Filed In: Makeup

NARS | Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Lysithea & Dione with #49 Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush

October 22, 2014

With names inspired by constellations, the new Dual Intensity Eyeshadow range by NARS can almost rival those celestial bodies in brilliance. What makes these products unique, is their ability to be worn either dry or wet, without impacting the powder’s integrity, and how utterly weightless they feel when worn, all while still maintaining a high pigment level.

Upon their launch, I went to check these shades out and stood literally transfixed before the display; with their geometrically embossed pattern and complex shimmer, I must have agonized for hours before making my decision. I finally opted for 2 mid-tone shades that I know I’ll get a lot of mileage out of, and as a good starting point to get a feel for how these eyeshadows perform.

What I cannot accurately describe, nor am I able to completely capture in my photos, is the way the shimmer truly appears; applied dry using the accompanying new NARS synthetic fibre #49 Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush, you’re supposed to obtain a sheer wash of colour for a luminous finish, although from what I’ve seen, even dry these shades pack one hell of a punch. Applied with a dampened brush, you get a major molten metal effect (gotta love some beauty alliteration), but even that high voltage finish never comes off as over-the-top, possibly because of all the multi-dimensional properties each shade holds. The texture of these eyeshadows is gossamer light and it seems almost a contradiction that they hold so much pigment in spite of that, while the actual application is buttery and just glides along the skin with absolutely zero fallout or any powdery kickback when swirling my brush across the surface. The superior blendability factor of both Lysithea and Dione need to be mentioned as well, regardless of which method they’re applied. Seriously, I don’t have enough superlatives to give these their proper due.

NARS | Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Lysithea & Dione with #49 Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush

NARS | Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Lysithea & Dione

Lysithea Dual Intensity Eyeshadow (CAN $33.00) | Described as ‘shark grey’ on the NARS website, Lysithea is so much more than that; bearing touches of bronze and pink, this shade is perfectly suited for both cool and warm complexions. Applied dry and with a light hand, you get the barest wash of colour, and while the shimmer is definitely present, it’s so ultra-fine that it seems to almost come from within the colour as opposed to something obvious at the surface level. Worn wet, the impact is magnified, but there’s still enough depth of tone to make Lysithea totally wearable even in that state of brilliance. Longevity is amazing, especially over primer; I was able to easily get 8 hours wear worn dry and more than 10 hours worn wet.

NARS | Lysithea Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

Dione Dual Intensity Eyeshadow (CAN $33.00) | Described as ‘metallic champagne beige’ on the NARS website, Dione appears to belong in the taupe family as well. There are hints of pink somewhere in the base, and even though I’d have to say that this is more of a warm leaning shade, I can still see it working beautifully on cooler complexions as well. The more intensely pigmented of the two, Dione displays serious impact worn dry and does not sheer out as easily – if it’s a wash of colour you’re after, I suggest starting with a scant amount and a light hand in applying. Worn wet yields a stronger shine, making it more molten and gleaming and a perfect counterpart to dark matte hues. Longevity is phenomenal (over primer) and I’m able to easily get 10 hours plus, no matter which way this shade is worn.

NARS | Dione Dual Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS | Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Lysithea and Dione, watched dry

NARS | Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Lysithea and Dione, watched damp/wet

NARS | #49 Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush

#49 Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush (CAN $32.00) | Released in conjunction with the Dual Intensity Eyeshadows, the #49 Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush is a flat rounded brush bearing synthetic bristles that are exceptionally smooth to the touch and with just the right amount of flexibility to enable an effortless application. Used dry, you have the option of using the flat paddle portion of the brush to cover larger areas of the eye; alternately you can use the top edge for more detailed or eye lining work. When dampened, the brush picks up colour without becoming saturated, and so eyeshadow can then be easily applied and even blended, if desired.

NARS | #49 Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush

Luckily the 12 shades of the NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow range are not limited edition, because I have my eye on picking up a few more; having had such a good experience with both Lysithea and Dione, I’m now very curious to play with a few of the darker shades. If you’re someone who hesitates to wear shimmery eyeshadows, I still feel comfortable in suggesting you give them a look in order to appreciate their complexities. Similar to the multi-dimensional shimmer of the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill but in a powder format, NARS has take eye makeup to a whole new level with these shadows.

