Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush +

I'm so excited to discuss one of my recent acquisitions...

For some time I use a mix of makeup brushes, from MAC to Shu and Le Metier de Beaute's. Overall I am happy with what I do have, but I've been wanting to streamline what I use. Anyway, long story short, I've been on a hunt for a brush to use highlighters and blush. I do currently own a couple of Shu Uemura blush brushes, but I wanted something a little different. Eventually I do plan on phasing out my MAC ones and random other brands and ultimately just keeping it Japanese with brushes (with an exception of a couple).

When it comes to makeup brushes, there's no question that the Japanese make the best ones out there. Some are familiar with Shu Uemuras, others use Hakuhodo, RMK, and of course the infamous luxury Suqqu brushes. You get the idea, the Japanese are known for using the finest hair, the ultimate craftsmanship and exquisite design. 

To those of you who are a bit unfamiliar with Chikuhodo, they're the manufacturers of the best brushes out there (including Suqqu). Of course, being an amazing line of brushes, I've always wanted one. but since they're from Japan...that means I can't easily buy one. *cries* 

Until now !! Thank you to a fellow friend who gave me the most amazing opportunity to get one of these bad girls.  I now own a Chikuhodo Z-8 *cue in the skies parting and angels singing and rainbows shining with flying unicorns*

Onto the review!!!

Hair: it's made from 100% grey squirrel hair. Can I just say this is the softest brush I've ever touched? It's not just soft, it's orgasmic-inducing soft. What I've noticed about this specific hair is that it comes to a very fine point. It's so excellent and appropriate because it's a tapered brush. So even though the brush itself is tapered, the hairs itself are tapered. 

Density: It's definitely a dense brush, not dense as a powder brush, but it's one of the denser blush brushes I've come across. You'll see what I mean. The brush itself is a lot lighter in my hands than how it appears. Yes, it's light, but it doesn't feel flimsy.

Ferrule and handle: it's black, long and it's very sturdy. What makes this stand out is that a lot of mid-end brushes or even lower end ones, the ferrule is always flimsy to me. I'm always that person in Sephora touching brushes and the ferrule just comes off. (no, i'm not kidding).The handle itself is black lacquered (wood).

Why is this so amazing?: For those who have super pigmented blushes, it's so easy to just dab this in and apply it on your cheeks without looking like you've been sunburned. Since it's tapered, it's great for those who want a really soft contour on the hollows of the cheeks. if you own a really dark powder bronzer who can just use a light hand, this is the kind of brush that will fit the bill. Blending is such a breeze with this brush. It's literally applying and blending at the same time. Due to the softness of the brush, sometimes with non pigmented blushes I have to pick up a bit more product to apply on my face. At the same time, non pigmented blushes are hard to get a hold of anyway. Plus owning something that's so hard to come by just makes this gem so much more rewarding.

There's always the benefit of owning a brush that's luxurious just as it is well designed. Even holding it in my hands, it's truly holding a true piece of art. I finally feel like I own a unicorn :D

Total price: $154. (price which is approx: $117 + tax + shipping + fees).

Z-8 in all it's glory

oops, there's a bit of dust on it. thx, mr. fan. meep. >;[

From left to right:


Shu Goat 18

Shu 20H

Shu 17

Chikuhodo Z-8

Left to right:


Shu goat 18


Chikuhodo Z-8

The brochure that came with my package.

Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant-Glow +

An area I normally don't explore too much when it comes to makeup are face/foundation primers. One of the reasons is probably because my first experience with a foundation primer, my skin burned (thank you, Bobbi Brown Face Base). Then when I had purchased Water Canvas foundation, I bought the accompanying primer. I've used the primer quite a lot since it did its job. I mean, it made my foundation last longer but I wasn't wowed by it. But given my inexperience with primers, I didn't know what to really expect from one. 

So a while back I bought Stage Performer and I liked it, but I didn't use it for that long because my mom stole mine >:(. It's funny because my mom tends to steal my most expensive or hard to find stuff. 

Moving along...a bit about Stage Performer and its overall purpose (courtesy of the Shu Uemura website):

stage-inspired multi-functional beauty cream to enhance makeup finish and deliver a natural glow. contains Ginkgo Leaf extract to fight oxidation. instantly, skin appears more luminous, translucent and smooth. provides 24-hour lasting moisture.

 To see a video, check it out here.

