Category: Lipstick
[Review] Laneige Stained Glow Lip Balm #Rich Red
I went on a big trip to Japan and South Korea last Christmas and came back with wayy too much skincare and makeup (keep on eye for many more reviews from me!).
I was looking for things I hadn’t seen before and things I couldn’t get over here. I also got to see/buy the latest releases which was exciting. Living in Australia, we don’t always get the new stuff as soon as they release, more like weeks/months after.
One makeup item that is new that I will be reviewing today is a lip product from Laneige called the Stained Glow Lip Balm. What initially drew me to the range was it’s packaging which is similar to Diors’ Glow Color Reviver Balm which I already love so I’ll highlight the similarities between the two.
Cost
About $20 USD from a Laneige store in Myeongdong, Seoul (Dec 2019)
Ingredients
From laneige.com
* LANEIGE Stained Glow Lip Balm No.2 (Rich Red)
PHYTOSTERYL ISOSTEARYL DIMER DILINOLEATE, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, PHYTOSTERYL/OCTYLDODECYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, DIISOPROPYL DIMER DILINOLEATE, BEESWAX / CERA ALBA / CIRE D’ABEILLE, OCTYLDODECANOL, POLYETHYLENE, OZOKERITE, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX / CERA MICROCRISTALLINA / CIRE MICROCRISTALLINE, SQUALANE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, TRIBEHENIN, FRAGRANCE / PARFUM, YELLOW 6 LAKE (CI 15985), SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, RED 22 LAKE (CI 45380), BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, ASTROCARYUM MURUMURU SEED BUTTER, RED 27 (CI 45410), LACTIC ACID, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), RED 7 (CI 15850), POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIISOSTEARATE, WATER / AQUA / EAU, PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1, TOCOPHEROL, POTASSIUM ALGINATE, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, BHT, ALCOHOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, LYCIUM CHINENSE FRUIT EXTRACT, RUBUS IDAEUS (RASPBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM (BLUEBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, COFFEA ARABICA (COFFEE) SEED EXTRACT, SAPINDUS MUKOROSSI FRUIT EXTRACT, VACCINIUM MACROCARPON (CRANBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, FRAGARIA CHILOENSIS (STRAWBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS SEED EXTRACT, CHENOPODIUM QUINOA SEED EXTRACT, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, BETA-GLUCAN, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, MANGANESE SULFATE, ZINC SULFATE, DISODIUM EDTA, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE
There are three shades available and the ingredients vary due to its colours. It contains the same Berry Complex and Moisture wrap technology used in their popular and now cult favourite sleeping masks.
Claims
from laneige.com
Tinted lip balm offers hydrating moisture and fresh tinting color for lovely lips.
Shades
The stained lip balm comes in three beautiful shades.
I picked up only the shade No.2 Rich Red.
True to its name, since it is a balm, it is very sheer but contains enough pigment to brighten up the lips. I’ve never been able to get to that level of payoff in the picture due to its sheerness. Maybe if you wore a lip liner underneath or something. I love the subtle colour it leaves and being sheer, it’s also so easy to apply without a mirror.
Alike to Dior’s balm, it has its own smart tinting technology where the colour adapts to the ph of your lips, so the colour can look different on everyone which is pretty cool.
Scent
There is a light fruity scent but it’s very subtle and pleasant. I’m very sensitive to fragrance in makeup, but I enjoy this.
My final thoughts
Rating: 5 out of 5 (Love this, will always need it in my beauty arsenal!)
Firstly as you can already tell from my rating, love this product. As much as I like a full coverage matte/satin lipstick at the best of times, for my more casual days (like in self isolation at the moment) where I wear lighter makeup or none at all, I like to go for easier options. Which this balm definitely is.
Secondly it is much like Diors’ Glow Color Reviver Balm (such a mouthful!), heck even their names are similar. They are both easy to apply, provide a nice tint of colour using their own ph adapting tech and they both leave a nice shine to the lips which never feels sticky or uncomfortable. They both contain moisturising ingredients, providing lasting suppleness, juiciness and hydration to the lips. I hate it when I swipe on a lip balm and my lips get dry again just 10 mins later. As mentioned earlier, there is a subtle fruity scent to this lip stain where Diors’ balm has a light vanilla smell.
The price is probably the biggest difference, Dior’s balm is $52 AUD and the Laniege’s version is going for $37 AUD at Yesstyle.com at the moment. The shade range differs too actually, only 3 shades for this lip stain vs Diors’ which has 7 shades.
