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L’Oréal Paris · Infallible Total Cover Foundation, Concealer/Corrector Kits & Beauty Sponge
L’Oréal Paris recently added to the Infallible range with the launch of several new face products, including Total Cover Foundation, Total Cover Concealing and Contouring Kit, Total Cover Professional Colour Correcting Kit and 3 new Blend Artist beauty sponges. I was kindly sent all 12 shades of the foundation to try and while I personally prefer light to medium coverage, I was curious to see how these would compare to one of my faves, the Pro-Matte version.
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous Mascara
I don’t know about you, but mascara is the one beauty product I can’t be without (with blush coming in a close second), and while I’ve always tended to lean towards the higher end brands for my lashes, I’m open to trying others as well. After all, you never know when you’ll fall upon THE ONE. L’Oréal’s Voluminous™ mascara has been getting high marks from users since its launch years ago, and now adding to that lineup is the latest release from the brand, Miss Manga by Voluminous™.
Taking inspiration from the Japanese animation trend, whose characters sport overly large & wide-open eyes, the Miss Manga by Voluminous™ mascara aims to replicate that look, giving your eyes loads of volume with a dash of coquettish appeal.
The new 360° Flexor Brush is supposed to “amplify upper lashes while the precision cone tip maximizes lower lashes, to create the ultimate Manga look with up to 15X more volume and no flakes“.
Ok … while I may not be ready to look like an animated character anytime soon, I’m more than willing to indulge in the 15X more volume part. My thoughts, below:
I personally prefer a stiffer wand and working the more wobbly version here, was a bit of a learning curve for me. That being said, once I got used to the movement, I was able to maneuver it easier, but I would say if you like wiggling your mascara brush through your lashes, you’ll find that this type of wand gives good coverage. If you’re the sweep-and-swipe kind, the flexibility here will probably be a bit of a challenge. The size of the brush is large; those with short and/or stubby lashes, will most likely find it too big and unwieldly – it’s a size better suited to longer lashes, in my opinion. The formula is on the wet side (my personal preference), and unless you wipe off any excess first (along the tubes opening, preferably), you will find that it can quickly clump along your lashes. This wetter type of formula definitely delivers in the volume & length departments, but will not really add curl – better to use a lash curler first.
Another thing I wanted to mention, is something several other people have commented on: the scent. I was sent 2 shades to test out, and I must say that the first thing I noticed when I opened my tube of Black, is this strong chemical/rubber smell. It’s definitely a little off-putting, but for experimentation’s sake, I forged ahead anyway. Happily, once applied that slightly offensive odour seems to disappear. The Turquoise shade seemed to be exempt from this issue and even has a more pleasant overall fragrance.
So, that’s what manga is … huh …
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara, featuring Barbara Palvin
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara
Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara in Black (CAN $10.99) – A dense black shade (now I’m curious to see how Blackest Black compares) that provides volume and length even by the first coat.
My Criteria:
- easy to apply
- smudge & flake proof
- gives volume & length (since I always curl my lashes, mascaras that claim curl as a selling point are moot for me)
- stays put all day
- can be effortlessly removed without needing to tug/stress my lashes
My findings: Once I mastered the wand’s movement, I found it actually quite easy to apply and build up the volume. The cone tip does exactly what it promises: gives a more precise application, especially to lower lashes, but you need to ensure your brush isn’t overly loaded up with product first. The wetter formula actually works in its favour, as you have time to brush through any clumps that may accumulate. From the first coat, you can see the difference to your lashes; the second coat goes on to add a WOW factor, providing dramatic length and volume. Very doll-like, indeed, although it can also come across as spidery-looking without other eye makeup to balance it out. I experienced absolutely no dry or crunchy lash feeling throughout the wearing, nor did I see any flaking/smudging, with staying time lasting until I removed it at the end of the day – a simple enough process, provided you use an emollient bi-phase type eye makeup remover (I love the one by Neutrogena and have sworn by it for years). buy albenza online andnewbloonline.com/albenza.html no prescription
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara in Black
pre-mascara
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara in Black, 2 coats
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara in Black, 2 coats
Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara in Turquoise (CAN $10.99) – A fairly electric turquoise/aqua hue, with all the qualities and similar application & wear as the Black shade.
