By Terry Hyaluronic Blushes (Summer Splash Collection)

Hi !

So yesterday I saw a little piece of the By Terry Summer Collection, but only some of the products were there to be seen, so I grabbed the blushes, which were my main interest.

I was highly disappointed in last years collection because she released a lip stain, which was so patchy, uneven, and it would hardly show up on my lips. I'm relieved that she released products which are MUCH better for this summer. 

I can't speak much about them, but for those who were curious to see swatches...

Packaging: it comes in a tube, with the dispenser being similar to the Becca Beach Tints. Pretty self explanatory, the packaging is nice, since it looks like it could be a big lip balm (so it's not bulky to carry in your purse)

Formula: They're most reminiscent of Armani Blushing Fabrics, silicone in feel and slip, but Terry's is a bit thicker...well more like a mousse texture in comparison the Blushing Fabric. They apply well and glide on so easily. The two shades have a microshimmer, but Blushberry (#2) has more of a sheen and a shimmer, whereas Peach Posh is just a micro sparkle. They're both beautiful, with the sparkle not being overwhelming. 

Size and Price: $42 for 0.5 oz

Swatches: 

packaging

L to R: By Terry Peach Posh, Blushberry, Armani Blushing Fabric in 1, 4, 5

L to R: By Terry Amber Rose Sheer Liquid Blush, Peach Posh, Blushberry, Armani Blushing Fabric in 1, 4, 5

L to R: By Terry Amber Rose Sheer Liquid Blush, Peach Posh, Blushberry, Armani Blushing Fabric in 1, 4, 5

Items in my current rotation +

Since I've been on a hiatus, I need to make up for lost time (oops). 

Okay, so items I have been using often are as follows -- FYI I got the RBR compact as a gift from Sethakins. It's not a sponsored post, nor am I getting paid to post it. 

Armani Precision Retouch Concealer: Now that the weather is getting warmer, it's time to lay off on the heavier texture face items...at least my skin prefers thinner formulas come the warmer months. This stuff is seriously high coverage, with an amazing thin brush to get in the under eye areas, as well as point conceal targeted areas. I'm shade 3.

Kilian Extreme Oud: you can read my a couple of posts down. It's so sensual...and delicious. :)

Addiction Damask Rose: It's time for me to break out the brighter pinks, and the easiest way for me to break into those shades is always with a nice bright blush. Not to mention the balmy texture and ease of application. :) 

Hourglass Vintage Lipstick: This one was hiding in my stash for a while. I had purchased it at a Sephora where Josh Collier (MUA) was working at. He showed me the newest lipstick shades, and picked out this color. Totally forgot I had it, until I was settling into the new place and saw it. It's such a gorgeous warm pink brown. 

Chantecaille Just Skin Foundation: Chantecaille is one of those lines that doesn't have an exact match for me in their foundations. I made Future Skin work as best as I could, but over time I found better matches and eventually stopped using it. It made me sad that I couldn't use their Future Skin, but I was determined to have a foundation from their line. Luckily their Just Skin shade in Glow is a semi close match, and it's forcing me to use lighter coverage foundations. I like it so far, but we'll see if it's an item I'll repurchase.

You know Guerlain is another line that I don't have a match in? And they too make nice foundations. 

By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge in #9 Dare to Bare: It's a lipcolor that makes a statement in of itself, a pink with some mauve in it. It darkens my lipcolor, while providing a soft sheen. It's my favorite shade from the new Sheer Rouge line. 

By Terry Laque de Rose in #8: I'm running out of this shade, and I think I have backup somewhere. It pains my little soul that this shade is forever gone. It's that gloss that I use after a lipstick fades because it's just so easy to apply, not to mention just beautiful.

Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45: With the sun being out more, and yours truly being sensitive to the sun, I have to use a higher SPF sunscreen. I've bought several of these, and have yet to find something better that works for my skintype. It's a thick cream that blends quickly, doesn't leave a white cast and it wears like iron. You can see in the photo how much I love this sunscreen.

