Lisa Eldridge Velvet Morning Lipstick Review

Much hullabaloo (how oddly spelled is that word!) has been made about Lisa Eldridge's lipsticks that they usually sell out the first day of launch. I was fortunate enough to snag a few of the pink collection and all three of the red velvets. I haven't been able to find a pocket of time to swatch and photograph Velvet Ribbon and Velvet Jazz, but thought I'd show you how the fiery, orange-red Velvet Morning in time for her November 3rd pre-sale.



I've worn many a bright lipstick in my life, but this one took some getting used to. It's in-your-face vibrant and definitely the focal point of the look. I had to be quite careful not to get the color on anything (an odd twist in the mouth led to some transfer on my skin). As you can imagine, it stayed on and bright for hours.

Those with chronically dry lips (sigh) might want to know that the velvet lipsticks are not particularly moisturizing but not necessarily drying either. I've given up the fight when it comes to my lips ever not cracking or peeling, so I carry lip balm wherever I go. If you get the ones in a jar, you can apply it over lipstick to stave off the inevitable discomfort.

The best way to stay updated with Lisa Eldridge's new launches is through her newsletter. This shouldn't surprise anyone who follows Lisa, but she really doesn't spam your inbox with anything other than launch announcements. Add that to the multitudinous reasons why I love her.

Products used in this post:
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense in Medium Pink
Guerlain Multi-Perfecting Concealer in Medium Cool
THREE Dimensional Vision Eye Palette 03
THREE Mesmerizing Performance Eyeliner Pencil 10
Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara
Suqqu Pure Color Blush 10 Usumoya
Glossier Haloscope in Quartz (you can get $10 off as a new customer with this referral link)
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Morning Plush True Velvet Lipstick Colour

Every Tatcha Lipstick, Swatched

I've always had a soft spot for Tatcha because they were one of the first brands to ever support Messy Wands. Such was my love for them that I once reached out to the founder Vicky for a job, and though I've never worked for them directly, I did join the public relations agency that represented them, and happily they gave me the Tatcha account.

As you can probably guess, public relations is not my thing. However! I've never stopped loving the brand. While I've moved away from having an all Tatcha skincare routine (more out of a compulsive need for experimentation than anything), I usually still have one or two of their products in my lineup.

But today is not about skincare. It is another opportune moment to talk about lipsticks, the reason for which will be clear by the end of the post. I happen to be the fortunate owner of every single lipstick shade Tatcha ever made, which seems to mean that I'm duty bound to swatch them, especially when all but one, Peony Blossom, are still available on the website.

Left to Right: Twilight: A Cherry Blossom, Plum Blossom, Magnolia Bloom

First, let's talk texture. Tatcha maintained the same formula for all its lipsticks, varying only the colors. This is a fantastic thing, because it really is one of the most comfortable lipsticks I've worn. They're fragrance free, taste free, non-drying and has a buildable formula, which means you can wear them sheer or fully pigmented.

I swatched all six in one sitting, wiping each color off with a cotton pad doused with micellar water and applying a light layer of Tatcha lip balm in between color changes. Multiple lipstick posts aren't my favorite because my lips would be crying by the end, but being rigid about the balm application made this a breeze.

Cherry Blossom is my go-to nude pink, as you can see from the well worn bullet. I try to keep the diamond facets of Tatcha lipsticks intact as I'm using it, but one can only do so much. Plum Blossom is a nude that pulls the slightest cool plum, whereas Magnolia Bloom is a curious warm in-between red-pink.

Cherry Blossom Silk Lipstick

Plum Blossom Silk Lipstick

Magnolia Bloom Silk Lipstick

Left to Right: Peony Blossom, Beautyberry, Kyoto Red

Peony Blossom's brighter, more vibrant case always trips me up, because on lips it's a much lighter coral pink. Beautyberry is, as you might imagine, a true berry shade. I talked extensively about Kyoto Red in this post, so I won't repeat myself, but I giggle a little thinking about how all my photos used to be of the deer in headlights variety.

Peony Blossom Silk Lipstick

Beautyberry Silk Lipstick

Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick

From July 21 to 29, Tatcha is offering a free mini Plum Blossom with $100 purchase, mini Plum Blossom and Kyoto Red with $125 purchase, and mini Plum Blossom, Kyoto Red and Cherry Blossom with $150 purchase. Use code KISSES19 at checkout to redeem!

Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colours

I've never been one for celebrity beauty lines, but when Lisa Eldridge announced that she was making lipsticks I let out a squee. I missed the first True Velvet launch and was determined not to miss the summer pink collection, and was lucky to snag three out of four shades. Unfortunately but not surprisingly, they were completely sold out in a couple days. The good news however is that Lisa will be restocking the two Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colours, Love of My Life and Go Lightly this Wednesday, along with the OG True Velvets!

Lisa was mighty generous with the swatches on her website, but a few of her Instagram followers lamented the lack of Asian representation. I think it's difficult for her to try to capture her lipsticks on every skin tone, but since I own Love of My Life and Go Lightly, I thought I'd do a quick lip swatch for those who didn't get to purchase them the first go-round.

Top to bottom: Love of My Life, Go Lightly

Lisa describes the Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colours as semi sheer lipsticks that you can build up to full color if you so desire. In my photos below, you can see that her description is spot on. My lips are pretty pigmented (photo of my bare lips here) and the natural pink does peek through. For that reason, these lipsticks tend to look different on everyone. Lisa regrams her followers wearing her lipsticks and Go Lightly in particular is a chameleon, where it looks pinker or peachier depending on the person wearing it.

Wearing Love of My Life

Wearing Go Lightly

I forgot how the camera washes out your face and should have used a heavier hand, but I used the lipsticks on cheeks and lips in both photos. They double nicely as blushes! Love of My Life is a true neutral pink while Go Lightly leans peach.

The lipsticks are lightweight and have a silicone-y slip to them. They are taste and fragrance free, and wears well unless you eat or drink. In short, just about as well as you can expect from a semi sheer lipstick. The lipstick holder is a beautiful warm gold with magnetic closure, heavier than most lipstick holders made of plastic but lighter than say Guerlain Rouge G or Tatcha's range. If you like the colors, I won't hesitate to recommend it!

Lisa is restocking Love of My Life and Go Lightly, as well as her True Velvet Lipsticks this Wednesday on her website at 3pm UK time.


Products used in this post:
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Intense in Medium Pink
Guerlain Multi-Perfecting Concealer in Medium Cool
Clio Hitch Eye-King 002 Curling Mascara
Three Mesmerizing Performance Eyeliner Pencil #10
Addiction eyeshadows in Sandbar and Flash Back
Glossier Haloscope in Quartz (you can get $10 off as a new customer with this link)
Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour in Love of My Life and Go Lightly

Rouge Bunny Rouge Succulence of Dew Sheer Lipsticks

Sorry, I couldn't resist

I didn't know something was missing in my makeup drawer stash mountain until it magically showed up in the mail. I thought many of the lipsticks I owned were already pushing the limits of innovation, especially in terms of their amazing formulas (comfort, texture etc.). After all, I'm so picky with my lip products that I refuse to wear anything that's heavy, uncomfortable, or unnecessarily sheer (unless it explicitly functions as such, like tinted balms), yet I still own more lipstick than I can ever wear in my lifetime.

This is until I received the newly reformulated Rouge Bunny Rouge Succulence of Dew Sheer Lipstick, which completely changed my thinking of how good a lipstick could be. I'm actually thrown off by the naming, because as the images below show, these "sheer" lipsticks can be extremely pigmented. The formula is super moist but not in any danger of slipping and sliding all over your lips. No feathering, no scent, no heavy feeling. They're a downright pleasure to have on.

My only criticism is that the packaging picks up fingerprints like its life depended on it, but this should only matter to people who have to photograph it.

Jasmine-Weighted Air

Murmurings

Musings

Relish of Heaven

Perfume of His Gaze

Of the above, I was most intrigued by Perfume of His Gaze. The official brand description calls it a cool-toned rose taupe, which I never would have imagined as a lip color until I put it on. I think this could be the modern update of the 90s brown lipstick!

Rouge Bunny Rouge Succulence of Dew Sheer Lipsticks retail for $29 and are internationally available at rougebunnyrouge.com.

Products Used:
Shu Uemura Mechanical Brow Pencil
Guerlain Météorites Baby Glow in Clair 02
Clé de Peau Concealer in Ocher
Chantecaille Iridescent Eye Shade in Rose Gold
Rouge Bunny Rouge Long Lasting Eye Shadow in Eclipse Eagle
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
Three Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil 08
Guerlain Météorites Perles De Blush
Ellis Faas Glow Up
Rouge Bunny Rouge Succulence of Dew Sheer Lipsticks

Full disclosure: This entry contains sample product(s) sent by the brand for editorial consideration. This entry also contains affiliate links.

Tatcha Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick

I remember hearing whisperings of this since May last year, when Chloë Sevigny hit the Met Gala red carpet with a custom shade of bright red on her lips. It was made by Tatcha, Style.com reported, but only two were in existence. Since then, I've harbored hope that Tatcha would produce more of this brilliant lipstick. With Vicky's tendency toward perfection, I envisioned that the makeup she created would equal or rival those from my favorite Japanese brands.

That day came. The Tatcha Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick is a piece of art. The black and gold custom tube is hefty and substantial. I love that it opens and closes with a satisfying click, and only if you align the logos correctly. The tip of the bullet calls to mind the facets of a diamond, and after almost a month of wearing it, I can personally attest that it allows for a very precise application.

As you know, I have tested many lipsticks in my life. This one makes me, someone who has more reds than any other lip color I own, want to buy back ups for my back up. It's smooth and creamy and moisturizing and incredibly pigmented and lightweight and scentless and just gorgeous. The only other formula I love as much is the Creamy Glow Lipstick from Suqqu, but they erroneously and devastatingly discontinued most of the lineup a couple years ago. The lipstick is capable of lasting all day, with minimal touch-up required only after meals.

My father once told me that people who wear red are more confident because it's such a strong color. While I think my father had his own biased reasons for his belief (his wardrobe consists of red shirts in various shades), I don't think he's altogether wrong. Since most of my clothes are in monochromatic hues of black, blue, and gray, I like that through a little thing like lipstick, I am able to inject bright and dazzling color, maybe also a little strength, in my life.

Only a limited number of these lipsticks were made! The pre-order for the Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick will begin any day now, but the best way to ensure you'll be the first to know is by signing up for their mailing list. (Update: Here's the direct link to the pre-order!)

Products Used:
Shu Uemura Mechanical Brow Pencil
Shu Uemura Pressed Eye Shadow Refill M 864
Clé de Peau Concealer in Ocher
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
Three Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil 07
Guerlain Météorites Perles De Blush
Ellis Faas Glow Up
Tatcha Kyoto Red Red Lipstick

Full disclosure: This entry contains sample product(s) sent by the brand for editorial consideration. This entry also contains affiliate links.

OCC Lip Tar in Lydia

Confession: I haven't figured out a shooting setup at my new apartment, which is why the pictures you've been seeing have been more, uh, guerrila. The good thing is I scrambled to get the new iPhone when it came out, so my on-the-go snaps enjoy a (hopefully) crisper quality. Some pictures are better than no pictures, right?

Anyway, I seem to be very very late jumping on the bandwagon that is Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. Considering my penchant for mixing colors, this is very surprising. The first Lip Tar I had the pleasure to try is the one photographed above – Lydia. A darkroom plum according to OCC, a pinky mauve according to me. The formula is incredibly light, non-sticky, and fragrance free.

OCC Lip Tar comes in deceptively small tubes, as in you might think you got the short end of the stick until you realize that a little product truly goes a very long way. These things are pure pigment – I never apply anything more than a dab of color to my lips, otherwise I'll find very quickly that I've squeezed out too much.

