Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki Brush +

I was in the city and I stopped on over to Bergdorf Goodman to say hi to Dustin. So I’m there, as usual playing with the kabuki in my hands. I’m an addict to very soft brushes and it’s no help that he’s used it on my face in every single makeover he’s done on me. I probably looked like a crazy woman touching it all the time, yet I never got the brush. I was that crazy customer who tested blushes with the brush. Yea, I’m a creeper.

I have and use Edward Bess Daydream bronzer, but I use it as a contour with my Shu Pony 20H brush. I never really used powder bronzer all over my face, and a big reason is that I don’t have the proper brush. A few months back I bought Le Metier Romeo and Juliet bronzing duet and I haven’t really played with the bronzer side, because it’s a bronzer that I can use all over. Dustin uses this duo on me, but he has always uses the kabuki brush. I thought to myself, “man, $85…I wonder if I can find something for less because $85…”

So the hunt for a kabuki began…and here’s what I’ve tested:

Too Faced: I really like this one as well and it’s travel friendly. For those who are a bit on a lower budget, this is a nice option.

Edward Bess: I’ve touched it a few times, and it has never caught my attention as a dense or exquisitely soft brush.

NARS Ita Kabuki: ok this brush is way too scratchy and wide for me. The shape isn’t designed for my personal use.

NARS blush brush: this is shaped kinda like a kabuki, but it wasn’t dense enough for my liking, which makes sense because it’s a blush brush. It wasn’t that soft either, even though it’s made out of pony hair.

Shu Uemura doesn’t make one (or not one that I know of), but I’m sure if they did, it would be full of awesome.

I don’t think Suqqu makes a kabuki either, but I do want their face brush. Eventually I’ll make the investment.

I waited, thinking that I can find a substitute. But nah. So I’ve used it a few times already testing it out with different blushes and with crème formulas too. It’s neat because it’s so small that you can take it with you in your purse, but it seriously packs a punch (in terms of the hair density). What I adore about it is that it’s sooooo soft. mmmm.

Hair: pony and goat. The hairs are trimmed off the animal and the hairs go through a three-day conditioning process. No wonder why they are so soft :D

Usage: I use it on my forehead, temples, neck and sides of my face when it comes to bronzer. I use light, circular motions and the product goes on really evenly. I’ve tested it twice when it comes to cream blushes (By Terrys VIP Bronze Expert blush). I dislike the brush applicator, so I just do a pump, slide the product on my face and every so slightly buff it in with the kabuki. It’s actually more of a stippling action, but you get the idea.

Price: $85, and it’s worth every penny because it’s such a dense, yet such a soft and the application is effortless. 

Onto the photos ! 

 Left to Right:

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush

Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki

 Left to Right:

Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush

Top to bottom:

Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush

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

Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss: Bondi Beach

So I've been wanting to write about the color I've been wearing quite often (well almost every day) for the past week or so. Bondi Beach :D

Color: it's like the perfect milk chocolate color for me. sigh. I don't care for nudes/browns until this shade came into my life. In the tube it looks pretty....well...not flattering or just flat out boring. It's the kind of color that you would skim your eyes over at the counter. For one reason or another, it's just not the kind of color that you would say "I MUST HAVE". When I'm usually at the Le Metier counter, people tend to reach for Ibiza and Cannes, and I get it, they're pretty pinks. I will say that Bondi Beach is sooo worth trying on your lips, because it's such a beautiful shade. *sigh*

Texture and Formula: The Sheer Brilliance Glosses are more sheer than the lip cremes in terms of opacity, but the texture is so lush. The Brilliance Glosses do have a fair amount of sparkle, so that's something to keep in mind. They give dimension on top of a lipstick and give a hint of color by itself.  If that's what you're looking for then they're perfect for you. If you have semi pigmented lips, then the glosses do give a bit of color. For my pigmented lips they don't really show up on its own, but on top of a lipstick, it looks so awesome.

Bondi Beach is a bit more pigmented and not as much sparkle as the other Brilliance Glosses, which is probably why it's one of my favorite lip gloss shade. The lasting power is a bit less than that of a lip creme (it makes sense, since lip cremes are a hybrid of a lipstick and lip gloss). The Brilliance Glosses aren't sticky at all and feel so smooth and soft on the lips. 

Price and size: $32.00 for 6 mL or 5.5g

Is it worth buying: For my NC25-30 self, it's the perfect milk chocolate color, where it's not nude where I look like a cadaver, but it's not a dark brown either where it looks muddy. It's a color I get a lot of compliments on. With the warmer weather being here it's a shade that I've been wearing quite a bit. Definitely worth trying out. :) It's sooo awesome. :) <3 yum yum

Onto the photos :D

 Top to Bottom:

Cafe Creme lip creme
Bondi Beach Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss
Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer #45
Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer #16


*Cafe creme is cooler in undertone and lighter in color than Bondi Beach

 

 Top to Bottom:


Cafe Creme lip creme
Bondi Beach Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss
Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer #45
Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer #16

By Terry Gloss Delectation #8: Pomegranate Flash

So there have been some questions in relation to By Terry lip glosses...and today I'll review Gloss Delectation #8. It has taken me a while to review this, and I really have mixed feelings about them. 

Packaging: it comes in a clear tube with a purple lid. The applicator isn't the standard doe foot, as you'll see in the pics below. I like the shape of the applicator because I can create a crisp line without using a separate brush.

Color and Fragrance: It's a vibrant coral in the tube. The color in the tube stood out to me because I love vibrant lip colors. It's a really pretty coral, with a bit of red in it. On some people I can see it showing up as a orange-red depending on the person. It's so lovely in the tube and when swatched. It's definitely has a STRONG fragrance and I mean STRONG, so be aware of that.

