Lorac Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in the shade 3D: swatches, pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I still can't find the piece to my camera that controls my studio lights. I have no idea where it disappeared to. I've torn the house up trying to find it and I've had no luck. Today I'm going to have to find another way to make it work because I have so much to share with you that I don't want to wait on!

Anyhow, awhile ago I received a sample of the Lorac Multiplex Lip Gloss in the shade 3D with one of my Sephora orders (I believe that's where this sample came from). It looks beautiful in the tube, okay on the lips, but overall I didn't like it. I'll explain why in my review at the end of this post.

Check out my pics, swatches, stats, and review...

Lorac Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss

Shade: 3D

Shade Description: A bronze with flashes of pink/fuchsia shimmer.


 

Basic stats for Lorac Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss:

Formula: liquid gloss

Coverage: sheer

Wear: not sure/average

Shade Info: 6 shades available

Cost/Availability: $22 (0.17 fl oz full size). Available on Lorac's website, Sephora's website, Ulta's website, and everywhere else Lorac cosmetics are sold.

Packaging: The full sized version has a beveled-style tube; I only have the sample version. The full sized version is also supposed to have some special brush that is designed to hug the curves of your lips; not sure if the sample has the same brush but I didn't notice anything different about the brush applicator.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Kisses

Formula:
Infused with antioxidants that help nourish and protect, this lip gloss is formulated to retexturize the look of your lips to smooth away imperfections and allow color to appear more vivid and luminous. Lots of sparkle for a multi-dimensional, high-lacquer shine.

Coverage:
Sheer to light coverage, depending on how much you layer on. For me, the shade 3D didn't show up all that much on my lips. The sparkle, however, really stands out.


Wear:
I'm not really sure, so I put down average. It's not necessarily a long-wear formula, but still claims to be long wearing. I didn't like it so I took it off right after photographing it for my blog.


Shade Info:
Currently available in six shades, none of which really stand out to me and make me want to buy more. I mean, they're pretty, but knowing how sparkly these are it kind of makes the colors look different. I don't really know how to explain it, but I think I'd just prefer this in a clear version with lots of sparkle that I can layer over other shades I already love.


Cost/Availability:
$22 (0.17 fl oz full size). Available on Lorac's website, Sephora's website, Ulta's website, and everywhere else Lorac cosmetics are sold.


Packaging:
The full sized version has a beveled-style tube; I only have the sample version. The full sized version is also supposed to have some special brush that is designed to hug the curves of your lips; not sure if the sample has the same brush but I didn't notice anything different about the brush applicator.


Lorac Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss Review:
I'm glad I had a sample of this because I saved myself $22. This just wasn't a gloss for me. I know many people have reviewed this and love it, but I'm just not into it.

The shade I received isn't a color I would normally go for; it looks darker in the tube than I would choose if I were to see it in person. When swatched, however, I can see the pretty pink/fuchsia that flashes through -- and it is very pretty. I'm glad it goes on sheer because it makes the color more wearable for me, and the sparkle this gloss provides is outstandingly beautiful.

However, what I didn't like is the taste. To me it seemed almost like some sort of cough medicine. Maybe it was just the one I received and other shades smell/taste differently, but it was something that stood out to me. When I swatch products and test them out I keep a note pad to write down my thoughts, and there were only three things written down about this gloss...

• Pink/fuchsia color does not show up in the photos as pretty as it shows up in person.
• Goes on very sheer; gets a bit gloopy if you try to build the color up a little.
• Did not like taste; reminds me of cough syrup or cough drop

Overall this gloss just wasn't for me. It's very pretty, and I'd probably be suckered into buying more based on looks alone, but I'd have to pass on this gloss in the future. It may be great for you though, so don't completely write this gloss off until you have the chance to try it out.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this lip gloss? Did you receive a sample or maybe you have a full sized tube? What are your thoughts? Discuss in the comments below.



Mally Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation in Medium -- swatches, before & after, pics, review. Plus a Mally FOTD

Hello, Beautiful!

