8/29/2013

Purple Velvet All In My Eyes!

If you've ever tried Givenchy's beauty line, then you know how luxuriously stellar the brand is! Here's a look I did using two new acquisitions: Givenchy Noir Couture Waterproof 4 in 1 Mascara 2 purple velvet and Le Rouge Intense Color Sensuously Mat Lip Color 309 Croisiere Fuchsia, and an old favorite, Le Prisme Blush 23 Aficionado Peach.

Givenchy Noir Couture Waterproof 4 in 1 Mascara 2 purple velvet ¥4,620 ($48.33).

Givenchy's product packaging is always sophisticated and Chic.

Love the circular, three-tiered wand.

I'm in love with this mascara! The formula is brilliant; it lifts, lengthens, curls (put those lash curlers away!), and volumizes. It doesn't clump, smudge, flake, and is water/sweat resistant. I can't attest to the lash care claims because I'm always rotating mascaras, but Noir Couture Waterproof 4 in 1 truly lives up to it's claims. Also, I adore the stunning, vibrant, red-based purple color.

Let's admire the stylish, Summer white leather casing.

Givenchy Le Rouge 309 Croisiere Fuchsia (limited edition) ¥4,515 ($47.23).

Croisiere Fuchsia is a vivid, deep blue-based fuchsia, with a creamy satin finish. I have an ever-growing affinity for the Le Rouge lipsticks; they're very smooth and moisturizing on the lips, and Croisiere Fuchsia is a welcomed addition.

From left to right: Givenchy Noir Couture Waterproof 4 in 1 Mascara 2 purple velvet, Givenchy Le Rouge 309 Croisiere Fuchsia.

Givenchy's Le Prisme Blush 23 Aficionado Peach ¥6,090 ($63.70), the fifth swatch is all four combined.

Products used:

Face:

Givenchy Photo'Perfexion Fluid Foundation in 5-Perfect Praline.
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

Givenchy Mister Light Instant Light Corrective Pen in 4-Mister Macaroon (on the lids and the undereyes).

Givenchy's Le Prisme Blush 23 Aficionado Peach (all four shades mixed together and blending into the crease).

MAC Eye Kohl in Resort (used to tightline, as well as on the upper lashline and lower water line).
Givenchy Noir Couture Waterproof 4 in 1 Mascara 2 purple velvet.

Lips:

Givenchy Le Rouge Intense Color Sensuously Mat Lip Color in 309 Croisiere Fuchsia.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/29/2013

Penance Mimosas...Chanel Le Vernis In Mimosa

Apparently, I'm a polish masochist because I still have Chanel's Mimosa. Every time I see it, I try to give it another chance, then I'm reminded why it's setting in the far corner of the nail varnish dungeon. Mimosa has to be the WORST nail polishes in my entire collection! The formula is thick and goopy, goes on streaky, and has more bald spots than every member of the hair club for men combined.

Mimosa is a bright, sunflower-yellow with golden-yellow shimmer. The color is the ONLY redeeming quality of this lacquer, but still not enough to save it. Even four coats can't conceal all the flaws in the polish. The combination of an atrocious formula, along with the four applications, makes mimosa look thick, uneven, and, worst of all, cheap on the nails. And, to add insult to injury, the polish chips on the first day! Bottom line, I hate this polish (yes, yes I know, hate is a strong word, but that's how much contempt I have for it). I wouldn't even give this polish to my nemesis (and yes, I have one :P).

What's the worst polish in your collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/29/2013

Better To Illuminate Than To Merely Shine! Diorskin Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder

While organizing my blushers (trying to get them ready for a collective post), I want to show you a highlighter I keep in constant rotation: Dior's Diorskin Nude Shimmer 001 Instant Illuminating Powder.

I've had the Diorskin Nude Shimmer since September of last year, and I've barely disrupted the product (shooting the product from afar also helps hide surface wear :P), as well as the nude lettering.

Diorskin Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder 001 is a pearlized, neutral, pale nude-champagne with micro champagne shimmer.

Dior's Diorskin Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder provides an enhanced, healthy glow to the skin, without emphasizing pores, or looking "shiny".

Did you pick up the Diorskin Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/27/2013

Every Brand Casts A Shadow! Addiction "Tint Shadows" Fall 2013 Counter Swatches

From left to right: Chic, Swingin', Fresh, Revenge, Rose Bar, Tadzio, Suspicious.

