TONYMOLY Inked Cushion Gel Liner Swatches & Review (03, 04, 05)

Eyes, korean, Makeup, Swatch & Review, TONYMOLY

Earlier this year, TONYMOLY launched a very uniquely packaged product that caught my immediate attention. Shaped like the well-adored quill pen and ink sets from the medieval era, the TONYMOLY Inked Cushion Gel Liner (2g / made in Korea) is hands-down the prettiest eyeliner in my collection.

“Formulated to go on intense like ink and glide on light as a feather, this liquid gel-type cushion liner never skips, clumps, or drags, helping you achieve the perfect winged look. The cushion pot helps control the amount of product that is picked up and the built-in brush is designed to work perfectly with the formula so you always get an intense payoff with precision and ease.”

I definitely appreciate the quill brush included with the cushion liner and it works very well for a precise winged line. The brush “handle” fits perfectly in your hand and the bristles are flat and rounded to a tip so you can use both the larger surface and the side for varying line widths. I love how it fits perfectly in the pot so you never have to rest the brush on the table. The swatches below were made with one swipe and both surfaces to showcase the different widths achieved with the built-in brush.

TONYMOLY Inked Cushion Gel Liner — Swatched in natural direct sunlight.

TONYMOLY Inked Cushion Gel Liner Swatches — Swatched in shade.

As advertised, the formula is great. It dries very quickly and doesn’t budge at all. Even with water and some scrubbing, it only slightly fades by flaking off (rather than smudging) which will be really nice for the rain-filled days ahead. It washes off easily with makeup remover and is gentle on the eyes. One of the key ingredients is Althaea Officialis Root Extract which conditions the skin.

My first cushion experience was with the Stila Got Inked Cushion Eye Liner and I didn’t like it at all hence my initial reluctance to try a similar cushion eyeliner from TONYMOLY. Obviously the packaging won me over as I ordered three… (yep). I’m so glad I gave in. The cushion pot is great for controlling the amount of product on your brush – you simply apply a bit more pressure whenever you want to saturate the bristles. The downfall with cushion liners is that they dry out quicker than gel pots so you really have to make sure you close the lid tightly. Cushion liners also don’t last as long because you use up more product each time.

There are currently 5 shades available for purchase:

#01 Black
#02 Brown
#03 Pearl Brown (lighter than brown with more copper tones)
#04 Plum Wine
#05 Olive Black

I chose the three shades that are more unique since I have a lot of pure black and brown liners.

Bottom line, if you’re looking for an affordable smudge-proof brush-included liquid cushion liner that doubles as a pretty desk or vanity piece… look no further. Here it is.

Available now at tonymoly (US), testerkorea (international), amazon, Jolse, and more.

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Le Marc Liquid Lip Creme Swatches & Review

lips, Makeup, Marc Jacobs Beauty, Swatch & Review

Among all the new releases from each and every brand, the releases from Marc Jacobs Beauty are definitely the most-anticipated for me. From their sleek black lacquer packaging and creative naming sense to the exceptional formulation, MJB has captured my heart since the very beginning when I first purchased their Contour Powder in Mirage. Which is why, despite the damage on my card from Black Friday sales, I didn’t even hesitate to grab a few of their new Le Marc Liquid Lip Cremes released on Cyber Monday.

The new Liquid Lip Cremes claim to be long-wearing one-swipe nudes which exemplify creaminess and hydration. These lip cremes glide onto lips and keeps them looking plump and full for 8 hours of wear.

Available in a range of 6 bold nudes, all of which have full coverage and a subtle satin-sheet sheen. Each tube is housed in a sturdy black plastic tube with a spin top and doe-foot applicator. 28 USD / 38 CAD each (0.19 oz/ 3.49 mL).

The entire collection is formulated with brazilian cupuaçu butter and collagen which creates a very creamy texture that always feels cushiony and never leaving the lips looking lined or cracked. This really got me interested as I have dry lips year-long no matter what I do.

