Purchased & Reviewed: Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder & Bite Beauty Matte Lip Creme Crayon

Laura Mercier is slowly becoming one of my favorite brands – could be due to the Cavier eye sticks, the fine powders or the artfully baked highlighters and bronzers. Could be due to the whole damn line. Don’t care – I’m hooked.

My trusty matte radiance highlighter is a month or so from disintegrating so I went into Sephora to replenish it but being the crow that I am – I was distracted by a new exclusive highlighter/shimmer/bronzer that was recently introduced. Cue angels singing and strumming on a harp (all with flawless makeup ovbs). Just when I thought I couldn’t come across anything better…

Hello Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder. You have come into my life and now I will clone the sh*t out of you.

Here are my feels:

Packaging: Classy and minimalist like the rest of the line. I love how such straightforward, simple packaging holds such gems on the inside. The inside? Work of art. This should be displayed in galleries all across the continent. I almost didn’t want to use it it was so gorgeous.

Formula/Coloring: Probably the best shimmer/bronzer I’ve put on my face. A simple sweep transfers a good amount of product. I use a larger round blush brush and apply on top of my cheekbones for a nice shimmer and really, all I need is one swipe. Instant shimmer. The pearly formula allows you to build up to the level you’re looking to achieve. I carve out the cheeks a bit so blending this into my contour adds a really nice sheen rather than a harsher matte look. The shading is a soft, pretty rose gold with a subtle gold underlay. You can use this as a highlighter for sure, just depends on what the shade of your skin is really. I recommend blending it into your contour/blush for the best possible effect. Maybe refrain from using on the area under your eyes as you would a lighter highlighter – you might not get the bright eyed effect you’re looking for. As for staying power – #allday

Wearability: I can make this work morning, noon, and night. It all depends on what else you have going on and what your makeup style is. If you’re looking for a more natural look then skip the contour and blush and use this as a bronzer to add a bit of glow. If you’re YouTube/Force Field strong then add it to your arsenal in varying intensity. Versatile as sh*t.

Price: I spent $50CAD on this bad boy. The USD price was $42 which I do think is a little pricey for bronzer but once I tried it on and my soul started glimmering through my skin – any qualms about price went poof. You can probably find a similar product for a thriftier price but I am smitten. It was one of those – buy it or have it stalk you around town kind of situations.

Verdict: You have to at least go check it out and see if it does it for you. I can honestly say it would be flattering on any skin tone. The radiance it adds to your routine is significant. Like I mentioned earlier you can use it as a highlighter, a bronzer or in places you want to had a bit of a healthy subtle glow.

You can get it here.

(The Canadian site is currently Out of Stock – it’s that good)

On to the next mind blowing purchase…

My sister’s purchase inticed me to see what the deal was with the Bite Beauty lip crème matte lipstick pencils. Again, my streak of being blown away by pretty much every single prouduct I bring home is strong. I don’t think I’ve disappointed myself since that NARS mechanical lip pencil that ripped a hole through my heart. This is one of the most amazing mattes I’ve put on my lips. I’m known to exaggerate from time to time – you know – I’ll die without mascara, I need that new Karlito purse charm before water/air etc etc you get the point….it’s not a rave review unless you’re drooling onto your keyboard and wanting to wear your lipstick to bed amiright?

The feels?

Packaging: Again, clean and minimalist is what you need on the outside when your product packs so much ferocity on the inside. These are even better than their frenemies because of the twist bottom (no sharpener needed).

Formula/Coloring: You need to take a seat for this one. Let me amplify this one key characteristic – this is one of the most hydrating mattes I’ve ever worn. No exaggeration. You can ridicule/heckle me if you don’t think so yourself. The not so secret ingredients are Resveratrol which acts as an antioxidant & Orange Peel Wax which locks in moisture leaving a waterproof armour on the lips. Also key players – Jojoba oil, fruit butters & Castor Oil – all of which leave your lips insanely hydrated and dewy. I put it to the test by applying at 7am and then not removing it until I removed the face before my workout at approx 530pm. I did retouch it after lunch, which is kind of a give in for all lipsticks in my opinion. Not a flake, a crease, or an unsightly residue. Nothing is uglier than a matte that is practically peeling itself off your lips in search for freedom for it’s dry ass, dusty ass life. Just, no.

Wearibility: I chose the shade Sucre (a warm pink). I only had time to try on a few and when I put this on and looked in the mirror I was all “hayyyy what your name is? “why you look so good?” “why your lipstick so nice?” That did it for me. It comes in 12 different shades that I can’t wait to smother all over myself on my next Sephora trip. I love this shade for daytime/night. In terms of bearability (shade wise) it’s up to you – what you feel compliments your skin, what works with whatever else you have going on etc etc…there’s a shade for all types.

Price: $28 USD which I feel is appropriate for such an awesome product. I’d shell out extra for this stuff – it has such amazing staying power and I can barely feel it on my lips – you can’t put a price on a lipstick that both looks and feels good.

Verdict: You absolutely need this. If you’ve been searching for a matte that won’t dry out your lips, or you’re new to the lipstick game, then this is your transition product. It’s easy to use, easy to apply and so damn easy to wear. One of every color please.

