Aqua Glitter Look: NYX Liquid Crystal Liner in Aqua and Gold Review & Swatches

Hello everyone! I did this quick look using one my my NYX Liquid crystal liners in Aqua. Since the color is on the blue spectrum I decided to add silver and the china doll eyeliner from Napoleon Perdis. 

Okay so here is a short review on these crystal liners...

What they are: "Just like our Studio Liquid Liner but infused with micro-glitter for a dose of razzle-dazzle. The fine tip allows for precision application, and can be used to create lines of varying thickness. Perfect for when you need to sparkle at a party, or for instant nighttime glitz. Available in 10 shades". NYX 

My Thoughts: One word to describe these, "awesome". I love how quickly these liners add sparkle to the look. I find that layering them on top of a black base allows the color and sparkle to appear more intense. I must admit I did not have high expectations on these lasting on the eyes but was pleasantly surprised. Once they set, they do not move. I plan on getting their silver shade and once I do a look will be posted.

Available at Ulta and NYX website

Aqua, Gold 

Products Used:

-NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk was used on the brow bone

-NYX Jumbo Pencil in Bronze was used above the crease as a transition color and to warm up the eye a bit

-MAC Blacktrack Fluidline was applied on the top lashline

-NYX Crystal Glitter Liner in Aqua was layered a couple times on the top lashline

-Napoleon Perdis China Doll Liner in Heaven on the lower lashine

-Milani Liquif'eye Liner in Silver 

-LORAC Multiplex 3D Lashes Mascara

I hope you like the look!

Do you have any other NYX product recommendations? Post them below :)

Tarina Tarantino Jewel Shadow Palette in Dreamy: Review, Swatches and Look

US $32.00

What it is: "A sparkly eye shadow palette that is like jewelry for your eyes".

Description of shades:

Top- is a mix of coppery and orange tones

Left- a white gold (great for highlighting) 

Right- a soft chocolate brown

Middle- a pale gold 

Bottom- a rich dark brown with bronze sparkles

My Verdict: This has been my first time trying Tarina Tarantino's eyeshadows. I have tried one other product from the brand; their Eye dream hyperliner in sparkling ammunition. Having been well impressed by their eyeliner I had high expectations with their jewel shadow palette. I am glad to say that the palette in dreamy did not disappoint. The packaging is really cute and eye-catching. An oval mirror is included, making it travel friendly. 

The palette includes 5 warm shadows. Looks can be coordinated for day and night depending on the placement of the shadows. All eyeshadows are highly pigmented, blend easily and have long staying power (on top of a base). The only shade that seems to give fallout is the darkest shade in the palette which also happens to be my favorite. It is one of the darkest and creamiest shades I have tried for lining the top lashline. I find that both the lightest shades (left and middle) are beautiful for all over the lid, the brow bone and the inner corners of the eyes. The chocolaty brown shade located on the right side is gorgeous on the crease for a soft look. I like that it does not have any red undertones (I have too many of those). The most interesting color in the palette is the coppery-orange shade. I have used it all over the lid and as a transition color which gave my look a feel of autumn. Overall, I am very satisfied with this palette. And although the shades may seem easily dupable I am most impressed by their quality and shimmery, jewel-like finish. 

Left, Middle, Top, Right & Bottom

 Look 1

Urban Decay Prime Potion

The pale gold shade in the middle was applied all over the lid

The white gold on the left was applied on the brow bone and inner corners of the eyes

The coppery-orange shade was placed above the crease as the transition color

The chocolaty brown on the right was applied on the crease

And the darkest shade on the bottom was used as liner on top of MAC Dipdown Fluidline

 Look 2

Urban Decay Primer Potion all over the lid

The middle shade was placed all over the lid

The left shade was applied on the brow bone and inner corners of the eyes

The right shade was used on the crease

And the darkest shade was used as an eyeliner on the top lashline

Urban Decay in Whiskey was placed on the waterline

Falsies are from E.L.F

Available at Sephora store and website

Thank you all for reading! And more reviews and looks are coming up ;))

MAC Blushes: Blunt and Margin Review, Swatches and Look

6 g/0.21 oz. 

