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MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lip Color Review and Swatch – Burnt Spice, Lady be Good and Rich & Restless

March 4, 2017

My quest for the perfect matte Liquid Lipstick never ends, and today I am sharing my thoughts on the Mac Retro Matte Liquid Lip Color. The colors I picked include Burnt Spice (from the new collection), Lady be Good and Rich & Restless are from the original collection.

As much as we adore the matte finish at the moment, it is not an easy task to the find a good non-drying formula. It is always a little tricky to tell how they perform when you are trying them at the counter, as some formulas tend to feel more drying and even cracking on the lips over time. I didn’t have a high expectation for the MAC formula as I have heard some negative reviews about them, but surprisingly the retro matte wears comfortably on the lips for a day without drying my lips – for the colors I have picked. It also doesn’t enhance dry patches and flakes on the lips. For the same price range, I prefer the MAC more than Kat Von D (reviewed here) as the consistency is more creamy and less drying for delivering the same full matte opaque finish.

From top to bottom: Lady be Good; Rich & Restless; Burnt Spice

The Retro Matte is also insanely pigmented, as one teeny tiny dab of color is enough for the whole lips to show the true color (I think one tube can last a year of daily wear!). It applies creamy at first and gives you about a minute to blend and define the lips before it dries down to a full matte finish like ink on the lips. In the swatch, I applied it with a lip brush so it looks nice and clean in the picture. In real life, I prefer to apply and smudge it with my fingers to achieve a more subtle and effortless ‘just-kissed’ lips.

Color Swatch

Burnt Spice – a rosy terracotta

Lady Be Good – MLBB peachy beige color. It looks identical to Burnt Spice from the tube, but once applied it is lighter and has a stronger peachy tone than brown.

Rich & Restless – A pretty and bright warm coral color that makes a great statement without looking too bold.

Here is a FOTD selfie I took with my phone wearing Lady Be Good.

Makeup used in the FOTD

Base Makeup – Sisley Double Tenseur Moisturizing Gel (reviewed here)/ YSL CC Cream Lavender (reviewed here) / Tom Ford Traceless Foundation / Chanel Le Blanc Compact Foundation (reviewed here) / Dior Sculpting Stick (reviewed here) / Hourglass Sponge /

Color Makeup – Chanel Blush in Hyperfresh (reviewed here) / By Terry Eye Base Primer / Dior Eyeshadow Palette (reviewed here) / Chanel Le Volume Mascara Waterproof / Lancome Duo Kohl (reviewed here)

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Labels: FOTD • LIPSTICK • MAC

Tom Ford Soleil Color Collection – Soleil Contouring Compact, Bicoastal Sheer Cheek Duo, Ultra Rich Lip Color Review, Swatch and FOTD

June 12, 2016

Believe it or not, Tom Ford Soleil Color is the only 2016 summer collection that I picked up this year! (yep I skipped the Chanel..and many others) Normally summer collection involves lots of bright colors and bronzers which are not of my best interest, so for me it’s the easiest season that I can save my money from lol! With the exception of the always breathtaking release from Tom Ford. I managed to pick up some highly popular items including two beautiful face palettes – the Contouring Compact (limited edition) and Bicoastal Sheer Cheek Duo, and one lip color in Les Mepris on the first day of release. The entire collection is available on David Jones Online in Australia.

The Soleil Contouring Compact in The Afternooner is beyond gorgeous. If you own the Illuminating Powder Duo (reviewed here), you will love this palette too, as it includes a highlighter and a bronzer that are just as gorgeous as the duos, with an additional blush that makes this palette very versatile and practical to use. I won’t go into the details of the quality in this post, as they are always consistent with Tom Ford’s items from the past and permanent collections which I have reviewed many times. Overall Tom Ford is known for their cream-like powder based makeup with an ultra buttery and smooth texture for an effortless application.

Color description:

Highlighter: A soft nude shimmer highlighter with a pale gold undertone. On the swatch it leans slightly warm. However on my cool toned NC15 complexion, I am glad that it doesn’t pull too warm on me as some other golden highlighters do. I normally apply a sheer layer on top of the cheekbone, and it goes on translucent and gives a beautiful natural looking glow.

Blush: A semi-matte coral pink blush that gives a pretty flush of color and looks flattering on any skin tones.

Bronzer: A semi-matte sable brown color that compliments my skin-tone. It particularly goes well with the blush and highlighter – when all three colors are applied, they give a harmonious and sophisticated finish. The bronzer looks great for contouring the cheekbone, or dust a little all over the face for a bit of sun-kissed look. The color is too warm for my complexion as a real contouring product for the jaws and nose.

Swatch

The Tom Ford Bicoastal Sheer Cheek Duo is another palette not to be missed from the collection! It’s my kind of blush color that I can wear all year around. It has the two prettiest shades of pink in different finishes housed in the signature TF white and gold compact. On the top is a baby peachy pink shimmer highlighter. The blush at the bottom is a semi-matte rosy pink. I like to mix the two colors together for a natural and pretty glowy effect . Both colors go on sheer, so I prefer to use a dense powder blush for application, and they can be easily build up to a more vibrant finish.

Group Swatch

Tom Ford released two sets of lip color collections in this release. I passed on the entire Moisturecore Lip Colors as I just did not like the finish on me. With the white tube Ultra Rich Lip Color, I have an eternal affinity with them. They are beautifully packaged, feel luxurious with a creamy and silky formula. I only picked up the color Les Mepris so far, but in the back of my mind I kept on thinking about Purple Noon and Revolve Around Me which are more edgy colors. Les Mepris is a go-to pretty pink coral color that is universally flattering for all complexions. It goes well with any makeup look, and it instantly brightens up my complexion for a youthful appeal.

Sharing some of my FOTDs wearing the Soleil Compact with all three colors applied and Lip Color Les Mepris.

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Labels: BLUSH • FOTD • HIGHLIGHTER • LIPSTICK • Tom Ford

My Current Favorite Lip Colors

May 9, 2016

When it comes to makeup, I change my lip colors much more diligently than any other makeups. I can get away with wearing the same foundation and eye shadow for a long time, whilst for lip colors, I like to keep my many lipsticks on high rotation for an updated look. Lately I am a little over the pink and coral phase, and have become besotted with more neutral lip colors again. Perhaps it was to do with the current fashion trend, anything with a muted tone such as MLBB or browns in matte finish has my heart fluttered!

Here is an array of my current favorite lipsticks!

Top row from the lip swatch collage is the MLBB shades with a dusty pink undertone – absolutely obsessed with this shade.

Illamasqua Lipstick in Climax – One of my favorite colors from Illamasqua. Their quality is slightly better than MAC – very pigmented and smooth to apply without streaks. Climax is the most beautiful MLBB shade I own – it’s a tad darker than my own natural lip color with a peachy pink undertone in creme semi-matte finish. Think about your flushed lip color when you just step out of the shower.

MAC Lipstick Please Me (Matte) – My Holy Grail lip color, If I could only live with 3 lipsticks ‘Please Me’ would be one of them. It’s a MLBB with a dusty rose undertone in semi-matte finish. Just a natural but sexy color with a fashion spin and is easy to wear with different makeup looks.

Second Row is the cool toned dusty pink shades

MAC Lipstick Snob (Matte) – One of the top sellers from MAC. It’s a cool toned milky dusty pink color. Not an easy color to pull off, as it can look a little streaky on the lips, and the key for application is to blend and blend until the color is completely blended into the lips. I would say it is a stunning color on blondes with cool skin tone and blue/green eyes. On me, since I have cool skin tone, I can still manage to pull of this color. It does wash me out a little, and I tend to use Snob on top of having my lips colored with a darker lip liner such as the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner in Iconic Nude (reviewed here), and together they look perfect.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte PK 335 – Similar to Snob, but a tad darker in a complete matte finish, and it’s much easier to pull off. I love wearing this color alone, or mixing it with other colors. I actually bought this color after I saw the Shu gal had this lip color mixed a plummy lip liner, and it looked beautiful on her which resulted in this purchase!

Third row is the brown and nude shades

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick B*tch Perfect (CT KISSING Lipsticks reviewed here)- A delicate peachy pink color with a tiny tinge of nude brown undertone in a satin sheen finish. It’s a very easy color to wear for all skin tones, and leaves a luminous finish to the lips if matte is not your thing.

MAC Velvet Teddy (Matte) – Possibly the world’s most famous and wanted shade because of Kylie Jenner who swears by this lip color. I love it too. It’s such an edgy and high-fashion color – a pure deep beige brick brown shade that is on every IT girl’s lips at the moment.

Group Swatch

You can purchase MAC and Shu Uemura beauty products at David Jones Online in Australia.

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Labels: Charlotte Tilbury • ILLAMASQUA • LIPSTICK • MAC • My Favorites • Shu Uemura

Sephora AU Black Friday Wish List!

November 26, 2015

To all the Aussie beauty lovers who have been shopping up a storm at Sephora every time you go overseas, you probably would know Sephora has already opened the first Australian store in Sydney, and just recently they have launched their Sephora AU online shopping website. Tomorrow we will be finally having our first Australian Sephora Black Friday Sale with 20% site-wide (use code BFAU310093 for the members) and 10% off for the general public!! The brands available in Australia are different to the US site, and the online site also has more brands than in the Sydney store such as Sigma and the highly popular Korean brand 3CE! I put together a list of products that I love, and are exclusive to Sephora that are worthy to check out.

1. Marc Jacobs Beauty – You will get hooked on this brand once you have tried their uber adorable Kiss Pop Lipsticks.

2. NUDESTIX – I have been eyeing this brand for a long time, and love their concept of delivering a wide range of beauty products in the form of pencils (think about lip balm in a pencil). All of their pencils have a creamy consistency and apply beautifully from what I have heard. I will be hauling a lot of them tomorrow! If you are in the US, you can find this range on SPACE NK which is offering gift card of $25 if spend $125 until 1st Dec.

3. Becca – Becca’s shimmering skin perfector pressed powder is one of the best powder highlighters I have used. The must-have shades include the highly popular Becca X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop (back in stock!), and Moonstone for fair to fair/medium complexions.

4. Make Up For Ever – Raved about their Ultra HD foundation (reviewed here), and another fantastic product that I highly recommend from the line is the Smoky Waterproof Mascara (one of my HGs!)

5 Sigma brushes – Good brushes good price.

6. Sephora Collection – I love storing my makeup in train cases, and I absolutely love this clear train case. Must have for me!

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Labels: SHOP

Makeup News & Deals -Tom Ford Beauty, Christian Louboutin, Charlotte Tilbury and Jurlique

September 4, 2015

Just thought I’d let you know that there are some really exciting makeup launches in Australia and globally happening now!

One of the foremost collections that has just released online in Australia is the Tom Ford Fall 2015 Collection. The collection includes the highly coveted Skin Illuminating Powder Duo, and the Flawless Powder Foundation (permanent) and the Complexion Enhancing Primer (permanent). What excites me the most is that the new Tom Ford Lip Colors (13 new shades) are also available online now. I have just placed my order based on the swatches here.

The world’s most expensive lipsticks by Christian Louboutin Lip Colors are also officially launched in the US and UK. They are now available at Nordstrom and Sephora in the US, and Selfridges in the UK. NAP also stocks them for certain countries. Will you buy them? As for me I have not made up my mind yet…

Charlotte Tilbury‘s makeup line has taken off in a huge success within a short time. Her must have product – the super creamy Lip Cheat (see my review here) now has 5 new shades, and they are available here worldwide, and at Nordstrom in the US. I want all the shades especially crazy in love as it is selling like hotcakes! Her newest foundation – the Magic Foundation can also be purchased here with international shipping avaialble.

5 new shades are Crazy in love, Bad Romance, Hollywood Honey, Berry Naughty, Foxy Brown.

Last but not least, there is an awesome deal on Jurlique at David Jones happening now. It is time for me to replenish their famous Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum as I’ve been using it on and off for the past 10 years.

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Labels: Charlotte Tilbury • Christian Louboutin • JURLIQUE • New Collections • Tom Ford

What’s in my makeup bag

May 10, 2015

I have recently re-organized my makeup bag before my trip to Sweden, so I thought I’ll do a ‘what’s in my bag’ post. The makeup pouch is from Louis Vuitton 2015 Summer Collection limited edition. I really like the bright pink V graphic on it and its matching hot pink interior – it is very on trend and adds a playful touch to a rather classic style! The size is also quite compact, and I like the round shape (rather than a flat pouch) so it’s great for holding lots of makeup!

Clockwise:

1. Dior Eye Reviver Eyeshadow Palette – reviewed here

2. Bobbi Brown Cheek Palette Pink – reviewed here

3. Suqqu Cheek Brush – The greatest investment you can make for a brush! I have been using it everyday for the past 3 years and it is still in perfect condition (reviewed here)

4. Chantecaille Corrector Concealing Pen – reviewed here

5. Beauty Bar 24k Gold – Highly recommend! I use this face massage tool whenever I can for an instant lifted contour (reviewed here).

6. Dior Rainbow Powder – I use it as a setting powder with a kabuki brush for a soft glow with a brightening effect (reviewed here).

7. BBrowBar Brow Pen – Best brow pen I have ever used (reviewed here)!

8. Charlotte Tilbury Liquid Pencil in Eye Cheat – Can’t live without this pencil now. I use it on the lower waterline and it instantly makes my eyes appear more awakened and bigger (reviewed here)

9. Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner in Marron Glace – A lovely rusty brown color I like to use on the along the lower lash line.

10. Chanel Le Volume Mascara – This mascara gives the most feathery fanned out lashes.

11. Dior Addict It Line– Review coming soon. Absolutely addicted to this liner!

12. Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color in Roussy – reviewed here

The interior

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Labels: ACCESSORY • Beauty Tools • BOBBI BROWN • CHANEL • Charlotte Tilbury • DIOR • Louis Vuitton • MASCARA • My Favorites • SUQQU

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour Review and Swatch – 426 ROUSSY and 444 GABRIELLE

March 24, 2015

Chanel has recently launched the newly reformulated ROUGE COCO Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour, and they tick every check box for a perfect lipstick. After playing around with 6 colors at the counter, I decided to bring 426 ROUSSY and 444 GABRIELLE home. The old me would have probably purchased them all, but I am definitely a lot more “choosey” with colors now and more sensible with makeup shopping lately..

The new formula is divine – it is ultra pigmented with a firm texture (not balmy), and feels extremely silky and luxurious to apply. As a full coverage lipstick, it is quite moisturizing, and feels exceptionally weightless and comforting on the lips. Both colors are on the vibrant side with a satiny finish that has a touch of jelly sheen depending on the angle you are looking at. They apply true to the actual lipstick colors, no feathering and one to two swipes gives a full opaque finish. For a more sheer finish I suggest to use a lip brush for application. Lasting power is about 4 to 5 hours wear time.

The Rouge Coco in 426 Roussy is my sort of color. At first glance you would think it’s a cool pink (almost bordering barbie pink) but once you apply on to the lips, there is the warmth that comes through which makes the color very wearable and pretty (if you love pink)!

The Rouge Coco in 444 Gabrielle is the color to buy from this new range (it is the color that Keira Knightley wears in the ad)! I was debating between a few reds and in the end I decided to go with Gabrielle. It’s a saturated deep military red, and since I am obsessed with the utility trend I thought this would be the perfect color to match with my clothes! In my swatches I have shown two ways of wearing it. The full coverage is more sophisticated and fashion-forward, whereas the gradient look is more girl-next-door, youthful and makes the lips appear uber juicy and kissable! I have done a tutorial for this look , and in this swatch I was using the Charlotte Tilbury Liquid Eye Pencil in Eye Cheat (reviewed here) for concealing the lip lines.

Full Coverage

Gradient

Group Swatch

I bought mine at David Jones , and the new Chanel Coco Rouge lip colors are also available at Nordstrom in the US.

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Labels: CHANEL • LIPSTICK

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks Review and Swatch – Amazing Grace and Lost Cherry

October 21, 2014

In addition to the KISSING Lipsticks (reviewed here) I also bought two new Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipsticks (Amazing Grace and Lost Cherry) from Net -A-Porter which I absolutely adore (also available at Selfridges). I bought these online without having read much reviews about them, so I really didn’t have a high expectation on them as matte lipsticks normally don’t work that well with my naturally dry lips. But these ones are phenomenal in terms of formulation, and the velvet finish is very modern and fashion-forward.

The Matte Revolution Lipstick is ultra velvety smooth to apply without settling into the lines of the lips, and feels lightweight and non-drying on the lips. It’s very pigmented (more richer than the KISSING lipstick), and gives a very opaque and even finish with only one coat required. What appeals to me the most is that it is not a completely matte lipstick , and it provides more of a velvet finish with a semi-satin sheen that makes your lips appear more youthful than a typical matte lipstick does. Lasting power is about 4-5 hours on me. The only drawback to note is that it’s not a grab-and-go lipstick as you have to apply this in front of a mirror with some level of care for a clean look. Overall I am very impressed with the formulation of this lipstick. I can finally rock the matte lips look which is trending everywhere without the sacrifice of making my lips dry!

Amazing Grace looks like a dusty nude pink online, but in real life it is a dusty rosey pink that is a tad darker than I expected. Nevertheless the color is still beautiful and demure which would be flattering for all age groups.

Lost Cherry has completely wowed me. It is a fresh and bright cherry pink red that makes me wanting a backup! There is something about this color in the velvet finish makes it arresting.

Comparison Swatches

Left Amazing Grace Right Lost Cherry

Compared to the KISSING lipsticks

From my instagram

Bottom Line: The Matte Revolution lipsticks are definitely one of my top picks (along with the Filmstar bronze and glow – reviewed here) for anyone who is new to the Charlotte Tilbury beauty line. They are now available at Net-A-Porter worldwide!

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Labels: Charlotte Tilbury • LIPSTICK

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