Tag Archives: swatches

NARS | Raquel Audacious Lipstick

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, NARS has recently released the Audacious Lipstick Collection – 40 intensely colour-saturated shades in a wide variety of red, berry, pink, orange and nude tones, in a formula that is meant to provide deep and ultra-creamy coverage by the first stroke. The colour I was sent to review, Raquel, falls well within my comfort zone of neutral lip shades and even though I usually lean towards a sheerer formula, I appreciate that this particular nude gives my lips not only perfect opacity, but does so without washing out the rest of my makeup. Like a fully dressed nude lip … how’s that for an oxymoron?

Please note that in Canada, 10 of the 40 shades released are exclusive to Holt Renfrew, namely:

Vanessa – mauve nude
Julie – nude pink
Marissa – warm pink
Kelly – coral hibiscus
Carmen – geranium
Dominique – pink lilac
Silvia – radiant orchid
Vivien – red plum
Sandra – rosewood
Ingrid – merlot

NARS | Audacious Lipsticks

Raquel Audacious Lipstick (CAN $37.00) | The lightest hue of the entire collection, this is a pink nude shade that can lean both cool & warm, making it suitable for a wide variety of complexions (although it could appear too ashy on those with very dark skin). The exterior is a matte black casing with the NARS name in glossy lettering along the bottom half, along with a magnetic closure for ease of use (I’m obsessed with magnetic closures on lipsticks – like a child, they can keep me amused for hours). The lipstick bullet bears an etched NARS logo at the top and the chiselled & pointed tip is useful for precise application. Extremely pigmented, you can literally get full and opaque coverage on your lips with just one swipe of Raquel, but you may want to do a little prep work beforehand; a good lip exfoliation and/or hydration with a balm before application of this lipstick, will go a long way to giving you the best coverage and prevent the colour from sticking to or emphasizing any unwelcome bits. I get about 4 hours of solid wear time (a little less if food and drink are involved), with my lips feeling fairly well hydrated after the majority of colour has faded away.

I pulled out the recently reviewed YSL shade #210 Nude Acoustic for comparison (review), and while the two are obviously in the same colour family, the difference is mainly in the formula – with the YSL bearing a semi-matte finish compared to the creamier and slightly glossier look of Raquel.

NARS | Raquel Audacious Lipstick

NARS | Raquel Audacious Lipstick vs YSL #210 Nude Acoustic (review)

I honestly was unprepared for exactly how opaque as well as creamy Raquel turned out to be, and if I were to compare it to other full-coverage crème lipsticks, I would have to say that there’s something very unique going on here. If this is any indicator, then the newly revamped NARS lipstick formula is quite formidable in many respects and while this particular shade does need some lip TLC before applying, it’s a universally flattering neutral just the same and perfectly on-trend for the mod revival look seen sweeping the runways.

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

Cirque Colors | The Metropolis Collection – NYFW

September 2, 2014

Launching today from boutique brand Cirque Colors, is NYFW (click on the Cirque Colors tab at right to see swatches of the entire range), the first in a series of new crème hues from the brand’s Metropolis Collection and that is slated to become part of the core lineup of lacquers – inspired by creator Annie Pham’s beloved city of New York. With a new shade to be released each month, NYFW is not only a spot-on trend colour but also coincides with the start of New York Fashion Week, one the most highly anticipated events of that city and the start of the fashion season.

All swatches are with the new Holdfast™ Base Coat and Liquid Laminate™ Top Coat, both from Cirque Colors and absolutely phenomenal products.

Cirque Colors | The Metropolis Collection – NYFW

The Metropolis Collection NYFW (US $13.00) | An intense royal cobalt hue (yes, I just created a new colour name) in a crème formula that has some jelly-like properties, mainly a perfectly smooth and self-levelling application and a plush glossy finish. Excellent coverage and opacity is shown even by the first coat and the best part? Non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Cirque Colors | The Metropolis Collection – NYFW

I can never get enough of this type of vivid blue, and even though several other brands have released their own versions (Bleu Majorelle from YSL, Butler Please from Essie, IKB:2012 from Rescue Beauty come to mind), I’m very happy to add NYFW to my collection as this shade does not disappoint on any level: formula, application and finish. Tre fact that there are no staining issues – something commonly found with blue pigments – is another huge bonus for me and then there’s the fragrance factor: all Cirque Color shades have essential oils of Lavender and Rosemary included for their beneficial properties. Basically, your nails will smell as good as they look … doesn’t get better than that.

