FOTN: Red Velvet

This is what happens when I'm bored and paging through magazines. EVERYONE is sporting a red lip these days. Creamy, shiny, glittery and matte... they run the gamut. Tonight, I went for matte:

Forgive the goofy touch with the sunglasses... it seemed like a good idea at the time. Now, it just seems ridiculous. Ah well... it's done.

FACE

MUFE Primer in 04

Dior Forever Foundation in 040

MAC Prep & Prime Powder

EYES

Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Bulletproof (brows)

Sunglasses

LIPS

Urban Decay Lip Pencil in Gash

La Prairie Lipstick in Rouge Clair

Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Flame Point

FOTD: Soft Stroke

I wanted a 'color wash' with purple and brown, and I wanted several textures (which basically means mixing several different formulas for a singular effect).

Here's what happened:

FACE

Guerlain Parure Aqua Foundation in Dore 25

Chanel Soho Story Blush/Highlighter

EYES

Becca Cream Shadow in Gilt (lid)

Sugarpill Chromalust Loose Shadow in Hysteric (perimeter)

Guerlain Powder Kohl in Noir (waterline)

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara

LIPS

Kaplan MD Lip Treatment in Sheer Blackberry

***"The Guerlain Foundation in Dore 25 is about half a shade too dark for me. But Dore 24 is about a quarter shade too light. When I'm in between shades, I always go with the darker shade, and blend it out around the neck and jawline. On warmer skin tones, I find it's always more flattering to correct 'down' than to correct up. There's nothing worse than the flash of a camera catching the color difference between your makeup and your skin. If you correct for the warmest shades in your face, you never run the risk of looking ashy, or not having your foundation match your neck and decolletage."***

Covet Worthy: Guerlain Parure (Aqua & Gold)

These foundations deserve to have a cult following. Beyond their DIVINE packaging, the performance of these foundations exceed expectations, and properly earn their place among Luxury Makeup.

I'll start with the Aqua. The formula is more cream than liquid, and sets soft (not matte). It feels like a luxurious face cream going on. Coverage is medium to full, and easily buildable. What makes this foundation particularly special is the color range. It does more than just range from light beige to dark. There is also a Dore (gold) line for girls with particularly warm undertones (raising my hand). And the best thing about the beige (for those of you who are not really yellow or orange underneath) is that it is truly neutral. Not PINK (I'm looking at you Dior), but neutral.
If there is a downside, it's this: I've heard complaints about the lightest beige even being too dark for fair skin. I cannot feel too bad, because it's much easier to shop for fair skin than it is to shop for warm, olive, medium, and dark skin. I know this to be true, as I shop for ALL skin ranges and tones on a regular basis (it's my job). So, let the rainbow coalition have this one. We've been waiting a long time for a foundation that both performs on a luxury level, and actually matches our range of skin tones.
Some may also complain about the fragrance. This foundation smells distinctly of violets. I personally love the scent. But if  you've got an issue with a heavily perfumed foundation (or think that your skin might react to the fragrance), you may want to pass this by.

You've already seen pictures of me in the Parure Gold:

This is the most luxurious foundation I've used to date. It eclipses Chanel... and even Armani. Dior couldn't see this foundation on its best day. By Terry can't touch it... mostly because of the color range and versatility. The color and effect of this foundation is hard to describe. Although it only comes in the beige line, it features a gold undertone that warms the overall tone up very effectively. That gold undertone also acts as a light deflector (not a shine enhancer), working much like Meteorites to diffuse light around the entire face. The coverage is medium to full... but leans closer to full. Also goes on like a face cream, also smells distinctly of violets. I LOVE it. I'm getting a backup. I'm not kidding.

Neither of these foundations is cheap. But they're comparable. Parure Aqua is about $60... comparable to both Chanel and Armani. Parure Gold is $78. More expensive than Chanel, but cheaper than By Terry ($105). If you're going to drop major coin on a foundation... check out Guerlain. If they can match you, do not hesitate to invest in it. It's truly worth every single penny.

Who Remembers... Vincent Longo?

Not me.
Year's ago, the line was at Naimies, and I'm sure I saw it at Sephora. Then there was this HUGE sale, and POOF! Everyone thought Vincent Longo had gone the way of the dinosaur.

The first time I noticed it again was mere *months ago, at Space NK in Bloomingdales. Even then, I didn't give it a passing glance. Like, who's got Vincent Longo on their radar anymore?

But... let's be fair. I don't know WHY the company got dumped by so many retailers, but it's not like the products are awful. As little as I remember about the line, I don't remember anything about it being of poor quality.

So, I decided to give ol' Vince another shot:

This is the liquid eyeshadow in a color called Lovely Brown. It looks like a lip gloss (and sort of applies that way), but it blends out like a mousse, and SETS like an Aqua Cream. OMG. It stains at little bit too. After I did my swatch:

...I tried to wipe it off and it did NOT budge! That swatch doesn't even do this color justice. It's a rich brown with aubergine undertones, and the slightest hint of gold shimmer. Just stunning. I'm truly impressed.

I'm starting small with this line. Just the shadow. If this one performs, there are a bunch of other colors that I'll go back for. Vincent Longo... welcome back to my radar. Consider me a cautious... but blossoming fan.

That's What Friends Are For...

I have this friend.

We have this thing where we buy each other gifts for our birthdays. Doesn't matter what it is... if she wants it, I'll try to get it. She never asks, so a lot of times I have to guess. But she doesn't like guessing about me, so she'll just come out and say "I'm not up for no guessing games, SO WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?"

Well, this year... I wanted Illamasqua:

LOOK AT THESE LASHES!!!

They're the Luxury Lashes from Illamasqua's Holiday Collection. Appropriately called 'Opulence', they're a thick black lash, decorated with Antique Gold jewels. They're a true antique gold color too... not brassy gold and NOT cheap looking. I LOVE THEM! I have no idea where I'm going to wear them (yet)... maybe someone's NYE party.

FOTD: All Warmed Up

I saw a brown and gold look in Allure (December 2010) for one of the shows... I want to say it was Marc Jacobs. I can't remember. Anyway, I LOVED the way it looked. So I thought I'd do my own interpretation...

FACE

By Terry Lumiere Foundation (#8)

Shu Uemura Translucent Powder

MAC Blush in Peaches

EYES

Belmacz Blitz (base)

MAC Eyeshadow in Mulch (outer lid)

MAC Eyeshadow in Goldmine (inner lid)

Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Liner in Zero

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara 

LIPS

MAC Lipstick in Bronze Shimmer

Contest Update: AMP YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

So...

I thought that I'd give you guys even more ways to win the makeup bundles. Thanks for all the excitement about the MAC bundle... there's even more to come!

Everyone who follows/subscribes to the blog is AUTOMATICALLY entered once. If you want to do one (or two, or three) better, you can do the following:



1 entry = 'Like' Adventures In Makeup on Facebook. The link is on this blog.


1 entry = Tweet about the contest and link the contest post on your twitter page


1 entry = follow me on Twitter @shahadakarim



 2 entries = Link the contest to your own blog (if you have one)



 3 entries = BLOG about this Holiday Giveaway


That'll seriously amp your chances at the win (your name will be 're-entered' the number of appropriate times, making it more likely that you'll be chosen).

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3RD.

FOTN: Berry Flush

This weather has been so Autumn appropo lately. Clear, crisp days with a brisk breeze. I'm loving it! If makeup can create wind kissed cheeks and a bitten lip...

FACE

Estee Lauder DoubleWear Light (5.0)

Shu Uemura Translucent Powder

Chanel Blush in Plum Attraction

EYES

MAC Pigment in Naked Dark

MAC Shadestick in Shimmersand

Naimies False Lashes

LIPS

Kaplan MD Lip Color in Blackberry Shine

Holiday Giveaway 2010: The Next Prize

I thought I might post the prizes ahead of time before choosing the winner. Here's the next prize:

1-MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Petticoat

1-MAC Pigment in Later

1-MAC Greasepaint Stick in Greengrease

1-MAC Greasepaint Stick in Uniformly Blue

1-MAC Greasepaint Stick in Dirty

1-MAC Greasepaint Stick in Brown Now

*Remember, all you have to do to win is follow/subscribe. You cannot be a hidden follower. In order to win, I have to see you. Winners are selected at random (literally from a bowl of names written on little pieces of paper). One winner will be announced every Friday until the end of the year. Good Luck!*

Black & Gold (wearable version)

After I went out... and came home... I went out again. But I toned it down a bit:

FACE

Estee Lauder Doublewear Light Foundation

MAC Prep & Prime Powder

MAC Mineralize Blush in Light Over Dark

EYES

Belmacz Blitz

Guerlain Kohl in Black Fakhir

Buxom Mascara

LIPS

MAC Lipgelee in Goldensoft

(FOTN) Gold Standard: Black Gold

This look was rather extreme... though I must confess I actually went out after doing it. Anyway... here goes:

FACE

Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation (06)

MAC Mineralize Blush in Light Over Dark

Armani Gold Rush Powder

EYES

Belmacz Blitz (browbone)

MUFE Eyeshadow in 04 (lid)

L'Oreal Hip Powder Kohl in Gold (inner eye)

Guerlain Kohl in Black Fakhir (waterline)

Naimies False Lashes

LIPS 

Belmacz Blitz

MAC LipGelee in Goldensoft

FOTD: Five Minute Face

I literally had NO TIME today for makeup. I probably should have gone with a lighter lip, considering my time restrictions. But eh, we live and we learn. Here it is:

FACE

Shu Uemura Nobara Stick Foundation (524)

Kevyn Aucoin Blush in Dolline

EYES

MAC Pigment in Lithe

Pop Beauty Hot Pot Gel Liner

Guerlain Kohl in Black Fakhir

LIPS

MAC Lip Pencil in Burgundy

MAC Lipstick in Cunning

TOTAL TIME: 4:47

And The Winner Is...

Gloss and Sticks

Congratulations! Gloss and Sticks is the first winner in our Holiday Giveaway. She's already been notified by email. Gloss, you have 48 hours to reply to my email with your mailing address, and I'll get your prize right out to you!

Here's what you won: 

1-Kevyn Aucoin Founation Stick in Beverly

1-Kevyn Aucoin Eyeshadow in Tusk

1-Kevyn Aucoin Eyeshadow in Blush

1-Cargo Blu-Ray Pressed Powder in #40

*If a winner does not respond with a mailing address within 48 hours, the offer will be rescinded and another winner will be chosen.*

Congrats again! The rest of you guys... stay tuned for more giveaways! Remember, all you have to do is follow/subscribe to the blog to qualify. You cannot be hidden. In order to win, I have to see you. Good Luck!

(FOTD) Gold Standard: White Gold

In keeping with the 'gold' tradition of this Holiday Season... I decided to play with a series of  white-based golds (and a few yellow-based) and see what happened:

FACE

Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation (06)

Armani Gold Rush Powder

Illamasqua Blush in Expose

EYES

NARS Eyeshadow in Etrusque (browbone)

Rock & Republic Eyeshadow in White Heat (lid)

L'Oreal Hip Powder Kohl in Gold

Ardell Half Lashes

Buxom Mascara

LIPS

Make Up For Ever Lip Pencil in 1C

Chanel Rouge Allure Lipgloss in Insouciance

Covet Worthy: L'Oreal Hip Powder Kohl

I'm admittedly a bit of a makeup snob. So I'm always surprised when I come across something that really works for a fraction of the price of luxury brands. I can't take credit for this latest discovery; it comes courtesy of another makeup maven... who informed me that they were being discontinued.

So I bought just one, because I'm a skeptic. And I tried it... and WOW. I instantly went back and bought the rest of the colors available at that particular store. Many were sold out. That's likely because they've been discounted as much as 75% OFF. You heard me right. I didn't pay full price for any of them. I had to drive around a bit to get them all... but get them all I did (I think. There might be a metallic grey floating out there that I don't have).

So RUN -- don't walk -- to get your hands on these things. They actually have a better applicator than the Guerlain version (although Guerlain's packaging is much nicer). They're not as finely milled, but the color payoff is noteworthy.


And not to worry... if you can't get any, I'm giving away three of them for the holidays. With any luck, you'll be selected as the winner!

FOTD: Bad Girl

You KNOW I had to dive right in and try this new palette. It's so good... really pigmented and everything blends out beautifully. It's exactly what I expect from a luxury brand... except this level of quality comes with a fabulously low sticker price.

FACE

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (9.5)

MAC Prep & Prime Powder

Illamasqua Blush in Nymph

EYES

Sleek Bad Girl Palette

Medium Iridescent Grey (inner corner)

Matte Purple (center of the lid)

Darkest Grey (outer corner and under lashline

Iridescent Champagne (browbone)

L'Oreal Hip Powder Kohl in Burgundy (waterline)

Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

LIPS

Make Up For Ever Lip Pencil in 1C

Shiseido Lipstick in BE333

Covet Worthy: Sleek 'Bad Girl' Palette

Sleek has to be the little company that could... if there ever was one! I first heard about it last year... and I've been stacking palettes ever since. I understand that the company is going through a 'resurgence' of some kind, after going bust a couple decades ago. Don't hold me to it... I may have gotten bad info.

In any case, their eyeshadow palettes are AMAZING. Besides their incredible pigmentation, blendability and staying powder, the palettes are very inexpensive! It's Rock & Republic quality with Wet n' Wild prices. Unbeatable.

The latest addition to their shadow collection is the Bad Girl Palette. LOVE! Look at this...

This kind of reminds me of the Graphite Palette (also divine), but there are greens and a shimmer champagne color in here. I think there's even a couple of mattes (okay, maybe one). I'm very excited about this...

If you can, get it. Sleek palettes tend to come and go rather quickly. Now that they have a website that ships worldwide, you've got no excuse!

FOTD: Shimmer Wash

I didn't have a plan. I just felt like wearing MAC's Woodwinked and kind of built the rest of the face around it.

FACE

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Foundation (Golden)

Illamasqua Blush in Expose

MAC Mineralize Blush in Light over Dark

EYES

Kjaer Weis Eyeshadow in Cloud Nine

MAC Eyeshadow in Woodwinked

Stila Smudgestick in Stone

Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers

Buxom Mascara

LIPS

Chanel Glossimer in Coral Love

*Since I was using so many shimmer products, I didn't want to powder or give my face a matte look of any kind. Sooooooooo... you got a little sheen with this look.*

Product Review: Guerlain Meteorites

A few people have asked me about Meteorites... so here's a quick review.

I use the Meteorites in the original color (which is techically no color). There is also a Pink and a Bronze version.

It's a collection of multi colored pearls (with a gold underbase) that's designed to even out your skin tone. Each color is designed to do something specific for the skin: green to combat redness, lavender to even out sallow tones, and so on. The result is 'white light' or the appearance of no color imperfections on the skin.

Some have likened it to a powder 'airbrush' of sorts... as it's supposed to give the illusion of perfection.
Here's what I like about it: Meteorites works very well as a finishing powder for normal to dry skin. It really does give the appearance of an even skin tone, at first glance. You DO need to use it in conjnction with your foundation. It has NO actual coverage. Despite the many colored pearls, the result is translucent.

You should be aware... on oily skin, it tends to 'stick' if you're using it to set a foundation. Unless your foundation sets matte on its own, this is not a good finishing powder. I used it once with Kevyn Aucoin's Skin Enhancing Foundation (which lies wet until you set it), and it did not end well.

What I don't like is actually rather minor. When I bought the pearls from Sephora, it came in this stunning little box and just looked like a treasure. When I opened it, I realized that the the actual container is CARDBOARD. WTH? I figure for more than 30 dollars, the least you can give a sista is plastic. Glass would have been elegant. But cardboard? Trifling.

It looks like the new line of pearls comes in a case a little more worthy of the price. If that's true, then good for them. You ought to give folks the quality that they expect to pay for... packaging included.

I keep Meteorites in rotation. It's a practical tool for me. It also smells nice. It's not at the top of my list of finishers, but it does well for what it claims. If you have the $$ to spare, get it. But if you're looking for something more practical in terms of packaging and performance (and less luxurious), this isn't really the product to covet. It's lovely. But honestly, it's not really necessary.

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY (CLOSED)

Since the contest thing was a bust last time... how about we do something different?

Let's do a Holiday Giveaway starting the day after Thanksgiving (NOVEMBER 26TH).

Every Friday, until the end of the year, I'll randomly select a winner. The winner will be notified by email and asked to provide a shipping address.

All you have to do is subscribe to/follow the blog!

NO HIDDEN FOLLOWERS WILL QUALIFY.

I HAVE TO SEE YOU IN ORDER FOR YOU TO BE SELECTED.

Here are a few items that I'm giving away...

1-Dior Nail Polish in Czerina Gold

1-MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Petticoat

1-Habibi Body Balm in Vanilla & Rose

1-Kevyn Aucoin Stick Foundation in Beverly

1-MAC Beauty Powder in Briar Rose

1-MAC Pigment in Later

... and a whole lot more! The first winner will be announced/contacted on Friday.



FOTD: Blue Smoke

Playing around with Estee Lauder again... this time I used the 'Midnight Star' Eyeshadow:

I used the one eyeshadow to do most of the work. I did pop a Paint Pot under it to boost it through the crease though.

FACE

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation (5.0)

Guerlain Meteorites

Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Temptation

EYES

MAC Paint Pot in Fresco Rose

Estee Lauder Eyeshadow in Midnight Star

Guerlain Powder Kohl in Bleu

Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers

YSL Faux Cils in Radical Black

LIPS

Kaplan MD Lip 20 in Blackberry Shine

Here's something I've noticed with the shadows: They pack on beautifully, but leave a bit to be desired with blending. I find that if you blend them too much, the color tends to skip... leaving little gaps of skin in between. Not good. I will give the brand kudos for the color payoff. But the formula needs a bit more work so that the shadows are more silky, and blend a bit more easily. I spoke to the SA at one counter and she told me to email the company... because apparently they're interested in feedback. I think I shall.