Filed In: Lip Gloss

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Lip Maestro #634 Burgundy

The release of the Giorgio Armani Beauty Orient Excess 2014 Holiday Collection also included two new shades in the Lip Maestro formula, #414 Blood Red and #634 Burgundy, shown in this post (previous reviews of this collection can be found here and here). Said to impart ‘intensely matte “couture” lips’, I would have to say that this is more of a liquid lipstick formula that has serious staying power along with unbelievable colour saturation – but definitely not matte, by my definition. Did I mention that it’s also damn, damn sexy?

Lip Maestro #634 Burgundy (CAN $38.00) | While every brand – from high end to mass market – have released some type of their own version of liquid lip formula (I hesitate to call this group a gloss, but neither does it fall in the traditional lipstick category – so liquid lip, it is), I confess that Giorgio Armani Beauty was not only one of the first (if not THE first) to introduce this format to the world, but went on to perfect it as well. And let’s face it: no one – but NO ONE – does red lips as divinely as this brand.

The Lip Maestro format is one that is incredibly pigmented yet completely lightweight in feel, as the gel formula bears no “white” in the base, leaving nothing but pure colour on the lips, without any waxy or sticky feel. The angled and slightly tapered sponge-tip applicator has been uniquely designed to deposit the right amount of product per stroke, while the tip works beautifully on more detailed areas of the lips (cupid’s bow, corners), allowing for more precision work. There is a very, very light & slightly floral scent that I detect (but only by bringing the applicator right up to my nose) that seems to dissipate rather quickly upon application. The tube is clear which is a huge plus, as you can monitor the amount of product remaining – so much easier than having to guess whether you’re running out or not.

With regards to application, it really doesn’t get easier than this; one swipe of the brush yields enough product to fully cover the lips, while a second swipe simply intensifies the tone. As stated above, the feel is so lightweight, that if you didn’t know better (which obviously you do, considering the colour ∗duh∗), you’d swear you’re not wearing anything at all. The description calls this a “matte” lip product, but I find that it’s more a plush velvet finish instead – nowhere near the reflective finish of a gloss, and definitely far from the light absorbing properties of a true matte lip shade – the finish here falls somewhere in between, leaving lips drenched in colour, with a radiant sheen. Oddly enough, with a name like #634 Burgundy, I expected something significantly deeper in colour, and yet what I see is more of a true red with just the right combination of orange and blue tones in the base, making this shade workable on a wide variety of complexions, but definitely not burgundy (although I’m not complaining, as I absolutely love this red, regardless of the name). Staying power is impressive, lasting easily 9 hours (even through light eating & drinking, although some reapplication will be needed at this point), and even when some product starts to wear off, I find that a quick press of the lips is all that’s needed to re-distribute and revive the colour. On the bonus side, I experience absolutely no migration or bleeding into surrounding lip lines (although you do need to be aware of any colour getting on your teeth during initial application).

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Lip Maestro #634 Burgundy

For years now, I have stayed true to my comfort zone of neutral lip colours, but the past few weeks have seem me leaning more and more towards a brighter, crimson pout. The issues with wearing a red lip, however, is A) finding the right hue to suit your skin tone, and B) finding a product that will not only last, but also avoid leaving that dreaded red “ring” behind upon the lips. This #634 Burgundy Lip Maestro shade manages to accomplish both with ease, while being spot-on with what I’ve been noticing as a return to a more glamorous look – and with a shade as siren-sexy as this, you can certainly count on being noticed. Come-hither looks, optional.

Available now through Giorgio Armani Beauty counters – visit www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com for more brand info.

Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run

January 3, 2015

Following in the footsteps of Urban Decay’s wildly successful Naked series, the brand has recently released Naked On The Run (CAN $54.00)- a limited edition palette which contains the essentials (minus foundation) needed to create a variety of looks, and all in a travel-sized format … that may require a slightly larger than average makeup bag to hold it, however.

There are several reasons why the Naked On The Run palette is a huge hit for me; to begin with, it’s priced extremely well, especially when you consider all that it comes with. The exterior casing of the compact is well crafted & strong (I’m not a fan of flimsy cardboard containers), with a gorgeous tortoisehsell-like design on the cover that can appear either more green or amber, depending on the angle and lighting. There is a full-sized mirror on the inner lid, and it closes securely with a magnetic clasp.

The fact that the Sesso Lipgloss (which is a full-sized version, I might add) comes in its own separate container, is something I consider is a huge plus as well, since palettes that hold lip/cream products alongside powdered ones, tend to have quite a bit of cross-contamination – something that is totally avoided in this case and which therefore keeps the integrity of all shades hygienic and intact.