Available now, find more information via:

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

Make Up For Ever | HD Microperfecting Primer

August 29, 2014

If you think of your face as your canvas, then giving it the most flawless finish before doing the rest of your makeup should be at the top of the priority list – and that task begins even before the first drop of foundation touches your skin. From the brand that has redefined what High Definition cosmetics should be, MAKE UP FOR EVER introduces their HD Microperfecting Primer (CAN $39.00), available in 7 shades to suit all varieties of skin tones and to help even out the complexion. In my opinion, this little treasure has become my strongest makeup ally.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (ingredients list)

HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (CAN $39.00) | A white thin fluid that turns clear/transparent upon blending, in an oil-free formula with a slight cooling sensation to the skin when applied and which bears a fresh & light fragrance. One quick and generous pump from the nozzle dispenser is usually enough to cover the entire face; once applied, this product takes approximately 1.5 minutes to dry down, leaving behind a velvety soft feel to the skin. According to the company:

creates a protective film on the skin’s surface and acts as a shield, preventing foundation from penetrating the skin
helps stabilize foundation, making it more long-lasting and evenly applied
helps to create a soft-focus effect to the skin
keeps skin nourished and moisturized

While I never apply eye makeup without priming first (a mandatory step for my oily lids), I confess to usually skipping face primer – unless it’s a special occasion. Now that I’ve been testing and wearing this new HD Microperfecting Primer in #0 Neutral, I can kick myself because this seemingly innocent little fluid has made all the difference in the world between a decent-looking foundation application, and one which appears truly flawless. Once my moisturizer has sunk into my skin, I now reach for this primer pre-foundation, as it is not only incredibly lightweight feeling but totally invisible once applied and yet manages to give my skin a smoothed out surface layer to work on. Using this primer as a sort of skin ‘base coat’, makes any subsequent foundation (regardless of whether it’s crème, liquid or powder) apply easier – almost gliding – across the skin. My pores also appear diminished, as the primer acts as a type of spackle (sounds gross, but it’s the best analogy I could think of), basically filling them in slightly so that foundation does not get as absorbed into the skin. I do not experience any oxidation of my foundation colour when wearing the primer underneath, and surprisingly found my skin staying oil-free much longer than without (yay to not needing to frequently blot). Lastly, it feels like my foundation’s life span is increased as well with the HD Microperfecting Primer, with markedly less fading by the time I’m ready to take it all off at the end of the day.

NOTE: as this is a silicone based primer, formulated with “Silica Micro Beads that are biotechnologically engineered to act as minuscule light refractors” (excerpt from the company’s press release), those with sensitivities should do a patch test first.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (swatched on inner arm)

MAKE UP FOR EVER | HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (swatched on inner arm, blended out)

When doing makeup, whether my own or a client’s, my main objective is to make the face as flawless looking as possible and thanks to this HD Microperfecting Primer, I’m that much closer to achieving just that. Trying to accurately describe how something that’s basically invisible works, is rather difficult and so I urge you to swing by a MAKE UP FOR EVER counter and try it out for yourself. Apart from #0 Neutral shown here, the range also includes coloured versions that can help correct a variety of skin issues (redness, sallowness, dull skin) and there’s even shades to suit from the fairest to the darkest of complexions. In other words, you’re covered. Literally and figuratively.

Available exclusively through Sephora and MAKE UP FOR EVER boutiques. Find more information via:

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

Benefit | Majorette Booster Blush

August 28, 2014

New from Benefit this fall (launching September 2014), Majorette Boosting Blush (CAN $36.00) in Pep, Poise & Popularity! – is a cream to powder formula that’s housed in the most adorable drum-shaped casing. Infused with a light fruity scent, this universally flattering shade is meant to give you that fresh faced youthful glow and the best part? No specific tools – other than one’s fingers – are needed for the job.

Benefit | Majorette Booster Blush in Pep, Poise & Popularity!

Benefit | Majorette Booster Blush in Pep, Poise & Popularity! (ingredients list)

Benefit | Majorette Booster Blush in Pep, Poise & Popularity!