US $20.00

A contour powder and a brightening blush powder:

What they are: MAC powder blushes are described as "colour for cheeks and face". Their wide range of formulas help create different looks. 

-Blunt is a "muted golden brown" with a matte finish

-Margin is a "peach with golden shimmer" with a frost finish 

Blunt and Margin

My Verdict: MAC has some of the best powder blushes I have tried. Their soft texture, pigmentation and the variety of colors and formulas they carry make their blushes a favorite to makeup artists and the public. Because Blunt has a matte finish, I do not use it as a blush. Instead I use this as a contour powder for defining the cheekbones and/or sculpting the face. One thing I will point out is that the description of the shade is deceiving. When blunt is swatched and applied on the skin, the color has a reddish undertone rather than golden. I personally do not mind that it is a bit red/brown because it does not make my face look muddy. For a finish that is matte, I have had no trouble blending the powder onto my face. 

           Okay, now on to Margin blush! Margin is among one of the popular blushes MAC carries. Many times I have heard people raving about Margin and how flattering it is on many skin tones. However, I always overlooked it when browsing their blushes in store. It wasn't until I asked one of their makeup artists to recommend me a blush I can pair with Blunt. She picked out Margin. After she applied both blushes and blended them I loved the way they looked together. Margin is a peach with golden shimmer and the frost finish flatters blunt's matte finish. 

Blunt and Margin on the cheeks

How-to use Blunt and Margin together: For a sculpted face I recommend using an angle face brush with Blunt. I use MAC 168 large angle contour brush. To locate your cheekbones just suck in your cheeks (do the fishy lips face) and apply blunt diagonally blending upward towards the hairline. Then apply your cheek blush on the apples of your cheeks. Begin on the apples of the cheeks and work the color upwards, blending it with your contour powder. 

Thanks for stopping by :))

Xx Anel

A Holy-Grail Product: Chanel Vitalumiere Moisture-Rich Radiance Makeup Review+ Photos

Chanel Vitalumiere Moisture-Rich Radiance Makeup Review & Before and After

                 Some may remember me saying that Chanel Vitalumiere is a foundation that I adore. Since the very first day it came home with me I was in love with its formula, quality of wear and packaging. I don't know why it has taken me this long to finally write a review on this foundation but here it is. I have tried other foundations that have given me great results but I always come back to Vitalumiere when I want my skin to look and feel fresh, natural and pretty.

What it is: 

"The ultimate solution to tired skin, the best-selling CHANEL foundation now instantly revitalizes the complexion upon application and throughout the day. The formula has been updated with new ingredients to specifically target dry, dull and uneven skin, and moisturizing agents to provide hydration and comfort. A marine extracts boosts cell energy to enhance radiance and light-reflecting pigments smooth away imperfections, creating a soft-focus effect. Creamy and luxuriously lightweight, this essential daily foundation blends effortlessly for perfectly smooth, even-tones , radiant skin". -CHANEL

My Verdict: 

A foundation so perfect on you should look like second skin; soft and natural.

The creamy and light texture makes this foundation perfect for daily use. The moisture-rich formulation allows for comfort wear throughout the day plus skin that looks radiant and luminous. If your skin is dry and dull, Vitalumiere will help give your skin life and rejuvenation. 

Just moisturizer on the face except the eyes

Only a pump of Vitalumiere has been applied

Finished look including concealer and setting powder

How-to apply Vitalumiere:  The best tools for this are your fingers. Using my fingers gives me control and helps me blend the foundation evenly into every area of my face. The creamy consistency really helps it blend easily and effortlessly. From time to time I will pick up my foundation brush and use it to apply Vitalumiere, but since brushes tend to absorb foundations quicker, using my fingers would be my first preference. The finish is dewy and fresh so I set it with a loose powder to keep the look soft and for longer-lasting results. 

