The Neutral Lip: Revisited

April 07, 2015 in Makeup

For me, this trend is here for good. If you saw my Neutral Lip post from a few months ago, you’ll know I love me a brown-toned 90s-ish nude. My collection has all but exploded with them since that last post, from pure browns to some more pink options, so I thought I’d go over a few of my new additions and favorites.

Clarins Rosewood, MAC Velvet Teddy, MAC Brave, NARS Rikugien, NARS Anita, Kat Von D Lolita (studded), Kat Von D Lolita (liquid), Nyx Cannes

Starting with the sheerest, if you want a gloss, look no further than the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Rosewood. I adore these glosses because they feel like a balm on the lips and are never sticky. The shade Rosewood is a sheer browny-rose color that is a great way to introduce yourself to these neutrals.

Hands-down the most hyped of the bunch is the famous MAC lipstick in Velvet Teddy. This one is a true brown/beige-toned neutral that despite its matte finish, really adds depth and fullness to the lips. It feels quite creamy for a matte formula, and I find it doesn't really dry out my finicky lips. This one is perfectly paired with MAC’s lip liner in Whirl.

Another new addition to my collection from MAC is their lipstick in Brave. It’s still neutral in tone like Velvet Teddy, but much pinker. If you want that Kylie Jenner lip but don’t like the brown tones, go for this one. This pairs perfectly with the Soar lip pencil.

I’ve also got two neutral options from NARS that are pretty similar in color but different in formula and finish. I wrote a post dedicated to what I dubbed the “Perfect Everyday Lip” all about the NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien. I love the formula of the Satin Lip Pencils - creamy yet not too glossy, and long-lasting without being drying. Rikugien is the most perfect my-lips-but-better shade for me, so it’s one I reach for almost daily. A similar pick is the NARS Audacious Lipstick in Anita. I’d say this is a touch warmer than the pencil, but still falls in that neutral/MLBB territory. I have a post about it here. The Audacious Lipsticks really have one of if not my number one favorite formula - creamy and highly pigmented with a luminous satin finish. I’m surprised I’ve only managed to get my hands on two shades, but digging this out of my collection has definitely started me itching for more.

Next I’ve got two products from the same brand that even have the same shade name - the Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick and the Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, both in the shade Lolita. Despite having the same name, the colors actually differ quite a bit on the lips. The Studded Lipstick appears lighter and has more of a red tone, while the liquid lipstick is much darker and more brown-based. I’ve heard some people find the Studded lipsticks difficult to work with, but the shade I have applies easily and doesn’t dry my lips out too much, considering it’s a matte lipstick. The liquid lipstick is amazing though - you do have to use some care to apply it neatly, but once it sets it’ll be there all day. Some liquid lipsticks result in the need to pamper and nurse my lips for a day or two after wear, but that’s never been an issue with this one.

Lastly, I’ve got a budget option and a sort-of dupe for you. The Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes has finally come into my possession after being sold out for ages, and I’d say it’s a good cross-dupe for the two Kat Von D products. It's similar in formula to the Liquid Lipstick (although not nearly as long-lasting), and similar in color to the traditional lipstick.

Are you still into the neutral lip trend?

*Special thanks to Brett for taking the swatch picture for me, I'm terrible at taking them on my own!*

FOTD: Turning 23!

April 04, 2015 in Makeup

So yesterday may have just been an ordinary Friday to most of you, but it was my 23rd birthday! I still had to work like any other Friday (my lovely boyfriend set "What's My Age Again?" by Blink182 as my alarm so I got to wake up to the line "nobody likes you when you're 23"), but afterward he took me out to dinner and then took me shopping to choose some birthday presents (let me know if you’d like to see a post on what I chose!). I did my usual kind of everyday makeup look, but introduced a few new products into the lineup.

I started off with a new addition that I’ve become absolutely obsessed with, the new bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream (anyone else feel like brands are in a never-ending contest to come up with the longest product name?). This is unique among the many tinted moisturizers I’ve tried, because it actually feels like it’s doing something for the skin. Coverage levels are about the same as any tinted moisturizer, but it gives an amazing glow that actually sets so you don't get that "sticky" feeling, or even feel it on the skin. I used another new addition on my cheeks, the L’Oreal Visible Lift Blur Blush in Soft Pink. I saw this in Essiebutton’s No Makeup-Makeup video and it seemed right up my alley. I love cream products, first of all, and I loved that it had a sheer buildable texture. I finished off my face with my usual light contouring with the Anastasia Contour Kit and subtle highlight with the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer.

I did my brows with my usual Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade, then moved on to a new (to me) eyeshadow. I got the MAC eyeshadow in All That Glitters from my sister last weekend as an early birthday present and wore it every day this past week. It gives just the perfect shimmery peachy pink wash of color. I paired it with a little bit of Sable in the outer corner and through the crease. I smudged a little of the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Corrupt into my lashline and finished off with a coat of the L’Oreal Miss Manga Mascara. On my lips I started with a base layer of the MAC Lip Pencil in Soar and topped it off with the MAC Lipstick in Brave.

The resulting look was similar to my usual everyday makeup, but it felt a little more special because I was using a bunch of newer products. I took my time applying it and really enjoyed it even though it was 6am. Have you found any new products you love lately?

A New Earring Obsession

April 02, 2015 in Lifestyle

Recently I was contacted by the lovely people at Gemporia asking if I would like to review a piece of their jewelry. I was so impressed with their selection - it took me ages to decide on something! Gemporia is a brand that uses geniune stones and precious metals for a great quality product at a reasonable price. They also work with Equal World to aid the areas they source materials from - quite impressive ethos if you ask me.

I chose these beautiful rose gold-plated diamond earrings*. If you read my Simple Earrings post from a couple months ago, you would know I love more understated and minimalistic jewelry. Gemporia’s selection is marvelous though - there’s definitely something there for everyone. I was going back and forth on so many different options, but once I saw these I knew they were the ones for me - they’re just my style. I have a weakness for anything rose gold, first of all, and I loved the geometric style with just a touch of bling. These are also available with a black diamond in the center, which looks stunning.

I have quite sensitive ears, and these earrings never irritate them because of Gemporia's use of high-quality materials. I’ve basically worn them non-stop since receiving them in the mail with zero problems. They go with absolutely any outfit and never overpower the other jewelry I always wear. I’m thoroughly impressed with Gemporia, and I’m definitely going to be looking there to add a few pieces to my collection, especially from their opal and jade ranges.

Have you found any new jewelry favorites lately?