NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review + Swatches

If you usually shy away from matte lip formulas because they tend to dry and chap your puckers, you might want to check out these NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams. The formula glides on smoothly and dries into a velvety soft, matte lip color. Has anyone noticed I have been in a matte lip kick lately? *puckers up*

"NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream straddles the line between lipstick and gloss with a creamy, lustrous formula and soft matte finish that exudes a sensual glow."

my small SMLC collection ^_^

Milan, Addis Ababa, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Monte Carlo

swatches:

Milan (rose pink), Addis Ababa (fuschia), Antwerp (coral), Amsterdam (coral-red), Monte Carlo (deep red)

+++ The Positive +++

◆ comfortable to wear, lips feels soft & pillowy

◆ easy to use, doe foot applicator

◆ lasts 4-5 hours on me

◆ not drying (but not moisturizing either)

◆ vibrant, opaque pigmentation

◆ affordable Php330 (approx. USD8) + shipping

◆ available through local sellers, got mine from Digital Traincase

--- The Negative ---

◆ may enhance lip lines

◆ incredibly addictive LOL :P

My favorites are Milan and Antwerp, they brighten up my NC30 complexion in an instant! Well, all of them do, but Milan and Antwerp are the easiest to wear for work color-wise. All I do is exfoliate my lips to provide a smooth canvas for the lip cream and it looks UH-mazing. Do you fancy matte lips like me?

kiss kiss! 

♡,

G

NARS Fall 2011: Haul and FOTD's

When given the time to play at makeup counters, I make the most out of it. I went to the NARS boutique yesterday intending to get 2 Multiples for my friend Vicky, but ended up with almost the entire fall collection. LOL. Story of my junkie life.

Ze haul:

*Please note that some of the items in the photo are for friends, okay thats just two, but still! haha. Please let me shake off some guilt :P

I got the popular Outremer eyeshadow single, Mascate & Montego Bay Pure Matte Lipsticks, Pago Pago Lipstick & Galion nail polish.

swatches for the lipsticks:

(top to bottom) Montego Bay, Mascate, Pago Pago

EOTD featuring Outremer:

Outremer surprised me as I thought I wouldn't be able to pull off the bright blue color, but a little blending with a golden champagne shade (Alhambra) tamed the brightness of the shadow, making it very wearable. 

Outremer on eyes, Beverly Hills Multiple on cheeks, Montego Bay on lips:

as you can see from afar Outremer looks almost smoky, here I asked MUA to pair it with Montego Bay, a rose-pink matte lipstick. This look makes Outremer more appropriate for a "day" look.

Outremer on eyes, Beverly Hills Multiple on cheeks, Mascate on lips:

sorry for the blurry photo, MUA has shaky hands. LOL. with this look, all I can say is WOW, I feel like the gal from Captain America with the matte, bold red lip! It made me look different and a tad more confident! wooo!

Outremer on eyes, Beverly Hills Multiple on cheeks, Pago Pago on lips:

If you don't find matte lips exciting, Pago Pago might be your pick, its an almost nude, sheer pink lip color with fine shimmer to provide that fabulous looking shine. The formula is moisturizing and lasted 5 hours on me, but I think it can go farther than that. I really do! TIP: Pago Pago looks beautiful layered on top of Montego Bay. It freshens it up and makes it more youthful.

for my Manila based lovelies, NARS will be having a consumer workshop for the Fall collection on the 8th of September, 4:00PM at the NARS boutique, Rustan's Makati. Please RSVP Armie @ 63.917.5118400 I won't be able to go but if you can, go enjoy and get some useful tips from the international MUA's! :)

I hope you enjoyed this post. Happy Monday! 

♡,

G

ps. Galion swatches/NOTD will be posted soon! ;)

Jill Stuart Sweet Lock, Brilliant Crown FOTD

Obviously, I am a sucker for Jill Stuart packaging. It brings out the kid in me, which is always fun. Here are some eye candy pics to enable you and for me to keep as remembrance, because I used them immediately after snapping up the photos. LOL

Mix Blush Compact 105 Sweet Lock (LE)

The limited edition blush compact turns into a soft and delicate mauve-ish rose combination on my skin, the shade is quite muted which works with the shimmery, smoky shades of Fall. It defines the cheekbones while giving it a gentle glow.