Majorette Booster Blush in Pep, Poise & Popularity! (CAN $36.00) | A warm peach hue with pink undertones, in a cream-to-powder formula. The outer case is shaped and designed to look like a drum (think marching band/Little Drummer Boy) with a mirror on the inside, while the blush itself comes with a protective plastic inner seal and in a mounded domed shape, bearing a stylized sunburst on the surface (looking very much like the Greek Macedonian symbol of King Phillip – Alexander the Great’s father – and which speaks to my heritage … another plus, in my books!) but this design will fade out with continued use. Described by the brand as bearing a “pom-pom peach and pomegranate” fragrance (seems more peach/mango to me), this scent is pleasantly light & fruity but those with sensitivities should test it out first. The formula of the Majorette Booster Blush is soft and silky to the touch, easily blended out on the skin and gives the most subtlest of glows to go with this universally flattering peachy colour. Wear time is about average for this type of formula – approximately 6-7 hours, unless set with a matching powder blush on top which would then extend that by several more hours.

Finding a cream blush that works on my combination skin (oily in the T-zone, normal everywhere else), can be a challenge but most brands have stepped up their game and have reformulated this type of product with new technologies and ingredients. This product has not reinvented the wheel in this department, but there are still several factors about the Majorette Booster Blush that I like, starting with the obviously cute and retro-kitchy packaging that Benefit has become synonymous for. The colour is one that works perfectly with my skin light-medium (with slight yellow undertones) skin and the feel of this formula is quite velvety, making blending super easy, and while you can certainly use a synthetic-fibre brush for application, the warmth of one’s fingers really do work best. I’m not too crazy about the scent – primarily because I’m not a fan of fruity fragrances, but it’s not unpleasant and after a few moments I stop noticing it anyway. The booster part has me confused, however; in my mind, anything labelled “booster” is meant to amplify, and I’m not quite sure how that fits in here – Benefit probably means that it enhances one’s natural flush. Or maybe it’s the scent that’s meant to lift your spirits. Or both *shrugs*. Marketing ploy or not, I can’t deny how pretty this shade is on the cheeks with just enough of a complimentary glow factor to round things out. Wear time (on me) was about 7 hours – over foundation – before the colour started to fade, and I suspect it should drop to about 5 hours without foundation to anchor it. On drier skin types, you can probably expect it to go easily past the 8 hour mark.

Benefit | Majorette Booster Blush in Pep, Poise & Popularity!

This blush makes me happy. As a bonafide blush fiend, you’d think that all blushes would make me happy, but I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve tried to convince myself to like a particular shade that really didn’t work on me, as in all cool-toned pinks. Sigh. The obvious negative to Majorette Booster Blush is without a doubt the cost which definitely falls on the steep side, and I’m guessing that this colour can probably be easily duplicated by less-expensive mass market brands, although I would imagine the quality found here would still make it stand above those. For those who love makeup that not only looks good on the outside but more importantly, looks good on, then you’ll probably want to check this out. I mean, just LOOK at it!

Available as of September at all Benefit counters, find more information via:

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

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté | Glossy Stain #40 Beige Peau & Gloss Volupté #210 Beige Nu

August 26, 2014

The recent release of the Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Cuirs Fétiches Collection for Fall 2014 has been a resounding hit for the brand, and while many of the limited edition pieces of this collection reached covetable status in record time i.e.: the Couture Palette Collector Fétiche (reviewed here), the textured nail lacquers in #52 Bleu Galuchat & #53 Taupe Grainé (reviewed here), and the matte lipsticks, such as #210 Nude Acoustic (reviewed here), I’m so happy to see that the new Glossy Stain #40 Beige Peau and Gloss Volputé #210 Beige Nu – are both items that are just as lust-worthy as the others, but even more importantly is that they are slated to become part of the permanent range. Be still my nude-lip loving heart.

Inspired by leather’s shiny alter ego, both of these products give your lips a glossy and almost patent-leather shine and while the colours themselves fall on the neutral side, they are nonetheless total must-haves for fans of that perfect nude lip.

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté | Glossy Stain #40 Beige Peau & Gloss Volupté #210 Beige Nu, Collection Cuirs Fétiches Fall 2014

Vernis à Lèvres/Glossy Stain #40 Beige Peau (CAN $38.00) | Perfectly named, the Glossy Stain formula is (according to the brand):

“A unique feeling for the lips with a vinyl sheen and an intense lasting colour. Not quite a lipstick, not quite a gloss, and certainly more than lip colour”

