Filed In: Makeup
NARS · Rita Audacious Lipstick, Sephora Exclusive
François Nars got it so right when he stated that “the perfect red lipstick is a woman’s best accessory” and Rita Audacious Lipstick is definitely all that … and more. Inspired by Hollywood’s ‘love goddess’ Rita Hayworth, this particular version comes in limited edition sultry red packaging (a Sephora exclusive/also available with the regular packaging as part of the permanent range) that just begs to be taken out in public, although I’m betting that this colour will definitely help channel your inner movie star. #ScreenSirenGoals
MAKE UP FOR EVER · 9 Artist Shadow Palette Volume 4
MAKE UP FOR EVER recently launched the 9 Artist Shadow Palette Volume 4, a collection of 9 matte jewel-rich tones that will brighten the hearts of both shimmer-phobic types and matte aficionados alike. The slim profile compact is nicely portable, making it a great option to have around in the event a last minute holiday invite, while the personally selected colours from founder Dany Sanz, will definitely suit a broad range of complexions — as well as personal tastes. Finally: a matte palette that doesn’t rely strictly on neutrals #thankyoumakeupforever
9 Artist Shadow Palette Volume 4 (CAN $52.00) | The fourth generation palette in this series from MAKE UP FOR EVER – and quite possibly my favourite thus far, it’s comprised of 9 matte shades in the brand’s Artist Shadow advanced gel-powder formula, all housed in a rigid cardboard compact that has a large mirror on the inner lid and a magnetic closure for added security. Arranged in three vertical trios for ease of use, the shades have all been chosen to specifically compliment each other, but obviously you’re free to create your own combinations. The texture on all is sublime: richly pigmented, a buttery smooth application, and excellent staying power (when worn over primer). There’s such a nice diversity of tones that you won’t even miss having a shimmer to play with.
- M-100 – black
- M-620 – grey brown
- M-126 – chalk
- M-842 – wine
- M-806 – antique pink
- M-546 – dark purple taupe
- M-240 – Prussian blue
- M-536 – milk tea
- M-530 – eggshell
MUFE · Artist Shadows 4 vs Artist Shadows 3 (currently on sale) & Artist Shadows 1
Created with some of the highest level of pigments available, each shade in the Artist Shadow series is simply amazing to work with. Effortlessly blendable as well, the 9 hues in this palette are versatile enough to create the softest of looks, or take you all the way up to mega-smoky territory. All in all, this is an excellent investment from a brand that has taken eyeshadows to a whole new level of quality. Another advantage to this palette? With the rather large array of colours to choose from, it takes the stress out of having to pick 9 shades on your own. So thoughtful, no?
Available at Sephora and Sephora.ca
PR samples/As always, all opinions are my own
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Revlon Brushes
I have a serious weakness for makeup brushes and over the years, I’ve managed to put together a rather decent collection. That said, I’ve always lived by the “you get what you pay for” school of thought and have tended to lean towards the luxe brands, but I’m always open to trying out new things, such as this latest range from Revlon.
Created with Designworks which happens to be a BMW subsidiary, there is a level of thoughtfulness to quality & detail seen here that was surprising, given the price point. The EXPERTFX™ brush heads have soft & luxurious synthetic bristles that not only make them easy to clean, but help with an effortless application. Adorned with red metallic accents, the Diamond Grip Handles™ have small bevelled diamond shapes that are not only aesthetically appealing, but serve another purpose: this design helps to keep the brushes from rolling off of any flat surfaces (and before you ask, yes, I’ve had plenty of brushes disappear under various pieces of furniture that way. Usually when I was in the middle of an application). Another key feature is that there’s a wide enough assortment to choose from — but not overwhelmingly so — providing everything you need for face, eyes and lips.
REVLON Brushes | Diamond Grip Handles
Lash & Brow Brush (CAN $14.99) | This is a dual-ended brush with a spoolie on one end and the other with a metal lash comb & brush (the brush on this side can also be used to tame brows — works like a charm in smoothing flyaways, especially near the hairline as well).
- Blush Brush (CAN $24.99) – its densely rounded shape can also be used to buff contour products seamlessly into the skin
- Kabuki Brush (CAN $24.99) – can be used with either face powder or bronzer
- Concealer Brush (CAN $14.99) – can also be used on lips and/or with cream eyeshadow
- All Over Shadow Brush (CAN $14.99) – small enough to easily reach the inner part of the eye
- Crease Shadow Brush (CAN $14.99) – nicely domed and flexible enough to make blending at the crease effortless
- Smoky Eye Brush (CAN $14.99) – excellent for detail work and creating a smudgy line
- Eyeliner Brush (CAN $14.99) – precise angle for use as a liner brush or for applying brow powder
Retractable Lip Brush (CAN $14.99) | Never lose a brush cap again with the unique design of this lip brush, which makes it not only completely portable, but ensures the bristles will be free from debris.
While I’m not planning on giving up collecting luxury makeup brushes anytime soon, I must say that Revlon has upped the stakes with the release of this collection and has created a range that is both of very good quality plus the benefit of giving you major bang for your buck. For anyone just starting to invest in beauty brushes, these are an excellent option and unlike their higher-priced cousins, you’ll most likely be able to score them on sale as well.
