battle of the exfoliation pads

Toning is something I have really come to love in my skincare routine. If you have kept up with my skincare routines in the past, you know I like having two types of toners on hand: one that is moisturizing in the morning and one that is exfoliating for night time. I had finished up a container of Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads and wanted to try something new so I ended up replacing them with First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads. So how do they compare?

Both are at similar price points with PTR being a bit more expensive than FAB ($30 versus $36). They both contain the same amount of pads (60) which are housed in screw top containers. They also have the same type of pad texturing, with one side being smooth and its reverse having a bumpy pattern.

PETER THOMAS ROTH:
PTR is the stronger of the two as it took about a week for my skin to acclimate to its effect and I have pretty resilient skin. It also has a high alcohol content, with it being the second highest ingredient listed. The Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads have 10% glycolic acid and 1/2% salicylic acid as their exfoliants. The pads have a scent that is sweet and fruity. They are very saturated in that the pads are soaking wet. I felt one pad was a waste and too much for my whole face so I cut them in half and used half a pad for my whole face.

FIRST AID BEAUTY
FAB is very mild but effective. My skin had no reactions and didn't need to adjust. They have a more "green" approach with their formula and do not contain any alcohol. The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads have lactic and glycolic acid for their exfoliants. The scent is not very nice, it reminds me a bit of not so pleasant liquid multivitamin my mother used to make me ingest as a child. The pads aren't very saturated and are drier than the PTR. I need to use the full pad to cover my whole face, cutting them in half was not an option.

OVERALL:
I like both of these offerings. I think Peter Thomas Roth is focusing more on acne and pore minimizing concerns whereas First Aid Beauty is zoning in on resurfacing the skin to attack scarring and hyperpigmentation. If I had to pick one, I think I would go for First Aid Beauty's take. They are milder yet surprisingly very effective. I noticed a difference with both pads but I felt like the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads gave me quicker, noticeable results and kept large blemishes away the best. The Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads are a good product; I still saw improvement just at a slower pace. The only things I felt the PTR pads did better FAB were the scent and the saturation of the pads. PTR gave me more bang for my buck as I was able to double the amount I had by cutting the pads in half. I am unable to do this trick with the FAB pads as they have just the right amount of liquid in one pad for your face.

I wouldn't recommend Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads to the sensitive skinned...as the name implies they are at a max state formula wise so some stinging and dryness is expected in the beginning until your skin gets around to its effect. I skipped every other day using them until my skin could handle it. I didn't have to do this for First Aid Beauty's Radiance Pads. These would be better suited for sensitive skin types that still want some exfoliation in their lives.

milani flamingo pose

I would say that I have become fairly confident in wearing bold lipstick out in public without feeling self conscious. The main reason I don't regularly wear the stuff is mostly due to the maintenance rather than feelings of doubt. A girl has to eat and drink. Even though I say this, I do get rather nervous when it comes to wearing bold pinks. Remember when I tried my hand at fuchsia (yes I had to look up how to spell this correctly...again)? I don't know what it is about it. Maybe because I have never really been a fan of pink in general or perhaps it reminds me all too much of Barbie.

Either way, I have been determined to try and overcome my bold pink lipstick fear. I tested out the waters with the reddish pink Revlon Strawberry Suede and have come to really love the color. After I got used to that, I picked an outrageously pink color to get the ball rolling: Milani Flamingo Pose.

BAM...just look at that color. It is much brighter in person. It takes me a couple minutes to get used to all that color radiating from my lips. Not for the timid and all for the ones who want to call attention to their lips. It is a pretty color but I still prefer my reds and plums over this.

I have absolutely nothing close to this color. It is an almost neon punchy pink so it isn't surprising that I couldn't find anything similar to what I own. Milani does lipsticks decently. They glide on easily enough and aren't extremely slippy so it won't melt off. They have rich pigmentation and don't excessively accentuate any rough patches. I don't find it to be the most moisturizing but it definitely isn't the driest I've come across. This particular shade leaves a pinkish stain behind once it fades away or even if it is wiped off which I find quite nice. It does have a strong melon scent which I think is too artificial and sickly. I wish it wasn't present but it doesn't linger for the entire wear.

SWATCHES
L to R: Milani Flamingo Pose, Revlon Fuchsia, Estee Lauder Rubellite

All these shades would be beautiful cream blush shades, no? Fuchsia is obviously more of a cool pink with some purple shot through it, Rubellite is almost frosty and more of a tamed ruby.

AWKWARD POSING

So all in all I'm still not used to these punchy bright pink shades, as indicated in my uncomfortable face above. But that doesn't stop me from trying. I wish this shade looked as kick ass on me as it does on Viola but then again she looks good in all damn lipsticks shades, even blue ones. The more I apply it the less shocking the color seems on. Maybe NARS Schiap will be something I'll wear one day. Still terrified.

clarins lotus face treatment oil

Facial oil is a category of beauty that I have always been curious about yet timid to try out for myself. I dislike any oily, greasy feeling since I already have to deal with that on a daily basis thanks to my skin type. Patting on additional drops of the slick stuff seemed counterproductive in my eyes. Despite this, I kept seeing Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil pop up on some blogs over the past year and I couldn't help but wonder and keep it in the back of my mind. Everyone who spoke of it wrote that it balanced out their oily skin and made their overall complexion improve. How could I not be curious?

This past Christmas my boyfriend gifted me this oil because he knew I had been wanting to give it a whirl. It comes in a nice weighty glass bottle holding 1 oz of product. I have been using it for over a month and in short, this has been extremely lovely. Like, I'm considering a long lived future together and everything, it is that serious.

Since I had never used a facial oil before, I relied on the handy dandy instruction pamphlet that came with the box. It instructed for me to use it at night after my toner so my skin was still slightly damp. The action of application is quite pleasant and soothing: it instructs to place 3-4 drops of oil in your hands and to gently press-and-release the product all over the face. Not going to lie, this part of my routine is something I look forward to all day. Am I alone in this?

I use 4 drops all over my face. It does have a scent, it is quite herbal but not in a bad way. I read on Makeup Alley that it reminded them of a spa which I agree with. When I first started using this, my face flushed up quite a bit after application but I didn't feel any sensation at all which surprised me. Now my skin has acclimated and doesn't pink up anymore. It soaks in nicely after I press it into the skin for about 20 seconds and doesn't feel overly greasy. I like sandwiching my moisturizer, CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, on top after application to really inject the most nourishment into my skin. I did try skipping lotion a couple nights to see if the oil could work well as a moisturizer on its own. It worked fine this way, but I preferred the layering method for maximum effect.

INGREDIENTS:
Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Belumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate

I think almost everyone will be okay with the ingredients in this one. It is made of mostly plant based oils and at the end there are a few fragrance oils and one trace preservative. I thought it was nice that the bulk of the product was what the brand highlights. I thought of Gummy when I saw hazelnut oil as one of the top oils used; she wrote on her blog a few times about it and recommended me to try it out as it is one of the best oils to use for oily skin. Right she was!