As requested, the counter swatches of most of the Addiction "Tint Shadows" Fall 2013 Collection. By the time Nat and I got to the counter, we were so exhausted from all the schlepping around, I completely forgot to swatch the eye palette. I will say, I remember loving two of the shadows and feeling indifferent about the others. I'm going to have to revisit the counter before making a final decision...I sound so clinical :P

The Cheek Polishes are extremely watery and sheer, but, most likely, they can be layered to achieve a more intense wash of color. Revenge is my favorite, followed by (and in no particular order) Fresh, Rose Bar, Tadzio and Suspicious.

From top to bottom: Crimson, Garland, Sheer Dress, Raisin.

The lip stains are probably my favorite pieces from the collection; they set quickly and dry down to a matte finish. My only concern is that they may be drying on the lips, which most likely explains our next item: the lip glazes.

From top to bottom: Angelic Kiss, Queen of Hearts, Night Dusk, Hung Up.

I found these Lip Glazes to be a total pass, with Hung Up and Queens of Hearts being the only two worth getting. It'a a total gooey-glosses mess when you try to squeeze the product out because it goes everywhere!

I don't have swatches of the top coats, but they're all gorgeous! They will be making their appearance on this blog in Autumn.

I'll probably be getting the Ready To Wear Eye Palette in Departure, Fresh, Revenge, Rose Bar, Tadzio, Suspicious (still on the fence on Chic and Swingin') Cheek Polishes, all four of the Lip Stains, a big maybe on Hung Up and Queens of Hearts, and all three of the top coats.

What will you be picking up from this collection?

Also, am I the only person creeped out by the moving image of Tint Shadows Fall 2013 Collection on the addiction website? I think she wants to eat my brains (._.;).

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/26/2013

Searching For Beauty Products is Half the fun Week Three: So Lonely In Gorgeous Scavenger Hunt Giveaway!

Group photo from Aki's 2009 Birthday BBQ.

Yesterday, I missed posting the weekly reminder for the scavenger hunt giveaway (my friend is still in town), but here it is!

The Rules:

Must be a gorgeous member.

Create a board on pinterest and title it "So Lonely In Gorgeous Scavenger Hunt Giveaway"

Now, what you pin is totally up to you. It can be a collage of cosmetics (favorite looks, lipsticks, blushers, eye shadows, nail polishes, past, present and up coming cosmetic collection releases, products you can't live without, what you're loving right now, etc), hair care, skin care, home decor, art, music, food, vacation spots, your muses/inspirations, and so on...you get the gist.

Once you've completed your board, add the link to the comment section of this or one of the weekly giveaway reminder posts.

The final day to submit your board will be January 5th, 2014.

This giveaway is open Internationally!

You may be wondering, "how does this giveaway work?" Well, I'm glad you asked because it's all based on creativity, points, and a hat :D

You automatically get two entries for being a gorgeous member. So, Don't forget to click the 'join this site' button.

Blog or twitter (please include the link in the comment section) about the giveaway on a weekly basis and earn 2 points for every week.

If for some reason you can't do the pinterst thing, then write your answers to the same general topics in the comment section for two additional points.

By posting your Pinterest link, you earn an additional 10 entries.

An additional 5 entries for creativity and effort (i.e. posting your own photos/images).

Finally, and most importantly, the prizes:

2 Addiction Eye Shadows (your choice).

2 Addiction Cheek Sticks (your choice).

2 THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencils (your choice).

2 Laduree Pressed Cheek Color (your choice).

All the prizes will be purchased by me :D

Feel free to ask any questions!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/25/2013

The Out Of Towner

Sensoji Temple.

My friend Nat, is in town for the next few days, and I wanted to show him around some of my favorite Spots. First Up: Asakusa! Asakusa is a charming area, filled with many great memories, and it's a place that's near and dear to my heart.

From Asakusa, we headed over to Sky Tree.

As we walked along the base of Sky Tree, we came across these yummy, leopard-print, chocolate-banana creme filled sponge cakes. Okay, at first we only got them because they were leopard print, but they were good :D

This is what I was up to yesterday, what did you do?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/23/2013

You Say Litchi, I Say Lychee...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Another tasty treasure from my local convini. If you're a fan of lychee (like me), then Kirin's Salt and Litchi is a refreshing, thirst-quenching alternative to water. If you're not a fan of the tropical fruit, try it anyway, you just might like it :)

What beverages are you enjoying this Summer?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/22/2013

Shiny, Shiny, Bright Tiny Hole In My Wallet...Rimmel Shiny On Eye Color 004

My most recent acquisition from Loft is Rimmel's Shiny On Eye Color in 004. The Shiny On Eye Color comes with 2g of product and retails for ¥735 ($7.73).

