Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Matte Lacquer Swatches

L-R: 501, 502, 503, 504, 200, 202, 300, 400, 401, 201

Thankfully, my swatches of the new Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Matte Lacquer are infinitely better compared to the Burberry ones. Apologies for the messy numbering. The lip glosses were scattered around the counter and I swatched it all before I was told that I missed #201.

I couldn't test these out at the counter because I had to go for a facial immediately after and the SA mentioned it was really staining. My impression based on swatching is that these are really creamy, equal to or better than the Guerlain Rouge G L'Extraits. Without trying it, I cannot say if it will be drying.

The Lip Maestros are now available online at Nordstrom. I swatched the above at Saks Fifth Avenue New York.

Burberry Eyeshadow Palette Swatches

I have guerrilla swatches of the new Burberry quads that are newly available at Saks Fifth Avenue New York (the quads were unsullied even!). Be forewarned that the lighting at this Burberry counter is, if you can believe it, worse than usual department store fare. I almost didn't want to post these, but many on Twitter have requested a look-see, so here we go.

The numbering of the quads threw me off a little. It appears that No. 04 is missing (or judging by the counter display, doesn't exist).

Smokey Grey No. 01

Mocha No. 02

Pale Nude No. 03

Dark Spice No. 05

Plum Pink No. 06

Pink Taupe No. 07

Smokey Grey consists of four cool greys, Mocha pulls very warm, Pale Nude barely showed up on my skin, Dark Spice was only slightly darker and was the patchiest of all the palettes, and Plum Pink reminded me of Turandot from Guerlain Holiday. Pink Taupe was my favorite because it was a less expected combination - neutral taupe, taupe green, rose pink, and plum brown.

As far as quality goes, the shadows in the quads are similar to the singles. It's soft, super pigmented (if you discount Pale Nude and Mocha) and buttery. From swatching, I feel like these will need a primer to stay on the eyelid.

These palettes are now available at Saks Fifth Avenue New York. To order your own, you can reach the Burberry counter at 212.940.2836.

Perm-anent Records

So I'm sure you've noticed by now that I've been in a makeup rut (thank you everyone, by the way, for your kind words and generally just not yelling at me about the lack of makeup-ness this past week). I've been trying hard to get back into it, but eyeshadow and lipstick just held no charm over me.

Man. Typing that felt like blasphemy.

Anyway, I'll work as hard as I can to get back on track next week. I've been enamored by all things Keira Knightley recently and there's this particular magazine editorial of her that I'm dying to emulate. As soon as I find the right berry lipstick, you'll see it on the blog.

For now, I offer you a fun fact about me. Two summers ago, I interned at an online publication called Tongue in Chic in Malaysia. For my last assignment, I covered the MTV World Stage press conference and concert. The performers that year were Bunkface (Malaysian band), Tokio Hotel, Wondergirls, and Katy Perry. At the press conference, all the artists took questions from the press and I was one of the many who had my hand up. Anyway, if you're so inclined, you can watch what happened from 6:38 (then ignore the actual question and answer process because it is utterly boring. I should have asked her to pick her top five lipsticks or something).

If you judge me for my unfortunate perm grow-out, I understand. Have a good weekend!

The Messy Wands Non-Guide to Makeup Organization

Because who am I kidding? I am a champ at organization at the work place or if it involves someone else's drawers, but my own stuff is hopelessly sprawled all over my room. That said, I've managed to create some semblance of order on my work/beauty table, and many have requested a peek after I posted the Instagram snap above, so here's a cursory glance at what constitutes my vanity.

The acrylic cases are from Muji. They're both of different heights. In retrospect, I should have just bought two of the 5-drawers since the taller one doesn't do much for me. One of my biggest concerns when it came to putting stuff in was how to maximize use of space while still making sure I can identify the lipsticks. The good thing is they don't roll around, so I can slot in three rows and still see their names on the bottom. For glosses, I leave it at two.

I bought the square 4-drawer version for my pencil-type stuff, and everything else that doesn't fit in the categories (neutrals+black+bases, skin+highlights, colors) is relegated to the cups.

Fun fact: I used to make my own boxes out of cardboard, glue, and cloth. The wooden ones were gifts from my sister. I arrange my palettes sideways and tape on the name of the product for easy identification.

I bought this beautiful wood and leather three-tier drawer at Levenger a long time ago. It was the best investment I've ever made. The second tier houses cheek products, while the third tier contain eyeshadows. I don't think placing my Le Métier de Beauté kaleidoscopes in there is necessarily the best way to use the space, but it'll do for now.

Depotting is also a good way to declutter and save space on the vanity, not to mention an oddly addictive pastime. I'm almost done with my first Z Palette and am contemplating a second one.

How do you organize your makeup? Share your tips in the comments section or upload a picture onto the Messy Wands Facebook page. I would love to have a peek at your vanity table too!

The Cucumber That Never Dries Up: Tatcha Deep Hydration Lifting Mask

I am unable to separate the idea and reality of the luxury that is the Tatcha Deep Hydration Lifting Mask - at $24 apiece, I cannot say whether it is truly better than the sheet masks I can get for less than $2 because price=luxury is quite firmly ingrained in my mind, but I can say having it on feels like having the most hydrating type of moisture ever sit on your face. I thought the sensation would dissipate with time, but thirty minutes in (instructions say to leave it on for fifteen) my skin was still soaking in what seems like a never-ending well of moisture, like an eternally moist giant slice of cucumber, if you will. Above all, it soothed the very raw area around my eyes I've been trying and failing to calm with eye cream.

When I reluctantly pulled the mask off, my cheeks were pink in the way that would suggest I came back from a hearty run [Edit: To clarify, this is not a scary pink that suggests inflammation of any sort. I am usually deathly pale, but for some reason after using the mask I look "healthy." Does this make sense?] I hate to marketspeak you, my dear readers, but I looked positively radiant. Unfortunately, the effects of all sheet masks are instantaneous but fleeting, so while you might experience better, happier skin for the next few hours, that's about it.

Ingredients:

The Tatcha Deep Hydration Lifting Mask is sold in a set of four packets for $95 at Tatcha.com. The price sets off exclamations in my mind, but truth be told, I would rather pay for this rather than a session at a spa. It's cheaper and delivers the same effects.

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

Sleep-savers: Lavender Essential Oils

image taken on Instagram. My username: messywands.

I had to wrestle with a lot of personal issues the past couple of days, and one of its side-effects was the inability to fall asleep. I'd toss and turn at night, unbidden images and thoughts invading my mind, when all I really wanted to do was to rest. I think it was after the third hour lying awake that I searched for my little vial of lavender essential oil and dabbed it on the sides of my forehead. I covered myself with my blanket and inhaled deeply, and before long - and thankfully - I awoke the next day.

I think the power of essential oils seem too good to be true until it's proven right. This other time, I had to do a sound recording at my internship but was so nervous that it showed in my voice. My editor passed me his vial of Hope Gillerman True Relaxation Stress Remedy to sniff, and instantly I felt calmer (seriously, my voice was ridiculously zen and perky after I inhaled). The one pictured above is from Young Living, which offers a variety of oils on its website. If you've ever felt frustrated and helpless about your inability to fall asleep, give it a try.

PS: Messy Wands is now officially messywands.com! If you're fond of the old blogspot URL, do not worry - it will automatically redirect you.

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.