A Special Thank You ...

I've been getting some questions in reference to who I visit at counters, or why I'm all about my Makeup Artists (MAs). There's a lot to be said about the overall experience at a makeup counter. Whether it's something horrible where you're given misinformation, or not being treated with dignity/respect, or the associate isn't helpful at all. Worst case scenario, just flat out rude and you leave the location with sadness, frustration, and just not feeling happy. Reading PinkSith's experience at YSL, versus her experience at Armani has prompted me to make a post about why I'm all about my Makeup Artists. 

Given what I do for a living (yes, I work in customer service), if I get asked a question I don't know the answer to, I'm given the fury of a billion suns from people. There are some people who get upset if the associate doesn't have an answer, and I get it...we as customers want the sales associate to have an answer for everything. Even if the associate doesn't know the answer to everything, at least be polite and if I ask for help, please do assist me.

I'm normally a quiet shopper, as in I usually don't like to be bothered and I just buy what I like, because I hate being pushed into a sale. Plus I'd rather not disappoint myself with a MA or Sales Associate that can't answer my questions. Luckily for me, I've met my MAs who found me, as in they approached me when I first met them. They're brilliant at recommendations and can actually answer my questions and (gasp) they don't force me to buy anything. Last but not least, they have the same passion for makeup as myself. What more can a makeup junkie like me ask for? Oh yea, they're all pretty hot. ahahaha

So if you're ever in New York City, please feel free to visit my dream (makeup) team: 

David--SpaceNK at Bloomingdale's at 59th and Lexington: Most of my buys at SpaceNK are based on his recommendations. Normally I can pick what looks good on me, but David has helped me broaden my perspective on seeing other colors that look awesome on me as well. I just want to say thank you for doing my makeovers and color matching me in several foundations and being right the first time (who knew that was actually possible)? You're always the first person I ask for advice on makeup in general and being honest if something looks nice on me, or if something looks like crap. You're honestly one of the few people who can make me laugh about anything and for asking me how I'm doing, not because you feel like you have to, but because you care. I finally found skincare that works thanks to you. :) No matter how busy your counter is, you always make the time for me, even if you have like 20 other ladies asking you for a makeover. :)

 

Dustin--Le Metier de Beaute at Bergdorf Goodman: To me, you are the face of Le Metier de Beaute. Your charisma and charm have a special place in my heart. The first time I ever entered into Bergdorf Goodman, I felt like I wasn't special or good enough to be in there, but when I entered the cosmetics floor, you approached me and made me feel comfortable. You're always giving me fun ideas of how to mix colors and being innovative with my Le Metier products. As a result, I'm a Le Metier fan. Your skills and knowledge are unparalleled and Le Metier should be thanking their lucky stars to have you. This blog wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Dustin's idea to start blogging. Thanks for letting me snoop around your counter and giving me awesome makeovers too, because I really need to break out of my neutral eyeshadow shell.

Joey--Giorgio Armani at Bloomingdale's at 59th and Lexington: You're usually the only associate at that counter handling 498345892 ladies at the same time and making all of them feel special. I honestly don't know how you do it; I wish my readers can watch you at work because I'm always awe-struck because you can handle all those people at the same time. Yet when I sit down in that chair, I always feel special, let alone after my makeover...I'm always feeling glamorous: minimalist when it comes to makeup approach, yet brilliant results. I've finally found a true nude lipstick that's actually FLATTERING. I would like to know when will be the day that I can come over and play with your makeup brushes. I know you probably have a billion Shu Uemura brushes.

Tracy--SpaceNK at 59th and Lexington: When we first met, you were working at the Soho location. As you know I normally go to David, but the Soho location has Chantecaille, yet you were still willing to help, knowing that I normally go to someone else. I know if someone else would have helped me, the person wouldn't have been inclined to help, because I am normally David's customer. I've been at the Soho location and I've never been pleased with the people there, yet you approached me and said hi. :) Thank you for being so easy going and showing me what works and what doesn't. Granted I haven't known you as long as my other guys, our "relationship" is still developing. Now that you're working at the 59th and Lex location, I'm so looking forward to have you give me a makeover.