Since using this I have seen a dramatic decrease in oil production on my face. I still get oily, but not nearly as fast and not nearly as much. I previously had to blot halfway throughout my day and after using this I can make it to the 6-7 hour mark before doing so. Amazing. I was a skeptic but this truly is balancing yet moisturizing. My skin responds to this very well. I feel like it even heals faster too because when I get hormonal acne (booo, the worst) it always leaves a mark behind but this helps the scarring process go by quicker so it doesn't linger.

I really recommend this to anyone, even if you had dry skin since it is quite nourishing and moisturizing. It balances, moisturizers, and makes my skin feel less congested and at its peak for renewal. I would definitely repurchase and am now a believer in facial oils. The only downside is the price, a hefty $52 USD, but seeing as I use 4 drops at a time I believe I will go through this at a snails pace. What to try next? Perhaps Pai Rosehip Oil...

nars gilda

I have a lot of choices when it comes to blush. So much that I tend to neglect many of them. Because of this, I've been trying out a new strategy of plucking 2-3 shades from my drawer and putting them in my daily makeup holder so I can rotate their use for at least a couple months. This helps use up product and it gives me a chance to get to show some love to whatever shades I picked for that rotation. Win win, right?

One of the blushes I currently have in use is NARS Gilda. I actually put this in my rotation to stop myself from buying all of the Final Cut blushes as it seemed along the same lines. I must admit, I rarely reached for this in the past. I was first interested in the shade a few years ago due to BlushingPixie on YouTube. She mentioned it was one of her favorites and every time she wore in in videos it made her complexion look beautiful. So I promptly bought it, tried it on, and wasn't moved by it so it stayed hidden in the back of my row of NARS compacts.

After using it this past month, I have changed my tune. It is really an underrated color. I use a Real Techniques Blush Brush to apply. Gilda isn't crazy pigmented but it also isn't too tame that I need multiple layers. A generous fluff on the brush and sweep across the cheeks and I'm done. Satisfying for fast blush appliers and pigmentation lovers alike.

In the pan the shade is your typical matte peachy pink shade that you can find in any brand. On my skin however, it completely changes and shows not even a hint of pink. It is a very distinct peach. Bizarre. This is probably why I wasn't originally won over with it. I have discovered that my most loved blush shades tend to be neutrals (like CARGO Tonga) or some variation of pink (NARS Desire). Peaches get ignored. I believe this is because I have such a hard time making them work on me. They either make my skin look dirty or are too jarring.

Gilda is a very gentle shade. It is one of those colors that isn't in your face but makes your skin look nicer than it really is. It's nice to finally have a blush that instills some hope in peach blush for me. Maybe I was being too harsh with MAC Melba and Peaches (both shades I own and rarely reach for...because, peach).

NARS Gina is very similar but leans more orange. I do not own it but I do remember going back and forth on which shade to try because they share tones. NARS Amour is also comparable but has more pink in it. I like Amour more than Gilda, unsurprisingly, as it actually shows up as a peachy pink on my skin. Danielle has excellent swatch comparisons of Amour and Gilda if you wanted to see for yourself.

Overall I'm glad I gave Gilda another chance. It is a joy to wear due to its ease and natural effect. Peach lovers will dig it, though you probably have a shade very close to it already. Admittedly, isn't the most unique shade ever made but it is indeed a staple.

SN: Can you believe NARS blushes are $30 USD now?! I remember when they were $25. Sad days ahead when it pushes past $30...

urban decay naked 3 palette

Last month my older sister was gifted the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette from a good friend of hers. What a gem, eh? Being the beauty blogger I am, I took advantage of the situation to test out the much sought after palette for myself. What are older sisters for but for sharing?

I'll admit, when I first heard and saw promotional material for this palette, I wasn't interested. The first reason being I think Urban Decay is milking their "Naked" range for all its worth and the idea comes across as stale by this point. The second reason I wasn't swayed by the palette was because the shades seemed TOO PINK. All the swatches I saw on other blogs showed mauve and frosty pinks which I don't find particularly flattering on me. Hello inflamed looking eyes! The sturdy, metal package was a nice upgrade though. I'll give credit where credit's due.

With all that grumpy negativity aside, I still gave this palette a fair and square shot by starting off neutral. I was determined to consistently try out different looks for a full month using only this palette to see how I felt about it. After a month's use, I have mixed feelings. I discovered some shades I really enjoyed while others left more to be desired.

URBAN DECAY NAKED 3 PALETTE

URBAN DECAY NAKED 3 SWATCHES
FROM L to R: Strange, Dust, Burnout, Limit, Buzz, Trick, Nooner, Liar, Factory, Mugshot, Darkside, Blackheart

STRANGE: One of those invaluable, MAC Brule-like shades. I enjoyed this. I liked using it all over my lid to blank it out and make other colors show up and apply much richer.

DUST: Urban Decay always has to include at least one glittery shade in their palettes and for Naked 3, Dust is one of them. Rarely used this due to the glitter but when I did, I either dabbed it in my inner corners or patted it lightly over the center of my lid on top of a more subdued shade, just to emphasize the shimmer.

BURNOUT: Similar to MAC All That Glitters which I am actually not a huge fan of. Nonetheless, I know people go crazy for shades like these so it is bound to be a hit for most. I rarely used this as I find shimmery pinks like this make me look funny. Washed out? Surprised when I'm not? Hmmm I'm not sure how to explain it .

LIMIT: One of my most used shades, as it is a matte transition shade. It is a light mauve that takes quite a bit of layering to even show up to the party. If it wasn't one of the crucial shades in the palette, I wouldn't have even bothered using it. Alas, colors needed to be blended out so I had to use it. Also, if used alone without the help of Nooner, it made my eyes look inflamed. Darn pinks.

BUZZ: Another glitter shade. I used this the same way as I did Dust.

TRICK: By far the worst shade in the palette. Looks terrible on me, which I proved in a look below. I have yet to find out how to use this shade properly to make it work. Inner corner highlight?

NOONER: Another essential transition shade. I liked this one better than Limit as it doesn't make my eyes look like I had an allergy attack. Still, I prefer my transition shades to be more of a mid-toned brown like MAC Cork or Wedge, but this was a nice change. I combined it often with Limit in the crease for a simple daily look.

LIAR: Easily my favorite shade in the palette. Duh, it's a taupe (my favorite eye shadow color to wear) so you shouldn't be surprised. Reminds me a bit of Urban Decay Toasted which is one of my favorite eye shadows of all time. It swatches frostier than how it applies on the eye. It's one of those shades that becomes softer and more complex as you blend it out. Very easy to use for a one eye shadow only look. My most used after the transitional matte shades.

FACTORY: Another taupe so I enjoyed it. I didn't use it all over the lid though, it was too dark for that use and it didn't blend out into a softer color. What you swatch is what you get. Deepening the outer V was a good job for it.

MUGSHOT: Yet another taupe, but plummier and cool toned. Of course I liked it, noticing a trend here? I used this more for smudging out my lower lash line as it did a spectacular job at it. Quite a cool taupe, so I didn't use it all over the lid (Cool taupes make me look tired).

DARKSIDE: I actually used this shade often. When my eye looks were turning toward pink-inflamed-why-God-why territory, I blended a little bit of this over it and it made things bearable. Also excellent at deepening the outer V or smoking things out. It looks scarier in the pan than when actually used on the eye.