Texture and Formula: It definitely feels like a cream...it's not a gel cream, if that's what you're wondering. I like this cream because isn't sticky or heavy for my combination skin. The cream itself is white, but when you look at it up close it has like little grey specs in it. So don't think your Stage Performer is rancid when you squeeze some out. The formula isn't heavy on your face at all, which is pretty cool because when I first dispensed it, I didn't think it would go well with my skintype. I can say dry skin types will love this stuff since it gives your skin moisture. 

What does it really do for me: I can wear Stage Performer as a nice cream by itself and it gives my face a nice radiance. So for those of you who have skin that needs a little extra pep in its step, this is really something to consider. Under foundation, especially my non-luminous ones, it gives it a tiny bit of luminosity that doesn't look over the top. As for longevity, it does make my foundation last longer, but the main premise of this product is for the luminosity and moisture. 

I'm sure there are some people who are asking, how does this compare to MACs strobe cream/liquid? they both have the same premise of working underneath your foundation to give your face a nice glow, but Strobe Cream is definitely something that can be a little too over the top. Over the top in the sense of the "shine" where sometimes it doesn't look natural. I love Strobe Cream when I'm wearing a heavier foundation when I go out at night, but it's not something I personally would use for the daytime. Plus Stage Performer is a moisturizer, whereas Strobe Cream is just an illuminator.

The biggest thing about this is how it makes my face look in photos. It totally makes your skin look soft and radiant, even under heavy flash. I love the look and effect it gives, so delish. There's nothing better than to have a primer that just makes your face look so lush <3

Price and Size: $50, 1.6 oz

Is it worth the $: I think it's something to consider moreso for the fall/winter when our skin gets a bit drier and need a nice cream/primer in one. I actually even like it for now, even though it's the summer because it's not that heavy of a cream, but it's definitely moisturizing. For those of you who like a soft natural radiance but don't have the time to apply highlighters, just putting this in your bag and applying it on the go is definitely a time saver. For those of you who own a foundation that just makes your face look blah, this will definitely give the foundation some radiance and not make your face look flat.

Ingredients list.

 A bit of Stage Performer on my hand

The bottom of my hand has Stage Performer, the top doesn't. 

Bottom/left has Stage Performer

Top/right has nothing on.

Makeup Mavens ++

So this week now that it's summertime...it's about that time to look at some pretty things to wear while you're out and about :)

Summer is the time for new nail polish and Christina of Lovesong for my Lipgloss shares some of her picks for the season.  

Jenn of Hopelessly Devoted to Makeup happened to stumble upon her holy grail base makeup routine.  Check out her products, tools and tips for a flawless complexion.  

For those who suffer from sun damage or redness prone skin, The Black Panties has the secret to perfect skin, Nia24 skincare!

Searching for the perfect neutral eye wardrobe?  Lipstick Luvvies has found the only eyeshadows she would replace, Edward Bess Private Eyes.

Klara of Mookie on the Bench shares one of her all time favorites for the perfect cheeks, Stila Convertible Colors in Lilium and Gerbera.

Its often good to switch up cleansers for summer and Nat of Raspberry Rouge has the perfect solution for combination and oily skins, Ren Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel. 

Have trouble applying your concealer flawlessly?  Product Doctor has found a new staple in Le Metier de Beaute's large concealer brush.

Le Metier de Beaute Fraise Lip Creme Guest Post +

I've had the honor to be a guest poster for Get Lippie :) You can check out my review on Fraise Lip Creme.

Check out my guest post here.

As you remember, I took this with me when I left the country in my Travel Makeup post.

Thank you for letting have the opportunity to be a guest post on your blog :)

Rouge Bunny Rouge Bronzing Glow Liquid +

Now that summer is officially here, I bring to you stuff that makes me happy as of late, and as you all know...it's BRONZER TIME !! 

So I know a lot of people are out there on the market looking for something that's gives them that sunkissed glow. I don't blame you, whatsoever. So I ordered Rouge Bunny Rouge's bronzing liquid to see what it's all about...

Packaging: It's in a tall, slender pump, clear frosted packaging like their illuminators.

Texture and formula: I'm personally biased towards liquid bronzers, as it tends to look more natural, than powder. It's definitely lovely on my skin as a soft sheen, when sheerly applied. So I tried layering this on, and the shimmer is definitely more apparent when layered. The formula in of itself is a runny liquid, so it's easy to spread out quickly. It takes a couple of seconds to set, which isn't bad at all because I do like an extra moment to adjust the coverage. 