PS: since it is holiday season, I’m thinking that these brushes will make a fabulous (& thoughtful) gift for the budding makeup artist on you list.
Available at mass-market retailers
PR/As always, all opinions are my own
Marc Jacobs · Object of Desire & Up All Night Gift Sets
As someone who usually shops for individual products, I confess that gift sets seem to have this strange pull over me — plus they’re a great way of trying out a bunch of different items from a particular brand, and usually at a decent price too. What makes both the Object of Desire and Up All night gift sets (limited edition) from Marc Jacobs so interesting, is that they not only come filled with 100% wearable shades (and don’t even get me started on the top-tier quality), but housed in packaging that can easily double as the perfect party clutch. So basically, they’re like a beauty twofers.
Previously reviewed from Marc Jacobs Holiday 2016:
Object Of Desire Face and Eye Palette (CAN $93.00) | Housed in a metallic gold vegan patent leather pouch with a luxe silky tassel, this palette has: 1 Perfect Bronzer, 1 Blush, 1 Luminizer, and 6 Plush Eyeshadow shades — everything you need (with the exception of foundation & mascara) to create a variety of looks that will take you from the workplace to the after-party.
The quality of each product is spot-on superb, with excellent colour payoff combined with amazing blendability on all, and though there is some powdery kickback seen in the pan when swirling brushes across their surfaces, none of that translates to fall down upon the skin.
- Tantric – medium warm tan
- Exhibitionist – rose with peach undertones
- Make A Sheen – oyster with pearly reflects
- Lights On – champagne, shimmer
- Candlelight – ecru, metallic
- Dimmer – shadow tan, matte
- Violet Hour – pale mauve, matte
- Twilight – plum with gold shimmer
- In The Dark – blackened brown with shimmer
Up All Night Five-Piece Petites Le Marc Lip Crème Collection (CAN $66.00) | A collection of Le Marc Lip Crème mini lipsticks in five iconic shades (all permanent) in the brand’s 10-hour wear & triple-milled formula, offering concentrated colour payoff from the first swipe along with a long-lasting hydrating feel — all housed in a metallic hot pink vegan patent leather pouch with a luxe silky tassel.
Unscented, these lipsticks all really do apply in a very creamy way and feel highly comfortable throughout the wearing. Bonus points scored for nudes that don’t wash out your lips or settle into fine lines, while the deeper hues can also be applied as a light stain for those wanting tone things down. Considering there’s only 5 shades, I feel that there’s a good mix of colours offered in this set, enabling you to create a variety of lip looks.
- No Angel – beige nude
- Slow Burn – soft nude rose
- Miss Scarlet – brick red
- Oh Miley! – cherry red
- Scandal – aubergine
As someone who’s only recently started delving more into this brand, I’m quite impressed with what I’ve tried so far and that includes everything in both gift sets shown here. If you’ve yet to explore this range, I can’t recommend either of these enough as they each contain products that are all totally user-friendly (as opposed to eccentric hues created just for the holidays) and the pouches are honest-to-God gorgeous (not gimmicky) — and both are seriously perfect for gifting. Not sure you’ll be able to part with them, but there you have it.
Available at Sephora
PR Samples/As always, all opinions are my own
Benefit · Christmas 2016 Sets
So here’s the thing; I’m really not a fan of Winter, but the cold weather also means Christmas, and I absolutely adore all the traditional trappings of this holiday. Add to that the fact that here in Montréal the weather has still be amazing (read that as no snow) so the last thing I want to think about is prepping for Christmas, but my organizational side loves the idea of planning in advance. See what I mean? A conundrum [of sorts]. Which brings me to the trio of Christmas Sets from Benefit I’m showing here today … see how I worked that in?
Every year at this time, Benefit releases several fun Christmas collections that are curated with a mix of their most-loved products — in both full & mini sizes — housed in the retro-kitschy packaging the brand has become known for. This year’s crop comes in reusable tins that are bound to put a smile of the face of whoever’s on the receiving end … and that’s before one even gets to the goodies on the inside!
Kissy Missy (CAN $34.00) | This “FULL-y equipped lip kit” includes mini sizes of both Lollitint and Benetint, along with mini sizes of the brand new They’re Real! Double The Lip in Revved-Up Red and Pink Thrills. All this is sure to get your pucker mistletoe-ready!
Dolly Darling (CAN $49.00) | This set includes a Roller Lash Mascara along with cult-fave bronzer in Hoola — both full sized — as well as medium size versions of both The Porefessional and Gimme Brow; so basically all you need to get that no-makeup-makeup look in a flash.
Girls Gone Wow! (CAN $58.00) | The largest of the three sets shown, this includes full sizes of both They’re Real! Mascara and Gimme Brow, along with a medium-sized tube of Porefessional and mini versions of both Benetint and They’re Real! Tinted Primer.
What’s awesome about these Christmas Sets (and by the way, there are several more to choose from in case you’re wondering), is that it takes some of the guesswork out of what to give the beauty fan on your list. They’re also a great way for your recipient (or yourself) to try several of the brand’s most-loved products, but at a way more affordable price than if you were to purchase them separately. Then there’s the tins themselves … how cute are they?
Available at Sephora & online
PRsamples/As always, all opinions are my own