Rouge Bunny Rouge mirror compact: I got this as a present from Sethakins himself, and little did he know I had a worn down mirror that I used since middle school. LOL I refuse to post a picture of the old mirror. I'm glad I have something more polished and functional. Thank you for the awesome present. 

:)

Armani Lip Maestro in 501 and 502 First Impressions +

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is okay after Hurricane Sandy. I'm not at home with all of my makeup, but I am safe with power. Thank you to all who had asked how I'm doing since right now I am in a location where I can walk to most places, whereas had I been stuck at my regular residence, I would have access to almost nothing. 

Given my circumstances, I can only really give a small review on the new Armani Lip Maestro and my first impressions of them.

Packaging: I don't like the new Armani red cap packaging. They're like the Gloss d'Armani, except the Lip Maestros have a red cap, which I feel is a bit tacky looking. I do wish they had like another color lid, like gunmetal or something. 

Formula: They remind me of the new Guerlain liquid lipsticks in terms of slip (when swatched on my arms). They have slip, and when applied on the lips, it can be patted on like a stain, or full on velvet like lipstick. Once set, there's no slip like a standard lipstick. No shimmer in any of the ones I've swatched so far.  They're not sticky at all and the color selection is pretty good, but the colors I've seen are bold and vibrant colors.

What I can say is that they do last at least 3 hours, but the downside to them (from the couple of times I've worn them), is that they don't fade as nicely as I'd like, plus they're not as long lasting as I'd had hoped. 

I will say that I do like the formula since it clings on like a stain, and aren't drying on the lips like the Hourglass liquid lipsticks. I do think those with dry lips will need a bit of balm before applying the lip maestro. When you do wear it, there's also a bit of transfer if you apply it with the doe foot, but if u pat it on like a stain (using fingers or rubbing it in with a lip brush, there's minimal to almost no transfer).

I'll do a better review or maybe an update once I've worn them for a few more days, but I hope you enjoy the swatches.

In the meantime I need to figure out how to get some of my clothes...since the trains are down and I need some clothes. 

Price and Size: Price it's either $28 or $30. for the life of me I can't find my receipt. The size is 6.5 ml or 0.22 fl. oz

Onto the pics

501 on left, 502 on right

501 on top, 502 on bottom

(this pic is color accurate)

Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows in 25, 27, and 28 +

I know I'm late to the Armani party with the new Eyes to Kill Intense eyeshadows. I will say I've worn them twice, so it's not enough for me to give a full on review. Of course seeing that they're limited edition, I've decided to take photos for those who aren't sure on which ones to purchase. I hope these are helpful. 

I sat there for a good 5 minutes debating on which ones to get, and I liked 25 and 28 at first glance, but the makeup artist mentioned 27. I usually trust his judgement so I went with it. I'm so glad I got it since it's really a beautiful pink/purple shade (in the pan it looks much darker and it would seem to pull red). 

They are of course long lasting: they've lasted 14 hours in the heat, although it was just enough for a work shift. I haven't had much time with them, so I couldn't tell you if they last longer. 

I think it's odd that I haven't reviewed other Eyes to Kill Intense eyeshadows, since they are my holy grail for long-wearing cream eyeshadows (and of course By Terry's Ombre Blackstars).

Packaging: glass screw top with the plastic stopper. please don't trash the black stopper. If you do trash it, the eyeshadow over time will crumble and fall apart.

these are the shades that i felt were unique enough to own, the others were pretty, but nothing special. (my personal opinion of course). I know it's a bit of a quick review, but since It's almost 4 am and I'm a bit out of it, I figured the pictures would speak for themselves.

Price and Size: $32 for 0.14 oz.

Here are the photos:

left to right: 25, 27, 28

left to right: 25, 27, 28

left to right: 27, 25, 28

left to right: 25, 27, and 28 (with flash)

left to right: 25, 27, and 28 (with no flash)

items i've acquired in the past couple of months +

I've been in a rut of sorts, plus the summer heat has made me less inclined to wear makeup in general. there's probably the fact too that i'm not a fan of summer collections. Don't even get me started from what i've seen for this fall so far, I'm a bit let down since the colors aren't quite my thing (NARS i'm looking at you).