Available at all NARS counters nationwide, Hudson’s Bay, Sephora, Murale (Canada) and www.narscosmetics.com

Products purchased by me

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil & Revolution Lipstick, Pulp Fiction Collection

October 15, 2014

Wrapping up my review of Urban Decay‘s Pulp Fiction Collection (find earlier reviews here & here), are the Revolution Lipstick and 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil, both in the shade Mrs. Mia Wallace – an intensely voluptuous shade of red, and definitely one that’s not for the weak-hearted. Seeing as how this year red lipstick, in all its unapologetic glory, is gearing up to reign supreme – and with the holidays around the corner, where a red lip is almost mandatory – this duo will ensure your lips get noticed. Dangerously, so.

Worth noting with this collection, is the packaging; the exteriors all bear the iconic Pulp Fiction logo and even the interiors have not been neglected, printed with a bullet-riddled/blood-splattered design, along with excerpts from the film. The lipstick case for Mrs. Mia Wallace has also been given a new look, now in a shimmery gunmetal finish instead of the usual pewter. It’s the little details like this, that always just get me.

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick & 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick (ingredients list)

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick

Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick, Limited Edition (CAN $26.00) | A blue-based deep red hue in a formula that’s incredibly rich, highly pigmented and colour saturated, and somewhat dense – but still very easy to apply, bearing a luxurious shine at the finish. This is not a shade you can slap on in a jiffy; something this luxurious needs attention and a steady hand, but the end result is just oh-so-worth it. There are reds and then there are reds; Mrs. Mia Wallace is RED. As in blood red, vixen red, don’t mess with me red — oozing the perfect mixture of cool sophistication and a lush carnal sensuality. Relatively non scented, you need to take make sure that your lips are properly exfoliated beforehand, or risk this shade catching on any stray bits – definitely not a good look with something as saturated as this. The formula here is thicker than what I’m used to, and while not emollient, neither is it drying so that it’s still able to lay down smoothly. Staying power is like iron – I get easily 12 hours +, lasting well even through eating & drinking, leaving lips lightly stained when the majority of colour has finally worn off. Another bonus, is that unlike other lipsticks that are this densely pigmented, it does not dry your lips out by the end of the wearing and when worn in conjunction with the matching lip liner, you get the added benefit of no migration or bleeding into surrounding lip lines.

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick & 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil swatches

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil (ingredients list)

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil

Mrs. Mia Wallace 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil, Limited Edition (CAN $24.00) | A creamy and waterproof formula lip pencil in the signature Mrs. Mia Wallace blood-red hue. I appreciate how the barrel of the pencil shows the colour you’re reaching for – makes it easier to find when fishing around a makeup bag (like I usually do). The texture is smooth without turning too soft, bearing just the right amount of ‘give’ for an effortlessly gliding application, but not so hard that it tugs or drags along the lips. Wear time is nothing short of phenomenal and I actually tried the waterproof test on my arm – it literally does not wash off, even through showering. Worn as a traditional liner, you get the added benefit of it performing ‘guard duty’, preventing your lipstick from feathering or bleeding out into surrounding lip lines. Another way to wear this liner, is applied all over the lips that have been prepped with a bit of balm first to make application even easier – as well as aiding in thinning the product out a touch – then topped with a gloss (either clear, or coloured) for extra shine and juiciness.

Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil

Red lipstick and I haven’t always gotten along; that being said, I have an inordinately large collection of red lipsticks just the same – which I hardly ever wear – primarily because there is more effort involved (red is so NOT a swipe & go kind of colour), but even more importantly, I don’t like worrying about migrating/bleeding issues. Thankfully, there are options; one is in using a clear waxy pencil/liner such as No Bleeding Lips (previously reviewed here) that works phenomenally well at keeping everything in place, as well as not breaking the bank while doing so. Another even easier option, is in investing in a duo such as these two: colour that looks rich & luscious, and actually behaves – until you don’t want it to. Mrs. Mia Wallace would be proud.

These limited edition products are still available – find more information by visiting www.urbandecay.com

*Disclosure: Press samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

Urban Decay | Pulp Piction Palette & Gunmetal Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner

October 14, 2014

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the cult-fave film Pulp Fiction and inspired by the über-cool character of Mia Wallace (find my previous review here), Urban Decay has released a limited edition 5-shade Pulp Fiction Palette along with Gunmetal Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner, to help you channel that shady lady’s fierce yet sultry look.