Color: It's like a golden honey-light caramel color, which I know will work gloriously on paler skintones. I know it's very hard to find a bronzer that doesn't make you look like an oompa loompa, but for those of you who are very fair, this won't look orange at all. 

Size and Price: 1.75 fluid ounces; $100 (approximately given the conversion rates from GBP to USD)

Onto the photos :)

The bronzer sheerly applied on the inner part of my arm, where I'm palest.                                        

 The left half of my arm with nothing, the right side with bronzer layered on (no flash)

 With flash (bronzer layered on)

Top to bottom:

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze

Rouge Bunny Rouge Bronzing liquid

oddly enough in this picture you can see the shimmer when layered.

Is this worth having? I think so if you're fair in skintone because you can use a small amount and it gives a nice warm bronze glow. If you're like me or darker: it's nice as a soft sheen (illuminating), but used as a bronzer, you do have to layer it. I don't mind the shimmer when it comes to layering it, but some may.

Chantecaille Lip Chic in Tea Rose +

So yesterday I met with a lovely lady who reads my blog...and we did some shopping and she got to meet some of my Makeup Artists. Anyway, so we went on over to a Chantecaille counter so she could get some goodies and the ladies there were quite nice (the girls from 59th & Lex Bloomingdales). It was odd to see someone who I normally don't see (I've been seeing Phil at Space NK on 71st and Lex for Chantecaille as of recent).
 

Ok so I have Camellia lip chic which I really like, but Tracy when she used to work at the SpaceNK in SoHo (which has a Chantecaille display) always recommended me Tea Rose. I never got it for one reason or another..."Oh it can wait, I gotta buy (insert LE makeup item)". Finally after trying it at the Chantecaille counter at Bloomingdales and the reaction from the MA, it sealed the deal to get it. Why didn't I pay attention to Tracy before? *kicks self*

 Moving along...

Packaging: It comes in a sleek dark silver color. I like it because it's like a pewter shade of silver. My fear was that the lid will come off in my purse, but that hasn't been the case with this one, nor with my other lip chic. The height of a the tube is a bit short, but I really don't care, it's just something to be noted.

Texture and Lasting Power: It's a very hydrating, balmy lipstick. For those with super dry lips will LOVE lip chics. They're sheer with 1 thin layer, but not too sheer. They're soft and slightly thicker in texture than Cle de Peau extra silky lipsticks, but they're less balmy than Rouge Bunny Rouge's Color Burst Lipsticks. Definitely a lovely texture. I love these more than Dior new Addicts, and Dior Serum de Rouge. When the color fades, it leaves your lips more hydrated than before. The lasting power is like 3 hours if I eat a snack and talk a bit. 

Color: It's a mid-tone rose color, slightly cool (with no sparkles). This particular shade is straight up beautiful. It's my lips but better shade. For those who have lighter lips, it will definitely give them this light flush of color. I know this is a color that I'll be wearing quite often when I'm at work, aside from my Le Metier de Beaute lip cremes. The reason why this gets it's own section is because I finally found a my lips but better shade that the formula is wonderful (my other lipstick for my lips but better is GA #99, which was limited edition). 

Size and Price: .07 oz 2 grams, $30

Is it worth it?: Yes, I honestly think these are a must have. if Tea Rose isn't for you, there are definitely a great shade selection to choose from. Another personal favorite is Camellia.

Onto the photos!!

Left to Right:

GA #99

Tea Rose Lip Chic

Rouge Bunny Rouge Word of Mouth

Thank you to all and a random picture tag +

I've realized that I've been featured as an award winner for being a new blog from:

My Newest Addiction

Perilously Pale 

Photographs and Gasoline 

Rules:
Name your favourite color: Black, then grey
Name your favourite song: I don't have one, but Blvd. Nights from Team Sleep is my most played track.
Name your fav dessert: Gelato :D
What is pissing you off? my migraines
When you're upset, you... stab people

Your favourite pet: i like cats
Black or White? Black.
Your biggest fear is...: clowns.
Your best feature is...: probably my lips
Everyday attitude: hyper
What is perfection? Something that honestly doesn't exist
Guilty pleasure: Jersey Shore

My guilty pleasure blogs in terms of being unknown but have awesome stuff to feature are:

Photographs and Gasoline  -- this chick honestly has all the cool stuff exclusive to Europe and she's my skintwin. I think we are sisters. honestly. <3

Posey Lass -- she understands my love for awesome brushes and other pretty things. like red lipstick, and she's so smart. and hot. ok.

Shameless Fripperies -- her makeup skills are so on point, plus she's a beautiful face to boot. Plus she understands my love for By Terry <3

I just wanted to say thank you for everyone who follows my blog, because it's because of all of you *points to the back of the small group* YES YOU, that I continue writing.

and since I was tagged to do a picture post:

1. Go to the fourth folder in your computer where you store your pics (do not cheat).
2. Then pick the fourth picture in the folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 people to do the same.

So this picture is a cat...it was my roommates cat pishmina <3 This cat was a part of my life during my 2nd year in college <3 Since I didn't have a cool camera back then, I took this photo with my webcam <3

Here's a better photo of pishmina <3

I wonder how she's doing...I miss that crazy cat <3

Makeup Mavens: June 10th-19th +

So this week we have some fun stuff to feature...go ahead and read on if you'd like...because you know you want to. LOL

Understated elegance is the order of the day at Hopelessly Devoted to Makeup as Burberry Eyeshadows in Rosewood and Trench take the spotlight. Definite must haves.

Lipstick Luvvies continues her love affair with all things Tom Ford, focusing on the perfect lipstick shade for summer, True Coral.

Fabulous trainer and artist, Erin for Le Metier De Beaute demonstrated some tips and tricks to Christina of Lovesong for My Lipgloss .

The trend for sheer lipsticks shows no signs of slowing down, but Mookie on the Bench shows that it has been around for longer than you might think, with a look at some of her favorites for all budgets.

Product Doctor gives you the ideal makeup remedy by tracking down the only taupe you ever need, from Edward Bess, who is possibly as beautiful as the products he creates.

Is Raspberry Rouge in 'Ectasy' this week courtesy of Chantecaille's blush? Read her excellent review to find out.

So good it deserves to be mentioned twice, The Black Panties showcases the latest Lip Kaleidoscope from Le Metier de Beaute alongside makeup artist supremo Dustin.

We hope you found something to not only tempt you but your wallet as well!

Le Metier de Beaute Écumes D'or Lip Kaleidoscope (Part II)

If you missed out...here's Part I
Moving along, here's Part II.

Dustin with Écumes D'or

Luckily for me, I had an awesome volunteer who is a bit darker than me in skintone so you can get an idea of how it looks layered. You know, there are questions if you're darker than NC30+, how will it show up? 

So the lovely lady had her full face on then took off her lipcolor for my review :D

Her natural lip color. She's probably around NC35

Dustin working his magic on her. He's like a NC20 for comparison. 

The bottom color on her lips.

The purple on top of the pink. You can kinda see the cool cast where the flash hits the lips.

the final result on her

Dustin lightly lined her lips on the edge for some definition

kaleidoscope on top of lipstick (bottom swatch for reference) no flash.

with flash

pictures of the Le Metier de Beaute lip brush

you remove the cap from the bottom and that's how it retracts

Rouge Bunny Rouge Velvet Fritillary Long-Lasting Cream Shadow +

I know there must be some of you who must be tired of my blog...after all...over 90% of my posts are lip stuff. 

So for you girls who are all about the eyes, I'm sure you're all interested in Velvet Fritillary ! :D 

Packaging: It comes in the signature Rouge Bunny Rouge sleek, black packaging. Pretty straightforward, but part of me wishes I can see how much is left with the cream eyeshadow formula. No big deal, but you know what I mean. It's like a lipgloss in the sense you unscrew the top and the applicator is a doe foot.

Texture and formula: This stuff is really creamy. It's a thin (but not runny) formula. It's wonderful for those who have really dry eyes and feel like eyeshadow primers can be drying or just not the right consistency. Velvet Fritillary is grey, but it has an interesting greenish cast/undertone. So the finish is a bit hard to explain:  It's matte from a distance, but if you look REALLY up close, there's a super tiny shimmer. Like super tiny, like almost non-existent. So to me, let's just say it's matte, but it's not a flat matte. I like it because a lot of the cream eyeshadows tend to be very shimmery or sparkly. I'm always one for more options when it comes to finishes in all makeup products.

Longevity: so this is an interesting one...without any other primer, as in just by itself...9 hours and minimal fading. That's not bad at all for something that's a cream texture on my semi-oily eyelids. I'm sure this over my NARS eyeshadow primer, it would last eons. 

