Showing posts with label lip tint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lip tint. Show all posts

September 1, 2014

Votre Vu - Vu-On Rouge Sheer Moisture Color Accent for Lips & Face: pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

In this post I'm going to share with you a product that really impressed me, and I think I was so impressed because I typically really dislike this type of product  - especially when used on my lips - but I found this product to be a winner! The product I'm talking about is the Votre Vu Vu-On Rouge Sheer Moisture Color Accent for Lips & Face. This is one of those 2-in-1 sticks that you can use as a cream blush or as a lip color. Since I'm not a fan of cream blushes, I only use this type of product on my lips (even if I test it on my cheeks for review purposes, I never end up using it for blush). Normally this type of product feels dry, thick, or just plain weird on the lips, which in turn means I end up never using it. However, when I put the Votre Vu one on my lips I was pleasantly surprised - both by the color and the feel! Check out my full review, along with the product info, after the pics!

Votre Vu - Vu-On Rouge
Sheer Moisture Color Accent for Lips & Face
Shade: Ma Cherry (1120-02)

 









Votre Vu Vu-On Rouge Sheer Moisture Color Accent for Lips & Face Info & Review:
Cost/Availability: $29.00 -- $20.30 Brand Ambassador price (0.28 oz full size). Available on the Votre Vu website. For more details on their Brand Ambassador program scroll to the bottom of this post.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

Product Info...

Your skin takes stage with a kick of color from Vu-On Rouge Sheer Moisture Tint. Just a simple swish of this multi-tasking pop-up stick bestows a fetching and flirty flush to cheeks, lips, lids and facial contours.

Blended with hydrating shea and exotic antioxidant-rich mango seed butters, Vu's ravishing rouge spreads smoothly over skin, creating a dewy luster and irresistible airbrushed finish. Without creasing or caking, this long-wearing plant based pigment evokes renewed vitality to your visage and wouldn't dare settle into fine lines. Skin-conditioning jojoba and castor seed oils step in for a finished formula that naturally flatters, stabilizes and protects.

Available in 4 shades. The shades and their descriptions, as listed on the Votre Vu website, are listed below.
  • Ma Cherry: a sweet and classic cherry blue-red hue that becomes every skin tone.
  • French Tulip: a cheerful warm and naturally flattering bronze-peach glow de l'ete.
  • Bouquet Rose: a delicate, cool and romantic pale pink that will warm hearts with its barely-there beauty.
  • Amourette: a neutral mid-tone pink that brightens every complexion with a dreamy summer-crush flush.


My Review...

As I stated at the top of this post, I normally hate the way this type of product feels on the lips. I know a lot of people are big fans of cream blushes, but it's just not my jam. I definitely prefer a powder blush anytime, anywhere. So when I do have this type of 2-in-1 product, made for cheeks and lips, I only end up using it on my lips. Sure, I'll often test it out on my cheeks for review purposes, but I never ever wear it out on my cheeks and I'll explain why later in this review.

Even though a lot of the products similar to this that I've tried can have really pretty colors, and even look nice on the lips, it's how they feel that often makes me not want to actually use them on the lips -- which in turn makes the entire product useless to me.

I find they often feel dry, thick, even a bit paste-like on the lips. Just really not moisturizing or comfortable at all. This product, however, felt really good going onto my lips! I can best describe it as a water-like gel feeling. It was very weightless and thin, yet creamy and smooth.

The color does look a lot darker in the tube than it will look on your cheeks blended out, or on your lips. This shade in particular, Ma Cherry, is described as a sweet and classic cherry blue-red hue that becomes every skin tone. I find that on my lips I can get this to look really natural - like a perfect pink, just gorgeous shade. It can go deeper to a more berry shade, that is equally as pretty. In the swatch photos above, it's shown with a lighter application but it can go as dark as a berry red shade on me. I find lip products like this pull a little different in color on everyone depending on your own natural lip hue.

The way I think I like to apply this best is when it's a bit warmed up, so either I'll rub this onto the back of my hand (which is the messier way about it) and rub my finger back and forth to warm it up, then apply straight to my lips with my finger. I find this method just melts it in even better. You don't have to warm it up on the back of your hand either - you could just let it sit in a sunny spot by a window while you get ready or near a light that may be close to where you get ready, or just rub your finger on the product itself until it becomes softer and creamier. You can of course apply directly from the tube, but keep in mind this is a chubby stick of color so you won't get the best precision and you'll still need to use your finger or a lip brush to blend it out to the edges of your lips and make it look good.

