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.

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 Part II: the makeup pretties:

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

Ellis Faas 302 blush

After playing with this a few times, I'm finally reviewing Ellis Faas blush in 302. It's in the signature silver bullet shape. The color is a warm dusty rose, I can't quite describe the shade because I currently don't have a similar shade personally. It has very pretty multi-dimensional glitter.

Packaging: I like the packaging in terms of the silver bullet, but the actual applicator? I personally hate it. It does nothing for me in terms of ease of application on my face. In order for me to apply the blush,  you have to rotate the bottom and have it click several times in order for product to come out. Ok and my personal gripe with click type items, if you click too much, then you have too much product out there and it's not like you can put it back in the bullet. Once it's out, I have to apply it on the back of my hand and then put it on.

Formula and lasting power: Formula is a bit hard to work with in the sense that I have to keep working with it with my fingers. Why you ask? Because a sheer layer can go on a bit uneven, but then when you layer it on a bit, it goes on evenly. The finish is really pretty and the lasting power on the other hand, is awesome. What makes this really great overall, is the lasting power. This color is unique enough to have in my personal collection, but still.

Ok onto the pictures:

From top to bottom:

Ellis Faas 302

GA Blushing Fabric in #3

MAC Springsheen

Is this worth having? The color is gorgeous and the lasting power is it's only saving grace for me personally. The lack of ease of use for me personally does not make me want to buy another blush from the line.  If I run out of this color, will I buy it again? Probably, but if there's a similar shade in powder form, I'd rather get that instead.

Ellis Faas Milky Lips 201

In light of the Christmas season, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite reds: Ellis Faas Milky Lips 201. It's a makeup line where all the products are bullet shaped, brush tip or sponge applicator as seen below:

This is definitely a line that has GREAT products, but the standout items are their lipsticks and concealer. Now, for those of you who know me, I'm a die hard fiend (yes, fiend) for red lipsticks. Now, every line has a nice red, but most of the mainstream lines have a blue based red. As much as I love a blue based red, the mainstream lines have the same blue based red l/s and it does get a bit...well, boring. To those out there who love red lipstick, we are always looking for a unique shade. You know, that shade that people can't help but ask, "What color are you wearing !??!" That shade of red that stops traffic, that people pause and look at you. Unfortunately for people like me, there aren't many lines that have that kind of red. 

Ok so back to Ellis Faas, she's known for her awesome shades of red. She actually has 9 lipsticks, but they come in different finishes: Creamy, Milky, and Glazed. As much of a skeptic as I am, I had to try them out. Yes, she has awesome reds, my favorite being Milky Lips 201 (aka ELLIS RED). Can we discuss how gorgeous it is? Well, I'd rather just show the picture: 

From top to bottom:

Ellis Faas Milky lips 201

MAC Russian Red

NARS Trans Siberian

NARS Fire Down Below

It's a glorious blood red. It's not a blue red, it's a true blood red. I can't even explain how gorgeous it is. Definitely one of a kind shade and worth buying if you have the opportunity. The lasting power is great, but I do recommend wearing a lipliner with this one since it's definitely a bit milky in texture. It wears off to a nice stain too. I've worn the shade once and some guy walked into a wall when he saw me. :) Fortunately for a lot of people, Ellis Faas is now sold at Space NK, as well as Bergdorf Goodman.

Seeing Lauren's good question to see how 201 looks in comparison to Chanel Dragon, they're similar..you can say Dragon is the blue/burgundy not as unique sister of 201. Why you ask? Dragon's undertone is blue/burgundy based, whereas 201 is a true blood red. They're both pretty, but 201 is the winner (it lasts longer, slightly nicer texture and a more unique shade). 

My conclusion: RUN, do not walk to your nearest Space NK or Bergdorf whether it's in store or online.

Ellis Red from the Ellis Faas website