Suqqu Face Color Palette (EX-01) +

Part of Suqqu Fall 2011's collection also consisted of a face palette, which is a combination of a face and cheek colors. 

Packaging: It comes in a sleek black rectangular box. Inside if you open it, there's the palette with the blush/highlighter with a mirror. What's cool is that behind the mirror, there's 2 brushes. Most palettes from other brands, their applicators are indeed useless. You know what I mean, the scratchy blush brush, the sponge eyeshadow applicator. Anyway, the Suqqu brushes are so soft and they are useable. The downside is that the brush isn't stiff enough to pick up as much color as I'd like personally. I'd use a brush like this for more pigmented colors so that the color won't be so intense on my face.

Texture: the formula is the signature buttery goodness, that it feels like a cream when you touch it with your finger. It's nice to know that Suqqu is consistent with their powder formulas, that it's smooth and so blendable. Pretty straight forward. 

Colors: 

Face colors: Starting from the left, it's a very mid tone soft brown, alone it almost disappears into my skin. I'd use this color to warm up my eyelids as a base for my eyeshadow. Then you have a light beige which is a nice soft highlight, but it's barely there. I'd use this more for my browbone (matte browbone highlight) if I'm doing a strong eye. Then we have a light pink highlight which looks chalky in photos, but on my cheeks it's AWESOME. it's a soft baby pink with subtle sparkle, which is what I would use to highlight my cheekbones. The three colors mixed together it's like the color of my skintone with a subtle shimmer. Even if I'm doing a strong eye and (or) a strong lip, the face colors mixed together are still too subtle to show up on my cheeks. 

The face colors are underwhelming for someone of my skintone, since I have nicer cheek powder highlighters in my stash (Champagne Silk from Le Metier de Beaute and Oscar de la Renta). I feel like the Suqqu palette was designed for someone who is NC25 and lighter. Individually I can use the colors for specific things, but mixed together I am a bit disappointed at how it shows up on my skin.

Cheek colors: the narrow strip is a cute strawberry blush color with some sparkle, and the last (far right) slightly warmer and it has no sparkle. I adore the colors myself, and mixed together the colors are lovely. These colors are the definite winner out of the palette.

Price and Size:  I paid 49 GBP.  Size is 0.43 oz or 12.4 grams.

Is it worth the money?: I like the palette itself, but do I LOVE it? No. I do see myself using the colors, but it's not something I'm that crazy about to use all the time. As for someone who is around my skintone or darker? No. It's definitely a bit sheer. I do think it's worth the money if you're like NC15.

Photos below: 

Face Palette from Left to Right.

Becca Raspberry Beach Tint +

So finally, this is my first post about Becca Cosmetics. I've owned some Becca in the past, but I gave all of my stuff away to a friend of mine. I've always known Becca makes some great things, but some of her products I never quite understood the purpose, or that the product doesn't stand out to me at all (Pressed Shimmer Powder, Shimmering Skin Perfector).

Moving along...

Then they moved to be sold at my local drugstore (Duane Reade), and to be honest, the people that work at a pharmacy aren't knowledgeable about Becca at all, which deterred me from buying it there.

until..

David was offered a job to work for Becca at Henri Bendel's in NYC. The few times I've shopped there, the people aren't that cool. Being a loyal customer to David (yes, because he's that awesome), I go there from time to time and he shows me what is worth having. 

and so here's my first review: Raspberry Beach Tint.

Packaging: it comes in a squeeze tube, and the tube is very small. Functional packaging if you ask me. It's great because it's travel friendly. 

The one main gripe I have about it is the labeling of the actual product. Raspberry isn't actually written on my tube. Sometimes there's a sticker on the tube, but that sticker falls off pretty quickly. The one thing I would like to see is the actual shade written perhaps on the back of the tube. Not a big deal, but if you have several beach tints, it would be easy to differentiate them (not just from the color of the band).

Formula: It's oil & streak free, and water-resistant. The texture is a bit creamy/balmy (perhaps from the vitamin E). It's also preservative and paraben-free. It's such an awesome formula in of itself, but the one thing to keep in mind is to shake the bottle before use so that the pigment comes out evenly. The lasting power on this stuff is amazing, as it lasts at least 10 hours on me with no streaky or weird fading. It's a great formula for a lot of skintypes since it's oil free and water resistant. Granted the tube is small, not a lot of product is needed to apply on your face.

Application: The best method I've found so far is using fingers and dot it on the cheeks, wait a second, then using my fingers to spread on the product. It does take a little bit of work for it for the effect that I like, but it works for me.

Color/Scent: It's a deep raspberry. It's so beautiful on the lips as a soft stain. It deepens your natural lip color without looking garrish or too dark. I'm not one for crazy scents, but this has the smell of raspberry candy. I seriously wanted to take the tester and stick it in my nose so that's all i can smell. Yes, it's that good. (hahaha). The scent and color are big wins for me. mmmm so delish.

