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

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

Dustin with Écumes D'or

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

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

Her natural lip color. She's probably around NC35

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

The bottom color on her lips.

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

the final result on her

Dustin lightly lined her lips on the edge for some definition

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

with flash

pictures of the Le Metier de Beaute lip brush

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

Rouge Bunny Rouge Velvet Fritillary Long-Lasting Cream Shadow +

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Onto the photos ! 

A standard Bic pen

Velvet Fritillary eyeshadow

A MAC pigment 

this was taken so you can see the size reference.

Velvet Fritillary applicator

A closeup so you can see the color.

Left to right:

MAC Sweet Sienna

Rouge Bunny Rouge Velvet Fritillary

Rouge Bunny Rouge Solstice Halcyon

Makeup Mavens +

MAKEUP MAVENS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi all !

Guess what I just got? :)


The Lip Kaleidoscope that Dustin made for this summer :)


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


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


Size: .49 fL oz.


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


Onto the photos: 

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


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


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


-the black panties

Geisha Ink mascara +

So thanks to an awesome friend who reads my blog and her favorite posts are the By Terry ones, she let me in on this little brand called Geisha Ink. She raves about their mascara, and one area in my makeup department that I never really consider bothering reviewing because I already have my holy grail, which is Armani Eyes to Kill (after trying YSL, Chantecaille, Lancome, Blinc, Dior, etc). I confessed in the twitter universe that I haven't paid for mascara in 2 years, since I always get Eyes to Kill minis. I don't mind shelling out the $$ for Eyes to Kill, but I'm just lucky that I haven't paid for one in recent history. 

Ok so back to my review...Geisha Ink seems like they're based from Canada, and they're known for their liquid eyeliner and mascara. So I asked my friend to get it for me (of course I paid for it)...and I got it. woot woot !

Can we discuss how this lady (my sister from another mother) sent me this amazing package? She gave me the Too Faced Kabuki!! knowing I was on the hunt for a Kabuki and liked it.

I really do love all my readers, and its times like this where I really do feel the love <3. Thank you for the gift. <3 Thanks to people like you, I write about awesome brands like By Terry. :)

Packaging and Applicator: Standard mascara tube, but the actual name and print is on a sticker. I wish "Geisha Ink" was lasered/embossed into the actual mascara tube. The brush is a big poofy brush, you'll see a photo.

Formula: On the brush it looks so glassy and super shiny. This stuff is magical ! You put on one layer and it's a great dark and black mascara, and you layer it on, like 2-3 coats, this stuff is DRAMA. like super black. It's waterproof, which is really nice. The one shortcoming that I wish it did, is that it separates my lashes. It doesn't clump them either, but I love the look where you can see every single lash (like advertisements). But then again, that's something that can be easily resolved with a lash comb. I layered with six layers to see if it would make my lashes crunchy or if the formula will flake off, it doesn't do either. 

Effect and Removal: it makes my lashes look super dark and long and it's a full on volume mascara. sigh. nom. After 16 hours, no signs of flaking or smudging and no raccoon eyes !! YES ! *does happy dance*. It comes off with really warm water.

Price and size: i found out mine was 35 CDN + 14% tax + whatever shipping and mine was purchased here, but you get the idea. 8 mL or 0.272 oz.

Where to buy and where it's made?: Check here. It seems like it's not sold in the USA, so make friends with some cool Canadians. The mascara itself is manufactured in Japan.

Is it worth having?: If you're a mascara junkie, then it's a definite staple. For me, it will be a nice splurge from time to time. yummy. I just wanna be that Geisha in the photo, I won't lie. LOL

Onto the photos:

Since my camera is revolting against me with macro, you can see a low-res pic to get an idea: 

left eye is Geisha Ink (no primer, no curling lashes on both eyes)

Rouge Bunny Rouge Highlighting Liquid in Sea of Nectar +

hi ho hum it's June which means it's time to break out the warm golden colors ! you know bronzers, luminizers, highlighters, sparkly things that make me look like Jennifer Lopez. 

