MAC Ruby Woo vs MAC RiRi Woo

 Bold colors, Bold Lip, Lips, lipstick, M.A.C., MAC, Makeupchat, Red Lips, RiRi Woo, Ruby Woo  No Responses »
May 232013
 

RiriWoo lipstick

If you’ve been paying attention to the makeup world, you already know about the release of MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick. There was an extreme amount of anticipation for this limited edition which was designed by Pop Superstar Rihanna.  I have to admit that I got caught up in the hype as well. It was only available online 5/2/13.

It took me about an hour but I was finally able to place two separate orders to get my two tubes of lipstick. (MAC only allowed you to order one at a time .) I ordered two for two reasons.  #1 If I really liked it, I wanted a backup. #2 I’m almost out of Ruby Woo (staple in my makeup bag) and needed a replacement.

 Below is my comparison of the two gorgeous red lipsticks

RubyWoo vs RiRiWoo

 You’ll notice that there’s a very subtle difference between them.  Riri Woo is a tad bit darker.  If you’re anything like me, the fact that they’re so close doesn’t really matter because I LOVE red lipstick. However, if you’re not that big on red lips, you’ll probably be okay not getting it when it’s relaunched next month.

Maybelline Color Sensational New Vivids Lipstick in Brazen Berry

 Inexpensive Products, Kroger's, Kroger's Grocery Store, Lips, lipstick, Maybeline, Maybelline, product review, Purple, Purple lips  No Responses »
Apr 232013
 

I happened to walk down the cosmetic aisle of Kroger’s Grocery store and saw my sorority sister Melody. She told me about a new line of Maybelline lipsticks that were dupes for MAC lipsticks. She was looking to find dupes for Embrace Me and Candy Yum Yum. I was a bit hesitant because I’ve never tried Maybeline’s lip products.  When it comes to drugstore lippies, I’m a huge fan of Revlon.  I decided to go look anyway. While looking at the pinks, I happened to pickup a pretty purple called Brazen Berry.

Maybeline Brazen Berry Label

It was love at first sight. Now mind you, I had no intentions of buying any lipsticks. I was only supposed to be “looking”. Needless to say I went home with Brazen Berry. Here’s my review below.

Maybeline Brazen Berry

Maybeline Brazen Berry swatch

I’m in love with this lipstick.  It feels really, really good on my lips.

Maybeline Brazen Berry on lips

It’s not quite as hydrating as my beloved Revlon Lip Butters, but it feels creamier than MAC Cremesheen lipsticks.  The staying power is really good.  I put on Brazen Berry early this morning at around 7:30 and it lasted well after lunch.  I still had some color left on my lips, it just wasn’t as vibrant.  That’s a shocker! I was pleasantly surprised at the great quality and value (less than $6). I’d definitely recommend these and I’ll be purchasing more colors.

MAC Viva Glam Nicki 2 Lipstick On Brown Skin Review

 lipliner, Lips, lipstick, M.A.C., MAC, MAC Viva Glam, product review, Viva Glam, Viva Glam Nicki 2 lipstick  4 Responses »
Feb 102013
 

Initially when I heard about Nicki Minaj being this year’s MAC Viva Glam Ambassador…again, I thought “oh, I can’t wait to see what color she’ll have this time.”. When I saw promos and the description, I was actually excited. My favorite colors are pink and purple. Since the color was described as a vivid lavender pink, I thought this would be a gorgeous color and couldn’t wait to see it.

Viva Glam Nicki 2 lipstick tube no flashSo here it is above. Not exactly what I was expecting from the company description.  Check out the swatches below.Viva Glam Nicki lipstick swatch no flashThis is without a flash

Viva Glam Nicki 2 Lipstick FlashThis one is with a flash

After my initial swatches, my thoughts gravitated towards not believing this lipstick would work too well.  See below for what it looks like on my lips.

My expression should give you an idea of how I feel about this lipstick.

My expression should give you an idea of how I feel about this lipstick.

This was without a flash.  I couldn’t get a good picture with a flash. I kept looking like Tyrone Biggums from The Chappelle Show. :-(

Viva Glam Nicki 2 close up Here’s a closer view.  Above pic is without a flash and the below pic is with a flash. 
Viva Glam Nicki 2 close flashAt this point, I’m not at all excited about this lipstick anymore. Now I’ll have to blend it somehow.  I decided to try MAC Magenta Lip Pencil. I really want to like this lipstick and not give up on it.Viva Glam Nicki2 lipstick and Magenta pencil

Viva Glam Nicki with Magenta no flash This is without a flashViva Glam Nicki2 face with flashThis was with a flash

 Overall, I’m disappointed in this color but it’s not a total loss. It’s highly unlikely I would wear this alone or apply it on anyone else alone.  Other options would be NYX Purple Rain lip liner, MAC Dervish, Soar, Whirl, Absolutely It, Vino, & Currant Lip Pencils. Keep in mind it’s for a good cause since 100% of the proceeds go to the MAC AIDS fund.  For example, with the purchase of this one lipstick, MAC can provide up to 4 bags of groceries for 2 people effected by HIV/AIDS.