If you love Diors’ version, or if you tend to gravitate towards lip balms, I would definitely recommend giving this a try. I think it’s only released in Asia so far but it’s currently available from Yesstyle.com.
Makeup favourites of 2018
2018 involved a swift expansion of my makeup collection because I went a bit bonkers with experimentation. I grew to love playing with and wearing eyeshadow and discovered a bunch of awesome products from different asian and western brands.
It was hard to pick one product from each category but I decided to pick them on the basis of what I used the most in 2018 and what I would use if I was in a rush that didn’t require much time and thought.
Foundation
I had to break this down into two sub categories since I enjoy using both cushion and normal liquid foundations and have tested many last year.
Cushion Foundation: COSRX Clear Fit Blemish Cushion
This cushion provides amazing coverage (med-high) and I love the mochi cushion. It allows the puff to pick up an even amount of the foundation, resulting in using less. It doesn’t cake and shade #27 is pretty perfect for me. It contains centella asiatica, tea tree oil, adenosine and madecassoside so it’s a better option for times when I am battling breakouts.
Purchased from yesstyle.com*
Liquid Foundation: MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof
I haven’t reviewed this on my blog yet but it was the foundation my MUA used on my wedding day. That was almost two years ago and I have loved in since. It provides buildable full coverage that you can sheer out if you prefer. I apply it with a kabuki brush for fuller coverage and I sometimes go over it with a clean damp beauty blender, just to mesh it all in. It’s matte but not a flat matte. It is definitely waterproof, I sweat heaps in summer and it has lasted. I’m in the shade #NC35.
Purchased from MAC.
Concealer
The Saem – Cover Perfection Tip Concealer SPF28 PA++
This was an easy choice, it provides the best full coverage, is cheap and it has SPF. It also comes in a few shades which is great for a korean brand.
Purchased from yesstyle.com*.
Setting Powder
It Cosmetics – Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Airbrush Powder
This loose powder, although it’s messy to use, really does make me look poreless. It doesn’t feel heavy and doesn’t cake on top of foundation. I apply the smallest amount anyway because it’s all I need. I do press it into my pores with my Wayne Goss Air Brush and have also used a makeup puff and both methods work well. It mattifies without drying out my skin and is translucent. Great for the sweaty humid weather here in Sydney.
Purchased from Beautylish.com
Bronzer
I have liked cream bronzers too but since they require a bit more time to apply I didn’t include any for this category. I also didn’t love any cream bronzers enough to include it.
Becca – Sunlit Bronzer
This bronzer is smooth and easy to apply. The payoff is sheer and buildable and the shade, Capri Coast, really compliments my skin tone. Because it isn’t matte, it adds a healthy dimension to the face. It looks shimmery in the pan but it doesn’t translate once applied on the face. Really lovely option for those who are after a healthy and warm complexion.
Purchased from Beautylish.com
Blush
Hourglass – Ambient Lighting Blush
This was my first taste of the amazing quality which are Hourglass blushes. The shade Diffused Heat was rated highly by Temptalia and I very much agree. It is so easy to blend and the color payoff is amazing. The marbling is so beautiful, making it a joy to look at and use. This shade is a peachy pink on me and gives me a healthy looking flush and really compliments my complexion.
Purchased from Mecca.
Honourable cream blush mention goes to the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Shade #Illusive. I carry this in my gym bag and gives such a healthy flush to the cheeks. Reviewed here.
Highlighter
This was the year of discovery for highlighters for me. Two years ago I didn’t even wear any bronzer or highlighter, just blush, how things have changed 🙂
NARS – Highlighting Powder
My absolute favourite has to to be the NARS Highlighting powder in shade Fort De France, a newish release from NARS last year. It is so finely milled, so it never looks powdery or cakey and doesn’t emphasise any texture. There is no shimmer whatsoever, just imparts a wonderful sheen. The colour is also perfect for my skin tone. If you are after a natural looking glow without looking like a tin man or disco ball, this one would be for you.
Purchased from Mecca.
A couple of honorable mentions for cream highlighters. The Son and Park Cube Highlighter and the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer were two highlighters I enjoyed using throughout the year but I didn’t favour them enough over the NARS highlighter.
