Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick - Rapture

At the beginning of every season, I begin to surf the net inquiring about new and upcoming products. I, then, create a list of beauty products I want to try out and review. Sometimes the makeup artists at ULTA, Sephoras, and other makeup counters are taken off guard when I know more about their products than they do - what's new, what it is, when is it being released, etc. With Summer on its way out and Autumn on its way in, a lot of wonderful new products have been released - Urban Decay's Revolution Lipsticks, Butter London's Lip Balms and Creamy Cheek Stains, Bobbi Brown's Sheer Lip Colors, Cargo's Essential Lip Colors, and Marc Jacobs Lip Gels. 

Fortunately, a new ULTA opened up nearby and distributed cash vouchers and gift certificates to the first batch of hundred people to come in to the store. So, I was able to use coupon vouchers on a lot of these products. I wish I was the lucky duck who picked a $100 voucher. The grand opening event carried on for an entire weekend. My mom and I rushed over to the store every morning and collected about six vouchers worth $5-$10 each between the two of us. We got two bonus vouchers because my dad agreed to accompany my mom on one of the days when I was not able to attend. Some people brought extended family members and friends along. 

One by one I will be reviewing all of these wonderful lip products here on my blog. I have already reviewed the Marc Jacobs lip gel here, so be sure to take a look at that as well if you are interested. 

Today, I am sharing my review of an Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in the shade called Rapture. 

Price: $22.00

Claims: "Creamy, Badass Luxury... insane color payoff with creamy shine... plumps... and nourishing oils leave lips cushiony soft." 

Truth to the Claims? I was initially disappointed by this lip product. I tested a few shades in the store before I decided to purchase the shade Rapture. After testing out and eliminating colors off of my list of colors I had wanted to purchase, Rapture and Venom were the only two that suited me. I was mainly interested in trying out the subtle and neutral shades, such as Naked 2, Liar, Fiend, Rush, and Rapture, and the deep oxblood wine shade, Venom, for the upcoming holiday season. I may purchase Venom in the future, but I think I have enough oxblood, red wine, lip colors to last me a lifetime. 

My lips are decently pigmented, but not deeply pigmented. My lips can look parched somedays, but it is either because I need to drink more water or have been over exposed to the sun. On most days, my lips feel normal. However, when I tried the neutral to light shades in this range, my lips looked clownish and dry. The colors applied nicely, but looked prominent and pasty. Yes, these lipsticks are richly pigmented and feel creamy, but do not necessarily appear shiny and smooth. The first few times I wore Rapture, I added a balm underneath or a gloss on top to soften the appearance of the lips. 

Packaging: I like the light gray, gunmetal, chrome colored tube. I don't like the purple. I am not a big fan of true purple so perhaps that sheds light on my dislike. I would have chosen a darker gunmetal, almost a black granite shade had I been the designer. The gunmetal looks simple and not cheap; a nice variation from the common black high-end packaging. 

Color: Rapture is a shade encompassing various colors, like lavender, dusty mauve, deep lilac, mid-tone pink, taupe, and plum. I really like the versatility of this shade because could be warn in warmer months as well as cooler months. It is a deep shade, ideal for Autumn and Winter, yet it is not as dark and vampy as traditional wine, oxblood, and burgundy shades that can seem a little out of place in the Spring and Summer. 

Formula / Application: A rich semi-matte creamy formula. May need to add lip balm as a base or gloss on top for a softer, youthful, and shinier look. See above under "truth to the claims" for more detail.  

Overall: I think I have added a beautiful color to my collection. I would definitely recommend this lip product, especially the Rapture shade. I only wish more colors looked appealing on me. I am very tempted to try out Rush and Venom in the future! I still have two ULTA coupons left. Who knows? Or maybe I will save the coupons for other new products to be released soon. 

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Fall/Autumn Makeup Tutorial featuring New MARC JACOBS LOVE MARC Lip Gel # 110 Role Play

*New* MARC JACOBS LOVE MARC Makeup Collection SEPHORA

~ MARC JACOBS LOVE MARC Lip Gel # 110 Role Play ~

Price: $30.00 

I first became aware of the new Marc Jacobs makeup line while waiting for the flight to take off. For once the flight magazine had an article of interest to me. Luckily, my place of destination was Mall of America! So, I went to the Sephora in Mall of America and saw the new line in flesh. I was immediately drawn to the neutral/metallic eye shadows and bright lip lacquers. The eyeshadows were so pigmented and felt so creamy. I was tempted to purchase a palette, but decided not to because I barely ever wear eye makeup with the exception of special occasions or blog photo shoots. I also tried the lip lacquers, which were disappointing. The lacquers made me look immature, like I had smeared marmalade or a popsicle on my lips. They also felt heavy and uncomfortable. My lips felt very tight, and tingly, which overtime transcended into a burning sensation. So, be careful with the lip lacquers. I am not aware of the lip lacquers having any plumping claims, but surely felt like it. 