But anyways, here's what I've gotten :)

Top row: 

Addiction Rigoletto and Truffle. Then there's Burberry Trench and Midnight Brown

Middle section from left to right:

YSL Glossy Stain in #5, Burberry Blush gloss, Armani Eyes to Kill Intense 27, 28, (25 is the one that's in between the nail polishes). 

Illamasqua Naked Rose Blush, then on the far right is Kevyn Aucoin Pravella (the color when swatched is warmer than the photo).

The two nail polishes are: Rescue Beauty Lounge Jack in the Pulpit and the brown one is Ghost Ranch (which got renamed due to some copy right issues), .

On the far bottom left is Kevyn Aucoin Topaz loose eyeshadow, to the right is Citrine. 

Any items you'd like me to review? please let me know. :D

random things i'm loving at the moment ++

I've been a bit of a youtube stalker viewer/subscriber as of late, and watching all of the beautiful ladies and their "Favorites of March, April 2012" videos has made me wonder what I've been wearing often and what I've been enjoying. Who knows? Maybe someone is interested in what I like/use often.

Thank you to my twitter followers for recommending me some awesome people to watch. 

So here are some of my favorites of the moment: 

top row:

Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel: I just started my 2nd bottle of this a couple of weeks ago or so, and it pains my wallet to shell out the cash for this product, but it seriously has made my skin texture more even, exfoliates my skin so well, and in conjunction with sunscreen, it prevents my hyperpigmentation spots from getting darker. My skin is smoother, moisturizers apply better, and I look so much better. It's $245 + tax, but if you think of the price of professional glycolic peels (one session being about the same price as the bottle), I think the price isn't THAT scary (ok, maybe that's just my justification for buying it). The benefit of the Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel, you do get the same professional results, but at the comfort of your own home. I would write a review, but I never took pictures of my skins progress with this item, sad to say. If you'd like to read about my experience with glycolic products, let me know. 

Trilogy Rosehip Oil and CoQ10 booster serum: I always apply these products immediately after doing the glyco extreme peel (once a week), and the rosehip oil every night before I go to bed. With my combo skin, it doesn't break me out and gives me extra hydration. This allergy season has been drying my skin out, and it's been a life saver.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Milk Aquarelle in Chestnut Milk Parfait: I like this product a lot and bought it on a whim. By itself it's a light-almost medium coverage foundation and it covers my natural redness pretty well by itself. It reminds me of a lighter/sheerer version of Ellis Faas Skin Veil. As much as I love Skin Veil, I only wear it when I'm out at night since it's a bit heavier than what I'd like for daytime wear. Chestnut is a bit too light for me now, but mixed with Chantecaille Future Skin in Nude (a bit off in undertone) it gives an almost perfect match. When I run out of Chestnut, I'll purchase the next shade up (darker).

Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon: A true watermelon shade for the cheeks, and it's so easy to take in my bag. No need to really explain the product since it speaks for itself. To get more information about Becca's Beach Tints, check out this review.

Chantecaille Lip Chic in Bourbon Rose: It's a lovely light pink lipstick, glossy in finish and super hydrating given allergy season. I'm thinking about doing a review of this in the near future, but check out my review of Tea Rose (oddly enough I just realized this morning Tea Rose is missing -- I need to buy another one TODAY). I'm that attached to my lip chics that knowing it's missing, I feel incomplete. 

Rouge Bunny Rouge Word of Mouth 

By Terry Rose Contour lipliner: This lipliner was limited edition for this past spring. This lipliner formula is nothing short of magical. I can wear it alone and it's not drying at all. It glides out without tugging the lips, and it's a soft rose shade. I'm not too fond of Terry's current line of lipliners, because the formula isn't really unique. Terry, PLEASE make these new lipliners current! As of late I've been lightly lining/defining my lips with this shade. It's really a gorgeous shade.  

