Tag Archives: swatches

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, 405 Sultan & 406 Orient (all Limited Edition)

October 20, 2014

Following the huge success of the Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy range that launched in Fall 2013 (reviewed here and here), a product that marries lip colour with skincare and comfort – think of it as the lipstick version of a CC cream – three new and limited edition red shades have just been released. Inspired by richly hued precious spices from around the world, each lipstick bears a unique and lush tone – a veritable voyage of red.

Each Rouge Ecstasy lipstick comes in a cylindrical convex-shaped tube with the brand’s initials on the bottom portion, and which snaps firmly shut with a magnetic closure (I love this feature; caps stay in place with no fear of them coming off & disappearing into the bottoms of purses/makeup bags). Another instantly recognizable feature is the signature red hue of the outer casing – very Armani. There is a soft and pleasant floral scent to these lipsticks (rose, perhaps?) and the texture is what makes them unique: a slightly thick (but still quite easy to apply) ultra creamy formula that bears excellent pigmentation, and which literally glides across the lips, leaving a soft shine at the finish. The 3 hues featured today, are intensely colour saturated, which seems in contradition to the balm-like properties they offer, but nevertheless that’s exactly what they provide – super rich colour with an incredibly comfortable feel, that is quite long lasting and which leave lips feeling totally hydrated and nourished. Staying power on all: averaging 9-10 hours, less with eating & drinking.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, 405 Sultan & 406 Orient (all limited edition)

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, 405 Sultan & 406 Orient (all limited edition), ingredients list

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, 405 Sultan & 406 Orient (all limited edition)

Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice, Limited Edition (CAN $38.00) | A vivid crimson/carmine red hue and even though the base holds blueish undertones, this is a shade that will suit a wide range of skin complexions. One swipe gives amazing colour saturation, but 404 Spice can also be easily built up for even stronger impact. Leaves a deep rose light stain on the lips long after the majority of product has worn off.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 404 Spice

Rouge Ecstasy 405 Sultan, Limited Edition (CAN $38.00) | A rich brick red hue that leans more warm than cool, and a wonderful compromise for those who don’t want an ‘in-your-face’ red, but still desire impact. By applying 1 swipe of 405 Sultan along the lips then pressing them together, you get a nice wash of colour – although this shade is super easy to build up for more intensity and depth of tone. Leaves a light coral/orange stain upon the lips long after majority of product has worn off.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 405 Sultan

Rouge Ecstasy 406 Orient, Limited Edition (CAN $38.00) | A deep burgundy hue with blue undertones in the base. Obviously the darkest of the three shown, 406 Orient also displays hints of berry which lighten up the colour somewhat and give it a flirty side. The beauty of the Rouge Ecstasy formula, is that you can take a colour as highly concentrated as this, and sheer it out by simply applying one swipe then pressing lips together to spread it out – or alternately apply with your finger for more control. Leaves a light cerise stain behind long after the majority of product has worn off.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Rouge Ecstasy 406 Orient

I’ve said it in previous posts, but it bears repeating: red lips are so totally IN this year. The intensity of this particular shade, however, can be daunting for many although you cannot deny how powerful, fierce, feminine, confident and sexy a red lip can make you feel. Giorgio Armani Beauty has been redefining red hues since the brand began, and what makes the Rouge Ecstasy range such a standout, in my opinion, is the formula. Price-wise, these lipsticks lean towards the steeper end of the scale, although getting such rich colour along with super hydration, makes them definitely worth a look.

Available now through Holt Renfrew and select Hudson’s Bay stores (Canada). Find more information via the website

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

NARS | Jardin Perdu & Dolomites, Limited Edition

October 17, 2014

It’s no secret that NARS puts forth some of the most uniquely coloured eyeshadow pairings; add to that a formula that almost applies itself, such as that found with both Dolomites and Jardin Perdu of the Night Caller Fall 2014 Collection, and you have clear stand-out pieces. With their ability to be worn either dry or damp, or even mixed together to form a completely new and unheard-of-before colour, both of these limited edition duos are so worth checking out.

NARS | Jardin Perdu & Dolomites, Limited Edition

NARS | Jardin Perdu & Dolomites, Limited Edition (with flash)

Jardin Perdu, Limited Edition (CAN $39.00) | A complimentary pairing of steely silver and deep amethyst in a lush shimmer format, that leans more cool than warm. The formula on both is so colour saturated and rich, that you really do need to start with a light hand and build up as you go. I experience absolutely no powdery kickback upon swirling my brushes through either shade, as well as no fallout once they’re applied. Using a damp brush will definitely intensify each colour and bring out their complex shimmer, making the shades of Jardin Perdu last even longer. Staying power is excellent (regardless of whether worn dry or damp), and I get easily 10 hours wear without any fading or creasing (when worn over primer).

NARS | Jardin Perdu, Limited Edition

NARS | Jardin Perdu, Limited Edition (with flash)

NARS | Jardin Perdu, Limited Edition (swatched dry)

NARS | Jardin Perdu, Limited Edition (swatched damp, left side of each shade only)

My first thought when I saw the promo photos for this collection, was to compare Jardin Perdu to Kauai, which was originally released as part of the Spring 2014 Collection (reviewed here). To begin with, Kauai bears an tarnished gold shade (with pewter undertones) instead of silver, and even though the two purple shades may appear similar at first glance, they display their differences once applied – although the formula with either duo is the same:

Jardin Perdu – lighter in tone and with mauve/grey undertones
Kauai – deeper by several degrees, a more intense purple with violet undertones

NARS | Jardin Perdu (LE) & Kauai

NARS | Jardin Perdu (LE) & Kauai, swatched dry

NARS | Jardin Perdu (LE) & Kauai, swatched damp

Dolomites, Limited Edition (CAN $39.00) | A unique pairing that can work on both cool and warm skin tones, combining a shimmery rose quartz hue and a matte oxblood (with brown undertones in its base). Once again, a stellar formula with either shade, bearing strong colour saturation that can be worn damp or dry; applied with a fluffy brush, I get a light sweep of colour. Using a dampened brush yields more intensity, and I do not experience any fallout or powdery residue kicked up when swirling my brushes through them. An absolutely amazing duo for green and/or blue eyes, Dolomites will also compliment darker eye shades as well as suit a wide range of complexions. Wear time: seriously amazing, lasting minimum 10 hours (when applied over primer) without any fading or creasing.

NARS | Dolomites, Limited Edition

NARS | Dolomites, Limited Edition (swatched dry)

NARS | Dolomites, Limited Edition (swatched damp, left side of each shade only)

Something about NARS Eyeshadow Duos makes them really stand out for me, and while I may not always understand the colour pairings when I first look at them, I can see the genius thinking that went into the product once I start playing around with them. What surprised me the most with both of these duos, is that even though I’ve always been attracted to purples & silver such as those found in Jardin Perdu, I’m absolutely loving the warmer & earthier nature of Dolomites – especially the matte hue, which provides just the right amount of depth with colour to help create the most unique smokey eye look.

Both eyeshadow duos are limited edition and part of the Night Caller Fall 2014 Collection. Find more information via www.narscosmetics.com

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

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