November 28, 2012

Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in Tannin: Another Red To Fall In Love With


I mentioned in the previous post that I was absolutely craving a red lipstick... Well, I had my choice of two and like the true Lipstick Bandit I am, I couldn't pick just one. Every woman needs multiple red lipsticks, right? (Just agree with me)

When I swatched Tannin for the first time, I knew it was exactly the kind of red I was looking for. And since Mascate is a matte finish, I decided that purchasing a red lipstick with a different finish - think MAC Amplified Crème - was completely justified. (Just agree with me, again)

I'm already a fan of Bite's Luminous Crème Lipsticks (Mulberry was my first purchase), so I knew I was going to love Tannin, too...



Tannin is described by Bite as "poppy red" and at first, I didn't agree. Probably because I have a Joe Fresh lipstick called Poppy and that one is more of an orange-red. Then I realized that this shade definitely looks like the colour of poppies worn on Remembrance Day.

The Luminous Crème Lipsticks have a very creamy consistency and are very easy to apply. Because they're so creamy, there's a lot of slip, so I find it best to do thin layers to build up the colour. It can apply opaque straight away; but I find that when I do that, the product moves around too much. For example, if I apply straight from the bullet and then rub my lips together, the product shifts and separates in some areas. It's definitely not a good look. So I apply lip primer first (MAC Prep + Prime Lip, as per usual), then layer the lipstick on, either by dotting it onto the lip or by using a lip brush. I find this decreases the chances of it moving around on me throughout the day.





I find the Luminous Crème Lipsticks to be very comfortable to wear -- it doesn't dry out my lips, nor does it irritate them. This formula is a real winner for me and the colour, even more so. I mean, look at it! So if you're looking for a gorgeous red lipstick that has a creamy formula and is feels good on the lips, then Tannin is for you!






What's your favourite red lipstick?





November 26, 2012

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Mascate: A Must-Have For Red Lip Aficionados


About a month ago, I had this intense hankering for a red lipstick... But I wasn't looking for any old red lipstick. No, it was a particular red that I was looking for.

I wanted something deep, but not vamp. A dark red that doesn't look too brown and doesn't look too orange. I don't remember if I took to Twitter or if I messaged my fellow Lipstick Bandits on Whatsapp (I have a feeling it might've been the latter); but after various suggestions, my girl Larie mentioned Mascate. One google search later and I knew I found The One.

Off to Sephora I went and my life has not been the same ever since... Incidentally, this lipstick is my official introduction to NARS products and what an introduction it was!



Here's some tidbits about the Pure Matte Lipsticks...

What it is:
An ultra-matte, super rich lipstick with the supple feel of a hydrating lip treatment.

What it does:
This matte lipstick moisturizes and and soothes lips while depositing vivid, dramatic colour onto the lips.

What else you need to know:
The formula includes mango butter at levels known to provide additional comfort and moisture.

Mascate is described by NARS as a Bold Red and it's definitely BOLD! Now while I tend to steer away from anything too dark, I've never been scared of anything bold. Mascate is an attention grabber in every sense. It's exactly the kind of red I was looking for and the matte finish just adds to the drama.



The formula's pretty impressive, as well... It applies smoothly, though not as smoothly as a creamier lipstick with a non-matte finish would, so I find it best to apply with a lip brush. It goes on opaque straight away if you apply straight from the tube, but it does require a few layers to build up to true opacity when using a brush.

I don't have a lot of matte lipsticks since I find them to be drying. But this lipstick is probably the most comfortable matte I've ever worn. That said, my lips are mad dry, so I always have to wear vaseline underneath; so I can't really say exactly how hydrating or moisturizing it is.

This lipstick doesn't have a lot of slip, so it stays put quite well. I once wore it without a lip primer and it stuck around through a meal. Obviously, there was wear around the seam of the mouth, but it was nothing that couldn't be fixed by a quick rub of the lips. However, layered on top of a lip primer (I quite like MAC's Prep + Prime Lip) and this baby really lasts through the night. I mean, if you wanna look sexy, might as well look sexy for the whole night, right? ;)


BA-BAM!

And that's one word that describes Mascate perfectly -- sexy. Every woman needs this particular shade in their life. Forreal.

Seriously, go buy it...


Sporting Mascate... Recognize the lovely on the right? :)






Are you a fan of the NARS Pure Matte Lipsticks?






November 21, 2012

What's In My Makeup Bag?


I've seen a number of "What's In My Makeup Bag" posts in the blogosphere and decided to join the bandwagon. I always find it fascinating, seeing what kind of cosmetics people bring around with them. It's a good indication of what products people can't live without on a day-to-day basis.

Anyway, without further ado... This is what Dani has in her makeup bag:



I guess one must start with the makeup bag, no? This cute little thing was a Winners purchase... For all you non-Canadian lovelies, Winners is our version of Ross (if you're in US) or TK Maxx (if you're in the UK).

It's a nice size and has a super cute print, so I've been quite happy with it... The reason I say "I've been" instead of "I am" is because I'm thinking of getting a larger makeup bag. It's kind of a challenge making everything fit in there -- it's almost like putting a puzzle together. ("Now, if I put this here and that over here, it should zip up!")

Then again, I'm not sure if it's a good idea to get a bigger makeup bag, because a bigger bag = more room, more room = "LET'S PUT ALL THE MAKEUPS IN TEH BAG!", "LET'S PUT ALL THE MAKEUPS IN TEH BAG!" = heavier purse, heavier purse = sore shoulder. And Dani does not need sore shoulders, yo!

*and exhaaaale*

On to the actual makeup!



I'm a Lipstick Bandit, so it's no surprise that I have this many lip products in my purse... Actually, this is probably pretty tame compared to a lot of other women. From left to right, they are:

1) L'oréal Crayon Petite Automatic Lip Liner in Clear Transparent - I love the idea of a clear lip liner because that means I don't need to have a lip liner to match every single lipstick I have. It works quite well for me, though I would like to try a clear lip liner from a higher price point. Any recommendations, lovelies?
2) Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Dolly - This is a mini version of the lipgloss, which I received as a 250 point perk from Sephora (along with 2 more mini lip products). It's a gorgeous shade, described by Buxom as a shimmering muted plum, but the cooling sensation is just too much! Seriously, I put the damn thing on and 10 minutes later, it was still tingling. I felt like I had ice cubes attached to my lips! I know Buxom says that the "tingling sensation reminds you it's working," but maybe it should say: "the tingling sensation reminds you that soon you will have no feeling left in your lips."
3) Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in Mulberry - I've got a soft spot for this lippie because it was one of the first I ever featured on a Lipstick Bandits post. I'm a fan of Bite Beauty's products and this shade is just lovely.
4) Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in Tannin - So, so, sooo pretty! I don't want to say too much because I have yet to review it properly (note to self: get on it, lazy bones!), but trust me when I say it's absolutely gorgeous!
5) MAC Cremesheen Glass in Galaxy Rose - This was a limited edition product released in MAC's Heavenly Creatures collection. I'm a fan of the Cremesheen Glass formula because it's comfortable to wear. I wouldn't call it non-sticky, but it's definitely much less sticky than MAC's other lipglass formulas. I love the shade, too -- it's still bright, but a little more grown up.
6) Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Mauvy Night - This shade is so perfect for Fall and looks extra gorgeous layered underneath the Buxom lipgloss I mentioned earlier... I put it in my makeup bag in hopes that I would use it more often; but so far, I've been much too obsessed with reds... I feel like Mauvy Night is the kid who's cool enough to get invited to the party, but not cool enough to be talked to at the party -- the party being my makeup bag... (does that even make sense?)
7) NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Mascate - Favourite lipstick EVER (right now)! Again, I've yet to properly review this, so I'll save my squee-ing for then. If you're impatient, then go read Larie's review of it on Eye Heart It.
8) MAC Prep + Prime Lip - This stuff is amazeballs! It creates a barrier between my lips and the lipstick so my lips don't dry out and it makes lip products last so much better! For example, I wore this and Mascate together at a friend's birthday party and I didn't have to reapply -- even after dinner. I mean, obviously, there was some wear in the seam of the lips; but I found that I just needed to rub my lips together to distribute some more product into that area and I was good.
9) MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Fuchsia Fix - This is probably my most repurchased beauty product of all time. It keeps my lips hydrated, while adding a nice touch of colour.



The beautiful thing about my makeup bag right now is that it can also fit brushes! Which means I can always touch up my blush or powder away some shine whenever I need to...

1) Royal & Langnickel Master Pro Blush Brush - Despite it's fluffiness, this brush is actually shaped more flat than round, which is how I like my blush brushes most, I've discovered. It's sooo soft, too!
2) MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder/Pressed - Don't let the whiteness fool you, this stuff does not go on white at all! I love how it mattifies my skin and sets my makeup beautifully. I've used this on clients too -- it's pretty awesome!
3) MAC Mineralize Blush in Subtle Breeze - Another limited edition product, this time from the Naturally Collection (originally reviewed here). It's such a pretty shade and it goes well with a lot of lip colours I have in my makeup bag. It applies beautifully too, so no need to be super careful when applying. Which is awesome if you're pressed for time...



I don't always need to touch up my eyeliner throughout the day; but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis it's comforting to know that I have something in my bag.

1) Marcelle Waterproof Liquid DIP-PEN Eyeliner - I really like this formula! It's goes on easily and sticks around! I wouldn't quite call it waterproof, as it did cause some raccoon eye action when I went swimming. But it stays put on my oily lids even without a primer, and that's enough of a victory for me.
2) NYX Retractable Eye Liner in Gypsy Blue - This is such a great pop of colour and I love applying it on my lower lash line. It stays long, but it does smudge a bit after a while. It definitely stays put on the upper lash line, though.



This is probably one of my favourite purchases this year... The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (oil-free) provides fantastic coverage and all you have to do is smear it onto your face... Smear... What an awful word... All you have to do is apply it onto your face with your fingers. (Much better!)

It smells like SPF, unfortunately; but that scent definitely dissipates after some time. I love how this product just evens out my skintone beautifully. The fact that it's so easy to apply makes it even better. Lately, I've been using it after class when I've taken off all the hard work my classmates have put into my face. I literally just whack it on, apply a bit of blush, and I'm good to go. Such a great product!



And here we have: the randoms!

1) Jean Artaud Paris printed compact - I bought this compact in a cute little boutique on Granville Street many, many years ago and no one is more surprised than me that I a) have not lost it, and b) have not broken it after all these years. I love the vintage print and the fact that it's a sizeable mirror.
2) Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist in Cashmere Glow - This certainly does not fit in my makeup bag, but I thought I'd share it anyway because it's such an important piece in my purse. I sometimes feel gross after a long day's work, as I'm sure many of you do as well; but we don't all have time to go home before going out to meet up with friends. So having a lightweight bottle of fragrance to spritz yourself can be pretty important. Cashmere Glow has top notes of bergamot, golden peach, pink guava, exotic berries, and gilded apricot; has mid notes of glowing muguet petals,  mimosa, fluffy peony, and fresh jasmine; and has dry notes of shimmering vanilla, dulce de leche, sandalwood, and cashmere musk. Don't let the silly note descriptions turn you off (I wasn't aware scents could shimmer or glow... And what does a gilded apricot smell like compared to a regular apricot?), this perfume smells lovely. The fact that it's such a lightweight bottle makes it so much more convenient to carry around, as well.
3) Vaseline - Good ol' Vaseline! Some of you may remember that I've been struggling with dry, flaky lips this year. I've tried numerous products and while they all worked marvelously when my lips were normal, nothing could get them to behave when they're acting up quite like Vaseline could. I've been slathering (again with the gross words!) this on every day and my lips have not been misbehaving... I can wear lipstick again! *victory lunge*


Hope you guys enjoyed this post! It's actually quite fun to pick through my makeup bag to see what products I like to have around with me... Sometimes you just dump things in the bag with no thought as to why you want it on your person. It's good to take an inventory sometimes. :)





What beauty item do you absolutely HAVE to have 
in your makeup bag?





November 19, 2012

The Bandit Is A Vamp...



Aaaand, we're back! Trust the Lipstick Bandits to get me out of my little hidey-hole. :p

If you haven't guessed by the title, we are getting our vamp on this time around. I normally shy away from really dark lipsticks as I feel it makes my lips look too thick (yes, you read that right); but I've been  becoming more and more accepting of their fullness in the past year, and I thought: why not take the plunge?

That said, I'm actually not a stranger to dark, vampy lipsticks... Back in my dancing days, I used to wear this MAC lipstick called Media -- it was perfect for the stage, since you wanted something that could be visible under bright stage lights. But I never wore it offstage since it was just a bit too dark for my liking.

But since the Bandits chose to go Vamp with this latest round of posts, I have challenged myself to wear this particular lipstick in public at least once before the end of the year... Wish me luck, lovelies!

Anyway, for my vamp lipstick, I chose:

Tan-ta-na-naaaaaan!






Welcome to the Dark Side, ladies...

I was briefly toying with the idea of purchasing Media again, but I decided to choose something different this time around. Dark Side is described by MAC as a "deep burgundy" shade and is an Amplified Creme finish, which is probably my favourite kind of MAC finish.

It's comfortable to wear and comfortable to apply -- there's nothing new with this particular lipstick, as it's from MAC's permanent line. So if you own a MAC Amplified Creme lipstick, then you know what to expect with Dark Side.






If you ask the other Bandits if this shade is "vampy enough", they'll probably say no. But I like to think of it as an "Intro To Vamp" type of shade. It's not quite too dark, but definitely dark enough to stretch your comfort some a little bit. Still, it's a stunning shade, and if you're looking to challenge yourself when it comes to lipsticks, then this one is for you!

Now, I don't know about you, but when I think of Vamp, I think: DRAMA! So for my full face shot, I decided to bring on the drama...





To get a more vamp look, I decided to layer Dark Side of MAC's Vino Lip Pencil and it definitely amps up the drama... After seeing how well this combination works, I'm definitely more inspired to wear darker, more dramatic shades. (I'm not quite at Larie Level, though :p)

Aaaaanyway, here comes the fun part -- YOU get to check out what the Vamp Lipstick of choice was for the other Bandits:






Are you a fan of the Vampy look?





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