By Terry lipgloss in Gold Digger

Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani in 509

Suqqu F, M, and L brushes: my newest brushes which I still haven't really played around with yet. I need to play with them some more before I can give a comprehensive review. I've been too busy working and catching up on sleep, but I just had to show them since I get really excited when I buy new brushes (which isn't often at all).

What are some of the things that you're loving lately? Any thoughts on stuff I should review soon? Or do you have any questions for me in general?

Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani in 509, 510, 511, 512

Well, I'm sure most of you have probably seen swatches and reviews on the new Armani Eyes to Kill Intense eyeshadows for the Summer 2012 collection. I have 3 out of the 4 shades and although they are lovely, but what I really fell hard for were the glosses.

I'm no fan of the coral and gold lip shades for the summer, maybe because it's just so redundant. Or maybe probably they're just not my "go to" shades. So it's a nice surprise to see something different in terms of lipcolors. You would think these shades belong to a fall/winter collection, oddly enough.

I picked up 509 first since it's the shade that got my attention first. I've been wearing this shade every day since I've purchased it, and that says something since I own so many lip products.

509: it's the lightest shade of the bunch, and in the tube it's a cool, dusky pink with some purple undertone, with silver shimmer. When applied, it's more of a neutral pinky nude, and the silver shimmer doesn't show up on my lips. I can wear this alone and it doesn't wash my face out. It definitely isnt a sheer gloss, which is even better for me :D

510: this shade is a deep raspberry (not bright) with a hint of silver shimmer too. It's less opaque than 509. When applied on the lips, it's my lips but better shade. I feel like this shade will be the hardest for me to describe only because my lips are really pigmented, and how it looks on me will be different than how it looks on other people. I would suspect this shade to be a brighter pink on others. It's a definite win for me since I can carry this one in my bag and throw it on and it will go with anything, since it enhances my natural lip color.

511: This is the plummiest shade of the bunch, and it's gorgeous alone, and it's pretty opaque. It's great because it's not too purple (grape purple) for me, which is what I tend to steer from. I cant see a shimmer in this color, so that's a win for those who don't like shimmer in glosses. I suck at purple descriptions. :| I'll let the pics do the explaining for me.

512: It's warmer and more red than 511. This one is a hairline less opaque than 511, but more opaque than 510. It's almost like a wine colored lipgloss shade, but not too dark. For those with semi pigmented lips, it will be that shade that will be a nice red, but not being too bright or overpowering. I honestly don't have a dupe for this one, so it's a win for me too (hahahaha).

Formula and texture: it's a semi thick gel like consistency, but it's not sticky and the lasting power is so awesome. I get about 3.5 hours of wear on these. My main concern when I first purchased the Gloss d'Armani is that with the odd texture, I would get the deathly white ring around my lips (like I get with MACs plushglasses), but I don't have that at all. 

I wasn't won over by the formula when they were first released, but it's slowly winning me over because it does last, and it's so nice to have some glosses without a crazy sparkle/shimmer. Although there is sparkle in some of the shades, but it's definitely not apparent, unless you look REALLY close.

Price and Size: $28, for 6.5 mL or 0.22 fl. oz.

Onto the photos: 

L to R: 509, 510, 511, 512

top: 509, bottom: 510

top: 511, bottom: 512

for color accuracy (L to R): 509, 510, 511, 512

to see the shimmer -- L to R (overexposed pic): 509, 510, 511, 512

to see the shimmer -- L to R (cooler lighting pic): 509, 510, 511, 512

Shu Uemura #17 and #14 Blush Brush +

I had some feedback in terms of what I review, and most of you wanted to know more about brushes. I'm a bit surprised because it's one of the few items that people are hesitant on buying...for what reason? It could be because it's not a "fun" purchase like a blush or lipstick. Or it could be because it's one of the more expensive items when it comes to our makeup stashes. Whatever the case may be, I'm just surprised someone asked me to review more brushes.

Ok so before I owned the Chikuhodo Z-8 ...what did I use before for blush application? For a long time, I've used the Shu #17. Why am I also discussing Shu #14? Well because it's a similar shape and it's slightly smaller.