Believe it or not I was not even going to try the lip gels because the color range was not too enticing. Two colors caught my eye once I took a closer look - Role Play and Saboteur. I didn't even get a chance to try Saboteur as I was swept off my feet by Role Play. 

Ingredients

"Myrrh Extract, Vitamin E Oils, and Monoi Butter: Provide richness and moisturization while reducing the signs of aging. . . Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglycerl-2 Tetroisostearate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Dicalcium Phosphate, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-I0/I Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Ozokerite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Hexyl Laurate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Propylene Carbonate, Bht, Methicone, Ethyl Vanillin, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Sfflower) Seed Oil, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Tocopherol, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carmine (Ci 75470). (+/-) Titanium Dioxide (Ci 7789i), Iron Oxides (Ci 7749i, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Red 6 (Ci I5850), Red 7 (Ci I5850), Red 7 Lake (Ci I5850), Blue I Lake (Ci 42090), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci I9i40) Yellow 6 Lake (Ci I5985)." - found @ Sephora 

Since I am not a physician or chemist, I would like to refrain from commenting on the ingredients. However, I decided to include the ingredients anyways just for kicks and giggles. "Cosmetics have chemicals in them and should be used moderately." - my wonderful mother (physician and scientist).  I have highlighted some ingredients that drew my attention. Vitamin E, Coconut, and Sunflower Oils = good; Monoi = good; Carmine = derived from insects; Silicon = not good. 

Packaging

A traditional classy black with magnetic closure. The oval and flattened shape makes it slightly unique and different from the typical rounded or rectangular shape of lipsticks. 

Color: Role play is described as a dusty rose on Sephora's website. However, on my lips and against my skin tone, Role play looks like a nude dusty baby pink with mauve undertones. In my opinion, rose shades have red/rosy or brown undertones. On me this shade appears very nude or like Kim Kardashian's trademark Turkish Delight. Role Play is also a full coverage lip color. One swipe of the cute little bullet provides a layer of rich creamy color. 

Formula / Application: If you like MAC's Creme Cup, MAC's Modesty, or MAC's Angel, then you may also like Marc Jacob's Role Play. The formula of the MAC lip colors did not suit me. MAC's Modesty, Creme Cup, and Angel made my lips look very gritty, chapped, and dry. I really liked the texture of Role Play. My description cannot justify the smooth and glossy gel-like, yet lightweight texture and appearance of this lipstick. I prefer the solid gel formula of this lip color more than creamy or creamy-sheen formulas, which feel heavy, greasy, and too emollient to stay in place. I did not find a distinct scent or taste with this lip color. My lips feel smooth and do not look parched once this lip color wears off. I am reluctant to say that I have found a lip product to intrinsically hydrate my lips, but I can surely say that this lip product does make my lips feel smooth and adds moisture on the surface. My lips were slightly chapped before I applied this product and felt smooth once the lip color wore off. 

Longevity: Role Play passed my "chow down" test. I ate a healthy, delicious, and crunchy caesar salad   after completing the makeup tutorial. An hour afterwards, I consumed a little bit of Cappuccino gelato. Yes, yum yum for my tum tum! The lip color was still there, but sort of fading. This is not a long-lasting lipstick in my opinion as Marc Jacobs or Sephora claims it to be. It lasts long enough for me though - about three to four hours. It definitely has decent staying power in comparison to other lipsticks with a comparatively comfortable and glossy formula. 

LOVE IT! Note the glossy effect of this lip color in the pictures below. I am not wearing lip balm or gloss. I am so glad I added this lipstick to my collection and would highly recommend it. I would like to try a couple more shades of these lip gels and am keeping my fingers crossed to find more colors than will suit my skin tone. 

Swatches! 

My First Fall / Autumn inspired Makeup Tutorial!

Face: Trader Joe's Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 15, SIBU Hydrating Face Serum, and Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzer. 

I first applied the serum after washing my face. Next, I applied the lotion. Lastly, added a little bit of warmth to my cheekbones using the bronzer. I applied the bronzer with Sigma's small contour brush (F05) and then buffed it out using ELLE's blush brush. 