Coloured mascaras can be difficult to pull off, especially when you’re ahem a certain age. That’s never stopped me from wearing them anyway. More often than not, however, coloured mascaras are usually weak in the colour department; not so this shade, which applied true from the very first coat, fully covering my lashes from root to tips. In fact, I would even go as far as saying it even made my lashes look longer than the Black did, something I totally never expected. Interestingly enough, I was even able to wear this mascara full-on without needing other makeup to balance it out, and somehow my eyes still looked ‘done’. Another bonus, is that this particular shade has the added effect of making the whites of your eyes look brighter as well. No removal difficulties experienced either. buy adalat online andnewbloonline.com/adalat.html no prescription
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara in Turquoise
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara in Turquoise, 2 coats
L’Oréal Paris | Miss Manga by Voluminous™ Mascara in Turquoise, 2 coats
If subtlety in your mascara is what you look for, better skip Miss Manga by Voluminous™ as this is a formula that almost guarantees attention. For those who want va-va-voom lashes, then this product more than delivers but as I stated earlier, it’s not for everyone. My best advice, is to get to know your lashes (and their limitations) first; for those who’ve never had success with other formulas that promise mega volume or length or if you’ve always thought your lashes too short/sparse/thin/stubby/whatever to be able to use a brush this size, I still say at this price point, it’s worth a shot – you just never know. For me, Miss Manga by Voluminous™ worked out rather well and while it came close, I’m still looking for THE ONE. buy advair online andnewbloonline.com/advair.html no prescription
Available now, find more information via:
*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
L’Oréal – Collection Les Blancs (limited edition)
Cosmetics giant L’Oréal has recently launched ‘Les Blancs‘, a limited edition collection of lacquers that revolve around the pure & clean lines of the [non]colour, white. I first heard of this collection when nail king Tom Bachik flashed some photos on Instagram, and just like that, it was instant love. The four crème hues of this grouping each hold a whisper of tint, while the other two shades build on that theme, with some texture thrown in for visual appeal.
All I can say, is that my intense fascination with white lacquer, has just been elevated a few more notches.
L’Oréal – Collection Les Blancs
L’Oréal – Collection Les Blancs
L’Oréal – Collection Les Blancs
#155 Peach Negligé – A warm white with the barest hint of blush, in a formula that applies super easily: non-streaky, self-levelling and leaving behind a high-gloss finish. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat
#154 À La Méringue – An opaque & creamy white hue that still manages to look diffused upon the nails and never stark. The formula here is of a medium-thick flow, but still applies effortlessly – shorter nails can definitely get away with 2 quick layers. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat
#153 Sweet Lilac – A cool white with a soft lilac tint. Similar in application and flow to that of #155 Peach Negligé but just a touch more opaque, falling smoothly and über-glossy at the finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
#152 Mint Glacée – A cool-leaning, icy mint white hue. Once again, the formula was incredibly easy to work with and I absolutely love the sophisticated yet mod vibe of this shade (looks amazing against lightly tanned skin). Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat
#151 Spot Me – A dusty light ice-blue base in a mid sheer formula, filled with black hexagonal glitter ‘debris’ in a variety of sizes. Each brush stroke yields plenty of glitter pieces, although you may need to nudge a few into place if they fall outside the nail edges. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat
#150 Le Pastille – A dusty lavender base in a mid-sheer formula and filled with the same glitter shapes as #151 Spot Me. Definitely warm-leaning, there’s a beautiful translucency that I really love when seen at 2 coats, with 3 giving a deeper opacity, if desired. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat
I’ll just come right out and say it: I love every single one of these shades. You might think that creating an entire collection around ‘white’ would be somewhat, well … limiting; but one look at this grouping will quickly change your mind. The mani options are interesting as well: each shade can be worn individually, mixed & matched for a subtle ombré rainbow, or one can always wear one of the glitter hues as an accent. All in all, elegant, modern, urban, pristine and anything BUT boring. The only downside? This is a limited edition collection and not exactly easy to find … but so well worth the quest.
Available now through mass-market retailers and wherever L’Oréal products are sold. For more information:
*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée – Colour Riche Nailcolour
To celebrate the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), L’Oréal Paris (the official sponsor) has created a limited edition collection of luxurious nude lipsticks (reviewed here) with matching nail lacquers, four of which I’m showing you here today. While not exactly colours that one typically thinks of when hearing the word “nude”, these are all nevertheless neutral enough to not only be universally flattering on all skin tones, but also totally wearable for basically any situation.
Please note that the following swatches were all done when I had returned fresh from my holiday, therefore my skin tone is much darker than usual, and might alter your perception of the actual shade colours.
L’Oréal Paris – Collection Privée
L’Oréal Paris – Collection Privée
L’Oréal Paris – Collection Privée
by Doutzen – a ballerina pink crème base filled with subtle ultra-fine silver & pearly shimmer, in a medium density formula that applied surprisingly non-streaky for a shade this pale. With its glossy finish, this is a cross between dainty and minimalistic chic-ness and while 2 heavier coats are enough for full opacity, longer nails may be better off with three thinner layers. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée – by Doutzen
L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée – by Doutzen
by J Lo – a warm leaning putty/greige hue with definitive mauve undertones in the base, bearing a perfect flow: an ultra-smooth and self-leveling application, ending in a high gloss natural shine. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée – by J Lo
L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée – by J Lo
by Freida – warm mink-brown hue with taupe/mauve hints in the base that adds a unique depth of tone and an almost blueish cast seen along the nail sides at certain angles, in a formula that was utter perfection: a creamy & self-levelling flow, excellent pigmentation and ultra glossy – almost a 1-coater, in fact. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée – by Freida
L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée – by Freida
by Eva – a deeply lush and vampy raisin/prune crème hue with burnt brown tints in the base for added warmth, in an ultra colour saturated formula that applies in a totally self-levelling way, and leaves a high-octane shine at the finish. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée – by Eva
L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée – by Eva
The following ombré-style mani shows how cohesively these four colours look together, although I do prefer wearing them one shade at a time.
L’Oréal Paris – Collection Privée
L’Oréal Paris – Collection Privée
These four shades were yet another surprise for me, having never tried any lacquers from L’Oréal Paris before, and even if the colours themselves wouldn’t have grabbed me (which they definitely do), the smaller size of the bottles (who ever really finishes their regular sized bottles of polish?) and the wallet-friendly price point, make them even more attractive.
Available as of September 2013, each shade will retail for approx. CAD $3.99 – find more information via the brand’s website, twitter or facebook.
*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
L’Oréal Collection Privée – Color Riche Nude Couture Lipsticks
After the searingly bright tones of Summertime makeup, Fall cosmetics usually brings a respite from all that riot of colour, with neutral hues being the perfect transition pieces to go from one season to the next. These four lipstick shades of L’Oréal’s Collection Privée that I’m showing here today, created in tandem with the celebrities for which they are named, take nude to different new levels, all while keeping your lips super moisturized and looking perfectly chic. Part of the official Toronto Film Festival® (TIFF) Collection – along with the 4 matching nail lacquers (review to follow), get ready for some nude-hot red carpet glamour!
All these limited edition lipsticks come in a black rubberized outer casing with gold details: the brand name embossed upon the middle ring of the case and silkscreened on the cap’s surface, as well as a replica signature of each celebrity. The shades shown are all ultra moisturizing and smoothly applying, and while lasting power ranges between 2-3 hours, with the palest shade coming in surprisingly at the longer end of the scale, there is a balm-like hydrated feel to the lips once the initial colour has worn off. The scent reminds me of classic old-world lipsticks – somewhat luxurious and a cross between slightly floral and honey-like, although once applied, I didn’t seem to notice it for long. There is a small gold tab on the lipstick part of the case, which helps the cap fit in snugly and close with a satisfying snick – a nice touch that also provides extra security to ensure your lipstick cap won’t get lost in the bottom of your makeup bag.
The inspirations behind the shades
L’Oréal Collection Privée – Color Riche Nude Couture Lipsticks
L’Oréal Collection Privée – Color Riche Nude Couture Lipsticks
L’Oréal Collection Privée – Color Riche Nude Couture Lipsticks
L’Oréal Collection Privée – Color Riche Nude Couture Lipsticks
L’Oréal Collection Privée – Color Riche Nude Couture Lipsticks
L’Oréal Collection Privée – Color Riche Nude Couture Lipsticks (with flash)
Doutzen’s Nude ‘Barely Pink’ – created in collaboration with Dutch model/actress Doutzen Kroes, this is the lightest hue of the 4 as well as the glossiest, with the most obvious micro shimmer. An icy pale pink nude, this shade is best suited for the fairest complexions, although I can see its cooler tones serving as a unique contrast against darker skin. There was some initial settling into the lines of my lips, but nothing overly visible in general.
J Lo’s Nude ‘Barely Greige’ – created in collaboration with mega super-star Jennifer Lopez, this is a ballet slipper pink nude that leans paradoxically both cool and warm, with no hint of shimmer whatsoever, and leaving a lush gloss behind. Pigmentation was surprisingly great for a light shade and covered the lips completely with the first swipe. Bonus: a universally flattering colour that should suit all skin tones.
Freida’s Nude ‘Barely Parma’ – created in collaboration with Indian actress & model Freida Pinto, this is a warmer-leaning nude shade with definitive mauve undertones that give it a modern, yet totally elegant vibe. The multi-coloured shimmer seen on the lipstick translates with much more subtlety on the lips, and serves to add a beautiful overall depth. While perfect for duskier skin tones, this is a shade that basically everyone can wear as well.
Eva’s Nude ‘ Barely Golden’ – created in collaboration with actress Eva Longoria, this is the most obviously warmer leaning shade of the bunch, with its golden apricot tint and super creamy finish. Pigmentation was the most opaque here, although never heavy, and the shine at the end was slightly more downplayed, although still quite visible. Suitable for most skin tones as well, although those who are super fair may find this a bit too yellow leaning.
Last word: Being something of a makeup snob (guilty as charged), to say I was pleasantly surprised by these lipsticks, would be an understatement – I love them! From the feel of the case and the work of the details that went into each item, to the quality of the shades themselves, these are lip products anyone would be proud to whip out in public. These four hues all offer a different side to your usual nude lip, but they are made that much more wearable by being mid-sheer and with a glossy finish to not only feel incredible on, but provide a fresh new take on that classic shade … and with their moderate price points, they won’t break the bank – definitely a huge plus in my book.
Available as of September 2013, each shade will retail for approx. CAD $10.99 – find more information via the brand’s website, twitter or facebook.
*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
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