giovedì 28 gennaio 2016

Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)Able Foundation: Swatches and Review

I have been using Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)Able foundation from one month now and i'm ready to give you my thoughts about it.
It's a pretty expensive foundation, i know, but I bought it when there was the 20% discount at Sephora. I was so curious to try it because it seemed to be the holy grail foundation of a lot of beauty bloggers and youtubers so i decided to test it myself.


On Marc Jacobs website you read "Instant Results. All-Day Weightless Finish. Beyond Full Coverage.The weight is over: 24-hour full, flawless coverage is yours in an instant with this ultra-lightweight foundation concentrate. This revolutionary oil-free formula contains twice as much pigment as a leading full-coverage foundation, but it is emulsified with groundbreaking ingredients so the smallest amount completely covers with dot-on perfection."

I partially agree: it's a medium to a full coverage foundation, with just une little dot you reach an amazing coverage. That's the most pigmented foundation i have ever tried (and i have tried a lot). It really covers every single redness or discoloration with a tiny little amount of product. But it has some downsides and for sure it doesn't last 24h!!
I really love the packaging! It comes in a heavy frosted glass bottle so sophisticated and classy like every Marc Jacobs product. 

Shade: I got the shade "32 Beige Light" under the suggestion of the Sephora shop assistant although i thought it was too dark for me, but here in Italy there are only few shades available and the shade lighter than 32 was "26 Bisque Medium" that was way too light for me. Luckily shade 32 is not too dark and i can make it work blending it well and highlighting the right zones.

Consistency: It is supposed to be smooth and weightless feeling on the skin but not for me!! I feel it so much on my skin (even if i put just a little) that sometimes i can't wait to take it off! It's like it never dries and sets even if i use some powder on top: every time i touch my face i feel it greasy (and i have normal to dry skin)... unfortunately it's not transfer proof.
Application: The applicator is a glass dropper, i find it unhygenic but it helps the application. On the instructions it is recommended to put four dots (forehead, cheeks and chin) and then buff it with a brush (obviously Marc Jacobs recommend his "The Face III" buffing foundation brush, that i don't have) . I tried with the beauty blender but the final effect was too greasy and shiny. I prefer to buff it with Zoeva 124- Grand Stippling Face Brush to reach a flawless and more natural finish. You don't never, ever try to exagerate with the amount of foundation or your face will turn into an olily shiny ball!
Finish: It is supposed to have a matte finish but i think it gives me some glow. It is suggested for people with oily skin but i have normal to dry skin and after a while makes me look shiny so i don't know if it's ideal for those with very oily skin. It also depends on how much product you use, you don't have to exceed. If you put the right amount (four tiny dots) it will work good.

Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)Able foundation First applied
Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)Able foundation First applied
Staying Power: i am so disappointed from the longevity of this foundation. It looks amazing for the first two or three hours and then it starts to fade on the nose and cheeks looking soooo patchy. It's like it melts and starts to look greasy. It also clings to my pores emphasizing them a lot! You can see it from the pictures below....It's awful! Even if i try to fix it with a powder the situation doesn't get any better. It's definetly not so longlasting, even with a primer underneath. 
Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)Able foundation After 3 hours and half , you can see my pores starts to appear
Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)Able foundation After 5 hours, you can see my pores extremely visible. (This picture is not for fainthearted)
After 5 hours. From far away is not so bad but you can notice
that the part in direct light is greasy and the pores are visible.

Will i repurchase? I don't think so, it's too expensive for my budget and it doesn't give me the effect i expected. I have i hate love relationship with this foundation, when first applied i love the flawless effect it gives to my skin but after few hours my pores are so visible that i can't wait to remove it.