I love almost everything Mally makes and for as long as I've known about her brand I've wanted a liquid foundation from her. I was so excited to see her new Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation (which QVC lists as her Ultimate Performance Full Coverage Foundation... which will confuse people looking for this because that's what her cream foundation is named on their website too; but that's another issue).

This foundation aired on QVC December 9th and sold out the same day, before the day was even over (I think it sold out around 3 or 4pm Eastern Time; could have been earlier). I ordered this foundation without ever seeing a presentation or reading the description. I just (very quickly, because I was too excited) selected Medium as my shade and purchased it, then I went back to read about it and later in the day checked out the online video of this foundation presentation on QVC. I kept stalking my mail lady, hoping it would arrive, and once it did I immediately ripped over the box and began testing it out without taking photos first (which is a no-no for me; I prefer to photograph a new item before I ever use it). What did I think of it? Did it live up to all the excitement I had for it? You'll have to read my review at the end of this post. Plus, I've included a Mally Beauty FOTD using all Mally Beauty products (except for my brows).

Check out my pics, swatches, stats and review...

Mally Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation

Shade: Medium




 



 










Mally Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation
Before & Afters...








Here are all three Before & Afters in one pic for easier comparison; click to view it larger.

Basic stats for Mally Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation:

Formula: liquid

Coverage: medium buildable

Wear: average to above average

Shade Info: offered in Fair, Light, Medium, Tan or Rich

Cost/Availability: $40 (1 fl oz full size). Available on QVC's website.

Packaging: rounded tube; pull-off cap; pump-top dispenser

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

Formula:

This is Mally's first liquid foundation and I feel it lives up to her product line expectations, although I honestly think the formula has room for improvement. I don't know too much about the formulation because QVC doesn't list a whole lot of info on their website, but by looking at the ingredients I can tell you this is a silicone (cyclopentasiloxane) and water based foundation.

Coverage:
Medium buildable coverage; it's not "complete coverage" as listed on QVC's website -- but a lot of foundations in regular markets are not complete coverage that claim to be. There are few that are like that; I only own one that truly lives up to that complete coverage title (Illuminare Extra Coverage Foundation -- which I seriously need to re-review for you all, including a before & after). I wouldn't necessarily call this full coverage either, but for many it may be the full coverage they've been looking for. For gals like me, who have lots of flaws to cover, you'll still need to pair this with a concealer and possibly build the coverage in areas of concern.


Wear:
Average to above average wear, depending on your skin type and how you choose to set your foundation. More details on how it lasted on me in my review.


Shade Info:
Offered in Fair, Light, Medium, Tan or Rich. I chose the shade Medium, which is what I always choose with Mally's products. It works well on me, although I feel it may be just a little darker than her typical Medium shades.


Cost/Availability:
$40 (1 fl oz full size). Available on QVC's website. Although at the time I wrote this article it was completely sold out. I'm sure QVC will bring more in soon.


Packaging:
Pink rounded tube with pull-off cap. There is a pump-top dispenser, which actually seems a little low-quality because it can turn and turn and turn without ever locking in place or anything -- and it also splatters the product when you pump it out the first time of each use. I somehow got a splatter of this foundation on my studio lights and I have no idea how it happened! It's not something that bothers me too much, but I would expect a lot more from a Mally product; maybe I just got one with bad packaging. I find that problem is going away the more I use it.


Mally Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation Review:
I was really excited to try this out so I couldn't wait to open the box and start applying it. I usually always take photos first, then test a product, but I did the opposite with this because I was too excited. I first applied this using the method Mally recommends, which is taking it and rubbing it in between your fingers, then applying it to your face.

I felt that method went on nicely; it blended into my skin like a dream but it felt a big oily going on. I also really don't like to use fingertip application unless I don't have a brush or sponge with me. But I knew I had to test that application method at least once. It took awhile to dry/set on my face, noticeably longer than other liquid foundations I use, but it did dry down eventually. After it dried down (maybe around 10 minutes later) I applied Mally's Evercolor Poreless Face Defender - Solid and went out for some errands to test this foundation in the real world.