The texture of this product is very creamy and gel-like. It does have a lot of pigmentation, so a little will go a long way. As far as scent goes, there is a scent but I couldn't really specify what it was. I think it may be a cherry vanilla scent - but don't take my word for that. It's a light scent, so it won't be over whelming either way.

Even though the product applies and feels the best on my lips out of any similar product that I've tried, it's by no means a magic lip balm or overly moisturizing. You may feel like you want to apply a lip balm or gloss over top once it kind of dries down a bit and sets in. It will just depend on your type of lips and level of dryness.

Because this shade in particular can pull a bit more darker berry pink on me, and sometimes even pull red, I do think I would like to try another shade - specifically the Amourette! But I do really like this shade, especially applied with a lighter touch. As you can see from the swatch photos, it's just a really gorgeous pink shade that is very natural and effortless.

Unfortunately, because I don't use cream cheek products, I can't speak about how it applies or performs on the cheeks. Sometimes I do test them out for reviews, but right now my cheeks are really broken out and cream blushes really look horrible over top of blemishes. Maybe in the future when my breakouts are gone or not on my cheeks I can try this out again, as well as other cream cheek products, but for now this will be just used on my lips.

They do say you can use this on your eyelids and facial contours as well, but a shade like this just doesn't work for eyelids or contour. Maybe one of the other shades - like French Tulip - would work for contour, and that I would give a go because I do like cream contour products from time to time (that type of shade doesn't make blemishes appear redder or pinker in tone). I've never liked these type of products for eyelids though.

If you do like this kind of 2-in-1 product, then I do think you'd really enjoy this one. It has a fantastic formula, feels better than any other similar 2-in-1 cheek/lip product I've used, and I was really pleased with this Ma Cherry shade.




Votre Vu Brand Ambassador -- CLICK HERE for more details.
Please Note: I am NOT a Votre Vu Brand Ambassador; I simply want to provide those details for anyone interested.
  • Sign up for as little as $199
  • Receive $400 to $1,000 in top selling products when you sign-up; you get to pick your pak!
  • Always enjoy a 30% discount on all purchases.
  • Every 3rd (and most expensive) item is 50% off retail on every order.
  • Enjoy amazing monthly Brand Ambassador product specials.
  • Receive extra rewards for referring others to become Brand Ambassadors!

Now let me know what you think...
What do you think of this lip and cheek product? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

August 19, 2014

BoxyCharm - August 2014: value break-down, pics, swatches, mini reviews

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my August 2014 BoxyCharm! Yes, I finally jumped on the BoxyCharm train, and I have to say I've wanted to join BoxyCharm for months now but don't know why I haven't. The preview for this month said you'd get one of two full sized bronzers, and also a Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen (which I really wanted). The value of those two items alone is worth the whole box and then some. Check out everything in my box below! I was so happy with my BoxyCharm!

BoxyCharm is a monthly subscription service where you receive a box filled with FULL SIZE and luxury size beauty samples from a variety of brands - including well known high end brands! The amount of items varies month to month, but it's usually between 5 and 7 items per month. The cost of BoxyCharm is $21 a month with free shipping.

If you want to sign up for BoxyCharm just click here or follow the link below (it's my referral link). Sign-up link: https://www.boxycharm.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/10912/


August 2014 BoxyCharm





Shipment Quick Stats:
  • Value of this month's BoxyCharm: $111.99 (value is approximate)
  • Total # of Items Received: 5
  • # of FULL SIZED items: 5
  • # of makeup items: 4
  • # of beauty tools/brushes: 1
  • # of nail items: 0
  • # of hair care items: 0
  • # of skin care items: 0
  • # of body care items: 0
  • # of fragrance items: 0

Now I'll talk about each product...

Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen
Shade: Showroom

 




  • MY THOUGHTS: I was most excited to get this product in my box; it was one of the preview items and the reason I joined this month. Keep in mind my lips are EXTREMELY chapped and dry right now (thanks to a weekend full of drinking and traveling for work - and yes, I drink as part of my job). I need to replenish my body with water this week, but until then my lips are really dry. This product didn't feel as conditioning as I had hoped for. Maybe it would feel better if my lips were in a more normal state. Aside from the feeling, the color wasn't my cup of tea. It's just a bit too light for me, which is ashame because I LOVE the packaging. It's such a nice weighty luxe packaging. Too bad the shade was the biggest let down for me. Maybe I can wear it under glosses. We shall see. 
  • FULL SIZE VALUE: $22.00


Model Co. Cheek + Lips Tint
Shade: Rosy Red

 