Hair: The #17 is a mix of pony and squirrel hair, whereas the #14 is just pony. Difference in terms of how soft they are? Not that I can detect. They're both really soft, yet firm (in the sense that they keep their shape). They're also firm in the sense that they don't flop around when you're applying blush. You'll see what I mean in the featured video.

Application: so for those of you who are into YouTube videos, check out Jung Saem Mool. This person is so talented and the music is just awesome LOL. Anyway, fast forward to 6:53 to see how to use the brush. I stipple it on the same way. :) The #14 is a bit smaller than the #17, which is nice if you want a more precise application, or if you have a smaller face. I like the #14 when I travel...but as for my everyday blush brush, I like the #17. It's a bit more fluffy and just easier to use in terms of less brush strokes since it's larger.

The reason why I like the stippling method...I feel like I don't use as much product since the blush sticks on. These brushes I never find myself applying too much, or too little product on my cheeks. In some cases if I over blend (with another blush brush), I have to reapply, which means more product. When it comes to super pigmented blushes, I like the Chikuhodo Z-8 because the soft hairs very lightly deposit pigmented colors on the cheeks. 

Where it's sold: I purchased the #17 at a Shu Uemura counter 7 years ago. I just checked the Shu Uemura website and it's no longer sold on the US online store. They have the #20 (which I don't have), but it seems to not be as pointy as the #17 and #14. But the #17 and #14 are both sold on the UK store.

Price: for the #14 it's £18.50. The #17 it's £35.00. 

Onto the photos :D

L to R: Shu 20H, Chikuhodo Z-8, Shu 17, Shu 14, Armani Blush Brush

L to R: Shu 20H, Chikuhodo Z-8, Shu 17, Shu 14, Armani Blush Brush

L to R: MAC 217, Shu 17, Shu 14

I've owned the Shu 17 for 7 years, and that 217 I've had for about...oh...4 years? I use the 17 at least 2x a week...whereas I hardly use the 217 (you can see some signs of splaying). Now you can see why I don't bother with mid-end makeup brushes, as they hardly keep their shape. :(

Are there any other brushes that you want me to review?  If so, just let me know in the comments field. :)

Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #5 (Beige Violet) +

There's always that search for the perfect nude blush...not too warm, not too cool, not too brown, or muddy. As most people know I love a red lipstick, but I usually tend to pair a red lip with a super pale pink or pale peach cheek. 

I usually wear NARS douceur for a brown-pink and as much as I like the blush itself, it's not a true nude blush. So then my search began...I didn't want a shimmery blush, or anything matte. Yours truly searched high and low for quite sometime. Anyway, so I went to the Armani counter and I asked my MA (Joey) for a nice nude blush...and he basically understood my search and told me to check out #5. He swatched it, I grabbed it and ran out the door :D 

I took it with me earlier this year when I traveled out of the country. I know I'm so lame for reviewing this so late in the game. I'll be wearing it later today and now that I have the time to blog for a bit, here is my review:

Texture: The consistency of Armani blushes are so awesome. They're silky, soft, and creamy to the touch. The finish is a soft sheen, with no microsparkle...it's just a soft delicious finish.  It adds the perfect flush, without being overpowering. They're definitely very finely milled. They're probably the most underrated products from Giorgio Armani. 

Color: It's definitely a soft neutral, beige sheen. For some reason it looks neutral-cool in photos, but on my face it's definitely neutral. Maybe for some people it may pull neutral-cool, so just be aware of that. :) The color is perfect for the times that you don't want to look like you're wearing any blush (obvious), but you definitely want a boost to the cheeks. I don't own Lancome's Miel Glace (for those who were wondering), so I couldn't tell you how it compares. 

Lasting power: It lasts me at least 8 hours...I never quite took a count after the 8, since I'm usually asleep or too busy getting drunk (bad panties). What I can say is that it definitely withstands serious heat. :) #5 is one of my most used powder blushes, just because it goes with anything.