I never really bothered to look golden, well very simply because I can easily tan to NC35+ over the summer. I avoid the sun now, and given my schedule I hardly see it...but that doesn't change the fact that I still want to look like the sun and I get along sometimes. :)

So today we have Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Nectar...It's a highlighting liquid that's the darkest shade from Rouge Bunny Rouge line of highlighters. I know most of us like the pretty lighter shades for our cheeks such as Sea of Tranquility. But let's be real here, I know many of us want to have that warm radiance. Most of my life I always asked myself "What is it with Americans and wanting to be tan? but WHY!?!?!?" Ok, maybe I still ask that question but I get it, some people want to look nice and golden, like a rotisserie chicken (kidding!). 

Packaging: It comes in the gorgeous frosted glass packaging, just like Sea of Tranquility. with black flowers on the glass. I seriously fear the day I'd drop it from being such a klutz. Either way, it's definitely pretty and luxurious. It's something that you want out on your vanity because it's pretty to look at.

Formula and Texture: Sea of Nectar is a metallic warm gold, with a very slight red undertone. It's neat because it has this high metallic sheen, but when rubbed onto your skin, it's luminous. This is what I *wish* Becca's highlighters had been, but that's ok. I'm not complaining.  It's an opaque highlighter, which I personally don't mind because I like to wear it at night. You know...in the club...with all the strobe lights on you. heee. I would use this moreso on my body than on my face. When your skin looks and feels dull on a Saturday night, this would definitely give it luminosity. I can wear it on my face with a light hand as an awesome luminous blush.

Price and Size: $70 (the reason for this approximation is the conversion from GBP to USD),1.01 fluid ounce, or 30 mL

comparison photos: 

Left to right:

Armani Fluid Sheer #10

RBR Sea of Nectar

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze

Left to right:

Armani Fluid Sheer #10

RBR Sea of Nectar

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze

Left to right:

Armani Fluid Sheer #10

RBR Sea of Nectar

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze

see that sheen when you spread it at first? whoaaaa !! 

Left to right:

Armani Fluid Sheer #10

RBR Sea of Nectar

Le Metier de Beaute Bella Bronze

you can see how opaque Sea of Nectar is when rubbed in a bit and the dry down? my fingers are in serious pain so I lazily rubbed in Bella Bronze (my HG body bronzer). nomm

Worth having?: For me I like it, and it has a specific purpose and I think it's worth it. At the same time, I can see why some people may steer clear from it because it may be too intense or too dark, especially if you're like a NC15. It can be sheered out a bit more than that, and it's still luminous . . . but you know what? It's glorious for us who are a bit darker in skintone...so yay !

By Terry Apple Glow (#1) Blush Veloute +

So as of late I've been rocking out the cream blushes. I don't get it either, because it's summertime and cream stuff just slides off my face. Yea, having combo skin is not a good look sometimes. So anyway, one of the colors I've been using is By Terry Apple Glow. I reviewed Ginger Glaze (#3) and as much as I adore Ginger Glaze, I'm all about the pinks for the moment. 

Formula and texture: Yours truly is a bit of a picky chick in terms of how something feels on my hand, or more in between my fingers (yea, that's what she said too). It's like a whipped, almost a mousse like feel. I'm all about how awesome it feels. The finish is satin-matte, but it doesn't look like a blob of ugly flat color on your cheeks, it gives a very subtle fresh flush look. You know that look on your face when you're a little too excited *wink*. It's a nice warm mid tone pink with some red in it? Maybe a better description is a natural strawberry pink. Uhm, it's not a loud color that you'd look like a clown. Trust me. Ok, so you would think that this stuff since it's a cream, that it wouldn't last long on your face. . . which brings me to . . .

Longevity: So I rocked it out in the 90 degree heat, with tinted moisturizer with no foundation primer. I really wanted to see how this stuff measures up in the heat, because if it lasts well in the heat on my skin, then yea...it's a keeper. So I wore it and I was sweating outside. You know that heat where you can't even breathe from the humidity?  I felt like I was going to collapse. Anyway, so how long did this stuff last? 7 hours and it was some fading. I didn't think it was too bad at all, given my skintype and heat. Plus had I worn foundation primer, it would have lasted easily another 4 hours, assuming it's still hot outside.

