Rouge Bunny Rouge Color Burst Lipstick in Word of Mouth

Likened to a balm by many a blogger, it's safe to say that Rouge Bunny Rouge makes one moisturizing lipstick. Quite some time ago, I ordered one of the Color Burst Lipsticks from Zuneta, which was obviously prompted by all the rave reviews of the formula. It was sort of challenging to select a color, because the swatches on the Zuneta website aren't the greatest. But the color description for Word of Mouth goes as follows: "Creamy, shiny finish cool cherry syrup (**the little black dress of lipsticks, very pretty and feminine)" How could I resist? Ordering  cosmetics on the internet is always a huge pain, but you sure as hell can't go wrong with a description like that. And I'd say it was pretty accurate. As you can see in the photos, the color is sort of a pink toned plummy red, or a reddish plum, depending on how you want to look at it.

After wearing this lipstick around for the past however many months, I can say that the moisturizing properties really are worth the fuss. It's definitely the most comfortable full coverage lipstick that I own. I generally like the feel of thinner lipsticks better (think YSL Rouge Pur Shine), but when it's particularly cold out, and my lips are feeling exposed and malnourished, this is the lipstick I reach for. I would recommend lining the lips, because like so many of it's emollient brethren, the Color Burst Lipstick formula seems to be prone to feathering. But I really don't mind a little liner. 

I would probably wear this lipstick all day every day if the color suited me slightly better. Although the color description on the Zuneta website was pretty accurate, this sort of plumb red color is hard for me to make casual. It looks simultaneously dramatic and geriatric on me, if I'm not careful. Maybe it's my skint tone. One of my oldest and bestest friends has the most beautiful head of red hair, and this sort of color looks incredible on her. I'm a brunette. So there you have it.

Next time I place an order with Zuneta (in other words, when another coupon code becomes available) I'll be getting the Color Burst Lipstick in the "Screen Siren" red Raw Silence. Those sorts of colors are always easy for me to wear, and the formula is definitely worth the further exploration of the line.

Paul & Joe Lipsticks for the Spring 2011 Parasol Collection Sparkles, Swatches and Review

So Paul & Joe has hit another out of the park. The new Collection Sparkles, entitled Parasol, could not be more spring appropriate. The three new lipsticks in the always adorable printed tagboard packaging are a gradation of pinks. Of course the formula is consistently the best. Plushy, glossy, and moisturizing. And at that magical medium on the sheer to opaque spectrum that flatters so well. The colors probably aren't the most original, but I honestly don't know how anyone could pass on them. At $22 each, the price is right, and the packaging is totally charming and unique. So I guess I'll mostly let the pictures speak for themselves in this post. There's really not much to say other than that Paul & Joe has once again knocked my socks off. 

From bottom to top: 070 Chantilly, 071 Afternoon Delight, 069 Alfresco

The lightest out of the trio is 069 Alfresco, which is a sort of "baby" pink. Excuse my language, I hate that descriptor. But that's probably the best way of describing such a delicate blue toned color.

The mid range color is 070 Chantilly. This is my favorite out of the three, and as you can see, I couldn't wait for last weekend's photo shoot to start wearing it. This is a slightly coral toned color that's a similar albeit pinker version of Chanel 77 Jersey Rose. Suffice it to say that both this color and the chanel have been in heavy rotation lately.

The darkest color is 071 Afternoon Delight. This is really a beautiful sheer fuschia pink that gives nice definition to the lips. I've been going eyeshadow free a lot lately, since I've been so enamored with the "fresh face" of spring, and this is a good product for that look because it adds a bit of healthy color.

 From left to right: 070 Chantilly, 071 Afternoon Delight, 069 Alfresco

Same order as above

So in summary, these lipsticks are not to be missed. Go forth and purchase, you won't be disappointed. Clearly Paul & Joe have produced yet another spring collection to be reckoned with. I bought a couple other items from Parasol as well, so look for more posts to come.

Chanel Spring 2011 Rouge Cocos Peregrina and Jersey Rose, Swatches and Review

 

 Algea and Diatoms

So I went back for seconds. Don't judge me. I bought the two Rouge Cocos from the Chanel Spring 2011 collection, 77 Jersey Rose and 78 Peregrina, after the holiday extravaganza. These were somewhat unimpressive when swatched on the back of my hand during the first go at the 57th St Boutique, which is why I was spared the expense initially. But after reading reviews, and looking at other swatches, I realized I should probably look more closely. So I dutifully went back to saks with my gift card and tried them on. When applied to the lips, these lipsticks go from being ho-hum to super awesome flattering seduction!!! 

 

Jersey Rose is a rose pink with a peach undertone that goes beautifully with my winter palour. It actually almost matches the natural flush on my cheeks, and not surprisingly, goes with most of the blushes in my repertoire. I've been wearing it non-stop since I bought it earlier this month. It actually hurts my heart to think I almost missed out on Jersey Rose. It's become my newest and most favorite my-lips-but-better shade. I should have known that a lipstick corresponding with a number like 77 would be heavenly.

Peregrina is a very similar color, since the hue value is almost identical. The swatch picture really speaks volumes to this effect. But instead of being rosey, Peregrina is just straight peachy. The sales associate said that this color would turn orange with my skintone, but I think I disagree. It stays pretty true peach, despite the amount of pink in my face. 

As for the formula, I'm actually not crazy about the Rouge Cocos generally speaking. I find them unfortunately drying, although the fragrance has grown on me. Thankfully, where these lack in moisture, they make up in lasting. In comparison to other lipsticks that I frequently wear, these rarely have to be reapplied throughout the day. I find these non-feathering, and precise enough that you don't have to use a lip liner. Granted I don't own any dramatic colors, which is obviously the true test.

 

Overall, I'm really glad that I looked at the Chanel Spring 2011 lipsticks in greater detail. Jersey Rose will always have a place in my british-in-heritage heart.

photo credit: Dr. Arlene Wechezak, submitted to the Nikon Small World Microscopy Competition

Tom Ford Black Orchid Set Review

I received Tom Ford's Black Orchid gift set as a Christmas present, having not tested any of it beforehand. I was honestly apprehensive, especially about the fragrance. But this is decidedly high end luxury, and every one of the three items has been a big hit with me. 

I'll start with the item that I was most concerned over, the solid perfume. I'm absolutely terrible at describing scents, so I'll just say that the Black Orchid solid perfume seems to me to be complex, but still universal. The metal compact that it's housed in is obviously vintage inspired, and is very classy and high quality. At first I thought there was a mirror in it, but it's just a highly polished and reflective gold surface. Almost a mirror, not quite. The closure is magnetic and secure. I haven't been carrying it around for fear of damaging it, but I bet it would hold up just fine to kickin' it in a hand bag. Overall, it's a beautiful piece that's worthy of being carried around by a vixen from the 1940s. 

The nail polish is the first from Tom Ford, and thankfully holds up his reputation for quality. The polish is highly pigmented, and dries with a high shine glossy finish. Not sheer, not bumpy, just nail polish heaven. Definitely worth having, since I don't own anything similar. 

The Lipstick is also the first I've ever tried from the Tom Ford line, and I must say I'm also very impressed with it. I wore this shade on New Year's Eve, and it was a big hit. The formula is definitely moisturizing, but just dry enough so that it doesn't bleed all over the place, which is a must with such a dramatic color. I wouldn't wear this everyday, but it's very on-trend and nice for those (very) occasional nights out. 

This was the Christmas present that I was most anticipating from the lot, and it didn't disappoint. Overall, I think this is a great introduction to the Tom Ford line, and an excellent gift. And it's a good thing that I received it as such, since I really can't imagine paying the full $140 just for myself. But that's Tom Ford for you. 

Nars Lipstick in Funny Face, Swatches and Review

According to the internet, Nars lipstick in Funny Face was used in a recent J Crew shoot. So of course I had to investigate further. When I heard that Nars may discontinue this color, my mind was made up. I went right out and bought the color during the Sephora VIB sale. This particular Nars lipstick formulation is definitely dry, but the color is so deliciously bright and matte, I forgive it for making my lips feel like parchment. It's also remarkably long lasting. I wore this out to a show at Sullivan Hall, and it stayed on through several hours of standing around, eating pizza, and drinking two G&Ts. The lipstick is also very easy to control when applying. No need for lipliner.

If the dryness of the formula turns you off, I've had success with applying a lip balm first. The color stays true, and my lips aren't nearly as dry, but the matte quality is a little lost. Such is the case with matte. 