Price and Size: $43, 6 grams or 0.21 oz

and here we go with the photos :D

L to R: GA #5, NARS Douceur, Rouge Bunny Rouge Habanera

L to R: GA #5, NARS Douceur, Rouge Bunny Rouge Habanera (with Flash)

L to R: GA #5, NARS Douceur, Rouge Bunny Rouge Habanera (no flash)

Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani in 401.

So yesterday I got to meet the awesomeness that is PinkSith. Can I just say since she met me with no makeup on...that she didn't implode !?!?! It's a sigh of relief that I'm not that scary looking in person (with no makeup). Ok maybe I am, but I can live in denial LOL.

We went shopping and dropped into Neiman Marcus. I was on a mission to buy the Armani Eyes to Kill Intense eyeshadows, but then...we saw...what it was...what I had been waiting for for MANY MONTHS...

GLOSS D'ARMANI. I stopped dead in my tracks and stared, and then swatched like a maniac. I was like a 5 year old in a candy store. I couldn't decide which ones I wanted to get.

their lip shimmers are discontinued and are replaced with the Gloss d'Armani. They're supposed to be long-lasting gloss. If you all didn't know already, I'm like a moth to a flame with the darker/red colors, as is PinkSith. So of course it should be no surprise that we both got 401.

What I am a bit peeved about: the numbering of these glosses doesn't match the corresponding lipsticks. 401 Rouge d'Armani is an orange red, versus the Gloss d'Armani is a cool red. ok maybe it's just because I'm OCD. 

Packaging: Armani changed the design so it would be more consistent with their Rouge d'Armani. The packaging is in a clear tube, with the oval cap that resembles the Rouge d'Armani lipsticks. The applicator is definitely different. It's a long doe foot that's slightly slanted. You will see in the photo below. 

Texture and formula: Ok so this is where it gets interesting. The formula/texture is very...hmmm..odd at first. I want to say they're gel like, but not a typical gel formula. Like it's not a formula where you can rub your lips together really easily. The formula definitely isn't sticky either. You can feel that there's some binding aspect to it, but not the gloss adhering to your lips where it's drying your lips out. It's really an interesting, yet curious formula. As I did 2 test runs last night to see how long lasting it is, I realized why the formula is designed the way it is: it's transfer resistant. I was like "HOLY MOLY". I was concerned that with this formula that I would get the deathly white ring on my lips over time since the formula is a bit odd, but no, totally wears off really nicely.

Maybe someone can give a better description of the formula itself, because it's not what I was expecting at all. I like it a lot because it's long lasting and it doesn't dry your lips out either. It feels really cool. :D 401 is like a hair away from being a full on opaque gloss. Keep in mind some of the Armani glosses are more sheer than others (like 403, which I will review probably tomorrow).

Lasting power: So I did two separate test runs with 401 last night since I was out and about. The lasting power on average was about almost 4 hours with some visible fading, but you can still tell there was some gloss on. Usually with gloss it lasts about 2 hours and it's completely gone on me. 

Size and price: they are a smidgen bigger (6.5 mL versus the lip shimmer 6.0 mL) for $28

Photo time :D

Left is GA lip shimmer #7, on the right it's Gloss d'Armani in 401

 The Applicator.

Left to right:

Gloss d'Armani in 401.
Lip Shimmer #7

Travel makeup +

So I was out of the country and I've had people ask what I brought with me in terms of makeup. I didn't think people really cared in terms of what I normally wear...I am glad someone does :)


I was out of town back in March and I took even less stuff with me back then. I left the country for family reasons, and there were a couple of nights where I had to wear at least a semi-full face.

From left to right:


Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge: I wore it almost everyday as my tinted moisturizer. The two main reasons I took this with me is because I had tried a new skincare product (samples) that broke me out and I wanted my breakouts to heal quickly. Second reason is that on my last trip, I took Chantecaille Future Skin foundation so I wanted to rotate. Last summer when I was out in the sun, I got serious rashes from the sun since I work nights. Being in the sun as of recent with this foundation, I had no adverse skin reactions (as in my skin didn't burn or fall off). I was in warmer weather climate and my skin didn't get darker, but my arms and my legs surely did (and for reference,  I wore SPF 30 sunscreen on my hands/arms/legs). I look weird now that my face is a lot lighter than the rest of my skin now. Ah well. lol.


