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

Le Metier de Beaute Marchesa Holiday Palette

Hi all!

I wanted to share with you my most anticipated purchase of this month, the Marchesa holiday palette !! YAY !! There wasn't much information regarding information on the colors, or what it would consist of, until now :D

It contains:

a retractable eyeliner in black
a mascara
a dual ended gloss
and of course, the e/s palette.

now onto the goods: 

I fell in LOVE with this palette, even though it is smaller than I had anticipated. I'm a sucker for packaging to begin with, and when I opened my palette I just HAD to play. I'm anti-purple when it comes to eyeshadows, but this palette is so pretty. What's a bonus is that this palette has a mini brush, unlike the sponge applicators, which irritate me. The pink is the perfect pink, the purple isn't too warm with pretty sparkles and it's a satin finish, and the black is more of a dark charcoal shade (satin-matte like finish).  The glosses are a soft, cool mauve/light plum shades, it's definitely wearable on its own. 

I've never been a fan of palettes, for two main reasons: there was always a shade or two that I wouldn't know how to use, plus palettes can just overall get messy. All the colors in the set have shades for a lot of skintones, which is an awesome plus.  It's just a beautiful and it just all makes sense in terms of how to wear the colors.  

Here are the e/s swatched with a quick swipe with my finger:

The glosses:

The downside: the price = $250. But at the same time, these aren't easy to find. I'm fortunate that my MA held one aside for me, because there were literally very few left at my Bergdorf Goodman, and there were a lot of phone orders as I was buying mine in store. It is a limited edition set and it's worth it to me because they're colors I'd actually use.

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge +

Hi All!

I seriously apologize for not blogging in the past few months. I've been sent to and from different places due to work, as well as being sick. Anyway, I really had no idea how much work it takes to have and maintain a blog. My work schedule is taking a drastic change too, but it's to your benefit since I'll have more time to blog.

OK, so back to the original intent of this post: Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge.

straight from the Bergdorf Goodman website:

Offering sheer, lightweight coverage, Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe provides a sheer wash of flawless, luminous finish. The formula feels like second skin with a gossamer-like texture. Light-diffusing pigments help fade away lines and instantly impart a renewed radiance and healthy appearance to skin. With SPF 20, Peau Vierge helps guard against the damaging effects of the sun.


• Contains anti-aging powerhouse Retinol, known for its ability to smooth and plump wrinkles from deep below the skin's surface, stimulating collagen cell rejuvenation and bringing elasticity back to skin. 
• Retinol is delivered through a patented and proprietary delivery technology called Syntoc Actif, which encapsulates the Retinol and allows it to safely and effectively penetrate the skin. 
• Traditional over-the-counter products have very poor penetration—less than 2% of active ingredients are actually absorbed. In comparison, with Syntoc Actif, 20 times more Retinoic Acid is absorbed into the deeper skin layers, making it the most effective cosmetic Retinoid treatment on the market. 
• Talc, Fragrance, and Dye-Free.

The Syntoc Actif delivery technology is highly compatible with the skin and easy to metabolize. As a result, it delivers actives more efficiently and effectively, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deepest layer of the skin where all the action is and deliver Retinol where it is most effective. 


Formula: it's liquid, it's definitely a little shimmery, but the liquid in terms of consistency is very moisturizing, oddly enough. when it's first applied, it's VERY sparkly on your face. I had tried it a few times at the counter at first and I was turned off by the shimmer factor. Then again, this is coming from someone who thinks anything with shimmer is the enemy. I tried it on, and after 10 minutes, the shimmer wasn't as shimmery once settled into the skin. It's definitely a luminous finish, which is something I'm not personally used to.

Another aspect to this tinted moisturizer/treatment is that there are only two shades. Light to Medium (for cool skintones), and Medium to Dark, which is what I have. The medium to dark looks DARK, like MAC NC37 dark. The foundation is self adjusting to your skin. I'm NC25/30 and the color straight from the bottle I told myself "I'll look dirty", but when applied, it actually did adjust itself to my skintone.

