A Plethora of Pinks

It's funny how tastes change. A year and a half ago, I wrote this Lipstick Bandit post about fearing pink, and this summer it seems to be all I wear. Now that I know I look better in cool pinks, I'm much less inclined to dabble with coral (that color is a whole 'nother headache). The pinks shown in this post are mostly old favorites that have become staples in my lip wardrobe.

Also, the whole time I was taking pictures, this scene was running through my head:

Sherlock Season 1 Episode 1: A Study in Pink. A glorious introduction to a fantastic TV series

Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 206 Sweet Watermelon

First, a light watermelon pink! I associate the finish that Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 206 Sweet Watermelon ($35 for the refill, $25 for the holder) imparts with "Asian girl" lips (sorry, stereotypes) – soft and balm-like with a hint of color. It's really great for when you just want to look a little more presentable. "Naturally pretty," if you will.

Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in 476 Plaza

Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in 476 Plaza ($32), reviewed here, is a step up from the Cle de Peau in terms of pigment. As you can see, the texture is also balm-like and it's very easy to wear. All these lipsticks make my peeling, wrinkled lips look happy and well moisturized.

I sense a trend in my selections. What can I say? I love comfort.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Never Say Never

And to the matte selection! Do I detect a slight hint of purple? NARS' lip pencils (Velvet Gloss, Velvet Matte, Satin) are my favorite products from the brand. From packaging to texture to color selection, I don't think you'll find too many from other brands that can rival NARS. The one pictured above is Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Never Say Never ($25), reviewed here two (!) years ago. I'm so grateful that it's part of the permanent collection.

I used a heavier hand when applying the blush, so my lips wouldn't wash out the rest of my face (balance is important!). Pictured above is Chanel Joues Contraste in Rose Initiale.

Paul & Joe Manège + Le Metiér de Beauté Clearly Brilliant Lip Gloss

While the texture of Paul & Joe Manège is perfectly fine (full coverage, balmy finish), for some reason I enjoy slicking a clear gloss over it. I also just realized that the Le Metiér de Beauté Clearly Brilliant Lip Gloss ($36) is a great alternative to purchasing more Dior Fluid Sticks. It's a jelly gloss that produces high, watery shine. It completely transforms my lips!

Manège, a limited edition shade from spring 2013, is unfortunately no longer available. The good thing is I've tried on a few magenta shades since and found possible substitutes, so if you're interested, try Paul & Joe La Vie En Rose 305 or NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu.

What lip shades are you loving this summer?

Lipstick Bandits: Pink in Love

Pink? Groan. I suppose it's kind of my fault the Lipstick Bandits are attempting this color since I suggested it... even though half of us avoid it like the plague on regular days. But Valentine's is nigh and pink is seasonally relevant, so there.

I don't know if I've mentioned it on the blog so here goes: only within the last year did I realize that my skin wasn't warm-toned as I previously believed. In fact, I am neutral leaning cool. While this doesn't really affect my makeup buying (I don't really subscribe to the whole warm can only wear warm theory. I insist on my warm brown eyeshadows!), it does explain why I cannot pull off warm pink lipsticks. It used to befuddle me – this color that was touted as universal refused to work on my also-supposedly-warm-pink lips. Let's just say I gave up on the idea of pink for a long time.

By now I know what looks best on me and have amassed some great pink neutrals, but it was a fateful Bergdorf shopping trip that made me realize I didn't own a bright pink lipstick; the dire situation that I, of course, had to rectify immediately.

(I say that, but the more likely reason is I just needed something to be in that elephant case. Shhh.)

Exploring new ways to show a lip color? Yes, yes I am.

In the pictures, I am wearing the unabashedly bright fuchsia Paul & Joe Lipstick Refill CS Manège topped with Le Métier de Beauté Clearly Brilliant Lip Gloss. The lipstick is pretty on its own, but it really transforms into a stunner with a clear gloss on top. I've been wearing it for a couple of days now, but I haven't figured out why a touch of sheen makes it infinitely better. For the record, the lipstick is pigmented and has a balmy texture, so it's not because it's drying or anything.

The other part of the Lipstick Bandit assignment was to incorporate the pink in a Valentine's Day look. In my experience, a well executed smokey eye for a date never goes wrong (wink).

And the best part of Lipstick Bandit days, lots and lots of other Lipstick Bandits posts!

