Tom Ford Smoke Red lipstick +

So I purchased this on Fashion Night out and this was recommended to me by the Tom Ford MA as the perfect color for fall. I purchased it with the intention of seeing Tom Ford himself, but that didn't happen, but back to the lipstick itself:

It's a lovely shade of cool-burgundy red, a bit deep in color, but it's not super bright. I consider this a "wearable" red, as in I can see this being flattering on a lot of skintones. It's definitely creamy in texture, with some slip to the lips, with the added benefit that it's not drying. What is a bit of a downer is I can't apply it with one swipe and be out the door. There's no smell to the lipstick, or at least none that I can detect. What I found out now about is if I do wear this alone (no primer, lipliner) it does feather VERY slightly into the second hour. It doesn't feather anymore after that, which isn't bad at all (given no primer/lipliner).

As for lasting power: it's not a long lasting lipstick, but it does leave a nice stain over time. I can get about 3.5 hours of this lipstick with a meal and a beverage (the color applied with lipliner and primer).

Pictures of the lipstick are seen below. I did one quick swipe so you can see how it applies, with no base, no lipliner, no blotting, straight from the tube (no lipbrush). As you can see, it will require two swipes so it can go completely opaque (as seen on my upper lip in the natural lighting).

Me wearing it indoors, with flash.

 

This is a picture of me wearing it next to a window in natural lighting, with no flash. 

I do adore the color for the fall. Is it worth the $45? If you want to indulge yourself for a lovely lipstick, with nice packaging then sure. I do think there are great lipsticks with longer lasting power and nice packaging as well for a bit less though. Do I regret the purchase? No. Will I buy another Tom Ford lipstick? Not really, unless they come out with a long-lasting formula and maybe I'd consider it.

NIA24 Skincare

So this is my review on my current skincare regime for the past 3 months or so.

I purchased this on the recommendation of my Space NK MA. At first I was skeptical because of its claims. What I can say as of recent is now that I'm working during the day, my skin has broken out in serious heat rashes. Working nights for 2 years and BAM! all of a sudden working during the day, my skin broke out like crazy, and my skin was itching.

I do have is redness, acne scarring and large pores (on the sides of my face and T-zone). I don't like my skin for the most part because I'm in my mid twenties and I get pimples. Granted it's not all over my face, but it's enough where it does bother me.

So a bit about NIA24: it's a skincare line that's sold usually in dermatologist's offices. The active ingredient is Niacin, specifically a patented Niacin molecule called Pro-Niacin(TM), that helps  build your skin barrier from the inside-out.

Ok so back to my review: I purchased all of these items listed with their respective ingredients:

Gentle Cleansing Cream: Water, Octyldodecanol, Propylene, Glycol Dipelagonate, Butylene Glycol, Polybutene, Stearic Acid, Cetyle Alcohol, Diisostearyl Malate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Polysorbate 40, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Myristyl Nicotinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Trehalose, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Isopropl Lanolate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Acetyl Hexamethyl Tetralin, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Extract, Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium PCA, Urea, Polquaternium-51, 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclotridecane, Maltol, Phenoxyethanol, Methlyparaben, Propylparaben, Titanium Dioxide (C177891) 

Physical Cleansing Scrub: Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Polyethylene, Clyceryl Stearate, PEG-2 Cocamide, Jojoba Esters, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Coconut Acid, Triethanolamine, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Polyquaternium-39, Myristyl Nicotinate, helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernal Extract, Glycerin, Rosa Canina Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Pentadecalactone, Methyldihyrdojasmonate, Dodecahydro 3a, 6, 6, 9a-tetramethylnaphtho(2,1-b)furan, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Extract, Maltol, Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Skin Strengthening Complex: Water, Myristyl Nicotinate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cyclomethicone, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Ranunculus Ficaria Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Extract, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ceramide 2, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Phospholipids, Ceramide 3, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Tribehenin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 60, Laureth-7, Maltol, 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclotridecane, PEG-8, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Polyacrylamide, Oxacyclohexadecen-2-one, BHT, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. 

I did get free samples of their Intensive Recovery Complex (at Space NK), but it pilled off my face, so I got the Skin Strengthening Complex instead. I did use the Rapid Exfoliating Serum too, but I don't think it did that much for me personally.

So I used the cleanser and moisturizer 2x a day, with the physical scrub 1-2x a week. I also used sunscreen because that's the KEY to this skincare regimen. What's the point of using this stuff if you're not going to protect your new skin cells? Yea, that's basically one of the things you have to be aware of. This system won't work unless you wear sunscreen.