BLACKHEART: I feel like this is what most expected MAC Beauty Mark to be. Blackened base with purple shimmers, but the shimmers actually stick around when you apply it instead of disappearing like Beauty Marked. Good to have a very dark shade like this in a palette. It helps with smokier looks and you can use it as an eyeliner. Some days when I wanted a more natural look, I skipped eye liner and instead smudged this on my upper lash line. Nice effect. Especially helps that it is a easy to blend shade.

ORIGINAL NAKED PALETTE

L to R: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

I thought I'd include the original Naked palette in case you wanted to compare. I do enjoy the original, it contains many shades I would pick myself for a palette besides Half Baked and Sin. I have given it quite a bit of love since its first release.

Look at the REAL transition matte shades: Naked and Buck. My favorites. Also, Gunmetal is the king of making brown eyes stand out in smoky eye looks. It is my go to smokey eye shade that I pair up with Creep. And I already mentioned Toasted is a very pleasurable shade to wear. If I used it up I'd buy the single, if that gives you an idea of my love for it.

IT'S TRICKY

Here we have a look with Trick all over the lid, a mixture of Limit and Nooner to blend into the crease, and Darkside to deepen the outer V. Blackheart was used as a liner, smudge into the outer half of my upper lid.

Ugh I did not like this look and I blame it entirely on Trick. Such a weird shade, I didn't know what to do with it but I took photo proof of it for you guys. SO THERE.

SOFT CREASE

My daily look for about 2/3 of the whole month. Easy, fast, and looks like barely there makeup. Strange all over the lid to blank, mixture of Limit and Nooner in the crease, Mugshot blended into the lower lashline. Add a simple flick of some liquid liner and a quick coating of the lashes and I'm out the door.

On an unrelated note, Burberry Copper Lip Mist FTW! That's what I'm wearing in this look, if you were wondering. It's a staple lip color.

TAUPE, OF COURSE

Ahh this is more my territory. Liar all over the lid, little bit of Nooner to transition, Factory to deepen the outer V, and Mugshot smudged under the lower lash line. See how different Liar ends up looking so complex blended all over the lid? I won't say I told you so. More liquid liner with copious amounts of kohl liner to the lower waterline. My signature look.

OVERALL:
I don't think this is a terrible palette. The textures and blendability are of fine quality like Urban Decay's standard. Pigmentation isn't an issue if you don't count Limit since it needs extra layers to show up. The colors are neutral so you have many options to work with to make countless looks. You can be glittery, you can be smokey, you can be natural, etc. Some of the shades are real stunners, like Liar. Others are invaluable such as Strange, Blackheart, and Nooner.

However, I don't think this will suit everyone's tastes. I definitely don't think it is worth $52 USD since not all shades are universally flattering. Make sure you find the two mauvy transition shades to your liking or else you will have to reach for better options from your stash which defeats the purpose of an eye shadow palette. Also, most of the left side of the palette screams PINK so if those types of shades tend to make your eyes look inflamed or irritated, this won't be a great choice.

For an alternative perspective, my older sister loves this palette and every look she has done with it looks great on her. She has a browner complexion than me and her favorite shades to wear are mauves so this color palette definitely fits her tastes. I have tried replicating the same looks she does and they don't turn out quite as nicely or flattering. To each their own...

theBalm Cindy Lou-Manizer

Highlighter is by far one of my favorite makeup items to apply. A quick dusting onto high points of the face can make such a beautiful yet subtle difference to your overall look. Dull, matte skin is a look I strive to stay away from...I am all about the healthy glow. That being said, it should come as no surprise that I own an embarrassing amount of options. Peachy, multi-sparkle, golden, rosy, metallic, refined, liquid, powder...you name it I have some version of it. It got so out of hand that I banned myself from buying anymore highlighters last year, no matter how much I was lusting after them (Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks, and MAC Soft n' Gentle, RMS Living Luminizer, to name a few).

When I heard theBalm was coming out with the pink hued Cindy-Lou Manizer, there was absolutely no hope in staying true to my ban. I say this because its golden champagne sister, Mary-Lou Manizer, is my one of favorite highlighters in my entire collection. The texture can't be beat and the refined shimmer is something that quite literally makes it shine above the rest.

Another reason I wanted to purchase Cindy was for a rather silly reason: I wanted to complete my collection of all of theBalm's Lou Manizers. It's the makeup collector in me! The packaging is all the same, round plastic compact with mirror intact. It has theBalm's signature kitschy design which I am actually not a fan of. However, it is what's inside that counts so this is a minor detail.

My first impression when I swatched this was it was a much darker pink than I expected. I was worried I wouldn't be able to use it as a highlighter and that I would have to settle for using it as a very shimmery blush. Luckily, I didn't have to settle. Due to the soft, refined texture, sheering out the product was a breeze.

All three of the Lou Manizers have the same buttery, almost creamy feel to them. I don't know how theBalm does it to be honest; they make the softest powders I have tried by far. Every other powder seems rough and abrasive in comparison.

Not frosty yet not sparkly. All have the ability to add glow with its tiny reflective particles that bind onto the skin seamlessly and naturally.

Straight on Cindy looks like your standard peachy-pink hybrid, but at some angles it seems to reflect a bit of a golden luster. If inspected closer still, I detect a subtle lavender shimmer. It is very multidimensional and interesting. It isn't remotely garish or harsh.

Let it be known that this was one of the most frustrating items to try to capture in photographs. How do people capture highlighter on the face!? Wizards. I tried you guys. Above I applied it to the bridge of my nose, cupids bow, tops of the cheeks, and tops of my brow arch. Just trust me when I say the effect is beautiful and natural in person.

Happy to report that Cindy is unique to my stash. I pulled out a few shades that it reminded me of but most were either too pink, had a much bigger shimmer factor, or were more golden.

L TO R: MAC STEREO ROSE, LAURA MERCIER SPELLBOUND, theBALM CINDY-LOU MANIZER, ESTEE LAUDER MODERN MERCURY, MAC REDHEAD

Even in the swatches you can see how soft it is in comparison to the rest. I believe the closest in similarity can be seen with MAC Redhead MSF but Redhead much more shimmery. If you have Redhead you PROBABLY don't need Cindy but if it were up to me you'd need all the glowy things so I don't know if you should take my word for it.

OVERALL:
I can't think of a single fault unless you despise highlighter, which in that case you are certified nuts. Creamy texture, refined shimmer, easy to use. Would look good on all skin tones besides very deep ones perhaps. Paler skin could get away with using it as a blush. Consider it, look out for it, try to see it yourself in person. It is love.

sibu sea buckthorn balancing facial cleanser

**This post contains an item provided by an outside company for trial.

A few months back, a representative from Sibu contacted me asking if I would like to try out one of their products. I had heard of the brand before from Michele and Sandra, both who had positive experiences so I was curious myself. After browsing the website to see if their products were something I'd be interested in, I ended up liking what I read and chose to try the *Balancing Facial Cleanser.

This cleanser claims to leave the skin balanced and clean while still being gentle. It also claims to remove makeup and be non foaming. From what I read Sibu is a very health conscious brand; it emphasizes natural, fair trade ingredients and recyclable materials. They pride themselves in the incorporation of sea buckhorn into their products, which you can read a little excerpt of the claimed benefits HERE.