Brushes: Sigma Small Contour Brush F05, ELLE Blush Brush, Sigma Tapered Blending Brush E35, Eco Tools Concealer Brush, Eco Tools Angled Liner Brush, Eco Tools Angled Crease Brush, Eco Tools Shader Brush, Sonia Kashuk Shader Brush, and Sigma Pencil Eye Liner Brush E05. 

Eyes: LORAC Unzipped Palette's Unbridled Shadow, MAC Quite Natural Paint Pot, MAC Satin Taupe Shadow, MAC Black Track Fluid Line Gel Liner, Wet 'n' Wild Creme Brûlée Shadow, Essence Cappuccino, please! Shadow, and Estee Lauder Sumptuous Lash Mascara. 

1. Draw a very thick winged line using MAC's gel liner with Sigma's eye liner brush E05. 

2. Apply MAC's Quite Natural using the Eco Tools concealer brush all over the lids. Blend it out into the crease in windshield wiper motion using Lorac's Unbridled and Sigma's tapered blending brush E35.

3. Apply Wet 'n' Wild Creme Brûlée shadow on the brow bone using Eco Tools angled crease brush. Next, apply Essence Cappuccino, please! shadow in the inner corner of the eyes using the small Eco Tools shader brush. 

4. Apply Mac Satin Taupe starting at the inner corner of the eyes and blending it towards the center of the lid using Sonia Kashuk's shader brush. Emphasize the wing only with Eco Tools angled liner brush. Wrap it up with Estee Lauder Sumptuous Lash mascara. 

p.s. Although I never add anything to the water line area of the eye, I did get a little adventurous this time and lined the water line using the gel liner and blending it out with MAC Satin Taupe. I guess I wanted an extra smokey earthy sort of look. 

Hair: Naturally air dried and styled using Organix Moroccan Argan Oil. 

For the complete look I applied Marc Jacob Love Marc Lip Gel in the shade Role Play. Voila!

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Bare Minerals / Escentuals Marvelous Moxie Lipsticks in Call the Shots and Break Away

I am very excited to share my review of the Bare Minerals / Escentuals Marvelous Moxie lipsticks. I purchased two shades called Call the Shots and Break Away. I think the Moxie collection was released towards the end of this past Spring season. It was not on my agenda to try these lipsticks. I only had one Bare Minerals lipsticks from their original collection, called Bread Pudding, at that time, which I was not very pleased with. Bread Pudding is a beautiful caramel peachy nude shade, but a bit dying despite its creamy formula. 

One day this past June, I strolled into a Bare Minerals boutique because I received a Friends and Family 20% off coupon in my email. My only intention was to purchase my holy grail eye shadow primer. As I was walking towards the cash registers, the makeup artist asked me if I wanted to try out the new lipsticks. My initial instinct is to say, "no, thank you!" Instead I said, "yes sure... I want to try this one...  hmm oh and this one... ohhh and this one too!" 

I tried Call the Shots because I was on a hunt for my ideal hip 'n' happening red-orange shade. I also tested Break Away because of my inclination towards neutral pinky mauve shades. I do not usually purchase anything on impulse, unless I absolutely need it or find a bargain or like it a lot. I do not know what gave me the confidence to buy these that day. I usually ponder about the thing for quite sometime before actually investing in it because new things are out in the market every week, every month, and every season. It is so overwhelming to keep up with the continuously changing beauty and fashion trends. Every brand releases the same product - BB creams, CC creams, Night Creams, Argan Oil - but marketing it in their own unique way and tricking your mind into thinking you need it all. 

~ My Critique ~

These lipsticks are amazing! They apply like a balm and glide on smoothly. The colors appear intense and opaque in a single swipe across the lips. While applying and even after the lip color is on your lips, you will feel a very subtle cooling sensation, not a tingly or a prickly sensation, on your lips and smell peppermint for a few minutes. This does not bother me, but it might be a problem for someone who is extremely sensitive to the feel and smell of minty (menthol-like) products. These lipsticks have a creamy formula, but appear very glossy on the lips. It is quite nice to find a creamy, fully pigmented lipstick that has the glossy and juicy appearance of a sheer lipstick. For this reason, these lipsticks will not suck the moisture out of your lips. My lips feel normal and smooth once the lip color has faded away. Fortunately, most of the lipsticks I own do not strip the natural moisture of my lips even if they may not add moisture or hydrate my lips. Only water can give me that intrinsic hydration! I did a "stuff my face" test with these lipsticks and they passed. I ate thai drunken noodles (yum yum for my tum tum) while wearing Call the Shots and cappuccino flavored gelato while wearing Break Away. The lip color stayed on. Not like a matte lip stain, but it didn't wipe or fade off either. It was easy to reapply both the shades because of their emollient texture. My recorded wear-time with these lipsticks is between two to three. 

