Lure of Lipstick

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Why, Hello There.

Talk about neglect. That's exactly what I did, and I apologize! I couldn't commit to posting on the blog as often as I would've liked. I would love to get back on the bandwagon of things.

My taste in makeup has drastically changed while I was gone. My daily look now consists of a simple cat eye with liquid liner and saturated lips. When I mean saturated, I'm talking about red lips and bright colors.

Along with the change mentioned above - I no longer hoard make-up. I have purged most of my collection and downsized greatly. I now only have 17 lipsticks, 10 blushers and 5 lipglosses. It's a very good size and I would like to keep it this way for as long as I can. I just was so overwhelmed with the amount of crap I had.

There has been a flood of new collections for the Spring and holy shit, it's almost February. The one item that had me skip a beat is the Cruel Gardenia Meteorites from Guerlain. Highlighter has always made me look greasy but this powder...oh, this lovely disc of unearthly beauty, simply makes me glow. It's so subtle that most people would argue against spending the money on it but seriously...you need this. Did I buy a back-up? I'll let you guess on that one. I swear I'm not hoarding.

I will try to post a post with pics soon. I thank those who still come to visit my blog after being MIA for eternity and beyond!

1. Swearing less definitely did not work as a New Years Resolution. Why the hell do people bother with these anyways?
2. Why do elderly people insist on driving at 80 when they can't even stay in between the lines? Going 20km less than the limit. On a one lane street. With their faces right up against the windshield because they can't see. Yeah. Do I like to bitch? Oh yeah.

Friday, July 1, 2011

LIPPIE: My Only Red - Dior Rouge Podium

I've never been one to seek out a red lipstick. I just don't ever have an occasion to wear it and if I did, I don't think I'd be able to pull the look off. I say this, yet I think every woman should have one red lipstick in their collection - you never know when you might need it! Whether it is just to feel a little more glamorous or just for a dinner party. Behold Rouge Podium - an entry level red.
The packaging is bulkier than the original and taller. I used up my old Addict, so I cannot compare with pictures.

Dior released their revamped Addict line earlier this year and I have to say, I'm not a fan. Most of them have shimmer, which migrate and feel gritty on my lips. This is one of the few creme finishes, with no shimmer. Rouge Podium is a brown based red, making it extremely wearable. Worn alone, it is opaque and leaves a slight sheen. Worn layered with a pretty gloss, you can either amplify the shade or mute it out.

Here it is next to my mom's orchid planter in red.

This shade is not as nearly as drying as the ones with shimmer, it is comfortable on the lips - until it needs some sprucing up after a couple of hours. It fades nicely, a soft stain left behind on the lips. I probably will not be purchasing any more of these lipsticks in the future, I purchased this shade because of how easily the color can be adapted to different looks. Mind you, the only thing I change up is my blush and lip color most days. If you're in the market for a red, do check this one out. Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians!

Product: Dior Addict Lipstick - $31CAN.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

LIPPIE: Even More Revlon

You're all probably thinking: WTH Julie, where's all the good stuff? I can't help it. I really enjoy my Revlon lippies! I will eventually get to the others but I just have not had luck with photos and lighting. If you live in the GTA, you know what I mean. It's been freaking cold, and the heater is still starting up in the house. I hope the weather realizes that it's MAY!

Mink is a limited edition color from the Suede Rhapsody collection back in 2010. I have been obsessed with brown-toned lipsticks for a while now, and I know it may sound and look dated but against my skin tone - these shades are exceptionally flattering. Mink is no exception.

The gloss I like to pair it with is another holy grail item. If Revlon ever discontinues this shade (like they recently have with Strawberry Suede - a matte), I'll go apesh*t. Pardon my language, but seriously. I will.

In the swatches below, Mink looks straight-on brown and very, very boring. I swear it's not when applied onto the lips. It is quite brown, but there is a hint of pink in it that keeps it from looking completely flat. You just have to take my word for it. Nude Lustre is a medium brown with a slight orange base, shot through with very subtle golden shimmer. Love this gloss.

L to R: Nude Lustre, Nude Lustre + Mink, Mink

I often wear Mink and Nude Lustre separately, but when I crave something with more impact - I layer them together and they are perfect.

By the way, if you are planning on purchasing CHANEL Bronze Corail ($56CAN) or Dior Nude Glow in Aurora ($48CAN) (bronzers for the summer collections), get them NOW. My counters only had one of each left and they just hit counters this week. Holy smokes Batman, these two are life-changing. I am not a bronzer gal, but the finish these give to the skin is indescribable. Love. I hope to get my posts up about these soon, but Sabrina (thebeautylookbook) and Amy (CafeMakeup) are experts when it comes to swatches and lighting. Please check them out.