If you are a huge MAC fan and love getting all of the newest products, just play around with this lipstick until you find your comfort zone.  Also keep in mind the Viva Glam Nicki 2 also comes in a lipglass that’s a whole lot easier to wear.

 

 

 

Black Opal Heatwave Lipstick Review

 Black Opal, Black Opal Lipstick, Inexpensive Products, Lips, lipstick, LOTD, product review, Red Lips  No Responses »
Feb 072013
 

Black Opal Heatwave lipstick

Black Opal Heatwave Lipstick closeHere’s a swatch on my hand with a flashBlack Opal Heatwave lipstick swatch with flashDSCF8463I really, really like this lipstick. I’m happy with both the color and the texture.  I couldn’t tell from just looking at it, but there’s a bit of shimmer but not enough to make it frosty.  It glides on really smooth and feels hydrating on my lips. I know I’ll have to get a full size soon.  Sending this free sample was a good idea from Black Opal.

Lolade Product Review

 Bold Lip, eye shadow, eyebrows, lip laquer, Lips, Lolade, LOTD, The Makeup Show, The Makeup Show Orlando, Trade Shows  No Responses »
Feb 052013
 

I was introduced to a lot of companies I’d never heard of at The Makeup Show Orlando.  According to James Vincent, a major focus was to highlight female owned companies, especially those in the area. While walking through the exhibit area, I passed by a pretty pink booth. I just had to stop by to see what they were selling.

wpid-IMAG1554.jpgwpid-IMAG1552.jpgI’m standing with Donte’, the owner of Lolade, at the booth.

wpid-IMAG1551.jpgI’m applying my brand new Party Girl Lip Laquer.  I instantly fell in love with it.

 They had a special which was buy 2 get one free.  You could mix and match different products.  I chose two Lip Laquers and a creme’ eye shadow.Lolade productsLolade Products LabelsLolade Creme shadow boxLolade Curacao Creme shadowLolade swatches no flashFrom top to bottom:  Party Girl Lip Laquer, What Lolita Wants Lip Laquer, and Curacao Creme’ Eye shadow. The indelible creme’ eye shadows can also be used as a liners, so I have a thin and a thick swatch.  The above picture was taken without a flash. The picture below was with a flash. Lolade swatches with flash

Below are more pictures of the products. Lolade Party Girl ApplicatorParty Girl Lip Laquer
Lolade Party Girl on lips closeupLolade Party Girl Full FaceLolade What Lolita Wants applicatorWhat Lolita Wants Lip Laquer
Lolade What Lolita Wants applied to lipsLolade what Lolita Wants full face

These Lip Laquers feel wonderful on my lips.  They are very opaque but not thick. They feel like a liquid lipstick.  Once they dry, they stay on for hours without any transfer. I’m extremely impressed and pleased that I purchased them.

What happens when you use cheap products?

 Beauty Tip, Black Opal, Black Opal Foundation Stick, brushes, Clinique, Cover Girl Queen Collection, Crown Brush, eye shadow, Eyeliner, FOTD, Lips, lipstick, M.A.C., MAC, Makeupchat, My favorites, playing with colors, product review, Queen Collection  1 Response »
Jan 202013
 

 I’m always experimenting with inexpensive products to see what alternatives I can recommend to my readers and clients.  I recently purchased four eyeshadows and two more foundation sticks from Black Opal.Black Opal Purchase Now if you’ve been following me or if you’ve ever had a conversation about makeup with me you already know how much I adore Black Opal Foundation Sticks.  They’re an absolute staple for my personal use as well as my professional kit.  HOWEVER, I was not pleased at all with their Oil Blocking Powder. Click here on my thoughts.  It was a risk when I decided to try these new eyeshadows.Black Opal EyeshadowsHere’s the look I created with these colors. Even though they’re pretty bold, I wanted a softer effect.  Now, it’s very important for me to point out that I did NOT use a primer or base before applying the Black Opal eyeshadows.  I wanted to see exactly how pigmented they were. I have to say I was very pleased with the results.  I didn’t have to build up the color a whole lot either.  Quite impressive for $5.LOTD 1-19-13 Close eye picI decided to try them out with some other inexpensive products such as Elf, NYX, and Cover Girl Queen Collection to complete my look. Below is everything I used.  Even my brushes were inexpensive.  They’re a combo of Coastal Scents and Crown Brush. :-) LOTD 1-19-13 makeupNow granted I did still incorporate some MAC, Clinique and NARS but overall my look was pretty cheap. LOTD 1-19-13 Looking to leftLOTD 1-19-13 Looking StraightSo to answer the question “What Happens when you use inexpensive products?” My answer after using these would be that you get great results.

I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve a pretty makeup look.  This look validates my belief that technique and quality trump prices. ;-p
Do you only use expensive products or do you venture out and try drugstore brands?

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