchase another high-end liquid foundation.


Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in #002 Candle Light
This is sort of my holy grail concealer/highlighter product, and I have purchased this many times and was also fortunate enough to receive one gratis from my last Dior Diva VIP gift. This is available in 3 colors, and I have the 2nd color. It's a bit lighter than my skin tone, but works very well on the undereye because it is blendable and sort of lightens that area. I also like to use it around my nose and on my chin. It offers a decent amount of coverage (don't use on blemishes, though, as it will just highlight them!) -- and the texture is creamy and blendable, but long-lasting. I sometimes use this as a shadow-base, too. There is no glitter/shimmer, so you don't end up with a reverse raccoon effect. The only disadvantage to this product is the pricepoint ($34USD for 0.05oz.) and the fact that the container, though sleek and silvery, is completely opaque, and therefore you are completely unable to see when you will run out. Aside from that, I do love this and hope Dior never discontinues.

Chanel Joues Contraste in Narcisse
Narcisse looks like a scary, bright Barbie pink in the pan, but it actually goes on quite beautifully and is very flattering. The Joues Contraste retail for about $40USD, so they are very pricey for a blush, but as an owner of 3 different ones, these are totally worth it. Like the other Joues Contrastes, this applies very smoothly and evenly, and the powder is very finely milled. There is a slight floral fragrance to it, but nothing too overpowering, and the scent does fade away after an hour or so.
It does come in a black plastic compact with mirror that is the same size as the eyeshadow quads, so it can be slightly confusing unless you look at the bottom of the container to see the color, or open up the compact. It also comes with a small brush, which, while I don't like to use regularly, it does work quite well on the apples in a pinch.
Narcisse has some very slight pearl to it, but the overall effect is just very glowy. It works well with cool-toned eye makeup, and I think it is pigmented enough to work on everyone from Nicole Kidman-esque fair to a Halle Berry-ish light caramel skintone. For reference, this was also the blush used by Natalie Portman at the 2009 Oscars earlier this year.


EYES

MAC Satin Eyeshadow in Omega (on Brows)
This is a very basic, light cool-toned taupe brown. It is a Satin finish, so not too matte, and fairly easy to blend. I actually like using this shadow as a shadow... for a quick, polished look, I used MAC Shroom all over the lid and up to the browbone, and then blend Omega into the crease. The effect is very professional, while still offering some definition. As a brow filler, the color works is not too dark, and it does last the entire day.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Eyeshadow Quad in #4
I've always stayed away from the GA shadow quads, mainly because of prohibitive price ($58USD), and also in part because the colors are not as bright and pigmented as Dior.
The Quad#4 is aptly named "Stone" and contains (as per the GA website) four shades in "limestone, graphite, granite, and marble." The colors are all individually very pretty, have some slight shimmer, and are versatile enough to be used for a work day or smoked out for a night out.
Here, I am wearing the limestone shade from lashline to brow, the graphite on the lid, the granite in the crease, and marble on the browbones. As you can see, the colors are not super-intense, and are instead a sheer-ish wash. I think this goes along with GA's minimalist sensibility, but for the price, I do expect a little more.
I admit the shadows are very blendable and go on smoothly (thanks to its patented "micro-fil" technology that GA powder products have) -- but the intensity is not there. I think I may have to try them wet for a more wild look. I will also try these with shadow primer to see if that brings out the intensity of the shades.


YSL Dessin du Regard Haute Tenue (longlasting eye pencil) in #1 - Intense Black
I got a mini version of this last year as part of a GWP, and as far as pencil eyeliners go, this is one of my favorites. The black color is fairly dark... not carbon black, but not gray-ish, either. It is also available in an array of other colors if black isn't your thing. The pencil itself is firm, and you can really draw a defined lined with this, and it is also blendable at the same time, which is a super plus in my book. And -- the best thing about it? No raccoon eyes in the afternoon! This definitely stays on without flaking or smudging. It doesn't stay on all day if you line the inner rim/waterline, though (have yet to find a pencil that does that.) It also removes easily at the end of the day.
The only caveat? The price... it is $28USD for an eyeliner, which is pricey!


YSL Effet Faux Cils Mascara in #1 - High Density Black
Faux Cils is one of my gold standards, and not just because it comes in a pretty gold tube. It offers beautiful volumization, good lengthening, and really just fans the lashes out. Using one coat is enough to give a pretty, fluttery lash effect. It also leaves the lashes soft to the touch while it's on, and even when you remove it, the lashes still feel very soft and conditioned.
My only complaints with this mascara are that you have to follow the instructions to clean the brush once a week (by wiping it down on a paper towel)... because the bristles are so soft, they have a tendency to get gunked up with product. With that in mind, note that the shelf life of this mascara is only like a month for me... maybe two months max. It seems to get dried out faster than other mascaras, which I used for the full 3 months. In that respect, it may not be worth the money ($28.50USD) for those that are already blessed with beautiful lashes. But for me, I will continue to buy, because I love the effect, the pretty floral scent, and the perfect packaging.


LIPS

MAC Lipliner in Subculture
This is a decent, basic neutral lipliner. I don't like to use brown-toned liners because my lips are so pink, and brown-y colors have a tendency to look orange or dirty on me. Subculture is a good alternative for when I use nude lipsticks or when I want some definition to my lips. My only gripe with it is that it's a bit hard, and you also have to sharpen all of the time. Other than that, it's a must-have for me.

