Tom Ford Enchanted Eye Color Quad +

Tom Ford is a line...that for the longest time I couldn't get into. For a few reasons:

I own one of his original private blend lipsticks...Didn't care for the formula or wear time. When you're paying over $40 for a lipstick, it has to be special. Tom Fords lipstick formula isn't special to begin with, let alone the price point for what you were getting. His current lipsticks now are worse formula-wise. It accentuates flakies, the color only lasts an hour or so. It doesn't hydrate your lips, which is fine...but it isn't long lasting either. The only good thing about Tom Ford lipsticks is that he has a few nice nude shades. 

When I went to the counter years ago, I swatched Golden Mink quad, his concealer, his foundation...all of which are horrible. The concealer doesn't conceal, the foundation transfers far more than Chantecaille Future Skin. Don't even get me started about the Golden Mink quad -- it's patchy, dry, and the glitter falls out everywhere. I thought to myself, "How can people love this? It's far worse in quality than the worst YSL products."

Okay, then I was suggested to try his blushes...the texture isn't special. If anything they are a bit powdery and subpar in smoothness than other blushes offered by other lines for the same price point. Some of the shades are dupable.

Then you have Tom Ford himself. Yes I do think he makes amazing attire, but at the same time, I had this high expectation that if he makes the most amazing clothes, that the makeup would be on the same level. Sadly, it's not. Not to mention Tom Ford make these kinds of comments. Um. OK.

Of course a lot of people discuss how much they love Tom Ford makeup, but then you would find out said people would get it for free. *eyeroll*

Over time I think something happened, because then we now have Enchanted quad and Narcissist blush. Maybe it's a fluke that these items are just that awesome, or maybe it's a trend of what may happen in the future -- better quality items. 

Now that I finally had the opportunity to write how I truly feel about the makeup line...I still think his products are not even that great...but I do love some Enchanted !

Packaging: Signature Burgundy/Maroon colored packaging with gold accents. I'm sure all of you are familar with the appearance of TF packaging. I like it because it's sturdy, and a little 70's looking to me. It doesn't seem to scratch easily, which I really enjoy. The quads come with an eyeshadow applicator (double ended), but it also has a small brush. I tried using it and I personally find it useless (eyeshadow doe foot applicator), but maybe it's helpful to someone. Can we discuss the small brush, the white hair side is slighting fraying already? I haven't even used it because I personally am not a fan of the few brushes I've tried. 

Texture/Formula: Enchanted is a beautiful cool-toned quad. Pinks that flashes a bit of purple in some lighting once applied. It's a bit dry in terms of texture, but it glides on smoothly, not powdery, nor chalky. It's not as emollient or has that silk feeling like RBR or Burberry, for those who are wondering. I do like a dry eyeshadow formula because some super silky eyeshadows sometimes crease. These definitely do not.  I really adore this quad as it is by itself dry. Haven't used it wet (I'm generally not a fan of using eyeshadows wet...I don't know why). My favorite eyeshadow in terms of texture is the darkest one. It's a satin finish, and it's straight up beautiful. Some small sparkle, and it's so easy to work with, unlike some other satin finish formulas.

Price and Size: $75 for 6 grams or 0.21 oz.

with flash so you can see the shimmer

indoor natural lighting, no flash

with flash

indoor lighting, no flash

Dolce and Gabbana Desert Palette:

Hi all!

Happy late Thanksgiving everyone <3 I hope everyone had a great day with loved ones. My turkey day was on Saturday at my friends house. I got to eat fried turkey leftovers. mmmmm delicious.

A bit of a random aside...I'm still here with the new boyfriends place with a fraction of my stash. How I've managed to stay here living out of a bag for like a month is beyond me. I've been busy doing the domestic housewife kind of thing: cooking, cleaning, doing his laundry. Yes, I know, even my mom is surprised. 

Moving along, me being here has made me realize what are the items I truly use often, and what's necessary for me. Most of my makeup is currently living in a Tom Ford shopping bag. I need to think of a better storage solution in the meantime.