As usual, I picked the lightest and most true nudes I found: 450 Yours to Try, 452 Fawn Over Me, and 460 Hot Cocoa. The other shades in the collection include: 454 Truth or Bare, 456 Shush Blush, and 458 Slow Burn.

450 Yours to Try – Light Buff

452 Fawn Over Me – Peach-Nude

460 Hot Cocoa – Cinnamon-Cocoa

At first swipe, I noticed these lip cremes to be thicker in consistency than others I have tried in the past. It feels almost like a very creamy concealer. These three shades definitely hold up to the full-coverage claim. One swipe covers all the colour of my lips and I have pretty dark lips. I found 450 Yours to Try to be slightly drier which is usually the case for lighter shades. I really enjoy the finish. It doesn’t seem to need setting time since it never dries to a full-matte.

Swatches below were made with one swipe, no second dipping into the tube.

I was most amazed by how nicely they applied despite the consistency. After 4-5 hours of wear, I didn’t notice any bleeding around the edges and the lasting power is quite remarkable. It did fade slightly after some light snacks and water but natural enough that you don’t have to feel self-conscious and touch up each time (in fact, I didn’t touch up at all). Since this isn’t a matte lip, it will transfer on contact. I didn’t notice any obvious plumping effects although my lips definitely felt very comfortable. At the same time, although it neither hydrated my lips nor sapped moisture, it definitely didn’t accentuate any dry patches which is a really, really good thing for me!

There is no distinct scent to these lips although there is a slight chemical undertone which isn’t noticeable after application.

My favourite shade out of the trio is 452 Fawn Over Me. I find 450 Yours to Try slightly washes me out and almost feels like I used a dark concealer on my lips. It may work better for fairer skin-tones. As with other liquid lips and lipsticks in general, I imagine the darker the shade, the creamier the application will be although all three blended very well without any tugging, pulling, or patchiness.

In all a winner and I’m definitely looking to obtain the rest of the shades!

Are you looking to pick up any from this range?

Kelly (takaraboxx)

JOUER Powder Highlighters Swatches & Review

Jouer, Makeup, Swatch & Review

Earlier in September, Jouer launched powder highlighters to compliment their best-selling line of creme highlighters. The Jouer Powder Highlighters contain ultra-fine pearls and luminescent pigments, perfect to be worn alone or layered on top of the cream highlighters for a radiant finish and “lit-from-within” glow. I’ve always been more of a powder highlighter girl as opposed to cream highlighters so I was thrilled for this launch. These highlighters claim to be long-wearing, paraben- free, gluten-free and dermatologist tested.

Powder: 24USD each (0.16oz / 4.8g)

Cream: 22USD each (0.07oz / 2g)

Available at Jouer & Nordstrom

These highlighters come in three different shades: citrine, topaz, and rose quartz. Unlike the original brown plastic packaging with interlocking system, the new highlighters feature a sleek golden overlay when snap closure.

CITRINE – shimmering gold

TOPAZ – shimmering rose gold

ROSE QUARTZ – shimmering champagne pink

Swatches below, applied heavily using my finger then blended out. When blended all the way, it almost disappears into the skin for a very natural and healthy sheen.

Jouer Cream & Powder Highlighter Swatches (natural daylight)

Similar to the original three cream highlighters in Camellia, Tiare, and Champagne, the powder highlighters provide an illuminating sheen rather than full-on sparkle which suits me much more. Although the shades are similar, varied from a cool pastel to warm golden and peach tones, each product is unique.

Camellia – shimmering pearl white

Tiare – shimmering gold (more of a true yellow gold compared to Citrine which has more peach undertones)

Champagne – shimmering pink (quite similar to Topaz but pulls a tad more salmon) I really enjoy this shade as a blush/highlight together.

My favourite out of the collection is Citrine. It matches my skin tone very well and blends seamlessly for a very subtle glow. I don’t wear highlighter every day; however, when I do, I definitely pick this one.

