Stylish&Literate - A Beauty and Personal Style Blog

Showing posts with label new launch. Show all posts

Looking for a new matte liquid lipstick? Then you might fancy the new Lancôme Matte Shaker.

The Matte Shakers are in almost the exact same packaging as their counterpart, the Juicy Shakers, but that's really where most of the similarities end.

Unlike the uber sheer and glossy Juicy Shaker (see review here), the Matte Shakers are a highly pigmented liquid lipstick that dry matte and are (surprisingly) comfortable on the lips.

There are seven different shades (although five of them are variations of red and pink, the other two include a peachy nude and a beige-y nude). Naturally, I gravitated to the rosy nude, #270 Beige Vintage because it was, well, the most natural, but the other colours were gorgeous (this is based on some messy swatches I did on the back of my hand at the Lancôme counter).

Wear time for me is pretty solid at around 5-6 hours (again, this is solely based on my experience with the shade, Beige Vintage). Although this Matte Shaker was not lunch or dinner proof, it wore pretty evenly on my lips. Also, in every instance that I reapplied, it went on evenly and did not feel drying. In a 12 hour day, I reapplied four times without any issues. Any other liquid lipstick, especially a matte one, would typically turn my lips into raisins at that point. So, win-win.

Also, you'd think that the applicator, a spongey-cushion nub, would be a disaster for applying such an opaque colour, but I didn't have any issues. Perhaps with the more vibrant shades? Nonetheless, the ultra-lightweight formulation is actually really easy to smooth onto the lips with hardly any effort. Since it does have a very fluid consistency, it's recommended that after applying, you wait a little bit for it to dry down (it takes less than a minute) before puckering your lips together. It hasn't happened to me, but you might get some weird patchiness otherwise.

Like I said, I'm happy with the wear time. Even though this isn't completely life-proof—there was still a little bit of transfer on coffee cups even after allowing the product to dry—the fact that it is so comfortable to wear is a plus for me.

If you've already tried the Juicy Shaker but wished they were slightly more opaque, then give these a swatch!

The new Lancôme Matte Shakers will set you back $29 CAD and are readily available at Sephora and Lancôme counters. You'll have to let me know if you've picked one up already & also in what shade. I'm contemplating getting another...

With a cult favourite cleansing brush under their belt, of course Clarisonic would try to tap the makeup brush market with the release of their new Sonic Foundation Brush.

The Sonic Foundation Brush is made with synthetic bristles for blending out liquid and cream makeup. It uses the patented oscillation that Clarisonic is known for to give your makeup a smooth and flawless finish.

I've tried this a few times (you can watch one of those times in the video below) and I have some thoughts.

Here's what I like about it:

it's easy to use — you just pop it onto your Clarisonic device and off you blend.
it works in cream products beautifully — it's perfect for all your stick foundations and cream contours / highlights / blushes because it blends those products beautifully and effortlessly.
it gives your makeup a flawless finish — it blends everything together seamlessly.

Here's what I don't like:

it blends a little too much — I find that it's not great for layering products because everything kind of meshes together at times and I can't tell my base from my contour or my blush. This is really a pro and con, because on one hand, you get totally flawless makeup but on another, your makeup may look a little flat.
not my favourite for liquid products — I find that blending out liquid products tend to leave streaks.
it's not that much quicker than a brush / makeup sponge because you have to go over your face twice (i.e., two 60 second sessions) with this brush in order to blend everything out.
it's not great for small amounts of product because it tends to tug on the skin (of course, the likelihood you'll bust this out for a spot of concealer is slim, but still...).
the brush takes forever to dry and if you plan on using this every day then you might have to pick up a back-up.

Now, don't get me wrong, this is still a nice makeup brush. If you have the patience or if you want a brush specifically for blending out cream products, then this is for you! If you've been neglecting your Clarisonic and are looking for a new use, give this a try!

The brush will work on any Clarisonic cleansing device (i.e., Mia 1, Mia 2, Fit, Smart Profile... even the discontinued Mia 3 / Aria) and it will set you back $39 CAD at Sephora. However, if you don't already own a Clarisonic device, then it's going to be extra costly.

Have you tried the Sonic Foundation Brush? I will likely end up returning mine, but I wouldn't say no to picking it up during a Sephora sale.

In my humble opinion... Nudes will never go out of style. A nude lip is like the Little Black Dress or that classic red manicure. It's timeless and will go with any occasion.

Enter one of the Color Sensational lines form Maybelline: The Buffs.