I'm in a happy place in my life right now. I think I need to come out of my closet and admit to him I blog as a hobby. He has no idea the extent of my stash and how obsessed I am with makeup. I think he's still a bit weirded out by being with someone who is in deep into something so girly. 

Back to the purpose of the review:

Dolce and Gabbana Desert !

Packaging: It's gold with Dolce and Gabbana lasered on the center. I love the look of the packaging since it's unique and definitely glam. The major downside -- it scratches SO EASILY. Not a makeup bag friendly packaging, because it definitely harms the appearance once you see a small scratch. oh well. By Terry has this same issue too, so it's not that big of a surprise.

Texture/Formula: Here's the deal with Dolce eyeshadows ... I still think their quads are hit or miss. I've noticed a pattern that their matte shades tend to be a nicer formula than their shimmer or non-matte shades. A bit odd especially because matte shades are usually the formula that is so hard to work with. I swatched Vulcano and Elegance quads and hated the texture. Desert is a lot nicer in comparison. The eyeshadows in Desert are buttery, although a bit powdery. Once you use a brush to blend, the powdery texture goes away and blends really well. 

A D&G associate said yesterday that their eyeshadows contain silicone, so they don't need a primer. Sadly I threw away the boxes so I can't confirm this. I have worn them without primer and they definitely are longer lasting than a standard eyeshadow. 

Price and Size: $59 for 4.8g or 0.16 oz. The eyeshadows seem a bit small, but I don't really mind since I never finish eyeshadows anyway.

Worth having: I do like the quad because all 4 shades I do use, and it's great to carry with you (besides my packaging scratching gripe). It's my favorite Dolce quad aside from Contrasts, which I'll discuss at a later date.  

a distance shot. That pint may or may not be finished in one sitting :x

Dolce and Gabbana Makeup and Sephora:

Hi everyone!

I've always had a few people who asked what I felt about Dolce and Gabbana makeup. I've owned a couple of lipsticks a few years ago, and didn't care much for them since they weren't long lasting, so I gave them away to a friend. 

Since that time, whenever I would go to a counter, the associates at Saks weren't so friendly. They always told me to not touch the displays, or simply asked what I wanted to buy without letting me swatch anything. Not a great experience from the Saks counter, so I steered clear for the longest time. Plus some of their eyeshadows that I managed to swatch weren't the greatest in quality. So the few things I had to say weren't so great...not so great regular lipsticks, hit or miss palettes.

But I was informed that D&G makeup is now sold at Sephora in Times Square, I had to see it for myself...it was during VIB and their regional artist was there, so I got to really sit down and have an informative session.

Long story short, I became VIB after getting a few things, so some of the items I got for 20% off. 

Rosebud blush thanks to the recommendation of debbick1 on YouTube. Really a lovely shade, but I know for sure that there's a couple of other shades that I'd like to wear as well. I'll get those items at a future date. 

Contrasts palette

Passion lipgloss

Delight and Rose gloss fusion lipsticks. these items I will review, so much better than their regular lipsticks.

last but not least: their Perfect Creamy Finish Foundation. I never have liked cream foundations, but this one...it's delicious. I'll have to wear it for a few more days to give a final verdict.

Anyway, I'm sure D&G makeup will expand at other locations, so be on the lookout for this line in the future :)

By Terry Holiday 2012 -- Or de Rose Blush Prestige and Opaline Flash

So after having issues with my machine, seeing a boy who doesn't seem to stop asking questions about my makeup, being sick, not to mention now visiting my parents...here I am.

Now, let's discuss Terry Holiday (in terms of what I purchased):

Or de Rose Blush Prestige: it's not the first liquid blush from Terry that I own, but in comparison to the others, it's less sparkly. I remember reviewing them for the first time a while back and having a hard time explaining why I like them. Reason being the crazy shimmer factor -- it's probably why not a lot of people like them. Anyway, so the holiday blush has less sparkle, but definitely has a significant shimmer...it's more refined in finish than her other three. 