The 5 eyeshadows of this palette, are in a word: superb. From the selection of totally wearable shades (which will suit a broad spectrum of skin tones) to the quality & pigmentation, Urban Decay has created something really special. Even the eyeliner is impressive, with its rich hue that veers close enough to black for drama, but with just the right amount of tint for a bit of colour – and I really do hope that it ends up becoming part of the permanent lineup.

Looking at the bronzer and blush in their respective pans had me a little skeptical as to whether they would suit my complexion, but once again I was happily surprised to find how well each shade complimented my skin tone. There’s even a highlighter, and in a shade that has just the right amount of colour in its base to work well with a large variety of skin tones, as well as a finely ground shimmer that will provide a beautiful glow and not anything overt or glittery. Lastly, the travel-sized tube of the Perversion mascara (previously reviewed here), is of a relatively good size and quantity, while the mascara itself bears an excellent formulation – as well as being one of the deepest black shades I’ve come across.

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run, all products watched (except mascara)

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run

Dive – rose gold, shimmer
Fix – camel/tan, matte
Resist – rich taupe, shimmer
Dare – milk chocolate, satin matte
Stun – bronze, golden shimmer

Each shade is beautifully pigmented and applies well, with very little powdery kickback upon swirling my brushes through the pans. Their velvety texture (even the ones with more obvious shimmer) also provides excellent blending capabilities, and worn over primer, staying power is easily 9-10 hours before any fading.

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run, eyeshadow swatches

Bronzer – warm toned, slight orange tint in the base, satin matte
Blush – cool toned, barbie pink with peach hints in the base, light overall sheen

The bronzer shade leans more warm than cool (those with very fair complexions might find it a bit difficult to work with), and there’s a unique satin-like finish to this shade, which adds a beautiful overall luminosity, and prevents it from looking flat upon the skin.

The blush shade is a study in contradictions; what appears to be a blue-based and cooler leaning hue, also seems to bear a shot of peach in the base, helping this shade work equally well on warmer (as in more yellow-based) complexions, while its finely-milled shimmer gives just the right touch of glow to the skin.

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run, Bronzer swatch

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run, Blush swatch

5050 | An oyster coloured highlighter that leans rather warm, but one that will also suit fairer/cooler complexions with equal ease. This is more of subtle-type of highlighter, making it perfect for those who wish to softly spotlight the high points of the face (upper cheekbones, cupid’s bow, temples), without coming off as overly ‘glowy’.

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run, 5050 swatch

Stag 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (travel size) | Deepest brown with eggplant/ruby hints in the base that add warmth and extra dimension. As with other 24/7 Glide-On pencils I’ve tried from Urban Decay, the application here is smoothly applying and velvety in feel, and you never need fear it tugging or pulling along the sensitive skin around the eyes. Once applied, you also have the option of blending it out for a smokey look – although once the colour sets, you can forget about trying to move it in any way: it wears like iron, and will stay put until removed (which will require an oil-based remover, at that).

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run, Stag swatched

Perversion Mascara (travel size) | Intense black shade – originally reviewed here. The quality of the mascara here is comparable to the full-sized version, with the only difference being the size/girth of the brush head – slightly narrower and shorter in the palette version, but which manages to work in its favour as this mascara is quite rich and the reduction in brush head size provides an easier application with less chance of any accidental smudges … all without sacrificing any of the original’s quality.

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run, Perversion Mascara brush head comparisons

Sesso Naked Lipgloss (full size) | Warm rose hue with ultra-fine pink shimmer, in a non-sticky formula that applies semi-sheer, but still provides enough colour to give a plush & natural overall tint to lips. There is a slight plastic-like scent that I detect upon initial application, but which seems to dissipate upon the wearing – still worth mentioning for anyone with sensitivities. Lasting power is about average 2.5 – 3 hours, leaving a hydrated and nourished feeling behind upon the lips, once the colour has faded. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I also feel a slight cooling sensation upon first applying this gloss (which I experienced more distinctly on my arm swatch, than on the lips).

Urban Decay | Naked On The Run, Sesso swatched

For me, everything about the Naked On The Run palette is a huge hit and I have found myself reaching for it over and over again since the day it arrived, creating a variety of day (read: easy), as well as more dramatic evening looks. The only downside I can find, is the bulky size of the palette itself, although even that flaw is offset by the quality (which is quite sturdy, in fact) and well crafted details of the packaging (that PATTERN). I just wish that this palette wasn’t limited edition, because when products are this good, they need to be available year round – so much easier than stockpiling palette boxes, no? Urban Decay, I sure hope you’re listening.

Available now through www.urbandecay.com and Sephora.

Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration

NARS Laced With Edge Holiday 2014 | Soleil d’Orient, Corsica & Burning Love

November 9, 2014

The NARS Laced With Edge Holiday 2014 Color Collection has arrived at counters, complete with a computer-generated algorithm design on the packaging, adapted from LA-based architectural designer Chris Kabatsi’s Nebula print – which, according to François Nars, is meant to depict a modern take on lace. The effect is at once abstract and hauntingly beautiful, standing out in glossy black relief on the brand’s usual rubberized black caps.

The three limited edition lip glosses of the collection – Soleil d’Orient, Corsica, and Burning Love, come with a new doe-foot applicator for precise application, and have been re-formulated for ultimate comfort throughout their wearing, as well as a higher pigmentation level to last longer while coating lips with a ‘futuristic shine‘.

NARS Holiday 2014 Lip Gloss | Soleil d’Orient, Burning Love, Corsica

Soleil d’Orient, limited edition (CAN $31.00) | Described as ‘shimmering pink champagne’, Soleil d’Orient pulls a little cool on me, and appears slightly silvery/beige. Surprisingly pigmented for such a pale shade but not sticky in feel, I suggest starting with one swipe of colour and building up with additional layers for more depth and intensity. The wear-down of this shade is excellent as well, looking good long after the majority of colour has faded. I’m able to easily get 3 hours of solid wear, with a pearly shimmer that gets left behind on the lips after that.

NARS Holiday 2014 | Soleil d’Orient Lip Gloss, limited edition

Corsica, limited edition (CAN $31.00) | Described as a ‘shimmering pink raspberry’, Corsica appears dusky rose on me, with a less obvious shimmer than Soleil d’Orient, which nevertheless shows up in brighter light. This is the type of shade that transitions well between the seasons, and is the great for those who want a touch of colour, but still desire to keep things close to neutral. Wear time is about 3.5 hours, with a light rose tint left behind on the lips when most of the glossy shine has faded.

NARS Holiday 2014 | Corsica, limited edition

Burning Love, limited edition (CAN $31.00) | Described as a ‘bright ruby with subtle shimmer’, Burning Love is an über-glossy red/berry hue with cooler undertones. Highly pigmented for a gloss, I’m able to get the colour fairly opaque even at first swipe. Wear time is excellent, going long past 4.5 hour mark, with a light red stain left behind on the lips once the gloss fades. After about 2 hours of wear, I experienced some migration into my surrounding lip lines – something to keep in mind and which can be adjusted by either applying a matching lip liner or a barrier type lip pencil such as No Bleeding Lips (reviewed here) before the gloss.

NARS Holiday 2014 | Burning Love, limited edition

Of the three glosses, I naturally gravitated first to Soleil d’Orient since nude shades are well within my preferred colour range. What impresses me even more, however, is the level of pigmentation you get with each; almost as intense as a lipstick but in a glossy format, and all completely non-sticky. The slighter thicker than average formula means that these glosses will adhere well to lips, although Burning Love might need a few extra steps to keep it in place. Overall, a beautifully curated colour selection – and absolutely perfect for the holidays.

Available now for a limited time, find more information via the website.

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

LANCÔME | LIP LOVER #362 BORDEAUX TEMPO

October 27, 2014

There’s something about deep berry lip shades that just say ‘Fall’ to me, but with my colouring, it’s not always easy to pull them off. A highly pigmented lip gloss such as Lancôme’s Lip Lover in 362 Bordeaux Tempo, provides that intense colour I’m looking for in a lightweight yet highly moisturizing format, and with somewhat less commitment on my part, application-wise.

Lancôme Lip Lover | 362 Bordeaux Tempo

362 Bordeaux Tempo (CAN $29.00) | A rich oxblood hue with ultra fine shimmer that you can see in the tube, but which translates to the barest hint of shimmer once applied. This is a cooler leaning shade, but can still be worn equally well by those with warmer complexions (no need to fear it closing with your skin tone).

All Lip Lover tubes have a transparent panel so you can see the colour you’re getting, and bear a button in front for easy 1-click opening & closing and which also acts as a safety feature to prevent the cap from ever opening up on its own (and winding in the bottom of your purse/makeup bag/makeup drawer/etc). There is no discernible scent, and what little I do pick up, seems fairly neutral and pleasant. The wand is relatively short and bears a sponge applicator shaped flat on its sides (excellent for applying broader swipes of colour) and a rounded point at the tip for more precision work.