The product comes in a 4 fl oz no fuss white plastic bottle with a pump. The cleanser itself is a transparent light orange color with some colorless micro-particles suspended throughout. I don't find the particles harsh or too abrasive; they have just the right amount of texture to feel like they serve a purpose. The scent is a zingy citrus, I find it rather pleasant.

I use this as my morning cleanser to cleanse away the residue of my evening products and excess sebum from the night. I take about one pump of it into my wet palms and lather it up to its full potential. It is indeed non-foaming, the picture above is about the fullest lather I can get. This can feel a tad bit drying, after washing my face I do feel a slight tautness in my skin. This isn't too bothersome to me since it is easily remedied by following up with my moisturizer.

When I first started using this I tried using it in both the morning and evening but I found it was a bit too stripping for this. I switched to morning use only and received much better results. I agree with the namesake in that this is a balancing cleanser. I found on the mornings I used this, my skin was not as oily during the day.

I have not used this as a makeup remover, as if you have been following me for some time, you know I am a full believer in oil cleansers for that purpose. Liz has tried it for this purpose and reported that she found it to do a decent job, leaving no makeup behind.

INGREDIENTS:
water, decyl glucoside, coco betaine, sd alcohol 40-b, lauryl glucoside, hydrogenated jojoba oil, carrageenan, glycerin, phenethyl alcohol, sea buckthorn fruit extract (hippophae rhamnoides), sea buckthorn seed oil (hippophae rhamnoides), panthenol, coco-glucoside, glyceryl oleate, xanthan gum, sodium levulinate, sodium phytate, sodium anisate, fragrance (from orange and lemon essential oils

OVERALL:
I have been using this for over two months and I really like it. I would purchase it myself in the future. It smells nice, isn't harsh, and it balances my oily skin when used regularly in the morning. I also think it is fairly priced at $17.95 USD. This cleanser appeals to natural product junkies that have concerns about ingredients as Sibu has a philosophy that you will appreciate.

It should be noted that I don't recommend this to be used twice in one day as I think it can be a bit stripping if done so. I also disagree with Sibu that this cleanser is for all skin types, I reckon normal to dry skin types might need more hydrating options unless you are in the market for a clarifying type cleanser.

++ A Sibu representative sent the Balancing Cleanser to me free to review. This post does NOT contain any affiliate links.

YSL glossy stain #5 - rouge vintage

Last month as a surprise, my older sister gifted me a YSL Glossy Stain in a shade that I had been hemming and hawing about buying for myself: Rouge Vintage. I first tried this on in Sephora a couple years ago just for fun as it seemed like a color I would never be interested in (pink!). Turns out the joke was on me because I actually ended up enjoying the shade on myself.

I have talked over the other two shades I own before here on my blog (Rouge Laque HERE, Violet Edition HERE). If you read them you know I do like the glossy stains. I find them to be extremely comfortable to wear and the colors pack quite a punch. I do firmly believe, however, that the formula does not perform the same across the board. Each shade seems to have a mind of its own.

Violet Edition is prone to patchiness on its own and requires a careful 2-3 layer application. Rouge Laque is a breeze to apply and reaches full, even opacity with no problem at 2 coats. So how does Rouge Vintage fair?

Rouge Vintage appears to be a seemingly purpled raspberry in the tube and on the doe applicator. Applied to the lips, it develops and settles into its true color: a beautiful rosy raspberry that isn't overdone. Out of all the shades I own this is easily my favorite. It requires only one careful coat. Color me impressed!

I'M SORRY FOR THE DANG HAIR STRAND ALL UP IN MY FACE.

YSL claims for these to be long lasting and I only agree with that IF you don't eat/drink/touch it. It most definitely comes off the lips if touched. It also should be mentioned that I have never found the staining capabilities of any of the shades I own to be great. I never wear them as a stain as it colors the lips unevenly.

AGAIN WITH THE HAIR. So distracting, ugh.

I love this shade. I find it easy and flattering to wear. As purely a lip color item, I enjoy wearing the glossy stains. They are supremely comfortable and don't dry out my lips. The gloss isn't sticky, on the contrary, it is cushiony and lightweight. It lasts if it isn't messed with or touched.

At $34 USD each, they are most definitely luxury items and not an absolute must try. The L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains perform very similarly at a fraction of the price. Splurge if you are a YSL lover or are deeply moved by a color in the range. Save your money if you want a proper stain or are happy with the budget L'Oreal version.

Hopefully you'll forgive my hair strand atrocity. I'll end this post with a picture of a cat shirt I wore as a peace offering for you all.

tom ford wild ginger

I love me a good orange red. Not an orange, not a pastel, but full-bodied, head turning red with a fiery base. It was love at first sight for me when I ran across it on Laura's post which had me pining after a lipstick with a price tag made my eyeballs pop out of my skull. Despite the price I added it to my wishlist of expensive spoils to own someday.

Fast forward two years and my boyfriend ends up purchasing it for me as a Christmas gift. I was so happy to finally own it that I couldn't even wait to take pictures of its pristine initialed bullet before trying it on. Total blogger faux pas.

So did the color live up to my expectation? It certainly did. I have worn this multiple times and have loved every wear. It applies without tugging. The color is richly saturated not to mention flattering and bold. I do wish the color was matte though. It has the signature Tom Ford creaminess with a slightly glossy finish.

SWATCHES
L to R: NARS Heat Wave, TF Wild Ginger, TF Ginger Fawn, Revlon Really Red, Revlon Strawberry Suede

I was worried with all my lusting after Wild Ginger that it would end up being similar to shades I already own and make me look crazy. Luckily, it is quite unique. It is most similar to NARS Heat Wave but glossier and more vibrant. Tom Ford Ginger Fawn isn't as red and looks almost like a pastel in comparison.

I think Tom Ford lipsticks have a very nice texture and the colors I own are beautiful and worth admiring. However, I must mention that I don't think they are the most long lasting nor the most comfortable lipsticks I own. After a few hours of wear I find them to be incredibly drying and in need of a touch up. I think that is quite shameful for a lipstick that retails for a hefty $49 USD. I do think I am in the minority with this experience though, most reviews I have read have no issues. I'll enjoy the shades I own but I do not plan on adding anymore Tom Ford lipsticks to my collection.

Wild Ginger is a gorgeous shade that I wear with great joy but I do admit there are better formulas that would be worth of your money. But if luxury items are your soft spot and the color appeals to you, I say go for it. I certainly don't regret owning it and am extremely grateful to have it part of my collection if not for just the color alone.

erase your pores?

After my raving success with Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner, I became a primer believer and convert. I had heard that Maybelline was coming out with a new face primer, Baby Skin Instant Pore Refiner, and set out to find it to try.

Maybelline claims this primer visibly smooths out the skin to give a pore-less appearance. They suggest to wear it under makeup for better application or even to wear alone to make the skin look smoother. The product is held inside a mint tube with a screw cap and holds 20 mL of product. I bought this for a little over $5 USD.

This primer is a clear gel with a consistency similar to a thin petroleum jelly. It has no scent. I usually apply an amount about the size shown above and smooth all over my face, concentrating on my pore heavy areas (inner cheeks and nose). The feeling is quite strange, it feels a bit oily and slippery once smoothed over. My guess is because of its heavy silicone base.