The color in of itself can be seen as a rose gold, but on me in some lighting it can be seen as a peach. What else is more luxurious than 24 carat pink gold liquid blush in glass packaging? It's a nice surprise to see something warm and summery in feel being incorporated into a holiday collection. I really like the shade and of course the formula is easy to apply, blend and it sets really well. The major downside to her liquid blushes is the super strong rose fragrance, it's a stronger rose than her other products like lipstick and skincare.

The blush is $79 + tax for 15 mL or 0.5 fl oz

Opaline Flash Crayon Kôhl Terrybly: This one I was on the fence on in terms of idea. A pink eyeliner to brighten the eye area? I thought to myself, "yea, more like having pink eye". When I saw it at the counter I just had to look at it. When I saw the tester and swatched it, I then thought to myself, "well this isn't what I had in mind". You know how a champagne color has that nice frost to it? This very soft, light pink shade has a frost finish to it too. I took it home, applied it on my waterline, and my mom of all people said "you look wide awake". Yea, I'll be getting another one of these. It comes with a sharpener too. 

The pencil is $33.50 for 1.2 grams or 0.04 oz. 

Overall I'm happy with my items, although I do wish Terry had inserted a lipstick to this collection. 

If I ever get to meet her again, I'll ask her to make a lipstick and think of me :-) (ok, wishful thinking).

pictures below: 

opaline flash on the left, Or de Rose Blush Prestige on the right (with flash)

Or de Rose Blush Prestige on the top, opaline flash on the bottom  (low flash)

Addiction Cheek Stick in Tea Rose +

Good morning everyone!

I'm still not at my house...but my life is more "normal", especially when it comes to transportation. I'm still with friends, which means my makeup stash is far far away. But as a result, I'm reviewing things I'm liking as of late. ;)

One of my newer possessions, Addiction Cheek Stick in Tea Rose is definitely something that I'm seriously enjoying. 

Packaging: It looks like a lipstick ... It comes in a black square tube with a magenta/fuchsia kind of base and "Addiction" is written on the side of the tube. Pretty good packaging if you ask me, and I love the magenta/fuchsia accent. The small downside is that it shows fingerprints easily. Seriously not a deal breaker for me.

Formula: It feels like a balmy lipstick in terms of how it glides onto the skin. Beautiful texture if you ask me, and it can be applied on the lips like a standard lipstick. I tried it on once, and it's not opaque nor as long lasting (on the lips) for my personal taste. It's nice to use when you're in a pinch for the lips. As for a cheek product, it's quite lovely. It lasts on your cheeks for around 5 hours. What I enjoy most about these is the soft focus sheen it has when applied on the cheeks, yet it still has a natural finish. The main downside is that it's not as long lasting as I'd like, but I can't complain. I do prefer the Becca Beach Tints for longevity, but the formula of the Addiction Cheek Sticks are much more refined, as in they're not as sticky as Becca BT. Addiction has a beautiful selection of colors and their lighter colors are wonderful for fair skintypes. 

As for Tea Rose, I adore it since it's a warm nude shade that actually shows up on my skin. It's perfection for me. I'm so glad I've found a great warm nude blush :D

Price and Size: ¥4050 (on Ichibankao) for 3.8g

top to bottom: Tea Rose, Rose Bar, Damask Rose (no flash)

top to bottom: Tea Rose, Rose Bar, Damask Rose (with flash)

left: Tea Rose || right: Rose Bar

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)

My makeup Brushes and Thoughts +

I was asked to do a video on my makeup brushes....and due to my nature to explain my thoughts on them, I broke it down into four sections. I hope you enjoy the videos and feel free to ask me any questions in the comments :) 

Introduction, Face & Lip Brushes:

Cheek Brushes:

Eyeshadow Laydown and Eyeliner Brushes:

Eyeshadow Blending & Crease Brushes and Conclusion:

Haul Video :)

Please be aware that I made a mistake with comparing By Terry Beach Bomb to Florita. I meant to compare it to Orpheline blush. Thank you for understanding. LOL

Video: 2 parts -- What's in my makeup bag?