Shade #50 Naturel

It's Best Qualities: 

• Moisturizing
• Creamy Lightweight feel on the skin
• Light-medium coverage
• Gives skin a soft-focus look
• A little goes a long way
• Blends like a dream
• Contains SPF 15
• Has a pump to dispense the product
• Smells like roses

It's Least Favorable Qualities:

• The steep price- $55.00/1 oz.
• Small color range: Only 8 shades available 

Check out this post on a Guide to Finding your Perfect Foundation:

http://blushtree.blogspot.com/2011/11/guide-to-finding-your-perfect.html

Thank you for reading! What is your favorite foundation?

A Look using Milani Lip Flash Glossy Pencils+ Review/Swatches

First Photo- Wearing Milani Lip Flash in News Flash

Second Photo-Wearing Milani Lip Flash in Photo Flash

 I decided to post this picture so you can see a before and after of the eye makeup

Products Used/Steps

Face:

-After moisturizing my face I applied a thin layer of Chanel Vitalumiere foundation

-Under the eyes I patted Bobbi Brown corrector and then a bit of Laura Mercier Secret Concealer 

-To set concealer and for a bit of a brightening effect I used a fluffy brush and Laura Mercier Secret Brightening powder

-Chanel natural loose powder was applied all over (except under the eyes) with a large powder brush

-Using a angle blush brush (MAC 168) I contoured with MAC Blunt Blush

-Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze was applied on the top of the cheekbones to highlight

Eyes:

-I filled in my brows using Milani Brow Kit 

-I began to prime and correct the lids with Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Buff (a shimmery/subtle champagne color)

-On the lids I patted MAC Shroom eyeshadow 

-On the brow bone and inner corners of the eyes I used the lightest strip of the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze

-Then taking my bent eyeliner brush I lined my eyes with E.L.F. cream liner in Midnight

-I coated my lashes once with Prestige My Biggest lashes Mascara

-Ardell Accent Falsies in #301 were applied

-LORAC Multiplex 3D Lashes mascara was used on the lower lashes

Lips:

-Milani Lip flash in News Flash 02

-Milani Lip Flash in Photo Flash 04 

 Now for the quick review on Milani's Lip Flash Full Coverage Glossy Lip Pencils

Both lip flashes are opaque and deliver full coverage wear. They contain glitter but I do not find them to be drying or feel uncomfortable on my lips . However, I do find that News flash is creamier and easier to apply than Photo Flash. This may be because the glitter is more obvious on Photo Flash. In terms of lasting power I find that both have a good average wear (2 + hours) before the color begins to wear off. Overall, I am very happy with these lip pencils because they are pigmented as a lipstick with a glossier and glittery finish that does not look cheap. 
Available at Target and drugstores/ $6-7.00 each 

Photo Flash 04 (left) News Flash 02 (right)

Thank you for reading and stopping by :)

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Color in Emotive #68 Review, Swatches and Look

0.12 oz

$32.50

          Rouge Allure in Emotive has been with me for a while now, but it wasn't until this morning that I decided to take it out and wear this bold shade. After remembering why this lipstick is so dear to me I was inspired to do a post on it.

What it is: "An instant icon, this luxurious lipstick formula combines lustrous color, sensational comfort and fabulous wear". -Chanel

Packaging: Chanel represents luxury and therefore their packaging is sophisticated and luxurious. Rouge Allure Lipsticks are incased in a black, slim tube. Unlike the typical packaging of a lipstick such as the Rouge Coco's, these will have you doing something new when opening the tube. You must click-open the elegant golden logo for the lipstick tube to pop out. Interesting experience for someone who loves how products are packaged. 

Click on the logo and the tube will pop out

My Verdict: Emotive is definitely one of the bolder lipsticks included in my collection. It is lightweight, creamy and long-wearing. This shade glides onto my lips effortlessly and wears comfortably. My lips are on the normal side of hydration but can get dry if a product reacts to them or if it simply is not moisturizing and dry. I do not find this Rouge Allure to be the most moisturizing lip stick out there but it is one of the most comfortable and weightless lip colors I have tried. The opaque pigmentation allows the lipstick to wear longer than the average lipstick. I can get around 4 to 5 hours of wear, the color appearing more as stain by the 4th hour. I appreciate that the lip color wears off evenly, not leaving noticeable patches on some parts of my lips. Because the color is lightweight, adding a lip gloss really enhances the color without making it look goopey. However, emotive is beautiful on it's own which is how I prefer to wear it. 