Size and price: 0.135 fluid ounces, or 4mL. The price is approximately $66 (conversion from GBP to USD). 

Is it worth having?: I think the color in of itself is unique, but the tube is very small. So I can understand why some people won't buy it. For those who want a serious splurge, I don't see why not.

Onto the photos ! 

A standard Bic pen

Velvet Fritillary eyeshadow

A MAC pigment 

this was taken so you can see the size reference.

Velvet Fritillary applicator

A closeup so you can see the color.

Left to right:

MAC Sweet Sienna

Rouge Bunny Rouge Velvet Fritillary

Rouge Bunny Rouge Solstice Halcyon

Makeup Mavens +

MAKEUP MAVENS

random comment of the day: Aren't you proud of me? I'm never creative and I took this pic for my graphic. I feel like I can potentially be Martha Stewart in terms of creativity...ok maybe not, but I can dream :) My two favorite things: red lipstick, and black patent heels. Christian Louboutin ones to be exact :) 

In case you were interested in some other fun blogs, please feel free to check them out :)

Welcome! Makeup Mavens present makeup you may have missed. We will recap the weeks past highlighted posts, always keeping you in-the-loop and feature the finest beauty finds to help you stay looking gorgeous!

This week, Hopelessly Devoted to Makeup had you beholding the regal-ness that is Giorgio Armani's Eyes To Kill in Purpura #03

Lipstick Luvvies experimented with BECCA's Halcyon Days Palette. Pop on over and see what beautiful results she achieved!

Love Song for My Lipgloss introduced us to the sheer loveliness that is Giorgio Armani's gloss d'armani. How many will you be picking up?

Mookie On The Bench focused her attention on  Sarah Chapman Skinesis Eye Recovery, an illuminating eye cream perfect for those dark circles!

Product Doctor is head over heels in love with Edward Bess' Luxury Eye Brush. Another beauty blogger falls for his charms!

Raspberry Rouge had us blushing over BECCA's Flowerchild Mineral Blush, and after reading her review, I'm lusting after that shade.

Le Metier de Beaute Écumes D'or Lip Kaleidoscope (Part I) +

Hi all !

Guess what I just got? :)


The Lip Kaleidoscope that Dustin made for this summer :)


Colors: The top color (Soft Dew) is a sheer warm pink. On my lips it didn't really show up except for a subtle shimmer. Morning Light is a bright yellow in the pan and I'll be honest, it looked freaking scary when swatched on my arm. On the lips it's a amazing golden sheen (but not a gross sheen, but an awesome warmth to the lips). Then we have Deep Sea, which is a sheer lavender/purple. The bottom layer is Calm Phoenix which is an amazing strawberry pink. I wish Calm Phoenix was a lip creme in of itself. *sigh* I can dream.


Texture and Formula: they're a thin, nonsticky formula. They're slightly creamier than the other Lip Kaleidoscopes that I've tried (Red Rapture).  You must a lipbrush with these because a small amount is needed, because it's pure pigment. This particular kaleidoscope lasted about 3 hours of wear with slight fading. When you rub your lips and you feel like the color has faded, actually the formula wears down to a soft stain. In my case it wears off into a soft gold stain.


Size: .49 fL oz.


Nikki (Dustin's partner in crime) applied the colors from bottom (Calm Phoenix first) working up to the top. OMG. the effect of all the colors layered is BEAUTIFUL. it's a soft peach with a rose mixed with a soft bronze undertone with a soft shimmer and sheen. I think it's the soft sheen without being over the top is what makes it stand out, aside from the complexity of the colors combined together.


Onto the photos: 

I did receive this kaleidoscope for reviewing purposes from the Le Metier de Beaute PR team. I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to see it first hand. :) I really do adore it because it's subtle but it definitely has a soft sheen and it's definitely pigmented, but not over the top. It's a perfect warm, but not TOO warm lip combo for summer. 


It will only be sold at Bergdorf Goodman, and it's in time for their Beauty Bag event which I *think* starts Monday. You spend $200 and you'll get a cute  black sequin bag filled with samples.


I *think* the Lip Kaleidoscope is supposed to be in this upcoming Monday, so if you're interested, call: 212-872-8612. There will be a Part II since I'm in the middle of errands and I'm supposed to be asleep :( eeeek !


-the black panties