Part I: the makeup bag itself  

 the makeup bag itself seen here.

dimensions of the bag: 6" height x 8.75" width x 1.25" depth 

 the Alexander Wang bag I would like to get seen here.

---

 Part II: the makeup pretties:

By Terry Hyraluronic Hydra-Primer

So yesterday/today is the official release of By Terrys new liquid primer. It's taken me a while to get around to reviewing it for a couple of reasons:

1. I wanted to test it on a couple of different foundations to see how it wears
2. Being busy getting ready to pack for my vacation. My plane leaves in the morning. 

Packaging: Tube packaging with a silver cap. Nothing special. I do wish there was a way to see how much you have used the actual product. 

Formula: It feels somewhere in between a primer and a serum, probably due to the hyaluronic acid. It feels like a serum in comparison to Shu Uemura's Stage Performer, yet slightly less runny than Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. Once applied on the skin, you feel a serious hydrating sensation. The one negative to the formula is that if you apply a lot of the product, it does slightly pill (rolls off). The product itself is white, but once applied and blended onto the skin, it becomes colorless. It's definitely matte in finish, as in your skin doesn't look luminous, it just looks the same. 

I first tried it with Rouge Bunny Rouge Milk Aquarelle foundation to see how it would do with a foundation that tends to separate on the parts of my skin that are oily / large pores (basically my T-zone). The foundation holds up much better and lasts longer on my skin. By hour 10, my foundation still looked as if it was freshly applied. When I had samples of Hourglass Mineral Veil by hour 8 it would slightly separate (hardly noticeable though).

What I have noticed with Armani Maestro when worn alone is that after day 4, it slightly makes my skin drier. So then I tried Maestro with the primer underneath. Day 8 and my skin didn't feel drier. So if you're someone who loves Maestro and want to wear it every day, but feel like it can dry you out after a few days, try it with this primer. It's wonderful.

I feel like this item will be a staple come winter time when my skin is on the dry side. I've been using it almost everyday, sometimes without foundation because of the nice hydrating sensation it gives. 

Price and Size: $59 for 40 mL, 1.33 fl oz

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October as some of you may know is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I'm sure we all know someone or know of someone who has been affected by breast cancer, it never hurts to remind everyone (myself included) to get screened / tested. My experience with breast cancer is my mom. In the past 10 years, she had 2 tumors (one in each breast) and had them removed thanks to early detection. I'm glad I have her as an example because she always gets screened every six months. 

Which basically puts me in a higher risk category :| 


Just some random info (which I didn't know):

• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
• 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer (includes new cases of primary breast cancer among survivors, but not recurrence of original breast cancer among survivors). [In the USA]

Really? Every three years starting at age 20? I thought it was every year. oops. 

information thanks to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

Everyone gets involved in some way, shape or form in terms of raising awareness, and some people like to donate or purchase items whose proceeds go towards Breast Cancer Awareness. Since it's a beauty blog, I figure it would be helpful to know some of the companies who are selling items that go towards a great cause. 

Laura Mericer

Bobbi Brown

Estee Lauder

Sephora

Ulta

If you know of other places/brands that are selling products whose proceeds go towards breast cancer awareness, please comment. 

thanks for listening.

Burberry Copper Lip Mist

This post is dedicated to Sethakins7. We had a conversation about nude lip colors, since that's what he likes, whereas I barely own any. Well I own a couple, but they're pinky nudes. 

Since his aesthetic is wearing less pink, but more nude...I suggested Burberry Copper lip mist. Copper is one of those shades that I kept trying out at the counter and enjoyed, but never purchased for a long time since there were other items I bought instead. I even had a few testers that lasted me a while. 

Finally I got the full size lipstick, and so it goes...

Packaging: standard Burberry packaging, pewter, bulky, checkered pattern. Not much else to say. 