It lasted through my errands perfectly, but they only took about 3 or 4 hours total. When I went to check on how it looked at the 8 hour mark it had faded, but it didn't fade in the typical way a foundation fades on me. It's hard to explain, but foundations can break down on my face and look really odd -- clumpy almost, or gathered weird. Do you know what I mean? This foundation faded in a way that it looked like I just had on a lighter coverage foundation, if that makes sense. It didn't look crazy or odd; it still looked normal but my flaws were more visible.

While it does cover a lot of my flaws, making it fall into the full coverage category for most people with normal skin, it didn't cover them all and I still needed to use a concealer. To me, a "complete coverage" foundation means you don't need a concealer and like I mentioned, I only have one foundation like that (Illuminare's Extra Coverage Foundation) and actually Laura Mercier's Silk Creme Foundation is close to being complete coverage even for my flawed skin. But given all that, it does offer decent coverage.

I have to say that I do NOT like the fingertip application method which Mally recommends. Maybe it's because I have oily skin (although it's combo oily/dry in the winter), but that application method really is not best for me; it may work wonderfully for you though. I used this foundation three ways: fingertips, Beauty Blender Pure, and using my favorite brush for applying liquid foundations - my e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Powder Brush.

Using the Beauty Blender Pure sponge worked nicely and I guess the only complaint was I felt I needed to use more product when I used that method, including building the coverage a lot more than I did using my fingers or the brush.

However, using the e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Powder Brush (which is a flat-top brush) gave me the best results -- both immediately and long term. The foundation dried down a LOT quicker. It felt dry to the touch after just a couple minutes, as opposed to nearly 10 minutes I waited using fingertip application. It also lasted longer on my face, which my only guess would be due to the fact my fingers weren't touching my face --- your fingers will transfer oils on your face and can mess with your makeup and break down the formula (which I why I never prefer fingertip application). Once I used the brush application method I fell in love with the foundation. At the 8 hour mark it looked just as good as when I had first applied it; barely any fading whatsoever.

Of course depending on your skin type and application method will depend on how this foundation wears on you.

I did one final test with this foundation (before writing this blog post) and that was most recently at the Jason Mraz concert. I applied this foundation around 1:45pm initially, pairing it with Mally's Cancellation Conditioning Concealer for all my flaws and Mally's Cancellation Concealer System for under my eyes (old pics linked on that post; I have updated pics, including a photo tutorial, coming soon). Then I set my makeup with a few mists of Skindinavia's Makeup Finishing Spray, and a few minutes later added another layer of insurance on top using a very light dusting of Mally's Poreless Perfection Tinted Skin Finisher in Medium. I had planned to re-do my makeup before the concert anyway, because I knew the meet & greet was after and I didn't want my makeup to be gone by the photo opportunity. However, at 6:00pm when I looked in the mirror my face looked just the way it did when I first applied my makeup. Still, I didn't trust myself and re-did my makeup. Quickly taking it off and re-applying in the car on the way to the concert (my husband was driving). I did the same steps and my face looked good (not as good as when I took my time first applying it, but good for applying it in a moving car in the dark, using a cell phone as your light, lol). The concert was great; being front row meant lots of hot lights shined directly in my face (something I wasn't factoring into this whole thing). I could feel my face getting hot and I was worried my makeup was melting away. By the time the concert was over and we got in line for the meet & greet it was nearly 10:30pm. By the time I got up there to take a photo it was almost 11:15pm. I had no clue how I looked because I never checked a mirror before the photo; I just relied on the nice women I had made friends with at the concert (they sat next to me). I got the photos back and my makeup looks pretty good for lasting over 5 hours in hot lights, dancing, singing, etc. I was really happy with this foundation after that.

Overall I think this is a nice foundation, but I think it's one that will be custom to each person... meaning you'll have to find your perfect application method and if you need a setting spray/powder/etc. I would definitely suggest trying multiple methods before you decide it doesn't work for you. Even if you try one method and love it you should try other methods because you may find an even better way to use this.

Mally Beauty FOTD

All products used on my face are by Mally Beauty, except my brows (I used Smashbox Brow Tech in Brunette).