Texture and Formula: Here's my dilemma with this lip item. It took me a LONG time to figure out how to apply this properly. If I apply too much of this on, it will rub off on my upper lip in (the area in my cupids bow). Of course if I barely apply any on, the color isn't as vibrant. It took me several attempts to get the right amount of color on my lips for the effect that I want. It fades pretty well, and the lasting power is longer than average for a gloss. I want to say about over 3 hours and two sodas during that time, the color is vibrant, but not like the original application.The texture of this is so soft and plush, and the finish is a very high shine (no glitter). When you swatch it, you would think it's sticky because it's slightly thick and lush, but it's not sticky at all. It's a bit more red than seen in this photo, but the high shine effect is the same.The finish is amazing, I cannot stress how I love a high shine like advertisements <3

courtesy of Vibe magazine

Price and Size: $44.00 for 7 mL or 0.23 oz

Is it worth it?: I think some of the colors are worth having, but I am a bit peeved at how you have to learn how to apply it properly, especially the price you're paying for this gloss. It seriously was a learning curve for me, but I do like it a lot. It's worth it for me, but for those who can't be bothered in terms of taking your time in applying it, I would pass. But in the end, if you can master the application, it's easy after that and full of awesomeness.

Onto the photos:

indoor lighting with flash.

in natural sunlight, no flash

Applicator

Top (left): By Terry Gloss Delectation #8

Bottom (right): Dior Lip polish #3

you can see how warm the color is and how opaque the shade is.

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.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Orpheline Original Skin Blush

So I'm back, albeit sick. 

But I'm here to review Rouge Bunny Rouge Orpheline blush. I've reviewed a couple of other items from the line seen here. The few items I do have are really beautifully packaged and nice quality as well. 

Packaging: The blush comes in a sleek black compact, with flowers on top of the lid, which I like. When you open it, there's a nice mirror and the flower design embossed on the blush itself. The packaging is pretty straight forward, and it snaps shut, so you know when it's closed. I like it because it's sleek and it has a feminine touch to the packaging. Sometimes it's too pretty that I confuse it with a mirror compact.

Texture and Color: it's a smooth, buttery texture. It's so finely milled that it feels like a cream when you touch it. I was a bit surprised when I first got Florita because it's a bit smaller than what I had expected, but it's definitely worth it. The color itself is a warm strawberry pink. It's not overly warm where it's garish, at all. In the pan there's a tiny sparkle, but when applied it doesn't show up at all. I wouldn't consider this a matte finish type of blush, because matte blushes look flat on the face. When applied on the cheeks it feels more of a soft satin finish. 

Price and size: It's approximately $39 (because of the conversion rate, since the price is in GBP), 3.5 grams or 0.123 oz. 

Where to purchase: Zuneta. I've had awesome experiences with them myself, and they do email you back in a very timely manner if you have any questions. What's nice about the website is aside from great color descriptions, they also state what skintones the items are the most flattering on. They're always spot-on. Since they're based out of the UK, their shipping is pretty high, unless you spend around $150+ and you'll get free shipping.

Left to right:

Shu RD #14 (discontinued)

Rouge Bunny Rouge Orpheline

Is it worth buying? Of course :D !

a little fyi:

i'll be out of the country for a couple of weeks, in a far away place where there's no internet. Don't think i'm ignoring you if i don't respond or post your comments immediately.  That's why I rushed to get in the Le Metier and Armani summer collections on my blog.

I hope you guys buy some summer pretties :)

oh and i joined twitter. please feel free to follow me here

-the black panties

Le Metier de Beaute Summer 2011: Penelope Kaleidoscope + (edited 5.19.11)

So I rushed on over to Bergdorf Goodman about an hour ago because they have the tester Penelope Kaleidoscope. It's been one I've been curious about since I had a hard time imagining how the colors from the promo photo would layer on.


Top color is a warm soft gold color. It's not as warm or as vibrant as Nutmeg, but it's definitely a pretty shade. I can see myself using this one as a soft lid color on it's own.


The second shade is a matte greyed lavender. At first I didn't know what to think of this shade, or quite understood the purpose of it, but after Dustin layered it on his hands, it neutralizes the top shade a bit. I'm not one for purples, but I can see why this color was added. I do adore the soft buttery texture of this matte shade. :)


The third shade: it's slightly deeper and a higher sheen than Jojo. This one took me by surprise. It's sooo lush <3


The last shade: At first I thought it would end up looking like Jade, but it's deeper and it has a charcoal aspect to the color. It's a nifty color to pack on the color for a smokey eye, if necessary. 


Swatches are below:

So Dustin and I were playing with the colors and I asked him how it would look like layered together, so he decided to be creative and draw on my fist. Forgive my crappy fist because I had a hard time staying still from sneezing. :( 


Couches de Couleur Quick picture tutorial:

You apply the top color all over the lid up to the crease (see that little black line in between the lid and brow)? Yea, that's supposed to be your crease lol

Next, you layer the second color all over the lid into the crease as well.   

Then you add the third one.  

Then you add the green towards the lashline to darken, or make a soft smoky eye. 

The last picture Dustin added eyeliner and the eye brightener on the browbone and to blend any harsh lines. 












Overall thoughts? I think it's a really pretty kaleidoscope, and it was a nice surprise because a part of me thought it would be something boring, when it totally isn't. If you're into warm colors, then this is definitely a palette worth getting. :) 


Bergdorf Goodman will have the palette tomorrow in stores. You can call 212-872-8612 to make your order. 


(edit): The top shade is not as orange based as Goldstone. It's slightly lighter and more yellow. Totally different colors if you ask me.

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