This is what it looks like against my NC25 part of my skin. See what I mean when I saw this and thought to myself, "this isn't going to be a good look on me" ha ha. The color is just a smidge darker in person.

Towards the left see how it's shimmery? Thats the foundation semi blended in in order to see how shimmery it is. Just one more swipe with my finger it would be the exact same shade as the inner part of my arm, which is pretty pale.












The price: It's $125. Yes it's expensive, and even I had a hard time justifying the purchase. What made me realize the price isn't "so high" is By Terry has a foundation that's $140 and it doesn't have any skincare benefits.

How it looks:

 

I was wearing the foundation when I wore Tom Fords Smoke Red. My chin is very red and blotchy normally, but this stuff totally covered it. I normally wear medium coverage foundation because the redness on my face is so hard to cover. 

How to apply: I use 1 to 2 pumps to cover my face and my neck, plus dabbing a little extra on the super red areas on my face. I use my fingers, but I would like to use a synthetic foundation brush because it seems like I wouldn't use up as much product. 

SPF factor: for all of you out there asking what's used in terms of SPF, it's 5% Titanium Dioxide, 5% Zinc Oxide.

In terms of what it claims in terms of improving your skin within 7 days: I did have two small pimples forming when I had first purchased it, and using this stuff, they disappeared. My pores shrank a bit, my skin wasn't as blotchy. I don't expect miracles when wearing it, but this stuff did make some difference in my skin. Due to being sick and traveling (and not having it with me) my skin sucks as usual, but I have been wearing it again consistently for the past week and my skin is slowly improving. I'll have to give you an update after 3 months or so with consistent use as to how my skin looks/feels. 

Worth the purchase: yes. I've tried Retin-A and it wrecked my skin and it didn't improve it at all. I love this stuff because it gives you SPF as well. It's nice to know that I'm wearing  a foundation actually has great skincare benefits and improving my skin. I would recommend getting a sample before purchasing it, only because of the $. 

Tom Ford Smoke Red lipstick +

So I purchased this on Fashion Night out and this was recommended to me by the Tom Ford MA as the perfect color for fall. I purchased it with the intention of seeing Tom Ford himself, but that didn't happen, but back to the lipstick itself:

It's a lovely shade of cool-burgundy red, a bit deep in color, but it's not super bright. I consider this a "wearable" red, as in I can see this being flattering on a lot of skintones. It's definitely creamy in texture, with some slip to the lips, with the added benefit that it's not drying. What is a bit of a downer is I can't apply it with one swipe and be out the door. There's no smell to the lipstick, or at least none that I can detect. What I found out now about is if I do wear this alone (no primer, lipliner) it does feather VERY slightly into the second hour. It doesn't feather anymore after that, which isn't bad at all (given no primer/lipliner).

As for lasting power: it's not a long lasting lipstick, but it does leave a nice stain over time. I can get about 3.5 hours of this lipstick with a meal and a beverage (the color applied with lipliner and primer).

Pictures of the lipstick are seen below. I did one quick swipe so you can see how it applies, with no base, no lipliner, no blotting, straight from the tube (no lipbrush). As you can see, it will require two swipes so it can go completely opaque (as seen on my upper lip in the natural lighting).

Me wearing it indoors, with flash.

 

This is a picture of me wearing it next to a window in natural lighting, with no flash. 

I do adore the color for the fall. Is it worth the $45? If you want to indulge yourself for a lovely lipstick, with nice packaging then sure. I do think there are great lipsticks with longer lasting power and nice packaging as well for a bit less though. Do I regret the purchase? No. Will I buy another Tom Ford lipstick? Not really, unless they come out with a long-lasting formula and maybe I'd consider it.

NIA24 Skincare

So this is my review on my current skincare regime for the past 3 months or so.

I purchased this on the recommendation of my Space NK MA. At first I was skeptical because of its claims. What I can say as of recent is now that I'm working during the day, my skin has broken out in serious heat rashes. Working nights for 2 years and BAM! all of a sudden working during the day, my skin broke out like crazy, and my skin was itching.

I do have is redness, acne scarring and large pores (on the sides of my face and T-zone). I don't like my skin for the most part because I'm in my mid twenties and I get pimples. Granted it's not all over my face, but it's enough where it does bother me.

