June 4, 2013
I will share a secret with you guys; I used to be terrified of the colour orange. I literally didn't own anything in that shade though I'm not colour shy. Only last year did I finally warm up to this warm hue. I found that it actually really helped brighten up my complexion in the summer months.
I don't feel that I should always be wearing full on orange lips though. There are subtler and bolder takes on the trend. Today I will show you my top five orange toned lip products:
From left to right: Nars Montego Bay pure matte lipstick, Lancome Miss Coquelicot Rouge in Love, MAC Morange Lipstick, Nars Heat Wave Lipstick
Nars Montego Bay (peach) - the subtlest way to orange is a light peach shade. This shade has enough warmth in it to participate in the orange trend in my opinion. I like the texture of Nars pure matte lipsticks as they are not drying. This shade will look gorgeous with a coral lipgloss on top:
Lancome Miss Coquelicot (tangerine) - tangerine is a great popping shade of orange that suits all complexions. The Rouge in Love formula is hydrating and feels great on the lips especially in the summer. If you are new to orange, start here :)
MAC Morange (bright true orange) - this is as orange as I could personally go. Morange still has some red tones to it which made it very wearable. I have tried more yellow oranges and they clash with my colouring. Morange makes a great statement lip and the amplified formula is very long lasting.
Nars Heat Wave (bright red orange) - aaaaah this is my all time fave warm red lipstick. Heat Wave is gorgeous in all seasons and works well with a cat eye or smokey eye. I adore Nars lipsticks as they're the only ones I find survive extreme heat/humidity and are melt-proof.
In all pictures, I'm wearing a thin layer of Nars tinted moisturizer in Alaska and blush in Deep Throat. On my eyes I have a blue eyeliner by Gosh and Maybelline Colossal mascara. Orange lips are actually very versatile though. You can wear them with grey smokey eyes for a tonal contrast or with warm brown shades for complimentary effect.
May 8, 2013
I really appreciate the Back2MAC program. Since I don't buy as much makeup these days, I actually finish some products and get to pick up a few items at my local MAC store. None of the two items I opted for are new, but they've both been on my wishlist for quite sometimes:
Patina Eyeshadow (frost)
Boy, this one is a difficult colour for me to describe! It's a neutral light brown but has some gold cast to it. It works great as part of a neutral everyday look but can also be mixed with brights. I find the texture to be a bit stiff (it's a frost finish after all) but it is workable.
I don't seem to have a dupe for it either:
Left to right: UD Smog, MAC Tan Pigment, MAC Patina
The swatch looks weak on my arm but it's actually much better on the eye. I tried it over gold (MAC Cashflow paint pot) and silver/taupe (MUFE #2 aqua cream pot) bases. I'm loving the dimensions the taupe base adds to Patina:
Pro's:
- goes with everything
- multi dimensional base
- I don't have a dupe for it
Cons:
- texture is a bit stiff
Pink Plaid Lipstick (matte)
I've been on a quest to add to my neutral lipstick collection and Pink Plaid seems to fit the bill just right. I'm a fan of my lips but better shades with pink undertones (over peachy ones) as my lips are quite pink naturally. Pink Plaid is opaque in one coat and can be a bit drying due to its matte texture. It's not as bad as some of MAC's worst offenders.
It reminds me much of my other two beloved neutral lipsticks, Nars Sex Machine and Catfight. But it's not a full on dupe.
Here are the comparison swatches. I don't know why I added MUFE #29, that one is certainly too brown:
Left to right: MUFE #29, Nars Catfight, Nars Sex Machine, MAC Pink Plaid
Pro's:
- great my lips but better shade
- pigmented
- I always love MAC's vanilla scent
Cons:
- slightly dry
Overall, I'm pretty happy with both my picks. I incorporated them into a look yesterday. I added Nars Cordura duo to the mix for the eyes and layered Pink Plaid with Chanel Argonite glossimer to give it some shine. I'm also wearing MAC Ladyblush cremeblend blush to warm up the cheeks but continue on the minimalistic face:
Hope you found this post helpful. Do you own any of these two products? What are some of your favourite neutral eye/lip products?
December 4, 2012
Hey guys! Trying to keep up with my own weekly series here, hehe! So hard to stay organized with a 3 months old. I think I've actually overbooked myself now though. I'm on mat leave yet never before have I been so busy socially. Sofia and I have something planned everyday :D
For this week, I have one of my obvious all time love: Vampy Lips! I know shocking!!! My first lipstick ever was a dark brown one when I was 14 and I haven't really looked back. I would say that my choices are much better quality and less drying than the 90's versions though. Also, I prefer burgundy and aubergine over brown and black these days ;)
Here are some of my faves:
MAC Rebel (Perm), MUFE #48 Rouge Artist Intense, Nars Train Bleu matte velvet pencil (lightly dabbed in this pic) and Chanel Rouge Noir RC (worn as a stain)
Do you guys enjoy vampy lips too? What are some of your favourite vampy lipsticks?
September 12, 2012
Hello beauties! I'm typing this post with one hand and reassuring my almost 3 week old baby with the other. She seems to be cranky always just when I want to do something fun, lol!
I don't know about where you live, but here in Ottawa fall is at full swing. I'm in a great mood despite my sleep deprivation, just not needing the AC every night and feeling a cool breeze on my skin calls for celebration in my book. It's that special time of the year for glamourous and vampy lips. I have selected my favourite dark lipsticks to show you on this occasion (pictures of me wearing the lipstick is included in each case).
Dark lipsticks are not for everyone, yours truly has been wearing them since she was 15 though so this is familiar territory for me. I believe that all the selected shades can be worn by anyone. Just use a good lip liner and a killer attitude: Chanel La Sensuelle Rouge Allure Velvet, MAC Red Pepper (Pro), MAC Rebel, Make Up Forever Rouge Intense Artist #48, Chanel Rouge Noir Rouge Coco and Nars Train Bleu Matte Velvet Pencil.
MAC Rebel - is one of MAC's best selling dark lipsticks and I can see why. Rebel is a darkened magenta with super creamy texture and looks good on just about anyone!
me wearing MAC Rebel (fall 2011)
Chanel La Sensuelle - is a very sophisticated matte dark blue red. Like all mattes you need to moisturize your lips well before applying. The formula feels slightly satiny and lasts on my lips 6-7 hours.
me wearing Chanel La Senseulle (Fall 2011)
MAC Red Pepper - is another matte texture lipstick but this one is a slightly browned red. This lipstick is fairly unique from what I've seen and definitely one that gets looked over. The matte texture is smooth and none drying.
me wearing MAC Red Pepper (fall 2011)
MUFE #48 - is the most beautiful burgundy red in my possession. I love the texture of the MUFE rouge intense lipstick line, they pull on the lips slightly but are creamy on and last as long as 8 hours for me.
me wearing MUFE #48 (fall 2012)
Chanel Rouge Noir - this is a classic Chanel, a dark plum with strong brown/red undertone. This one is definitely not for the faint of heart but is one of my favourite Chanel lipsticks of all time!
me wearing Chanel Rouge Noir (Fall 2010)
Nars Train Bleu - the darkest shade of this series, Train Bleu is a dark smokey purple. The red undertones make it wearable though (at least for me). I've said it before and will say it again, Nars matte velvet pencil is my favourite lipstick formula in the market.
me wearing Nars Train Bleu (Fall 2011)
All my lovelies:
Some swatches:
Left to right - Chanel La Sensuelle Rouge Allure Velvet, MAC Red Pepper (Pro)
Left to right - Make Up Forever Rouge Intense Artist #48, Chanel Rouge Noir Rouge Coco and Nars Train Bleu Matte Velvet Pencil
Do you own any of the listed products? Do you wear dark lips? And what are some of your favourite vampy lipsticks?
July 5, 2012
Hello beauties! I'm not one to really change my makeup looks based on season. I don't personally believe that there are colours of eyeshadow or lipstick that are better for summer than winter. I wear what I feel like, depending on my mood and not the season.
However, I do change my face routine. I switch to a lighter moisturizer, heavier sunscreen (I wear SPF50 on a daily basis) and different texture of foundation. I also wear more bronzers and illuminators. I live in Ottawa, where the summers are brutally hot and humid. A cakey foundation on my face is just not gonna cut it! Here are some of my fave face products:
Foundations: I alternate between these two products. Some days I wear Nars Tinted Moisturizer (shade Alaska) which I've reviewed in details here. It lasts 7-8 hours on me and the finish is gorgeous. Other times I go to my trustee MAC Face and Body foundation (shade N3) as it is also very light and blendable. I do have to set this one with powder though:
Bronzers/blushes: I bronze my skin pretty much every single day. I do switch to darker shades in the summer though. Nars Irressistiblement is gorgeous on light to medium skintones and I adore the terracotta shade. I also use my Too Faced Sun Bunny frequently when I'm too lazy to wear any other makeup. It's shimmery but very flattering. I alternate my blushes based on what I'm wearing but MAC Instant Chic (LE - light pinky coral) gets the most use:
Highlighters: I do not leave the house without my bronzer/highlighter combos. Bobbi Brown Nude Shimmer Brick is gorgeous on its own or over any neutral blush. MAC Sunspill loose beauty powder (Pro) is a beautiful lit from within shimmering golden peach. I absolutely adore MAC's loose beauty powders (but not sure if they're still available). Another summer face is MAC Chez Chez Lame (LE) which is a pale golden shade. Not shimmery, just sophisticated glow:
Hope you find this post helpful. What are some of your favourite summer face products?
June 12, 2012
Hello my lovelies! I thought of doing a series of my summer time favourite
products throughout the next few weeks. I will start with lipsticks, because
well lipsticks are my favourite makeup products. Then I'll do one on face products and finally a nail polish one.
Since lipsticks are my favourite makeup products, this was the hardest
category as well. Here's what I've handpicked for you:
Left to Right: Lancome Violet Coquette Rouge in Love, Chanel Super Rouge
Allure, YSL Nude Beige (No.1) Rouge Volupte, Nars Heat Wave lipstick, MAC
Morange lipstick, Guerlain Rose Bengal Rouge Automatique
And here's why each of them deserve their top spot:
Lancome Violet Coquette Rouge in Love - this is the perfect
plummy purple shade and applies with pink undertones on my red pigmented lips, very unique shade to my stash. The texture
is light but the product is pigmented. Not drying at all and wears amazing in
the summer days. See my full review here.
Chanel Super Rouge Allure - I adore the rouge allure formula
and love Super specifically as it is a bold fuchsia but the creamy texture
keeps it from being too severe. This was unfortunately LE, wish Chanel would
add it to their perm line.
YSL Nude Beige Rouge Voulpte - I love the creaminess of the
Rouge Volupte formula but I find them sometimes a bit too creamy, lol! In the
summer though I consider it a plus. Nude Beige is an awesome nude for my
skintone (currently NW25) and I am reaching the end of my tube :(
Nars Heat Wave Lipstick - Heat Wave is the boss of all
orange toned red lipsticks! I kid you not I have tried plenty and always come
back to this. Nars makes a winner formula lipstick generally (I adore all
sheer, semi matte and matte versions). Their lipsticks also don't melt or
change even in the most extreme of heat and humidity. MAC Lady Danger is
similar but I prefer Heat Wave.
MAC Morange Lipsticks - this one is not for the faint of
heart. I resisted this bold orange shade forever and finally caved and got it
and boy am I glad I did. It has definitely become a summer staple and I love
the creamy texture of MAC amp cream lipsticks. See my full review here.
Guerlain Rose Bengal Rouge Automatique - This one is a
beautiful shimmering rosy coral, that's the best I can describe it. It's very
unique to my stash and the weartime is awesome (7-8 hours). And I must say I
love the packaging, no lid required!
Some swatches on NW25 skintone:
Left to Right: Lancome Violet Coquette Rouge in Love, Chanel Super Rouge
Allure, YSL Nude Beige (No.1) Rouge Volupte, Nars Heat Wave lipstick, MAC
Morange lipstick, Guerlain Rose Bengal Rouge Automatique
What are some of your favourite summer lipsticks?
May 19, 2012
Hey beauties and Happy Victoria Day Long Weekend to my Canadian friends and followers. Hubby and I are painting the nursery today and making a visit to Babies R Us later on. But Sunday and Monday will be filled with socializing with friends and family.
I picked up MAC Morange this past week with some Back2MAC I've been accumulating. I had wanted to own Morange for the longest time and never got around to picking it up. I also wasn't too keen on it before I got my tan during my Mexican vacation.
Morange is a bold orange with red undertones and has an amplified finish. MAC's Amplified cream shades typically apply very creamy and comfortable, have great colour payoff and last a good 5-6 hours on me; especially with a bold shade like this.
I have quite a few red oranges in my collection but they are all red as base and have orange undertones, Morange is the opposite. I actually quite liked how this shade looks on me now and so does my hubby. It is a bold shade so it requires some confidence to rock this on your lips. However, I think it will look fab on both warmer and cooler undertones as well as fairer or darker ladies.
Morange on my lips, applied straight from tube with no liner. I have pigmented and red lips
And here's my full face: the rest of my face is pretty simply with MAC F&B foundation (N3), Nars Irreisteblement Bronzer and MAC Bite of an Apply on my cheeks. I'm wearing Inglot gel liner #83 (a blue purple) on lashline and MAC Delphic fluidline (LE) on lower lashline:
Do you guys own MAC Morange? What is your favourite shade of orange lipstick to wear?
May 6, 2012
Hey beauties! As mentioned previously, it is time for me to clean up my makeup stash and give some of these gently used items a new home.
General Info:
1. All items are very gently used (3 times max). I don't have anything in boxes as I bought these for personal use and just never got around to giving them enough love.2. All items will be sanitized as applicable and everything comes from a clean and pet free home.
3. I have 100% positive feedback on Specktra here if you want to check it out.
Rules:
1. I only accept Paypal as it is the safest method. The invoice will come to you from my Paypal account "Saadeh Masaeli". Please select "Personal" instead of "Purchase" when sending me the payment so I don't get charged extra fees. If your shipping address is different from paypal, please let me know.2. First comes first served! In order to ensure I see your request quickly, please send me an email at saadehmasaeli@yahoo.com with what items you're interested in instead of/in addition of commenting on the post.
3. Please ensure I receive your payment within 12 hours of receiving the invoice. Otherwise if there's someone else interested I will move on to them.
4. All prices are in Canadian Dollars (check online currency convertors). I will be shipping every Friday till all items are sold.
5. No returns, no holds. I will not be responsible for items once they leave my hands.
Shipping:
Shipping out of Canada is fairly expensive. It's actually also pricey to ship items within the country. I really have no control over this as Canada Post is our sole point of shipment here. All shipment include postage and packaging. Due to higher shipping prices out of here, it's probably best you buy more than one item.- Shipping to the USA: $7
- Shipping to Canada: $8.50
- International: please send me your paypal address and I will get you a quote.
Alright, formalities out of the way, here are the goodies!
MAC Pro pigments all in old jar, each 98% full: Pink Pearl, Chartreuse, Platinum - $15 each
MAC DC'd pigments in old jars, each 98% full: Golden Lemon, Teal: $18 each
MAC LE pigments in old jars, each 98% full: Pastoral, Circa Plum, Cocomotion: $18 each
MAC LE pigments in new smaller jars, used once: Later, the Family CrestL: $16 each
MAC Spring Forecast LE pigment stack in stacked 2! never used - $14
Illamasqua Incite pure pigment (never used) - $14
Sugarpill Junebug pigment (used once) - $9
Obsessive Compulsive loose pigments, each used once in: Ironic, Heroic, Atmosphere - $8 each
Nars eyeshadow duo in Nouveau Monde, used once - $27
Lancome Elephant Bronzer (LE - 2008) used once - $15
Benefit Strut Cream Eyeshadow, used twice - $12
Stila Eyeshadow duo copper/bronze, used twice - $10
Lip stuff:
Makeup Forever #15 Rouge Artist Intense lipstick, used once - $12
Illamasqua Hermetic Intense Lipgloss, used once - $14
Stila Longwear Lipcolour matte in Outrageous used once - $13
Happy Shopping!
November 29, 2011
November 28, 2011
