Tag Archives: swatches

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss, Once… Collection

The Once… capsule collection recently released from British cult-fave brand Illamasqua (find my previous review here), also includes 2 Sheer Lip Glosses and I have Exquisite to show you today – a milky pink hue (the other is Opulent, a ‘rainbow beige’ shade). Perfectly in line with the faded romance theme of this entire collection, this pink shade – a traditionally girlie hue – is made modern and edgy by the contrast of [still soft] tones that it holds. Confused yet? Read on …

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss, Once… Collection

Illamasqua | Once… Collection

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss, ingredients

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss

Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss (US $24.00) | Described as ‘pink oyster’, Exquisite is an interesting mix of delicate petal pink and pearly hues filled with an ultra-fine pink shimmer (non-gritty) – all in a formula that is at once sheer AND somewhat opaque. Can be easily worn alone or layered over any other lip colour, making this a very versatile shade.

I’m not sure how Illamasqua managed to pull off all these contradictory factors, but it might be due to the underlying milky tone which appears to add good coverage to what would otherwise be considered a very light shade. The texture leans on the thicker side, but is non-sticky in feel and there’s a fruity-berry scent that I detect upon opening – which seems to disappear rather quickly (or perhaps I just stop smelling it), while any initial settling into lip lines smooths itself out within a few minutes of wearing. The brush is a little longer than I’m used to and I wasn’t all that keen on it at first, but after playing with this gloss for a while now, I’ve come to appreciate how easily it picks up the product from the tube, while the density and flexibility of the bristles makes application quick and effortless. Lasting power (not including eating/drinking) is pretty good, averaging about 3-4 hours before any significant fading, and even once the majority of shine wears away, your lips are still left with a light veil of colour – more of a sheen, really – and feel nicely hydrated overall.

Going through my collection of pale pink glosses, I was surprised to find that Exquisite has no match; the closest I own, is #191 Songe (LE) from the CHANEL Fall 2014 Collection – which bears the same shimmer, but is definitely more sheer and with a light grey base, and #542 AMC Lip Gloss from Inglot (now discontinued) which has a similar pink flash, but without the shimmer and milky factor (see comparison swatches at the end of the post).

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss, blurred to show the shimmer

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss, alternate view/lighting

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss, CHANEL #191 Songe (limited edition, Fall 2014) & Inglot #542 AMC Lip Gloss (discontinued)

Illamasqua | Exquisite Sheer Lip Gloss, CHANEL #191 Songe (limited edition, Fall 2014) & Inglot #542 AMC Lip Gloss (discontinued) – alternate lighting

I make it no secret that I love pale lip hues and even though I tend to lean towards beige-y neutrals, I find myself attracted to pale pink shades as well; finding one that won’t clash with my colouring, however, is a whole other matter and thankfully, Exquisite seems to fit that bill perfectly. Neither too warm nor cool leaning, this is a shade that will work on everyone.

I’m so sad to hear that Illamasqua is phasing out their North American retail outlets, because this is a brand that deserves to be fully explored in person – and it feels like it only arrived on Canadian shores just yesterday. Still, they do offer international shipping (which I’ve heard from fellow bloggers, is quite good) and decent sales every so often (who doesn’t love a beauty sale?). You know what this means, right? Yup … travel plans!

Available now, find more information:

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

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2

September 16, 2014

Urban Decay knows a thing or two (or three) about getting Naked; first there was the original (and by now cult-fave) Naked palette which went on to spawn 2 more in the series, then came the pocket version: Naked Basics – a travel friendly/purse-sized palette with 6 wearable nude shades, and now the latest in the lineup to hit the shelves, is Naked Basics 2 – six new neutral shades to ooh & aah over. And collect. Perhaps even, to covet.

How perfectly does this photo of Marilyn Monroe (below) capture the essence of the Naked Basics 2 palette? Smouldering, sensual, playful, elegant and except for the chiffon scarf, basically naked.

One of my style icons: Marilyn Monroe circa 1953 for Playboy Magazine (source)

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2

Naked Basics 2 (CAN $35.00) | A portable palette comprised of 6 neutral shades ranging from pale to deep. The outer casing has the same rubberized finish and raised lettering as the original Naked Basics, and both are exactly the same size as well, with a good-sized mirror on the inside lid. Below, a breakdown of the hues:

SKIMP – sheer peachy nude with a satin finish (perfect for under the brow bone & highlighting/inner eye corner)
STARK – matte flesh tone
FRISK – pale taupe with mauve undertones, matte finish
COVER – milk chocolate, matte finish
PRIMAL – mink taupe, matte finish
UNDONE – charcoal grey, satin finish

For a fan of neutral shades such as myself, you can never have enough nudes in your makeup wardrobe. What Naked Basics 2 really represents, is a streamlined version of colours every woman should have – and then the entire concept goes one step further, by shrinking it all down to portable proportions (and eliminating annoying extras, such as those dinky little brushes you get with other palettes).

