Filed In: Lip Gloss

NARS | Velvet Lip Glide

NARS Velvet Lip Glide opener

 

I’m going to call it right here & now: this is the year of the lip, and starting things off right is this latest creation from NARS. Introducing Velvet Lip Glide (CAN $34.00/each), 13 lusciously pigmented lippie shades that feel as good as they look. Maybe even better than that … and just one of my latest obsessions.

 

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MAC X Star Trek Collection | Lipstick & Lipglass

MAC Star Trek lippies opener

 

With the MAC X Star Trek Collection getting set to beam onto beauty vanities the world over, today’s post brings you several of the lip products which also feature some pretty interstellar finishes. Ok…I’ll stop with the space references. Soon. #TrekkerForLife

 

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YSL | Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream

YSL Vinyl Cream opener

 

The newest release from YSL aims to up the lippie playing field once again with the introduction of Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream (CAN $42.00/each, available in 12 shades), a product with an ultra-creamy application, the colour saturation of a lipstick and a revolutionary new vinyl-like brilliance.

Housed in a black lacquered rectangular case with the YSL Casandre logo in gold and a peek-a-boo window in front (so convenient, as you not only know what colour you’re reaching for, but how much you’ve got in the tube as well), the applicator has been retooled as well. Inspired by a ‘slim-cut diamond’, the angled & pointed sponge tip incorporates tiny striations on its surface to absorb the product and then deposit it effortlessly along the lips. The formula incorporates skincare-like benefits in its base that provide a totally moisturized feel to lips (the cream part), with 3 times more pigment and gloss for a patent-like shine.

There’s a light and pleasant fragrance coupled with a slight cooling sensation upon initial application, both of which dissipate fairly quickly within minutes. Once applied, the product appears to level out and fill in any lip lines, becoming even smoother as it goes and imparts a true vinyl-looking finish. Incredibly comfortable throughout the wearing as well as super long-lasting, there is a light stain left behind upon the lips once the glossy part has finally faded.

 

VAL-VINYL-CREAM-Backstage-2-LOW

Cara Delavingne for YSL Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream

YSL Vinyl Cream range by ommorphia

YSL Vernis à Lèvres

YSL Vinyl Cream

YSL | Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream

YSL Vinyl Cream 2

YSL | Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream

YSL Vinyl Cream 3

YSL | Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream (brush detail)

YSL Vinyl Cream swatches

YSL | Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream swatches

YSL Rouge Vinyle Vinyl Cream

401 Rouge Vinyle (CAN $42.00) | A true red hue with an excellent balance of both cool and warm undertones, making it wearable by a broad range of skin tones.

YSL Rouge Vinyle Vinul Cream swatch

YSL | Vinyl Cream 401 Rouge Vinyle swatch

YSL Nude Pulse Vinyl Cream

404 Nude Pulse (CAN $42.00) | A peachy nude shade that is pigmented enough to provide good coverage, but needs a few minutes to level itself out and fill in lines.

YSL Nude Pulse Vinyl Cream swatch

YSL | Vinyl Cream 404 Nude Pulse swatch

YSL Fuchsia Live Vinyl Cream

410 Fuchsia Live (CAN $42.00) | A universally wearable searing pink-based red that has unbelievable coverage and colour saturation from the first stroke.

YSL Fuchsia Live Vinyl Cream swatch

YSL | Vinyl Cream 410 Fuchsia Live swatch

 

As a gloss girl, the YSL Glossy Stain formula has long been a favourite of mine and I love the more delicate look of the brand’s Pop Water version, but with the release of Vinyl Cream, lips are given an entirely new range of options. I found all three shades to be highly comfortable to wear and was blown away by the gloss factor – completely off the charts and incredibly long-lasting as well, even showing through after eating & drinking (but definitely toned down, obviously). The stain left behind is a nice bonus too; the rest of your makeup may fade, but lips look always done. Rock & Roll, baby.

Available through Sephora.com now & launching in September at all YSL counters

YSL Vinyl Cream closer

Provided by the YSL team for review consideration/As always, all opinions are my own

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Clarins | Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection + Suncare

Clarins Summer 2016 opener

 

With so many amazing summer collections launched this year, I seriously had an ocean of products to choose from to bring along on my recent holiday, but I had to pare it down to items that A) would travel easily and B) would be able to withstand high temps + major humidity. Enter Clarins and this selection of goodies from their Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection, and my job was made that much simpler (plus how awesome is this transparent makeup bag? Not to mention how perfect for packing everything in).

Previously reviewed from this collection:

Clarins Summer 2016 with bag

Clarins | Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection

Clarins Summer 2016 collection

Clarins | Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection

Clarins Summer 2016 Sun Milk

Sun Care Milk-Lotions Spray SPF 20 (CAN $36.00) | If you’re like me and hate sunscreens that take centuries to rub into the skin and which wind up leaving behind a greasy feel, you definitely need to give this Milk-Lotion a try. For starters, it comes with a spray delivery for ease of use, feels totally non-sticky once blended in, and is waterproof as well. One thing to note, however is that it’s only 20 SPF so if you are quite fair or tend to burn easily, I’d say this is definitely NOT for you — but on my skin tone (light-medium & tans easily) coupled with a light base thanks to my recent holiday, then this is an excellent option – just don’t forget to reapply, and frequently please. Also contains Phyto-Sunactyl 2 Complex to help promote a more even and long-lasting tan.

Clarins Summer 2016 Self Tanning Milk

Self-Tanning Milky-Lotion (CAN $37.00) | Forget what you used to know about self-tanners; the latest generation of products has basically eradicated the nasty smell and oompa-loompa orange hue of the past and comes in many options. This newest from Clarins is in a milky lotion that makes it super easy to apply and blend out (with the obvious exception of getting some help to do your upper back. Duh, right?) and has been created with:

  • Fig Extract – to promote the synthesis of filaggrin, a protein responsible for the production of natural hydrating agents
  • Aloe Vera Extract – to capture water & boost water retention, enhances your tan
  • DHA & Erythrulose – two natural sugars to help promote natural-looking results

With its light and fresh fig scent coupled with how quickly this product is absorbed, you’ll never look at self-tanners the same way again – just remember to thoroughly exfoliate first and wash your hands after application. Dry time is really fast too, which means any potential staining is pretty much eliminated.

Clarins Summer 2016 Waterproof Eyeshadows

Waterproof Eyeshadow, limited edition (CAN $24.00) | Where have these eyeshadows been all my life? Seriously, humid weather + oily lids do not make for an easy canvas to work with and I’ve yet to come across any eyeshadow with a long-lasting claim that I didn’t need to use primer first — until now. These shimmery waterproof cream shadows apply and blend relatively easily with either your finger or a brush, although you do need to work quickly (TIP: do one eye at a time to avoid any rapid-dry frustration) because once they set, they are IRON CLAD but surprisingly easy to remove with a dual-phase product just the same.

Note: there are 2 more shades (not shown): 01 Gold Peach and 03 Silver Taupe

  • 02 Golden Sand – metallic bronze/gold
  • 04 Copper Brown – metallic coppery brown

Clarins Summer 2016 Waterproof Eyeshadow swatches

Clarins | Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection, Waterproof Eyeshadow swatches

Clarins Summer 2016 Orange Shimmer

11 Orange Shimmer Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, limited edition (CAN $20.00) | I’m all about balms & glosses – especially in the summer when my lips get extra parched from the elements. Clarins Lip Perfectors have a cult-fave following for a good reason; they’re travel friendly and have a convenient slant-tip applicator, smell & taste totally yummy (vanilla candy-like), have a lush jelly-like texture with a high shine factor, and keep lips nourished & thoroughly hydrated throughout the wearing and long after all traces are gone.

Two more shades available (not shown): 10 Pink Shimmer and 12 Red Shimmer

Clarins Summer 2016 Orange Shimmer dispenser

Clarins | 11 Orange Shimmer Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (dispenser)

Clarins Summer 2016 Orange Shimmer swatch

Clarins | 11 Orange Shimmer Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector swatch

Clarins Summer 2016 Fix Make-Up

Fix’ Make-Up (CAN $30.00) | So you’ve spent time creating the perfect summery makeup look, then along comes the heat and humidity to create total chaos. For those who want to avoid loading up with a face primer first (let’s face it; Summer is all about paring down and I don’t know about you, but the least amount of products I need to put on my face once the hot weather hits, the better), using a setting spray is a much easier alternative. This by now iconic version from Clarins not only works to keep everything in place, but has moisturizing and conditioning agents in the formula, along with the brand’s exclusive anti-pollution complex. Other ingredients include:

  • Aloe Vera & Allantoin – to immediately moisturize and soothe skin
  • Grapefruit Extract – to invigorate
  • Organic Rose Water Scent – to provide an olfactory sense of well-being

Clarins Summer 2016 Fix Make-Up macro

Clarins | Fix’ Make-Up

 

Clarins is a brand that has been around a long time, yet somehow still manages to fly under the radar for most people, usually overshadowed by some of the bigger players in the industry. Something tells me that a new appreciation for this brand is on the upswing because they’ve been totally knocking it out of the park lately in the fields of colour cosmetics, skin care, and even suncare. My thoughts? Do yourself a favour and go play at your nearest Clarins counter because not only are the products, quality, & packaging right up there with higher end brands, but the pricing beats the pants off the rest as well.

Available at The Bay, Sephora and www.clarins.ca

Clarins Summer 2016 closer

 

 

Summer lovelies so thoughtfully provided /As always, all opinion are my own

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NARS | Cult Survival Kit

NARS Cult Survival Kit opener

 

Stepping away to take some time off with my family means that things have been a little quiet around here lately, but A) it did me the world of good to unplug and B) I’m back (but experiencing major beach withdrawal) and bringing you an awesome first post-vacation review.

 

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