Prism Carat Eyes 101 Brilliant Crown

This bi-color eyeshadow contains a cream coral base and loose mossy green pigment packed with shimmer. I chose this combination as I find it sophisticated and the most neutral out of the 5 shades released. It gives off a brilliant and sparkly look.

101 Brilliant Crown Swatches

It was disappointing to see the coral cream shadow barely noticeable on my lids, but to be fair, it does a good job in brightening the lids and making the shimmer powder stay put.

Here are the products used for my FOTD:

Nanoce BB Moist Cream

Lunasol Micro-finish powder 02 Beige

MAC Prep + Prime (Medium)

Jill Stuart Mixed Blush 105 Sweet Lock - overspray is gone!

Jill Stuart Prism Carat Eyes 101 Brilliant Crown

Dollywink Liquid Eyeliner

Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Milan

Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil Hard 09 Seal Brown (not in photo)

EOTD:

a couple of tips on applying the shimmer powder: 

1) get the product from the cap for more control, dipping your brush/finger directly into the pot will make application messy.

2) Apply Prism Carat Eyes before base makeup, that way you can clean glitter fallout easily.

here's my FOTD:

I'm quite pleased that Sweet Lock and Brilliant Crown look nice when worn together, as the colors are complementing to each other. Playing with lip color also takes it up a notch, you can go for a nude lip to focus on your shimmering eyes or a soft rose shade for a sweet yet dazzling look. I am currently in love with the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Milan, the bright rose shade is just spot on for my complexion, and the matte lip looks oh so fabulous with the bling bling eyes! :)

Its such a fun look to sport! Sadly, I don't have anywhere to go to but the hardware and the clinic. Hahaha!

Have a lovely Tuesday lovely peeps!

♡,

G

Jill Stuart Fall 2011: Haul

Got a quick post for you today sweets! My Jill Stuart fall goods have finally landed into my hands and here's a group pic to enable those who are suckers for pretty packaging just like moi. ;)

aren't they gorge? I could play with them for hours. Please don't ask how old I am. LOL

Individual product reviews and swatches coming!

That's all, got to get back to work!

♡,

G

CHANEL Fall 2011: 525 Quartz, 529 Graphite, 531 Peridot

CHANEL's seasonal nail colour releases are always highly anticipated by nail-a-holics around the globe. Its because of the chic and unique shades they come up with every season and the smooth quality that only CHANEL can deliver. As the cliché goes, its always imitated, but never duplicated. You may find some dupes for popular shades, but you won't get the same quality for sure.

525 Quartz

Quartz looks like a pearly taupe with multi-colored shimmer and its the most sophisticated shade out of the 3. I find it really chic and understated, I'm surprised why a lot of bloggers choose to skip this while getting the other 2 shades. Probably because it's not limited edition and will be added to the permanent line of nail colours. FYI, this already sold out in our local counters. No word (as of writing) on when it is going to be restocked.

529 Graphite

Graphite is a silver-grey polish with silver and gold shimmer which has a greenish undertone in some angles and lighting. It looks really cool on short and square shaped nails. Perfect for those who dress up for the season. Graphite will surely match a lot of your "Fall" outfits. This shade is limited edition.

blurred photo to show the greenish duo chrome effect.

531 Peridot

Peridot is a gold/green (with a hint of blue) duo chrome, this the most popular shade out of the 3. This is limited edition.

I find all three shades flattering against my skin, and I'm happy I got them since they are all very wearable and fashionable for the upcoming fall season.

Do you like CHANEL's fall collection this year? I also purchased Illusion D'Ombre in Emerveille, swatch and review to follow. :)

Happy hump day!

♡,

G

The Untouchables

I believe all cosmetic fiends have a couple (or more) products we always plan to use but dont have the heart to dent or scratch that lovely overspray or embossed design. Usually its the limited edition blushers or eyeshadow palettes that I want to keep immaculate.

Here are my current untouchables:

Lunasol Summer 2010 LE eyeshadow palettes

Lunasol Summer 2011 LE eyeshadow palettes

lastly,

my precious Guerlain Blush G

*swoons*

need I explain more? :P What are your untouchables? I really want to know! C'mon, you know I'm not the only crazy gal one! ^_~

♡,

G

Gifted Goods

I recently received some love packs and gifts from blogger friends and like always, I want to document them by sharing them in posts. First package is from my dear friend Karen of CFbeauty. She only included cruelty-free cosmetics for me which I find very thoughtful and sweet :)

The Urban Decay shadows are all very interesting as bright matte shadows and loose pigments are both very new to me, its so exciting! She also picked up a Missha Perfect Cover BB cream for me which matches my skin tone beautifully! You are gifted Karen! *hugs*

I also have a group photo of my gifts from Jennifer of Lifeandlensofbeauty.

J didn't know I liked the FaceQ masks, so I was surprised she gifted me a couple of my favorite variants. The Soap & Glory day moisturizer is intriguing as I haven't tried anything from the brand although I've seen their counters in Hong Kong. I have so much new stuff to try, I think I'll use the LUSH Aqua Marina cleanser tonight! :)

So, am I spoiled or what? I love my blogger babes! You gals are the best!

♡,

G

Shu Uemura Portable Brush Set

Being a big fan of Shu Uemura brushes, I almost squealed in delight when I saw this set again at Temptation Hong Kong Duty Free (I skipped it the first time and regretted it). Boy did they name that store right! *winks* Now I have it and that makes me a very happy camper!

The 5 piece set contains 4 brushes + the zip-up leather case.

this is a lightweight set, which makes it perfect for traveling. It fits perfectly inside my cosmetic case.

The zip-up case has 1 spacious slot (left) for the face brush which can fit 2 more small/thin brushes (like my spooly) plus 3 smaller slots for the slender brushes.

top to bottom: eye / lip liner brush (sable), eyeshadow brush (sable), cheek brush (pony/squirrel) & face brush (goat)

All the brushes are soft to touch and have good quality unlike those flimsy ones which come with limited edition sets where the packaging lures you into buying it but end up realizing you were better off saving your money. *looks at Aya Takano* 

Everything in this set is functional, it has all the brushes I NEED when traveling. Well, add a spooly / screw type brush for my taming my brows and its perfect for me! I especially like the eyeshadow brush which is the best for applying Armani Eyes To Kill shadows. My only complaint would be the cheek/blush brush is too soft and small, but its alright, it still works. 

This set can only be purchased at Duty Free stores. I bought mine for HKD380 (approx. USD48 / Php2,080) which is a great deal for Shu Uemura quality. Be on the lookout when you're flying! :)

♡,

G

Ettusais Quick Fix Powder SPF10 PA++

Definitely an impulse buy, Ettusais' Quick Fix Powder is another mineral powder I picked up in Hong Kong during my cosmetics shopping spree with Jennifer. I already lost the receipt but I think this retails around HKD160+ (approx. Php900+) which is pretty practical for the packaging and the powder.

The Ettusais Quick Fix Powder compact mineral powder works like a mattifying powder that can be used during the day to combat shine and smooth out unevenness. The non-comedogenic formulation means it won’t clog pores and the Ettusais Quick Fix Powder also contains SPF 10 PA++ to protect your skin.

I fancy the white lace detail on the vibrant magenta compact. <3

the fluffy puff feels super soft and airy against the skin. I love it. *cuddles puff* I wish other brands would follow suit as it makes application/retouching enjoyable. *poof poof*

It only comes in 1 shade, which is supposedly translucent or 'natural color', but I find it has a tinge of yellowish tone in it which fits me nicely. It brightens and freshens up my face in a swipe. I have used it a couple of times and I'm surprised it hasn't broken me out since it contains mineral ingredients (not that I'm waiting for it). The SPF 10 is also an appreciated bonus. Even if its not as fine in texture as department store labels, its an effective product in terms of keeping the face shine-free. Definitely recommended for those with normal-oily skin. Otherwise it will only emphasize dryness on your skin.

As good as it is, I'm still on the look out for the perfect pressed powder to match my needs. (NC25-30 color match, has SPF, no mineral ingredient, non-comedogenic) What's your favorite pressed powder? Share & I'll check it out!  

♡,

G