There are eight great shades for a spectrum of different skin tones. That's kind of the premise. A perfect nude to best compliment your skin colouring but then you can also experiment by going up or down a shade. The price varies depending on where you buy or if there's a good deal happening, but you can expect to pay around $9/lipstick (give or take a few dollars).

Now I will preface by saying these nudes do hinge on the balance of brown. If that's not your thing, you probably won't enjoy these very much.

Here is a list of the shade range to accompany the swatches (from left to right):

Bare All (910) — a very pale, ivory beige
Blushing Beige (915) — a beige pink
Nude Lust (920) — a pinky beige (very similar to Blushing Beige but slightly more beige)
Maple Kiss (925) — a pinky caramel
Truffle Tease (930) — a light beige/brown
Stormy Sahara (945) — a terracotta beige
Untainted Spice (950) — a plumy brown
Espresso Exposed (955) — a deep berry

Each shade is beautiful in their own right, but of course there are a few that stand out to me. Maple Kiss, Stormy Sahara and Untainted Spice would definitely be my favourites. I love a nude lip, but there are some shades I avoid (like Bare All, Blushing Beige, and Nude Lust) because they're simply unflattering on my skintone. Warm nudes with a hint of honey are what really draw me in. Espresso Exposed is another favourite. It's not exactly a "nude" colour by my definition, but it's still a gorgeous colour and you know I cannot resist a berry-toned lipstick.

Top left, clockwise: Stormy Sahara, Maple Kiss, Espresso Exposed, and Untainted Spice

The formulation of these lipsticks are notable. Their application is smooth, their lasting power is slightly above average, and they do not dry out my lips. There's not much more I can ask for in a lipstick.

The Buffs are a permanent part of the Maybelline family, so if you haven't checked them out yet, I would recommend it.

If you have one, let me know what favourite nude lipstick is!

(*) This post contains products sent to Stylish & Literate for editorial consideration. Read disclosure here.

These hybrid lip products have been around for a while now, but I still love trying out the “new" versions that come out. The newest being these Maybelline Color Elixirs.

With 20 fun & wearable shades available, there's a colour for everyone. This particular hybrid combines pigmented colour, moisturizing balm & glossy shine into one product.

I picked up a few different shades, but today's post is focused on the four office-friendly, everyday colours I have. They are:

Caramel Infused (a pinky nude)
Rose Redefined (a light pink rose)
Nude Illusion (a peachy nude)
Captivating Carnation (a pinky coral)

l-r: Caramel Infused, Rose Redefined, Nude Illusion, Captivating Carnation

Packaging & Product Quality

The tube is sleek, compact and fits comfortably in the hand. I like the packaging. The tube is designed to replicate the look of a lipstick (which I love, by the way).

They have a distinct scent. I can't quite pinpoint it, but it's saccharine with a hint of vanilla. It doesn't bother me, but if you're sensitive to fragrances / flavours, beware.

The pigmentation varies between shades. The lighter shades offer nice, albeit sheer colour payoff, as opposed to more vibrant shades that offer highly pigmented colour.

These Color Elixirs have a creamy, balm-like consistency and they offer a lot of shine (of the non-sticky variety).

A few of the shades in the range look really similar swatched & almost identical on, example, Rose Defined & Captivating Carnation.

l-r: Nude Illusion, Caramel Infused, Captivating Carnation, Rose Redefined

Application & Performance

The applicator (described as an angora brush) delivers a precise and even application. The pointy doe foot design is really easy to use. I actually really like the feel of it, too. It's applies so smoothly.

Like I said, the formulation doesn't feel sticky on the lips, but there is a bit of tackiness. You can feel it when you remove the lip product -- it leaves a tiny bit of tacky residue after tissuing it off. Also, I usually only apply one coat because when multilayered, things can get a bit goopy.

They are fairly moisturizing on the lips, although, they're not incredibly hydrating. It's not a product that I would apply to relieve dry, chapped lips. If anything, it will actually accentuate those dry cracks.

Now, while they are comfortable to wear, they have poor lasting power. I only get about two hours before reapplication is required. Unlike similar products, like the YSL Glossy Stain, they're not long-wearing & they don't leave a noticeable stain on the lips. Maybelline doesn't make those claims, though, so don't be surprised.