Formula: lip mists are really balmy, light weight, and moisturizing on the lips. If you like Guerlain Rouge Automatiques, or Chantecaille lip chics, or even Cle de Peau lipsticks, then you'll definitely like lip mists. They're not really sheer in opacity, but have a nice sheen (no glitter). Copper in comparison to the couple of other lip mists feels even more balmy. The downside that I find a bit of a pet peeve is constantly reapplying, but that's to be expected from a non matte or long lasting lipstick. 

Color: it looks like a peach shade on some people (there's a few reviews out there on Copper). If you have pigmented lips, the color comes out more neutral than a strong warm shade. It's the closest thing that I have lipstick wise to a nude/peach color, but it isn't really a peach when applied.

Price and Size: $30 for 3.5g or 0.12 oz

L to R: Burberry Copper, Chantecaille Camellia, By Terry Terrybly Nude (100) (natural light)

L to R: Burberry Copper, Chantecaille Camellia, By Terry Terrybly Nude (100) (flash)

Becca Dragonfruit Beach Tint +

So I finally managed to get my little hands on this gorgeous beach tint. If you don't already know the amazingness that are beach tints...well then...

you need to see my review on Raspberry Beach Tint or see my other mentions of Beach Tints here or here.

Moving right along...

Dragonfruit

Packaging: In a small squeeze tube. A very small amount is needed on the cheeks. Literally the size of a pinhead is more than enough to do both cheeks. The one thing you need to do is shake the tube so that the formula isn't too runny (and has color/pigment). My biggest gripe with the Beach Tint packaging -- not having the name of the actual color on the tube. It's just stated on the box. I do have one beach tint that actually has the name written on the back (watermelon). When you have a few beach tints, it's hard sometimes keeping track which beach tint is which.

Color: a really vibrant warm strawberry pink. It makes watermelon look almost raspberry and guava a pale peach in comparison. I don't own strawberry to see how it looks in comparison. Dragonfruit has a fig like smell for those who are wondering. 

Formula: Long lasting, and the formula itself is a hybrid of a cream-gel consistency. Slightly sticky when applied on the lips, but on the cheeks they glide on like a dream. Becca definitely has a exceptional formula when it comes to their cream blushes and Beach Tint. They're marketed as water-resistant, but I haven't tested this claim, but I'm sure they hold up well when in contact with water. 

The one thing I must say with the beach tints is that they set really quickly. Once they set, it doesn't budge. 

Price and Size: $25 for 7mL or 0.24 fl. oz

Swatches:

L to R: Watermelon, Dragonfruit, Guava once it sets (sorry for the patchy Guava and Watermelon swatches)

L to R: Watermelon, Dragonfruit, Guava freshly applied onto the skin. Dragonfruit is a bit warmer in real life. this picture makes me sad. I want my camera back :(

posts that i'm loving recently +

I'm always being a  busy bee...so I hardly have the time to really sit down and read reviews as of late. But!! I felt the need to mention these bloggers/vloggers since they're useful bits of information. 

Check out one of my newer blogger friends "B" on a tutorial on how to depot Burberry eyeshadows.

My favorite British beauty Cami on her review on Beaute lip products.

For my Tom Ford lovers out there, here's a lovely tutorial/look using Congac Sable quad

Of course my favorite review on Armani Maestro Foundation. 

I think I should review it since I have my thoughts on this specific item. Of course I may have to mention By Terrys new liquid primer and how I use it with Armani Maestro. 

Not to mention the epic video from Dustin Hunter. NOT SAFE FOR WORK !! if you're not a fan of profanities...then don't watch this video. I laughed...for several minutes. ahahaha #hookaplease

Burberry Lip Velvet in Pink Azalea +

I know some of us have been waiting for the new Burberry Lip Velvet reviews...and I've have a few in my possession over the past few days. Here's my first review on Pink Azalea.

Packaging: Burberry has the same design of the lipstick tube, but a major difference -- the cover is a darker grey and it has a matte finish. I love the appearance of the matte tube, but I still dislike the bulkiness, Burberry checkered pattern.