The manager at Blue Mercury at 75th Street and Third Avenue: I've known you before you worked at Blue Mercury and I've known you the longest (in comparison to the people mentioned above). You are my heart and you've gone above and beyond my expectations, and because of it I'm so picky with who I go to now. You're my twin in more ways than one. When it comes to colors that look flattering on you, it also looks awesome on me ;D. I finally got to see you today and it has been a long time since I last saw you. You're sense of humor really amuses me and I can't help but smile. Because of you, I know the concept of highlighters, cream blushes, and bronzer. Thank you for reminding me why I love makeup in the first place.  I'm so happy that you're doing well. :)

So I just wanted to give you all a special thank you, because without you, I wouldn't have this blog talking about awesome makeup. If it wasn't for these people, I would probably be only buying stuff online, and who wants to do that? I'm all about going to a counter to play and leaving happy. Thank you for making me feel special and for making my experience at your counter a special one each time. :D

-the black panties

By Terry Rose de Rose Sheer Liquid Blush in Amber Rose (#3)

So in light of the warmer weather (well, not so much where I live), but it's slowly transitioning into spring/summer...I'm already thinking of what I'll be wearing during the summer months. 

When I think of summer, I think of luminous anything. The pretty luminous foundation, the corals, the bronzes, golds...well you know, anything really warm. Basically I've been trying to embrace my inner summer. I hate the summer months and I've never been a luminous kind of girl, but 2011 will be the year for me to venture out of the box when it comes to makeup. So this is my inspiration photo for this summer.

Packaging: My small gripe still exists, when you lift the lid, to remove the pump, it literally doesn't take much arm force. So if you twist the lid, the pump may come out without realizing it...and that can mean disaster. although it's not as bad as my Lumiere Veloutee foundation, but it's still to be noted.


Formula and Finish: By Terry liquid blushes are designed to be a highlighter and blush in one. These liquid blushes definitely fit the bill for that effect, as they have a high sheen and some sparkle. The overall effect they give is this really wet look. You know those photoshoots where the person looks really moist, dewy...yea, that kind of effect. You really need a tiny bit of it; one pump will be more than enough for both cheeks. The best way to apply these is with a synthetic brush (in my experience). The reason because if you just slap on the color with your fingers, it can go on a bit uneven if you're not careful. When first applied, the sheen may scare you, but when it dries, it looks a lot better. These will be so awesome when you go out at night. yummy.

Color: So this color looks so different in different lighting...the best description is a pink bronze/amber color. It's a gorgeous color in of itself and when you move your arm, the sheen is so awesome. sigh.

Scent: yes, it does have the By Terry signature rose scent. The strength of this scent is a lot more potent in these than some of her other products.

Price and size: $54. 15 mL, or .6 oz

Onto the photos:

I did 2 layers on my arm. The photo is a bit overexposed, but you can see the amber aspect to the color, as well as the highlighting effect it gives. 

Here's a better picture in terms of lighting. For some reason it looks slightly mauve, when it's not.

If you zoom in on the photo towards the left, you can see why fingers isn't quite my favorite method to apply these. When I apply this on my face, I put some on the back of my hand, then quickly use a synthetic brush to apply even it out. These do set pretty quickly.

Look at the sheen :D

Is this worth buying?: If you're not into luminous items, then this isn't for you, but otherwise, YES! This will be one of my go to items for the summer. :D

Le Metier de Beaute Mystique creme fresh tint

YAY! I finally got my hands on one of the new creme fresh tints that Le Metier de Beaute has released. They released three new shades: Coral Nymph, Ginger Lily, and Mystique. Right now they're only sold at Nordstroms, but Bergdorf Goodman will have them soon. I didn't get the two other shades, because they look really warm, maybe too warm for yours truly.

Color: Mystique is a very cool, bubblegum-like pink (it does have some lavender to it). It's a gorgeous shade, but I can see how some people will steer clear from it, because it is a very cool pink. The online swatch it looks like a straight lavender, but of course, their color representations are a bit off. In the pot it has a very fine silver and pink micro shimmer and applied on my arm and cheek. The actual amount is not as much as Armani Blushing Fabric #1, but it's definitely apparent. Just putting it out there in case shimmer is a factor in buying. Either way, it's such a pretty color for the springtime. :)

Formula: These are slightly creamier than your Bobbi Brown pot rouges. Ok, the reason why I'm even comparing these is because the swatch I have for comparison is a Bobbi Brown pot rouge. I shouldn't even compare the two because the creme fresh tint is such a nicer product. What makes the creme fresh tints so amazing is how blendable they are. I just glide my finger across the color and it just blends so well. Blending these are so effortless. Ok so a main question is "do they stay dewy? do they dry down?" Well, if you layer it on, it will stay dewy like in the photo below. If you blend it a bit with your finger, it does dry down. I adore the formula and it's long lasting, but not drying at all. I can't get over how nice it feels against my fingers. sigh, so delectable.

