Product Reviews

Vera Bradley Shakes Things Up With New Scents in the Mini Eau de Toilette Spray Set in Multi 2016

March 21st, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 7 Comments

The Vera Bradley Mini Eau de Toilette Spray Set in Multi 2016 ($48)

As I was going through my products before my recent move, I realized something.

I am a serious hoarder!

I had a lot of expired products, and even for the ones that didn’t have an expiration date, I still knew they were due to be discarded.

This was further proven when boyfriend was putting away the kitchen items and found, and I quote, “Tea from 2007. 2007 BABE!”

I just hate throwing things out, guys. Like the authentic Chinese black tea from my old neighbor who invited me over for a traditional tea and chit-chat after I asked to borrow a screwdriver to put together my roommate’s shoddy Ikea bed? That was only two years ago. Who cares if the box says 2007 on it!

Tea aside, I really needed to go through my products before this move, and when I got to my perfumes, I noticed that I had almost completely full bottles of Victoria Secret Body Mist, something I had been into for a while, circa 2009.

I was an especially loyal fan of Fresh & Clean, with the matching body lotion.

I knew they were old, but I wasn’t sure just how old until I opened them and detected something quite unlike the apples and lilies described on the label. Instead…they smelled mostly like alcohol. I hadn’t kept them in the best places. They were often housed on windowsills where they were exposed to sunlight.

So away they went, along with an old bottle of Calvin Klein for women that had also seen better days.

Despite the fact that, nowadays, I prefer body oils and lighter perfumes, I don’t turn my nose up at unique sets from established companies, which is why I was curious about the new Spring Mini Eau de Toilette Spray Set ($48) from Vera Bradley.

vera bradley, perfume, Eau de Toilette, perfume set, — From L-R: Appleberry Champagne, Cotton Flower, Macaroon Rose, and Vanilla Sea Salt.

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Dare to Go Bare With Rimmel “Essential Nude” Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate

March 18th, 2016 by Jessica Revitte 19 Comments

Is there anything more Kate Moss than a smoky eye and a nude lip? Rimmel’s collaboration with the iconic Brit supermodel has given us countless iconic shades of lipstick, but none more iconic than the Essential Nude Lasting Finish Lipsticks released for Spring 2016 ($5.79 each, available exclusively at Walmart).

From the soft peach packaging marked with Kate’s signature — equal parts modern and evocative of classic vintage lipstick tubes — to the chic range of 10 nudes in varying hues and undertones, all lipstick lovers are bound to find a nude lip to love.

Like Kate’s celebrity status, nude lips can be intimidating. Some may elect to gleefully experiment with all of the shades, while others may want to more carefully follow a playbook. Alas, I belong to the latter group.

Nude lipstick can be a bit of a challenge for me personally — finding the “right” shade can be overwhelming, like picking a foundation! Like all skin-toned products, there are things to consider, from the shade, to the undertone, and a whole host of other aspects from opacity to texture that make a nude lip perfect for an individual’s beautifully unique complexion.

What I love about this collection is the fact that Rimmel seized the opportunity to make nude lips more approachable. At $5.79 each, the Essential Nude Lasting Finish Lipsticks aren’t cost prohibitive, meaning that you can pick up several shades and experiment with them, or mix, match and layer to create a customized hue.

Each lipstick is tagged with an associated undertone (more on that in the captions), making it simpler to target your “my lips but better” shade.

On the other hand, the array of diverse nudes allows you to achieve a particular effect — brightening the overall complexion, adding dimension or adding warmth — should you choose to use your lips as a way to change the overall appearance of your makeup.

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The Best in Beauty From the Boot, Vol. 1: Diego Dalla Palma

March 18th, 2016 by Carolina Braina 19 Comments

If you were to ask me which beauty brand you should check out first on your next trip to Italy, without a doubt, I’d point you in the direction of Diego Dalla Palma.

Well, thinking about it, I’d actually ask about your taste and budget first, but based on my personal taste, that would definitely be the answer.

Diego Dalla Palma is a famous Italian makeup artist who launched his own cosmetic range in the late ‘70s. After starting off as a professional line, it has slowly but surely evolved into a mainstream high-end brand that can be found in most profumerie (beauty stores) and department stores across the country.

Diego Dalla Palma’s vast range includes everything from makeup to skin and hair care, which I’m sure can be a little overwhelming for someone exploring the brand for the first time. So, in case you ever find yourself in front of DDP’s mammoth display and have no clue where to start, today I’m sharing with you my five favorite products of the moment.

Powder Blush in 13 Orange Peach (€27.90/$30.30)

Aside from the virtually useless brush (unless you have a niece or daughter, in which case I’m sure she’ll know how to put it to good use), I love everything about this matte blush. It’s the perfect peachy shade; has just the right amount of pigment (as it’s not too sheer nor crazy pigmented); a smooth, finely milled texture and great wear time.

2 W.W. Mattifying Foundation (€33.90/$36.80)

About this foundation, let me get the not-so-good out of the way first. A) It has a distinct floral scent that I’m not a big fan of, but since it dissipates in a matter of minutes, I can personally live with it. B) As it happens with most (if not all) Italian foundations, the shade range doesn’t cater to the fairest or deepest skin tones.

OK, done. Now we can focus on what I LOVE about this product.

Look at the packaging! That sleek plastic tube with its highly efficient pump perfectly embodies the essence of Milan style. It’s practical and understatedly elegant. Isn’t it brilliant? I totally think it is, but in case you don’t give two hoots about packaging, you’ll be happy to know that what’s inside is even better.

Despite being formulated with combination/oily skin in mind, I think this foundation can actually suit a wider range of skin types, including normal and moderately dry — especially in the warmer months. It’s not excessively matte, doesn’t sink into pores and doesn’t emphasize fine lines or dry patches. It just looks like your skin — well, a perfected version of it.

Lip Pencil in 87 Orange (€18.90/$20.50)

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Power Colors! The Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Matte Sculpting Lipsticks

March 17th, 2016 by Nicole Fraser-Herron 41 Comments

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Matte — Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Matte in Commanding

I was having a tough morning today, and by the time I sat down to get ready for the day, I needed a serious pick-me-up.

I remembered that one of my favorite professors in school shared her secret to getting over her nerves and insecurities.

Lipstick.

She says that everyone has a power color, and hers is pink. Whenever she has to speak in front of large crowds or finds herself in a situation where she may be nervous, she wears hot pink lipstick.

She says it gives her an edge, a decent dose of sass, and reminds her to be herself, because you can’t cower down when you’re wearing a bold lip. You have to own it.

So, today I wore a fur coat and a bold lip, because I can. 🙂

My power color changes, but today I went with the Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Commanding ($30), because on these particularly rough days, I need a bullet.

Like, a lipstick bullet.

Liquid lipstick and glosses don’t hold the same figurative power for me as a classic bullet.

Also, the packaging. How can you feel down when you’re holding lipstick made from actual goddess magic in your hands? It’s simple yet substantial with an engraved lid and navy casing with gold accents.

They also close magnetically, which is so satisfying.

Putting this lipstick on even feels like a power move.

My lips are always moderately dry, so prepping them is crucial for me. When adequately conditioned, these lipsticks glide on evenly and last between 3-4 hours (with no lipliner!), even through light eating and drinking.

The formula is smooth and richly pigmented. It’s hard to mess up application with these guys. They have a subtle vanilla scent, too, which doesn’t last, and therefore doesn’t bother me.

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The Aveda Indian Sunset Collection: These Sunset Shades Go Together Well

March 16th, 2016 by Nicole Fraser-Herron 10 Comments

OK, as soon as I saw this collection, I knew it would be perfect for my friend Pearl. She and I went to art school together and have long since loved collaborating.

We basically just make pictures and push each other out of our comfort zones. She has impeccable style, and her makeup is usually just mascara and lipstick (if any at all). The limited edition Aveda Indian Sunset collection is perfect for gals like her who don’t generally wear bolder makeup but still want to experiment with some color.

Aveda Indian Sunset Collection — Aveda Nourish-Mint Sheer Mineral Lip Color in Sheer Clove $17, Nourish-Mint Lip Liner in Spring Rose $17, Petal Essence Single Eye Color in Desert Clay, Peach Nectar, Lilac Glow, and Amethyst Dawn $15, Petal Essence Face Accents in Tesserae and Apricot Whisper $24, Petal Essence Eye Definer in Violet Blossom and Sea Fern $17

The collection includes 11 new shades for eyes and lips, including four shadows — two purples and two orange shades. My favorites are Amethyst Dawn (a purple satin) and Desert Clay (a matte, earthy orange), which are the shades I used on Pearl’s lid and outer corner, respectively.
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The Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo Complete Care Lipshines for Smooth, Plump Lips and Brilliant Shine

March 16th, 2016 by Jessica Revitte 22 Comments

Smooth, creamy, glossy. When I think of what I look for in a lip product, these are the first three adjectives that come to mind. And oh, my gosh, you guys, that is exactly what the new Chanel Rouge Coco Stylos for Spring 2016 deliver.

I have always loved Chanel makeup, and the thrill of pulling out a product in that sleek black packaging with that eponymous double-C logo embossed in shiny crisp white never loses its appeal. That’s why I’m so excited that these easy to use and sleek little tubes of Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo Complete Care Lip Shine ($37 each) feel so good on my dry lips.

Chanel describes these lippies as having “the intensity of a lipstick, the shine of a lipgloss and the comfort of a lip balm,” and there truly has never been a more accurate product description. For a lip care formula, these Rouge Coco Stylos are incredibly pigmented and offer a pop of pigmentation perfect for spring.

On the other hand, they’re especially creamy and shiny — not unlike the brand’s much loved Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss formula — giving lips a plump appearance that I’m head over heels for.

”The intensity of a lipstick, the shine of a lipgloss and the comfort of a lip balm — all in one creamy yet lightweight formula. This innovative formula is enriched with nourishing Apple Seed Extract and hydrating Jojoba Oil and Coconut Oil. Silk Powder, Beeswax and special ingredients help visibly smooth, plump and add brilliant 3D shine to the lips. A spectrum of eight irresistible shades features pinks, reds, nudes and corals. In a convenient, twist-up ‘stylo’ form to write your colour signature.”

–chanel.com

An added plus? Fellow Francophones will note that Chanel has hidden a clever play on words in the product names. The line is called “Rouge Coco Stylo,” with “stylo” being the French word for “pen,” and each different shade is named after a type of writing — Conte (tale), Histoire (story), Recit (narration) and Script (script).

I love the little play on words. It’s sweet and oh, so Chanel.

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Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips: How to Make Liquid Lipstick Work…Finally!

March 15th, 2016 by Adia Goss 28 Comments

Matte liquid lipsticks have been super popular lately…because they’re great! They’re intensely pigmented and long-lasting, but my goodness, they can be drying! I’m always experimenting with different lip balms that I can wear underneath them, and I think I’ve finally found the perfect layering product.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion for Lips ($24) is basically like a serum for your lips. It has the most unique texture that soaks right in. Five seconds after applying it, it looks like it’s gone, but my lips feel way softer.

I thought I’d tried every lip balm under the sun (and, to be honest, they all seem really similar to me), so I didn’t expect this to be much different. But it is. It creates the perfect base for liquid lipsticks because of how thin it is while still being incredibly moisturizing.

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100% Pure Cosmetics, or Makeup to Feel Like a Jungle Princess

March 15th, 2016 by Nicole Fraser-Herron 19 Comments

100% Pure is an all-natural and cruelty-free cosmetic brand that’s also free of artificial colors, fragrances, synthetic chemical preservatives, and all other toxins. They were founded in Napa but are now based in Silicon Valley, so we’re basically neighbors (I live in Oakland).

Fruit Pigmented Pomegranate Oil Anti Aging Lipstick in Poppy ($28) is a bright classic red, very similar in color to Sephora’s Cream Lip Stain in Always Red. It makes me feel like I’m a jungle princess who makes her own lipstick from local berries.

I haven’t used it with a liner but have had zero signs of feathering. I don’t remember the last time I wore a lipstick that wasn’t matte, but I’ve been reaching for this one day in and day out because it smells absolutely divine and makes my lips look full. The formula is also moisturizing and fades evenly throughout the day. What more could you ask for?

Honorable mentions: Foxglove ($28) and Fig ($25). Foxglove is a good my-lips-but-better shade, and Fig is a mauve. The formula is consistent across every shade I’ve tried, and each color looks just as lovely as a stain and opaque color.

Big fan, big fan.

Using the Black Tea Long Last Liquid Eye Liner ($28) brings me great satisfaction. Not only is the packaging shiny and eye-catching, but the product itself is really exceptional. It’s pretty pigmented but did benefit from two coats on my eyelids. The pigment comes from crushed black tea leaves, how cool is that? Plus, it doesn’t make my eyes water and smells so wonderful (like tea). It’s marketed as water resistant, but I have a really hard time scrubbing swatches of it off of my arm. The staying power is incredible.

Honorable mention: Maracuja Mascara in Black Tea ($25). The mascara smells just like the eyeliner and doesn’t make my eyes water. I typically go for volumizing formulas over lengthening ones, so while this is a great lengthening mascara, I wouldn’t use it unless I was going to put on some falsies. If you have sensitive eyes and love lengthening mascaras, definitely give this one a go.

Luminating Créme in Starlight ($21) is a cream highlighter with a doe-foot applicator. The shade is a versatile white gold that creates a natural (but buildable) glow. I’ve been enjoying wearing it on its own and setting it with something like Lunch Money by Colourpop. On its own, it lasts on my skin all day long.

Fruit Pigmented Blush in Peach ($35) is a peachy shade that leans terracotta. The formula is silky smooth, blendable, and very pigmented. This shade is a staple, versatile shade that’s great for a healthy flush across a variety of skin tones. It lasts all day on my normal/combination skin, and the tin is totally adorable. A+.
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