Eyeshadow
Last year was also the year of eyeshadows for me. I’m still not the most creative and experimental mainly because I’m lazy. It was really hard to pick just one eyeshadow palette…
Urban Decay – Born to Run Eyeshadow Palette
This palette is the most versatile, easy to use and colour payoff is just amazing. It has so many shades across such a good variety of spectrums that you’ll be hard pressed to not find a colour that you were after. The formula is also beginner friendly, both matte and shimmer shades blend and layer very easily. This palette can also take you from day to night, simple looks to smoky looks can be achieved which makes it the best all rounder palette in my opinion. Their Naked palettes have kind of bored me, never interested me enough to pick up but this got my attention right away. Has not disappointed me yet, love!
Purchased at Mecca.
Eyeliner
Also had to break this into two sub categories, as there were two standouts last year.
Clio Waterproof Pen Liner Kill Black
After using a couple of tubes of the Macqueen liquid liner (reviewed here), I thought it was time to branch out. The Clio Pen liner is so popular among the masses so I had to try it. I got it in Kill Black and it’s pretty darn good. It’s definitely waterproof, smudge proof and the pen applicator is brush-like and easy to use and control. I hate the stiff actual pen applicators since they catch on my lids and wreak havoc. It’s very similar to my beloved Macqueen liner but I feel like the product keeps longer, as in doesn’t dry out as quickly.
Purchased from yesstyle.com*
Shu Uemura Lasting Soft Gel Pencil Eyeliner
It’s been a hard task, trying to find a pencil eyeliner that doesn’t smudge on my hooded eyes. I have oily eyelids so I need something to stay put and not give me panda eyes by midday. Have tried many korean and western eye pencils and none have really passed this test. I bought this Shu Uemura eye pencil on a whim (#Dark brown) and it’s been a reliable friend ever since. It has a very precise tip and while it isn’t overly creamy, it’s creamy enough to glide over the lid without catching on anything. I don’t tightline (it’s very uncomfortable) and don’t apply it to my waterline either so I can’t speak for when it is applied in those areas but I can say that when I apply it over my lid, it never smudges. I don’t use it to create a wing or anything, I use it when I need a little definition, usually when I wear eyeshadow. Otherwise eyeliner is a step I’m happy to skip if I’m going to work or am in a massive rush.
If you have any recommendations for a reliable smudge proof eye pencil, please let me know because I’m always on the lookout for more affordable options.
Purchased from yesstyle.com*
Lipstick
I only have one pair of lips but I have accumulated so many this year. I have my favourite lipsticks in different formulas, mainly from NARS and MAC but the one I have chosen is the most versatile and no brainer option.
Dior Backstage: Dior Addict Lip Glow
This hybrid formula which Dior describes as a cross between makeup and skincare blew my mind. I thought it was just another overpriced, overhyped product but boy was I mistaken. There are three formulas, matte, original glow and holographic glow and I can only speak for the original formula.
It contains mango butter so it’s quite hydrating and moisturising, best of all this feeling lasts, even through a meal. It gives a nice hint of color, contributed by a reaction to your body’s chemistry, as it uses Color Reviver technology to do this. This means that each colour will look different on everyone, pretty cool aye? It also leaves a sheen, making the lips look healthy, imparting them with a glow (true to its name). I can easily reapply without a mirror during the day which is the main reason I love it. It makes me look more alive without all the fuss of a normal lipstick. I have three shades, #berry, #pink #coral and I love coral the most.
Mascara
There were some great finds for mascara last year, some of them I’ve reviewed here.
Hourglass – Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
I don’t normally repurchase mascara because I enjoy testing out different ones and because of it’s short life span, you can easily do this.
This Caution mascara is definitely one that I will repurchase. It’s absolutely bullet proof thus making it very reliable. I have played basketball with this, have had my face squished in a massage and it’s lasted all day each time. I always curl my lashes beforehand but this gives the most fluttery and lengthening effect. It does give a little volume as well and also does a good job with lifting and separation of the lashes. So it pretty much does it all, without smudging and flaking.
Skincare favourites of 2018 to follow shortly!
Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂
[Review] Tony Moly – Cheektone Single Cream Blusher – #Mood Rose & #Pinky Coral
I’ve always had a soft spot for blush. It is the one makeup product (in my opinion) that can turn you from looking half asleep and zombie-like to fresh, healthy and awake. Just a bit of colour on the cheeks can make a world of difference to how you look and feel.
I’ve always used powder blush because it’s quick and I’m lazy. Since watching (way too) many Lisa Eldridge videos I have been recently dabbling in cream and liquid blushes. She’s an MUA, Creative Director of Lancome AND still finds time to posts educational makeup videos on Youtube. She’s all about natural makeup looks and letting natural beauty shine through over caking and masking the face. So she knows her stuff. When she said that cream and liquid blush looks more natural because it looks one with the skin, I knew I needed to grab some! I do have a few from different brands but today I will talking about the Cheektone cream blushes from Tony Moly. I picked up two colours, Pinky Coral and Mood Rose.