Size and Price: 5 grams (.17 oz), for $28

Is this worth buying?: I like the color myself, so I think it's worth the purchase. I can say it's a very cool pink, so it may not be for everyone. If you feel like the color isn't for you, Poppy would probably be a better pick since it's warmer (and a more universally flattering color). I'll do a review for Poppy in the near future.

Onto the photos!

From left to right:

Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Pot Rouge (2 swipes)

Le Metier de Beaute Mystique (2 swipes)

*note that Mystique has a sparkle that the camera didn't pick up. My Canon has been on strike (anti-sparkle) phase as of recent.

Shu Uemura Smoky Layers false eyelashes

A commonly overlooked item when it comes to makeup are false eyelashes. I'm sure some of us have never tried a pair for varying reasons...it took me a while to wear them in my teens because I didn't know how to apply them. The other reason being I was afraid that I would lose my natural eyelashes if I applied them wrong (well I was like 15 when I thought this...forgive me) ahaha. 

My first experience with false eyelashes was probably when I was 17 or 18 at a MAC makeover. It felt really weird and heavy. After that my eyes got used to their weight...although MAC lashes serve its purpose, I just wasn't won over. I couldn't explain why at the time, but I was like "meh" to the idea of false lashes.

When I first got into Shu Uemura, I knew they were known for their false eyelashes and eyelash curler. The associate who helped me at the time recommended the Smoky Layers. I thought "wow these are really pretty".  I just saw them in the box and bought them. I found out why I think they're so pretty:

There's two rows of lashes. The "bottom" row of lashes are longer and slightly curled. The lashes individually are thinner than MACs, so they look more like your natural lashes. The top row is shorter, but curl up a bit more. It gives your lashes awesome volume and drama without being too crazy over the top. It gives a beautiful feathery effect that I just adore. 

On occasion I'll use just accent lashes, but if I want go all out on lashes, I reach for these. They are my signature lashes and they are quite the attention grabber. :D

Price: $28, sold here. I know that they're more expensive than your standard pair of MAC lashes, but a splurge won't hurt anyone, especially these :D <3

Pics seen below:

A side view of the lashes. You can see here what makes them look SO COOL. 

That's a part of my face...excuse the red eye, but that's an idea of how it looks on your eyes. This picture was taken from far away, so you can't see the detail ;(

Le Metier de Beaute Petit Poudrier Imperial Gardens Palette: Gift with Purchase

In three days, you can pre-order your Bergdorf Goodman makeup goodies for their Gift Card Event. 

It's from April 6th-10th

Spend $150 and get a $25 Gift Card
Spend $500 and get a $100 Gift Card
Spend $1000+ and get a $250 Gift Card

There are some Gift with Purchases (GWPs) being offered from different lines, but I'll be discussing Le Metier de Beaute's GWP :D ! I got the Le Metier de Beaute GWP as a gift (free) for the sole purpose to give my review and to show you the colors. From the mailer I got you have to spend $125 at Le Metier de Beaute to be entitled for the GWP, but to get the Gift Card, you have to spend $150. 

The palette is Imperial Gardens--it's a beautiful lip and cheek palette. It's about the size of a business card. It contains 4 lip colors, and a blush color. It's a beautiful palette. The texture of the lip colors are like the lip kaleidoscope palettes.

To those of you who know me, I'm anti lip palettes...why you ask? Because it can get messy over time. The bigger the lip palette is, the messier it looks and it's so off putting. Luckily for me, this palette isn't overly big so even if it does get messy (I'm a klutz), it's pretty easy to clean. 

Colors -- Clockwise from top left:  There's a purple with a tinge of brown lip color with golden sparkles, which I personally like by itself, but it can be mixed with other colors. Then there's this gorgeous shimmery red that has some pink to it, with pretty golden sparkles. Definitely my favorite lip color out of the bunch.  Then you have this creamy peachy pink with very subtle shimmer that barely shows up, it has pink and almost a red sparkle to it, definitely unique. Then the last color is this light brown-champagne shade, with multi-dimensional sparkles. 

As for the blush color. This is the definite winner. The GWP is honestly worth it just for the blush. It's so beautiful and I have yet to see a color like this in cream form. It's like a dusty pink-mauve color. I'm seriously INFATUATED. I'm dead serious...Seriously, really, infatuated. I think you can use the blush as a lip color too, but I haven't tried it on my lips. Just stating a potential option. :)

Dear Le Metier de Beaute: Please make this cream blush a permanent color in your collection. I seriously hope you're reading this and taking it into consideration.