Price and Size: $25, 7ml./0.24 fl oz

Worth having?: Yes, if you were to try out Becca, the first thing I would want everyone to try is their beach tints.

 

L to R: GA Blushing Fabric #5, Raspberry Beach Tint, Becca Wild Orchid cream blush (with flash)

L to R: GA Blushing Fabric #5, Raspberry Beach Tint, Becca Wild Orchid cream blush (without flash)

Makeup Mavens +

Christina of Lovesong for my Lipgloss loves her Pokemon.  But in all seriousness, she shows us some products that are worth splurging on all the colors.

Clara of Mookie on the Bench shows her sister that makeup, even blue eyeshadow(!) can be fun and pretty and brings us a gorgeous sleeper in a Catrice eyeshadow. 

Nat of Raspberry Rouge really does find the best deals!  This week, she brings us her latest discount find, Korres Lip Butters, and lets us know why we all need them.  Although, stick form might be best.

Nisha of Product Doctor has found a new My lips but better lipstick, in a sexy black box!  Check out her review of Tom Ford Coco Ravish. 

my blog one year anniversary ...

I realized a few days ago that my blog one year anniversary. My first post is seen here. I've been thinking about how in one year how I've had the pleasure and honor to talk and meet a lot of great people who share the same passion as I do about makeup.

I just wanted to say thank you all for reading what I have to say and review. I hope you all enjoy reading my blog just as much as I enjoy writing and reading responses. 

Here's to another year of makeup goodness *raises tea glass and Chikuhodo brush*

Any ideas of what I should write about next? I know I need to get on the ball with writing about Becca stuff...

-the black panties

Suqqu EX-04 Toukaede Eyeshadow Palette +

So for this fall, Suqqu came out with some new pretties, and of course yours truly had to get her hands on a couple of items...

So with that being said, it so happened the items I wanted were limited edition. *sob*. I've waited since the end of August for my new pretty...

Formula: the eyeshadows are their signature buttery soft goodness. It feels like a cream when you touch it with your fingers. It's nice to have great eyeshadows that just go on evenly and smoothly. If you like Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadows in terms of the texture and consistency, then you'll definitely love Suqqus. 

Colors (clockwise): The top left corner is a nice warm champagne shade, definitely the most shimmery out of the bunch. The color itself required a bit more product than usual for it to show up properly. Definitely a good color for a strong brow highlight, but my fav use for this one is the inner corner of my eye. Then we have a golden-peach-apricot kind of color. I'm a bit surprised that Suqqu used warm, summery type of colors for the fall. Anyway, this shade is similar to Sakurakaba. The main difference is that the Toukaede is a bit more shimmer. 

On the bottom left, there's this pigmented cream white shade that's supposed to act like an eyeshadow primer. I have yet to use the white shade by itself (as a base) since I have my own primer. I use it as a base, then apply the shadow on top.The texture is divine, creamy, and definitely opaque. Moving along, then the last shade is a warm satin finish (as in semi-matte) brown. It has a bit of sheen.  

Price: 49 GBP (which is what I paid) and the size is the standard suqqu palette size (although i didn't check the back of my palette to confirm). 

The colors in of themselves may not be unique per se, but what makes them stand out is their texture and how it looks on your eyes. The effect is so lovely, especially because the shimmer isn't too over the top nor overwhelming.

Makeup Mavens +

This week we've got a fabulous selection of posts on skincare, makeup and nails so all bases covered. Add to that brands like Ellis Faas, Chanel, Chantecaille and Le Metier de Beaute.

The Black Panties has a new favourite in her life, in the form of Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation. Read her excellent review to see if it could be your own 'photoshop in a bottle'!

Lovesong For My Lipgloss shares with us her skincare version of a cashmere sweater, Chantecaille Vital Essence. Her comprehensive review explains why it works so well.

Lipstick Luvvies tried out the latest limited edition nail shades, Les Jeans de Chanel, and searched her collection for similar colours. See how she got on and swatches of the trio here.

If you've always wanted to try Liz Earle's famous Cleanse and Polish, check out Raspberry Rouge's Liz Earle Giveaway and you could be a winner!

Mookie on the Bench tempts us with more Chanel, this time sharing her favourite shade of Chanel Le Crayon Yeux, the beautiful Berry.

Product Doctor's post on her bespoke Le Metier EOTD by Dustin featuring the latest Kaleidoscope, Silk Road, once again makes me green with envy (no Le Metier in Europe) and consider moving to New York!