 



  • MY THOUGHTS: I wish this product was actually the color that the tube is and not the actual color it is. It's pretty but doesn't really show up on my lips unless I really layer it on. It also highlights every dry flake and patch possible. It goes on feeling like a smooth watery gel but after it sets it kind of feels a bit drying, so top with a lip balm for sure! I'm not into cheek tints, so this would only be used on my lips.. and I'm not sure how often I'll reach for it.
  • FULL SIZE VALUE: $22.00


Morphe Brushes Powder Brush




  • MY THOUGHTS: I have wanted to try Morphe Brushes for awhile now, so I was excited to see one in this box! It's a great brush to use for setting powder, blush, and all-over bronzer. Really soft and feels nice on the face. Really happy about this one!
  • FULL SIZE VALUE: $19.99


OFRA Americano Bronzer
 



  • MY THOUGHTS: This packaging is as generic as you can get. No label or brand or name on the top of the packaging, and just a sticker on the bottom. But I don't really care as long as the product is great, and unfortunately, this isn't a great product.... at least not for me. First, the color leans a bit orange and it has SPARKLES. Not a shimmer, but straight up sparkles. I've never been into shimmery bronzers much, but a bronzer with sparkles is a huge no-no for me. On top of that, the texture of the powder feels a bit dry - which is funny that I noted that, because in my August Wantable Makeup Box I received an OFRA 3D Loose Shadow and I noted the texture on that one felt dry as well. So far I haven't gotten the best impression of OFRA Cosmetics. I really hope I can find something in their line that I absolutely love. Would I pay $35 for this bronzer? Hell no!
  • FULL SIZE VALUE: $35.00


OFRA Eyeliner
Shade: Black



  • MY THOUGHTS: This is just your standard black pencil eyeliner. It goes on smooth - not overly creamy but not dry. Nothing special or stand out about it. 
  • FULL SIZE VALUE: $13.00



My Thoughts On The Entire Box...
  • VALUE: The value was approximately $111.99
  • USAGE: I will use the Morphe brushe, and try to make use of the Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen. I may use the Model Co. Lip + Cheek Tint but honestly I doubt I'll reach for it often. The OFRA eyeliner will get used when I need a black pencil, but the OFRA Bronzer won't be touched by me. 
  • FINAL THOUGHTS: I was so excited to get my first BoxyCharm, especially with the Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen. And at a first glance I thought I had an amazing box. After taking the time to try the products I find that really only the Morphe Brush is going to be well used, and possibly the Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen. Everything else was eh. The value is amazing - you pay $21 and I received basically $112 worth of items. I know BoxyCharm offers some of the best box months I've ever seen, so I'm sticking with it for awhile and I can't wait to see what my September BoxyCharm brings!

Let me know what you think...
Did you receive a Boxy Charm this month? If so, what are your thoughts on your box? If you don't receive a Boxy Charm box yet, click here to sign up! Discuss in the comments below.

April 18, 2014

Ipsy Bag - April 2014! Pics, Swatches, Mini Reviews & Value Breakdown

Hello, Beautiful!

This is my April 2014 Ipsy bag! Check out below to see what I received, a little about each product and my thoughts, as well as a break-down of the value of this month's bag!

Ipsy is just $10 a month! Each month you'll receive 4 to 6 deluxe or even full-sized products. If you want to sign-up for your own Ipsy bag, CLICK HERE (it's my referral link - you don't have to use my referral link; it only gives me points that I can save up to redeem for prizes in the future).


April 2014 Ipsy Bag


Shipment Quick Stats:
  • Value of this month's Ipsy Bag: $52.78 (value is approximate & does not include value of actual bag)
  • Total # of Items Received: 5
  • # of FULL SIZED items: 2
  • # of makeup items: 3
  • # of nail items: 0
  • # of hair care items: 1
  • # of skin care items: 1
  • # of body care items: 0
  • # of fragrance items: 0

Now I'll talk about each product...