I will apologize upfront because I have serious limited arm movement, therefore difficulty to swatch the colors evenly. I will say the light brown champagne shade was hard to apply since it was the last color for me to swatch. Plus I didn't have the best applicator on me. I do hope you guys get the idea of how awesome it is.

Onto the pictures and swatches:

Left to Right:

The cream blush

Then the four lip colors from top left, clockwise.

*To note, the purple color looks more brown in photos than in person.

Is it worth getting?: For a Gift with Purchase, I think it's very versatile and just straight up beautiful. The cream blush...wow, just WOW.

To make your Le Metier de Beaute order, here's their phone number: 212-872-8612

Rouge Bunny Rouge Florita Original Skin Blush +

This is seriously one of my favorite items of the moment. Rouge Bunny Rouge is a line I've been recently getting into, and the couple of items I do own I really like, as seen here. I recently acquired Florita blush in the mail. I'm seriously in lust with this color. Ok onto the specifics:

Size and packaging: 3.5 grams or .0123 oz. It comes in a sleek black compact with a mirror built inside. The blush itself has flowers embossed into the blush. The same pattern is seen on top of the compact, which is a really pretty feminine touch. It's not flimsy packaging and when you close it, it snaps in. I know it sounds silly, but I am less inclined to use something if it's crappy packaging. 

Texture and formula: It's so finely milled, it feels like really creamy powder (which I've come to really like), creamier than La Mer's translucent powder. It goes on so smoothly on your face. This particular blush has very fine silver sparkle that isn't over the top. The lasting power is average for a blush, which is nice. When applied, it goes on evenly, no fuss application and it's easy to sheer out. The formula in of itself seems like someone with dry skin would really appreciate because it just melts onto your skin.

Where to buy?: Zuneta.

Onto the photos :) 

From left to right:

Shu RD P 19 d

Rouge Bunny Rouge Florita

NARS crazed

Edward Bess Moroccan Rose

*Moroccan Rose is more mauve than Florita, and Crazed has a micro sparkle that the camera didn't pick up.

Is this worth having?: Yes, the formula in of itself is worth having, and it's just a gorgeous red/berry shade. As you can see, I am a sucker for these kinds of colors. :)

By Terry Blush Veloute in Ginger Glaze (#3) +

It has been a while since I've reviewed a blush, or even By Terry for that matter. I've been wanting to buy Apple Glow, but my local counter was sold out :( So I decided to try out the other shades. Ginger glaze wasn't a color that I thought "it's GORGEOUS", but my go to person sold me on it when she applied it on my cheeks. 

Size and packaging: 3 grams or 0.1 oz. Pretty straight forward packaging: gold, screw top packaging. 

Formula and texture: It's like a whipped, almost a mousse like texture when you slide it against your fingers. It easily glides onto your fingers and onto your cheeks. I much prefer these to Bobbi Brown pot rouges because the texture is so much nicer. The finish is satin-matte and it doesn't dry down to a powder finish. Basically you apply it onto your cheeks with your fingers and after several seconds, it sets. The biggest surprise about this blush is that it doesn't move. I didn't think it would last a long time on my face because of the mousse like texture. When it dries down, it doesn't look flat at all, but it does give a nice subtle radiance (no glitter/sparkle, I swear). :)

Scent: it does have the slight signature By Terry rose scent.

The color in of itself looks boring, yet borderline ugly when I saw it in the pot. Yet, when applied, it's glorious golden radiance :D

Onto the photos :D

Top to bottom: 

Ginger Glaze swatched heavily, so you can see how it builds up (for those with darker skintones)

Armani Blushing Fabric #3

By Terry Ginger Glaze sheerly applied.

Is this worth having?: I'm unsure as to how it would look if you're really pale, but it's definitely a color for medium to darker skintones. Keep in mind that my inner arm is around NC20. I like it a lot since it gives my cheeks a nice golden sheen :)

Le Metier de Beaute peche creme lip creme +

So I have been trying to swatch and own more items that I normally wouldn't find myself wearing. As a result, I caved in and got Peche creme. I generally hate how I look in warm colors, even though I am warm myself. To this day I am still a bit uncomfortable wearing peachy colors. I can't explain it, it's just not what I am used to. You can see the other lip cremes that I own here.

Color and packaging: Peche creme is definitely a golden peach, leaning apricot. It has shimmer and the texture is somewhere between a lipgloss and a liquid lipstick. The color even though it's a golden peach, it shows up a bit lighter on me and I'm sure it's because of my pigmented lips. I've seen it look a bit darker/golden on other people. I don't like doing lip swatches because I know how it looks on me is different from how it looks on the next person. It's not a chalky color at all on me, so I am quite happy with how it looks. I'm just still trying to be more comfortable with peachy colors.