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

Scent: it's definitely scented with By Terrys signature rose and it has a slight baby powder scent mixed in. I feel like the scent isn't as strong the more you open the lid, or maybe I'm just used to the fragrance.

Price: $43

Onto the photosssss !!

so if you zoom in, you see random sparkles. forgive me, i was dipping my glittery hands in it. this stuff has no glitter in it at all.

Left to right:

Armani Blushing Fabric #1

By Terry Apple Glow

Rouge Bunny Rouge Orpheline

Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki Brush +

I was in the city and I stopped on over to Bergdorf Goodman to say hi to Dustin. So I’m there, as usual playing with the kabuki in my hands. I’m an addict to very soft brushes and it’s no help that he’s used it on my face in every single makeover he’s done on me. I probably looked like a crazy woman touching it all the time, yet I never got the brush. I was that crazy customer who tested blushes with the brush. Yea, I’m a creeper.

I have and use Edward Bess Daydream bronzer, but I use it as a contour with my Shu Pony 20H brush. I never really used powder bronzer all over my face, and a big reason is that I don’t have the proper brush. A few months back I bought Le Metier Romeo and Juliet bronzing duet and I haven’t really played with the bronzer side, because it’s a bronzer that I can use all over. Dustin uses this duo on me, but he has always uses the kabuki brush. I thought to myself, “man, $85…I wonder if I can find something for less because $85…”

So the hunt for a kabuki began…and here’s what I’ve tested:

Too Faced: I really like this one as well and it’s travel friendly. For those who are a bit on a lower budget, this is a nice option.

Edward Bess: I’ve touched it a few times, and it has never caught my attention as a dense or exquisitely soft brush.

NARS Ita Kabuki: ok this brush is way too scratchy and wide for me. The shape isn’t designed for my personal use.

NARS blush brush: this is shaped kinda like a kabuki, but it wasn’t dense enough for my liking, which makes sense because it’s a blush brush. It wasn’t that soft either, even though it’s made out of pony hair.

Shu Uemura doesn’t make one (or not one that I know of), but I’m sure if they did, it would be full of awesome.

I don’t think Suqqu makes a kabuki either, but I do want their face brush. Eventually I’ll make the investment.

I waited, thinking that I can find a substitute. But nah. So I’ve used it a few times already testing it out with different blushes and with crème formulas too. It’s neat because it’s so small that you can take it with you in your purse, but it seriously packs a punch (in terms of the hair density). What I adore about it is that it’s sooooo soft. mmmm.

Hair: pony and goat. The hairs are trimmed off the animal and the hairs go through a three-day conditioning process. No wonder why they are so soft :D

Usage: I use it on my forehead, temples, neck and sides of my face when it comes to bronzer. I use light, circular motions and the product goes on really evenly. I’ve tested it twice when it comes to cream blushes (By Terrys VIP Bronze Expert blush). I dislike the brush applicator, so I just do a pump, slide the product on my face and every so slightly buff it in with the kabuki. It’s actually more of a stippling action, but you get the idea.

Price: $85, and it’s worth every penny because it’s such a dense, yet such a soft and the application is effortless. 

Onto the photos ! 

 Left to Right:

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush

Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki

 Left to Right:

Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush

Top to bottom:

Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush

Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani in 401.

So yesterday I got to meet the awesomeness that is PinkSith. Can I just say since she met me with no makeup on...that she didn't implode !?!?! It's a sigh of relief that I'm not that scary looking in person (with no makeup). Ok maybe I am, but I can live in denial LOL.

We went shopping and dropped into Neiman Marcus. I was on a mission to buy the Armani Eyes to Kill Intense eyeshadows, but then...we saw...what it was...what I had been waiting for for MANY MONTHS...

GLOSS D'ARMANI. I stopped dead in my tracks and stared, and then swatched like a maniac. I was like a 5 year old in a candy store. I couldn't decide which ones I wanted to get.

their lip shimmers are discontinued and are replaced with the Gloss d'Armani. They're supposed to be long-lasting gloss. If you all didn't know already, I'm like a moth to a flame with the darker/red colors, as is PinkSith. So of course it should be no surprise that we both got 401.