Can I just mention, even though I don't know what most of those ingredients say, but this stuff seriously has made my face so much better ! The skin rashes are gone, my face doesn't break out unless it's the one-three SMALL occasional hormonal pimples (you know, that time of the month). The breakout in pimple/acne reduction has seriously gone down, which is the biggest improvement.

My face isn't as red or as irritated anymore. Granted this stuff is geared towards sun damage, but my skin just looks a LOT happier. Some smoothness improvement, some reduction in redness, and I used to get very nasty breakouts on my chin and neck and I haven't gotten any since using this line. Some of the acne scarring is still lingering, but I know that will take a long time to go away.

I don't expect miracles when it comes to skincare, but this stuff honestly does what it says and a bit more. I'm overall impressed with the line and the results. The one disclaimer I will state is with the Skin Strengthening Complex, your face will feel warm and be flushed (3 degrees warmer kind of feeling) when you use it and the flushing goes down within 5-10 minutes. To be fair, they're known side effects because it's the Pro-Niacin doing its job. :) NIA24 has truly blown me away.

Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Cleanser +

So with my purchase at Bergdorf Goodman, on a whim I decided to purchase their cleanser. Why you ask?  The pretty packaging. I love sleek, simple design packaging. Anyway, I was given a bit of background on this product. The founder of this company basically saw the good/benefits of Argan Oil and has a skincare line based around it. A percentage of the proceeds goes to maintaining sustainable development to the Berber women in Morocco (who grow the product).


More information can be seen at: http://www.kahina-givingbeauty.com


So I purchased the facial cleanser, which sells for $46 (plus tax) at Bergdorf Goodman. I wanted to give it a month or so before I reviewed it, but after what happened last night and this morning. I put some on my damp face, lightly rubbed it into my skin. The smell is wonderful (a citrus smell). It's a creamy, with a very slight exfoliating consistency. My face had a slight brightening effect and I thought to myself, "this is kinda cool". Went to bed, woke up the next morning.


I went to shower and washed my face with the same cleanser...and my face got nasty red splotches all over my face. I freaked out a bit when I saw it, because nothing else in my skincare routine has changed. I also noticed my left hand, which had the product as well had some red splotching, and I then realized "it's the cleanser". I've been known to react to nautral/organic skincare products (like Boscia, Claudie, LUSH, etc).


The ingredients are: water, organic orange floral water, decyl glucoside, organic argan oil, oat amino acids, organic honey, cocoglucoside, glyceyl oleate, organic willow bark extract, organic papaya extract, sodium pca, panthenol, levulinic acid, xantham gum, carrageenan, acacia Senegal gum, cellulose gum, lactic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, citric acid, essential neroli oil.


I'm a bit sad over this because I've come to the realization that my face just can't do organic/natural skincare. So if you're into organic skincare, this is definitely a nice option for you. 


But until then, back to NIA24 cream cleanser I go. 

By Terry Terrybly Blush

So these come in four shades. The texture is pretty creamy and soft. It has a checker-like pattern embossed in the blush, which is cute. I did find some difficulty picking up pigment. Blush #1 (Rose) was very hard to photograph, as it was borderline chalky on me (I'm GA Luminous Foundation #5, MAC NC 25-30 for reference). I feel like these shades would be the most flattering on people who are NC or NW 25 and lighter.  Anyway, swatches are below:

From top to bottom:

1. Rose

2. Erotic Pink

3. Platonic Coral

4. Hypnotic Copper

This blush retails for $70 at Barneys. Are they pretty colors? yes, but is it worth $70? eh, they're nice colors, but not $70 nice (at least to me). There are many other brands that have nice consistency, pigmented blushes and doesn't cost as much, that I'm more than satisfied with. :) 

Bergdorf Goodman event +

So today until the 26th, there's an event going on at Bergdorf Goodman that takes off $25 off if you spend $100. So this is what I purchased:

Giving Beauty Argan Oil Sample (free)
Le Metier de Beaute Creme de la Creme lip creme
Le Metier de Beaute eye crease brush
Le Metier de Beaute Peau de Vierge Anti-Aging Complex
Le Metier de Beaute Corinthian Eyeshadow
and as a gift with purchase: Le Metier de Beaute eyelash curler.

I will review these individually, I'm really curious about their Peau de Vierge, because it costs $125 and has skincare benefits. You're supposed to see results in 7 days. I'll review this to see if it does what it claims...etc.