Chanel Glossimer in Pink Ribbon
I think was a limited edition color. In the tube, it is a light, warm-toned pink with lots of silver and light pink glitter. On the lips, it applies very sheer, almost clear, so it works best over a pink lip liner or lipstick to add dimension to the lips. For a non-limited alternative, you could also try the glossimer in Pailletes, which is more cool-toned and has more silver glitter.
My favorite thing about the glossimers is the texture - gel-like, but super moisturizing and quite long-lasting. They are also odorless/scentless, and most are sheer enough that you can apply over top of lipstick or on their own for some color. The finishes are glossy without being over the top or sticky. The price is high, however (approx. $26USD), so be sure to try before you buy!

On a Monday Morning...

I decided to try a new format for my reviews. I think I'm going to create the look with the makeup, and then review the individual items below. I hope one day to become technically-savvy enough to be able to have a roll-over menu so if you hold the mouse over a certain part of my face, the item I used on it will pop up, along with the review. But, alas, we start where we start... and in my case, it's the middle ages!

I took this picture with my Blackberry, so it pretty much sucks. Between that and the ginormous bags under my eyes from only 3-hrs of sleep, I'm not looking the best, but I promise to put up some better pictures going forward!

On to the fun stuff...

FACE

Chanel Mat Lumiere liquid foundation in Ivoire 0.8.

This is a decent foundation, with medium coverage and a soft-matte finish. It is supposed to be long-lasting (according to Chanel, up to 12 hrs) and have a lightweight and natural look.

PROS: It offers SPF15, and has a sanitary pump dispenser. The finish is quite natural-looking, not at all heavy or cakey. This is offered in 11 colors, though I think the very, very fair-skinned or the very, very dark-skinned may have trouble finding a match. Everyone in-between should be able to find a decent match, as they offer both neutral and golden undertones.

CONS: Like all Chanel products, this is pricey... Mat Lumiere is $54USD. Additionally, it comes in a heavy glass bottle, which travellers may find cumbersome. If you are really oily, this probably will not help hold back the oilies on its own. For me, my nose gets shiny by lunchtime.

Cle de Peau Concealer in Ivoire (which I have reviewed previously.) I've obviously forgotten to put some on my pimple!

Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush in #001 Rose Brazilia.

I like this a lot, since it is a blend of blush and bronzer, which you can use separately or blended together. The Rose Brazilia has a pretty, bright peach color in the center, a tan bronze at the edges, and is flanked by a light pink border and a plummy border. All of the colors have some fine shimmer, but nothing too shiny. When you initially buy this, it has a gold overlay on top, but after you use it for the first time, the gold goes away.

I use this with the MAC 187 brush, pick up all the colors, and then buff into the cheeks. It blends to a really pretty, glowy peach for me. I like the versatility of this because honestly, it's like several cheek/face products in one, so for the $42 price-tag, it's quite worth it.

EYES

Stila Browset

I have this powder duo in "Dark" for when I used to have dark hair, but it comes with a lighter taupe color that I use now. The powder is pretty easy to work with (not too dry, not too soft) - and goes on quite well. I use the MAC #209 brush (small angled) to apply.

Guerlain Ombre Eclat 4 Couleurs Fleur De Feu eyeshadow quad.

This is from a year ago, limited-edition, and has really pretty colors, all with subtle shimmer: a light pinkish ivory color, a warm pinky-rose, a light cool-toned gray with some blue to it (this is my favorite shade), and a deep plummy-purple.

Here, I am only wearing the light pink-ivory color all over, and then a little of the plummy-purple along the lashline. This quad is quite unique, but I have to say the colors are not as pigmented as I would like.

Diorshow BlackOut Mascara

I got this mascara for free as part of my Dior Diva VIP gift. I've purchased it before, but I wouldn't say that it is my favorite of the Diorshows. The formula is very wet, and it doesn't thicken or lengthen as well as the original or the Iconic. It features the giant brush that Diorshow usually has, but the bristles are shorter and more spiral-y than the original. My favorite thing about it is that it leaves the lashes soft, and the color truly is a beautiful, kohl black. But, for $24USD, it may not be worth it to purchase this.

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Pencil in Zero.

This is one of my favorite pencil eyeliners. The Zero color is a rich, dark black, and it glides onto the eyelid and lashline without tugging. Now, I do have to note that it does smudge on the lower lashline by the afternoon, so this pencil is by no means perfect. But, for a pencil liner, this is one my favorites. It retails for $16USD, is available at Sephora (which means if you hate it, you can return it, no questions asked!) -- and is also offered in 19 beautiful colors, ranging from brights to metallics, to deeps.

LIPS

NARS Lipgloss in Sweet Revenge.

The NARS color names crack me up! This is a really pretty, sheer mid-tone rose with no shimmer or pearl. On my pink-pigmented lips, it just accentuates my lip color and makes the lips look plumper. It's sort of a "no-fail, no mirror" gloss that I can just slap on on a lazy day. It is pretty pricey, at $24USD for a little tube, but I think of all my lipglosses, I reach for this the most frequently during the week just because it's so easy. Like all other NARS non-shimmery glosses, this is fairly slick and decently long-lasting, and doesn't leave that embarrassing white ring around your mouth when it gets dried up. It just sort of fades away. The shine is not over the top or plasticky at all. I like the doe-foot applicator as well. My only complaint (as with all NARS lip products) is the chemical smell of it. I don't think NARS adds any perfume or fragrance to their lip products, so they have a waxy smell and taste to them.