What's In My Makeup Bag +

I was on the phone earlier with a fellow blogger and for a brief moment I had told her that I wish I could have shown her some of my (makeup) goodies. So that inspired me to do a "What's in Panties' Makeup Bag" post: 

Top row:

Paul and Joe lip brush

Sephora lipbrush

By Terry Baume de Rose

Bottom row -- left to right:

Le Metier de Beaute Sweet Creme Lip Creme

Le Metier de Beaute Bondi Beach Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss

Le Metier de Beaute Fraise Lip Creme

By Terry Lacque de Rose #8

By Terry Bronze Moon Ombre Blackstar

By Terry Blonde Opal Ombre Blackstar

By Terry Touch Expert Advanced Concealer

By Terry Touchee Veloutee

Chantecaille Tea Rose Lip Chic

Becca Fig Beach Tint

--

What's in your makeup bag? I feel mine is pretty predictable...mostly lip stuff

any feedback on what I should add or not have in my makeup bag? I'm always open to suggestions. 

Makeup Mavens +

Searching for a tinted moisturizer? Check out Lipstick Luvvies review on Liz Earle Sheer Skin tint and see how it comapres to Laura Merciers. Liz Earle's might be an even better option for you.

Now that the summer is coming to a close, Lovesong for My Lipgloss has been inspired to create the perfect eye for fall and it's something definitely helpful for autumn makeup looks.

Mookie On The Bench's highlight of the week is Elie Saab's "Le Parfum". The orange blossom and jasmine are the primary notes and even though you may not like florals, don't totally dislike it, because it's soft and seamless effect on the skin.

Check out Product Doctor's blog on meeting Oscar de la Renta for Fashion and her overall thoughts on the Face of Fashion Kaleidoscope. You get to see her lovely face with Oscar de la Renta in an epic photo :) 

Raspberry Rouge discusses Cliniques Black Honey Lipgloss/Lipstick Duo. 10 years ago she thought it was a bit too dark for her liking, go check to see how she feels about it now.

Always hunting for an awesome blush brush? Stop on over to The Black Panties blog to see the differences are between Shu Uemura's #17 and #14 blush brushes, so you can see which one would be a perfect fit for you :)

Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation +

As of late I've been wanting to rave about a foundation that I just ADORE. 

Packaging: There are 2 packaging options for this foundation -- one being the signature Ellis Faas bullet pen, which is nice for those who travel. Now there's a relatively new design, which comes in a pump bottle. I originally had the bullet pen form, but when I saw the foundation bottle at SpaceNK, I asked the girls to exchange it for me, and did so without question. 

Bullet pen form: It comes with two cartridges. The major pro for this is that you can carry it with you everywhere. For a New Yorker like me who is always randomly sleeping at other people's houses (ok, get your heads out of the gutter LOL), it's great to have to apply your foundation first thing in the morning. I'm not a big fan of the brush applicator, because I don't use it to apply my foundation directly. As for my personal stash in a logistical stance, the bullet is very tall and for you who like to have your tubes standing vertically, it may not fit in your makeup drawer.

I prefer the bottle for a couple reasons:

1. You can see how much is left, and the pump nozzle is just great. The pump isn't flimsy at all. One pump is probably sufficient for most people for the whole face. The best part about the pump itself is that you can have some control of how far down you can push the pump itself, so you can do 1.5 pumps like myself for the face. It does take some arm strength to control the pump, but I consider it a good exercise.

2. I adore the slightly frosted glass bottle in of itself. The minimalist packaging reminds me of my very first foundation: Shu Uemura Water Perfect foundation.

The packaging for the foundation jar is so solid. The one thing I can forsee (for me personally) is that I can see myself breaking the clear top, but I am a bit aggressive with my makeup. Not a big deal, though.

Coverage and Finish: This is the best part of the foundation -- it's medium, satin-luminous finish. It's beautiful. Imagine Chantecaille Future Skin, but ever so slightly more luminous. The finish looks like your face is well rested, like you had 20 hours of sleep after a nice hydrating mask. It blurs out my pores (yes, even without primer) my skin looks like porcelain. It's my personal bottle of Photoshop. There's no micro glitter. David uses this for weddings because it's photo friendly. The actual formula itself isn't runny, but it isn't as thick, as Future Skin. It's what magic and dreams are made of. I don't need a primer with this foundation. It lasts on your skin for many hours on its own (12 hours to be exact). cue in the angels and parting skies with unicorns flying around your face. 

FYI: people who saw and knew who I was at Fashion Night Out with Oscar de la Renta -- this is the foundation I was wearing. :) 

Shade?: 103 is me and I'm NC25-30.

SPF?: Yes, SPF 15. read on to see the list of ingredients.

Bonus: This stuff doesn't budge in over 100 degree heat. I don't know how it will fare for people who are combo/oily - oily, but it's something to look into. It's unscented for those who are sensitive to fragrance. Plus the formula doesn't accentuate my skin flakies (skin is crazy peeling from a glycolic treatment I'm doing on myself).