As marketed, Jouer does recommend layering cream and powder highlighters together so I made some swatches below with this method:

Jouer Cream & Powder Highlighter Layered Swatches in natural daylight

When layered, the glow is definitely more pronounced. I typically use my fingers to pat cream highlighter whereas I use fluffy synthetic brushes for powder.

As with most highlighters, these don’t dry out my skin or accentuate dry spots and imperfections. I absolutely adore the smooth texture from the powder highlighters – they feel like butter in the pan.

In all a very solid lineup of highlighters by Jouer Cosmetics with multiple shades for a variety of skin colours and undertones. For personal preference, I still like powders more than creams; however, I really enjoy Champagne from the cream collection.

Stay warm,

Kelly || takaraboxx

ETUDE HOUSE Dear My Enamel Lips-talk Swatches & Review (BE101, OR205, RD306)

Etude House, Makeup, Swatch & Review

Here with another launch from Etude House, the Dear My Enamel Lips-talk moisture lipsticks!

Quick overview courtesy of Etude House:

With the hybrid of moisturizing effects and beautiful vivid colors, the Enamel Lips Talk will leave your lips dead-skin-free and smooth for a long time.

I have always suffered from dry and flakey lips which is why I used to always opt for lip glosses or just pure lip balm. In recent years, the beauty community has advanced tremendously in lip care and lip innovations which allow those with dry lips like me to enjoy colour once again. Lipsticks are now infused with moisturizing and enriching ingredients to, if not keep your lips luscious throughout the day, at least prevent drying out the lips. However, one downfall from moisturizing lip products is the lack of colour longevity – not only do they transfer, they fade after a few sips of water.

With the launch of Etude House’s Dear My Enamel Lips-talk, I am pleasantly surprised to find a new lip product that will accompany me through the harsh Canadian winters.

These lipsticks combine the vivid colouring from a traditional lipstick with the moisturizing shine from a lip gloss. Available in 20 shades from Beige and Orange to Pink and Red. Each tube contains 3.4g / 0.11oz of product housed in a cute baby pink plastic case with snap closure retailing at 24 USD each (recently reduced to 12.60 USD).

I have three shades to review for you today: Beige (BE) 101, Orange (OR) 205 and Red (RD) 306.

Etude House Dear My Enamel Lips-talk BE101

BE 101: there are two shades under the beige category (BE 101 & 102) which contain more brown neutral tones compared to the rest of the collection. BE101 is the lighter of the two and gives your lips a very natural MLBB finish.

Etude House Dear My Enamel Lips-talk OR205

OR 205: there are four shades under the orange category (OR 203, 204, 205 & 206) which are the coral toned lips. I tend to not veer towards coral lips because they don’t flatter my skin tone and OR205 is quite orange. I can’t wear this lip alone but I do enjoy layering it with other red or neutral lipsticks for a gradation effect.

Etude House Dear My Enamel Lips-talk RD306

RD 306: comprising the majority of the Enamel Lips-talk collection, there are 8 Reds in total (RD 301-308). These shades make up the darker side of the spectrum and are especially fall-appropriate. RD 306 is a mid-toned red with blue undertones.

Etude House Dear My Enamel Lips-talk Arm Swatches (Daylight) — Etude House Dear My Enamel Lips-talk Arm Swatches (Natural Lighting)

Etude House Dear My Enamel Lips-talk Arm Swatches (Flash)

True to its claim, all three of these lipsticks feel very moisturizing on the lips and diminish any flakiness you may have (even after exfoliating). They don’t settle in the lines and dry to a demi-gloss finish. The flat tip of the lipsticks make application a tad more challenging compared to traditional pointed tips (similar to Tom Ford Moisturecores) but apply smoothly nonetheless. If you want to use a lip brush, you can. If you want to dab on some colour, you can. If you want to layer it on top of another shade, you can. I love the versatility of this because no matter how you choose to apply it, it keeps your lips looking moisturized and feeling great.