Clockwise, top-left: Nude Illusion, Caramel Infused, Rose Defined, Captivating Carnation

Bottom Line

If you like a glossy lip and if you aren't sensitive to scents, these Maybelline Color Elixirs are definitely worth a swatch. I will do another post showcasing some of the more vibrant colours, so stay tuned! :)

Have you tried any of the Color Elixirs yet? Thoughts? x

PACKAGING	♥♥♥♥♥
PRODUCT QUALITY	♥♥♥♥♥
APPLICATION	♥♥♥♥♥
PERFORMANCE	♥♥♥♥♥
OVERALL	♥♥♥♥♥

Pricing & Availability

$10.99 | 5.0ml Available at Mass Retailers (priced at $8.97 @ Walmart)

There’s a new L’Oréal Voluminous mascara in town and her name is Butterfly*.

A couple weeks ago, I received this mascara in the mail & I couldn't wait to try it out. I also couldn't help but swoon at the press packaging (how adorable, right?).

I’ve always been a fan of the Voluminous line, so I knew I would love the formula (and I do), but I was mainly excited to try out the new wand.

The wand definitely sets it apart from other mascaras. It has plastic bristles and it’s shaped in a pretty unique way. This asymmetrical brush has two distinct sides: one side has short bristles (perfect for the inner corner or the bottom lashes), and another side with a winged design to add a flare to your eyes (also great for separating your lashes).

I have very short and straight lashes, so I don’t expect anything life changing from mascaras. I did notice a bit more definition & flare with my lashes after applying a coat and a half of theVoluminous Butterfly mascara. More than two coats tends to get clumpy.

You can see the difference in the photos below -- the mascara leaves my lashes looking a bit more fluttery than before (and who doesn't want that?).

This mascara also contains "cocoon smart" fibers that wrap about your lashes to help elongate them. If you're not a fan of fibers, then this mascara may not be for you. The formula is also a bit on the wet side. Since I prefer a slightly drier formula, to me that means that it just gets better with age!

I was able to wear this mascara all day with no smudges, flaking, or racoon eyes. It even withstood a few raindrops on the way home. It did take me a couple of tries to get used to the brush, though. I made a mess of my eyelid with mascara blobs the first couple of tries.

Along with the mascara, I also received a couple of L'oréal's new eyeliners: the Infallible Super Slim 12H Eyeliner* and the Infallible Super Liner Blackbuster*.

The Super Slim eyeliner has a small felt tip applicator that is great for precise lines, while the Blackbuster, with it's marker-like design, is great for dramatic looks. Both apply nicely, although I do find the Blackbuster applicator to be a little bit awkward and too stiff to use for a quick application on lash line.

Pricing & Availability:

Voluminous Butterfly Mascara | $11.99
Infallible Super Slim 12H Eyeliner | $9.99
Infallible Super Liner Blackbuster | $9.99
Available at mass retailers

Have you tried the new L'Oréal Voluminous Butterfly mascara? Thoughts? x

Ps, sorry for the lack of posts this past week! I should hopefully be back on track by Monday.

Pps, any IMATS Toronto goers today? I will be there & I would love to say hi! :)

(*) This post contains PR Samples

Over the past couple of months, I have received quite a few things from Mark. cosmetics' holiday collection. Mark. cosmetics, for those of you who aren't familiar with the brand, is the younger sister of Avon.

I think the first time I really ventured into the brand was back in 2007. It was after Lauren Conrad was named brand Ambassador. More recently, Lucy Hale (the Pretty Little Liars star) embraced the role as she helped promote their 10th Anniversary.

Anyway, Mark. has come out with a lot of new goodies just for the holidays and I thought I'd recap them quickly. I will be doing more in depth reviews with swatches shortly.

Super Color Box - Total Face Palette*

How cute is this compact? All closed up, it could easily fit in your purse or suitcase with no problems, but when you slide it open, it reveals 22 fun shades to play with. Inside there are 16 eye shadows, four lip glosses, and two blushes. Along with a large built-in mirror and three applicators for on-the-go application.

Pricing & Availability

$25.00 | Eye shadows, 0.8g each; lip glosses, 0.6g each; blushes, 2.4g each | Available as of November 2013 on Avon.ca

Nailed It*

I love mini bottles of polish, they're so handy and they're pretty cute. Two sets of the Trend Mini Nail Lacquers are available for the holiday: Snowberry & Tinseltown (a shimmery red and a metallic silver) and Tuxedo & Gleam Scene (a creamy black and a liquid gold). Each mini bottle is good for at least 10 manicures.

Pricing & Availability

$8.00 (set of 2) | 2.7ml each | Available as of November 2013 on Avon.ca

On the Dot - Lip Colour Compact*

This lightweight compact comes with nine sheer and creamy glosses, from neutrals to pinks to reds. It also comes with a mini lip brush (which works, but does leave something to be desired) and a small mirror.