• Beauty Reflections
• ChloeAsh‎
• Eye Heart It
• Getting Cheeky
• Glitter Geek
• Makeup Morsels
• Messy Wands
• Musing on Beauty
• My Funny Valentine
• My Women Stuff
• Rocaille Writes
• theNotice: a beauty blog‎

And new to the Lipstick Bandits this time around:

• BellaChique‎
• Mostly Sunny‎

Products Used:
Shu Uemura Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Seal Brown
Rouge Bunny Rouge Time Defying Foundation in Wheat Cream
Guerlain Meteorites Perles du Paradis
Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Correcteur in Light/Medium
Le Métier de Beauté Eye Brightening and Setting Powder in Revive
Le Métier de Beauté Dualistic Eye Pencil in Tamarack
Dolce & Gabbana Femme Fatale Smooth Eye Color Quad
THREE Flash Performance Pencil Eyeliner in 08 Eye On
Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara
Suqqu Balancing Cheeks in 02 Mukuge
Paul & Joe Lipstick Case CS 006 and Lipstick Refill CS 080 Manège
Le Métier de Beauté Clearly Brilliant Lip Gloss
YSL La Laque Couture in Jade Imperial

Accessories:
Jennifer Zeuner Mini Bar Necklace

Paul & Joe Spring 2013 Collection

The Paul & Joe Spring Collection is so full of whimsy and cute. I knew this even before I went to the counter; I've seen the press releases. Yet, there remained much squeeing and dancing little jigs in front of the SA, who thankfully was already familiar with my ways. There are elephants on that lipstick, guys, tell me you can resist.

Alright. On to the formalities:

Paul & Joe Pressed Powder CS 001 Swirl

I didn't take a picture of the powder because there was a seal over this product and it wasn't a tester so I couldn't mess with it. Think pastel green, pink, cream, and white in a dense lollipop swirl. It makes for an understated highlighter that's definitely much less glittery than what I've come to expect from the brand. This is a good thing.

L-R: Eye Color CS 082 Calliope, 083 Montmartre, 084 La Belle Epoque

L-R: Eye Color CS 082 Calliope, 083 Montmartre

084 La Belle Epoque

L-R: Lipstick Refill CS 078 Carousel, 079 Merry-Go-Round, 080 Manège

In case you missed it, Paul & Joe announced last fall that they will start selling their lipstick components in two parts, which means you'll have to purchase the bullet and the tube separately. This amounts to a $2 increase in their (complete) lipstick prices, but as compensation, the company doles out mega-cute limited edition lipstick bullets to soothe the pain off that couple extra dollars.

I had to. I just had to. Nevermind that the color is fantastic and I don't actually own a fuchsia lipstick (and notice the carousel horse detail printed on it!), there are elephants on the tube. That is, unabashedly, my real reason for buying it.

Paul & Joe Spring is already available online at beautyhabit.com. Alternatively, you could give my friend Alex Runciman who works at the P&J counter a call at 212.872.8648. I swatched and purchased the above at Bergdorf Goodman.

Skincare of the Moment

Now that I've reached the end of my Tatcha skincare (sob), I've had to dig around my stash to find replacements. A few products that are in my current rotation:

Natura Bisse Tolerance Toner – Smells wonderful. I don't actually know if it is "skin fortifying" because my skin doesn't really have that concern yet, but I love the extra burst of moisture it delivers anyway. When this runs out I may try another NB toner.

Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist – Sometimes I use this in lieu of the toner. For my original review, see here.

Guerlain Super Aqua-Serum – I've had this bottle for so long. If you look now, the company has actually reformulated and repackaged this line. The serum is pretty awesome. I apply this religiously over my face, concentrating on my nose so as to avoid dry, peeling skin. It's worked!

Paul & Joe Moisture Lotion N – I used to believe having sufficient moisture requires thick creams and this little lightweight lotion has proven me wrong. A little goes a long way since it's so watery, but I love how it feels on the skin afterward.

Diorsnow White Reveal Moisturizing UV Protection – (imagine Chandler from Friends) Can these product names BE any longer? This is my staple, though I may switch it when I run out because I realized this contains Octinoxate and I would like a 100% mineral sunscreen. I don't know if it matters, but this contains 19% Zinc Oxide. The ones I usually find are usually 5-10%. Does this mean it's more effective? I would love to hear opinions on this!

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate – I apply this on my neck, but on lazy nights/days I want a simpler routine I just use this as an all over face oil. Love the lavender scent.

Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment – Very emollient lip balm. I don't know if it helps with lip lines, but my lips definitely feel very soft the day after. Unfortunately, I do find Fresh lip balms can get a little too soft. One of my tubes broke from the base mid-use, but I managed to put it back in and resume usage.

