Lip Seduction:YSL Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain

The buzz about YSL's  Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres glossy stains still goes on! It's my turn to review the most fabulous glossy stains. Recently I've purchased 2 of them and decided to share my experience. 

I have never tried any of YSL's lip products before, so this is the first for me. At first I've red very good reviews online, including make up artist (Lisa Eldrige) -  I immediately thought - it must be worth trying, but then I saw the price ( RRP in the Netherlands - 33€) and decided to wait. But the question "Is it really that good?" kept me awake at night, so I decided to try anyway (never mind the price:):)

I picked up two shades - Nr. 13 - Rose Tempera - pretty pink shade, with very fine, almost undetectable blue pearl in; And Nr. 11 - Rouge Gouache - bright deep red/berry-ish color. 

This lip product does not quite fit in "lipstick" or "lip gloss" category. It's a rather unusual hybrid between gloss, lipstick and stain. I wouldn't say that there is nothing like it on the market - there definitely is. Off the top of my head there is Maybelline's Super stay 24 color, L'oreal's Infallible never fail lipstick etc. But the difference is - before the Glossy stains it was never "The perfect product". I have tried Maybelline 24 Color stay - it was pigmented and it stayed on for long time, but it was so drying. 

It does take a little bit of practice to finally apply it perfectly. I do it in two stages: first apply a thin layer, defining the lips and getting the color worked in. Then, apply second layer to add more color and voilá - glossy, plumped, sexy lips that will last you good 2-3 hours without touching up. 

Nr. 13 - Rose Tempera

It fades nicely throughout the day, but you might wanna do a touch up after a meal (especially if you're ordering something oily.I find that oil is the only thing that takes this lipstick off).

Nr.11- Rouge Gouache

Somehow, my camera couldn't pick up the real color. On the picture it looks like orange based red, whereas in fact it's more berry, deep red (at least on me..)

Overall, I think this product is Fantastic! YSL managed to do the impossible - to make a stain that is glossy, but isn't drying on the lips, is pigmented and last a long time. Yes, it is expensive, but I believe one will get many fabulous compliments on the lips out of the tube. There are 20 shades to choose from, so there will be a color to catch the eye. 

Hope you enjoyed, xo

Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Palette

Today I want to review the eyeshadow palette from Estee Lauder's "Blockbuster" make up kit.  I know that the kit varies (I believe depending on the country). I bought mine last year around Christmas time in the Netherlands. I think it was originally launched into the market in the end of 2009, but it's still available in shops.

The packaging is gorgeous - if it wouldn't be for the sticker with eyeshadow names on the back, it looks like a little fabulous clutch bag.

The palette contains 18 eyeshadows. Mostly shimmers - 11, satins - 6 and 1 matte. I would say the colors are neutrals with just a few brights. It has two small applicators (not particularly useful or good quality anyway..)

I have to say the eyeshadows are not very pigmented (except may be one or two), however they look rather beautiful. Here are some swatches I made..

I love the names of the eyeshadows!  It matches the color almost exactly!

Unfortunately, you can't buy the palette without the rest of the kit...But I have to say- the kit is amazing value for money, aside from the eyeshadows it has (at least mine has) 4 blushes, 3 lipsticks, lip gloss, mascara, makeup remover and 3 eye pencils in black, gray and brown. It retails for 80 Euros, but it's possible to get it cheaper.

Hope it was helpful. xo

Clarins makes a perfect Raspberry Sorbet!

Every Girl is in search of the perfect lipstick. Well, for me Clarins Rouge Prodigy in Raspberry Sorbet may be close to perfection. The packaging, the scent, the color, the texture...A dream come true!

 I was trying to make a picture of the packaging myself, but the surface is a mirror (which is perfect for touch ups, if you don't have a mirror with you) and it's difficult to do the packaging justice if the picture is bad.

The color looks (as you may have guessed from the name) EXACTLY like raspberry sorbet. I have to add that the color in real life is a little more vibrant. It has a lovely, but not overpowering scent to it - I believe it's a berry smell (probably raspberry, hence the name..)

Texture wise, it's quite hydrating and creamy. I do like the pigmentation of this lipstick - you definitely see the color pay-off even with one layer. As for staying power - it's not the best, but you can prolong the wear with matching lip pencil. I personally don't use lip pencils often, so I need to touch it up after  a drink of a meal.

The color choice is very classic, good old reds, pinks, corals etc. The retail price in the Netherlands is €22,00, available in Douglas, Ici Paris XL, online.

If anyone tried nice shades - please, let me know! xo

Clean Start with Dermalogica

Clean Start for Clear skin? Today I want to review Dermalogica's face cleanser Clean Start.

Now, I have red and heard a lot of good feedback and reviews about Dermalogica in general, but I have never tried any of their products before. So, I decided to snap to it and bought a couple of things to try, including Clean Start.

Let's start with the positives: I like the fact that it has an active ingredient - Salicylic Acid (0,5%) - which is good for acne-prone skin and just generally clears out the skin. My skin type is normal to combination and this wash didn't break me out.

It is reasonably priced - 20 € for 180 ml of product. It smells nice and refreshing (smells a little like oranges). Also, it can be used on the face, neck and chest, but I use it only on the face and neck. 

It is a foaming gel cleanser,  comes out clear. The tube doesn't have a pump, you have to squeeze it out, but the consistency isn't too runny, so you can stop on time. 

The directions say you have lather a small amount in damp hands, then rub over face. (No, don't get it into your eyes! It feels like you have a bucket of sand in your eyes and you can wash it out!!!) I massage it for a minute or so and rinse with water. 

Now. all in all its not bad cleanser: it gives a gentle, but thorough cleanse, BUT it leaves my skin feeling very dry and the feeling doesn't go away unless I use skin tonic after the cleanse. May be it works better on oily skin...My verdict is Don't knock it till you try it, but beware - it can make your skin dry. 

Lancome Vernis in Love

Hello Everybody and Welcome to my blog!

This is my first - ever blog post, so I am sorry if I made any rookie mistakes. Hopefully, everything will get only better from this moment on!

This post features Lancome's Vernis in Love nail polish in 343 B Rose Pitimini. So let's get started..

The shade choice is good – there is something for everybody – from soft pastels to vibrant brights. I thought it would be a good time to try one and immediately ran to the shop to pick up this lovely warm rose pink shade (Rose Pitimini – What a cute name?!), which I is perfect for summer.

Did I regret the purchase? How could I - the nail polish is perfection! It applies like a dream, the formula is fantastic: not too runny, not too thick, dries to a glossy finish with one coat only. Needless to say - the color pay-off is fantastic. 

With Flash

Day Light

All in all this nail polish range is worth trying. In the Netherlands it retails for 15,50€ for 6ml of product. There are cheaper nail polishes out there, but if you want to treat yourself and invest in something a bit more luxurious - Vernis in Love is definitely the one to try.