 You can get them here .

xo

Purchased & Reviewed: Giambattista Valli for MAC

This is one of the few times I’ve purchased a lipstick without trying it on first. I was much too eager to get my greedy little hands on these before they sold out so I went straight to the website and placed an order for the ones I figured would look great no matter what.

The famed French designer has extended his artistry to MAC lipsticks in 5 new matte shades ranging from light pink to a sultry red. Each shade is inspired by swatches of fabric from past designs – the expectation was to create a full range of vivacious colours that flatter and enhance with crazy texture and floral undertones. The matte is formulated to be worn both day and into the night and hold up, wait a minute – each shade is encased in a coloured tube – which is shaded to mimic the color within. MAC be switching it up and I like it.

*They were released in stores (and online) on July 9th.Many of the stores are selling out faster than T Swifts latest concert tour so I would suggest going nuts and purchasing online if you really want to secure your favourite shade. You can always return it if it doesn’t do it for you.

Here’s what I chose:

Margherita

This bright peachy coral-y shade was pretty much made for summer. I’m definitely picking up some bronzer and self tan because it would enhance the shit out of a glowy summer hue. It has warmer undertones and more of a satin finish than Charlotte. I love this with a very light peach blush and major strobing. #strobing #contouringissolastweek

Charlotte

This is one of the most unique “reds” I’ve encountered. I am ready to cash in the remaining summer months so that I can 24/7 murder this lipstick. It has yellow undertones – for anyone who likes to differentiate their reds according to appropriateness for skin tone. It’s more of a medium dark red – think wine but without the over indulgence and self loathing you feel when you realized you’ve polished off a whole bottle plus the dust covered boxes of chocolates from Christmas. Wait what? That’s gross. Get a grip. Anyway. This stuff is devastating to any other red you own. Ruby Woo has been a favourite of mine for a while now and Charlotte here has made her pucker up with jealousy.

Packaging: I love that MAC went in a different direction with this collab. The telltale tube and the matching color inside is dead on – plus the matte finish is consistent with the theme. I know they’ve switched up their tubes with past collections but this swatch packaging is really crafty.

Formula: Compared to the retro matte formula – these mattes are creamier and easier to wear but with the same color payoff. I find retro mattes to really drag during application and eventually cake and flake when you go in for a touch up or removal so it was a relief to discover that these ones have a smoother application and more of an opaque finish. I haven’t worn these for a full day yet but the consensus is that they last 5-6 hours.

Color range: There’s a shade in this collaboration for every skin tone and preference. Bianca B is a frosty pink (which I don’t think is flattering on anyone other than an albino but that’s just my own graceless opinion). Eugenie is a dark cherry, a deep purple that would slay a more daring look. Tats is a hot pink fuchsia with a satin – matte finish – one of those shades that leave behind a natural looking stain and Charlotte and Margherita are as described above. Each shade results in a huge color payoff and long lasting wear.

Verdict: Ugh. Go get you some. I’m such a victim when it comes to designer collaborations it’s disgusting BUT I can honestly say that these shades are must haves. There are colors you can find that are similar but I’ve examined a few of mine for comparison and nothing I own has come close to the shades I chose. Mattes are my favourite because of the durability and intense colors – so if you obsess over a good matte that isn’t too drying – you’re going to need these. Fine maybe not “need” but you’re going to regret not trying them for yourself.

*Update : As I was creating this post I noticed the shades are all sold out online. Call. Email. Text your MAC hookup. Do whatever. Call in the National Guard. Nothing gets in the way of a makeup hoarder on a mission. 

*PS- That’s not my arm and those aren’t my swatches.

Keep trying here

xo

 

Reviewed: Diptyque Beverly Hills Candle

Again – I’ve waited too long to share this fangirl post. I purchased this candle back in May (I believe it came out in mid April.) It was an exclusive release to celebrate the opening of the Diptyque store in BH. I practically ripped my hair out when I erroneously thought that I couldn’t get my hands on it unless I booked a flight but all fears were extinguished when I realized they would be oh so happy to send it to me. Hayyyy. The sales girl did ask if I wanted to go full out “charge it” and pick up the last few they had in stock but I declined because that’s what my candle warmer is for. If you’re a jerk and have a thing for pricey candles you need to invest in a candle warmer. You’ll extend the life of your candles, by like, 234870259 years. Kris Jenner would be so jealous.

Anyway, I now have this scent in my collection and couldn’t be happier to part with almost 90 bucks (retails for $70 USD) of somewhat hard earned money. I haven’t smelled anything like it. The mix is a combination of lemon essential oil, mint essential oil, orchid, and freesia. It’s a fresh,summery, beachy vibe and it’s so nice on a warmer day (or when it’s raining out and you want to play make believe).

It comes packaged as typical exclusive Diptyque candles do – unique glass casings. This one is turquoise with a bright yellow palm print. It’s such a pretty and refreshing addition to my originals and looks stunning on your dresser, shelf or coffee table.

I love this type of scent for warmer months – it’s fresh, clean and not in a “I just bleached the whole bathroom” kind of way.

I don’t know if you can order these from the store anymore (give them a call and find out – 310-385-5941) but I hope you’re able to score it because it’s a definite must in the Diptyque collection.

You can check out the rest of the line here.

xo