Price and size: $65 for the pen form for 14 mL or 0.47 oz. The bottle is $90 for 30ml or 1.01 oz.

Where it's sold: SpaceNK, and recently some of Ellis Faas is sold at Sephora (online), but on Sephora's site I don't see the foundation or concealer, maybe that will change hopefully soon.

FYI nails: Rescue Beauty Lounge Piu Mosso :)

L to R: S103, By Terry Lumiere Veloutee #3 (Natural Beige), Chante Future Skin in Nude (no flash)

L to R: S103, By Terry Lumiere Veloutee #3 (Natural Beige), Chante Future Skin in Nude (flash)

list of ingredients

Oscar de la Renta Ready to Wear Kaleidoscope Swatches +

I finally mustered the courage to swatch my kaleidoscope, and good lord it's so beautiful. That red is seriously going to be my go to shade for this fall.

Being in New York, I see and sometimes meet famous people from time to time, but never have I been humbled by how grounded and down to earth someone is until I met Oscar himself. There's something to be said about how nice and relaxing someone sounds, plus him saying it's a pleasure to sign my kaleidoscope in Spanish. It was a little moment that made me smile.

and random aside: Anna Wintour showed up at the Le Metier de Beaute counter. Can we also say Dustin looked so hot !?!? :D Thanks Dustin for saying that I looked good. :) Wearing a skirt was definitely a bit awkward. lol.

ok onto the swatches:

L to R: Red Chiffon, Champagne Silk, Teal Weed, and Pink Suede (flash)

L to R: Red Chiffon, Champagne Silk, Teal Weed, and Pink Suede (no flash)

Oscar de la Renta The Face of Fashion Project +

Hi all ! So I'm here in the middle of festivities with a fellow friend...

So I got to see and get my Oscar de la Renta Kaleidoscope and I just wanted to show you the photos. I didn't get to have the time to swatch them, since I have to rush back to Bergdorf Goodman to partake in the fun stuff.

Part of the Press Release: 

NEW YORK, September 2011 – Fashion's Night Out is a global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry's economy and put the fun back in shopping. This year Le Métier de Beauté is expanding on this mission by celebrating the intersection of beauty and fashion with “The Face of Fashion Project” and renowned designer and color authority Oscar de la Renta.

Oscar de la Renta has designed a limited edition “Ready to Wear” Kaleidoscope palette for Le Métier de Beauté, featuring a bold red gloss and three finely milled powders that can be used on the cheek and eye. The palette evokes the colors and textures of Oscar de la Renta’s fall collection, and will be housed in a custom package inspired by one of his patchwork-embroidered jacquards.

“Color has always been an extremely important part of who I am as a designer. It is wonderful to work with cosmetics because they are such an important part of a woman’s sense of femininity. The colors in my palette are meant to compliment a woman, and enhance her natural beauty. I have chosen shades that are indispensible, like a good red lip, and a neutral highlighter for the cheekbones,” said Oscar de la Renta.

...

The “Ready to Wear” Kaleidoscope features:

·         Red Chiffon Lip Crème Lip Gloss, a seductive scarlet with luxe shine

·         Pink Suede, a shimmering pink-neutral cheek/eye highlighter

·         Champagne Silk, an effervescent mauve-crème eye shadow

·         Teal Tweed, a deep, shimmering teal-navy eye shadow

 The Kaleidoscope comes in a teal suede bag with a little insert that states that quote from Oscar (stated above)

Red Chiffon

Champagne Silk

Teal Weed

Pink Suede

Enjoy everyone! I'll do swatches at a later time. :)

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. :)

Makeup Mavens +

 

The Makeup Mavens present makeup you may have missed. This week there's an array of products from Chantecaille, LMDB, La Roche Posay, Armani and Chanel. We've got posts on pretty palettes and blush, and one Maven shares a review on the brush that can do it all.

This week Lipstick Luvvies introduced us to the new palette from luxury brand, Chantecaille. Head on over to read her brilliant review and take a peek at swatches of the gorgeous blush and shadow shades.

  

Finding suitable products for sensitive skins can be a tricky task, but Klara of Mookie on the Bench has discovered an excellent moisturiser from La Roche Posay. If you're looking for a soothing product to calm irritation and redness, check out her review of Toleriane Ultra. 

In an effort to simplify her make up routine, Product Doctor went on a search for a multi purpose brush, and found Le Metier de Beaute's kabuki. Check out her great review and comparison to MAC's 182.

Raspberry Rouge finally gave in to Chanel's Fall nail colors and shared swatches of Graphite. Hop on over and take a look at the beautiful, shimmery shade.

After searching high and low for the perfect nude blush, The Black Panties stumbled upon Armani's Beige Violet. Check out her review and swatches of the pretty, natural shade.