INGREDIENTS:
Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearyl Heptanoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica Silylate, Propylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Prunus Cerasus Extract / Bitter Cherry Extract.

You can see it does a pretty good job smoothing out lines I have on my dehydrated hands. But enough of the hand test, you want to see it on the face, right?

LEFT SIDE: no primer, RIGHT SIDE: primer

In the picture above I applied the primer onto the left side of my face (your right) and my right side (your left) I kept primer free. Can you tell the difference? In person the effect is a little more apparent. I do notice this make my pores blur out and my skin seem a bit smoother. I am wearing foundation in this picture as the effect wasn't very noticeable on bare skin for me to show you.

I don't like this product. For a few reasons: the first being I don't like the way it feels. Applying it feels greasy and like I just put on a layer of invisible gunk that sits on top of the skin. It does not even compare to the soothing, coolness of Bioderma's product. Even though Maybelline suggests this could be worn alone just to smooth out the skin, I would never wear it that way because I dislike the feeling of it and don't find it makes my bare skin look noticeably different.

Secondly, I feel like the overall effect isn't very noticeable, unless you are the type of person that judges skin at a microscopical level. I won't say it is ineffective at smoothing out the skin as that would be untruthful, but after I end up applying concealer, powder, bronzer and blush, I could not see a huge difference between the two sides of my face.

And finally, I found this primer made me hideously oily. In all fairness, Maybelline does not claim this product to control oil but I did not expect it to push my sebum production into overdrive. About three hours in and I was very slick. Not good.

OVERALL:
All in all, this product was a dud for me and I wouldn't recommend it. It doesn't break me out and it does blur out my pores but after I follow through with my normal makeup application the effect is practically unnoticeable. The NARS Light Reflecting Powder gives me a similar effect without the extra oil production. You may like it if you have normal to dry skin and all you expect from a primer is to perfect your skin's texture. If you are looking for oil control or longevity, this is not for you.

Next time I won't be so hasty in giving in to newly released products and instead go for something that would better cater to my needs. Perhaps something like La Roche Posay Effaclar Matte or Vichy Normaderm Total Mat Anti-Shine Mattifier...

milani bella rosa blush - spring 2014

There I was, just innocently perusing the beauty aisle of my local store, when I noticed a serious upgrade in the Milani section. I nodded in appreciation at the change as it was a sorry sight before and I was about to walk away when my eye caught something. A new blush shade I have never heard about? Curious, I released a compact from its lineup and noticed two things: 1. the color was vivid 2. the plastic protection had the words "NEW MATTE SHADE" printed on the side. I needed no more prodding, Milani Bella Rosa was coming home with me.

I have previously reviewed the normal baked blush line and while I do think they are excellent choices for drugstore, I find them too shimmery for my skin texture, which I touched on briefly HERE. Seeing they added a matte color in such a bold shade really was a good executive decision on Milani's part.

This blush is extremely pigmented. If you appreciate bold blushes you will love this. If you can't be bothered in careful blush application, you will want to skip this. Being that I do not discriminate against any blush ever despite its maintenance (or so it seems), I love this.

It does require extra work on my part, light dabs into the pan with a MAC 129 or NARS Yachiyo, careful placement on the cheeks, and extra buffing out with my MAC 150 powder brush. But the results are worth it. I am a sucker for bold pinks like this, they liven the face with such minimal product.

COMPARISON

The bold pink reminded me of a few other shades I already own that pack a punch. Did I need to add Bella Rosa to my stash? Truthfully, not really. I could achieve very similar rosy cheeks with what I already own. But I will say I don't have any dupe to the color.

SWATCHES

FROM L TO R: MAC SALSA ROSE, CARGO KEY LARGO, MILANI BELLA ROSA, ROCK & REPUBLIC X-RATED

Texture is smooth, pigmentation isn't a problem, price is cheap. Lasting power isn't the best I have experienced, I get maybe 4-5 hours of wear time out of this. I still recommend it if you are into shades like these and enjoy cheap thrills. I wouldn't recommend it if you are a swirl and go type of person. Swirling is not advised with this one, you might be mistaken in having a bout of rosacea.

This appears to be part of Milani's Spring 2014 lineup. There was another shade, Delizioso, but none were left so I couldn't peek what it looked like or if it was also matte.

fruit face

The REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask is arguably one of the most popular and highly reviewed face masks in the beauty blogger world. I tried not to follow the hype when it was at its peak but during my face mask obsession I bit the bullet and ended up purchasing it. I have been using it on and off for about a year and I finally feel ready giving my thoughts.

The box contains the product itself as well as a little muslin cloth. I appreciate the effort and inclusion of the cloth but it is a bit unsubstantial and thin. Pai's muslin cloth is superior.

The claim of this mask is to improve tone, texture and radiance of the skin. What first attracted me to this product was its impressive content of chemical exfoliants; it has lactic, glycolic, AND citric acid. It also has no parabens and sulfates if you care about that sort of thing (I am indifferent).

The mask is dispensed out of a nozzle that has a little doodad attached to it for covering after use. I would imagine this is so dessication is avoided. I use about a pump and a half for each application spread in a thin layer all over my face and upper neck.

The consistency and smell is much like marmalade jam. I enjoy the scent; it is sweet and citrusy yet not overpowering. I leave it on for about 20 minutes, or until the prickling sensation subsides completely, and then rinse it off with warm water and the provided cloth. The tingly sensation is noticeable but it isn't supremely irritating. I do, however, find myself unable to stop myself from itching some places that are more sensitive to the feeling during the process (nose, around the lips).

INGREDIENTS

Most of the reviews I read raved about the immediate radiance they saw in their skin after using this. As for me, I didn't see it. I did notice a certain added softness to my skin and it didn't break me out or feel congesting. I think this is an okay product but certainly nothing I hold with high esteem. Especially with its whopping $55 USD price tag. With a price like that, I expected better results. I even waited to use this with time to check if the results needed it but it made no difference. Almost a year later and still lacking.

While I don't think this is a terrible product, I do believe it is overhyped and overpriced. I wouldn't recommend it unless you are insatiably curious about it. I much prefer Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask, it is cheaper and gives immediately pleasing results.

black kohl inventory

I am VERY picky when it comes to kohl liner. So picky that I still can't even claim an HG kohl that I am completely satisfied with. I rely on black kohl heavily for my makeup looks, I use it almost daily. Because of this, I feel I set the bar high for what type of criteria the liner has to meet. To date I have tried probably over ten different types so I thought I would do an inventory of the current liners I own and also rattle off a few thoughts on the ones I have used in the past from what I can remember.