The Etude House Enamel Lips-talk lipsticks take about 5 minutes to fully set (you could always put a tissue overtop the lips and brush some loose powder to remove the shine). All three shades are fairly opaque even on my pigmented lips and last around 3 hours. These will fade with any food or drink intake. I didn’t notice any feathering during wear but these lipsticks do stain your lips (especially the red). It took a lot… and I mean A LOT of effort to remove the swatch stains from my pale arms!

In all, I’m getting more and more sold on Etude House lip products. Their formulas are hydrating and flattering on the lips. My favourite shade from the three is BE101 and I’m very tempted to get BE102 and some from the Pink and Red categories!

You can shop their entire collection HERE .

Have you tried any lip products from Etude House? Let me know!

Kelly (takaraboxx)

THE ITEMS FEATURED IN THIS POST WERE KINDLY SENT TO ME BY THE ETUDE HOUSE GLOBAL TEAM FOR REVIEW CONSIDERATION; HOWEVER, AS ALWAYS, ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE UNBIASED, GENUINE, AND MY OWN.

ETUDE HOUSE Pink Skull Collection for Fall 2016

Etude House, Swatch & Review

Etude House released their new fall collection in Korea last month: Pink Skull Collection. The new collection features a chic and funky style which is slightly different from their usual cute and playful existing lines. Etude House has been rebranding their image since 2016 and I can’t wait to see what they have planned for 2017!

The Pink Skull collection embraces a strongly chic, stylish and bright edgy pink theme. The entire collection is comprised of:

2 x “Pink Skull Color Eyes” Eyeshadow Palettes (#1 Lovely Skull & #2 Funky Skull)
2 x “Pink Skull Twin Shot Lipstint” Dual Lip Tints (PK003 Pink x Pumpkin Shot & RD304 Funky x Skull shot)
2 x “Pink Skull Cream Blusher” (#1 Skull Rose & #2 Funky Pink)
2 x “Pink Skull Curl Fix Mascara” (in black and brown)
1 x “Pink Skull Curl Fix Mascara Long Lash” (currently sold out on EH)
1 x “Colourful Scent Eau de Perfume”
3 x Nail Polishes (currently sold out on EH)

If you choose to purchase your items through www.etudehouse.com (ships internationally), they currently have promotions of 10% off single items, 20% off eye kits (eyeshadow & mascara), and 30% off face kits (eyeshadow, mascara, lip).

I will be reviewing two items today: eyeshadow palette in #1 Lovely Skull and twin shot lip tint in RD304 Funky x Skull shot.

Pink Skull Color Eyes #1 Lovely Skull

Housed in a rectangular plastic case with clear top and snap closure, this lightweight palette is both travel friendly and perfect to display on your vanity. I love the cute skull design with heart eyes and also the heart embossing on each individual shadow. Compared to #2 Funky Skull, Lovely Skull features a much warmer variety of shades with 3 shimmers and 6 mattes.

I’ve tried Etude House eyeshadows in the past and I’d say the formula is very similar. Compared to western brands, I find korean colour makeup is more subtle with a soft wash of colour. The colour intensity also varies in this palette depending on the shade chosen. I adore the three shades in the upper right corner. I find they are perfect for every day with a hint of shimmer to bring light to the eyes. I have a light skin tone which varies between fair-light to light-medium depending on the season. I an currently in the middle of that spectrum and all of these shades appear on my skin. #1 is a almost purely shimmer with a slight cream undertone. I find #8 to be a very nice dusty rose and #5 is a sweet pink that applies more naturally on the skin than it appears in the pan.

There is medium powder kick-up with a brush, similar to Too Faced shadows. Most of the shades blend flawlessly aside from #7 and #9 which requires a bit more work. In terms of longevity, I noticed minor fading after 4 hours without an eyeshadow primer; however, the palette is very convenient to bring with for touch-ups (it doesn’t have a mirror though). The shadows fade naturally without creasing on my lids even without a primer.

ETUDE HOUSE Pink Skull Collection Lovely Skull Eyes Swatches (with FLASH)

ETUDE HOUSE Pink Skull Collection Lovely Skull Eyes Swatches (indoor artificial lighting WITHOUT flash)

ETUDE HOUSE Pink Skull Collection Lovely Skull Eyes Swatches (natural lighting)

Retailing at 20.52USD for BOTH eyeshadow palettes (10.26 each), it’s a pretty good deal. If you enjoy Pink/Brown makeup looks (which I find appropriate for winter months), I believe you will enjoy this one!

Pink Skull Twin Shot Lip tint RD304 Funky x Skull Shot

When I saw this in the box I thought I’d never wear that insanely sparkly tube of darkness. Then I swatched it and thought hmm… this isn’t too bad… and when I tried it on my lips Yes. This will work!

While the Mousse side has a very smooth and opaque deep pink that supplies most of the colour and minor gloss, the Pearl Tint offers the extra shine and sparkle with a purple undertone. Layered over each other, it forms a luscious glossy lip. On days where I don’t want such an intense look, I pat a bit of the Mousse on the inner lip, blend it out as a gradient then add the Pearl Shot on top. Because the Mousse also leaves a stain after removal, sometimes I deliberately remove the colour and apply a gloss over the stain.

ETUDE HOUSE Pink Skull Collection Twin Shot Liptint Swatches

The two ends have different applicators with the mousse side shaped more like a paddle with rounded contours for ease of application.

Overall, I was most pleasantly surprised with the lip tints. I haven’t tried lip products from Etude House in the past but I will definitely experiment more with them from now on.

Are there any items from the collection that caught your eye?

Until next time,

Kelly (takaraboxx)

The items featured in this post were KINDLY SENT TO ME BY THE ETUDE HOUSE GLOBAL TEAM FOR REVIEW CONSIDERATION; HOWEVER, AS ALWAYS, ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE UNBIASED, GENUINE, AND MY OWN.

Burt’s Bees Lipstick (Nile Nude) Swatches & Review

Makeup, Swatch & Review

“A lipstick that loves you back.”

First off, Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians! It’s going to be a gloomy day in eastern Canada with rain and thunderstorms but nevertheless, hope you have a lovely day celebrating!

For the longest time, I’ve been using Burt’s Bees lipbalms for my excessively dry lips. I recently switched to Forever Living Aloe Lips (with Jojoba oil) lip balm after purchasing a large bulk order of them, but Burt’s Bees is definitely easily accessible and does a very good job.

A couple months back, I saw Burt’s Bees released their line of moisturizing lipsticks and I was anticipating their arrival in Canada. Two weeks back I finally came across them in Shopper’s Drug Mart and immediately purchased one. Without a doubt I chose the palest shade in the collection: Nile Nude.

Packaging Details

Burt’s Bees prides itself on “the Greater Good” in which their philosophy follows three main foundations: people, profit, planet. The company strives to look look out for their employees, customers, families and our environment, too. Their ingredients are simple, natural, and responsible and the same can be said about their packaging. Each lipstick is made to be recycled with 100% #5 plastic and 60% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

Burt's Bees Lipstick Nile Nude — Burt’s Bees Lipstick Nile Nude; honeycomb pattern on removable lid.

Despite the simple ingredients, they included a very signature beehive hexagonal lattice on all four surfaces of the lid (which changes colour depending on the lipstick shade).

The tube is lightweight and perfect to fit in your pocket; however, I must note that the lid comes loose quite easily.

Burt’s Bees Lipstick Information

Intense colour meets conditioning 8-hour moisture. Full-coverage, vibrant colour in 14 shades made with 100% naturally moisturizing ingredients like moringa and raspberry seed oils to help soften and condition your lips all day long.

Burt's Bees Lipsticks — Burt’s Bees Lipsticks

It features a smooth satin finish that helps to hydrate and moisturize the lips leaving them feeling soft throughout the day.

Application / Longevity

The formula is very smooth and glides effortlessly on the lips. It leaves a very natural glow (no shimmer) and the shade Nile Nude is a perfect MLBB. Burt’s Bees Lipsticks feel very lightweight on the lips and doesn’t leave any sticky residue.

Although the release statement claims 8-hour moisture, the lipstick itself does not last 8 hours. It is indeed hydrating and may supply moisture to the lips (like their lipbalm), but the colour does not remain for that duration. I’d say the colour lasts up to 2 hours if you don’t eat or drink (unless you’re drinking with a straw) but it definitely transfers and disappears after a meal; therefore, re-application is a must.

On the positive side, it fades very naturally and you don’t have to run to the mirror every few minutes to touch-up in fear it will look obvious.

Swatch Comparisons

Nile Nude is a very natural warm-toned nude pink. Compared to Laura Mercier’s Amaretto Swirl, it has more brown tones and is less glossy. To the left is a swatch of Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche in Meringue which is two or three tones darker and more matte.

BiteBeauty Meringue Burt's Bees Nile Nude Laura Mercier Amaretto Swirl Swatches — Bite Beauty Meringue, Burt’s Bees Nile Nude, and Laura Mercier Amaretto Swirl Swatches (under artificial lighting)

Final Remarks…

I’m very satisfied with Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Nile Nude. The colour is buildable and supplies a natural enhancement to the lips. It is an effortless lipstick that, although needs retouching, does not need constant attention especially for those who have busy days. Nile Nude is the perfect everyday shade for me as I work in a professional environment where heavy colour makeup is not permitted – it’s also wonderful for casual days out doing errands.

At the price point of 9.99 CAD, I’ll definitely repurchase and experiment with more shades.

You can buy these from www.BurtsBees.ca or your local Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall pharmacies.

Until next time! ❤

– Kelly (takaraboxx)

GUERLAIN Terracotta Summer 2016 – The Bronzing Powder – 02 Natural Swatches & Review

Makeup, Swatch & Review

Guerlain Terracotta Natural 02 - Limited Edition, Summer 2016 — Guerlain Terracotta Natural 02 – Limited Edition, Summer 2016

Good morning, good afternoon, good evening!

I’ve been experimenting with my blog lately. I would like to make a combination of shorter reviews (maybe even just swatches or product shots etc. with a few words) because each comprehensive blog post as it is takes a good full day to complete (I’m very picky). I really hope my thoughts and swatches help you (especially for products you can’t physically test in store) so I would love to find a way to better convey that to you. I have always been a very visual person and followed the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In the future, I may incorporate more photos in a creative manner rather than having many paragraphs to read (of course you can always skim though).

Without further ado, let’s introduce my first Guerlain Bronzer : The Terracotta in Natural 02.

Continue reading “GUERLAIN Terracotta Summer 2016 – The Bronzing Powder – 02 Natural Swatches & Review” →

Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Eye Palette Swatches & Review

Makeup, Swatch & Review

Helloooo~! Back with some more swatches and a review! This time featuring the Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Eye Palette that I picked up from Hudson Bay during their beauty sale a couple weeks back . . . actually I think it’s been a month now ¯\_( – ﹏ – )_/¯.

Continue reading “Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Eye Palette Swatches & Review” →

L’Oréal Infallible Eyeshadow Swatches & Review

Makeup, Swatch & Review

It’s been a busy past few weeks with the weather acting up. We had one day of snow, one day of summer, one day of rainfall and one day of spring all in one week. I’d seen people wearing winter jackets accompanied with boots and scarves then suddenly the next day wear shorts and flats. Canadian weather ._.

Nevertheless, I recently heard about the L’Oréal Infallible Eyeshadow Pots (they’re not new, but they’re new to me). Amazing pigmentation with the creaminess of a high-end product at a fraction of the price. With those selling points, I went and purchased 6 shades.

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Eyeshadow (inverted) — L’Oreal Paris Infallible Eyeshadow (inverted)

Continue reading “L’Oréal Infallible Eyeshadow Swatches & Review” →

CLINIQUE Lid Pop Eyeshadow Swatches & Review (Cream Pop / Cocoa Pop)

Makeup, Swatch & Review

I have always been a fan of CLINIQUE skincare. It’s been years since opening my very first bottle of their world-renowned Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion/Gel (I have since switched to their Moisture Surge and have expanded my skincare repertoire). CLINIQUE prides itself in producing high quality goods which are allergy tested and 100% fragrance free – this includes their colour makeup lines.

My very first experience with their makeup is from Bonus sets (if you’re from Canada you will recognize this at Hudson’s Bay, Sears, Nordstrom etc.). I often enjoyed their mascaras and eyeshadow duo/trios. Not too long ago, CLINIQUE came out with 8 individual eyeshadow shades to compliment their POP collection : CLINIQUE Lid Pop.

Continue reading “CLINIQUE Lid Pop Eyeshadow Swatches & Review (Cream Pop / Cocoa Pop)” →

Tarte Quench Lip Rescue Swatch & Review (Opal)

Makeup, Swatch & Review

There have been many exciting releases for spring 2016, but among the most anticipated stands Tarte’s Rainforest Under the Sea collection. This collection may be one of Tarte Cosmetic’s largest releases which includes an eyeshadow palette, a highlighter palette, many lipsticks (quench & drench), serum based foundation and concealer, an assortment of skincare and multiple brushes.

Official Release Date: February 29th (in-store March 14th) 2016.

Among the collection, I chose two items:

Quench Lip Rescue in Opal
Lip Brush (dual-ended brush with a cap on one end and a spring mechanism on the other)

The Quench Lip Rescue

According to Sephora:

What it is:
A moisturizing lip balm in an array of sheer color shades.

What it does:
Save lips from the signs of aging while delivering intense hydration and soft, subtle color. This tinted lip balm is infused with an antioxidant and vitamin-rich lip quencher that’s powered by a blend of essential extracts and oils to help restore the appearance of your lips’ softness, moisture, and elasticity that’s reduced over time while providing a protective antioxidant barrier against daily aggressors. The tinted, everyday formula gently melts into skin to smooth over the look of lip lines, leaving a radiant, dewy finish.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This product is vegan friendly and dermatologist tested.

whereas the Drench Lip Splash Lipsticks are marketed as a matte lipstick with more intense colour pay-off.

There are 4 shades in this lip balm collection: Opal, Nude, Rose, and Berry.

Packaging

Nestled in a lightweight paper tube with an intricate flower and under-sea coral design superimposed on a pastel blue background, the Tarte Quench Lip Rescue Lip Balm is for sure to be noticed by others (of note, the colour and design varies depending which shade you choose but they all have an undersea design and embossing) . It’s pretty to look at and convenient to use. The cap interior is lined with plastic which is useful if you’re clumsy like me and don’t have the hand-eye coordination to properly close the tube (yep…).

Application

Creamy and emollient without any pull on the lips. As you apply the product onto your lips you will feel a soothing sensation similar to lip treatments used to “plump” the lips to appear fuller. There is a pleasant peppermint fragrance which is noticeable after the cap is popped off, during application and up to an hour after.

Opal is a milky pastel pink which can vary in opacity depending on how many layers you apply. Beware of applying too much as it slips and slides (it is a lip balm afterall). You can definitely notice the moisturizing effects of this lip balm which linger even after the balm has faded.

Arm Swatch, one swipe under artificial lighting

Tarte Quench Lip Rescue Opal Swatch on Arm

Lip Swatch below (left = before, right = after) under natural sunlight

BEFORE

Tarte Quench Lip Rescue Opal Swatch on Lips

It’s my absolute first time doing a lip swatch…. so do bare with me that they’re not very good! I will improve though so any tips and comments are much appreciated 🙂

Longevity

It’s a lip balm. It doesn’t last and performs a disappearing magic act after 1-2 hours without eating or immediately after a meal. It will transfer. It will get caught in your hair on windy days. Think of it as an extremely hydrating lip gloss.

Overall, I am satisfied with this purchase. Retailing at 23$ CAD / 19$ USD, it’s quite a luxury lip product but it performs as stated: a smooth application with noticeable hydration and a glossy effect. Given its’ sheer-medium coverage, it is generally forgiving if it spreads and you can definitely apply it without a mirror and be worry-free of drawing out of the lines. Would I purchase the other shades? Maybe. Not sure. I was interested in Opal because it would lighten my lips… the other shades would do the opposite. But as for formula it would be a yes.

The only caveat… if your lips are sensitive to minty products or if you don’t enjoy tingling sensations / strong scents, I would avoid this product.

Available at Sephora and tartecosmetics.com

Have you tried this? What other products in Tarte’s Rainforest Under the Sea collection are you eyeing?

Kelly (takaraboxx)

ZOEVA Graphic Eyes+ Waterproof Eyeliner Swatches & Review

Makeup, Swatch & Review

If we take a minute to reflect back on the latest trends in beauty, it is obvious that we have been constantly promoting easier application methods and creamier formulas with extended lasting power. These trends are so successful because it becomes so easy to incorporate them into our busy lifestyles (ie. cushion foundations, eyeliner pencils, eyeshadow sticks, stick foundations … and the list goes on).

As a beauty enthusiast and healthcare professional myself, I can appreciate the need for easy and quick makeup application and cosmetics that will last throughout a tiring and fulfilling work day without a need for constant touch-ups. My daily needs are summed up as: a base to cover my hyper-pigmentation and scarring, a concealer to brighten up those tired eyes, an eyeliner or eyeshadow to define the eyes and something hydrating on the lips to battle dry hospital air.

With that, I am proud to review 6 new ZOEVA Cosmetics waterproof eyeliner shades from their Graphic Eyes+ collection.

Continue reading “ZOEVA Graphic Eyes+ Waterproof Eyeliner Swatches & Review” →

ZOEVA Spectrum Collection : Swatches & Review (Pink Blush Spectrum & Cool Eyeshadow Spectrum)

Makeup, Swatch & Review

Minimalistic. Elegant. Sophisticated. These are the words I’d use to describe ZOEVA Cosmetics new launch – The Spectrum Collection.

“Just like a raindrop breaks the light of the sun into a spectrum of infinite hues and with the manifestation of a rainbow brings to life one of the most beautiful, ethereal wonders of the universe, the ZOEVA Spectrum Collection worships color in all of Mother Nature’s splendor. Experience a radiant burst of endless color with ZOEVA’s Spectrum Collection, consisting of three distinctive eyeshadow palettes and three blush palettes for all skin types and unlimited makeup looks.” – ZOEVA Cosmetics

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Peach & Lily Korean Beauty Ordering Review (Shangpree Gold / Black Premium Modeling “Rubber” Masks & Gold Black Pearl Eye Mask)

Makeup, Skincare

Peach & Lily Shangpree Review — Peach & Lily Shangpree Haul: Gold & Black Premium Modeling Masks, Gold Black Pearl Eye Mask

If you live within the western part of the world and have ever set foot into exploring and experimenting with Korean or Japanese brands, you may find yourself disadvantaged in terms of finding legitimate and trustworthy sites or stores to purchase your items (at a reasonable price no less!) Founded by the beautiful @aliciayoon212 , Peach & Lily (P&L) strives to bring a slice of the Asian skincare and beauty market right to your front door.

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REVIEW: The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

Skincare

The Body Shop – Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

The bouncy sleeping mask is the newest addition to The Body Shop’s most adored line of products – Drops of Youth. You may recognize this line in-store with its own separate display and promotions stating a bottle of the original concentrate sells every few minutes across the globe. The concentrate is enriched with criste-marine plant stem cells whereas the bouncy sleeping mask includes Edelweiss stem cells. Edelweiss stem cells is a type of plant cell that is not only an antioxidant but also inhibits the breakdown of collagen. This gives the product the anti-aging property by maintaining the firmness of your skin.

The Bouncy Sleeping Mask claims to “moisturize and replenish skin overnight for youthful-looking skin which feels:

bouncier
smoother
refreshed
recharged and renewed”

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