What I am a bit peeved about: the numbering of these glosses doesn't match the corresponding lipsticks. 401 Rouge d'Armani is an orange red, versus the Gloss d'Armani is a cool red. ok maybe it's just because I'm OCD. 

Packaging: Armani changed the design so it would be more consistent with their Rouge d'Armani. The packaging is in a clear tube, with the oval cap that resembles the Rouge d'Armani lipsticks. The applicator is definitely different. It's a long doe foot that's slightly slanted. You will see in the photo below. 

Texture and formula: Ok so this is where it gets interesting. The formula/texture is very...hmmm..odd at first. I want to say they're gel like, but not a typical gel formula. Like it's not a formula where you can rub your lips together really easily. The formula definitely isn't sticky either. You can feel that there's some binding aspect to it, but not the gloss adhering to your lips where it's drying your lips out. It's really an interesting, yet curious formula. As I did 2 test runs last night to see how long lasting it is, I realized why the formula is designed the way it is: it's transfer resistant. I was like "HOLY MOLY". I was concerned that with this formula that I would get the deathly white ring on my lips over time since the formula is a bit odd, but no, totally wears off really nicely.

Maybe someone can give a better description of the formula itself, because it's not what I was expecting at all. I like it a lot because it's long lasting and it doesn't dry your lips out either. It feels really cool. :D 401 is like a hair away from being a full on opaque gloss. Keep in mind some of the Armani glosses are more sheer than others (like 403, which I will review probably tomorrow).

Lasting power: So I did two separate test runs with 401 last night since I was out and about. The lasting power on average was about almost 4 hours with some visible fading, but you can still tell there was some gloss on. Usually with gloss it lasts about 2 hours and it's completely gone on me. 

Size and price: they are a smidgen bigger (6.5 mL versus the lip shimmer 6.0 mL) for $28

Photo time :D

Left is GA lip shimmer #7, on the right it's Gloss d'Armani in 401

 The Applicator.

Left to right:

Gloss d'Armani in 401.
Lip Shimmer #7

Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss: Bondi Beach

So I've been wanting to write about the color I've been wearing quite often (well almost every day) for the past week or so. Bondi Beach :D

Color: it's like the perfect milk chocolate color for me. sigh. I don't care for nudes/browns until this shade came into my life. In the tube it looks pretty....well...not flattering or just flat out boring. It's the kind of color that you would skim your eyes over at the counter. For one reason or another, it's just not the kind of color that you would say "I MUST HAVE". When I'm usually at the Le Metier counter, people tend to reach for Ibiza and Cannes, and I get it, they're pretty pinks. I will say that Bondi Beach is sooo worth trying on your lips, because it's such a beautiful shade. *sigh*

Texture and Formula: The Sheer Brilliance Glosses are more sheer than the lip cremes in terms of opacity, but the texture is so lush. The Brilliance Glosses do have a fair amount of sparkle, so that's something to keep in mind. They give dimension on top of a lipstick and give a hint of color by itself.  If that's what you're looking for then they're perfect for you. If you have semi pigmented lips, then the glosses do give a bit of color. For my pigmented lips they don't really show up on its own, but on top of a lipstick, it looks so awesome.

Bondi Beach is a bit more pigmented and not as much sparkle as the other Brilliance Glosses, which is probably why it's one of my favorite lip gloss shade. The lasting power is a bit less than that of a lip creme (it makes sense, since lip cremes are a hybrid of a lipstick and lip gloss). The Brilliance Glosses aren't sticky at all and feel so smooth and soft on the lips. 

Price and size: $32.00 for 6 mL or 5.5g

Is it worth buying: For my NC25-30 self, it's the perfect milk chocolate color, where it's not nude where I look like a cadaver, but it's not a dark brown either where it looks muddy. It's a color I get a lot of compliments on. With the warmer weather being here it's a shade that I've been wearing quite a bit. Definitely worth trying out. :) It's sooo awesome. :) <3 yum yum

Onto the photos :D

 Top to Bottom:

Cafe Creme lip creme
Bondi Beach Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss
Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer #45
Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer #16


*Cafe creme is cooler in undertone and lighter in color than Bondi Beach

 

 Top to Bottom:


Cafe Creme lip creme
Bondi Beach Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss
Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer #45
Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer #16