Category: lips

NARS Velvet Gloss and Matte Lip Pencil Decoded

You know a good thing when you see it. But when you see two good things, how do you pick? I love both the Velvet Matte and Velvet Gloss Lipstick Pencils from NARS, but it is good to know the difference.

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil is highly glossy and moisturizing. Hyaluronic spheres nurture lips, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t long wear. This stuff does not budge. And Mexican Rose, below on the top, is a universally flattering, bold pink with a shiny finish. Like the Matte version, the chubby sticks are easy to apply.

NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil applies just like a lipstick. The matte formula isn’t drying and has an opaque, rich color. Dragon Girl, below on the bottom, is is that perfect, cool red. Unique silicones ensures long-lasting, velvety finish. But… don’t believe this is longer wearing just because it is matte. The gloss version was actually harder to remove from the back of my hand.

Which do you prefer? I thought I loved the glossy more, but these days I am all about the matte.

Susan Posnick Cosmetics COLORDUO Lip Pencil

If anyone knows about makeup, it is the artists that use product every day… all day. So no wonder Susan Posnick, former celebrity makeup artist, has come up with such innovative and high-quality cosmetics. Inspired by a battle against skin cancer, Susan developed a makeup line that focuses on substantial sun protection. It began with COLORFLO mineral foundation and expanded to a full line.

The last couple of weeks, I have been test driving COLORDUO. I wasn’t sure how I would feel – I usually find lip pencils drying on my already dry lips. I feel like I need something more nourishing to heal while giving color. Well… color me suprised. This pencil actual WAS hydrating. I liked now I could nimbly color in my lips with the ultra-creamy formula.

And herein lies the real brillance – the two sided pencil has a pinky brown Nude and matte red Rouge. The packaging is simple and slim, yet provides options. I can see keeping this in your purse, at work or in a gym bag for on the go lip color options.

I found Susan Posnick at APOTHIA at Fred Segal Melrose. You can also find her products now on Coterie. The first 50 orders get a free mascara with the code “FIRST50”.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Beauty for a Cause

You know I love beauty with a cause – look good AND feel good. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I selected some of my favorite products that are donating a portion of proceeds to the fight for a cure and supporting patients.

1. Estée Lauder Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Lip Collection: This set includes Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Candy and Pure Color Gloss in Pink Innocence along with a pink snakeskin-printed clutch. I love Pink Innocence for an easy hydrating gloss and this edition comes in an adorable pot with a patterned lid. For each purchase of the Evelyn Lauder Dream Lip Collection, Estée Lauder will donate 20% of the suggested retail price to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

2. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Disco: Shiseido has partnered with Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) to support their philanthropic arm, Cancer and Careers. By donating $5 for every Lacquer Rouge in Disco sold throughout the month of October, Shiseido will give back to the non-profit organization dedicated to supporting working women living with cancer. Lacquer Rouge is a liquid lipstick that has insane shine. Disco is an eye-poping, totally fun bright pink. The color has great staying power and doesn’t leave lips dry.

3. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Pumped Up Pink: These enormously popular balms are crazy nourishing. The the wash of color is perfect for those who want a more subtle look. The Chubby Stick comes with a pretty pink carrying case with a heart-shaped charm puller with Pink Ribbon. $3.00 from this purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

4. Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush: A portion of the proceeds of sales from 3 shades of Crushed Mineral Blush (Dusty Pink, Sherbet, and Tulip all pink of course!) are going to be donated to Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. I’ve been using Dusty Pink (a brownish pink) and Tulip (baby doll pink) – both have a satin finish. The powder blends beautifully and gives a natural flush. It is a very natural look, but can be layered for more pop.

NARS Autumn Leaves Sheer Lipstick

I am on cloud 9 with the welcoming of fall – football, cardigans and pumpkin flavored everything. And fall makeup collections, of course. After sifting through the berries, wines, reds and oranges, I have settled on my favorite new lip for the season – NARS Autumn Leaves Sheer Lipstick.

The sheer color is a warm, shimmer-filled orangey-red. The color looks more brunt siena on the lips than it does in the tube. The sheer formula with vitamin E keep my lips moisturized now that we are moving to drier months. For those of you who aren’t on the bold lips bandwagon quite yet, NARS’ sheer lipsticks give the perfect wash of color.

And speaking of cloud nine…. I am thrilled to be featured over on IFB today, where I am discussing being a blogger full-time. Check it out here.

Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Color and Lip Pencil

Laura’s newest lipstick hits the nail on the head when it comes to finish. It isn’t too matte or too glossy and has great staying power. It is a tad drying, but that is my only beef. And for these amazing colors, I don’t mind starting with a nourishing balm. You will want Merlot – trust me.

The cream texture is lightweight. I got a decent amount of wearablity before needing to reapply. The formula contains olive oil and vitamin E – I wish they had thrown in a little Shea butter for some more hydration. But it is nourishing enough to glide, not drag across the lips. And the square, mahogany case is super elegant.

In related news, Laura has also released some new shades in her lip pencils. These pencils are by far my favorite – creamy with insane long wear. I love filling in my lips with the color as a base for a related lip color or gloss. And they are allergy tested – perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Shop these lip products and my other favorite Laura Mercier products using the widget below:

hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick

My enthusasim boiled over when I tried the newest lipstick from hourglass. Their Opaque Rouge has exceptional staying power and feels (and looks) silky smooth on the lips. I took it for a test run last week. The color stayed even and true through chicken dinner and wine. And when I say it stayed, it stayed just as vibrant as when I first applied it. And all without drying out my lips like some other stains can do.

The formula is infused with skin-conditioning emollients, anti-oxidant fruit extracts, Cili Fruit and Goji Berry, and Vitamins A, C and E, actually hydrate and improve the look of your lips. But it isn’t thick or greasy – the feel is thin (while staying pigmented) and breathable.

The finish is definitely on the matte side, channeling the trends from fall runways like Victoria Beckham, Peter Som and Marc by Marc Jacobs. I found it works best to avoid layering with other balms, and let the color set for one minute. It is available in nine shades.

top row:

  • Ballet (Vibrant Pink)
  • Canvas (Dusty Rose)
  • Edition (Soft Pink)
  • Empress (Aubergine)
  • Icon (Cherry Red)
bottom row:
  • Muse (Coral)
  • Rose (Medium Rose)
  • Raven (Orange Red)
  • Riviera (Tangerine)