Product: Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick and lipgloss - $8.99-10.99CAN ($3.99 when on sale).

Monday, April 25, 2011

LIPPIE: More Revlon

Ok, seriously. I'm a horrible person, it's been a few weeks since my last post - which by the way, was completely useless. I don't really have a legit excuse either >_>.

Anyway, Shoppers Drug Mart routinely holds a sale on Revlon lippies for $3.99. The last sale for this price was probably 2 months ago, and I picked up several new colors that I would like to share with you! I love them all =).

Clockwise: Black Cherry, Mauvy Night, Smoky Rose, Ginger Rose & Rose Velvet.

I previously made a post showing you Rose Velvet, so I'm not going to include it in here.

The above is Ginger Rose. GR is a very, very beautiful neutral pink. It's not too cool and it's not too warm. I love pairing this with the CHANEL Glossimer in Pink Pulsion - it creates the most gorgeous brightened pink which isn't garish at all.

Smoky Rose is a pretty accurate name for this shade. This lipstick is in the Pearl finish (all the other ones shown are Creme), so it imparts a soft silver sheen. It sounds '90s, but it is quite flattering against my skin tone.

Mauvy Night. What a cute name. If you like MAC Up The Amp but find it too purple, this is a great alternative. It is a more tame version of it's grown up sister. It's not too purple, on my lips it looks great worn alone or topped off with a gloss.

Black Cherry looks like Hell in the tube. It reminds me of the classic CHANEL Rouge Noir lipstick. BC is a deepened red with purple undertones. It is quite dark, and I'm not confident enough to rock this alone but it is great worn as a stain. Swatches below:

L to R: Rose Velvet, Ginger Rose, Smoky Rose, Mauvy Night, Black Cherry.

I love the Super Lustrous line. They are so pigmented and so smooth. The best drugstore lipstick IMO. If you see these on sale, pick one up - you may just find a new favorite!

I only wish we carried the same shades that are available in the U.S. The Shoppers around where I live carry the same ones, but Wal-Mart has a huge selection. What's up with that?

Product: Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick - $8.99-10.99 (Lowest price I've seen - $3.99 when on sale at SDM).

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

RANDOM: Test

My blog seems to be filled with random posts. I came across this test on io9, it is disturbing on all levels. I don't know if it is legit, but it sure was shockingly accurate.

Oh, and the questions. I couldn't take them seriously the first time I took this because..well, they are quite humorous and don't make much sense. But then I realized the nature of this test and suddenly, they weren't so humorous. I love psychology.

The Pierley/Redford Dissociative Affect Diagnostic

This vaguely reminds me of the Myers-Briggs personality quiz. Either that, or a cold read...or a complete con.

TOP 10: Manga Revisited

A while back, I dedicated a post solely on some of my favorite manga series. The list remains the same, but I have added quite a few more. Technically, one is an original anime series but...I'll include it in here as well. Like I mentioned before, many have an animated counterpart.

*SPOILER ALERT*

xxxHOLiC is now complete. An original animated video was released earlier this year entitled xxxHOLiC Rou Adayume, which wraps up some loose ends nicely. It has been long speculated that Doumeki and Watanuki shared a more than platonic relationship, and after much ambiguity, I think this OAV confirmed it. I'm not talking about a sexually heated relationship - if you have read the manga or watched the anime, you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm not going to rant any furthur, I'm a little sad to see this series go.

Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica - This is an anime. But it is hands down the best original series I've seen to date. I am going to go as far as saying that this is the best series for 2011...and 2011 just started. Gen Urobuchi is a genius. He took the magical girl genre and spun it upside down on its head, but I'm sure he didn't do it alone. It's a simple idea, but this series is loaded with symbolism in every single scene. I had to watch each episode twice in order to fully appreciate the things I missed the first time around. There is a Wiki site dedicated entirely to dissecting the series, featuring deciphered runes, speculations and theories - the works. And the music...oh, the music is just beautiful. A must watch.

The spring anime season has begun but I haven't found anything that sparked my interest yet. Sorry, another non-beauty related post!

Due to the earthquake that occurred on March 11 in Japan, I believe all broadcasts are put on hold. My prayers and thoughts go to those affected, and I seriously hope that everyone remains safe. My heart sinks every time I read about the circumstances. Stay strong.