004 is a taupe-grey cream eye shadow, loaded with shimmer.

This is a case of "what's pretty in the pan and swatched, may not look as great on the lids". Shiny On Eye Color is a complete mess! It very emollient, so it applies unevenly and never sets. The eyeshadow creases (understandable for a cream), but it creases in the worst way. The eye shadow goes on sheer and blotchy; it fades in patches, and all you're left with is a constellation on shimmer on the lids. I'm going to try to use this as an eyeshadow base, but Rimmel's Shiny On Eye Color will probably be laid to rest in the makeup graveyard (a.k.a the trash bin).

Have you tried this product?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/21/2013

All Around Me Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!

Here are the looks I've worn for the last four days, using some products from Mac's Temperature Rising Collection.

From left to right: Rich Glance, Copper Strip, Life's Luxury, Polished Jet.

The Powerchrome Eye Pencil's work great as an eye shadow base, eye shadows, or eyeliners. You have to work fast when blending, as they set quickly. However, once they're on, they aren't moving!

From left to right: Ripe For Love, Hot Nights, Sun Dipped, Nude On Board.

Both Ripe For Love and Hot Nights are intensely pigmented, finely-milled, and gorgeous! Ditto for the Pro Longwear Bronzing Powders in Sun Dipped and Nude On Board.

From left to right: Golden Elixir, Liquid Passion, Soft Serenade, Underdressed.

Mac's Golden Elixir Strobe Liquid gives a beautiful, glistening, warmth to the skin. This Summer, I've rotated between this and Tom Ford's Fire Lust to give my normal to dry skin an extra luminous boost. The lipglass are nice, but nothing out of this world. My favorite of the three I purchased is Underdressed- a pretty bronze-brown with cooper, hot pink and chartreuse shimmers.

Warning: the following swatches are of the long discontinued Pro Lash Colour Mascaras. I do NOT advocate using expired mascaras on yourself or clients. I would NEVER (and have NEVER) used an expired product on a client. However, if I'm looking to create a certain look on myself, I'll take the risk and play Evel Knievel with my lashes :P

From left to right: Prim Rosy, Tiger Lily, Boston Fern, Periwink-Wink.

I love colored mascaras, and I was glad to see many brands include them in their Summer collections.

It's been sweltering over here, so I've kept my makeup simple (kind of) by applying a wash of color on the lids, no eye liner and finishing the eyes with a colored mascara. Hope you enjoy these looks.

Products used:

Face:

MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3.

MAC Strobe Liquid in Golden Elixir (Mixed with the foundation).

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent (dusted on the t-zone).

MAC Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Nude On Board.

MAC Blush in Ripe For Love.

Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25.

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencil in Rich Glance (on the lid and lower lashline).

MAC Pro Lash Colour Mascara in Boston Green (under and lower lashes).

Lips:

MAC Lipglass in Liquid Passion.

Tiger Lily really brings out the russet shimmers in Life's Luxury.

Products used:

Face:

MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3.

MAC Strobe Liquid in Golden Elixir (Mixed with the foundation).

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent (dusted on the t-zone).

MAC Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Nude On Board.

MAC Blush in Ripe For Love.

Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25.

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencil in Life's Luxury (on the lid and blended into the crease, used to rim the upper and lower waterline and the lower lashline).

Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Fatal Black WP in 03 Captivating Bronze (upper lashes)
MAC Pro Lash Colour Mascara in Tiger Lily (lower lashes).

Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in Stripdown.

MAC Lipglass in Underdressed.

Products used:

Face:

MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3.

MAC Strobe Liquid in Golden Elixir (Mixed with the foundation).

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent (dusted on the t-zone).

MAC Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Sun Dipped.

MAC Blush in Hot Nights.

Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25.

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencil in Copper Strip (on the lid and blended into the crease, used to rim the upper and lower waterline and the lower lashline).

MAC Pro Lash Colour Mascara in Periwink-wink (Upper and lower lashes).

Lips:

MAC Lipglass in Underdressed.

Products used:

Face:

MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3.

MAC Strobe Liquid in Golden Elixir (Mixed with the foundation).

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent (dusted on the t-zone).

MAC Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder in Sun Dipped.

MAC Blush in Hot Nights.

Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25.

MAC Powerchrome Eye Pencil in Polished Jet (on the lid and blended into the crease, used to rim the upper and lower waterline and the lower lashline).

MAC Pro Lash Colour Mascara in Prim Rosy (Upper and lower lashes).

MAC Blush in Hot Nights (dusted over Prim Rosy to intensify the color).
Lips:

MAC Lipglass in Soft Serenade.