Urban Decay | Pulp Fiction Palette & Gunmetal Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner

Urban Decay | Pulp Fiction Palette

Urban Decay | Pulp Fiction Palette (ingredients list)

Urban Decay | Pulp Fiction Palette

Pulp Fiction Palette, Limited Edition (CAN ~~$41.00~~ $19.00) | No detail was overlooked when creating this palette; the exterior box bears the movie’s logo in the front with a quick breakdown of the contents on the back, while the red interior of the box recreates gunshot & blood splatter. The palette comes in a thickish cardboard casing with a magnetic closure that includes a full-sized mirror on the inside, and features the fateful biblical passage from Ezekiel, famously quoted in the movie by Jules Winnfield (played by Samuel L. Jackson) with the words ‘be cool honey bunny’ on the back (again, a line from one of the opening scenes in the movie). Also included with the palette, is an illustrated card detailing how to achieve the Mia Wallace look. The shades included are:

Righteous – bone (matte)
Tyranny – camel (matte)
Vengeance – chocolate (matte)
Furious – ivory (slight sheen)
Anger – ebony (slight sheen)

All five hues have a buttery soft texture, are super blendable, and exhibit hardly any powdery residue kicked up upon a brush swirled through them. The 3 full size squares of colour are more warm than cool leaning, but their neutral nature makes them suitable to a wide range of skin tones, while the subtle sheen of both Furious and Anger, gives them slightly more dimension — but only just. The red dual-ended brush that’s included is decent enough, but I prefer using my own brushes just the same. Apart form the velvety feel of each shade, they have good staying power as well, going easily a full 9 hours with zero fallout, fading or creasing (when worn over primer).

Urban Decay | Pulp Fiction Palette

Urban Decay | Pulp Fiction Gunmetal Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner

Urban Decay | Pulp Fiction Gunmetal Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner (ingredients list)

Urban Decay | Pulp Fiction Gunmetal Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner

Gunmetal Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner, Limited Edition (CAN $23.00) | This liquid eyeliner bears a clear base that’s filled with ultra fine black and silver glitter. The fine-tipped brush allows for precise placement along the lash line, but this can be layered over and/or thickened by simply turning the brush along its side to benefit from slightly more width. There’s a slight cool sensation on the skin upon first application, while the product itself is relatively quick drying and once it’s set, there’s no budging. The unique combination of both black and silver glitter definitely lends this eyeliner a “gunmetal'” tone, giving it a more ramped up edge than just silver alone would. When layered over black (such as the Anger shade from the above palette), Gunmetal provides illumination but does not stand out too overtly, or for an edgier and more unique/editorial look, it can be worn solo on the lower lash line. Staying power: until removed.

Urban Decay | Pulp Fiction Gunmetal Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner

As a huge Pulp Fiction fan, it was a no brainer that I would have to have these Urban Decay pieces, but what makes this collection even more impressive (apart from the packaging that’s perfectly on point with the entire theme of the movie), is the quality: superb. Three of the hues in the Pulp Fiction Palette are brand new from the brand, and even with the plethora of nude shades available from Urban Decay, these are still neutrals that can easily be dressed up or down (especially when you throw Gunmetal into the mix) – and I have been reaching for them quite a bit lately. Right now on both the Urban Decay and Sephora websites, the Palette has been drastically reduced in price – now’s your chance to snag such a sweet deal, honey bunny.

Available for a limited time, find more information via www.urbandecay.com

*Disclosure: Press samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige

October 9, 2014

Launched in conjunction with the Diorskin Star Foundation (reviewed here), the new Diorskin Star Concealer works along a similar ‘skin-brightening’ concept, aimed at not only providing an instant eye-opening effect, but working in tandem to banish dark circles, puffiness and uneven tone. Available in five ‘fusional’ shades (which can also be mixed for an even more customized effect), I was sent #001 Ivory and #002 Beige to test. When you consider that I so rarely use concealer, the fact that I now reach for either one of these two products on a regular basis, speaks volumes.

The casing is a clear acrylic tube which displays the colour accurately, as well as helping to monitor usage levels – always a plus – with Dior’s signature navy blue-colour on the cap & stamped with the brand’s initials. The sponge-tipped applicator is soft to the touch and picks up a decent amount of product per application; one pass is enough to cover both eyes, with product left over for touch-ups (around the nostrils, chin, or any other areas of redness that may need concealing). The scent is a delicate floral – very pleasant, and which does not last past initial application. The texture is somewhere between a fluid and a cream, with application effortless and bearing an ultralight sensation upon the skin. I found both Star Concealers extremely easily to blend seamlessly in and moreover, they stayed in place without creasing, migrating into any fine lines, pilling, caking, or fading away – for the duration of their wearing. Staying power is a little hard to judge as it’s such a small amount that’s actually applied, but in general this is a product that will definitely last that much longer when layered over foundation than on bare skin (anywhere from 7-10 hours), and provided you don’t rub at any areas where it’s been applied.

With regards to any ‘brightening effect’, I can’t say I notice anything significant in that department, which in my book is a good thing as I prefer my skin tone to look even all around, and not lighter in any one area. I’m not even all that sure how the claims of ‘sculpt and contour’ apply with regards to a concealer’s purpose (as per the press release), although I’m guessing it’s an editorial way of saying that the Star Concealer works to detract from flaws – all good, at the end of the day.

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige, ingredients list

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige

Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory (CAN $36.00) | The lightest shade available, there’s a perfect mix of pink & palest peach undertones in #001 Ivory‘s base to make this shade ideal for very light complexions – all the way to the light medium range (such as mine). My preferred method is to lightly dab 2-3 spots on the under eye area and around the nose (if needed), then lightly pat that in using my middle finger, further blending it all in with the help of a large dense & fluffy brush (my go-to concealer blending brush at the moment, is actually Giorgio Armani Beauty’s Large Eye Contour brush) – gently buffing it all into the skin, which in turn provides a seamless and overall flawless finish (almost air-brushed looking).

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory

Diorskin Star Concealer 002 Beige (CAN $36.00) | The second lightest shade of the five, #002 Beige is a few degrees deeper and slightly more peach-leaning than #001 Ivory. This hue can easily work on light complexions that sporting a bit of Summer colour, as well as being an ideal match for skin tones ranging up to medium. I detect no yellow tint in either one of these two shades, which will not make that delicate area look sallow in any way. This was the shade I used extensively all Summer and even though this is a hint too dark for my skin at present, I now use #002 Beige to conceal any breakouts (which I still get at MY age. Sheesh), as I find its fluid-like nature does an amazing job of covering them up without being obvious. My preferred method for using this shade in this capacity, is by adding a bit from the applicator to my palm & then going in with a synthetic haired flat paddle-style brush, applying the product to the desired area and then finishing off by either patting it gently with my middle finger, or dabbing at it lightly with a slightly damp blender sponge. Works like a charm on all but the nastiest of breakouts.

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 002 Beige

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige, blended

I’m fortunate in that I’ve never had to contend with under eye circles and thus never really felt the need to apply concealer in that area – my foundation blended right up to the eyes always did the trick. As I’ve gotten older, fine lines started appearing in the delicate skin around my eyes, and to add insult to injury, I even experience puffiness at times. What joy. Many other concealers that I’ve tried, usually had the opposite effect of what they were meant to do (as in emphasize, rather than hide), so it was with major scepticism that I approached the new Diorskin Star Concealer – until I saw it in action. My beauties, this stuff not only works, but does so invisibly. After all, I put in a lot of effort to ensure my “canvas” (face”) looks flawless – it’s nice to know that I can now rely on perfect cooperation from my concealer too. Highly recommend, in case you’re wondering.

Available through Dior counters nationwide, find more information on the entire range by visiting www.dior.com

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige & #080 Ebony

October 7, 2014

Inspired by the instant illuminating and perfecting effects of a studio makeover, the new Dior Star Studio Makeup Foundation has finally hit counters nationwide, and after thorough testing of the 3 shades I received this past August, I can honestly say that I am truly impressed with this product. In a nutshell, the Star Foundation promises to provide the skin with a “brightening effect for a perfect, modern complexion and beautiful skin that is ultimately radiant, luminous and even … combining the maximum radiance and the effectiveness of skin care in a single formula“.

Available in 14 photogenic shades that contain the ideal dose of warm-toned pigments, the Star Foundation fluid feels incredibly light and weightless upon the skin and is designed to stay constant throughout the wearing, without any fading or oxidizing (where the colour literally changes and becomes somewhat yellowish). Created with ‘Light Pulsion Complex Lighting Technology‘, there is a two-pronged effect that takes place; a new generation of ‘hollow silica beads loaded with mineral pigments‘ capture and reflect light – without shine (similar to camera filters), to brighten the look of the skin and provide an immediate radiance. An intense corrective halo recreates the beautifully flawless complexions seen on professional sets. The trio of plant-based ‘light-trap‘ ingredients of this formula, act on key skin markers to erase dark areas, spots and minor redness, fulfilling Star Foundation‘s secondary skin care role. With daily use, the skin is made to look clearer and more luminous.