~ Price ~

$18.00 

~ Lippies' Swatches ~

Break Away is a light pink mauve. It is the ideal baby pink for olive and warm beige, with yellow undertones, skin tones. Although Break Away is a rich creamy light shade, it does not apply patchy and streaky or appear stark. Some light shades tend to sink into the lip lines, exaggerate lip lines, and make lips appear dry. Yes, you can see lip lines below, but that is natural. Some people have more puckered lips than others.  I appreciate that this shade does not exaggerate the lines or give off a dull, dry look. Most nude pinky mauve shades are too light to apply evenly on my naturally pigmented lips, but this one glides on smoothly, evenly, and is fully opaque. 

Call the Shots is a bright, true red. In my opinion, this red has warm undertones and is not a blue-toned, teeth whitening red. However, beige, olive, and tan skin tones, with yellow under-tones, need not be alarmed. This might suit you as it suits me. I was definitely uncertain about this shade when I first saw it, but my infatuation with lip colors has made me more adventurous and curious. I am so glad I bought this shade. Since Spring, I have been looking for a hot bright red in lieu of the red-orange Spring-Summer 2013 trend and this shade was the winner for me. I purchased this in June during Bare Minerals' Friends and Family sale event. Even though this is a intensely pigmented and emollient red, I was apply to outline my lips and apply it uniformly. I do not like to use lip pencils. 

For a day time subtle and casual look, use Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in the shade Break Away. 

For a more festive and spicy look, use Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in the shade Call the Shots.

I really want to try some more shades from the Moxie range. I have my eye on a deep raspberry plumy and a nude shade, but I am not sure if they will suit my skin tone. For now they are on my wish list, but I have plenty of new lipsticks lined up to review and swatch! So excited! Hope you all enjoyed this review. 

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Lacquer Love: Essie Nail Polish "Ballet Slippers" (Review and Swatches)

I have been searching here and there and everywhere for a classy milky pink. All of the ones I came across were sheer or pastel or neon and applied like white-out - streaky, patchy, and uneven. So, when I saw Essie's Ballet Slippers at Kohl's, I was very reluctant to try it. My friend, Alex, changed my mind. While Alex and I were swatching different polishes in the store, she insisted that Ballet Slippers might be worth trying. Having an unsightly affection for nail colors, I thought oh why not! And I am so glad I bought it... 

The numerous pictures I have shown below project the extent of my fascination with this nail color. Do you like the classy and clean look of french manicures? Are you a soon-to-be bride looking for a milky whitish pink shade for your nails, but you don't want the traditional french manicure? Are you looking for a versatile polish that adds a sheer whitish pink gloss to your nails in one coat or can be builded up to an opaque milky pink shade in two to three coats? My answer for you - Essie's Ballet Slippers. 

I would recommend this polish for any skin-tone. I have a warm-beige skin tone with olive and yellow undertones. My friend has an ebony skin tone. This shade suited both of use and brightened the appearance of our hands. Sometimes such colors can add a gray cast or dull the appearance of hands that are deeper or warmer in color, but this did not. 

In the pictures below, I have applied one coat of Sephora by OPI Nail Strengthener as a base coat and one coat of Essie's Good to Go top coat. I have applied three generous coats of Ballet Slipper. An application tip I would like to share is to use a generous amount of polish with every coat and not to press the brush along the nail, but rather move it across the nail with a light hand. This way you prevent patchy application as you are trying to build opacity. Despite the five layers of polish, which includes base coat and top coat, the drying time was fairly short. I think I waited less than five minutes before I began doing other work. I have mentioned below that I would like to refrain from commenting on the longevity of this polish, but I would like to comment that I wore this polish for a longer period of time than my usual four days - perhaps a full week - and I did not experience chipping other than very little scuffing at the end of the nails towards the end of the week. 

According to another friend, ReNu, Ballet Slippers is the Queens favorite polish. So, if my review is not convincing enough, then the Queen's words might be worth consideration. This is definitely a favorite of mine. 

*I have refrained from commenting on the wear time (longevity) of the nail polishes because I only wear a particular polish for four full days and then I like to keep my nails bare for a while. In the four days, I only experience minor chipping on my index fingers and that is all. 

Have a happy happy happy day! Come back soon!

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