Speaking of Nars, apparently there is ongoing construction on a new boutique due to open this coming year. It'll be located in Greenwich Village, and is supposedly going to have all sorts of crazy awesome variety and exclusives. Nars is definitely one of my favorite brans, and I seriously cannot wait.

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Vintage Carmine, Swatches and Review

So Givenchy Lipstick in Vintage Carmine is yet another item that I ordered during the sephora friends and family sale. There are about a million sephoras in nyc, but I couldn't find this in store to try out before ordering online. Whatever, reds are rarely disappointing, right? Right. Well, I wouldn't say I'm disappointed with this lipstick, but it's decidedly NOT what I was expecting. The color is describes as "deep red" on the sephora website, and as "red with brown undertone" in the press release. When I opened this lipstick up, I noticed that the color in the tube looks (deceptively) dark. I immediately thought, "oh no, it's just a dupe for the Dolce & Gabbana amethyst shade!" So I went over to my vanity, and compared the two under directly under the lamp light. No real resemblance. The Givenchy shade is much more brick red (and yes, brown in undertone) in comparison to both D&G amethyst and orchid. Phew. 

I thought, great, I love brick reds. And this one seemed plenty original for my stash. I felt confident that all of the surprises were over. That was, until I applied the lipstick. As a preface, I've owned several other Givenchy Rouge Interdit Lipsticks. I have "Absolutely Irresistable Red," "Maharani Henna" and some coral number. All of these lipsticks have been creamy with medium to full coverage. So of course this would be the texture of Vintage Carmine, right? Wrong. Vintage Carmine in shockingly sheer and glossy, and applies very burgundy. Jeez. Way to throw me for a loop. 

Above and below you can see the color of the tube. Is it not brick??? 

You can see how pink in tone the swatch is in comparison to the brick color of the tube. It's really sort of a shame, because I much prefer the color of the tube to the swatch. What's more is, the formula is almost reminiscent of a stick gloss, and totally bleeds. By mid day, the color was all over the place. I had messy clown mouth. Lame lame lame. But that's only because I didn't take proper measures to make sure that wouldn't happen. All of my previous Givenchy lipsticks have not really needed lipliner, but clearly this one does. I wore this again with my go to Paul & Joe lipliner, and the results were much improved. 

So all in all, I don't regret the purchase, I just wish I had tried it out before ordering. Now that I know how to wear this lipstick, I'm actually getting into the color. It's a pain that I have to take an extra step and line my lips, but whatever. Sometimes I like a really long and involved makeup application, because it tends soothes my internal savage beast. I also don't have too many reds that are similar, and the formula is forgiving as long as it's been properly lined beforehand. Surprisingly, it's actually shaping up to be a somewhat of a sheerer, glossier version of the Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Terre de Feu that I just reviewed. 

Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Terre de Feu, Swatches and Review

Nars recently came out with the Pure Matte Lipstick line. The advertisements are actually all over NYC, and problems with the (glossy??) presentation aside, this lipstick is pretty damn awesome. This is a legitimately moisturizing matte lipstick. Whoa, right? When is matte ever synonymous with moisture? Well, Nars really did it. Pure Matte isn't actually the most moisturizing lipstick out there, not by a long shot, but it's definitely the most moisturizing matte that I've ever found. I've long been a fan of the Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, and this formula definitely beats it.

As for the other aspects of the formula, it's a total win. Pure Matte is extremely long lasting, and totally smooth in application. I don't even need a lip liner to make this lipstick look totally bold and perfect. And talk about pigmentation. A little goes a long, long way. One tube of this lipstick could seemingly last a life time. Even though the pigmentation is through the roof, it doesn't get everywhere, it stays on the lips without a much transfer. I kind of really love the matte lip look, and it's super exciting to find such a great formula. I hope Nars releases more colors, like maybe a matte hot pink. Though it might be a little out of even my comfort zone, I might have to try the deep eggplant color that supposedly limited edition for Fall 2010.

Below is a swatch in full sunlight. Ah, mattes are so ridiculously easy to photograph. Maybe I'll only review matte things from now on, and have nothing but accurate, beautiful swathes...

I bought Terre de Feu to emulate a certain J Crew look. This is the effect that I was going for: in the November J Crew catalogue, the below model was rocking this awesome berry red color. Gazing at these pictures, I went wild with lemming, and I knew I had to reproduce it. I have absolutely no idea what the color or brand of the lipstick is in the photo shoot, but J Crew has been using a lot of Nars products lately (they've recently featured Nars Lipstick in Funny Face), so Pure Matte in Terre de Feu probably isn't that far off. 

Photo credit: J Crew (obviously)

YSL Rouge Pur Couture No 6, Swatches and Review

Ever since I got Yves Saint Laurent's Rouge Pur Couture in No 6, I've been wearing it practically every day. The color is just right: a peachy nude that imparts a nice healthy color. The lovely ladies at the YSL counter at Bergdorf's sent me a card with three samples of the new Rouge Pur Couture colors, so I knew that the formula was good stuff. And theglossgoss reviewed this very color just recently, so I felt confident ordering this sight unseen from the Sephora friends and family sale. 

As I've mentioned, I'm already a pretty big fan of the YSL lipstick range, and this new lipstick does not disappoint. The formula is not the most moisturizing, but the coverage is a very agreeable medium to full, and it glides onto the lips. The scent has changed, and I think I like it even better than the traditional "mango" (although everyone knows that "mango" must be used in the loosest of terms when actually describing the fragrance...) The new fragrance is a sort of a sweet vanilla-y, but I can't really describe scents, so just ignore me. I actually liked this lipstick so well that I went right back out and bought another color in red, and that almost never happens to me. 

Again, this is not the most moisturizing lipstick, if you have extremely chapped lips, or just can't stand the feeling of dry lipstick, then go with the Rouge Volupte line from YSL or with anything from Rouge Bunny Rouge. If I'm being very lazy, and not paying any attention to the state of my makeup, this lipstick can settle into chapped lip lines. So basically the upshot is that this lipstick is slightly more work than an extremely moisturizing one.

As an aside, I just got my C14 certificate of fitness from the FDNY, which required taking an ID photo. I was wearing this color in the picture, and it totally looks bangin'. I'd recommend this color, or a similar one, if you're getting your picture taken for a photo ID any time soon.

YSL Rouge Volupte Perle, Swatches and Review

I sure love me some Yves Saint Laurent, particularly the lipsticks. And Rouge Volupte Perle is yet another home run product for me. I got two of the pink colors: 103 Sparkling Pink, and 104 Stellar Pink. The former is a cool toned pink that brightens up my face, the latter is a surprisingly natural my-lips-but-better color. And the formula!! Bow down to the perfection that is this formula! This lipstick just glides on, and feels so luxurious and moisturizing. It's even better than the creamy Rouge Volupte Original. As is the general consensus, the Perle-ness is also much more forgiving than the Original when applying to the lips. You can just slap these on, no need for liner.

Left: 103 Sparkling Pink, Right: 104 Stellar Pink

Aren't the colors absolutely gorgeous? As for the wear time, I would say it is decent. I generally have to reapply lipsticks throughout the day no matter the formula, because I snack and drink and mess about with my lips, but I have a feeling these are not as long lasting as a less moisturizing counterpart. Any of the Chanel lipsticks, for example, would outlast these, but they are also much more moisture zapping. Although, the sparkle particles in the Rouge Volupte Perle formula seem to last forever. The color may fade, but the particles remain until they are forcibly removed.

One thing to note, these Voluptes do not have a mirror on the top of the lid. I never did get much use out of that tiny mirror, but it's still nice to have (my typical usage: check my teeth for foreign food particles, because yes, I am that classy). Sort of a bummer that these are the same price ($34, but my cheap bone made sure these were acquired at a discount), but come with less. I forgive them though, because they're damn near perfection otherwise.

Left: 103 Sparkling Pink, Right: 104 Stellar Pink

A last consideration is the size of sparkle particles. These two colors have very subtle particles, that really do impart a pearlescent quality. 101 Beige Caress on the other hand, had some nasty ass giant particles. Which is why it's not being reviewed here today. I swatched that business and was like, awww hellll noooo.

These are a permanent addition to the YSL Lip wardrobe. And so the color selection may be limited now, but there are more to come I'm sure. So the verdict: go forth and buy Stellar Pink, it's the shit. Sparkling Pink is less necessary, but seriously, go swatch, you won't be disappointed.

If the $34 is not agreeing with you, YSL will be available at a 20% discount through Sephora very shortly, that is, if you're a VIB like me. So if you missed out on these during the friends and family sale, fear not. If you're not a VIB, then I'm also thinking the YSL website might have a discount soon, for the upcoming holiday rush.

Dolce & Gabbana Lipstick in Orchid and Amethyst, Swatches and Review

This season, Dolce & Gabbana came out with three new lipstick shades: Orchid, Amethyst and Cosmopolitan. I swatched all three in store, and completely fell for Orchid and Amethyst. Realizing how similar cosmopolitan was to Chanel's Summer 2010 Rouge Allure in Genial, which I already own, I passed on that particular shade (although it was also very lovely). The other two are fairly unique to my stash. Orchid is a deep pink, Amethyst is a deep purple. Amethyst was featured in the Fall 2010 promotional picture with Scarlett Johanson, so I think there may have been some bias! Both are excellent on cooler toned skin, although I think a deep purple shade like amethyst would look rockin' on anyone. I really love the formula of these lipsticks, save for one thing: the scent. I like that it's a classic rosey lipstick fragrance, but it's just a little too overpowering for me at first. Like a true junkie, I suffer through the initial cloying scent until it fades 10 minutes later.

On the left: Orchid, On the right: Amethyst

Prior to purchasing these two colors, my only vampy lip color I owned was Dahlia, also from the D&G Classic Cream Lipstick line. I really love Dahlia because it is the exact lip color of a 1920s screen siren. Whenever I put it on, I feel like I could be the starlett of a Howard Hughes movie. The two new colors closely resemble Dahlia. As you can see, Dahlia falls directly between the two new shades, Amethyst and Orchid,

Swatches with comparison, from L to R: Dahlia, Amethyst, Orchid

Below you can see a lip swatch of Orchid. I used Paul & Joe Lip Pencil Duo in Scarlet to line my lips first. I wore this lip to work yesterday, combined with the brick colored blush featured in the "Soho de Chanel" compact. The two compliment each other very nicely. When I wear a strong or bright lip, I generally keep everything else light. One of the keys to pulling off a look like this is to make sure that your under eye is concealed fully. Orchid was a big hit, I got several compliments from my coworkers!

Chanel Soho Story Collection Picks

So this past week I finally decided that I had to take action. The Chanel Soho Story collection came out for new york fashion week, and more specifically debuted on fashion's night out, which was almost exactly a month ago. I went to Bergdorf's that night, and like a total loyalist, had a makeover at the Paul and Joe counter. In other words, I did not go to the Soho Boutique. I've been trying hard not to think about the Soho release, trying hard not to read the essentially rave reviews from other bloggers (especially Amy at CafeMakeup) but alas, I was overwrought. I am a new yorker after all. I have to show some loyalty, just like how I bought the Absolut Brooklyn. So I trotted on down to Soho after work, and did the damage. I chose the "Soho de Chanel" Highlighter/Blush and the Rouge Coco in "Stunning."

Soho de Chanel really is super awesome. I like the brick red blush portion particularly well. I just don't know how Chanel does it, to be honest. The simmer is so sophisticated. When I put it on my cheeks, it's all glowing and nice. I usually reach for matte shades for my cheeks, but I have to admit that this type of shimmer is so seductive. The highlighter portion is less exciting, mainly because it's difficult (for me) to get just that bit on my brush. But I have a feeling that my skillz are not up to par with the experts.

All pictures taken in bright sunlight . . . said captain obvious.

I don't really know how I managed to get my hands on the Rouge Coco Lipstick in Stunning, considering how late it is in the game. But this particular lipstick was a return, from just that very day, and the sales associate told me that I was a very lucky girl. I think it takes more than getting your hands on a lamely limited edition product to make a girl lucky, more like living to see another day and all that, but whatever. This is actually the one item out of the collection that I wanted the most, so why am I complaining? This is my first Rouge Coco, and I'm not that impressed with the formula. It's drying and smells too much of . . . flowery cosmetics. But the color is super nice. See for yourself:

Bright sunlight swatch

As for the rest of the collection, all I can say is "ehh." The nail polishes didn't really rock my boat. And neither did the other lip items. I swear, if Chanel comes out with another baby pink lipgloss with sparkles, I'm going to lose my shit. Oh wait, I already must have lost it when the released freaking "Charming" for the Holiday collection. Oh well.