Compared to the original Naked Basics palette, Naked Basics 2 leans a touch cooler and I’m happy to say that there are no repeats in the shade selections either. The lightest shade, SKIMP, is almost unnoticeable against my skin tone right now except for a light sheen when the light catches it, but should be more visible when my Winter pallor sets in (which it inevitably will). The four middle matte shades are all creamy and blend well, even if they fall a touch light on my skin tone, but also happen to be the perfect neutrals for those with fairer complexions. The last shade, UNDONE, was a surprise, applying much sheerer and with a light satiny sheen to it than what appears in the pan, but I actually like that it gives a nice smoked out edge to a look, is super easy to blend out, and will never come off as too harsh or stark. On my primed lids, staying power was pretty good, with the lightest hue predictably being the first to fade, but overall lasting about 8-9 hours.

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2

The main differences that I note between the two palettes, is that Naked Basics is a touch more warmer leaning than Naked Basics 2, although both palettes have colours that can be made to work on a variety of skin tones. There appears to be slightly more pigmentation of the shades in the original palette as well, but I also noticed that they tended to have more powdery kickback when swirling my brushes through them – a factor that’s not as apparent with Naked Basics 2.

All in all, there are enough shade differences between the two palettes to justify owning both *happy dance*

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2 (top) & Naked Basics (bottom)

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2 (top row swatches), Naked Basics (bottom row swatches)

There is much to recommend the Naked Basics 2 palette; the shades are all totally wearable, the size is just right for tossing in your makeup bag, and the price is relatively decent considering you get 6 good-sized eyeshadow shades (not huge, but not teeny either). For anyone with a skin tone darker than mine, you may find these will be too muddy and in that case, the original Naked Basics palette should be a much better option. For those with rather fair complexions that have a hard time finding the right neutrals, look no further. For those days when I want an understated makeup look (an undressed nude? Oxymoronic, perhaps?), then this palette fits the bill like a charm, with the matte shades keeping everything cohesive (nothing like glitter or shimmer to ruin a good naked look). Happily, this is not a limited edition item – props to Urban Decay for that.

Available now through Sephora and Urban Decay’s website. Find more information via:

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

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (Heavenly Quotes)

September 15, 2014

Inspired by the words written by English poet Christina Georgina Rossetti (sister of Dante Gabriel Rossetti – poet, painter, illustrator and founder of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood), Hurt No Living Thing is the latest addition to the a-england collection of Heavenly Quotes (click on the a-england category tab at right for swatches of all shades), a mysterious colour-shifting topper shade that can be worn along, or layered over any other hue to create a truly unique finish.

Hurt No Living Thing
Hurt no living thing:
Ladybird, nor butterfly,
Nor moth with dusty wing,
Nor cricket chirping cheerily,
Nor grasshopper so light of leap,
Nor dancing gnat, nor beetle fat,
Nor harmless worms that creep.
– Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830 – 1894)

Hurt No Living Thing (CAN $12.95) | A semi-sheer and somewhat murky dove grey base hue with mauve/pink finely ground shimmer, in a formula that is absolute perfection – self levelling, with an excellent flow, and ultra glossy at the finish. Its gossamer-like nature means it can definitely be worn alone – perfect for those who appreciate a subtle look, but the transformative properties of Hurt No Living Thing are all magnified when it gets layered over any other colour – giving anything it touches a fey & ethereal appearance, shrouded and even a little mysterious. Top Coat only on final swatches

Worn alone: at 1 coat, the pink shimmer is obvious, but goes deeper into the background with each subsequent coat (2 & 3 respectively) – leaving the grey hue dominant with the pink shimmer at the core. Full opacity, even at 3 coats, is not reached when worn this way.

Layered: with just 1 coat of Hurt No Living Thing applied over 2 coats of Sleeping Palace (previously reviewed here), a deep eggplant purple holographic hue, the newly created tone is incredibly difficult to capture in words – it’s as though a veil was thrown over the entire look, and something completely unique has emerged. Almost surreal, actually. (Note that for these swatches shown further below, Hurt No Living Thing was applied to all nails except the index finger).