Formula: definitely long lasting, and have a silicone like slip when you first apply it. Over time you do feel that the formula sinks into your lips and the slip fades as well. It feels a bit odd in the sense that that it feels drying. I'll get used to the feeling I think. In the end, my lips didn't feel/are drier, though. But, if you find Armani Rouge d'Armani lipsticks drying, then you may find these drying too. Test them out just to make sure. They do have the signature fig scent like other Burberry lipsticks (by the way).

It appears velvet in finish at first, then fades into a matte finish. It's definitely not a flat matte either. 

Longevity: I did a few test runs with Azalea Rose and day 1 it lasted me 6 hours with significant fading. During that time I ate two meals, three beverages, did a lot of speaking. One of the meals had a lot of oil and grease (yay junk food) and the lipstick didn't slide off. 

With a greasy meal, the lipstick vibrancy stayed the same, and there is some transfer on a straw (drinking iced tea).

Day two with just speaking, no food: almost 8 hours.

The lipstick does fade evenly over a bit of time, which is really nice. I can say that after hour 5, it fades off unevenly a bit. No flaking either.

some thoughts: A few months back, a Burberry associate compared these to the Shu mattes (from years ago). They're completely not the same. I prefer the Shu since it doesn't have that bizarre cling feeling, and the Shu lipsticks faded over time a bit better over the Burberry.

I do like them, but for some reason I'm not floored or as excited as I once was over them. The best part is that they're not drying and do last a bit. Sure, I'll buy a couple of more shades since I like a matte finish, but I'm sure in the future someone will hopefully create more matte lipsticks.

Price and size: $30 for 3.5g or 0.12 oz

photos:

Pink Azalea

L to R: Pink Azalea, By Terry Bare Instinct, GA 513 (no flash, most color accurate) 

L to R: Pink Azalea, By Terry Bare Instinct, GA 513 (taken with flash to see the difference in finish)

random update +

I wanted to let you guys know that my camera got stolen within the past 3 days. Long story short, I found out who took it, and the person is out of the country and won't be back.

I also wanted to say that i will get money to get my camera replaced, but it wont be for a few weeks since the person has to save money to get it for me. It wasn't a cheap camera, and I totally understand. 

So with that being said...I can offer you guys a couple of options:

1. either I stop blogging until I have a new camera...(for all i know, it could take a couple of months)

2. or I can take photos with my phone's camera (which is seriously not the same in terms of resolution, manual control, etc).

I have a few things to talk about, but I don't like the idea of posting photos that aren't the same quality as my Canon.

please let me know what you would prefer, because it isn't about me, but about your viewing experience.

and a moment of silence for my Canon G11. 


rip.

Random questions +

I got asked by My Beauty Sample to answer the following questions since I won a Liebster Award...They were actually interesting questions, so here they are:

1. What was the hardest thing about starting a blog for you?

I seriously had a bit of a phobia of even writing about brands like Suqqu, By Terry, etc. I didn't think people would want to read those posts. I thought most people wanted to read more about easier access makeup lines (like NARS, MAC, Estee Lauder). That and if people actually wanted to read about items I personally buy and wear. I've been asked if I get press samples, and no I don't (with the exception of two items, which I state in their respective posts). I do write about collections, but my blog is more about makeup items I actually use.

2. What’s your favorite thing about blogging?

The thinking I do as I'm writing. I replay in my brain the interaction I had at the counter, first thoughts of the product when I swatched it. stuff like that.

 

3. Name one fashion or beauty trend that you have been loving lately

bold/graphic eyeliner

4. If you had to choose just one brand to shop from for the rest of your life, which would you pick and why?

By Terry. The biggest thing for me when it comes to loving a makeup line is their skin products (foundation, concealer) and lipsticks. It's rare that a makeup line excels at both since they're completely different items. By Terry makes my favorite lipstick formula (so does Armani too...don't get me wrong lol). Terry's concealer and foundations are so amazing. mmmmm *in a happy place*

 

5. If money weren’t an object, what beauty product would you purchase right now?

Going to France and getting a custom blend By Terry foundation. I think it's $1800 (not sure if it's Euros or USD). Either way it's not cheap.