The Star Foundation comes in a glass bottle that has an almost mercury-glass look to it under certain lights (it’s really quite lovely), while the perfect amount of product is easily and effectively dispensed from its pump nozzle – no waste or excess to worry about.

My thoughts: The first thing I notice upon application, is … nothing. As in, no heavy, waxy, or mask-like feel upon the skin. The Star Foundation‘s fluid is so lightweight, that blending it in is actually quite effortless, and once applied and properly buffed into the skin, it appears seamless and provides a softly luminous tone – this is what’s meant when they say “beaming with health”. My skin looks even and slightly brighter, but not glowingly so – it’s a very subtle effect and one that you can’t really put your finger on, but that makes you really like what you see. The coverage is light-medium, although that’s customizable as well; using a damp sponge (Dior has released a Beauty Blender-ish black egg-shaped version to go with this foundation, which I do not have – but am planning on picking up) yields the most natural look to the skin, as the product can be easily sheered out with this method. Using a paddle shaped foundation brush provides a light yet still buildable finish, while a densely-headed bevelled foundation brush gives the fullest coverage, as well as a truly buffed-in appearance to the skin. It basically comes down to desired level of coverage, and preferred method of application – with great results no matter which you opt for (for the record, my preferred way of applying this is by starting with a paddle brush – all over the face & jaw/neck, then going over that with a barely dampened sponge to push it seamlessly into the skin). As stated earlier, this foundation feels so light (I literally forget that I’m wearing anything at all), with excellent staying power on my combination/oily skin – lasting easily about 10 hours before I need to tone down what little shine appears in my T-zone area, although the foundation itself continues to look good (no fading that I noticed) until I remove all my makeup.

Note: the foundation brushes I have been using extensively – both with the Star Foundation, as well as with other brands – have been the ones from Dior Backstage Brushes, specifically the Professional Fluid Finish Light & Full Coverage brushes (review coming soon).

Natalie Portman for Diorskin Star Foundation (photo credit: Dior)

Model wearing the new Diorskin Star Foundation from the Cruise 2015 show

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony

Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen (CAN $50.00) | My hands-down favourite and the shade I’ve been reaching for since first receiving these foundations, #021 Linen is a neutral hue that leans neither too yellow nor pink, and thus absolutely perfect for my light-medium skin tone. Now that Summer is behind us, I can wear this shade alone (without needing bronzer to warm it up), as it melds perfectly with my complexion. LOVE ♥

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen

Diorskin Star Foundation #030 Medium Beige (CAN $50.00) | A light-medium beige with pink undertones in the base, #030 Medium Beige is more suited to those without any yellow in their skin tone. On me, I am able to *just* get away with this shade (more when my face has a bit of natural tan), although it can also be made to match better with a light dusting of bronzer on top.

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #030 Medium Beige

Diorskin Star Foundation #080 Ebony (CAN $50.00) | A rich chocolate hue with a slight reddish undertone (think mahogany) to add warmth. Obviously, #080 Ebony is way too dark for me but I love using this as a ‘transformer’; mixed with any other lighter foundation hue, I wind up with a totally customized shade, perfect for when my skin is in between seasons. Another wonderful use for this particular hue, is as a contouring product – the texture melts into the skin, for a truly believable result (but don’t forget to blend, blend, blend).

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #080 Ebony

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (ingredients list)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (inner arm swatches)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (slightly blended)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (blended out)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with a drop of #080 Ebony

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with #080 Ebony, slightly combined

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with #080 Ebony, combined

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with #080 Ebony, blended out

With innovations in the world of beauty popping up almost daily, finding the right foundation still seems to elude most of us. It doesn’t need to be said that different skin types each have their own needs, but bear in mind that the changing seasons also affect how our foundation will function upon the skin. Usually once the weather starts to turn colder, I’ll switch to a product that’s more emollient and hydrating but after having used Star Foundation throughout the sweltering heat of August and now in the cooler temps of October as well – 2 very distinctive seasons, and having seen equally great results, I am positively thrilled and cannot recommend this enough. Perfect for all skin types, who wouldn’t want to look studio fabulous?

Available now through All Dior counters – for more information visit www.dior.com