Pricing & Availability

$18.00 | 4.41g (net weight) | Available as of November 2013 on Avon.ca

Fab Five Eye Shadow Compact*

This compact contains five gorgeous earthy shadows. It's a neutral palette that will compliment any eye colour and any outfit. It also comes with a double-ended sponge tip applicator for quick & easy application.

Pricing & Availability

$14.00 | 2.6g | Available as of November 2013 on Avon.ca

Mini Brush Set*

A purse-friendly mini brush kit, which contains five brushes to complete any look. The set includes an eyeshadow brush, an eyeliner brush, a concealer brush, a lip brush, and a powder brush. It comes in a beautiful metallic faux leather case that will fit comfortably in any makeup bag.

Pricing & Availability

$20.00 | 5 piece set | Available as of November 2013 on Avon.ca

Anything catch your eye? :) x

(*) Post contains PR Samples

Revlon's lip crayon collection is expanding. It started with the Kissable Balm Stains, but now they're adding two new finishes: lacquer (super glossy) & matte.

During a spur of the moment jaunt across the border, I chanced upon them at a Rite Aid on the way home. I was really more interested in the matte shades, but there wasn't a lot to choose from (stock was low, only 4 out of 10 shades available). I ended up with two matte shades: Unapologetic (a bright blue-based pink) and Sultry (a deep rose).

I've only had a few days to play with them, but I'm liking them so far. I do prefer the shade Sultry. It's a great fall shade. Unapologetic is a pretty colour, but I doubt I'll use it that often. The colour feels a bit garish against my skin tone (it looks much brighter in person than in the photo below).

Packaging

They have the same minty scent / flavour as the original. I personally don't mind it, but it won't be for everyone. I don't find that the beeswax negatively effects application, though. They also twist up. No sharpening required is always a plus.

Formulation

I like the formulation. They leave a matte, almost velvet, finish to the lips. Surprisingly, I don't find them drying, either. In general, I prefer a shiny / dewy finish to my lipstick because matte finishes are usually a bit too dry for my liking. Not the case with these lip "balms." Now, while they're not drying, they're also not overly moisturizing. Don't let the name confuse you.

Application

During application, I didn't feel any tugging / dragging on the lips or any patchiness. I did exfoliate my lips a bit beforehand, though.

Longevity

The wear time isn't great. After about three hours, a tall latte, and a mid-morning snack, I noticed significant fading & a need to reapply. Pretty average for a balm, although I guess based on the pigmentation and the matte claim, I was expecting a bit more wear.

Overall, they're definitely worth a swatch. You're bound to find at least one of the 10 new shades to fall in love with ;).

Pricing & Availability

$9.99 | 2.7g each | Mass retailers

I have it on good authority (thanks to Esther, aka Rasilla) that these have finally made it to Canada.

Ps, I usually try not to use a lip product that I want to blog about until I have photographed it, but I couldn't resist trying at least one of these out right away.

But ughh...

It irks me to look at this photo of one pristine untouched lippy and it's messy smeared cousin haha. #Bbloggers, amiright?

l-r: Sulry, Unapologetic

Sultry

Unapologetic

I received these a few weeks ago and decided to try them out on a whim. I have to say I was really impressed by the finished product. I especially love how quickly it dries to a hard finish. The very first time I tried it, I applied it pretty late at night (right before bed) and when I woke, my nails still looked pristine! I found no lines or smudges on my nails. There aren't a lot of polishes that I can say that about.

The Gel Finish* polishes are Avon's solution to the Gel mani craze. These polishes boast 7 benefits in 1 bottle. Benefits that include lots of shine, a Gel-like finish, vivid colour, a base coat, a top coat, nail protection, and nail strengthener.

There are 12 great colours in the collection. The four I received are:

Lavender Sky - a crème pastel purple
Royal Vendetta - a crème royal blue
Parfait Pink - a bright crème pink
Envy - a deep emerald with teal micro-shimmer

The formulation was fairly consistent among the four colours. Each polish was pigmented and opaque in one coat, but for the swatches below, I applied two coats of each for an even finish. I also used a base coat (just for my own sanity), but I can't deny the high shine it has on the nails without a top coat. I did notice a bit of streakiness with Envy -- I attribute that to the multi-dimensional shimmer throughout the polish. The streaks aren't that noticeable unless you look really closely.

On top of all that, these polishes are also formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP free (although most polishes are these days, anyway).

I will probably pick up some other colours because I love the fuss-free application, the glossiness, and the Gel-like finish. There was a nude shade called Barely There that was calling my name on the press sheet.