Downtown Cool: NARS 413 BLKR Street Exclusives

NARS 413 BLKR

413 BLKR Swatches

I feel like I'm down in West Village at 413 Bleeker at least once a month. Its sad and true. I take that back- its not sad.. its pretty freakin' cool. NARS at 413 is like my Cheers- they know my name, they know what I like and I know not to piss-off Carla ( j/k).
A while back I purchased the Pure Matte Lipcolor from the store and with my most recent purchases of both the Multiple and the Illuminator from the collection, I now feel like I'm thisclose to 413 BLKR domination in my everyday makeup bag.

What I like about the 413 BLKR Collection vs. the Orgasm collection is that each piece is a different and complementary color where the latter is the monochrome across the collection.

NARS 413 BLKR Illuminator

413 BLKR NARS Multiple

413 BLKR Pure Matte Lipstick

So how am I using these gems? Welcome to my weird weather caveat!
NYC summers are a swamp of humid grossness- thats the bad news. The better news is that because of the weather, I'm using coverage on my face as needed. Good news, I've been mixing 413 BLKR Illuminator + Caudalie moisturizer in the morning for a nice champagne tinted glow that doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything on my face and I'm putting concealer on in spots.
For some color on my cheeks and lips- I defer to the 413 BLKR Multiple as the burgundy color is pretty much a fail-safe for me, especially when trying to touch up after work.
The Pure Matte Color I reserve for the day and layer with the Multiple once it fades.
The collection also includes a Duo Eyeshadow, Blush, Larger than Life Lipgloss, and a Nail Polish that will be on my list. Also wondering allowed if the new Madison Ave will have exclusives?

413 BLKR Swatches: Top: Illuminator, Mid: Multiple, Bottom: Pure Matte Lipstick

The 413 BLKR collection is available online at narscosmetics.com
#NARSISST4LIFE

Riri Hearts MAC: Heaux Retro Matte Lipstick reviewed

It's Riri hearts MAC, Heaux

Isn't it Heaux-larious

Next up from the Riri Hearts MAC collaboration is Heaux Retro Matte Lipstick. The color is described as a "Matte Berry", which doesn't really convey the life of the lippie. The color errs on the side of a deep raspberry and the texture is very lite and long lasting, just like its Riri counterpart Riri Woo.
 While I like the color and texture, I do think that there are plenty of other colors from that can be dupes for Heaux. Try Rebel  by MAC and NARS Damaged lipsticks if you are looking for a Heaux dupe.

Riri Hearts MAC: Riri Woo reviewed

Riri Woo.. at the kitchen table

Riri Woo Swatched

Before the chaos that was the Riri Hearts MAC on June 18th,  I picked up Riri Woo at the MAC Times Square store on quiet rainy day in May. I was ready for the MA to tell me that the lippie was all sold out but instead showed me the boxes that were available.. don't know if even a lippie is available now. I haven't been to the store since my purchase and I just checked the website and Riri Woo is on backorder until the middle of this month. Pressing on.

 Riri Woo is described as a "Matte Cool Red" retro matte lipstick but unfortunately the color description doesn't do the product justice as Ruby Woo is Riri Woo's bigger sister on the age spectrum and as far as color, both Woos are very similar.

I love the light textures of the retro mattes and this one is no different. The lipcolor stayed on for over 4 hours, including dinner and left a nice tint when rounding the 4th hour.

If you don't have this color already try to hold on for the next 2-3 weeks, its worth the wait.

Get ready: RiRi hearts MAC- June 18th

RiRi hearts MAC- June 18th

Did you miss out on the first launch of RiRi Woo? Are you ready to stalk MAC for the coveted RiRi hearts MAC Summer collection?  Get ready to be early, refresh and be crafty.

Last month, I lucked out and got RiRi Woo on MAC Cosmetics.com and it was a task at hand. After that experience, I'm here to let you know that there is hope beyond thinking about paying $50 on eBay for RiRi Woo. Here are 3 tips for you:


1. Check your connection.
Yes, this seems like a no-brainer but internet connection on your computer is very important and if you don't have it or its wonky, you lose out.
Recommendation: Go to a secure Wi-fi zone or use your phone's data as a backup to go on the site.

2. Multiple browsers.
The waiting room is a bust. When a collection goes live, people go HAM. Now there is a waiting room to help queue you. Well.. from previous experience, the waiting room felt like a nice gesture but nowhere close to actually ordering.
Recommendation: Have 2-3 browsers open on a desktop and a browser open on your phone.