What do I expect when it comes to a great kohl liner? It must be very black in color, smooth to apply, long lasting, and have a reasonable initial smudge time. The last three are about equal in importance but the first factor is an absolute must for me and almost trumps the rest. Nothing annoys me more than "black" liners that aren't actually an absolute black shade. I have swatched countless liners in person only to be turned off by how muted the black is. I do not like subtly. When it comes to kohl anyway :)

GIORGIO ARMANI EYES TO KILL WATERPROOF LINER
So far out of all the liners I have tried I believe this is the best one. There are still some things I don't like about it though which is why I can't call it HG. It is the most expensive liner I have tried.

the good: intense black, smooth application, able to be smudged, long lasting overall.

the bad: does not last on my water line, smudges under my lash line, too soft in texture. The texture of this kohl is VERY soft, sometimes it feels as though it is melted? It makes sharpening a bitch and application can sometimes be too messy. This also tends to smudge under my lash line if I was especially overzealous in my under eye concealer application that day. Not lasting on the water line is not surprising, nothing I have used so far does.

overall: Doesn't last on the water line but it lasts the longest out of what I have tried. Too soft in texture, however, I admire how black this is. It is very, very black. Me likey. I would repurchase this again as it is the best I have tried so far but I want to explore other offerings first.

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MAC FELINE
This was what I was using before GA came into my life. I used to love this a lot but after trying out the GA I pushed this aside.

the good: intense black, smooth application, able to be smudged, best texture. I like the smoothness and texture of this liner more than the GA. It isn't too soft that is smears everywhere yet it isn't so hard that it is difficult to apply to the water line. It's perfectly balanced.

the bad: does not last on my water line, smudges under my lash line. Again, not lasting on the waterline isn't surprising. This smudges under my lash line with time and the lasting power is poor compared to GA.

overall: Second best I have tried. I love the inky black and it applies the best due to its texture. It doesn't last as long and it does tend to smudge under the lash line so touch ups are required. Debatable if I will repurchase.

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MAC SMOLDER
This was what made me fall in love with black kohl to begin with because at the time, all previous black liners I had used let me down. Thank you Kandee Johnson for opening Pandora's Box for me by introducing this and therefore the black kohl world.

the good: decently black, smooth application, able to be smudged, best texture. The texture is exactly the same as Feline so I love that. This liner also holds a little nostalgia for me as well.

the bad: does not last on my water line, smudges under my lash line, not the blackest black. Waterline is a given. Lasting power is poorer than Feline and this smudges under my lash line very easily. Also isn't the inkiest black out there, has a slightly blueish base if I am being picky (I am).

overall: Not the blackest liner so it has to go. Also smudges under my lash line during the day much more often than necessary. Great texture and a good throwback, nonetheless. Will not repurchase.

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URBAN DECAY PERVERSION
Was very excited to try this when I first heard it became permanent as it swatches intensely black.

the good: very black, smooth application, able to be smudged. I really appreciate how black this liner is. The texture is also nice, not as soft as GA but creamier than MAC.

the bad: does not last on my water line, smudges like crazy, staying power is horrendous. Waterline is a given. I have complained time and time again about Urban Decay's 24/7 liners. Perhaps they are made for combo skin people and drier as when I wear this it just disappears and smudges like mad. Utterly disappointing.

overall: I applaud the intense black shade and texture but why oh why can't it just last? Will not repurchase as I have lost all faith in these pencils.

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URBAN DECAY ZERO
Ugh this color. Whenever I see people claim this is the blackest black liner out there I judge them HARD. Well perhaps not too harshly, but I don't take their liner recommendations seriously.

the good: the texture. It applies very easily and smoothly.

the bad: does not last on my water line, smudges like crazy, staying power is horrendous, worst of all it is NOT an intense black. Waterline is a given. Perversion I can admire slightly for its intensity. Zero is just exactly what its name claims: a zero. It flat out sucks and I never recommend it to anyone.

overall: Only for those who prefer subtle blacks. Or love all the 24/7 pencils. I am neither and therefore dislike this pencil the most out of everything I have tried.

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SMASHBOX ONYX LIMITLESS LINER
My sister's preferred liner. I have tried this a few times and did not care for it.

the good: decently black, long lasting and unsmudgeable.

the bad: texture is too dry. The couple times I tried this out I had a really hard time to make it show up and apply to my waterline smoothly. That is a deal breaker for me as this is how I mainly use black kohl.

overall: Only for those who want to use this on their upper lash line as has a hard time adhering to the waterline. No go for me but a repurchase for my sister and her favorite from what she has tried.

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SWATCHES

RIGHT TO LEFT: GIORGIO ARMANI ETK, MAC FELINE, MAC SMOLDER, URBAN DECAY PERVERSION, URBAN DECAY ZERO, SMASHBOX ONYX

Ha ok so I am well aware of my craziness when it comes to black liner because when I look at these swatches I can immediately see which ones are lacking and not black enough. Do these all swatch the same to you guys? I'm curious to know. Keep in mind, the very intense black kohls I swatched with only one pass (GA ETK, Feline, Perversion). The rest I had to do several swipes to give a decent line.

SWATCHES

This was after vigorously rubbing on the liners. All pretty much fade away so I don't know what this picture proves. Don't rub your eyes vigorously folks, the liner will come off?

As for other liners I have tried and not repurchased since: Revlon Color Stay, Prestige, Milani Liquif'eye, Rimmel Soft Kohl. It has been quite some time since I gave any of those a second chance because after I discovered MAC kohls and beyond I ditched all attempts at the drugstore as they all performed so poorly (ie were grey blacks and not intense enough). I would be willing to try the Milani again though, I sort of remember ditching it because it smeared all over my contacts and that was the only reason. Since I got LASIK I'm curious if it would still be a viable option.

What are your favorite kohl liners and criteria it has to meet? After I finish up a few of the pencils I have I plan to try out Bare Minerals Round the Clock, Pixi Endless Silky, or Rouge Bunny Rouge. After reading about all my crazy kohl liner expectations, do you have any recommendations for me? Please tell me there are other black kohl liner junkies out there besides me...

bioderma sebium pore refiner

I am a novice when it comes to primers. I tend to have a lazy/quick approach when it comes to daily makeup if you haven't noticed. I like to be done and ready in a decent amount of time and adding a primer seemed like an extra unneeded step. Terrible deducting skills on my part since primers really can help with longevity of makeup, especially with my oily skin type. My first real experience with primer is with today's topic: Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner.

I actually don't believe this product is even meant to be a primer. Bioderma describes it as a "correcting concentrate". To me that sounded like a fancy glorified lotion. It is marketed to improve the appearance of the skin by refining texture, making pores less visible, maintaining sebum, and giving a velvet finish. Lots of promises with this little tube.

My first impression was that the tube was small! You get 30 mL of product which is just shy over 1 oz. I think I am too used to my huge CeraVe lotion bottle as comparison. If I think of it as a primer, the size is around what other primers tend to be. The product squeezes out as a light lotion-like consistency, as you can see in the above picture (Please excuse my parched hands! Note to self, invest in hand lotion). That is around the amount I use all over my problem areas (inner cheeks, nose, forehead, chin...sometimes I smear the residual moisture over my eyelids for good measure). It sinks in very quickly and doesn't feel greasy or heavy. There is a scent but it is very pleasant, almost cucumber/fresh smelling.

BEFORE APPLICATION, BARE FACE

Hopefully you can see the state my au naturel skin is in: pore galore, shine to share, a little pink. My camera, bless its heart, cancelled out some of the sebum that was shining through on its own. Trust me when I say in person it looked slicker.