Launched in the Spring of 2012, you can basically credit YSL Glossy Stains with beginning an entire new trend for lip products. Housed in a black rectangular casing with the brand’s iconic gold cap, I appreciate that the base also has a cut-out window where you can see the colour of the product, without needing to open it up first. The applicator is a slanted & spade-shaped sponge on a relatively short wand, with a decent enough width that it grabs sufficient product to spread along your lips, while the tip with its rounded point can be used easily for more precision work. There’s a slight chemical scent to this product and while not unpleasant, I’m glad just the same that it dissipates quickly upon application. The texture is a little harder to pin down; a slightly cool feeling and watered-down gloss, but with a higher-than-usual amount of pigment is probably as accurate as I can get it. Longevity, is unbelievable (the “stain” part of the name is bang on) and while some of the shine will eventually fade, the majority of colour will stay until removed.
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For those new to the Glossy Stain format, you should know that what you are getting here is a lightweight feeling yet long-wearing lip product, highly pigmented and which comes to a glossy finish. Upon initial application, you’ll find that #40 Beige Peau – a warm toned and tan based beige hue, appears more matte than shiny, but wait a few minutes & you’ll see the magic begin, as the colour seems to level out (almost filling in lip lines as it spreads) and the gloss factor starts to appear. Once it has set (which takes approximately 2 minutes), there’s an odd sensation of it being simultaneously wet & dry, but always light feeling without any heavy waxy sensation. This particular shade is quite light; on my lips which are naturally quite pigmented, it provides a hint of colour with plenty of shine – sort of like a “clean nude lip look” (one of my absolute fave looks, in fact) and even though you’d be tempted to think that such a light shade wouldn’t last too long, I’m still able to see plenty of colour on my cleansing pad upon removal – 8 hours after initial application.

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté | Vernis à Lèvres/Glossy Stain #40 Beige Peau

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Yves Saint Laurent Beauté | Vernis à Lèvres/Glossy Stain #40 Beige Peau

Gloss Volupté #210 Beige Nu (CAN $35.00) | First introduced earlier this year, the Gloss Volupté formula is an intensely brilliant and non-sticky lip gloss that will leave your lips feeling incredibly soft and nourished long after the colour has worn off. Apart from the ‘Pure’ versions (as in shimmer free), these glosses also come in an Iridescent format, as well as 3 top coats – Golden (ultra fine shimmer that can be layered over lipstick or even other glosses), Pure (a crystal clear and ultra glossy finish for those who wish to avoid colour) and Smoking (a sheer black shade that adds a vampy effect when layered over lipstick, most effective over red and berry colours). The patented “kiss-shaped” applicator has been created to effectively cover your lips with an easy swipe – “Bouche à Bouche” – with the broader side depositing the majority of the colour, while the pointed tip aids in a more precise application. There’s a fruity scent (I smell hints of pineapple) to this gloss, although once applied it seems to disappear relatively quickly, while the feel of the product is so incredibly lightweight, that if it weren’t for the visible colour, you’d wonder if you’re actually applying anything at all. Staying power varies dependant on which shade you choose, with the darker colours lasting longest and lighter shades averaging about 3 hours. As to the gloss, expect an almost vinyl-like finish – truly spectacular and quite impressive. buy sinequan online www.mabvi.org/wp-content/languages/new/sinequan.html no prescription

Trying to accurately photograph #210 Beige Nu, proved extremely elusive; this is in fact more of a mauve-based nude with hints of dusty rose as opposed to a yellower-tinged beige (or “naked beige” as the press release claims). A universally flattering colour, it won’t be as apparent against highly pigmented lips or darker complexions, but it will serve to add intense shine just the same. On my lips, it seems to both deepen my natural colour and mute it somehow, and it’s exactly the type of shade I so totally love to wear, as it provides a dressed look to the lips without seeming over the top. Worn alone, it adds brilliance and a spot of colour to keep lips from looking washed out – worn over lipstick, especially a more matte shade such as #210 Nude Acoustic, it adds a gorgeous & lush depth.

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté | Gloss Volupté #210 Beige Nu

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Yves Saint Laurent Beauté | Glossy Stain #40 Beige Peau & Gloss Volputé #210 Beige Nu

As a lover of neutral/nude lip shades, I am so happy that both Glossy Stain #40 Beige Peau and Gloss Volupté #210 Beige Nu are part of the brand’s permanent range, because I intend to reach for these often. Apart from their totally wearable colour, it’s the unique and top-quality formula they each bear that makes them well worth investing in. To be sure, both these products fall on the higher end of the price scale and colour-wise can probably be duplicated with less expensive or mass-market brands, but once again, it is the superior feel and wear of the YSL versions that I would choose just the same, or as I like to call it “well-dressed naked lips”.

Available now at all Yves Saint Laurent Beauté counters, find more information via: