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The New Tarte LipSurgence Lip Glosses in Exposed, Blushing Bride and Park Ave Princess

April 25th, 2014 by Karen 6 Comments

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in Exposed
Wearing the new Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in Exposed

For the lip-lovin’ lady who has everything as it pertains to pigmented lip products, say hi to the new Tarte LipSurgence Lip Glosses in Exposed, Blushing Bride and Park Ave Princess — the sheerest of the new LipSurgence Lip Gloss line.

These three — nude rose Exposed, mauve pink Blusing Bride and shimmering golden nude Park Ave Princes — are joined by the six slightly more pigmented shades we looked at earlier this week (Tipsy, Blissful and Fearless; and Flush, Natural Beauty and True Love).

The question of the day: will you be able to see a difference among these three shades?

Hmm… Maybe. Up close. If you have a good eye. I think up close I can see a difference among them in the swatches, but I have to look very closely.

Nude rose Exposed looks slightly warmer and more pigmented than mauve pink Blushing Bride does to me, while Park Ave Princess looks like the sheerest cupcake in the batch. That one is basically just a barely-there nude tint with lots of golden glitter.

From across a room, I don’t think I’d be able to tell any of these three apart, at least not on my pigmented lips. The differences among them may be more apparent on less pigmented puckers than mine.

Don’t get me wrong, though, I’m not knocking them at all for being sheer, because they were purposefully designed that way — for natural-looking lips and high shine, which they do deliver. Like the Urban Decay Naked Glosses, they aren’t made for full-coverage color.

Of course, there’s a catch 22 there. Being as sheer as they are, they’re also pretty dupable in terms of color (Tarte gets extra credit, though, for being cruelty-free and for using so many veggie-based ingredients). Exposed resembles UD’s Beso, Blushing Bride looks like Rule 34, and Park Ave Princess reminds me of an uber-sheer NARS Orgasm gloss.

Similar to Chanel’s Glossimers, when I wear these, with their thick, non-sticky formula, it definitely feels like I have something on my lips. They aren’t so lightweight that I completely forget when I have them on.

As for finish and wear time, it’s a two-part saga. They begin with a patent-leather shine that slowly softens down to a subtle satin over about an hour, and then hang on for another 2-3 hours from there.

I like how easy these are to wear (I’m kind of a nude gloss enthusiast, it’s true!), and if you like your glosses super sheer and shiny like I do, you might like ’em, too. 🙂

As a side, you can also layer these on top of nude lipsticks or lip pencils — ya know, for an added twist and a little extra value.

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There are 6 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Lips, Makeup, Tarte Keywords: tarte-lipsurgence-lipgloss

The New Tarte LipSurgence Lip Glosses in Tipsy, Blissful and Fearless

April 24th, 2014 by Karen 8 Comments

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in Tipsy
Wearing the new Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in Tipsy

Here’s batch two of the new Tarte LipSurgence Lip Glosses in Tipsy, Blissful and Fearless. I think these could be of interest to all card-carrying members of the CAPLGLN (Coral and Peach Lip Gloss Love Nation).

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Glosses in Tipsy, Blissful and Fearless

  • Tipsy: a sheer coral
  • Blissful: a warm peach
  • Fearless: a shimmery pinkish coral

What’s with the funky doe-foot?

It’s curved to fit the contours of your lips, and the pointy tip makes it precise.

Is the doe-foot hard to use?

Not at all. It’s very precise, actually, particularly around the Cupid’s bow — very, very handy when I’m in the mood to wear an overdrawn lip look (where you apply your lip products outside your natural lip line to make your lips look fuller).

Tipsy and Blissful look kind of similar, yeah?

Sheer coral Tipsy and warm peach Blissful do look somewhat similar, yes. On my pigmented lips, they’re tough to tell apart. I do see a slight difference between them, though, if we’re going to split hairs… I think Blissful is a tad more pigmented.

Any dupes?

Off the top of my head, both Tipsy and Blissful look similar to Urban Decay Naked Lip Gloss in Streak.

Tell me all about Fearless, ma!

I love the name and the golden glitter. 🙂 It’s the most distinct shade in this batch — like a sheerer version of NARS Super Orgasm Lip Gloss with larger pieces of gold glitter.

What’s the glitter sitch on that?

Surprisingly, the glitter flecks in Fearless aren’t gritty, considering the size of the pieces (see them in the full-face shot?). This is classy glitter; not “klassy.”

Formula, flavor and finish

The thick, non-sticky formula starts super shiny but wears down to a slight shine over about an hour, and then will last another 2-3 hours after that. In other words, they’ll last through a glass of Two Buck Chuck (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere), but won’t make it through a tuna fish sandwich. As for flavors, yup, it’s a vanilla buttercream flavor and scent.

Meow or hiss?

Meow, although these three shades here may not be flashy enough to really stand out at a big event like your wedding or prom, but for everyday natural — sure.

Where can I find ’em?

At Sephora stores and online for $19 each.

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Glosses in Tipsy, Blissful and Fearless
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Glosses in Tipsy, Blissful and Fearless
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Doe Foot
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Doe Foot
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Swatches in Tipsy, Blissful and Fearless
Swatches in Tipsy, Blissful and Fearless
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in Tipsy Lip Swatch
Tipsy Lip Swatch
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in Blissful Lip Swatch
Blissful Lip Swatch

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There are 8 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Lips, Makeup, Tarte Keywords: tarte-lipsurgence-lipgloss

The New Tarte LipSurgence Lip Glosses in Flush, Natural Beauty and True Love

April 24th, 2014 by Karen 12 Comments

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Flush
Wearing the new Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in Flush

The what

These are a completely new line of shiny, permanent collection glosses from Tarte released as part of Tarte’s summer collection. They’re available now in nine shades (Sephora and online) for $19 each, which gets you a 0.27-ounce tube.

I’ve always liked Tarte’s LipSurgence products (the Lip Tints, Power Pigments, Lip Lusters, etc.) because of how natural they look on my lips, the great plant-based ingredients, and because of how low-maintenance they are (the twist-up pencils that don’t have to be sharpened, and the wearable colors).

When I saw the familiar names — Blissful, Blushing Bride, Exposed, Fearless, Flush, Natural Beauty, Tipsy and True Love — shades that were already in the Power Pigment lip pencil and Cheek Stain lines, I had high hopes for these.

Even Park Ave Princess, another one of the new shades, is also a Bronze & Glow Matte Bronzer and Cheek Tint, so one could get all matchy-matchy if they were so inclined.

Formula, flavor and finish

They feel a lot like Chanel’s Glossimers to me — thick, but not sticky. They’ll make it through a cup of tea, for instance, but won’t make it through lunch.

Officially, Tarte describes them as having a vanilla flavor and scent, which I kind of get as more of a vanilla buttercream…but maybe that’s just my tummy talking. I haven’t had lunch yet.

As for the finish, they start out super shiny but mellow out over the course of an hour or two.

I have very pigmented lips and these shades are the boldest one of the nine, although from the lip swatches you can still see that a lot of my natural lip color comes through.

I initially thought these might be challenging to wear based on how dark they appear in their tubes, but they actually apply semi-sheer on the lips. Despite looking different in the closeup lip shots, Natural Beauty and True Love look almost like the same sheer shiny red from a few feet away.

Product Performance: This hybrid addition to tarte’s signature LipSurgence line delivers all the plumped-up benefits of a gloss and pigmented performance of a tint in an antioxidant-rich formula. Each ultra-hydrating, vanilla flavored lip gloss imparts natural-looking color to enhance your complexion while drenching lips in moisture and mega-watt, non-sticky shine. Infused with vitamin E, jojoba seed oil and flower extract, this multi-tasking formula helps smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles while moisturizing dry lips for a healthy, plumped-up appearance that lasts. The unique applicator wand features an ergonomic tip that gently glides around the shape of your lips for a foolproof application every time.

Available in glossy versions of eight signature tarte shades: flush, blushing bride, tipsy, blissful, fearless, natural beauty, exposed & true love.

Powered By: vitamin E: natural preservative that also acts as an anti-inflammatory emollient & antioxidant; jojoba seed oil: natural soothing extract that leaves lips soft, supple & smooth; flower extract: moisturizes for healthy, hydrated lips

–tarte.com

Of these three, Flush, a subtle, creamy neutral pink, is my fave. I definitely think it’s a color that would work well for a lot of different skin tones.

Here’s the first batch of three — the brightest of the nine — in Flush (a berry rose), Natural Beauty (a sheer, shimmering red) and True Love (a watermelon). Stay tuned for the next six… 🙂

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Swatches from the left: Flush, Natural Beauty and True Love
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Swatches from the left: Flush, Natural Beauty and True Love
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Doe Foot
Doe Foot
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Swatches from the left: Flush, Natural Beauty and True Love
LipSurgence Lip Gloss Swatches from the left: Flush, Natural Beauty and True Love
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Flush Lip Swatch
Flush Lip Swatch
Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss Natural Beauty Lip Swatch
Natural Beauty Lip Swatch

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There are 12 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Lips, Makeup, Tarte Keywords: tarte-lipsurgence-lipgloss

At the MAC Studio Sculpt Shade and Line Cafe, You’ll Find the Perfect Color Blend

April 21st, 2014 by Karen 12 Comments

MAC Olive Blend Studio Sculpt Shade and Line
Wearing the new MAC Studio Sculpt Shade and Line in Olive Blend ($21) on my eyes

BETTY THE BEAUTY BARISTA: Hi, welcome to the MAC Studio Sculpt Shade and Line Cafe, where we serve fresh eye makeup blends, all day, every day. My name is Betty, and I’ll be your Beauty Barista this morning. Can I get you one of our trios?

KAREN: Hi, Betty. I’m not sure what I want yet… This is my first time here, and your menu is HUGE!

BETTY THE BEAUTY BARISTA: No problem at all. Take your time. If you have any questions, just let me know. Each of our Studio Sculpt Shade and Line products comes with two powder eyeshadows and a powder eyeliner, which you can wear wet or dry, so the number of potential color combinations can be a little daunting. But that’s what I’m here for.

MAC Studio Sculpt Shade and Line
All eight of the new limited edition MAC Studio Sculpt Shade and Lines ($21 each), available now at MAC stores, counters and maccosmetics.com

KAREN: I’m so excited! Let’s see… I can’t figure out where to start, Betty. Halp!

BETTY THE BEAUTY BARISTA: OK, well, how about we start by taking a quick look at the eight blends we have here in our display case? Do any of these catch your eye?

MAC Studio Sculpt Shade and Line
The new limited edition MAC Studio Sculpt Shade and Line palettes, $21 each

KAREN: Hmm…

Well, I think I like this pan [she points at the one with khaki and rose gold colors]. Is that a good one?

MAC Olive Blend, a rich rose-gold/deep olive green/ dirty olive (pearl/matte)
Olive Blend has a rich rose-gold, a deep olive green and a dirty olive (pearl/matte)

BETTY THE BEAUTY BARISTA: That’s Olive Blend! Excellent choice. It’s one of my top three.

KAREN: So pretty…

BETTY THE BEAUTY BARISTA: It is! Yup, it’s really great if you want something subtle, neutral and shimmery with a little more oomph than a basic brown or beige.

KAREN: It’s an interesting combination of colors. Kind of unusual.

BETTY THE BEAUTY BARISTA: I know, right? Khaki and rose gold? But they go together like peanut butter and jelly.

[She holds it up in her hand.] I just wore it last weekend. I did, like, a smokey, sultry look with the khaki eyeshadow in the crease, the rose gold on my lids and the darker khaki smudged out on my lower lash lines. Then I applied the darker khaki again on my upper lash lines using a wet brush, popped on some false lashes, and I was good to go.

MAC Olive Blend Studio Sculpt Shade and Line
Additional eye makeup worn in this look: Katy Perry Lashes in Lovely Lolita

KAREN: I would totally do that!

BETTY THE BEAUTY BARISTA: I used a MAC 224 and 217 to apply. Yeah, it looked like the kind of eye look that takes forever to buff and blend, but because the Studio Sculpt Shade and Line shadows are so soft and creamy and don’t have any fallout, I barely had to do anything at all.

KAREN: GURL, that’s music to my ears. You don’t even know. How’s the wear time on this cutie? My boss has me working these crazy-@ss long hours, so I need my eye makeup to last, and I don’t really like to mess with touchups…

BETTY THE BEAUTY BARISTA: If you use a good primer, you won’t have to worry about touching up at all! — another reason why I love these so much. Whenever I wear one with an eyeshadow primer, they last for, like, 8-10 hours with hardly any fallout, creasing or fading.
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There are 12 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Eyes, MAC Makeup, Makeup

Try Essence of Eye-Opening Energy for Sleepy Afternoons: Essence Crystal Eyeliner Is a Perfect Pick-Me-Up

April 18th, 2014 by Karen 9 Comments

Essence Crystal Eyeliner
Two of five new Crystal Eyeliners by Essence ($2.99 each)

Some people use coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Me? I like glitter liner because 1) it doesn’t give me the shakes or keep me up at night, and 2) it works almost as well as caffeine.

A little glitter on my lids or along my lower lash lines is a fantastic pick-me-up.

After lunch this afternoon (homemade tuna salad on rice cakes, which, OK, may sound weird, but it’s actually really good), I started feeling run down. I was getting the afternoon sleepies, so I thought, “needs glitter.”

I busted out Gold Rush and Twinkly Starlight, two of the five new glitter liners by Essence.

Essence Crystal Eyeliner
Twinkle Starlight (top) and Gold Rush (bottom)

They’re $2.99 each and new additions to the Essence line. They’re on the creamy side, too, because they have a gel base, so they’re a little easier to work with than your run-of-the-mill liquid glitter liner.

Because the flecks of glitter are different shapes and sizes, the formula looks bumpier and more textured on lids than, say, something like the Heavy Metal Glitter Liners by Urban Decay, which have tiny flecks of uniformly shaped glitter.

Twinkly Starlight (left) and Gold Rush (right)

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There are 9 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Drugstore Beauty Finds, Essence, Eyes, Makeup

Party-Ready Eyes for Just $2.99: The Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadows

April 18th, 2014 by Karen 13 Comments

Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadow
The new Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadows, $2.99 each

So much metallic, glittery, shimmery goodness for just $2.99! I almost can’t believe it’s true, because sometimes, when you add glitter, metallics and discount together, the formula equals “something sketchy.”

But in this case the formula equals fun.

Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadow
Three of five new $2.99 Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadows

You know how I feel about sci-fi… LOVE IT! And that might be one of the reasons I like these new $2.99 Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadows. Pressed metallic shadows with a glittery overspray, their shiny, shimmery metallic finish looks kinda like Terminator-esque liquid metal/chrome.

Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadow in Jewel Up the Ocean
Jewel Up the Ocean

You can wear them wet or dry, but I prefer wet because it turns up the intensity of the metallic effect (metallic-ness?). And I figure that if you’re going to wear metallics on your lids, you might as well go all out.

For me, they were a little tricky to apply at first, but once you get the hang of ’em, I think you get a lot of bang for your buck.

I mean, shoot, they’re only $2.99.

Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadow in Coffee to Glow
Coffee to Glow

The trick is figuring out how to keep the fallout under control. Use a fluffy brush like the MAC 217 or 224, and you could very well end up with sheer shimmer on your lids and glitter all over your cheeks.

Now, if that’s what you want, it’s all good.

Essence Metal Glam Eyeshadow in Frosted Apple
Frosted Apple

But I like to just use a clean wet finger. It gets the job done and eliminates fallout. Plus, because the finger’s wet, it cranks up the intensity of the pigments and shine.

Essence Metal Glam
Metal Glam, man!

I’ll wet a finger with MAC Fix+, swipe it across the pan a few times to pick up some product, and apply on my lids.

BOOM! — dramatic metal.

Essence Metal Glam
Can I get that coffee to glow?

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There are 13 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Drugstore Beauty Finds, Essence, Eyes, Makeup, Product Reviews

Hey, Baby Doll, Let Me Holla at You for a Minute: YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush in 1 Fuchsia Desinvolte

April 17th, 2014 by Karen 17 Comments

YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush in 1 Fuchsia Desinvolte
Wearing YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush in 1 Fuchsia Desinvolte ($40) on my lips and cheeks

Yo, yo, yo, Baby Doll! Don’t walk away. Come here for a second. I just want to tell you something.

Damn, Baby Doll Kiss & Blush…you foine.

For real though! Must be that hot-@ss outfit you’re wearing. You kinda looked like a nail polish I know from over there. My bad. I’m sorry. I see you now. You’re a multitasking mousse lipstick and blush with a matte finish, all up in one sexy bottle.

Baby Doll Kiss & Blush in 1 Fuchsia Desinvolte is one of 12 shades available now at YSL counters and online at neimanmarcus.com[/caption]

You’re a little heavy, and I like that. Must be that glass bottle. Shoo’… And that flocked doe-foot applicator?! I love me some curves. I’d wear you on my lips and cheeks like a pair of skinny jeans!

YSL Baby Doll Kiss Blush Doe Foot Applicator
Doe-foot applicator
YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Ingredients
Ingredients

You’re new around here, yeah? I can tell you’re different from the other multitasking lip and cheek products that strut their stuff down this block.

Let me caress you for a moment… It’s alright. Ooh, mousse texture. Fluffy. Kind of creamy, too. I bet you’re so smooth that you’d glide along my cheeks and my lips without any patchiness.

That’s classy, girl. Classy with “C,” not a “K.” 😉

YSL Baby Doll Kiss Blush in 1 Fuchsia Desinvolte
YSL Baby Doll Kiss Blush in 1 Fuchsia Desinvolte

You’re a keeper; I can tell. Not one of those fly-by-nights that just bounces after an hour or two. C’mon, let me take you out sometime. We could hang out on my cheeks for 6-8 hours, on top of foundation, bare cheeks or even atop powder. Or we could just kiss on the lips for 4-5.

YSL Baby Doll Kiss Blush in 1 Fuchsia Desinvolte
1 Fuchsia Desinvolte on my lips

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There are 17 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Face, Lips, Makeup, Product Reviews, Yves Saint Laurent

Clinique Black Honey All About Shadow Super Shimmer, and a Message From the Future…

April 17th, 2014 by Karen 27 Comments

Clinique Black Honey All About Shadow
Wearing Clinique Black Honey All About Shadow Super Shimmer ($15) on my lids and lash lines

1994 KAREN: Hello?

2014 KAREN: Hi, is this Karen?

1994 KAREN: Yes, it is.

2014 KAREN: This is going to sound totally weird, but, um…this is your future self, Karen. From 2014.

1994 KAREN: Shut the front door! What? Who is this? Jen, is that you?

2014 KAREN: No, really. It’s me, Karen. I mean, I’m also Karen. I’m calling you from 20 years in the future.

1994 KAREN: You sound… Dude, how’s that even possible? Who is this!? Someone’s pulling my leg. Are you that guy from the bus stop the other day? The Terminator one?

Clinique Black Honey All About Shadow
Black Honey All About Shadow ($15), available now at Clinique counters, Sephora and clinique.com

2014 KAREN: Nope, not that guy. Although I do remember him. Tall, in the green plaid shirt —

1994 KAREN: No way! How do you know that?

2014 KAREN: He was a physics major. Really cute and funny. I think he wanted to ask us out, now that I think about it.

Anyway, I only have a few minutes here, so that’s enough about boys. I have something very important to discuss with you.

1994 KAREN: Man, this is blowing my mind! If you’re really from 20 years in the future… I need more proof. Tell me something else only you — I mean we? — would know.

2014 KAREN: OK. Well, right now you’re probably wearing Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick.

1994 KAREN: NO WAY!!!

2014 KAREN: You’re struggling in chem and, truth be told, college has been a lot lonelier than you thought it would be. You also really miss Mom, Dad and Al, but you’d never admit that to them.

1994 KAREN: OK, I am officially freaked out right now. This is incredibly freaky…

Well, then I guess I should ask why you’re calling. Is it something bad? It’s something bad, isn’t it?

Clinique Black Honey Swatch
Black Honey Swatch

2014 KAREN: No, no, not at all. I just really wanted to say hi and — I know this sounds weird — remind you that you’re stronger than you think.

1994 was a hard year, but you’re gonna be OK. It might not seem like it now, but everything’s going to work out.

1994 KAREN: Really??

2014 KAREN: Yes, really.

I wish I could say more…but the contract I signed forbids me from disclosing anything specific that could alter the course of our life.

1994 KAREN: Gotta be vague… I get it. I totally get it. I’ve seen the Terminator —

2014 KAREN: — 500 times, haha!

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There are 27 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Clinique, Eyes, Makeup, Product Reviews

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