AFTER APPLICATION

Notice a difference? It is huge! Well to me at least. Pores are blurred, oily spots are matte, skin is not as angry with me. The effect is immediate and noticeable. It gives such a great base for makeup application. When I use this my makeup lasts much longer and I am not nearly as oily. I even tried wearing this with Revlon's Nearly Naked foundation (which normally melts off me quickly) and it helped make it stick around for my entire day.

INGREDIENTS:
WATER (AQUA), METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, FOMES OFFICINALIS (MUSHROOM) EXTRACT, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, SALICYLIC ACID, DODECYL GALLATE, GINKGO BILOBA LEAF EXTRACT, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, RHAMNOSE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, LAMINARIA OCHROLEUCA EXTRACT, SILICA, TRIDECETH-6, C30-45 ALKYL CETEARYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, LAURYL PEG/PPG-18/18 METHICONE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLIC/ CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, DISODIUM EDTA, CHLORPHENESIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)

I have nothing bad to say about this product. It is kind of a godsend? I want to try out other primers to compare but I am very happy with this and would wholeheartedly recommend it to any oily skinned ladies/gents. My only word of caution is if your skin is prone to dryness, this will make your skin feel tight. But it is a silly word of caution as dry skinned ladies/gents shouldn't be investing in this type of product.

OVERALL:
I am in love with this and don't want to let it go. It has an immediate effect, controls oil, sinks in the skin beautifully, and makes any makeup base last longer than normal. If you have oily skin it is an absolute must try. If you have dry skin avoid this as it will zap your skin, but I hope that goes without saying. I bought mine from Amazon for around 26 USD. I believe Canadian and European consumers will be able to find this in stores. Us Americans and other regions have to settle with searching on Amazon or other sources.

What are your favorite primers? I am curious about Hourglass Mineral Veil and perhaps even more curious about Becca Poreless Priming Perfector. The Becca primer almost made it into my cart for the Sephora VIB sale but I skipped out on that this year...

dark vampy lips day 5: YSL violet edition (#01)

It is the final day of my dark vampy lips series! I saved quite an intense shade for last: YSL Violet Edition (#01) Glossy Stain. This is not a shade for the fainthearted; it is deep, dark, and very eye catching.

Violet Edition comes in a luxurious gold and black packaging with a window teasing the color of the stain. The applicator is pointed which is something I appreciate as it makes applying the intense pigment more precisely. Before application, the product looks resolutely purple. I'm talking Barney purple. However, once applied to the lips and dried it changes into a darker violet, as you will see below.

WORN AS A STAIN

Surprisingly I enjoy the look of this as a stain. I say surprisingly because it looks like a bright fuchsia. Even though I enjoy how it looks, this particular color stains very unevenly. You can see that my bottom lip is much more saturated than my top lip. I have also noticed the stain makes my lips feel dry, but I have come to the conclusion that lip stains are inevitably drying and need to be paired with balm.

APPLIED WITH TWO COATS

The glossy stains are beautiful but I do think it depends on what shade you pick on the performance of the product. I have this shade as well as Rouge Laque (#09). Rouge Laque blows Violet Edition out of the park when it comes to application and finish. Violet Edition applies patchy even when two coats are used. I have heard this is remedied if you use a dark lip liner. I refuse to go out and buy another product with this to make it work so I just deal with it.

My method of application is applying a thin layer all over the lips, let it dry for a few minutes, and then add another coat on top. I let that dry and go back over the streaky parts to make it all mesh together. Annoying, but the color is so crazy awesome and the texture of these feel neat: squishy yet not sticky. If you are a die hard vampy lips lover, I think you would swoon over this.

SWATCHES
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Tom Ford Black Orchid, Revlon Wine Not, MAC Media, Revlon Plum, YSL Violet Edition

I like Violet Edition, but the nature of the intense color makes application streaky. It doesn't deter me from buying any other glossy stains though since I know they have the potential to be really something (Rouge Laque applies wonderfully).

Do you have any glossy stains? Is Violet Edition too intense of a color for you? I hope you enjoyed this series and were inspired to pull out your vampy shades for the fall season!

dark vampy lips day 4: revlon colorburst in plum

Day 4 of dark vampy lips has crept upon us and today I have another lipstick from Revlon and yet again it is a discontinued item: Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Plum. Another line that Revlon got rid of but you can still find some shades floating around discount stores and online retailers. I purchased this back when they were readily available in drugstores.

Plum is encased in a fancy quilted black packaging with a color coded cap. The shade in the bullet looks redder than expected. It has an almost cinnamon color to it. There are a few tiny sparkles if you look closely but it doesn't make much of an appearance on the lips.

WORN AS A STAIN

Strangely enough when this is worn as a stain, it looks a bit magenta. This is another deep shade that I rarely ever wear as a stain since I think the full opacity looks more flattering on me.

WORN FULLY APPLIED

Applied full on the plum is more apparent. The ColorBurst line has a bit of shine to it. It applies nicely and easy enough. I think the ColorBurst line tends to feel drying after a couple hours of wear which is surprising since it looks glistening when first applied.

SWATCHES

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Tom Ford Black Orchid, Revlon Wine Not, MAC Media, Revlon Plum. The last shade will be revealed in the next post!

The ColorBurst line isn't my favorite formula of lipsticks due to it being drying during wear so I am not too heartbroken to see them discontinued. However, I really enjoy the color of Revlon's Plum. I tend to whip it out every Fall as it isn't too dark to be dramatic but it still has a nice vampy feel.

What do you think of Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Plum? Am I the only one that found this line of lipsticks to be a bit drying?

dark vampy lips day 3: MAC media

We have made it to Wednesday meaning this vampy lipstick series has reached its halfway point. Have you enjoyed it so far? Hopefully you haven't decided I am clinically insane for owning what seems like the same color in each post. If you have indeed confirmed my questionable state of mind, humor me anyway by reading up on today's dark contender: MAC Media.

In the bullet Media looks like the usual almost black cherry hue that vampy lipsticks tend to have. Poor Media, I bet it gets ignored all the time at MAC counters since most probably assume it is a Gothic black color.

WORN AS A STAIN

As a stain, this lipstick shows a distinct fuchsia base. Remember how scary I though fuchsia was? Well that hasn't changed. I rarely wear this as a stain since the pink in it makes me feel a little funny. Still, it is better than flat out fuchsia due to the berry in it. Imagine this on pale skin! It'd be wonderful. Perhaps I should try it out when I get bone white in the dead of winter.

APPLIED FULLY

Full opacity is my preferred way to wear this. The deep boysenberry is much more in my comfort zone. Media is considered a satin finish by MAC's categorization; not quite matte but not quite shiny either. I'd say I agree with that description. I enjoy MAC's lipsticks. They smell nice, apply easily, and feel comfortable and non drying on the lips. Doesn't hurt that their color range is insanely huge so your options are completely open.

SWATCHES
LEFT TO RIGHT: TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID, REVLON WINE NOT, MAC MEDIA. The rest will be revealed as the series continues.

Media shouldn't be overlooked at the counter. Swatch it out sometime! Especially if you like fuchsia stains, this would last you forever. I have heard Revlon Black Cherry is a pretty similar to this if you find MAC to be out of your price range.