What are some of your favorite colored mascaras?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/18/2013

I Guess The Poke's On Me! Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Poke

Poke is a red-based, bright (yet deep), violet-purple grape with shimmers.

Natural light.

I ADORE Illamasqua nail varnishes, but I have to confess that I was underwhelmed with Poke. I love the color, but when it dries down, it's dull and lifeless. You need a mega shine top coat to revive this polish!

With flash.

Even though the finish is disappointing, I really like the color, so, I'll make it work.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/18/2013

Searching For Beauty Products is Half the fun Week Two: So Lonely In Gorgeous Scavenger Hunt Giveaway!

Instead of including photos of cosmetics for the giveaway posts, I thought it would be fun to use random pictures :) This was taken back in 2008 with some of our closest friends.

Here's the first weekly reminder for the scavenger hunt giveaway.

The Rules:

Must be a gorgeous member.

You may be wondering, "how does this giveaway work?" Well, I'm glad you asked because it's all based on creativity, points, and a hat :D

You automatically get two entries for being a gorgeous member.

Blog or twitter (please include the link in the comment section) about the giveaway on a weekly basis and earn 2 points for every week.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/17/2013

My Cheeks Turn To Jelly! Jill Stuart 03 Swinging Chorus & 05 Let Vibrate Jelly Blush Swatches

This Summer, Jill Stuart released these Jelly Blushers in five limited edition shades. I chose the two cheek colors that enticing me the most: 03 Swinging Chorus and 05 Let Vibrate.

Housed in a glass jar with a printed silver floral motif and an octagonal-shaped, round-cut mirrored lid, the Jelly Blushers contain 6g of product.

The blushes have a moist, bouncy, whipped mousse consistency. They're very pigmented; so, only a small amount is needed. Also, while blending, I found the Jelly blushes have a subtle cooling sensation. The finish is a beautiful, dewy, translucent, pop of color that awakens the face. These Jelly Blushers do contain micro shimmers, but they're refined (I want to stress that it's not juvenile glitter); aiding in the dewy sheen, without migrating all over the place.

From left to right: 03 Swinging Chorus, 05 Let Vibrate.

03 Swinging Chorus: a milky, cantaloupe-orange.

05 Let Vibrate: a milky, watermelon-red.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the look and wear (about 5-6 hours) of the Jelly Blushes. The one thing I dislike, is their sweet rose fragrance. Thankfully, it goes away after a few seconds. Jill Stuart Jelly Blushes retail for 2,940 ($30.89).

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/17/2013

Running On Empty: July Empties!

Redken Body Full Shampoo & Conditioner: a long time ago, I tried Redken's Fresh Curls line and my hair HATED it! My hair felt dry and my curls were left unmanageable and frizzy. During Summer, I tend to go au natural and let my locks run free. Body Full gives my curls form, bounce, moisture and keeps them frizz free. I will repurchase in the future.

Sebastian Laminates Drops Liquid Polish: long discontinued, I adored the entire laminates line. Whenever I leave my hair curly, I like to mix the Laminates Drops with Paul Mitchell's The Conditioner as my leave-in regimen. This is my last bottle of the liquid polish, and now I'm going into panic mode trying to find it's successor.

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Intense Moisture Masque: I used this masque once a week as a deep conditioning treatment, and it left my hair hydrated, shiny and smooth. Will repurchase.

Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Flirty Mango: leaves my legs soft and nic free.

Bath & Body Works Green Clover and Aloe Shower Gel: This was my last bottle of my favorite BBW Shower gel...R.I.P Green Clover and Aloe.

Colgate Maxfresh Toothpaste: Favorite toothpaste.

Dry Idea AdvancedDry Deodorant in Cotton Dry: I loath scented deodorants! I'll continue to repurchase the unscented kind.

StriVectin-SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub: you know that saying "if you can't say something nice, than don't say anything at all", well that applies to this facial scrub.

StriVectin-TL 360 Tightening Eye Serum: as with the StriVectin-SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub, the same thing goes for the eye serum.

fekkai advanced prx reparatives intensive fortifying mask: I've used this mask in the past (that rhymed :P), and it's a good weekly treatment. May go back to it one day.

fekkai advanced salon technician color care rapid results moisture mask: I used to use this mask after dyeing my hair, as it did a good job of restoring any moisture lost during the hair coloring process. Not sure why I stopped using it, but I may go back to it in the future.

fekkai advanced salon technician highlight care illuminating cream: I'd use this product as a leave-in treatment after dyeing. Works will at leaving my hair soft and tangle-free. Probably repurchase one day.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.