Although each tube comes with a short-handled lip brush, I prefer to spread the color on my lips with a finger (produces a more natural finish) and then use the excess on my cheeks. This way, I get rosy blush and have a fuss-free way to clean my fingers (I had to say it!).

Without careful prep (primer + primer pencil), the darker OCC shades usually feather on me, but I'm happy to report that Lydia doesn't have the same effect. That said, while OCC is known for long-lasting color, Lydia fades within 3-4 hours on me. I suspect it's due to my application method more than anything.

OCC Lip Tar - Matte: Lydia retails for $18 and is available at Sephora and occmakeup.com.

Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Color in 325 Rouge Kiss

My dear friend and beauty editor extraordinaire Phillip Picardi (and literally the prettiest man I know) hosted a Guerlain event at Bergdorf Goodman yesterday, which was a perfect excuse for me to pop by and play with the new Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Colors.

Featured here is 325 Rouge Kiss, a coral red that surprisingly works on me (they usually pull too warm). The formula is slightly heavier and more emollient than the Rouge Automatique, and is definitely a lipstick you can "feel." It can be applied as a light stain or layered on for a full-coverage finish, as shown above. I've only had this for a day, but it's making a fantastic first impression.

While getting rid of stuff for my impending move (50% of my nail collection, tragically given away!), I stumbled across the dusky blue Rescue Beauty Lounge Forgotten Road and rushed to put it on. Have I told you how much I love in-between colors? My favorite ones make you just a little unsure what tone it is. Forgotten Road straddles blue and gray and looks like either depending on the light. How exciting!

Also, I have three new additions to my dainty ring collection! Accompanying the Catbird stalwarts are an Erica Weiner Infinity Ring and two pieces by Guenevere Rodriguez, all Brooklyn-based jewelers. If you are fortunate enough to live in Manhattan, Guenevere has a stall on weekends on Prince St between Mott & Mulberry. Prices at that location are significantly less than on the website.

Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Colors retail for $37 and are currently only available online at saks.com. I received mine as an event gift at Bergdorf Goodman.

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?

Ilia Beauty Tinted Lip Conditioner in Jump

Apparently, my summer is all about lips. Ilia Beauty Tinted Lip Conditioner in Jump is another good one for the sweaty season. The formula is lightweight and balm-like, with build-able pigment. If you apply just one layer, it provides a slight tint on your lips. Since I'm obviously a "go big or go home" person when it comes to lips (see past example), I applied Jump 3-4 times to get my lips to the true-to-bullet magenta hue in the picture above. It's always nice to know that you have the option for color!

For those who are unfamiliar with Ilia Beauty, it's frequently mentioned alongside other green beauty brands, such as RMS Beauty, Kjaer Weis, Kahina Giving Beauty, and Tata Harper. I was first introduced to it when I interned at Lifestyle Mirror. My beauty editor loved green products and tried to incorporate them in every story he could. MVPs of the brand include Polka Dots & Moonbeams Illuminator and the Multi-Stick, while I'm personally intrigued by the Lipstick Crayons. I guess I have a thing for crayon-style lip products.

Just so you know – even though I piled the color on my lips, the lipstick never felt heavy or like it was swimming around. Fantastic for summer, really.

Ilia Beauty Tinted Lip Conditioner in Jump retails for $26 at spiritbeautylounge.com.

Products Used:
Le Metiér de Beauté Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer Shade 1
Le Metiér de Beauté Peau Vierge Classic Flawless-Finish Liquid Foundation Shade 5
Shu Uemura Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Seal Brown
Suqqu Balancing Eyebrow Palette 01 Moss Green
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil 05
Le Metiér de Beauté Nouvelle Vague Kaleidoscope
Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara
Benefit Dandelion
Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer in Delicate Pink
Ilia Beauty Tinted Lip Conditioner in Jump
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

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

Liquid Lipsticks Done Right: Shiseido Lacquer Rouge

This past winter may have been long and harsh , but the (grudging) arrival of Spring means COLOR. Let's take a moment to rejoice, and to celebrate Shiseido's wise decision in expanding its Lacquer Rouge line.

L-R: RD320, PK425, VI324

I was gifted three of the new shades when I attended the launch months ago. RD320 is a coral red, PK425 is a cool candy pink, and VI324 is a bold violet.

The Shiseido Lacquer Rouge formula is lightweight and comfortable to wear. I estimate the wear at 4-6 hours, after which it fades marginally. What I like is it doesn't stain the lips even though it is long wearing, and even better, non-drying. It is also not sticky and has no fragrance. With the palatable price point, I'd say it's easily one of the best liquid lipsticks in the market and I couldn't recommend it enough.

For the difference in formula between Lacquer Rouge and Lacquer Gloss, shimmy on over to this post.

VI324

PK425

RD320

To break the monotony of "deer in headlight" photos, here's a smile instead. Enjoy the weekend ahead!

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge retails for $25 and is available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Shiseido.com.

Products Used:
Shu Uemura Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Seal Brown
Suqqu Balancing Eyebrow Palette 01 Moss Green
Suqqu Frame Fix Cream Foundation N 102
Le Metiér de Beauté Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer Shade 1
Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer in Delicate Pink
Guerlain Crazy Paris Meteorites Radiance Powder Compact (Holiday 2013)
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil 08
Le Metiér de Beauté Nouvelle Vague Kaleidoscope
Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara
Look 1: Burberry Earthy Blush / Shiseido Lacquer Rouge VI324
Look 2: Addiction Cheek Polish in Rose Bar / Shiseido Lacquer Rouge PK425
Look 3: Addiction Cheek Polish in Fresh / Shiseido Lacquer Rouge RD320

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

Two Purples from Shiseido

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge VI324

Did you know my favorite color throughout my adolescent years was purple? I gradually moved on to maroon, then white, to refusing to name just one shade, but I will always have a soft spot for mixing red and blue.

I'm not sure what reignited my fervor in purple, but it is all I want to put on my face now (a stroll through Saks last weekend yielded an arm full of purple swatches). For eyes, I've been revisiting this Rouge Bunny Rouge trio; for cheeks, Clinique Plum Pop. For lips, two shades in particular have snuck into my rotation of products: Shiseido Lacquer Rouge VI324 and Shiseido Lacquer Gloss RS306.

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge VI324

Lacquer Rouge VI324 is, I quote the Sephora description, a bold and sexy violet. No sparkles. Lacquer Gloss RS306 is violet with a tinge of rose. Also no sparkles.

The biggest difference between the Lacquer Rouge and Lacquer Gloss formula is the amount of shine you get from the products. Obviously, the latter is wetter. While it makes sense that Lacquer Rouge would have more coverage, don't write off Lacquer Gloss either. The first layer goes on semi-sheer, but two layers yield some mighty pigment. I prefer the Lacquer Gloss formula because it's lighter and feels more comfortable on my lips, and it's arguably more pliable.

Shiseido Lacquer Gloss RS306

Shiseido Lacquer Gloss RS306

Along with color, I'm rediscovering other old favorites, like Burberry Earthy Blush used above. Many lighting setups ago, I called it my go-to contour shade. While I no longer sculpt with Earthy (well, I no longer sculpt, period), I find it to be a great barely there blush that accentuates my bone structure just so.

Also, I'm really digging the smudged out cat-eye look lately. So simple and quick, but makes me look infinitely more made up.

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge and Lacquer Gloss retail for $25. They are available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Shiseido.com.

Products Used:
Shu Uemura Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Seal Brown
Suqqu Balancing Eyebrow Palette 01 Moss Green
Suqqu Frame Fix Cream Foundation N 102
Le Metiér de Beauté Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer Shade 1
Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer in Delicate Pink
Guerlain Crazy Paris Meteorites Radiance Powder Compact (Holiday 2013)
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil 08
Le Metiér de Beauté Nouvelle Vague Kaleidoscope
Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara
Burberry Earthy Blush
Shiseido Lacquer Rouge VI324
Shiseido Lacquer Gloss RS306

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