What do you think of MAC Media? I have always wondered why they named this Media. Whoever has the job of naming MAC products must have a ball.

dark vampy lips day 2: revlon wine not

It is day 2 of dark vampy lips week, what do I have to show you? It is Revlon Matte Lipstick in Wine Not, a really wonderful hue that I recently found lurking around in a Big Lots as it seems Revlon has annoyingly discontinued most of the matte line. I did hear a murmuring of them coming out with a new line soon named ColorBurst Matte Balms which sounds extremely exciting. Perhaps that will make up for them phasing out the good stuff.

Back to Wine Not: it is a beautiful dark Merlot shade. The formula is of course wonderful, I've talked about my love for the bolder shades in Revlon's Matte line already. They always go on smooth and effortlessly without sacrificing rich pigmentation. The more I use matte lipsticks the more I think I prefer the finish compared to those with a sheen. It is somewhat less distracting and more focused on the color when things are matte. Or perhaps I am just going through a matte phase.

WORN AS A STAIN

I have been absolutely obsessed with this lipstick as a stain. I have worn it this way for the past week. It is so easy and it has been fitting my mood with the changing weather. As a stain it appears as a deep raspberry shade.

APPLIED FULLY

When applied full blast you can see how it is a red based vamp. Wine Not is a really fitting name for it as it does look like a nice glass of the fermented stuff. As always, prepping the lips is a given. I think dry lipped people might have comfort issues with this. I have pretty normal lips and towards the end of the day with this on I start to feel dryness. Initial application and a few hours of wear is a breeze though.

SWATCHES
LEFT TO RIGHT: Tom Ford Black Orchid, Revlon Wine Not. The rest will be revealed as the series continues.

Wine Not is a discontinued color but you can still find it over at All Cosmetics Wholesale. Not an affiliate link, just trying to help a fellow deep wine lipstick lover out! I recommend it if you have normal lips. Dry lips beware, but then again the lipstick is cheap as chips so perhaps that is a bit of a dramatic warning.

What do you think of Wine Not? I should be asking what your favorite type if wine is instead, I have a feeling that might get more fun answers...

dark vampy lips day 1: tom ford black orchid

While rummaging through my lipsticks I noticed that I have a nice handful of deep vamp shades. I thought it would be fun to do a vampy lipstick series where I will post for 5 days on the shades I have. Deep berries have always had a special place in my heart. They were the first type of bolder lipsticks that I felt comfortable enough to wear out in public which sounds a bit strange since they can look very dramatic on. I think my comfort stems from me liking the contrast they have against my dark hair. To start off the series with some luxury, I picked Tom Ford Black Orchid.

Black Orchid is an intensely dark burgundy. It appears as a very dark purple in the tube so I was surprised to swatch this and see a reddish brown quality to it. It is still gorgeous, pigmented, and EXPENSIVE. A tube will cost you $49 USD. I was lucky enough to spot this in a Sak's off Fifth for around $35.

One of the things I love most about dark lipsticks is they work beautifully on their own and also as a stain. It can give a completely different and less dramatic look by simply tapping on the lipstick lightly on the lips and then adding a clear balm on top to smooth things over.

WORN AS A STAIN

As a stain, Black Orchid shows it base color to be a reddish plum. The color looks really soft and flattering on. It is very wearable and nothing too dramatic. I love stains, not as much hassle to touch up or upkeep the color.

WORN FULLY APPLIED

When applied to its full opacity, the richness of the burgundy is apparent. It is very dark and bold. There is a bit of a shine to this formula. As it is such a deeper color, it can be unforgiving if applied to dry, patchy lips so I always prep with Nuxe Reve de Miel.

If you are a fan of Tom Ford's lipstick formula and love a good deep berry, Black Orchid would be something to look into. I would act fast if you are interested though; I have heard this shade is being discontinued. You can still find it at the Sak's website still so I'm guessing they are selling it until their stock is gone. Nordstrom's website no longer lists it.

SWATCHES

Black Orchid is the farthest to the left. The rest of the swatches will be revealed as we continue out the series.

What do you think of Black Orchid? I was surprised to hear of it being discontinued as I thought it was a pretty coveted color! Perhaps it was a bit too runway and dramatic for the general public...

NARS light reflecting setting powder

I don't have much experience when it comes to powders. Mostly because I try to stick to one powder at a time until it is fully used up which can take quite some time. So far I have tried MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural, Maybelline Dream Matte Powder, and my most recent adventure: NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder. Although this isn't a newly released product, I thought I'd still do a brief review on this popular NARS item since I have been diligently using it since purchasing it from Sephora back in February.

The packaging is NARS's trademark black, rubberized compact. It is about the size of two NARS blushes. It comes in two versions: pressed and loose. I chose the pressed route as I didn't want to be bothered with the mess that tends to follow loose powders. Both claim to make makeup last longer, blur pores/lines, and diffuse light. You should check out the full description at the NARS website as it sounds fancier when they explain it.

Opening the compact you see that the product is a seemingly iridescent white powder. You get a decent .24oz of product. I have been using this for over 6 months so you can see I've made a bit of a dip but no pan has peeked through yet. I have provided no swatches since I thought it would be silly to; the product is translucent after all! I did, however, do before and after application pictures as I felt that showcased the product best.

BEFORE

Here I am wearing foundation and concealer with no powder yet. I have a bit of shine on my nose and inner cheeks. My forehead also seems to be a bit darker than the rest of my face. You can also notice the pores on my inner cheeks and some scarring on my forehead

AFTER

After application you can notice a definite brightening effect, it is almost too much in photos. My scars and pores have been blurred out and my overall skin tone has been evened out.

CLOSER LOOK BEFORE

Again, the shine is apparent on my nose and inner cheeks and even my forehead. Pore are visible on my inner cheeks.

CLOSER LOOK AFTER

The shine has been toned down on all my oily areas and my pores have been blurred. Brightening is apparent.

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This powder does a good job at doing what NARS boasts the loudest about, that is, to blur out pores and lines. I think the light reflecting is a bit much in pictures but I did heavily apply the powder for purposes of this review. It mattes out the skin well initially but oil control isn't a strong feature of this powder as I still need to blot half way throughout my day. Nothing new.

I like this powder and would recommend it. It is decently priced at $34 USD since the amount you get is hefty and will last you a while even with continued use. It brightens and blurs out imperfections on the skin just as advertised. The texture is light and not overly powdery so application is quick and easy with no fuss. The translucency of the product makes it universal to use for all skin types not to mention is great to use all year round without worrying about seasonal skin shade changes. It can make the skin look ashy if applied too heavily and the oil control isn't much to write home about but I still think the product is neat despite these points.

OVERALL:

I WOULD recommend this product if:

+ You have imperfections (lines, pores) you would like to subtly blur out
+ You want a setting powder that will work for your skin tone year round
+ You prefer lightweight powders that apply fast and easy

I WOULD NOT recommend this product if:

+ You have a heavy hand when it comes to powder application as too much of this will make you look ashy
+ You have oily skin and are looking for an oil control powder. You will still need to blot with this

I have heard the loose version of this performs about the same with a little better oil control. I think after I use this up I'll expand my powder knowledge by trying out Chanel Poudre Universelle loose powder or even the much talked about Makeup Forever Duo Mat powder. Have you tried this powder? If not, what is your favorite or current setting powder?