Revisiting the Red Ladies

Recently I got the urge to revisit red lipstick; but as always it a long and slightly arduous task considering that you really need to try on a bunch and match for your correct undertones. Thus I decided that it wasn't just time to find a new tube of red lipstick but to revisit The Red Ladies in general. By that I mean, actually wear them.

Over the next few posts I'll be trying on new ones and possibly revisiting old ones. In the lineup are the following reds:

1. e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color in Rich Red
2. Nuance Salma Hayek Color Vibrance Lipstick in Paprika
3. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in 01
4. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Matte Collection Lipstick in 107
5. Maybelline Color Sensational in Very Cherry

I'll likely be covering their longevity and wear within the next few posts as I slowly go through them. Other colours that I may cover appear below. Some of these have been with me for a while so pardon their appearance. 

1. COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor in Embrace
2. MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in Moulin Rouge
3. Bobbi Brown Metallic Lip Color in Ruby
4. Estée Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Orchid

As this might take me a bit of time to slowly go through them (who knows, I might get a bit fed up and combine them all into one mega post, I'll leave you with some preliminary swatches of them.

From left to right: e.l.f., Nuance, Rimmel Kate,
Rimmel Kate Matte, and Maybelline.

Covergirl, MUFE, Bobbi Brown, Estée Lauder.

Now I know that it might seem a bit confusing that with the first batch being red, the second jumps to purple and pinks. The reason for this is that I've been on the hunt for a purple lipstick as well, but not one that is too bright since my undertones don't take to well too colours at time. While perusing the makeup aisles at Target, I came across Covergirl's Embrace and I had to grab it. Given the devation, I figured that it would be worth it to try out all of my lipsticks if time allows.

Rimmel Kate Matte and Covergirl.

Review: Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free

I almost hesitate to dedicate a full post for this moisturizer but I might as well. It's not really necessary but here it goes. I wasn't really on the hunt for a foundation since I'm content with the CoverFX however through a makeup exchange I ended up getting a sample. At first I was a little bit off put because given the colour schematic I realized that it wasn't one that could stand up to the spectrum.

What does that mean? It means that the sample I was given was a generic "This is good for Medium tone skin" and upon looking at the website my assumption would be that the Deep or Dark Tint would be a better match. Anyhow, working with what I got, the first thing was that the scent was repugnant. I figured that I should try it on anyway, but there was just so much that felt so wrong.

The consistency of the liquid foundation was fine so nothing struck me as odd. But then I tried to apply it to my face and it felt so chalky. Although it came out like a liquid, the application felt like I was putting on paste. I still continued on since it looked like it was matching my overall facial skin tone but it felt terrible. By the time I was done I was so done with the scent and application. Of course, then taking a step back and looking at my face, it was kind of ghastly. The best way to describe it was that while it covered imperfections, it was not able to match my skin in its entirety so it felt (and looked) like a mask.

I ended up washing it off immediately and tossing the rest in the trash. If I were impressed with its overall performance I would be more inclined to seek the correct colour (whatever that might be) but given the scent, feel, and application, there is no justifying the pursuit of this product.

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Product: Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free
Price: $40
Would Recommend? No
Takeaway: Aside from the colour being off, the scent was terrible, the application was terrible (it felt like a paste), and it just looked and felt like a mask. 

Rosy Cheeks

One of the things I love about going to a makeup counter (or Sephora or a brand's respective store) is getting other people's opinions. It's one thing play around with the makeup and try to make informed choices and it's another to say to someone, "This is what I want, what do you think would work?" This works especially well at a makeup counter since they know their product whereas I don't.

Where is this going? Well, a few years ago I went to the Bobbi Brown makeup counter and got help with a new blush. After talking it over with the consultant, I made the jump from a darker blush (that you could barely see on me) to the Bobbi Brown Blush in Nectar. Now mind you, this was a huge jump in colour for me. The blush I used before was a deep plum colour and I was putting it on very lightly. I made this jump to a bright rosy coral which was all kinds of new.

It's been two years and I've grown to love how it lightly but brilliantly accentuates the apples of my cheek. I figured it was time to try something a bit bolder. Illamasqua's Powder Blusher in Hussy.

Illamasqua's blush is on the left and the Bobbi Brown blush is on the right. It's not exactly the best comparison since the Illamasqua is on an eye shading brush and the Bobbi Brown is on a concealer brush. 

Anyhow the point of this was to show just how much powder you pick up with the Illamasqua. This was after one swipe because it picks up a lot and it's highly pigmented so you have to be careful when using it.

The Bobbi Brown... well, it took about 2-3 swipes to get a lot on the brush to have a good comparison. The point of this is a bit two-fold: the Illamasqua is highly pigmented to a little goes a long way whereas the Bobbi Brown is a bit on the lighter side. Still, the Bobbi Brown is very pigmented and don't forget that.

Left is the Illamasqua and on the right is Bobbi Brown.

Today I tried the Illamasqua out and very nearly made the mistake of putting on too much this morning. I managed to even it out and loved how it looked all day. It remained as bright and beautiful as when I first put it on this morning which means that it's on the same level as my Bobbi Brown blush.

Both of them are pretty amazing but they are definitely great for their own purposes. The Bobbi Brown is fantastic for everyday because it goes on light and you can slowly build up the colour. Due to that, it has a very natural look.

The Illamasqua is dramatic and has quite a bit of flair on it. It's buildable, but I wouldn't suggest doing so since it's so pigmented. It really does pop so I can imagine using it for those special occasions or if I just want to appear a little bit more lively.

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Product: Bobbi Brown Blush, Nectar

Price: $24

Would Recommend? Yes

Takeaway: Long lasting, great pigmentation, and so very natural looking.

Product: Illamasqua Powder Blusher, Hussy

Price: $24

Would Recommend? Yes

Takeaway: Long lasting, highly pigmented, and great for a dramatic look.