Thursday, February 28, 2013

Chantecaille Spring 2013 Lip Review: Lip Chic in Daphne & Luminous Gloss in Pink Melon

For Spring 2013, Chantecaille has released a collection contain 2 new shades of Lip Chic’s (Daphne & Rose Delice $32) and 2 new shades Luminous Glosses (Pink Melon & Framboise $34). I have read many review of the Chantecaille line but have never purchased anything until now.  I picked up Daphne Lip Chic and Pink Melon Luminous Gloss, both which are absolutely stunning!
First, let’s talk about the Lip Chic in Daphne.  The Lip Chic formula is a hybrid, part gloss and part lipstick. It’s a highly emollient formula that offers the even coverage of a lipstick with the high shine and plumping effects of a gloss (formula contains collagen).  Daphne is a peachy pink with a creamy semi-opaque finish, perfect for everyday wear.  I found that this product was easy to apply and wears comfortably with excellent lasting power for a glossy lipstick.
Luminous Gloss in Pink Melon is a stunning light pink with subtle shimmer. It has nice pigmentation when worn and doesn’t settle into lip lines like so lighter lip gloss shades. The gloss applies smoothly and evenly; leaving the lips glossy and hydrated.  The formula feels slightly tacky, but wears nicely.  On its own, Pink Melon is really beautiful but it also is the perfect compliment to Daphne.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Mini Mascaras Review

I am a pretty tough critic when it comes to mascara, not sure what exactly. My lashes on their own are pretty long and plentiful, so mascara usually pumps them up pretty good. When I try out a mascara, I look for the following qualities; product consistency (don’t like the formula to be dry), brush size (prefer a larger brush), and separates the lashes (no sticking together, I like my lashes to fan out). Currently, I have been loving and using MAC’s False Lashes but I have received some sample mascaras and thought I would try them out and review. This will be a lengthy post, so here we go!
Benefit They're Real!
Benefit They’re Real! (Full Size $23)

Described as: A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look.

What it’s suppose to do: This mascara features an exclusive brush specially designed to maximize the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result is luxurious, silky lashes that won't smudge, clump, or dry out.

My Thoughts:

Look: Lashes where lengthened and volumized, but didn’t separate as much as I like, had to use a flat eyeliner brush to assist in the separation.
Brush Use: Brush is bigger, which I like and delivered the product evenly, got to the lash root easily.
Clumping??: I did find the formula did clump a bit on the lash ends but I was able to smooth them out with a brush.
Wear time: Flake or smudge?? The mascara stayed on pretty well without any smudging but I did experience a little flakiness.

Overall not my favorite, not bad but just not for me.
 
Chanel Le Volume de Chanel

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel (Full Size $30)

Described as: This high-precision mascara achieves instant volume and intensely lush colour in a single stroke. Its innovative formula expands, plumping lashes to their fullest. The exclusive new ‘Snowflakes’ brush combines long and short bristles to deliver an extreme, eye-opening effect.

My Thoughts:

Look:  This mascara gives a good amount of length and curl but did not separate at all L One thing I did like about the formula was that the lashes didn’t look or feel hard and stiff.
Brush Use:  This brush is different than any other plastic bristle brush I have seen so I was excited to use it, unfortunately I found that it really clumped the lashes together rather than separate them. I had to use my eyeliner brush again to separate.
Clumping: Unfortunately I did experience so clumping when I applied but was able to smooth them out quickly.
Wear time: No serious flaking or smudging.

Overall: I really wanted to like this mascara because I really like Inimitable Intense by Chanel but I just wasn’t crazy about how clumpy the product applied. Just not for me….
 
Bobbi Brown  Intensifying Long-Wear

BB Intensifying Long-Wear (Full size $25)

Described as:  Bobbi Brown’s longest-lasting mascara.

What it’s supposed to do: This mascara not only delivers lush, thick lashes but can also stand up to elements (and even a few tears) for up to 16 hours. The unique bristles on its brush easily reaches small lashes that instantly builds volume without clumping. Best of all? There's no need for an eye makeup remover, because Intensifying Long-Wear Mascara washes off effortlessly with warm water.

My Thoughts

Look: Lashes look very natural and lengthened. No crazy volume but does separate beautifully.
Brush Use: The small brush really allows you to get to the root of the lashes very easily and grabs even the smallest of lashes.
Clumping: No here that I see J
Wear time: Wore great all day, no smudging or flakes!

Overall: Really like this mascara! I definitely would purchase a full size of this formula. It’s great for those low maintenance days when you want natural looking lashes. Love!
tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes
Tarte Light’s Camera Lashes (Full Size $19)

Described As: A lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning mascara.

What it’s supposed to do: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 Mascara could be considered a push-up bra for your lashes—a 4-in-1 (lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning) dermatologist- and clinically-proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424% after applying giving dramatic, thick and sexy lashes.

My Thoughts

Look:  Lashes were nicely separated and lengthened, looked very natural. Not much curl or volume.
Brush Use:  The brush is standard size with soft fluffy bristles that allows for easy application.
Clumping: I didn’t experience any severe clumping but the standard lash clumping that can be fixed with your fingers or a flat eyeliner brush.
Wear time: I did experience a little bit flaking as the day wore on but no smudging.

Overall: Not bad, I like the brush a lot but the formula itself is so so. I will use the sample up but not purchase a full size.

None of these mascaras wowed me as much as MAC’s False Lashes, I truly love, love, love that formula. I hope MAC keeps it around for ever!!!

2/25/13

Friday, February 22, 2013

2/22/13

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes! Statement Mascara in Black


“Reach great heights and achieve maximum volume with lights, camera, flashes! Statement mascara.  Ultra-rich black mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and illuminates lashes.  This new formula features a specially designed wand that combines short and long amplified bristles for even-coated, clump-free, voluminous lashes.”
The Journey to Natural Beauty kit includes the brand new Lights, Camera, Flashes! Statement Mascara. It has similar packaging to tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes but it comes in a metallic gold case. The plastic wand has long, stiff bristles with two rows of short ones in between, different than any other wand I have seen. It’s a rather large wad but still easy to use/apply; I could get down to the roots of the lashes easily.  I got decent separation and lots of length after applying this mascara.  As for volume, this formula is middle of the road.  I didn’t experience any smudging or flaking at all and it was as easy to remove as most mascaras.  Overall, this is a pretty good mascara. I won’t be reaching for it everyday but maybe once in a while or in combo with another formula.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

2/20/13

Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Plummy Rose

This new lipstick formula from tarte is supposed to drench lips in moisture for super soft lips that are full of creamy color. This new product is infused with healthy, hydrating butters (cupuacu and murumuru) for maximum lip hydration.  The plummy rose shade is perfect for any complexion and great for spring, a little deeper than my normal lip shade. 

The formula is super creamy and feels like a lip balm on the lips, though it is full of color.  It also has a bit of shine to it and has a very slight mint fragrance. I do hope tarte releases more shades of this lipcolor formula because it really is quite nice. I do prefer it to the LipSurgence and Glamzon pure performance formulas, which can be a bit drying.  I have been pairing this color with tarte’s maracuja divine shine gloss in adored, great combo!