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (1 coat)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (2 coats)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (3 coats)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (1 coat, in sunlight)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (2 coats, in sunlight)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (3 coats, in sunlight)

a-england | Sleeping Palace, Hurt No Living Thing

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing, Sleeping Palace

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing over Sleeping Palace (on all nails except index finger)

a-england | Heavenly Quotes

There’s nothing I love more, than a nail lacquer shade that makes me stop and stare in wonder; Hurt No Living Thing not only manages to do that, but continues to surprise me with every colour I layer it over. True to the quality that a-england polishes have become known for, this shade is a beautiful addition to the inspiring Heavenly Quotes series and a must-have for any a-england ~~addict~~ fan. The possibilities are endless, and the colour combinations you can create with Hurt No Living Thing are only limited by your imagination … then there’s the name; there is something so poignant and beautiful about the simple little message on this shade. Gives the phrase ‘make the world a better place’ a whole new (and drop-dead gorgeous) meaning.

Find more information on a-england lacquers via:

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

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

September 15, 2014

Along with the recently launched Rouge Dior Baume (reviewed here), Dior has released 3 new Couture Colour Contour Lip Pencils (CAN $30.00 each) that aim to provide long-lasting colour, as well as help maintain and intensify any lipstick shade or gloss that’s layered on top. Each pencil comes with its own sharpener – a convenient addition, as I prefer to NOT use one sharpener for all my pencils; this way it keeps the shavings, such as that of a darker hue, from staining lighter colours (and vice versa). The other end of the pencil holds a built in brush – again, very handy in blending the liner into your lipstick/gloss shade, as well as helping you avoid needing to carry a separate lip brush.

I found the Couture Colour pencils to be a little hard initially, in particular #468 Spring, but after warming them up between my fingers for a few seconds and lightly wearing down the point on a paper towel, the colour applied easier. Do not expect these pencils to glide across the skin the way others with a more emollient formula do; the best way to use these on a larger area -such as when applying to the entire lip – is by employing a swiping motion, leaving the tip for more precision work (i.e.: cupid’s bow and outlining the lips). Neither drying nor moisturizing, their longevity is beyond impressive: in the swatches below, you can see how even after being wiped off with a makeup remover-soaked pad, the colour is still very visible and relatively intact.

The beauty of these Couture Colour Contour Lip Pencils, is how they can work in either a supporting role (such as, lining lips to keep lipstick/lip gloss/lip balm from feathering or bleeding into surrounding lines), or by taking centre stage and being applied to the entire lip, then lightly dabbed with a clear balm or gloss for a bit of moisture & sheen. When worn in tandem with their matching Rouge Dior Baume shades, some wonderful things happen: not only is the balm’s colour amped up, but the staying power is then increased by several hours as well. Definitely win-win.

Natalie Portman for Dior, wearing Rouge Dior Baume #558 Lili

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette, ingredients (click to enlarge)

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette (sharpener included with each pencil)

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette (attached lip brushes)

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

#468 Spring Couture Colour Lip Liner (CAN $30.00) | A salmon pink hue with coral undertones, warm leaning. Slightly harder in initial application than the other two shades, but becomes easier to apply with continued use. TIP: Apply #468 Spring all over the lips and then layer a sheer nude lipstick shade on top for a unique multi-dimensional effect.

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring with Rouge Dior Baume #468 Spring

#558 Lili Couture Colour Lip Liner (CAN $30.00) | A dusky red hue (slightly more intense than its matching Rouge Dior Baume shade), with a relatively easy application. TIP: try applying a clear balm to lips first then lightly blotting it off, then follow by adding a light layer of #558 Lili all over for a juicy, bitten-lips effect that will also be incredibly long-lasting.

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #558 Lili

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #558 Lili with Rouge Dior Baume #558 Lili

#688 Diorette Couture Colour Lip Liner (CAN $30.00) | A gorgeous fuchsia hue that had the smoothest application of the three. Tip: #688 Diorette works amazingly well solo: applied to the entire lip with a bit of clear balm on top, turning it into a no-fuss pop of colour. Spectacular when used in conjunction with its matching Rouge Dior Baume (see swatches below).

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #688 Diorette

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #688 Diorette with Rouge Dior Baume #688 Diorette

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner with matching Rouge Dior Baume swatches

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner swatches

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner swatches after being wiped off

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #688 Diorette applied all over the lips

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #688 Diorette layered under Rouge Dior Baume #688 Diorette

Never the type to use lip pencils all that much, I have come around to their incredible usefulness over the past few years. Other than the ubiquitous lip lining factor, I love how these Dior Couture Colour Contour Lip Liner Pencils have provided me with new ways in using them – methods I never really thought of before for some bizarre reason. The most impressive part here, is definitely their staying power – the least impressive, the price. While on the steep side when compared to more mass-market brands (but definitely in line with other luxury brands), I doubt the quality will come close to what these offer and which to me, makes them well worth the investment.