PRODUCTS USED:

• Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer in Glow
• Mally Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation in Medium
• Mally Cancellation Concealer System in Light/Medium
• Mally Effortless Airbrush Highlighter & Blush compact; I just used the highlighter, called Purelight
• Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender
• Mally Perfect Prep Lip Treatment System; I just used the scrub and clear balm
• Mally Liquid Lipstick in Mally's Baby
• Mally Evercolor Shadow Stick in Firework
• Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight
• Mally Volumizing Mascara (not shown in the photo, for some reason I forgot to photograph it)

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this foundation? Did you order this or do you plan to order this once it becomes in stock? Discuss in the comments below.



Benefit Hello Flawless! SPF 15 in the shade Honey -- swatches, before & after, pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I'm in a panic because I've lost the piece to my camera that controls my studio lights. I removed it on Christmas morning to photograph my son open his presents and it's been gone ever since. I do have a way to make it work if all else fails, but it's not an easy way (required a cord to be attached to the camera to the lights, and it's not a very long cord.). I'll be tearing my house apart today to find it; I have so many things I want to photograph before I use them (like some new L'Oreal, Maybelline and Sally Hansen items - plus my GoGoGirlfriend shipment). Luckily I have plenty of photos I've already taken of other products so I am able to continue blogging until I can work something else out.

In this post I'll share with you Benefit's Hello Flawless! SPF 15. I had to make a return at Sephora and for some reason I can never just return something and walk out of the store; I always make it an exchange so I can pick up new items. I had wanted to try Benefit's Hello Flawless! SPF 15 for awhile now, so I knew that would be one of the items I would select. I didn't know which shade to choose but ultimately went with the shade Honey.

Check out my pics, swatches, stats, and review...

Benefit Hello Flawless! SPF 15

Shade: Honey
Shade Description: Natural honey/for light beige complexions.

 







 




















Benefit Hello Flawless! SPF 15
Before & After
* click on pic to view larger *

Basic stats for Benefit Hello Flawless! SPF 15:

Formula: pressed powder

Coverage: buildable; sheer to medium

Wear: average

Shade Info: 9 shades available

Cost/Availability: $34 (0.25 oz  full size). Available on Benefit's website, Sephora's website, and everywhere else Benefit Cosmetics are sold.

Packaging: square compact; mirror on inside; brush & sponge in area under the powder

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

Formula:
This pressed-powder foundation offers buildable coverage; from sheer to medium and an SPF of 15. Applies beautifully and blends nicely.


Coverage:
Sheer to medium coverage depending on application method. Apply with a brush for a sheer finish, or apply with a sponge for medium coverage. It does say this foundation provides full coverage with the sponge application, but this is not full coverage.


Wear:

Average wear; I didn't need to touch up a billion times but it's also not formulated to be a super long-lasting product either.


Shade Info:
Currently offered in 9 shades. I selected Honey and it seems to work okay for my NC30/NC25 skintone.


Cost/Availability:
$34 (0.25 oz  full size). Available on Benefit's website, Sephora's website, and everywhere else Benefit Cosmetics are sold.


Packaging:
Square compact that opens up to reveal a mirror and the pressed-powder. Under the pressed-powder is an area for the included sponge and brush applicators.


Benefit Hello Flawless! SPF15 Review:
This is a powder I've wanted to try for a very long time. It's a best seller at Benefit and I've read reviews of many people who use and love it. I recently saw this presented on HSN and loved how it looked on the models, so when I had to return some items to Sephora I knew I'd want to try this out.

I was hoping for full coverage, like it says it has with the sponge application, but it's not full coverage. It's medium coverage at best, but I still like this product. Once my skin improves and the hyper pigmentation fades, this will be a wonderful powder to use. It applies nicely, blends like a dream, and looks natural.

The only way I could wear this on its own is using a concealer ahead of time, then using the sponge application. You could also use a kabuki brush to buff this into your skin, building the coverage that way. I don't really like the brush applicator that is included with this product because I like to buff a powder into my skin and I can't do that with the brush they include; I will use it for touch-up's when I'm out and don't have anything else with me. I've been using this foundation as a powder to use as a finishing touch to my liquid foundation and I keep it in my purse as my go-to touch-up powder.

One bad thing I want to point out: when you decide to use a brush with this powder be prepared for a mess; it will go everywhere!! It gets very messy, very fast. There aren't any sides to the powder area to keep the powder in one place, so instead it flies out and gets all over. It would be great if Benefit could re-design this compact to make it less messy to use with a brush.

If it weren't for the mess it makes when using a brush, and the lack of full coverage it says it provides, this powder would get 5 out of 5 kisses from me but it's only getting 4.

I would recommend this, but not if you're looking for full coverage.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this foundation? Have you tried this or would you like to? Discuss in the comments below.



Stila Glitz & Glam Palette & Lip Glaze (in Raisin) Set -- pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I purchased the Stila Glitz and Glam Palette & Lip Glaze set from Sephora, as part of their Black Friday deals. It was just $10!

Check out my pics, swatches, stats and review...

Stila Glitz and Glam Palette & Lip Glaze Set

Includes: Glitz and Glam palette, which has four eyeshadows: Glitz, Glow, Glitter, Glam -- one blush: Amore -- one highlighter: Illuminate, plus it also came with one Lip Glaze in Raisin.

Basic stats for Stila Glitz and Glam Palette & Lip Glaze Set:

Formula: pressed powder eyeshadows, blush, highlighter -- lip glaze

Coverage: okay pigmentation on shadows, blush and highlighter; lip glaze provides beautiful sheer to light/medium opaque color

Wear: average

Shade Info: Includes four eyeshadows in shades Glitz, Glow, Glitter, and Glam, one blush in Amore, one highlighter in Illuminate, as well as one Lip Glaze in Raisin.

Cost/Availability: $10 -- which was a Black Friday special deal on Sephora's website. It's no longer available.
Packaging: rectangular palette that opens to reveal the colors on one side, a mirror on the other with instructions for creating a look using the palette; the lip glaze is a brush-end, pen-style, twist-up gloss

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

Formula:
This set includes the Glitz and Glam palette, which has pressed-powder eyeshadows, blush and highlighter. Stila makes some wonderful eyeshadows, but the shadows in the palette were not all that wonderful compared to their normal standards. The Lip Glaze is wonderful; non-sticky, fully of shine and beautiful wearable color.

Coverage:
I think the pigmentation from this palette is just okay; I have another Stila palette (the Backstage Eye Shadow Palette) and the pigmentation is amazing compared to this palette. Regardless, they are buildable and with a shadow primer they will work perfectly. The blush and highlighter are basically in the same boat as the shadows; just not all that wonderful but still usable. The Lip Glaze offers sheer to light/medium opaque color. I love the Stila Lip Glazes because they are more on the sheer side which means just about every color works on everyone.


Wear:
Average wear; nothing super long wearing.


Shade Info:
Includes four eyeshadows in shades Glitz, Glow, Glitter, and Glam, one blush in Amore, one highlighter in Illuminate, as well as one Lip Glaze in Raisin.


Cost/Availability:
$10 -- which was a Black Friday special deal on Sephora's website. It's no longer available.


Packaging:
The palette is rectangular that opens to reveal the colors on one side, a mirror on the other with instructions for creating a look using the palette. The lip glaze is a brush-end, pen-style, twist-up gloss.


Stila Glitz and Glam Palette & Lip Glaze Set Review:
For $10 I think this is a great deal! While I wasn't thrilled with the pigmentation, and really would have loved the colors to be better, I still like this palette. I can't say anything bad about Stila's Lip Glaze because I love them! The shade Raisin is actually really beautiful; one of my favorite shades to wear in the winter because it's on the darker side but still light enough that it doesn't look too dark on me.

Overall, yes, I would recommend this set for the $10 price tag. If Sephora ever runs this deal again don't hesitate to add it to your shopping cart.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this set? Did you pick this up during Sephora's Black Friday deals? Discuss in the comments below.