So a bit about NIA24: it's a skincare line that's sold usually in dermatologist's offices. The active ingredient is Niacin, specifically a patented Niacin molecule called Pro-Niacin(TM), that helps  build your skin barrier from the inside-out.

Ok so back to my review: I purchased all of these items listed with their respective ingredients:

Gentle Cleansing Cream: Water, Octyldodecanol, Propylene, Glycol Dipelagonate, Butylene Glycol, Polybutene, Stearic Acid, Cetyle Alcohol, Diisostearyl Malate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Polysorbate 40, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Myristyl Nicotinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Trehalose, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Isopropl Lanolate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Acetyl Hexamethyl Tetralin, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Extract, Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium PCA, Urea, Polquaternium-51, 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclotridecane, Maltol, Phenoxyethanol, Methlyparaben, Propylparaben, Titanium Dioxide (C177891) 

Physical Cleansing Scrub: Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Polyethylene, Clyceryl Stearate, PEG-2 Cocamide, Jojoba Esters, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Coconut Acid, Triethanolamine, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Polyquaternium-39, Myristyl Nicotinate, helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernal Extract, Glycerin, Rosa Canina Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Pentadecalactone, Methyldihyrdojasmonate, Dodecahydro 3a, 6, 6, 9a-tetramethylnaphtho(2,1-b)furan, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Extract, Maltol, Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Skin Strengthening Complex: Water, Myristyl Nicotinate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cyclomethicone, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Ranunculus Ficaria Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Extract, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ceramide 2, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Phospholipids, Ceramide 3, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Tribehenin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 60, Laureth-7, Maltol, 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclotridecane, PEG-8, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Polyacrylamide, Oxacyclohexadecen-2-one, BHT, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. 

I did get free samples of their Intensive Recovery Complex (at Space NK), but it pilled off my face, so I got the Skin Strengthening Complex instead. I did use the Rapid Exfoliating Serum too, but I don't think it did that much for me personally.

So I used the cleanser and moisturizer 2x a day, with the physical scrub 1-2x a week. I also used sunscreen because that's the KEY to this skincare regimen. What's the point of using this stuff if you're not going to protect your new skin cells? Yea, that's basically one of the things you have to be aware of. This system won't work unless you wear sunscreen.

Can I just mention, even though I don't know what most of those ingredients say, but this stuff seriously has made my face so much better ! The skin rashes are gone, my face doesn't break out unless it's the one-three SMALL occasional hormonal pimples (you know, that time of the month). The breakout in pimple/acne reduction has seriously gone down, which is the biggest improvement.

My face isn't as red or as irritated anymore. Granted this stuff is geared towards sun damage, but my skin just looks a LOT happier. Some smoothness improvement, some reduction in redness, and I used to get very nasty breakouts on my chin and neck and I haven't gotten any since using this line. Some of the acne scarring is still lingering, but I know that will take a long time to go away.

I don't expect miracles when it comes to skincare, but this stuff honestly does what it says and a bit more. I'm overall impressed with the line and the results. The one disclaimer I will state is with the Skin Strengthening Complex, your face will feel warm and be flushed (3 degrees warmer kind of feeling) when you use it and the flushing goes down within 5-10 minutes. To be fair, they're known side effects because it's the Pro-Niacin doing its job. :) NIA24 has truly blown me away.

Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Cleanser +

So with my purchase at Bergdorf Goodman, on a whim I decided to purchase their cleanser. Why you ask?  The pretty packaging. I love sleek, simple design packaging. Anyway, I was given a bit of background on this product. The founder of this company basically saw the good/benefits of Argan Oil and has a skincare line based around it. A percentage of the proceeds goes to maintaining sustainable development to the Berber women in Morocco (who grow the product).


More information can be seen at: http://www.kahina-givingbeauty.com


So I purchased the facial cleanser, which sells for $46 (plus tax) at Bergdorf Goodman. I wanted to give it a month or so before I reviewed it, but after what happened last night and this morning. I put some on my damp face, lightly rubbed it into my skin. The smell is wonderful (a citrus smell). It's a creamy, with a very slight exfoliating consistency. My face had a slight brightening effect and I thought to myself, "this is kinda cool". Went to bed, woke up the next morning.


