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.

Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palettes

The new Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palettes remind me of paint by number kits. While it's not an exact science, the three-step approach does simplify the process of contouring your cheeks: darkest shade below your cheekbones, medium shade on the apples of your cheeks, and lightest shade above the cheekbones blending into the apples.

This is where I mean when I say "below the cheekbone"

Below will largely be #picspam because there's not much differentiation between the three palettes in terms of texture and formula. Defining Nectars is peachier than the other two, whereas I can barely detect a difference between Defining Roses and Defining Berries on my skin. I think Defining Roses is just slightly muted.

They're perhaps not as finely milled as some other blushes I own, but they're $10-20 cheaper and still do a fine job, in addition to the added benefit of reminding you that a little contrast in dark and light goes a long way.

Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Nectars


Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Berries


Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Roses

Pro tip: cheekbones are more prominent when you you look like a deer in headlights.

Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palettes retail for $21 and are available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Clinique.com (which also stocks two online exclusives)./

Products Used:
Shu Uemura Mechanical Brow Pencil
Guerlain Météorites Baby Glow in Medium 03
Clé de Peau Concealer in Ocher
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
Sisley Phyto 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quartet in Dream
Look 1 -
Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Nectars, Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Tinted Lip Balm in Candy
Look 2 -
Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Berries, Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Tinted Lip Balm in Chestnut
Look 3 -
Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Roses, Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Tinted Lip Balm in Coral

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

#TBT: Burberry Earthy Blush

Is it too late for a #tbt? Look at the pan action on this Burberry Earthy Blush. Considering that I've had this for over two years (see this post, two lighting setups ago!) I guess it's not much, but it's a lot more than all my other blushes! Seriously, how do beauty bloggers hit pan, ever?

There's nothing new I can say about it. In my opinion, Burberry blushes have some of the best textures in the market – finely milled, uber pigmented, lightly scented, housed in a beautiful compact with a great, usable (!) brush. My only wish is that they would come out with more cool-toned shades. Earthy is what I call my cheekbone shade.

Burberry Earthy Blush is mercifully part of the permanent edition line, retailing for $42 at Nordstrom.

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

Le Métier de Beauté Spring 2013: Pink Berry, Coral Rose, Pink-e Promise

By a stroke of good fortune (or what my editor at Lifestyle Mirror calls "suffering from brand loyalty"),  I acquired three of the five new lip products Le Métier de Beauté has in store for spring. My Muji drawer, previously fitting just the right amount of lip cremes, is now overfloweth. While I recognize that this isn't really a problem, it's kind of still a problem (to my organizational self).

Ah, petty complaints. On to the swatches!

L-R: Pink Berry Lip Creme, Coral Rose and Pink-e Promise Sheer Brilliance Lip Glosses

Pink Berry Lip Crème

In general, this spring's lip products are well named in that there's no guesswork involved on what color you're putting on your lips. There is no exact dupe of Pink Berry in the Le Métier de Beauté core line, but if you want me to make a comparison, I'd say it's the berry version of Fraise Creme.

According to The Ultimate Makeup, Pink Berry is the exact same shade as Cebu, which was previously exclusive to Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria (and sold out really quickly).

Coral Rose Sheer Brilliant Lip Gloss

This is me, suffering from deer in headlights face lethargy

Now this is a coral I can get behind! Just slightly pinked down and not overly warm. Great color for a nude summer look.

Pink-e Promise Sheer Brilliant Lip Gloss

I find the formula for this a little inconsistent to the name. Pink-e Promise is supposed to be a Sheer Brilliant Lip Gloss, which means it should be pigmented when swatched but barely show up when on the lips (hence "sheer"). I would have called it a lip crème based on the texture. Nevertheless, it's Barbie pink goodness in a tube.

Other Products Used:
Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge #2
Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Light
Le Métier de Beauté Eye Brightening and Setting Powder in Revive
Shu Uemura Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Seal Brown
Le Métier de Beauté Penelope Kaleidoscope
Lancome Khol in Love in Jade Crush
Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara
Tom Ford Narcissist Blush
Guerlain Meteorites Perles d'Azur

Jennifer Zeuner Mini Bar with Diamond Necklace

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.

Dior Fall 2012: Golden Savannah and Wild

It's a pity/blessing my Dior items came just after my Giorgio Armani and Chanel ones, because while you know I have much love for the brand, the two items I sampled from their fall collection are pretty, but relatively adequate. 

Swatched from darkest to lightest shade, under really strong direct sunlight

First, there's the '5 Couleurs' Eyeshadow Palette in 774 Golden Savannah. This is probably a personal affliction: I like the idea of khaki and jungle tones, but in reality they're not my strong suit. While I have to say Golden Savannah is perhaps the most flattering khaki palette I've ever worn, the effect pales in comparison to when I have GA ETK Intense #24 on.

 

L-R: Dior Wild, Chanel Troublant

Dior 'Addict' Lipstick in 646 Wild reminded me of a lighter, lipstick version of Chanel Troublant. While this might not be apparent from the product photo, the lipstick features little flecks of microshimmer. On my lips it comes off as a light, almost-my-lips rose with hints of plum.

Cheeks: Chanel Brumes d'Or

I can see it going well with fall eye stuff, or just as a MLBB shade, but you know, budgets and stuff. The Dior 'Addict' Lipstick formula is notoriously short-wearing, and I think it fades within three hours on me. Coupled with how close it is compared to Chanel Troublant when on the lips...

Sensibility is not my forte, so once again I implore you to help me decide. Try something else or stick with this? Is it really similar to Chanel Troublant?

Dior '5 Couleurs' Eyeshadow Palette in 774 Golden Savannah retails for $59 and Dior 'Addict' Lipstick in 646 Wild goes for $30, available at all Dior counters (but not Sephora).

Chanel Fall 2012: Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss 68 Troublant

The next few weeks promises to be a confusing time on Messy Wands. Fall collections are in (yay!) but the weather and I are remaining resolutely summery, so do expect vacillating coverage between both seasons. 

Chanel Troublant

L-R: Dior Addict Wild, Chanel Troublant

In my sneak peek to Chanel Fall, I described Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss 68 Troublant as My Lips in Fall and my personal must have. Now that I've had time to play with it for a few days, I still agree, though I wish the microshimmer we see in the swatch is more prominent on the lips. Troublant is a very grown-up gloss in that I feel like my mother wouldn't be opposed to wearing it, and I say this in the best possible way.

Cheeks: Chanel Rose Initiale; Eyes: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense 24

The color is a plum rose (I guess it's not as brown as I previously thought) and such an easy shade to pair with fall makeup. The only deterrent I can think of is that it's just slightly sticky (and when I say that I compare it to LMdB lip stuff, not say, MAC Lipglasses), but it makes the gloss last on and on – I took a nap with it on the first day and when I woke up it's still there. That said, if you're limited to only one thing from Chanel's fall collection, I do think Troublant should be it.

Ingredient list for those who need it:

(click to enlarge)

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss 68 Troublant retails for $32 and should be available at all counters. I purchased mine from Chanel.com.

Sneak Peek: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadows, Acqua Collection

While a few beauty brands are in the midst of rolling out fall collections (I know we're all tired of hearing this, but seriously, in July?!?), Giorgio Armani Beauty decided instead to release a capsule collection of just six Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadows and two eyeliners to tide us over before the big show. The eyeliners are run-of-the-mill black and brown, so I didn't swatch them, though I did purchase them.

L-R: 29 Rose Titanium, 28 Red Platine, 27 Oxidized Silver, 26 Carat Gold, 25 Rusted Gold, 24 Smokey Copper

These colors are true to the eye, though Rose Titanium is pinker and Rusted Gold has more multi-dimensional sparkle.

I don't remember if we already had the ETK Intense conversation on Messy Wands. My take is: great, unique formula, long lasting, amazing color choices, but by virtue of it being in a pot I just don't reach for it as much, and because of that I am now very wary of being drawn to any of them because of the seven I own that I have rarely, if ever, touched. That said (and this comes as a surprise), I find myself curiously attracted to Carat Gold. 

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadows retail for $32 and can be found on giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com and nordstrom.com.

Blushing Apples

As far as yesterday's post was about lips, I wanted to talk about cheeks as well (my friend Tracy nicknamed me Cheekz for good reason). Recently I haven't been doing the "pull into hairline" sort of cheek as much as the "dab at the apples" kind, largely because of my obsession with Robin's (Cobie Smulders) makeup in How I Met Your Mother, but we'll stay on topic for now.

Cheeks: Tarte Exposed

How I do it is I use my LMdB Cheek Brush and pick up a good amount of pigment, then press it onto the apples of my cheeks (remember the first point of contact between brush and skin deposits the greatest amount of pigment). From there, I sort of fluff and blend it out.

Eyes: Chantecaille Rose Gold; Cheeks: Chanel Tempting Beige

Of course, if you want to add a little extra something to the look (and it's daytime and totally not appropriate to be sparkling–you listening, Cullens?), try a non-glittery highlighter. In the pictures above I used Dior Airflash Primer, which works great as an opal highlighter as well. I really need to talk about that one day soon.

Swatches of the products in this post:

L-R: Chanel Tempting Beige, Tarte Exposed, Chantecaille Rose Gold

Chanel Tempting Beige is a lightly browned peach and my go-to peach cheek color. I think I've never been tempted (ha!) by any other peach blush because this one is just perfect for me. Tarte Exposed is a lightly browned muted rose.

Now, on to my current TV obsession. Have you watched How I Met Your Mother? I can't believe I waited this long to jump on that bandwagon (in a way, that's great since I could just smash straight through seven seasons). Every time Robin comes on screen I stare at her makeup because a) she's gorgeous, and b) she's made up very well. Her makeup artist applies her blush the above-mentioned way, and she always looks just the right amount of flushed.

Though not indicative in this picture

Did you know Cobie Smulders was also in the Avengers? I never knew till someone pointed out to me that she was Samuel L. Jackson's hot assistant.

Anyone else has the same ardent fondness for HIMYM? Or browned cheek products? Let's discuss!