Bye dears! 

mercoledì 20 gennaio 2016

NARS Audacious Lipstick in ANNA: Swatches and Review

There is a lipstick that i literally wear almost every single day.
Hello Mr Bunny!..Long time no see!
I'm talking about the NARS Audacious Lipstick in Anna. I received it as Christmast gift from my boyfriend and he ordered it from Nars official website because this shade isn't available at Sephora Italy.
Shade: Anna is a very unique colour. It is described as a "smokey rose". It's a cool-tooned muted, medium dark pink with a semi matte finish. It flatters any skintone and on me is an everyday color that i like to match with different lip liners. I wanted this shade so bad after watching JamiePageBeauty swatch video on youtube (i just love that woman!!)

Formula: The consistency is so creamy and in one swipe you have a great colour payoff. It's extremely confortable like i'm not wearing anything on my lips. It doesn't even emphasize dry patches and for me this is very important because in winter my lips are always dry no matter how many times i scrub them.
NARS "Anna" direct light
Staying power: I had great expectations about the staying power because, from the various reviews i saw on youtube, the Audacious lipsticks seemed to have the best performance ever, but i was a bit disappointed...on me it lasts only three or four hours (without eating or drinking) before starting to fade. Maybe the darkest colors perform better but for now i can't make a comparison. To make it last a bit longer i layer a mauve lip liner underneath: Essence lipliner in "satin mauve" is the perfect match that darken it a bit!

Will i repurchase? I don't think so. From a 30 euros lipstick i was expecting waaaay more. I think the performance of Maybelline Creamy Matte lipsticks is so much better than the Nars Audacious lipsticks. Just to give them another shot maybe i will try a darker shade (like Charlotte or Liv).

Here is the final look with NARS "Anna"
Bye bye dears!

mercoledì 13 gennaio 2016

2015 Makeup Favourites

Year 2015 has been my turning point. Makeup has become one of the most important parts of my life (and hopefully job). I started testing lots of different products and learning various techniques for make up applications. 
So i'm so happy to share with you my most used and loved makeup products of 2015.

FACE
L'Oreal Infallible 24h-matte Foundation "22 Radiant Beige": i think it's my holy grail foundation of 2015. As it claims it is a complete matte foundation. The consistency is in between thick and liquid, the perfect application is with your fingers and the staying power is amazing. This is the only foundation that completely makes my pores disappear and it never happens with any foundation (even high ends). I always struggle in finding the right shade for my skin tone but this one perfectly matches my complexion. I don't wear it every day but only when know that i will stay out for the whole day. It's also ideal for rainy days because it's practically waterproof and also for hot summer days because it's matte and controls the sweat. Even if i touch my face it doesn't transfer at all. Sometimes i use the L'Oreal Infallible Mattifying Primer before applying the foundation and it makes my skin looks like porcelain.

Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless Foundation "Sand": this is another foundation that i love. It works as primer, foundation and concealer all in one. I reached for it almost every day last year. This color suits my complexion even much better than the l'Oreal Infallible 22. The best application is with the Beauty Blender, like that your skin looks really flawless. It's not longlasting as the Infallible one but lasts almost 8 hours on me before starting to fade just a tiny bit on my nose and chin. The finish is matte but not flat, let's say it gives your skin a healthy look.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer "Light/Medium": It's the most high coverage concealer i have ever tried. The best thing i love about it is that it dries and sets perfectly under the eyes without any need to powder, and i hate powdering my face because it always makes my wrinkles stand out. It's also waterproof and has the most long wearing performance of all times. I made a complete review and swatches of it here.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer "Light Warm": the performance of this concealer is similar to the Estee Lauder Double Wear. The differences are that the application of the Naked Skin is better with the Beauty Blender (not a concealer brush) and the feeling on the skin is very lightweight. The only problem is the shade range; i opted for "Light Warm" that is a bit lighter for me but the other shades were way too dark or way too light. I make it work anyway and it really highlight my undereye area. It doesn't crease and doesn't set in the fine lines. It covers my dark circles perfectly and lasts the whole day.

Beauty Blender The Original: this little sponge changed my world. I always used my fingers or a foundation brush to apply any kind of foundation, but now it's another story! The final effect that the Beauty Blender gives to my skin is really flawless. I think i will go on buying it forevah!!


The Balm "Bahama Mama" bronzer: it's my autumn/winter shade. It's perfect for a light contouring because it's matte, cool toned and not orange at all. I put it in the morning and at night it's still there. I think it's a must have.

Too Faced "Chocolate Soleil" bonzer: i have a sample size of it but i think it will last me forever! It's the perfect summer shade for contouring. In winter i feel that it's too dark but on a slightly tanned skin it works perfectly. The chocolate smell of this bronzer is a bonus. Who doesn't like their make up smells like chocolate? I do like it!

Mac Blush "Melba" : It's the only Mac blush i own, i raved about this since Kathleen Lights made me discover it in one of her "beauty favourites" videos, so when i had the chance i bought it without even thinking. It's a matte peachy pink blush, it gives you a natural healthy look and lasts pretty well. I think it flatters every skin tone. It's probably a spring/summer color but i love to use it every time of the year.

Revlon Powder Blush "006 Naughty Nude": The shade of this blush is similar to Mac "Melba". I bought it when i didn't have enough money for "Melba", the only difference is that is not completely matte but has a slight sheen to it. I use it mostly in spring and summer when i want a bit of glow on the cheeks.

The Balm "Mary Loumanizer" Highlighter:  what we can say about this highligher? It's just PERFECTION! It's ideal to have a discrete glow but you can also buld it up to have a super shine (for a disco night, yeah!). I apply it with my Real Techniques contour brush on the upper part of my cheeks, tip of my nose, chin and cupid bow. Sometimes i use it also to highlight the inner corners of my eyes and under the brows. This is the highlighter of my life :-)

EYES
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24h "Creamy Beige":  this has been my everyday base for every look i made. When i am in a hurry i just put it on the lids blending a brown matte shade in the crease, a lot of mascara and i'm ready to go. This is also a perfect shade for a no makeup look or when i want to draw the attention on the lips wearing a bold red or a dark lipstick.

L'Oreal Color Riche Mono Eyeshadow "200 Over the Taupe":  it's a neutral shade not too warm not too cold, a perfect everyday color. I use it all over the lids or in the crease to give depth to the eyes. The pigmentation of  L'Oreal Color Riche eyeshadow is something out of the world, they last forever without fading. I'm planning to get more colors from this range. Absolutely recommended!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal "Black": this is the first eyeliner of my life, i have been using it forever. Super creamy, well pigmented and last a really long time. A lot of eyeliners generally transfer on my upper lid but not this one. It lasts until i decide to take my makeup off. I never used it in the waterline but i have heard that it last pretty good as well. I suggest you to try all the color range (that unfortunately i can't find so easly here in Italy)

Too faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner "Perfect Black Orchid": When i don't want to use the black eyeliner i opt for this plum/blue color. It has a sponge on the opposite end that allows you to soften the line or smoke it. It's perfect for hot or wet conditions because it stays put forever.

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara: The holy grail mascara of all times. Every beauty guru seems to love it and i completely agree. It gives me everything i can ask from a mascara: lenght and definition. Not so sure about the volume but if you built it up you can reach a dramatic effect. I can't ask for more! It's my on the go mascara perfect for every day. The big advantage is that it never, ever clump my lashes.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara: When i have time to dedicate to my lashes i choose this mascara. It can become a bit clumpy if you don't pay attention, i always have to eliminate the eccess with a clean spoolie brush. I wrote a specific article on this mascara here

Nabla Brow Divine "Jupiter":  It's the best brow liner that i found here in Italy. It is very similar to Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow wiz (maybe it's a dupe). It has the perfect small tip that helps me to fill in the gaps of my eyebrows. It's very quick and easy to use. I think i will buy a tons of those eyebrow liners.

L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper "Medium/Dark": After filling my brows with the liner i fix it with this gel. I have big eyebrows that are always out of control. This gel allows me to make them stay in place the whole day. I have also the clear version but the consistency of the coloured one is better and fix the brows more firmly.

LIPS
Best Purple:
Too Faced Liquified Long Wear Lipstick "Melted Fig": The most flattering color of the year. I know that it was released before 2015 but i discovered it just recently. It lighten up my face even if i have no make up on. You can read the full review here

Best Dark Red:
Maybelline Color Sensational Matte "Divine Wine":  This is the color of my autumn/winter, a brownish burgundy shade. Great formulation, matte finish and super long lasting staying power. You can read about it and see it in action here

Best Red:
L'Oreal Pure Reds "Blake's Red": this is my perfect red! It is completely matte and lasts forever on my lips. I got many compliments on this color and i think it suits every skin and hair color. Not every red lipstick looks good on me but this one is heaven, it makes me feel like Snow White. I started to wear reds the moment i got this shade. Absolutely love it!

Best Nude Pink:
Mac lipstick "Mehr": even though is a matte formula i feel it very confortable on the lips. It's a dirty blue pink shade. Normally i don't like pinks but above every expectation this one is super flattering on me. There is something in this color that compliments my skin so well that makes me feel i have the most beautiful full lips ever. I can't stop using it every day, every night, with every makeup look and with every outfit. I feel it was made for me. The perfect lip liner match for "Mehr" is Rimmel Exaggerate in "Eastend Snob"

Best Gloss:
L'Oreal Shine Caresse Lipcolors: i consider them glosses because they are very shiny. I fell in love with the performance that plumps my lips making them look bigger and fuller. I have almost all the shades but for every day i always reach for "Lolita" for a perfect "MLBB". I also love the shade "Eve" a purple pink that i often put over Mac "Heroine" lipstick to add a bit of a shine. 
The longevity of those lipcolors is stunning considering they are like glosses. I can eat or drink and they stay clung to the lips for such a long time. If you want a glossy effect without worrying about reapplying the product every hour you need those lipcolors in your life.

And those were my favourite makeup products of 2015. Hope you enjoyed.

I hope 2016 will be the best year of your lives! :-)




giovedì 7 gennaio 2016

Mac Dupes: Wet n Wild Megalast lipsticks

Hello everyone!! Happy new year!!
I'm so excited because this year i am planning to write lots of reviews: foundations, mascaras, concealers, lipsticks and more!

So here is my first post of 2016.

I tried to compare some of the Mac lipsticks i own and the Wet n Wild Megalast Lip Colors.

Maybelline Divine Wine is the well known dupe for Mac Diva (here). So i swatched it near Cherry bomb. Divine Wine is slightely brownish while Cherry Bomb has more red. (you can see the application of Divine Wine here). On the lips they look identical.
It can be compared also to Cinnamon Spice that is lighter and has more brown with a hint of pink.

Mac Amorous is a deep cranberry plum with brown undertones and a satin finish. I got a sample from The Body Needs website where you can order some Mac samples. It's a very useful website for those who are curious to try some Mac lipsticks but are not so sure about the colour or the finish. So now that i tested it i know that my next purchase at Mac will be the full size of Amorous because it's very creamy, longlasting and the colour is so flattering.
Here you see it compared with Spiked with Rum and Cinnamon Spice
From the swatch Amorous looks pinker than the other two but on my lips it's almost brown and looks exactly like Spiked with Rum (but this depends on the pigmentation of your lips and mine are very pigmented) . Cinnamon Spice is lighter.

Mac Mehr is defined as a "dirty blue pink"; it's a nude lipstick that suits my skintone very well. It's a nice "my lips but better" shade perfect for everyday. Even though is matte i feel it very confortable on the lips. 
In the Flesh could be a very good dupe of Mehr while Rosebud and Wine Room are too bright.

I hope this was useful!

A bonus...here are the swatches of all my Megalast lipsticks.

If you like i can write an article of the ten colours (swatched in the bottom row) that weren't included in the previous review. Let me know in the comments down below or on my facebook page.