By Terry Baume de Rose: I used this as my lipbalm about every other day. I felt the maximum benefit at the airport because for some reason my lips get really dry. It could be the air conditioning or something with airports/airplanes.


Le Metier de Beaute Fraise Lip Creme: I wore this almost everyday too. I wore it for the times that I had to wear a semi full face as well. I like dark or vibrant reds, but I had to keep it tame for my family and for the events I had to go to. It's definitely a wearable color, even for daytime. So for those who are concerned about wearing bright or vibrant colors, I consider it an office-friendly color. I'll review this at a later date.


Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani #103: This is my go to lipstick for serious events, as well. I wore this twice, which is odd. I think due to the warmer weather I didn't wear it as often as I'd like. Sunnier weather=slightly more vibrant colors? I mixed this with Fraise lip creme and it looked pretty awesome. Neat discoveries are always a good thing.


By Terry Misty Rock cream eyeshadow: I'm not a big eyeshadow person, but I did wear this when I had to wear a semi full face. I just used it for those times and that was it. I really do mean it, this cream eyeshadow does live in my purse if I'm going out at night last minute and I need to do a quick face. Apply from the tube, blend with fingers and bam! you're out the door.


By Terry Touchee Veloutee: I love this stuff, as it is my under eye concealer. If I am having a great skin day, I use this on red spots on my face and under my eyes. If I go out at night I wear my regular foundation and use this to brighten the area under my eyes. Since I was wearing a luminous tinted moisturizer, I didn't feel the need to use it, since Peau Vierge brightens those areas by itself. So note to self: if wearing Peau Vierge, no need for this too. Otherwise, must have Touchee Veloutee in bag.


Armani Eyes to Kill mascara: It's a mini. my ultimate mascara. Need I say more?


Shu #14 brush: I recently bought it since it was highly recommended. I'll review this at a later time. Wonderful brush and I used it when I had to wear...


Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #5: The perfect beige nude blush that fits the bill on so many levels. This needs a review on its own at a later date as well.


Bioderma Crealine H2O (not pictured): I had this in a small sample jar.

Giorgio Armani Summer 2011: Mediterranean Eye Palette, Sheer lipstick #34, Sheer lipstick #35 +

So I went back to the Armani Store again since I work close by, and I met their other makeup artist, and she showed me the palette and lipsticks. 

Mediterranean Palette: This is the first time that I've seen Armani just do an eyeshadow palette, because years before there would be a bronzer with their eyeshadow compact (2 in 1). Anyway, so I'm not really a big fan of their eyeshadow quality...I mean it's not great, but it's not horrible. I'm usually someone who loves a soft buttery texture when it comes to eyeshadows. Plus their limited edition palettes always seem to have one color that I would never use (it's usually their thing to put a green or teal color). I wanted to see it because it looks pretty in pictures and this palette has won me over. It consists of 4 warm goldish/brown colors, so it's pretty easy to use in terms of using all of them together. The texture is a bit nicer than their regular eyeshadows, so from those two factors (better than the norm texture, plus I can see myself using all the colors) I decided to get it.

Sheer lipstick #34: This is the deepest lipstick shade. It's a terracotta/cinnamon color. Honestly I don't know how else to describe it. It's soooo pretty. On my pigmented lips its like a glazed cinnamon-y with a kick. I asked a couple of other people how to describe the color and they couldn't. The swatch will speak for itself.

Sheer lipstick #35: this is a soft pinky coral color. Think of a rosy pink, but with some coral mixed in. It's not an "in your face" coral (when i think of a loud coral, think MAC virgin aisle CCB). Maybe I'm just experiencing writers block. 

left to right:

Mediterranean Palette:

Sheer lipstick #34

Sheer lipstick #35

Giorgio Armani Summer 2011 Blushing Fabric #4, #5, and #37 Sheer Lipstick

So today I found out the only place in New York City that has the Armani summer collection is at the Armani store on 55th-56th Street and 5th Avenue. Normally I go to my MA, but since I'm leaving the country in a few days, I'm under a bit of pressure to get them now. 