I also purchased (not pictured) Kahina Giving Beauty facial cleanser, hence the free sample. I've never heard of the line, but it's standouts is its Argan Oil and eye cream and their eye serum. I'll review this at a later date as well. :)

Le Metier de Beaute Holiday Palette

I was given a sneak peek of their holiday colors and OMG it's awesome

I only photographed the eyeshadows, but here they are. The last shade is INSANE. It's a blue with red/pink glitter. I fell in LUST with this color because I haven't seen any eyeshadow like it. I hope you all like the shades :)

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Fall 2010 Lipsticks +

I stopped by my local Bloomingdales to check out their fall shades: 602, 603 and 604. I decided to put in 600 and 601 for good measure to see how they all compare. 602 is definitely more pink (and slightly warmer) in person than 603. They're all lovely shades for the fall and I'm still undecided which shades to get.

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani makes an amazing lipstick formula, creamy, unscented, long lasting lipsticks. It has some slip to my lips, but it doesn't slide off at all. I still can't explain how amazing these are. Even my mom who hates my addiction for makeup actually stole a couple of my Rouge d'Armanis and stated that they're great. So if my mom likes it, then it's really that good (just sayin').

The first one I purchased was 103 (my HG pinky nude) and I had 2 meals and 4 beverages and there were still some color left on my lips, a nice stain. Without food or beverage, but just talking I can get at least a good 7 hours on my lips. I call this sex in a tube, because it honestly is. :)

FACE Stockholm Cream Blush

Today I stopped by the store, which is located in the heart of SoHo, NYC. It's on the corner of Prince and Greene (as seen on the street sign). So I went inside to see what this line is all about.

I take a peek and what called out to me is their extensive lipstick and foundation/face stuff selection. They have a lot of foundations, correctors, powders, etc.

I went towards one wall, where it so happened that all of their blushes and lipsticks/glosses were located. Given that I posted on Illamasqua's cream blushes, I figure that it would be nice to see how other brands compare to one another.

I examine at some of their cream blushes, and seen here are the swatches of what caught my attention.

From top to bottom:

Athens
Stockholm
New York

Top to bottom:

Hudson
Rio










They're shimmery, but definitely not over the top. They come in this really cute silver (mirror like) compact. Inside there's a mirror where you can check yourself out :)

New York's consistency was almost gel like compared to Athens and Stockholm. The size is .14 oz for $25. For some reason Illamasqua's looks larger in size, but it's actually the same oz as these. These blushes are a bit easier to apply with your fingers and aren't as vibrant (which can be a bit over the top sometimes). I really do like them, since I can just dab with my finger, lightly rub/pat on and be out the door. It's a slight flush of color. The packaging is small, which is convenient to carry in your purse. I also noticed that they don't last as long as some other cream blushes, at least on me. This is probably better suited for drier skin types.

They are quite lovely in terms of color and the finish, but if you have oily/combo skin, then just be aware that it doesn't last as long as some other cream blushes.

Edward Bess Moroccan Rose Blush

I've had this for a few weeks already. I stopped by the Edward Bess counter and asked what were some of the newer items in September and he stated that there's new foundation in a compact...cream to powder finish and photo friendly. He also mentioned his newest blush in Moroccan Rose, which I purchased. The color didn't seem like something I would wear (I usually do the usual baby pink or nude). I figured "well, I need to venture out of the box and this color looks pretty".

I'm so glad I purchased it. It's a beautiful rose/muave shade. The formula is beautiful too, creamy, soft, and pigmented. I didn't think I would end up wearing it outside, but I did twice and it's still a color I'm personally getting used to, but I definitely like it. :) It's funny because I have no problem wearing bright red lipstick, but this shade I was wondering "Do I look weird"? Silly me.





Below you'll see how it compares to more well known colors:

From Left to Right in both photos: Rock and Republic Kinky (1 swipe with my finger), Moroccan Rose (1 swipe), and Chanel Fantasia (3 swipes)

with flash

without flash:

Fantasia looks similar, but it is definitely warmer in person, as you can see it more in the picture without flash.

Illamasqua Cream Blusher

I remember the first time seeing Illamasqua for the first time when the newer Times Square Sephora opened. I saw the display, walked around it, and walked out. Part of the reason is because the store quickly filling in, and I can't deal with insane crowds.