Texture: it's not as "runny" as Sweet Creme, so as I stated, it has a slight feel of a liquid lipstick. I like the texture a lot...I guess the closest texture that it can somewhat be compared to are Laura Mericer's Lip Velvets, except Le Metiers are a bit more creamy, slightly thicker formula and it has a gloss aspect to it (well, yea, since it's a mix of a gloss and lipstick, ha). It's really nice, not sticky at all. Peche creme doesn't settle into lines or anything of that nature. It stains nicely over time, with no funny gunk on your lips. This stuff is awesome if you ask me.

Be aware that it does have lanolin, which apparently causes allergic reactions for some people.(I had no idea about this until recently).

Ok onto the colors:

Left to right:

Le Metier de Beaute Peche Creme

GA lip shimmer #1

Chantecaille Charm

Left to right:

Le Metier de Beaute Peche Creme

GA lip shimmer #1

Chantecaille Charm

Is this worth having?: It's a shade that I can see it working on darker skintones, since it's pigmented enough to show up. The shimmer isn't over the top glitter city, either.

I think it's nice to have, especially with the summer coming up. :)

Dior Addict lip polish fresh expert (#002) +

This blog's original intent is to blog about more niche brands, but I must talk about Dior's lip polish. I know, I know Dior is a more accessible brand, but this stuff is so awesome :) Dior is one of those brands that I do acknowledge that they have some nice items and what not, but I've never purchased anything from them. Why? the stuff is nice, but not enough for me to go "I MUST have this". Well, now I do. :)

Size and packaging: .18 fl oz, 5.5 mL. The packaging is pretty awesome in of itself: the doe foot is actually kind of cool. Why you ask? because it rotates !!! My inner geek comes out when I see makeup that has a cool contraption aspect to it. So when you take out the wand from the tube, you put the side of the applicator to your lips and as you move your hand (wand) across your lips, the applicator physically rotates 360 degrees.  So what does this mean? you don't have to (at least for me) re-dip your applicator in the tube. 

Texture and longevity:  In terms of viscosity, it's similar to Le Metier de Beaute's sweet creme. It's soft, moisturizing. It's unscented and no gross white gunk on your lips after a while. It does have some nice lasting power. It lasts on me for 3-4 hours with a lot of talking and one beverage. I don't expect much lasting power when it comes to lip gloss because of it's formula. Either way, it does last a bit. 

Price: $30

From left to right:

Giorgio Armani lip shimmer #9

Dior lip polish in Fresh Expert (#002)

Le Metier de Beaute sweet creme lip creme

From left to right:

Giorgio Armani lip shimmer #9

Dior lip polish in Fresh Expert (#002)

Le Metier de Beaute sweet creme lip creme

excuse my poor application. I just had a massage done and my left side of my body is still recovering. 

Are they worth buying?: Yes ! I am a bit sad that they only come in three shades. Fresh expert is definitely my favorite out of the three. :)

Hourglass Aura lip stains +

So today I went to Sephora to kill some time. I was on a special mission to test out Hourglass Aura lip stains...and so I did. I haven't had the best experience with Hourglass cosmetics in general...reason being their lipsticks slide and slightly bleed. A little odd, I know...but I'm saying that's my personal experience with them. I know there are people who like them, so I say give them a shot if you'd like. I was willing to see what else Hourglass offers since someone asked me about the lip stains.


Packaging: They are in a click type pen form, and the applicator is a sponge. At first I crinkled my nose because it's similar in design to Ellis Faas blushes. I will say I am impressed with this particular sponge because it's a bit flexible. It's not a stiff sponge and applying the lip stain is really easy and there's a no fuss application.

Formula: I didn't try these on my lips since they're Sephora testers, but this stuff doesn't budge AT ALL. They don't feel drying on my arm, and the finish is so pretty. I'm quite impressed with these since most lip stains tend to be a gel like texture, whereas this is not. It's not runny, but it's not creamy either. Definitely a unique formula to say the least.

Price: $26

From left to right:

Scarlet
Flush
Petal


Are these worth having? For me the winner out of the three is definitely Flush. It's a nice pinky red where it's wearable for a lot of people. I also like petal too in terms of the color, but I don't feel like it's the best color on your lips because of the shimmer factor.  Scarlet is nice, if it's a color that you would see yourself wearing often. I like purples, but I only wear them once in a blue moon.