If you are interested in knowing more about this product and what I thought of it, please keep on reading 🙂
Cost
$6.60 each, purchased from yesstyle.com*
What is it?
It’s a cream blush which is long lasting and can also be used as cream shadow or lip colour.
Packaging
Tony Moly are known for their cute packaging. The packaging is what actually caught my eye with this product. It’s actually more modern and clean looking than cute, with its almost Pantone type of vibe. The case is made of plastic.
How to use
I have only used this on my cheeks but it sounds like a multitasker, just like the RMS Lip2Cheek products (reviewed here), where it can also be used on the eyes and lips.
I’ve experimented with a couple of ways to apply this and I’ve found that using a small duo fibre brush is the best way. I dab my brush into the pan a couple of times then I dab it onto my cheeks, just to where I normally apply powder blush. The more you work the product into the skin, the more blended and natural looking it will be. Build up the level of intensity until it is right for you. I’ve found that cream blush takes a bit more time to apply than powder since you can’t just slap it on but it’s worth the effort.
Performance
The product claims to be long lasting and I would agree. I have dry cheeks so I don’t set my cheeks, just spritz it with Fix + usually. This also helps to further melt the blush into my skin so it looks like one. It lasts on my skin for around 8 hours.
Even when I was doing swatches for this post, I found that it was still visible on my wrist after using an oil cleanser. It never stains my cheeks after double cleansing so don’t worry about that! Just keep in mind that it would be more difficult to remove compared to powder blushes.
Consistency
The texture is creamy and emollient. I thought it would be harder because they don’t appear to be shiny like the Lip2Cheek. It’s easy to pick up the blush on a brush or fingers and is easy to spread around to blend onto the face.
Scent
There is a slight scent that smells like makeup. I know it’s a poor description but its not bad or anything, just that there is a scent.
Final thoughts
Rating: 4/5 (really liked it!)
I really like the aesthetics of the packaging and best of all the product itself is great and performs well. I like both colours but if I had to pick, Mood Rose would be my recommendation. Both colours are creamy, easy to apply, doesn’t have an obnoxious smell and gives great payoff. I’ve tried a couple of korean powder blushes and they seemed to lack in the payoff department so I’m pleasantly surprised that these are so pigmented.
They are affordable and comparable to western cream blushes from brands such as Stila and Bobbi Brown. If you’ve been curious about trying cream blushes, I would highly recommend you to give these a go.
Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂
[Brand spotlight] RMS Beauty
RMS beauty was founded by Rose Marie Swift. She is a renowned makeup artist who after having health problems due to toxic ingredients in makeup wanted to find to find a healthier approach to beauty.
Her line is organic and the primary ingredient she likes to use is coconut oil. In an interview with Wendy Rowe (also a makeup artist) in the Beauty Truth, Rose Marie Swift describes the benefits of coconut oil:
This natural antioxidant is 100% organic, raw and unrefined, aiding in its protective powers against free radical damage—otherwise known as premature ageing. Coconut oil contains high levels of lauric acid, which has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, making it suitable for even the most blemish-prone skin.
Please note that not just any store-bought oil is equal to ours. RMS Beauty is superior over most coconut oils.
Since being first intrigued by the famous Living Luminizer, I have since added some more RMS products to my little collection. The aesthetics of the brand is clean, modern and minimalistic which resonates with the brand’s purpose of simple beauty.
If you’ve been interested in trying out products from this brand, please keep on reading.
Living Luminizer
What is it?
From rmsbeauty.com:
This formula is the ultimate illuminator for creating a sensuous, sheer, luminous glow. An ultra sheer, glowing, luminizer with a translucent, satin-pearl finish. This highlighter works great on all skin tones, making this a must have beauty product.
Ingredients (from mecca.com.au)
*Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain [+/- Titanium Dioxide CI77891, Mica CI 77019] * CERTIFIED ORGANIC
Application
Best to apply with clean fingers. I swirl my index finger in the pot to get the product out, then I lightly pat it onto my cheekbones or wherever I normally apply highlighter. If you have oily skin, you may want to set it lightly with translucent powder. This is also a multi-use product, you can also use it on your eyelids as well as lips.
Packaging and size
The balm is housed in a frosted glass pot with a white lid. It feels weighty and sturdy. There is 4.82g/.17oz of product which doesn’t seem like much but it will last you a very long time since you only need a small amount.
Price:
$55.00 AUD (from Mecca)
My thoughts
Rating: 5/5 (love it, HG status!)
This is one of my favourite highlighters in my collection. It was the very first product I had bought from the brand and I love the effect it gives me. It can be built up, from subtle lit-from-within look to a strong glossy glow which still looks natural. Since it’s a cream product, it’s usually criminal to apply cream over powder but you can with this product. It doesn’t mess with the foundation or powder underneath if you use the soft patting technique with your finger. I don’t normally set it with powder because I have combo skin with dry U zone. I usually just set my face with a setting spray like Fix+. This helps to melt the highlighter into all the other layers on the face. It generally lasts around 6 hours and because it looks like one with the skin, the fading isn’t noticeable.
Would highly recommend if you are looking for a natural looking highlight. If you’re like me and you hate chunky glitters or frost in your highlight, you’ll like this! On the RMS beauty website it says this can be used by all skin tones. I don’t think it’s a universal shade (but I also could be wrong) but I think that this highlighter is best suited to fair-to-light-medium skin tones because it has a slightly pale pearly sheen to it. If you are medium-deep, you may want to try out the Magic Luminizer which has a more of a champagne tone to it. On rmsbeauty.com there are also two more variations, Peach and Champagne Rose Luminizers.
Lip2Cheek – Shade #Illusive
What is it?
From mecca.com:
Fusing a blend of nourishing oils and pure mineral pigments, this creamy emollient can be used on the lips and cheeks for a subtle tint of colour.
Ingredients (from rmsbeauty.com)
*Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax) (Cire d’abeille), *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, **Buriti (Mauritia Flexuosa) Oil, *Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Tocopherol(non-GMO), Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Propolis Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract , *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, May Contain [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica
* CERTIFIED ORGANIC
** WILDCRAFTED
Application
I apply this the same way as with the Luminizer, with my fingers. I swirl my index finger in the pot and use this and my middle finger to pat it onto my cheeks, slowly building it up to the desired level of opacity. When applying it onto my lips or eyelids, I use my index finger. It’s also buildable and dries down nicely. You could use a small duo fibre brush as well.
Packaging and size
Same size and packaging as the Luminizer, 4.82g/0.17oz of product. I really like the frosted look of the weighted pot.
Price:
$52.00 AUD (from Mecca)
My thoughts
Rating: 4/5 (really like it!)
I love anything that I can use for more than one purpose, largely because I’m lazy. I really like the texture of it and how I have some play time before it dries down. Since I have light-medium skin, the shade Illusive works nicely on the cheeks, eyes and lips. Because of its nourishing ingredients, it leaves my cheeks looking fresh and hydrated. It isn’t long lasting on the lips (nothing ever is on my lips!), bit longer on the eyes (3-4 hours) and the longest (6 hours) on the cheeks. Even though it’s not that long lasting, it tends to fade evenly which is a plus.
With any cream product, it always takes a bit more time in application, but the payoff is always more natural and worth it. Since I don’t always have too much time in the mornings, I generally opt for powders and use this on the weekends.
Definitely recommend this, it’s great for touchups and to just throw in the handbag. I’ll be looking to add more shades of Lip2Cheek to my collection since I’m hooked 🙂 Promise and Paradise look divine!
Tinted Un Powder – Shade #2-3
What is it?
From mecca.com:
This tinted powder contains light reflective particles that work to minimise the look of pores, soften the skin and absorb excess oil. Providing subtle coverage to the skin, the powder can be used to set liquid foundation or be worn with ‘Un Cover-Up’.
Talc, silicone, perfume and paraben free.
Ingredients (from mecca.com)
T2-3: Silica, Iron Oxides: CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77500
Application
Like with all loose powders, I tip some into the cap then swirl a powder brush into it. I then tap off the excess on the side of the cap and lightly press it onto my face. I stupidly threw the puff it came with away so using a brush works best for me.
Packaging and size
Clear plastic tub with white lid and has 9g/0.32oz of product. Smaller more compact than other loose powders I own such as the famed Laura Mercier Translucent Powder.
Price
$49.00 AUD from Mecca
My thoughts
Rating: 4/5 (really like it!)
This powder does what it says it does. It sets my foundation nicely and the 2-3 shade matches my skin tone perfectly. The powder is so finely milled which makes application a breeze. It never looks cakey and just melts into the skin, leaving my face with a healthy glow. It does minimise the pores around my nose and controls oil in my t-zone for around 8 hours.
It’s not something I reach for everyday since it’s a loose powder and takes a bit more time to apply then a pressed powder. As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m quite time poor in the mornings but I do like to use this whenever I remember to.
Would definitely recommend this powder because it doesn’t have talc like most powders and performs just as well or even better than most powders I have tried.
Wild With Desire Lipstick – Shade #Brain teaser
What is it?
From rmsbeauty.com:
This luxurious natural satin-finish lipstick is enriched with the signature rms beauty oil. Rich and powerful in anti-oxidants, this lipstick offers ultimate hydration and maximum color pay-off.
Ingredients (from rmsbeauty.com)
*Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Cera Alba (Beeswax)(Cire d’abeille), Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Kaolin, *Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax) (Cire de candelilla), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, *Cera Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax) (Cire de carnauba), *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Tocopherol, Isostearyl Palmitate, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Hypericum Perforatum Extract, *Equisetum Arvense Extract, *Calendula Officinalis Extract, *Hemidesmus Indicus Root Extract, *Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Leaf Extract, *Withania Somnifera Root Powder, *Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract, *Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Propanediol, Pentylene glycol, *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Propylene Carbonate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, **Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil. May Contain [-/+]: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 28 (CI 45410), Mica, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 (CI 15850), Red 40 (CI 16035), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985).
* CERTIFIED ORGANIC
** WILDCRAFTED
Application
I apply it directly from the bullet onto my lips. Because it’s formula is a bit stiff, I tend to dab it onto my lips rather than using a swiping motion.
Packaging and size
The lipstick is housed in a sleek, silver tube. There is a slight weight to it and like her other products, has a clean and modern aesthetic to it. It contains 4.5g/0.15oz of product. The cap is very secure and gives a satisfying click when you close it.
Price:
$41.00 AUD (from Mecca)
My thoughts
I love the formula of this lipstick. It’s a satin formula which is comfortable to wear and I love the shade Brainteaser. It is a soft peachy pink brown (more peach than pink on me), which is generally the type of colour that I’m usually drawn to. I can’t speak for its lasting power because not many lipsticks last on me after my morning coffee. I like how it contains nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and oils as well as antioxidants like turmeric and liquorice root. Quite rare to even get antioxidants in a lip product, let alone in an actual opaque lipstick.
I would highly recommend this for people who are looking for a lipstick which has nourishing ingredients as well as great colour payoff. Definitely will be purchasing more shades, the shade “Rapture” is calling my name!
Where can I buy it?
If you’re in Australia, you can purchase RMS Beauty from Mecca Cosmetica (mecca.com.au), Beautylish (beautylish.com) as well as from the brand’s website (rmsbeauty.com).
I purchased these products myself from Mecca Cosmetica and Beautylish.
Final thoughts
Nothing from this range has disappointed me so far and I’m excited to try more from the brand. Taking care of your skin shouldn’t just stop at skincare. If there are cleaner options which perform just well or better, I will definitely take it! The products might seem expensive for their quantity but because a little does go a long way, especially with the potted products, you won’t be hitting pan for a long while.
Since coconut oil is a key ingredient in a lot of the cream products, I was a bit wary since I’ve heard that it is or can be comedogenic to certain skin types. I actually had nothing to worry about because I never broke out from it. For reference I have combo skin/oily t-zone/prone to hormonal acne. There is also no scent in any of the products which is a plus because I hate most scents in makeup. The products are also a joy to use, both in application and aesthetics. The un-cover up concealer, eye polish and raw coconut cream cleanser are definitely on my wishlist!
Let me know if you’ve tried any products from RMS beauty and which has been your favourite 🙂
What’s that smell?! Skincare and makeup which smell bad (to me)
During my journey of trying new products, I have come to know what I like and what I don’t like in products. One of the things I despise is if a product has an overpowering and unpleasant scent, whether it be by added fragrance or naturally derived. I wouldn’t say that I’m super sensitive to scents but if something smells bad, I’m not going to keep using it, regardless of how effective it is.
The following products I have ceased to use because of this. Just because I don’t like the smell of these things, doesn’t mean that the product is awful. If you like any of the products I am listing, please don’t take it personally as in the end it’s all just skincare and makeup! I also won’t be going into too much detail about the product since I don’t like them. Ok let’s go!
I’m Pro Ampoule Pad – Wish Formula
What is it?
It’s a cotton pad soaked in ampoule containing ascorbic acid as well as other antioxidants which help with brightening. The texture of the pad is supposed to provide a gentle exfoliation as well.
Ingredients – (cosdna analysis)
It smells like…
Soy sauce. I mean I love eating soy sauce but I don’t want it in my pores. I don’t know if I got a bad batch or what. After some quick googling, it looks like some people have experienced a funky smell as well but they haven’t described it to be specifically like soy sauce. I don’t understand the expiry since it’s in Korean and both dates have passed already. If it is indeed expired, I am thoroughly annoyed since this is from an actual k-beauty store. I really didn’t pay any attention to how it performed since I couldn’t get past the smell. My husband has also used it and the smell lingered even after he had applied moisturiser.
Price: $4.90 AUD each from boniik.com
Pop Blush – The Face Shop
What is it?
A powder blush which I bought in the shade Neutral Pop.
It smells like…
Chemicals. Straight up chemicals which doesn’t dissipate after application. It isn’t very pigmented and feels dusty when I apply it to my cheeks. A big dud on performance and smell. Cute packaging though, the flower imprint and packaging is similar to Clinique’s Cheek Pop blushes.
Price: $8.99 AUD from eBay *
Ultra Moisturising Sun Cream – Kicho
What is it?
A chemical and physical sunscreen which contains lots of plant extracts in a moisturising formula.
Ingredients – (cosdna analysis)
It smells like…
Apples and something else in a brand I will be be speaking about next. The scent has been described as “delicate” and “fresh” but I don’t find it to be either. Fragrance is the third last ingredient but it might have been in the top three because I found it to be strong. The sunscreen itself applied nicely. It was moisturising and sunk in quite well. But you could still smell it after application. I also didn’t like this sunscreen because it made my face itch a bit whenever I sweated. It gets pretty humid in Sydney so it’s normal for me to sweat and I didn’t enjoy feeling further discomfort ,and I knew it was from this because I tested it a few times just to be sure.
Price: $42 AUD from lilacandberries.com
Huxley essence and oil trio – Secret of the Sahara Light and More, Essence like oil and Essence grab water
What is it?
Serums, each with their own characteristics. The Light and More is an oil, Essence like oil is a thick essence and the Essence Grab water is a hydrating serum.
Ingredients: cosdna analysis below
Light and More
Essence like oil
Essence Grab Water
It smells like…
The scent of Huxley products has been described as a “fresh rose bush” but I have never smelt a rose bush quite like this one. The star ingredient in their products is the prickly pear which is a cactus. I have no idea what this smells like. The scent is very strong and perfumed, gives me a headache. The products I have in the trial sizes were duds in performance. The dropper is useless, doesn’t dispense the serums properly. My skin doesn’t feel any different after application. But my opinion around this is probably masked by the smell. I actually didn’t even bother using the oil. I also just noticed that alcohol is pretty high on the list for all three products. Alcohol in an oil is a bit odd.
Huxley is atheistically pleasing, there is no denying that but that’s where it ends for me. Pretty glad that I bought these mini sizes as a taster, I would’ve been pretty annoyed if I was stuck with a full sized bottle of any of these.
Price: $35 AUD from nudieglow.com (they have updated the pack since with a fourth serum)
Black Soybean Milk Pudding Sleeping Pack – Botanic Farm
What is it?
A sleeping pack which contains fermented black soybeans as well as milk protein and cacao extract. This pack is supposed to help brighten, hydrate and help with signs of ageing.
Ingredients – from sokoglam.com
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrolyzed collagen, Lactobacillus/ soybean Ferment Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Monascus Extract, Milk Protein, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Glycerin, Urea, PEG-240/ HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Aminomethyl propanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, PVM/ma copolymer, Maltodextrin, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol
It smells like…
It has been described as smelling like chocolates, delicious enough to eat…well I beg to differ. It smells like a biscuit or something, but not in a good way. It’s hard to describe it, all I know is that I don’t like it. It’s not as unpleasant as some of the other things I’ve spoken about but still not great. The product itself actually stings my face upon application and makes my face feel like it’s suffocating. The stinging does subside but by this time, I’m already stressed and my face is left smelling like a weird biscuit. Stressing out before bed is not something I enjoy doing. I have used and currently use acids in my routine and none of these have compared to the stinging and distress I experienced with this sleeping pack.
Price: $30 AUD from eBay *
Amazonian butter lipstick – Tarte
What is it?
A hydrating lipstick in a creamy formula. It contains amazonian butters.
It smells like…
Mint. Very minty and I hate minty lip products. It contains heaps of ingredients, one of which is peppermint oil. I bought the shade Park Ave Princess and it’s way too light for my lips. The packaging is pretty and I like the idea of it but the smell is a big no no. I can’t even tell you how it performs since I’ve only tried it twice and have removed it momentarily each time. I’ve tried other lipsticks from Tarte including their Color splash hydrating type and I really love that one!
Price: $24 AUD from tartecosmetics.com
Hi fi shine ultra cushion lipgloss – Urban Decay
What is it?
A comfortable lipgloss which is supposed to plump and hydrate the lips.
It smells like…
Mint. Here we go again. Peppermint oil strikes again. I received this mini size in a Mecca Beauty Loop box and while I like the colour, I hate the smell. It makes my lips tingle, I guess that’s when the plumping effect is happening. But I can’t stand the minty smell. Can’t get past it and don’t particularly want bigger lips anyway. I’m all about comfort and this does not feel comfortable at all. It’s probably a big reason why I haven’t found a favourite lip gloss yet.
Price: Free – Part of beauty box (Mecca member benefits)
Final thoughts
As mentioned at the start, if you enjoy any of these products and don’t mind their scents, then that’s awesome. I enjoy other stuff from the brands I mentioned (except for the Face Shop and Botanic Farm since it’s the first product I’ve tried from the brand), so I’m not dismissing the brand at all, just these particular products 😦 They didn’t work for me and I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone.
Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂
[Mini haul] Mecca 2017 Holiday new releases! Limited edition Hourglass and Nars
Today was a monumental day (9/11/17). It was the day where Mecca released a massive holiday collection from loads (and loads) of brands. I had this day marked in my calendar so of course I had to rush over there during my lunch break.
If you live outside of Australia and New Zealand, Mecca is a beauty powerhouse, like Sephora. They sell loads of beauty products (makeup and skincare). Brands such as Nars, Hourglass, Too Faced, Smashbox, La Mer, Drunk Elephant + many more. They also have their own house brands as well, much like Sephora.
I bought two products, one which I have been lusting over for months (we get stuff so much later than the US and UK) and the other which I’ve just discovered and knew I hadtohaveit!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit – Volume 3
I have been lusting over this palette for months now. Ever since it was first released in the US, I just knew I had to have it. Until this purchase I only owned one Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light which I love. I realise that this same powder is also in this palette but I don’t mind since I am already a fan of it. This palette contains 3 existing best selling powders, two new blush shades as well as a new strobing shade. It cost $117 AUD.
Ambient® Lighting Powders
– Diffused Light
– Dim Light
Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder
– Hypnotic Strobe Light (NEW)
Ambient® Lighting Bronzer
– Luminous Bronze Light
Ambient® Lighting Blush
– Surreal Halo (NEW)
– Pure Effect (NEW)
The sales assistant applied a couple of powders to my face, Dim Light all over and Surreal Halo to my cheeks and in my crease. I loved this blush so much!
Can’t wait to try the rest of it! It looks like a great one for travelling too. Detailed review to follow shortly.
Nars Man Ray Les Amoureux Audacious Lipstick Coffret #8459 (nude)
This holiday makeup collection was inspired by photographer Man Ray which makes the packaging very unique and “old worldly”.
There were two sets to choose from, this nude one in Les Amoureux and Noire Et Blanche which contains shades that are more on the red side of the spectrum.
I love nudes and I love the colors contained in this collection (Ady, Ardon, Jane, Barbara). I haven’t owned any Audacious lipsticks yet but I have swatched them in the past in store and they feel really nice. At $49 AUD a pop, its pretty steep. Being able to own four great colors for $80 AUD is good value in my eyes. Mind you they aren’t full sized but they aren’t tiny either like the Boys and Girls Lipsticks from Tom Ford 😦
I have not gone through an entire tube of lipstick either so this works well for me.
The nicest surprise about this product was the round globe it came in. Its made of heavy duty plastic with the four lipsticks perfectly housed in a matching black round base.
The lipsticks are laid out with Nars spelt out which was pretty cool. Very sleek.
Swatches and detailed review to follow shortly!
If you haven’t had a chance to check out these Mecca’s new releases, I would highly recommend that you do! Its not everyday that so many brands drop so many new products.
Let me know what you have picked up or are planning on picking up from the holiday collection!
me and my mirror 