6. What is your number 1, can’t-live-without product? Why?

By Terry Touch Expert Advanced concealer. It hides parts of my skin that I want to hide. That or a red lipstick.

7. Which makeup/beauty products do you compulsively buy? (aka: what is your beauty drug-of-choice?)

Lip products. Lipstick, lipgloss, lipliner.

8. What’s the most expensive product in your beauty arsenal?

I think it's my Suqqu face brush.

9. How would you describe your beauty style? (i.e casual, subtle, bold, wild, etc.)

A look with purpose. I appreciate a subtle look, but I tend to go for something more bold, like a bold lip and a semi bold eye. I've been told by several makeup artists that I can rock both bold eyes and lips pretty well, which helped me embrace the look even more.

10. Do you see yourself still blogging 5 years from now? How about 10?

I have no idea. 

i'm not one to think of 11 questions to ask fellow bloggers, but if any of you want to answer the following questions, feel free to comment. or if you have questions for me, feel free to ask in the comments section :)

Chantecaille Luminous Gloss in Guava +

Am I the last person to know about this specific line of glosses? Well anyway, Chantecaille is not a brand I write too much about, in part because there's maybe a couple of things I really like. The line isn't really one that calls my attention when it comes to collections, plus it seems that they've been slightly changing the formulas of their items. 

One day I stopped by the counter inquiring about their fall collection (just out of curiosity) and I saw their luminous glosses. Guava called my attention. Swatched it on my arm and thought about the purchase because I'm not keen on the poor lasting power of their normal glosses. I bought it anyway. 

and here she is...

Packaging: The standard clear round tube with silver detailing. The first thing I noticed is that it's smaller in size compared to their normal glosses. As a matter of fact it looks a bit smaller than the standard size lipgloss. What stood out to me was their applicator. It's flat (completely flat), but it has a rounded tip.  Let me stop myself before I start giving you bad ideas (hahaha). There will be pictures below. I like the applicator, but after I apply it, I have to use my fingers to spread it a bit. A little annoying, but it's the best method of application I've found personally. 

Formula: It's definitely a thicker formula like the By Terry Gloss Delectation, slightly thinner than Burberrys glosses. Imagine a non-gel like version of Armanis Gloss d'Armanis. It's definitely not a thin/runny formula. Rubbing your lips together is not as easy in comparison to a normal gloss. It's not sticky in the sense that hair catches to the gloss either. There's no apparent scent to the gloss (that I can detect) and hey, no scent is better than a migraine-inducing scent.

Pigmentation is medium to slightly opaque. Chantecaille advertises it's a long lasting gloss (up to 6 hours), and in my personal opinion, it's a bit longer lasting than the normal gloss, but I don't consider it long lasting. It won't last through a meal (not a big deal), but if you're talking the entire time, it will last me a good 3 hours. I do think it's a definite step up from their standard glosses which fade so quickly on my lips. A nice little bonus is that it's forgiving on flaky parts of my lips. (The weather is changing, so my skin is slightly dry).

Color: in the tube it looks like a warm nude, but when applied on the lips it's a lot lighter than how it looks in the tube. It's definitely a soft slightly warm nude in color. I can wear it without a full face, which is a plus. You'll see in the photos below.

Price and Size: $34 for 0.26 oz or 7.5 grams.

Photos below:

GA GdA, Chante Luminous Gloss, By Terry Laque de Rose

Chante Lychee (sample i got with purchase), Guava

Lychee, Guava, and By Terry Laque de Rose #8 (normal lighting)

Lychee, Guava, and By Terry Laque de Rose #8 (flash)

applicator -- side view

applicator -- to see the shape

ingredients

Do I think this formula is for everyone? No. I know there are people who aren't fond of a thicker gloss formula. I do think they're worth seeing at a counter though.