Haus of Gloi Aether Pumpkin Butter – I have to thank Kate for introducing this in one of her skincare posts. It's a pleasure to find new gems and this pot is basically a diamond mine of the best skin ever. My legs are so smooth I can't stop touching it. I'm going to order this in bulk when this pot is done, skincare ban be damned.

Ambre Extra Nourishing Body Moisturiser – I'm starting to realize I should go full indie on body care products because this little bottle of oil does wonders for dry, cracked skin. I could use it all over, but I usually apply this to my poor feet and it soothes cracks, dried cuticles, and turns something that resembles chicken feet into well, a human's.

Full disclosure: This entry contains sample products sent by PR or the manufacturer for editorial consideration.

Paul & Joe Holiday 2012: Make Up Collection Frozen Lilac 001

I'm not going to lie. When I first heard about the theme of the Paul & Joe Holiday Make Up Collection Set, my reaction was "you've got to be joking." I don't know why I found cats and turtle doves perfectly acceptable, but unicorns?

It's a good thing as a dedicated beauty blogger I don't usually knock things until I try them. I think people - including me - underestimate how good Paul & Joe products can be because they look cute.

The Frozen Lilac 001 set includes a translucent powder and a creamy cheek powder. I didn't swatch the translucent powder because it wouldn't be visible on the skin. The rose-hued creamy cheek powder may be confusingly named because it definitely belongs under the cream category. When I first tried it, I actually said "this feels dimethicone-y" aloud – it feels smooth and dry, but goes on and blends into the skin with little effort. The blush stayed on strong for at least six hours and slowly fades to a very bare flush. In case this isn't clear: I love it.

I wore it with Tarte LipSurgence in Escape (swatched here) and SmolderEYES in Gold (application method here) under my glasses!

Paul & Joe Holiday Make Up Collection Frozen Lilac 001 retails for $65 and is available at Beautyhabit.com and Bergdorf Goodman. If you would like to call to order, you can try Caroline or Alex at 212.872.8648. Let them know I sent you!

Full disclosure: This entry contains product(s) sent by the PR or manufacturer for editorial consideration.

Paul & Joe Color Powder CS in Inseparables

I've revisited the Paul & Joe counter many times since I first wrote up their fall collection (link here), and it is a testament to my recent exercise in restraint that I caved for only one of the Color Powder CS, in Inseparables. 

Doesn't that swatch picture surprise you? When I first saw the color I didn't think I could pull it off at all. I thought it would turn out to be a light peach-apricot, but when combined the blush became coral. Not all corals look good on me, but this one does its job wonderfully.

Eyes: Suqqu Kakitsubata; Lips: RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Rapture

Inseparables is super pigmented. I suggest a light hand when picking up the color, otherwise you'll spend a lot of time blending it out on your cheeks. I can't reliably comment on wear time since I'm a serial face toucher, but from what I remember most of it stayed on throughout the day. 

For your own, contact Caroline or Alex at the Paul & Joe counter at Bergdorf Goodman. 212.872.8648. Paul & Joe is also available at Beauty Habit. 

Paul & Joe Lipstick Refill in #304

Brides (I suppose I mean girls, but I'm surrounded by friends who are going to be brides lately) who want to sport a red lip, consider investing in the new full coverage Paul & Joe Lipstick (see here for the entire line). It is the longest wearing red lipstick I've ever tried – eight hours and going with no food and drink, no fading whatsoever – that actually feels moisturizing. 

The components of the new lipsticks are sold separately, so you can choose to purchase a holder or have them in just bullets. While I think the latter's possible (they include a dubious-looking plastic cap thing), I suppose it's not encouraged. 

When attached, the bullet wobbles around a little, but not enough to make me think it's not secure. 

In this post I am wearing the Lipstick Refill in #304, a blue pink-leaning red. Trust me when I say it stains as long as it wears. I wore it last night and tried to take it off with the oil cleansing method, followed by the regular makeup remover method, and finally just rubbing with a napkin, then promptly gave up. This morning my lips are still slightly stained. But for a lipstick that will last through an important event without feathering and bleeding? I guess it's worth it.

The product featured in this post was a gift from a press event

Upcoming Releases from Paul & Joe

Don't you just love really getting into a new brand? Recently I've been hanging around the Paul & Joe counter more often and have been surprised by the quality of their products at such a low price point. I'm now itching to try their skincare (from what I've seen so far, very moisturizing and chock full of hyaluronic acid) and would love to procure every single one of their boxed powders. 