Available now exclusively through The Bay (Canada), at all other Dior counters in October. Find more information via:

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

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star, #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

September 11, 2014

The latest from Dior Beauty, Rouge Dior Baume (CAN $37.00, available in 14 shades), is a new breed of makeup: a beautiful melding of colour with breakthrough ingredients for intensely nourished lips. The star component here is Cristal Oil, a natural origin lip care ingredient developed at the Dior Laboratories which “forms an extra-fine yet generous film on the lips, revitalizes, protects, and radiates colour” (my review on the matching new Dior Contour Lip Liner shades will be forthcoming).

In the brand’s signature blue lacquered casing with the initials on the cap, the silhouette is leaner here, making Rouge Dior Baume highly portable, as well as so luxe & elegant-looking. Inspired by M. Dior’s beloved garden, this ‘bouquet’ of 14 shades offers translucent colour with the incredibly emollient feel of a balm, but yet lips never feel undressed. I could detect no real scent, and the actual feel upon wearing is almost transformative, as my lips feel smoother and plumper after the fact.

My lips, while not overly dry, do tend to experience flaking with several lip products – even if I’ve properly moisturized beforehand. Applying a regular lip balm before lipstick is not always the best option for me either, as it can make said lipstick then slide around the lips and/or completely not cover some areas. I’ve even experienced quite severe peeling issues with some tinted lip balms, but something about the ingredients in the Rouge Dior Baume formula, just totally works on me. Definitely on the steeper end of the price scale – if you consider these as simply balms (which they’re not), but worth every single penny if you’ve ever suffered from dry, peeling, or flaking lip colour from a regular lipstick. And shiny too, did I mention that?

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star, #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star, #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette (ingredients – click to enlarge)

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star, #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star

Dior Rouge Baume #128 Star (CAN $37.00) | The sheerest shade of the four, #128 Star will suit both warm and cool complexions due to the combination of pearly/pink/golden tones it holds. Ultra smooth (a touch thinner in texture than the rest, but with the most glide overall), there is absolutely no gritty feel as a result of its shimmer. Not surprisingly, staying power was the shortest of the four, although lips continue to feel well nourished long after all shimmery traces are gone.

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star

Dior Rouge Baume | #468 Spring

Dior Rouge Baume #468 Spring (CAN $37.00) | Bearing a medium thick texture that nevertheless glides effortlessly across the lips, #468 Spring is a pink hue with peachy/coral undertones for added warmth. Application is several degrees lighter than what appears in the tube, but even after most of the initial colour has faded, a light pinky stain remains behind. Non-sticky feeling and no settling into lip lines either, staying power was about 4 hours on average – surprisingly long for both a balm, as well as a lighter shade.

Dior Rouge Baume | #468 Spring

Dior Rouge Baume | #558 Lili

Dior Rouge Baume #558 Lili (CAN $37.00) | I expected #558 Lili to be an intense red once applied, but I was actually surprised to find that it held the sheerest payoff of the 3 deeper coloured shades, bearing more of a watered-down red rose hue (similar in texture to #128 Star, in fact but without the obvious shimmer). Creamy and buttery soft application, there’s a gorgeous “bitten-lips” stain left behind (which will make lips appear plumper as a result) once the colour has faded. Staying power was an impressive 5-6 hours, all things considered.

Dior Rouge Baume | #558 Lili

Dior Rouge Baume | #688 Diorette

Dior Rouge Baume #688 Diorette (CAN $37.00) | #688 Diorette is simply AMAZING – and I’m not usually a fan of vivid lip shades, let alone fuchsia leaning ones (which happens to be a colour group that’s hard for me to pull off). Bearing a similar texture to #468 Spring, this shade is also the most pigmented of the four shown and probably with the most luxurious feel once applied. Non-sticky and with no noticeable migration into surrounding lip lines, staying power blew me away – lasting easily 8 hours (that’s with eating & drinking included). Surprisingly, the next morning I could still see a faint tint of it on my lips. And this is a balm? WOW!

Dior Rouge Baume | #688 Diorette

I am beyond in love with these new Rouge Dior Baumes and after playing with the four shown today, absolutely cannot wait to add more to my collection. To choose a favourite amongst them is impossible, as each offers something unique; #128 Star fulfills my love of neutrals, #468 Spring provides a light touch of youthful colour, #558 Lili is the quintessential ‘my-lips-but-better’ kind of shade, while #688 Diorette is meant be noticed. Beyond that, what is even more impressive is the formula as it leaves my lips feeling extra soft, 100% hydrated, and actually better for having used them. Total win-win.

In Canada, these are available now exclusively through The Bay, and will be at all other Dior counters as of October 1st. For more info: