This past weekend I splurged a bit on makeup(as oppose to records, for a change) and decided to explore other products I've never tried before. Fortunately, they were good investments and I've decided to share my trials with them.
One thing I've been itching to try-out for some time is Chanel's Le Vernis Nail Colour. I usually buy my nail polish really cheap, which unsurprisingly doesn't last me very long. If there's one thing I cannot stand- it's nail polish flakily chipping. I won't lie, I set my expectations for Chanel's polish inexplicably high. At the Chanel makeup counter, I had asked the makeup consultant if the nail polish was any good. To which she amusingly replied, "... Oh!Well...it'sChanel. I mean the reason why it's so expensive is because they use only the finest ingredients to make it." Essentially what she meant was: "Oh! Well... I've never used this product before to give you an honest personal opinion. I need to make my sales, so let me just bullshit through this answer."
Despite her response I went ahead and bought it anyways. I went for an old classic red shade in Dragon 475. The first time I applied it, it went on so smooth and thick- I didn't even think to add on a second coat. Consequently, this later resulted in it chipping away literally two days later. I tried again, this time adding a second coat and it lasted a long time. Given, I have a job that requires a lot of manual-hand labor. So to me, that was an impressively long time.
The result: A thick, smooth, and rich color that won't fade or chip away. For $23- that's a pretty good deal.
I'm not really fond of facial makeup, unless it's moisturizer. I don't really use primers are anything of the sort, but I decided I'd give it a try once I stumbled upon this item at VS. I think it's ideal for people who have both oily or dry(even in between) skin. It apparently contains a silicone substance that surprisingly doesn't make the product feel too heavy on your skin. And yes, it makes your makeup last all day. The bonus is that it has SPF 20.
The result: A smooth and strong settle that doesn't allow your face to over-shine and withholds your facial make up all day. $14
Now, this particular item i have been longing to own since they first announced it's development. I love Gaga more than a baby otter in Gucci booties. And I've had a strong love affair with MAC since I was 13 years old. So the two coming together to form a product was only meant to fulfill my wettest dreams. However when it was first released, I wasn't able to purchase it on an account of I was poor. Let me just say, My love for Gaga+MAC, does no= love for this lipstick. I don't hate it, but I don't want to date it and declare my love for it. It's one of those shades youcan only wear for a particular occasion. It's a brilliant shade of frosty neon pink with the lovely formula that makes me love MAC lipsticks. I usually only break out the lipstick when I'm edging for a 60s mod makeup look. I will say that blending this color with MAC's Mystic actually produces a lovely shade that you can wear every day.
The result: A vibrant pink shade that's ideal for a night out. And with every cent earned from the purchase going to MAC AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS, $14 is a win-win steal.
Mascara is something I've shared my... feelings about previously. I'm always on that search for the perfect mascara. And while this one isn't quite "it", it's very near to being perfect. I bought it on a whim at Sephora. The bottle caught my eye, as did the name. I really kinda love this mascara for two reasons: The brush is something the Greek Goddesses invented, and IT DOES NOT CLUMP. If you're looking for a formula to amp up the volume and give a full look- this is perfect. However, if you are looking for the ladder as well as lengthening... well you're better off not getting this. Seeing as I wear faux lashes anyhow, that ladder aspect didn't bother all that much.
The result: I was able to purchase it for $16, but apparently it usually runs for about $20. For the amount it does, it's really up to you if you're willing to dish out 20 bucks for it.
Like I said before, I don't really like using facial makeup, but the increasing discoloring under my eyes has moved me to start using concealer. Since my discoloring is of a warmer tone, I wanted to buy something that could counter-act the color. I desperately searched Sephora for a cool tone concealer(i.e. blue under-shade). Smashbox was the only brand that had a wide variety in cooler tones. The thing i like about it is that every time I apply it, it doesn't feel like I'm caking on makeup. It's very lightweight and still manages to accomplish enough coverage. Though, it also goes- the more you keep applying, the heavier the wear. That just eventually makes you end up looking like you've worn your sunglasses all day with a result of uneven color. So take it easy with application. A few dabs doe the job just fine.
The result: Lightweight coverage that doesn't run or wear-off.$18
And yes, finally I have biased-ly saved the best for last. Nude lipstick is a tricky thing. Get something that's too nude for your skin tone and you end up looking like a corpse. Lorac's Nude Scene lipstick not only goes on with a creamy-effect. It has the most lovely matte look finish that really seals the color. It doesn't chap the lips after hours of wear. It LASTS for about 6 hrs.(it lasts me an entire work shift) And it has an SPF of 15. I don't mean to shove a product down your throat, but- BUY THIS LIPSTICK!
The result: A creamy application that secures a rich color and lasts for hours. Won't chap your lips and protect them with an SPF 15. $22