Emotive is a raspberry pink with a slight fuchsia sheen- gorgeous for that fun pop of color

Available at Chanel, Nordstrom, and Macy's 

Thanks for stopping by :)

BareMinerals The Playlist Palette Review and Swatches

What it is: A limited edition eyeshadow palette best described as being,  "A versatile palette featuring eight pure, intense, provocative shades". 

My Verdict: Their is no doubt about the eyeshadows being beautiful, attractive shades. The versatility within the palette shades can easily be coordinated into different looks appropriate for day and evening. The smooth texture made application and blend-ability simple and fallout was not an issue. Sounds perfect, right? Unfortunately the wearability the shadows provided failed. First I used the shadows with an eyelid primer underneath and was surprised and disappointed when I saw creasing occurring in less than two hours of application. The second time I used a priming base yet the creasing persisted after a couple hours. Because every skin is not made equal I can see how many people do love this palette. For me it simply did not work. 

Names are in order, from Left to Right

 Pumped, Chart Topper, Max Volume, Louder, One Hit Wonder, Most Requested, Remix, & Speaker Box

Available at Sephora and Bare Escentuals website

Here are links to a couple looks I did using this palette:

http://blushtree.blogspot.com/2012/01/bareminerals-ready-eyeshadow-playlist.html

http://blushtree.blogspot.com/2012/01/copper-and-amber-duo-featuring.html

-Anel

A Copper and Amber Duo: Featuring BareMinerals The Playlist and NARS Joyous Red Lipstick

          Today being a National Holiday for the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., I among many have this Monday off work. I decided to spend part of my morning doing a second look with the Playlist Palette by BareMinerals. I combined the eye look with NARS Joyous Red Lipstick. Unfortunately both items (The Playlist and Joyous Red) have been marked as Limited Edition products. I have included a quick review on Joyous Red with photos and swatches. 

 Products Used:

Face

Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Foundation in Shade #23

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Dark Bisque and Creamy Concealer in Honey

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Bobbi Brown Blush in Almond

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze

Eyes

Stila Prime Pot in Taffy (base)

BareMinerals The Playlist- Louder on the lid, One Hit Wonder on the brow bone, Most Requested as transition color and Pumped on the crease

MAC Dipdown Fluidline

Prestige My Biggest Lashes (first coat)/ LORAC Multiplex 3D Lashes (second coat)

Lips

NARS Joyous Red Lipstick

NARS Joyous Red Review

What it is: NARS Lipsticks are described as "a pure, creamy lipstick formula for bold color. They have a large variety of colors and finishes from sheer, satin and semi-matte. Joyous Red is described as a "semi-matte amber red". 

Verdict: When it comes to Lipsticks, I can be a bit picky. I am always on the look-out for formulas that feel and wear comfortably. Of course it is always an added bonus if they are particularly moisturizing. I can only judge NARS lipsticks by this shade because it is the only one I own- which is a semi-matte finish. Joyous red has a light-weight feel on the lips and for the most part has a comfortable wear. The creamy texture allows for easy application. Aside from the color being an amber red, there are subtle gold flecks in it. The wear is about 3 to 4 hours. Joyous red is not moisturizing but can be topped off with a lipbalm for more comfort and gloss. 

Thank you for reading :) 

MAC Dipdown Fluidline Review, Swatches and Photos

0.1oz (3g)/ US $15.00

         What it is: Fluidlines are described as an "ultra-smooth formula that provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Long-wearing and smudge-proof". The color Dipdown is a "solid flat brown" gel eyeliner.

         Packaging: Fluidlines are packaged in a small glass pot. I store this fluidline upside down to prevent the product from drying out. 