I first previewed the Powder CS blushes in this post. They are super pigmented and long lasting, and to my recollection feature no scent. It comes with a tiny brush, but I can see myself chucking that into the bin immediately. Packaging-wise, my favorite is the geometric print but the blush in the pelican case fits my skintone the best. The box powders retail for $30 each.

The new lipstick range comes in three finishes: Sheer, Natural, and Full Coverage. The Sheer lipsticks are basically lip balms (barely showed up on me), while the Natural ones are what other brands would call "sheer lipsticks." On the other hand, the Full Coverage lipsticks are crazy pigmented! I tried on #304 (a vibrant red) and it lasted without feathering for eight straight hours. Unfortunately, it was also staining. My lips were a few shades redder after complete removal and remained so into the next day. 

These are the lipstick holders you can place the bullets into. I think the third from the right is just genius on their part, considering the majority of beauty bloggers I know are cat fanatics. The holder retails for $5 while the lipsticks go for $17 (the old formula was $20).

This is how the lipstick looks slotted into a holder

In celebration of Paul & Joe's 10th Anniversary, the owner and creator of the brand Sophie Mechaly curated a makeup kit of essentials, titled the Love Story Makeup Collection. It is made up of a Pressed Powder Duo, Face Color, and five Eye Color sheets, and comes with a soft pouch.

As with all Paul & Joe items, the powders feature quite an amount of shimmer. I thought I wouldn't like it but they were beautiful and more understated when swatched. When combined, the blush is a peachy coral while the highlighter was shimmery white. I was skeptical about the Eye Sheets and told Alex (the SA) that they look like sample eye shadows. She said there is a fair amount of product in each sheet, but I'd personally treat it as a bonus feature rather than the raison d'être to buy this set (said reason, in my opinion, would be the pouch). 

The Love Story Makeup Collection will be available October 2012 at BeautyHabit.com and Bergdorf Goodman for $100. The fall lipsticks should be available in a couple of weeks, while I already spotted the lovebird blushes in store. If you need a contact or have any questions, Alex and Caroline of Bergdorf's Paul & Joe counter will be available to help you at 212.872.8648 and 212.872.2759.

As an aside, did you know I am now on Instagram? My username is messywands. I try to post adorable things and cupcakes on a regular basis. See you there!

Upcoming Fall Stuff: Paul & Joe and Le Métier de Beauté

A few days ago I asked on Facebook and Twitter what everyone's preference is regarding press releases and I received a unanimous "skip." I personally barely glance at press info when they're on a blog as well, though they're really useful when I need to fact-check for a post. That said, I still think these photos are probably worthwhile to post so you'll have an inkling of what's coming out for Le Métier de Beauté and Paul & Joe fall. 

Le Métier de Beauté

Cocoa Crazed nail collection

Four brown-toned polishes in:

• Cocoa Me Crazy – vanilla bean cream with cocoa flecks
• Hottie Choco-latte – creamy, shiny chocolate brown
• Cocoa Cabana – bodacious brown with a hit of shine
• Hot n’ Saucy – deep cocoa infused with cherry red under-tones

Breathless Kaleidoscope Lip Kit

Shade descriptions from top to bottom:

• Cinema - a velvety, ultra-rich true red
• Existential - sparkling mauve with rose effervescence
• Beau - deep berry crimson with matte finish 
• Celluloid - a glimmering, creamy flushed red

Nouvelle Vague Kaleidoscope Eye Kit, previewed here

On top of the regular fall collection, Le Métier de Beauté will once again collaborate with Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing to produce the Coromandel Collection, where they will debut a new matte Velvet Crème Lip Color.

The fall collection will roll out to counters nationwide mid-October.

Paul & Joe

Clutch your hearts because these are adorable. Paul & Joe, like many Japanese brands before it, is revamping the way you buy their lipsticks. Now you can customize your purchase by choosing your preferred case and a separate lipstick bullet ($17 each for the bullet alone), where you can pick the texture (comes in sheer, natural and full coverage) and color. 

Other fall offerings include what I call the lovebird blushes and limited edition lipstick shades:

Color Powder CS in True Love, Inseparables and Les Tourtereaux ($30 each)

Paul & Joe fall will be available at BeautyHabit.com and Bergdorf Goodman. The blushes are already listed on the site and sold at the BG counter. If you need a contact, my friends Caroline (212.872.8648) and Alex (212.872.2759) would love to help you!