It's one of those lines that not many people talk about, partially because it's new in the United States. This is a makeup line that has a lot of vibrant, pigmented colors. Their cream blushes are very pigmented and do sheer out. The finish is slightly glowy and not powdery/chalky, which is wonderful. What I find tricky is application because you literally need a tiny amount, and blending with fingers alone doesn't seem to be the best method for me.  As for the colors themselves, they are all very true to how they look in the pan. Betray took me by surprise because in the pan it almost looks like a muddy brown. I thought to myself "this color is going to look like dirt". When applied, it's a very beautiful rich plummy rose shade. Lies is a very shimmery/sparkly cool pale pink. This was probably my least favorite in terms of texture because it doesn't blend out as evenly as the others. The darker skinned ladies will love these shades because it will show up on their skintone. The biggest plus about these is that they last on your cheeks for a very long time.

The best method to apply these is probably with a skunk brush. I took pictures of the colors unblended, and blended so you can see the difference.

From L to R: Libido, Rude, Lies

L to R: Promise, Betray

It's sold in select Sephoras and Sephora online for $24. I think it's definitely worth the money considering you don't need a lot to apply. 

Le Metier de Beaute Lipsticks and Blushes:

I've only tried China Beach: a gorgeous 1920s red. Creamy, decent lasting power, and just overall pigmented and creamy. An awesome red to say the least (can't you tell I have a thing for red l/s)? LOL

(click on pic to enlarge)

Top row:

Bali, Kona, Castelo, Uma Paro, China Beach, Bombay, Monaco, Paris, Bondi, Bondi, Cannes, Dubai, Cannes

Bottom row:

Madaket, Sydney, Rivera, Rivera, Nevis, Nevis, San Tropez, Captiva, Summerland, Palm Beach, Rio de Jainero, Marrakesh, Miami

Blushes:

Le Metier de Beaute eyeshadows ***edited 2.25.11***

I can't sing enough praises about this makeup line. From the lipcremes, to the eyeshadows....

But let's just focus on their eyeshadows for now. They're soft, creamy, and just DIVINE. You can easily control the intensity, from a sheer wash to packing on the color, even though not a lot of pigment is needed.

DISCLAIMER: These are the colors for the United States. Apparently the colors are NOT the same outside the USA. The names are the same, but the colors may vary. So if you live outside the USA, check your local counter to make sure that the color is the same.

I can't help but touch them whenever I stop by my local counter. Most customers that pass by can't help but stare either. I've never been a fan of other brands eyeshadow lines either because it's streaky, not blendable (hello, YSL). In short, definitely try them out. I decided not to swatch them because they're very true to color on your eyes as they are in the pot. These eyeshadows are definitely in a league of it's own.

NARS Pure Matte lipsticks in Terre de Feu and Tonkin

So today I went into the city to take a peek at Saks Fifth Avenue. I hadn't been there in a long time, so I figured that I should go.

I see a display with NARS lipsticks as soon as I enter the store

So I take a peek at the counter and saw these most GORGEOUS shades.

On the left side from top to bottom:

Vesuvio
Bangkok
Terre de Feu

On the right hand side (top to bottom)
Tashkent
Volga
Tonkin






So the MA there showed me the colors and it was instant love. I've always been a NARS girl when it comes to matte red lipsticks. I purchased Terre de Feu and Tonkin. Swatches are below:

Top to bottom:
Terre de Feu
Tonkin
Albatross lipgloss (Sephora exclusive).

I'm NC25/30 for reference














They are VERY matte, so if you do have dry lips, wear a sheer layer of balm underneath so it's not drying. I tried these without balm, and they are a bit dry, but I've worn drier lipsticks, so it's not that bad. There is no smell with either shade, which is a definite plus. I don't mind a smell, but I'm sure there are people out there who do. I didn't get to swatch the other shades, but these two were my favorite out of the bunch. I want to get Vesuvio, but at a later date. :)

As for Albatross lipgloss, Shawn Snell who was at Sephora today at an event suggested it to me. He applied it over Terre de Feu and WOW. Talk about SERIOUS dimension. I couldn't help but stare at how my lips looked. Definitely a must have lipgloss if you want to add dimension, or to sheer out a lip color. These lipsticks will be released in other stores on October 1st. :)

OH and I got a "Paper Tiger" mini cream eyeshadow as my GWP today:

From L to R: Terre de Feu, Tonkin, Albatross lipgloss.

My first post :)

This is to test my page, and to tell you a bit about myself. 

I live in New York City and this will be a blog about what I enjoy the most: makeup :) 

If you have any feedback in terms of what I should post about, or any feedback, please feel free to email me at: the.panties@gmail.com

:)