The formula is a mix of: balm, lipstick & gloss, with an ultra creamy and buttery soft texture that enables it to literally glide along the lips. The deep shade of 362 Bordeaux Tempo (as seen in the tube) applies initially slightly more translucent and at first swipe, you can clearly see its grape undertones. The shade is layer able to a certain degree, but don’t expect the opacity of a similarly coloured lipstick. Staying power is 2-pronged; when the majority of gloss has faded (around the 3.5 hour mark on me), I’m still left with colour on my lips along with a very quenched & moisturized feel. The secondary effect, is that the stain left behind in fact will most likely remain until removed – an impressive feature when considering that this is a gloss. Another bonus: with a colour this deep, I expected some feathering and bleeding into surrounding lip lines (which hit at about the 4-hour mark on me), and hardly noticeable overall.

Lancôme Lip Lover | 362 Bordeaux Tempo (1-click closure)

Lancôme Lip Lover | 362 Bordeaux Tempo

Lip gloss has come a long way from the Bonne Bell days of clear & flavoured roller-balls (anyone remember those?) and I must say that all brands have definitely stepped up their gloss game. The trend now is for this new type of format: basically, a liquid lip product that displays a high pigment level, is über-glossy as well as long-lasting, and delivers a highly moisturizing feel. Lancôme’s 362 Bordeaux Tempo scores high on all counts, and while not opaque per se, it still gives a gorgeous surge of colour – enough to satisfy most of my Fall lip cravings.

Available through all Lancôme counters nationwide , find more information here.

Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration

CHANEL | ROUGE ALLURE GLOSS in Exotique, Sensible, Audace & Séduction

October 25, 2014

Set to replace the Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss format, CHANEL has just launched the new Rouge Allure Gloss (CAN $40.00 each). Here in Canada, we received 9 shades, with 8 staying in the permanent range (#20 Audace is limited edition). Surprisingly, there were no nudes represented, although I know that 10 shades have been released in the US (with #20 Audace listed as limited edition for that market as well), which does include a nude (see Sabrina of The Beauty Look Book’s review here).

CHANEL glosses have always ranked as some of my favourites – even those of the sheerer variety – for a number of reasons, starting from how well the applicator picks up just the right amount of product from the tube, their long-lasting yet non-sticky feel, the gorgeous gloss they all impart, and how soft my lips feel once the gloss has worn off.

This new format is a more than a worthy successor to CHANEL’s Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss. These glosses come in a large tube encased in the brand’s signature black lacquer and bear gold initialled caps with a colour-coded label on the bottom. The cap is the clickable pop-up type, similar to that found on CHANEL’s Rouge Allure Lipsticks; after clicking on the top, I advise allowing the cap to rise on its own, and for the first couple of times, remove the wand from the tube slowly, in order to avoid accidentally splattering any gloss (as I did) on surrounding surfaces.

The formula feels a touch thick, but applies smoothly and adheres well to lips, without emphasizing lip lines. Initially, I picked up on the signature CHANEL rose scent, but it appears to fade almost immediately. Bearing in mind that these are glosses, their pigment level is excellent, with wear time averaging about 3 hours on me for the lightest shades and approximately 5 hours with the deeper hues. The sponge applicator has a flat wide surface that’s perfect for larger areas of the lips, or turned along one of its sides for more precision work. With one swipe and then a quick press of the lips, you get a sheerer, more translucent wash of colour. Multiple passes deepen the hue, as well as provide more longevity. Either way, I did not experience any feathering or bleeding into surrounding lip lines – even with the darkest shades.

On the day these launched, my CHANEL counter had a fabulous promotion: with the purchase of 3 products, I also received a signature pochette in glossy red (that happens to be the perfect size for storing these glosses), as well as a luxe sample of #18 Séduction, which turned out to be a great way for me to fully test out one of the brighter shades in this range (and yes, I will be going back for the full size).

#12 Exotique – soft apricot
#15 Sensible – baby pink
#18 Séduction (large sample size) – berry red
#20 Audace (LE) – plum/raisin

*PS: This is my first post on my blog’s new look – Feel free to let me know how you like it!

CHANEL | Rouge Allure Gloss

CHANEL | Rouge Allure Gloss, pop-up closure feature

CHANEL | Rouge Allure Gloss

CHANEL | Rouge Allure Gloss #12 Exotique

CHANEL | Rouge Allure Gloss #15 Sensible

CHANEL | Rouge Allure Gloss #20 Audace (Limited Edition)

CHANEL | Rouge Allure Gloss (luxe sample size) #18 Séduction

Overall, I am absolutely in love with the CHANEL Rouge Allure Gloss formula, and as always, the brand has definitely delivered with regards to packaging and quality. My only complaint is that the shade range seems to be rather limited (for now), with a more than higher concentration of reds & pinks, than neutrals although I really do hope they come out with more colours soon – or at the very least, add a nude like #11 Sensuel to the Canadian lineup. Most definitely a luxury priced lip gloss, but I do recommend looking them over as you certainly get your money’s worth.