Formula: If you're familiar with Face Fabric foundation, imagine the texture and feel, but in a blush. It's basically a silicone based gel formula. You literally need the size of a pinhead on your finger to use on both cheeks, because it's pure pigment. They're so easy to blend out and sheer, but they do set pretty quickly. Once it's on your face, they last a long time. ;) Last year I purchased Blushing Fabric #1 and #3 and I reach for these quite often. 


Blushing Fabric #4: The best way to describe it in terms of color is...cinnamon. It's a slightly burned terracotta kind of shade? Uhm, let's just stick with cinnamon. This particular one will be a learning curve for me, because it seems like if I apply too much of this on, it can be easily seen as a sunburned kind of look. I know I can pull it off, but when I return to the USA, I'll have to talk to my MA on how to use it. 


Blushing Fabric #5: It's a pinky purple color and it's really a gorgeous shade. sigh. I know I'll be using this one often. I know this one will sell out quickly because it's a fool-proof color. 


Sheer lipstick #37: The the best way to describe it is...imagine a very soft orange cream color (like ice cream), but add in a hint of beige with a beautiful sparkle. On me it lightens up my natural lip color and on my hand it looks kind of ordinary (as in you can find another color in your stash that looks similar). But the effect and shine on your lips is incredible. SO incredible. It's soft enough that it doesn't scream orange, but it's definitely not a boring clean peach color either. Lighter skintones will adore this one. On me it's a light orange-beige. sigh. I wasn't even planning to buy a lipstick, but I may have to try the others, because they look so beautiful. 


Onto the swatches. I rushed to swatch them so they are a bit uneven, but you can get the idea:

From left to right:


Blushing Fabric #4


Blushing Fabric #5


Sheer lipstick #37

*accurate lighting

Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility and Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #7

I've gotten requests as to how Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility compares to Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #7. They're both very nice highlighters, but there are some differences. For the sake of this review and to make typing easier Sea of Tranquility will be (ST) and #7 will just be #7. 

Packaging: Rouge Bunny Rouge illuminator comes in this gorgeous frosted glass packaging with black flowers on the glass. Definitely pretty and luxurious. The advantage of this is that you can see how much is left in the bottle. #7 is in the standard Armani Fluid Sheer opaque packaging. Minimalist in appearance and slightly shorter in height. With #7 is when you lift the lid, the pump doesn't come off. At times ST when you lift the lid, the pump can come off and if you're not careful, you can spill some of the illuminator. The downside to #7 is that you can't see how much you have left. Ok, so both overall have their small flaw, but the design of the bottle and packaging are pretty solid. 

Formula and Finish: ST layered on it has a nice pearlized finish on your face. Sheered out, the frost is less apparent, and it has a soft sheen. It has a soft smell, like a fresh garden after it rains. I'm not good with smell descriptions. It's a neutral pink with a very slight peach to it. #7 when layered is a cooler pink, and has a milky finish. When sheered out it's a super soft cool milky pink. It's an awesome highlighter, and not as opaque as ST. I can't detect a smell with #7, but it could be just my nose acting up. Fluid sheers have the claim that it's oil free, which is an advantage for us combo to oily skintypes. The Rouge Bunny Rouge illuminators didn't come with a list of ingredients so I don't know if it has oil or not. 

Size and price: #7 is 30mL for $59. ST is 30 mL for approx $70 (the reason for this approximation is the conversion from GBP to USD).

Keep in mind I layered it on so you can see the color/finish difference, applied both with fingers.


Left to Right:

Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #7

natural lighting. man, my arm looks so WHITE. 

Indoor lighting, with flash; slightly overexposed lighting.

Indoor lighting, I fixed the ISO so it's not overexposed.

Fluid Sheer #7 ingredients, as listed on the box. Rouge Bunny Rouge illuminators didn't come with an ingredient list, well at least mine didn't. 

Are these worth buying: Yes! They're both different, very nice highlighters with different finishes. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, because that's not the case. :)