         Verdict: You may already know that Blacktrack fluidline is my go-to product for eyeliner. It never fails me when I am trying to create a perfect cat eye look. However, I had always been on a hunt for a brown liner. I thought I had found it when I picked up Bobbi Brown's gel liner in Black Plum ink. Although I love the softness of the color, it was more of a brown, plummy color (hence the name). Dipdown is perfect when combining with neutral-earth tone shadows and when you want to go for a more "naturel" look. The texture is creamy making the application easy and fast. I like that it does not dry and set very fast, giving me time to fix any mistakes I may have made. It also last all day (about 8 + hours). I use Sonia Kashuk's bent eyeliner brush to apply dipdown. 

P.S.

If you find that your cream or gel liner smudges throughout the day, setting your liner with a powder shadow that matches the color helps extend the wear. It is just as when we use a loose or pressed powder to set your liquid foundation to help prolong the wear.  

MAC Dipdown Fluidline

Sonia Kashuk Bent Eye Liner Brush

Thank you for reading ;)

LORAC: Close up Kit- Review, Swatches and Day Look

Close Up: Real Life To Red Carpet Natural To Dramatic Face Tutorial $39 ($120 Value) 

What it is:
"A kit by LORAC creator Carol Shaw to give you all the tools you need to easily create any look you desire. A tutorial look book is also included with steps on how to create and transform a day look into a night look".

This set contains: (all products are full-size)
- 0.15 oz Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in LORACstar
- 0.02 oz Front Of The Line Pro in Black
- 0.43 oz Multiplex 3D Lashes Mascara in Black
- 0.12 oz Blush in Soul
- 0.17 oz Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Trend Setter
- Tutorial Look Book 

Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in LORACstar

What it is: A set of three colorful baked eyeshadows

Verdict: LORAC eyeshadows are shimmery, smooth and easy to blend. With a primer/base underneath they wear beautifully throughout the day. 

Front of the Line PRO in Black 

What it is: "A long-wearing, water-resistant liquid eyeliner". 

Verdict: My first impression with this eyeliner was disappointing. It seemed to be dry and achieving an even line was impossible. I thought that I might have picked a defected one. However I decided to store the eyeliner upside down and the next time I gave it a try the performance was excellent. The color is a true black and wears for hours with no flaking or budging occurring. The flexible tip gives you control for creating a very fine to dramatically bold line. 

Multiplex 3D Lashes Mascara in Black

What it is: "A buildable, smudge-resistant, multidimensional mascara".

Verdict: A mascara that does not clump, flake or smudge is what I look for in a mascara. This LORAC mascara fits the bill with an added plus at lengthening lashes. 

Blush in Soul

What it is: LORAC describes this as a blush that "brightens your face and accentuates your features". Soul is a dusty rose.

Verdict: One of my favorite products from the kit is this blush. The color is perfect for defining your cheekbones without needing bronzer or a highlighter. The satiny silver sheen brightens cheeks. I have used this blush since I bought the blush and have found how versatile it is because it works with many eyeshadows and lip colors. 

Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Trend Setter

What it is: LORAC describes this as "a nourishing liquid lipstick". Trend Setter is a warm pink champagne. 

Verdict: I have found a new lip product that is really comfortable, has a pleasant smell and wears beautifully. These Couture shines feel smooth on the lips leaving them well nourished. Jojoba oil and sweet almond are among some of the ingredients included, which help maintain moist. Couture shines can be worn alone. For more intense color and wear they can be added on top of a lipstick. 

LORACstar Trio, Blush in Soul, Couture Shine in Trend Setter, and Front of the Line  PRO

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yes! It is a great way to get introduced to some of LORAC products!

Day Look: 

Face: 

-LUSH Colour Supplement in Dark Pink-mixed with Korres moisturizer

- Chanel Loose Setting Powder

LORAC Blush in Soul

Eyes:

-E.L.F. Eyelid Primer

-LORAC Starry-Eyed Trio in LORACstar

-LORAC Front of the Line Pro Liner

-LORAC Multiplex 3D Lashes mascara

Lips:

-Revlon Soft Rose Colorburst

-LORAC Couture Shine in Trend Setter

Available at Sephora and Ulta stores and websites

What products have you tried from LORAC? Any favorites?

Thanks for stopping by!

Xx Anel