I went to shower and washed my face with the same cleanser...and my face got nasty red splotches all over my face. I freaked out a bit when I saw it, because nothing else in my skincare routine has changed. I also noticed my left hand, which had the product as well had some red splotching, and I then realized "it's the cleanser". I've been known to react to nautral/organic skincare products (like Boscia, Claudie, LUSH, etc).


The ingredients are: water, organic orange floral water, decyl glucoside, organic argan oil, oat amino acids, organic honey, cocoglucoside, glyceyl oleate, organic willow bark extract, organic papaya extract, sodium pca, panthenol, levulinic acid, xantham gum, carrageenan, acacia Senegal gum, cellulose gum, lactic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, citric acid, essential neroli oil.


I'm a bit sad over this because I've come to the realization that my face just can't do organic/natural skincare. So if you're into organic skincare, this is definitely a nice option for you. 


But until then, back to NIA24 cream cleanser I go. 

By Terry Terrybly Blush

So these come in four shades. The texture is pretty creamy and soft. It has a checker-like pattern embossed in the blush, which is cute. I did find some difficulty picking up pigment. Blush #1 (Rose) was very hard to photograph, as it was borderline chalky on me (I'm GA Luminous Foundation #5, MAC NC 25-30 for reference). I feel like these shades would be the most flattering on people who are NC or NW 25 and lighter.  Anyway, swatches are below:

From top to bottom:

1. Rose

2. Erotic Pink

3. Platonic Coral

4. Hypnotic Copper

This blush retails for $70 at Barneys. Are they pretty colors? yes, but is it worth $70? eh, they're nice colors, but not $70 nice (at least to me). There are many other brands that have nice consistency, pigmented blushes and doesn't cost as much, that I'm more than satisfied with. :) 

Bergdorf Goodman event +

So today until the 26th, there's an event going on at Bergdorf Goodman that takes off $25 off if you spend $100. So this is what I purchased:

Giving Beauty Argan Oil Sample (free)
Le Metier de Beaute Creme de la Creme lip creme
Le Metier de Beaute eye crease brush
Le Metier de Beaute Peau de Vierge Anti-Aging Complex
Le Metier de Beaute Corinthian Eyeshadow
and as a gift with purchase: Le Metier de Beaute eyelash curler.

I will review these individually, I'm really curious about their Peau de Vierge, because it costs $125 and has skincare benefits. You're supposed to see results in 7 days. I'll review this to see if it does what it claims...etc.

I also purchased (not pictured) Kahina Giving Beauty facial cleanser, hence the free sample. I've never heard of the line, but it's standouts is its Argan Oil and eye cream and their eye serum. I'll review this at a later date as well. :)

Le Metier de Beaute Holiday Palette

I was given a sneak peek of their holiday colors and OMG it's awesome

I only photographed the eyeshadows, but here they are. The last shade is INSANE. It's a blue with red/pink glitter. I fell in LUST with this color because I haven't seen any eyeshadow like it. I hope you all like the shades :)

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Fall 2010 Lipsticks +

I stopped by my local Bloomingdales to check out their fall shades: 602, 603 and 604. I decided to put in 600 and 601 for good measure to see how they all compare. 602 is definitely more pink (and slightly warmer) in person than 603. They're all lovely shades for the fall and I'm still undecided which shades to get.

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani makes an amazing lipstick formula, creamy, unscented, long lasting lipsticks. It has some slip to my lips, but it doesn't slide off at all. I still can't explain how amazing these are. Even my mom who hates my addiction for makeup actually stole a couple of my Rouge d'Armanis and stated that they're great. So if my mom likes it, then it's really that good (just sayin').

The first one I purchased was 103 (my HG pinky nude) and I had 2 meals and 4 beverages and there were still some color left on my lips, a nice stain. Without food or beverage, but just talking I can get at least a good 7 hours on my lips. I call this sex in a tube, because it honestly is. :)