Cailyn Cosmetics - Tinted Lip Balm
Shade: Apple Pink



  • MY THOUGHTS: I've tried Cailyn Cosmetics in the past and have enjoyed their products, and I've seen their Tinted Lip Balm popping up in other Ipsy bags over the past few months (maybe even seen them in Birchbox) so I thought it was only a matter of time before it showed up in one of mine. I definitely love lip balms, especially tinted lip balms, but I'll be honest and say I hate the packaging on this. Sure, you could remove the brush that's in the top but it's still a bulky lip balm to throw in your purse or to store in my makeup drawers. Well maybe bulky isn't the right word -- more like odd shaped. The shade I received, Apple Pink, looked like it would be a great nudey pink shade - but on my lips it just looked terrible. It looked very dry and matte, nothing that I look for in a lip balm. I wouldn't even call this tinted - this is a very pigmented lip balm and I'd even call it a lipstick. I also didn't find it to be all that moisturizing. Maybe this shade is bad or maybe I got a bad one, but I wasn't a fan of the formula or shade on me. It's not a product I would go out and buy more shades of, nor would I recommend.
  • FULL SIZE: 0.14 oz @ $19.00
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: Full Size
  • VALUE: $19.00


City Color - Shadow & Highlight Mousse
Shade: White Gold


  • MY THOUGHTS: I wanted to love this, because City Color Cosmetics are affordable and this shade - which looks more gold than white - is pretty. However, the formula wasn't great. Although it does feels creamy, once you try to use it it doesn't blend out well and applies a bit uneven/patchy. It almost becomes a bit stiff. Once it sets, however, it is hard to remove so that is a plus. It's something you could definitely work with but I don't know how much it would be worth the hassle. I also feel like this is going to dry out really quickly, so I'm going to keep the inner lid/stopper to help prolong its life.
  • FULL SIZE: 0.092 oz/2.6 g @ $2.99
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: Full Size
  • VALUE: $2.99


Urban Decay - 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil
Shade: Black Velvet
 




  • MY THOUGHTS: I love Urban Decay's original 24/7 Glide-On Pencils, but I have yet to try one of their "velvet" versions - which I believe only come in this one Black Velvet shade (at least at this time). Even though this is not a full sized pencil, it practically is and I'll get a lot of use from it. It certainly isn't the most intense black - instead it's more of a smoky, sultry black shade. I like it a lot!
  • FULL SIZE: 0.04 oz @ $20.00
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.03 oz/0.8 g
  • VALUE: $15.04


Dr. Brandt - Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant


  • MY THOUGHTS: I actually already received this same sample (same size) in a different subscription service in the past. I can't remember if I ever got around to using it, but I know I will use this. I love exfoliators, and Dr. Brandt is a good brand for my skin.
  • FULL SIZE: 2 oz @ $78.00
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 0.25 oz/7.5 g
  • VALUE: $9.75


Big Sexy Hair - Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse
  • MY THOUGHTS: I already own this product (same size too) and I enjoy it. I don't use it often because it can sometimes make my hair feel sticky, yet the Big Sexy Hair line is one of the only lines that actually works to volumize my hair. This will get used, as soon as I'm out of my other one.
  • FULL SIZE: 1.6 oz @ $6.00 --- this isn't a "full size" but you can buy this size at Ulta
  • SIZE I RECEIVED: 1.6 oz/50 ml
  • VALUE: $6.00


The actual bag everything comes in...
my thoughts:


  • This month's bag was a purple/navy blue with a gray design on it, saying "Beauty Rocks!" and Ipsy. A take on a record player... the bag is even more square, as if the bag is the record player. I think it's a just an okay bag; I like it better than last month's bag but it's certainly not my favorite bag to date. 



My Thoughts On Entire Bag...
  • FULL SIZE/DELUXE SIZE: This bag contained 2 full sized items and three deluxe sized items.
  • VALUE: The value was approximately $52.78
  • USAGE: The item I'll use the most is probably the Urban Decay eyeliner. I can always use a black eyeliner and I like that it's a bit more sultry look on the eyes; it's also a great size sample (as it is almost full size). I'll also use the Big Sexy Hair Root Pump as soon as I'm finished with my other can that I currently have. The Dr. Bradnt Microdermabrasion will be used for sure, as I always can use an exfoliator. I highly doubt I'll use the Cailyn Tinted Lip Balm; the packaging isn't my favorite but I could get over that if I had liked the formula or the color but I unfortantely did not. The City Color White Gold mousse isn't something I will likely use, as I have other products (similar in color too) that are easier to use. But I do think it's pretty and I wish it had worked out a bit better for me.
  • FINAL THOUGHTS: I don't think I will ever be able to complain about an Ipsy bag because they always give you a really great value for just $10 a month, and you almost always get at least one full sized product - usually more (there were 2, almost 3, full sized products in this months bag for me). Although this hasn't been my favorite Ipsy bag, I still got three products I will absolutely get great use out of!

Let me know what you think...
What are your thoughts on this month's Ipsy bag? Did you receive an Ipsy bag this month? If so, what did you get in your bag? Discuss in the comments below.