Rouge A Levres - Lipstick Swatchfest

Howdy? I noticed that recently, I have only been doing swatches and reviews  mostly on blushes so this time, I decided to swatch my very minimal lipstick collection together with a couple more lip products. I will also be including a very brief review and/or description of each product so I can give you an idea on how they work for me. I would like to apologize for the lines on the pictures, my camera, I think, is busted. On to the mini swatch fest.

1. Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Chamade - This is a reddish-pink shade that looks quite similar to MAC Sheen Supreme Ultra Darling on my lips. It's applies very smoothly, glides like butter, and never drying on my lips. It leaves a nice light stain on my lips after a few hours with sips and chews in between. Can be applied sheer or layered for a more opaque and bright colour. Mildly scented. Plus I love the sleek packaging.

2. Guerlain Kiss Kiss Stick Gloss in Corail des Mers - If I want something lighter that will look pretty natural on my lips, this is the one I swipe on 'em. It is glossy on its own and goes on smoothly on the lips. It initially looks a bright coral-pink but it turns to a peachy-pink shade after a while. Has a strong scent that I sometimes cannot tolerate.


3. YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Rose Dahlia - This is the shade I go for when I feel like my skin's dull due to lack of sleep and this immediately brightens up my face. It is a lovely coral-pink shade that is opaque which leaves a pretty stain on the lips. Lasts for a few hours too just like Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Chamade. Has a strong rose scent too that my sense of smell has gotten accustomed to.



4. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in Coral Fauve - My latest acquisition. Lately, I have been into tints and stains as they last longer on my skin and lips so I decided I should give this a try. It is a non-sticky gloss with a reddish coral tint that lasts for hours. It leaves a stain behind even with the gloss going kaput. It is a bright coral-pink upon application but it turns red-coral on me. And if I apply a second coat, the color is intensified making it look red on me. It also amazes me how non-drying it is. Now I love it and I want a pink shade - 15 or 13, perhaps. Sadly, the brand has pulled out and is no longer locally available. Why, Rustan's, why?!!!!!!


5. Chanel Rouge Allure in Comedia - As my very first high end lipstick, this has earned a spot in my heart. The very sleek and classy packaging got me at first glance. The shade is a nice rosy pink-peach shade with nice flecks of gold shimmer that is very fine, giving the lips a certain sheen. It also lasts a couple of hours on my and does not dry my lips either.

6. MAC Sheen Supreme in Ultra Darling - Pardon the different lip pose for this swatch. Anyway, this is a reddish-pink shade just like Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Chamade with a glossy and shiny finish. It also does not dry out my lips and lasts for a few hours. Smells like vanilla too.
 

7. Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti - I don't know how this particular lippy made it to this date as this has already melted and I can no longer apply it without a lip brush. As the name suggests, it is a lip butter which also melts as quick as butters do when it's hot. While I love the shade and its longevity, it dries my lips. Not happy with this product at all.

8. Model's Own Lip Balm in Tangerine - I love this tinted lip balm and has been my go-to lippy for months now. This is a verrry pigmented tinted lip balm that keeps my lips moisturized through out the day. Shade is red-orange that smells fruity and juicy but can be sheered out by applying very little product on the lips. I also love how long lasting it is and has the ability to brighten my face. And quite inexpensive too, just not locally available. Dang!

 9. Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate - When I want to wear a tinted lip balm that isn't as bright as Model's Own Lip Balm in Tangerine and more natural looking, this is what I dab on my lips. It is a sheer coral-pink shade that is moisturizing with a scent I like too.


10. Sleek Pout Polish in Powder Pink - I received this product from Updated Trends third quarter of last year. This is a sheer candy/baby pink shade that can make me look pale on its own so I usually use this as a base for other lip products or as a gloss on top of a brighter shade to tone it down. This isn't drying and I like how glossy it is.

No lip swatch:

11. Caudalie Paris Lip Conditioner - I don't think there is a point to swatch this since it doesn't have any tint at all. This lip balm rescues my lips from wind burns and when my lips get very dry. I usually apply this before bed time to hydrate my lips and I wake up to softer smoother lips that are less drier than the night before. It has a strong vanilla scent so I do not use this on a regular basis.

12. DLE Cosmetics Light Up Gloss in Pink Fetisssh - see my review HERE.

13. DLE Cosmetics Light Up Gloss in Jess Barely - This is a very basic lip gloss with fancy light up packaging that allows you to apply it even in the dark. It also has a small mirror on the side so it's pretty great for touch ups. It isn't that sticky which is nice. Shade is a very sheer almost translucent pink with shimmers perfect to be used on top of lipsticks.

So that about sums up my lipsticks and other tinted/lip balms. I hope you find something useful on this post.

Have a wonderful weekend, super awesome peeps! Stay tuned for another scheduled post tomorrow! :D

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: CHANEL Joues Contraste in Narcisse 44 Product Review

"Narcisse" in French is Narcissus (Greek mythology) - the handsome young man who fell in love with his own reflection and was turned to a flower. 

Well, I don't think I'd turn to a flower for falling in love with this blush the first time I swatched this and applied this on my cheeks. Tonight I will be reviewing one of my favorite blushes at the moment and has been for a few months now which is Chanel Joues Contraste in 44 Narcisse.

What I like:

• The compact, as usual, is sleek and elegant which has been the trademark of Chanel for decades now. 
• The shade, Narcisse is a very pretty delicate candy pink shade that gives a nice subtle glow and sheen on the skin. I have read reviews about it not showing up on those with medium-dark skin tones but it is enough to show up on me and I am a MAC NC25. I just need to swirl my brush on the pan twice and it picks up enough color for my cheeks. I used to call JCs "kaskas blushes" because I have to swirl the brush a lot of times with my previous one just to pick up color but this shade proves otherwise.
• It comes with a nice velvet pouch which keeps the fingerprint-and-dirt-magnet compact from accumulating a lot of dirt. 
• It has a faint rose scent which, I think, my sense of smell is accustomed to since this isn't my first JC (see Tea Rose review here).
• It doesn't mimic the natural color my cheeks have when I blush but this one brightens my face and this started my love affair with pink shades.
• It stays on my skin for at least 4 hours which isn't bad considering the skin type I have.
• No allergic reactions from it, no break outs either.
• Has a shelf life of 18 months (which I honestly think is longer than that period).
• 4g of products lasts a verrrrrry long time and I mean it. You'll barely make a dent even if you've been using it for months, I dare you.
• Locally available at Chanel Counters and Duty Free (where you can get it cheaper).

What I don't like:

• The compact, while sleek and classy is such a dirt and fingerprint magnet. I have to wipe it clean every time I use this because a dirty compact isn't a pretty sight.
• Expensive for Php 2350 at Rustan's but I guess all the things I like about it makes it worth every single cent.

Overall rating: A whopping 5/5! I can forgive the compact being a dirt and fingerprint magnet because of the shade and how it works for me as a blush.

Will I buy again? No doubt about it! :)

Up-close

Swatch

Compared with Burberry Light Glow Blush in Peony.
They look a bit similar but Peony is warmer.

Have you tried Chanel blushes? What's your favorite shade?

Have a great week ahead, super awesome peeps! :)

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stain in Liquid Kiss Product Review

How's Monday, guys? Start of another workweek and perhaps a stressful one but let's welcome it with a smile instead. Anyway, I will do my best to keep this blog updated as often as I can. I don't want to make a blogging schedule as that would make me feel like this is a chore and might add more to the burn out I am experiencing at the moment. So in my attempt to keep this updated, I am reviewing another non-powder blush which is a lip & cheek tint. I am not the type who likes using tints as I never got the hang of applying it on my cheeks and when used on the lips, they just disappear or settle on my lip lines which I'm telling you isn't a pretty sight. Okay, I won't prolong the agony and make reading this entry a pain with my blabbing so here's the review for the Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stain in Liquid Kiss which is one of the products I got from Apothica.

 

What I like:

• The packaging is very simple. It's in a slim, black smoked glass tube that doesn't take a lot of space in one's makeup bag. 
• The shade Liquid Kiss is a nice reddish tint with a hint of brown, almost close to being brick red. It looks natural on the cheeks. 
• It does not have an awful taste like one of the tints I own with the brand name I'd rather with hold. 
• Tint lasts for hours. I road tested it and it lasted for at least 5 hours on my cheeks but less on my lips.
• Pigmentation is good.
• Didn't dry out my lips.
• I did not get any allergic reaction from it (I usually experience such within the day).
• I think it is fairly priced at $22.30 for 7.5mL of product at Apothica and sadly, Sephora no longer carries this product.

What I don't like:

• It looks unnaturally dark on my lips even when applied very sparingly which isn't the tint's fault. My preference. 
• It settles on the dry patches or spots on my cheeks no matter how much I moisturize that area and blend it as fast as I can.
• It oxidizes. I think almost everything oxidizes on me. Bah!
• Not locally available.

Overall rating: 4/5 I still gave it a 4 because it is more than decent as a lip & cheek tint. I'm just probably not meant to use tints because I just can't seem to apply it right. This just doesn't work for me. A lot of girls like it though.

Will I buy again? Probably not. I prefer the likes of Benefit Posietint and Becca Beach Tints due to the consistency of the product.

Other: The tube isn't full at all even when it's new so don't be surprised and panic that the product might have leaked the moment you get your hands on this product. Also, when I removed the swatch from my arm, I noticed it left a dark stain that's somewhat close to being black or gray. I wonder why it looked like that.

Have you tried Vincent Longo products? What would you recommend?

Have a great Tuesday tomorrow, super awesome peeps! :)

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Majolica Majorca Creme de Cheek in PK 312 Shell Pink Cream Product Review

How's your Sunday, everyone? Mine's a pretty lazy one as I had to rest the whole day (and yesterday too) due to fever and to somehow make this day productive, I decided to post a review of one of my non-powder blushes and that is the Majolica Majorca Creme de Cheek in PK 312 Shell Pink Cream. So without any further delays or ramblings, here is my review of the said product.

 

What I like:

• The shade PK 312 or Shell Pink Cream is a really pretty medium pink with just a very tiny hint of peach. I do not think it is that close to being shell pink which is a tad more lighter but nevertheless still a pretty shade.
• Though it is housed in a nail polish bottle very reminiscent of polishes from the Korean brand Etude House, I think it's still somewhat practical as its size, being small that it is, can easily fit even in small purses. The good thing, though, is that it doesn't leak.
• Texture is nice. From kinda watery that dries to a very creamy velvety finish that I find easy to blend.
• Does not have any distracting scent at all.
• I can truly say that with this blush, a little goes a long way. I only need a dot on my finger and rub it with another then apply on both cheeks. One small dot is enough for both cheeks.
• Pigmented and lasts more than 4 hours on my combination-oily skin.
• I did not experience any irritation or allergic reaction from this product.
• Reasonably priced at Php 495 for 5.4mL of goodness.
• Locally available at all Majolica Majorca counters.

What I don't like:

• If I don't use this for a couple of days and left it sitting on my train case, I notice that there is a transparent liquid that separates and floats atop the pigment. I have to shake it to make sure that they mix together. Not sure why that happens but at least the shaking doesn't need to be as rigorous as it has to be with Becca Beach Tint.
• Oxidizes and turns reddish quite a bit on me after a while.
• It sits on dry patches on my cheeks. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? I probably would if only it does not oxidize on me.

Have you tried this blush from Majolica Majorca? How do you find it?

Have a wonderful week ahead, super awesome peeps! :)

Cheers,

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The Rainbow Bridge - Furball and I

I never thought I'd be updating my blog this New Year's Day. I was planning to do it this coming weekend but a furry little friend of mine made me. Here's our short story...

Almost three weeks ago, I was on my way home from work and was waiting for an FX along P. Tuazon in Quezon City with my co-worker when we heard a tiny meow coming from somewhere near us. I couldn't ignore and looked back and I saw this seemingly newborn kitten already near a manhole, crying and meowing, probably scared because she's alone and her eyes are still closed. She had thick, white fur with two patches of gray on her hear. Such a cute little one. I couldn't leave her there to die so even if I knew it would upset my mom, I still brought her home. I had to help her live, she had to live.

I nursed and fed her, I found an old cosmetics box which I no longer use and made it her "room". She has two small pillows to play with and pink Pooh face towel as gifts to her from my niece. I made sure she was warm and well-fed and even brought her with me to work, much to the dismay of some bosses because I was attending to her when I was supposed to be working (Yeah, my bad, I know).

I felt so much joy when her eyes started to finally open. And every time her tiny paws reach for my finger like she was playing with me, I always tell her that she'll live 15 years and we'll grow old together. I was happy and have grown to love Furball. Oh, I named her Furball, by the way. I once again had a pet and I convinced my mom and aunt that I can keep her even though I have asthma.

Since the 30th, she has been a very sleepy kitten, easily falling asleep and meowing only when I stirred her up, then back to sleep. I still make her drink milk and she'd fall asleep right after. Then last night, just half an hour before midnight and New Year, she refused to drink milk and was very, very weak. She wouldn't move and just lie down, she won't even make a sound. I knew she was sick and had to keep her warm. I made a makeshift bed and blanket out of a small face towel and placed her beside me on my bed. I wake up every now and then to make sure she's alive. I woke up this morning to find her snuggled on my arm and was sleeping there. She seemed fine - she was once again meowing and was moving a lot. Then suddenly, she was weak again. I held her on my hand and realized how weak she really was and wouldn't move. Then she made a silent meow 3-4 times and pee'd and she's gone. I couldn't believe how quick that was.

I can't stop crying because I love that kitten, she has really found a spot in my heart. I don't know what else I could've done to save her and see her being the naughty kitten that she was. She's still in her "room" lying down because somehow, I am still hoping she's only asleep and will spring back to life. I still kiss her forehead and caress her but I know I'll never see those sweet, innocent eyes again. Never. So in an attempt to comfort myself because I have lost this cute little furball that came into my life a few weeks ago, I found a poem. A poem about pets and their carers reunited once again in the distant future. Who knows, maybe I'll see Furball together with all the other cats I had since I was a kid someday. I hope Tinkerbell, Cedie, Malikot, Kuting, Fluffy, Red, White, Black, and the others welcome her on her new home in heaven. :)

Here's the poem...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. 

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. 

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. 

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. 

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. 

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: ReveN Bath M Konjac Volcanic Stone Facial Sponge Product Review

How was your Halloween and long weekend, everyone? It has been a month since I last updated my blog. I thought I was already on my way back to regular blogging but I needed time to adjust to my new role in the organization I'm working at. And this blogging burn out has been going on for quite some time now. Nevertheless, I felt the need to not totally let this blog go so I'm back with a product review for ReveN Bath M Konjac Volcanic Stone Facial Sponge. I received this last August from Updated Trends and decided against reviewing it right away until I have fully tested whether it is effective or not and here it is.

*Made from 100% pure vegetable fiber, using the world most famous Jeju in Korea (registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site). Excellent for all skin types even those with hypersensitive skin.

• 100% Natural Sponge
• 100% Coloring and Addictive Free
• 100% Biodegradable
• Naturally Sustainable
• Outstanding Moisturizing
• Exfoliating
• Anti - Bacterial
• Minimize Pores
• Attract Abudance
• Naturally Sustainable
• Refresh the Skin

Better for your skin, better on the environment and better for babies too!

*Taken from Updated Trends

What I like:

• Initially, I thought this was good for "oily skin" but as it turns out, this is for those with sensitive skin. Turns out to work just fine because lately, my combination-oily skin has been experiencing hypersensitivity these past few months and most products made for oily skin proved to be a little harsh for me. This one is gentle enough and does not strip the moisture off my face.
• Paired with Cetaphil, this does not cause any irritation to my skin, leaving it soft and supple after cleansing.
• This gently exfoliates my skin and it looks radiant each time.
• Does not cause any allergic reaction to my face.
• I like that it is natural and biodegradable. See, the word "natural" sometimes make me take a step back before putting it anywhere near my face due to my less than pleasant experiences with such products but this did a fab job.
• One sponge is good for 3-4 months use. Mine is 3 months and a half old and is still usable.
• Locally available online for only Php 365.

What I don't like:

• I made the mistake of squeezing the water out of it just a little too much and the pointed part just literally crumbled on my hand. Now I cannot use that part and that happens to be my fave because the shape is just right for my nose. So please do not make the same mistake that I did. :(

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Will I buy again? Yes though I will try a different one. It'll turn 4 months by mid-November and I am definitely going to try the charcoal one which is for oily skin. I hope it won't be too harsh for my skin though.

Other: When I first opened it, I noticed that the sponge was damp. I don't know what to make of it but it was a bit weird but it does not have any bad smell at all. When dry, it can be really hard that its like a very lightweight stone.

Full size when damp.

Have you tried konjac sponges? How do you find it?

Have a great weekend, guys and gals! :)

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product received for review purposes but does not in any way affect my opinion on the said product.

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In the Limelight: NARS Blush in Gaiety Product Review

It has been a while since I last owned a NARS blush and I thought it was over for me and Francois NARS *yeah, yeah, dream on*. I developed an immense liking for sheer blushes and that caused my deviation from pigmented ones such as those from this brand. Anyway, it was on my birthday that I received a shade I never imagined would look nice on me which is Gaiety. Its strong blue tones scared me at first but boy this proved the saying "first impressions lasts" so wrong. Anyway, here's my review.

Gaiety is described as a bright candy pink shade on the NARS website.

What I like:

• NARS almost nailed it with the shade description that this is a bright candy pink shade. I would personally describe it as a blue-toned bubblegum pink though. It is very pretty. Although it looks kinda scary on the pan because of strong blue tones, it gives a nice flush on the cheeks and somewhat imparts a certain glow on the face.
• It isn't the most finely milled blush and it might seem chalky at first but it eventually blends very well on the skin.
• It has shimmers/sparkles but not visible on the cheeks which is good. You don't end up having glitter mess on your face.
• Unscented, which I have always adored about NARS blushes.
• Pigmented and a little goes a long way. Lasts for about 8 hours on my skin type though I am mostly in an air-conditioned area.
• Has a shelf life of 24 months or two years and with the intense pigmentation it has, it can last you longer than that.
• No allergic reactions, no break outs either.
• Locally available at NARS counters in Rustan's.

What I don't like:

• The compact has always been a con for me. As compact and sleek it looks, the rubber matte texture of it easily attracts dirt and gets sticky in the long run.
• May seem pricey for a mid-range brand but the quality and shelf like makes your Php 1450 worth it. 

Overall rating: 4.75/5 Such a gorgeous pink blush that pink blush lovers will love.

Will I buy again?  I might. One pan will certainly last a long time.

Have you tried NARS Gaiety? How do you find it?

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Canmake Creme Cheeks Blush in Peach Dream Product Review

Hey, guys! How are you doing? I told you I'm doing my best to regularly blog again so I am posting a review of another blush today. As most of you know by now, I have a certain fondness for Japanese cosmetics. I can't rave enough as to how impressive the quality of their products are even with drugstore brands. I was lemming a creme blush from Canmake, a Japanese drugstore brand, and it took me a while before I finally caved in and purchased and now, here is my review.

The shade I am reviewing is 01 Peach Dream.

What I like:

• The shade is a very pretty milky peach-pink shade. It somehow looks blue-based on my arm and cheeks.
• Texture is really soft, smooth, and creamy making it spread and blend easily on the skin.
• Unscented.
• Pigmented enough to show on extremely light to light skin but needs building up for medium-dark skin.
• Has not caused any irritation or allergic reaction on my skin.

What I don't like:

• It has glitters that seem like they have minds of their own because they go to different parts of my face. Beats me how they manage to do that on their own.
• Does not last even for an hour on my combination-oily skin type. Easily rubs off. Poor staying power.
• Pretty pricey for a drugstore brand and not locally available so you have to join pre-orders to get your hands on Canmake.
• Small and the packaging is flimsy.

Overall rating: 1.5/5 I think this is the lowest rating I have ever given a blush. That is how displeased and unhappy I am with this blush. Others may like it a lot but for a Japanese brand, I guess I expected a bit more from it.

Will I buy again?  No, not even other shades. I'd like to try their powder blushes though.

Have you tried blushes from Canmake? What would you recommend?

Have a great week, everyone! :)

Cheers,

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