3. Find a friend
So, you can't wait around for the launch on Tuesday the 18th at who-knows time. You've got work, you're travelling, you've got sleep. What to do?
Recommendation: Ask someone if they can order for you. There are some kind people out there that will throw some shade but at least you can throw them something non-RiRi related in return. Return the favor kindly.

gif credit:GabStankBx on Lipstick Alley

Chanel La Favorite #43 Rouge Allure Velvet reviewed

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Favorite #43- a nice slice of Spring

Chanel La Favorite #43 Rouge Allure Velvet Swatch in afternoon light

I've fallen off the Chanel beauty wagon for about a season or 2 and immediately got back on when I saw what the 2013 Printemps Preceiux de Chanel collection had in store. The first 2013 beauty collection by Chanel gives us an illuminating powder, poppy blushes and punchy lips! I picked up La Favorite #43 which is a Rouge Allure Velvet that has a powdery matte finish.
My initial thought was that this color was going to be a coral (one of my faves) but instead the color is like a melon, a mix of coral with a bit of pink. The application was smooth but I think that they color lacks depth and it comes off as milky when compared to the color in the tube. If you are trying to achieve a bright lip with dense color, you may need to apply 3-4 times and/or use a lip liner before applying the lippie.

Where to find: Chanel.com

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush Twill 618 reviewed

New Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush in Twill 618

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush Twill 618 swatched

 In the past I have fallen into the lipstick-like lip balm trap. Where the lipstick color was supposed to seamlessly blend with your lip color and the texture was to feel gel-like or sheer. Nevertheless those lipstick/balms are in the garbage.

Now here comes Dior's Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush lipsticks that deliver a similar promise, a lipstick-like lip balm feel that hydrates, plumps and smoothes your lips. Also, this new lipstick comes in 10 shades that complement the warm and cool blush tones in our individual skin tone. Yes!

I am completely satisfied with this lipstick, it delivers as promised! The formula allows for you to pick up the lippie, apply and head out the door sans mirror.

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush is now available at Sephora and Dior.com . I hope it sticks around for a while!

MAC for Azealia Banks- Yung Rapunxel

Yung Rapunxel

Yung Rapunxel Swatch

 MAC Cosmetics introduced its latest  lipstick collaboration with rapper/singer Azealia Banks this past week.
Yung Rapunxel is described as " a deep, rich shade of plum with an Amplified finish". I've never experienced the MAC Amplified formula before and with this color, it reminds me of a sheer finish.
I used two applications when swatching and the coverage is nice. I didn't test how long the wear was but so far, I'm pleased.
I can see myself wearing Yung Rapunxel in my day-to-day, probably pairing it with an orange or apricot blush. The color reminds me of the 90's! The Missy Elliot, Total, SWV , Mary J. Blige 90's where the ladies wore the rich colored lipstick through Hype Williams' fisheye lens or through an epic music video. I'm ready to get nostalgic!

Vamping it up for Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversations

Photos: Getty Images and Wire Image

Earlier this evening the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute 2012 Gala kicked off celebrating the new spring exhibition, " Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" with fashion houses, their designers and celebrities. While looking at the live feed of photos from twitter and Instagram got me excited ( LOVED Chloé Sevigny's look!), I couldn't help but notice that the Schiaparelli pink was dismal on the red carpet. The bright pink shade that is sure to fill up the exhibit hall wasn't on lips of our favorite actresses or models, instead vampy shades of deep berries, blackened plum seeped through as a pleasant surprise!
Maybe it was the off-again, on-again cloudy, foggy NYC rainy gloom that prompted the bold statement lips or maybe it was the juxtaposition of the exhibit itself. In any case, I can't wait 'til Thursday to check out the exhibit at the Met and will breakout my MAC Media or Chanel Maniac lipsticks for the occasion.

Valentine's day lipstick: Poppy King for J.Crew

Poppy King for J.Crew Lipstick

Poppy King for J.Crew Swatch

Happy Valentine's day! I had a time trying to figure out what lipsticks I wanted to post for Valentine's day. I have a host of red lipsticks that range from bourdoir deep crimson to some that are borderline orange! But I had Poppy King for J.Crew's lipstick sitting on my dresser for about 2 weeks after I purchased it at the store closest to Union Square in NYC.  The color description mentions coral on J.Crew.com but I find this lipstick only has a hint of the coral tone and resonates more on the red side. Great try with the coral! 

What's your valentine's day lipstick?

Snow Day! Cosby Sweater + Rusty colored lipstick = comfort

Sweater: Forever 21; Lipstick: Photo by MAC

Its the first sign of snow all year and where am I? Oh hunkered down, freshly scrubbed (sans fards..haha) watching Clueless with my Cosby sweater on and my rusty raisin lips.

Monday Moss: Kate Moss's Rimmel Lipstick Collection

photo: Rimmel London.com

Monday's Muse is a Moss..Kate Moss! A celebration for being the face of Rimmel London for 10+ years and for releasing some lippies of her own! 7 shades that have been sold out for a number of months in the UK have just made it stateside where Rimmel London products are doing sold.
Congrats Kate and we look forward to another 10 years of you as a Rimmel London woman!

MAC Scarlet Ibis Review and Swatches

MAC Scarlet Ibis (no flash)

MAC Scarlet Ibis with Flash

MAC Scarlet Ibis

Fresh from the MAC for Iris Apfel's sold out collection is Scarlet Ibis lipstick, which is described as a "bright orange red" on MAC's website. I concur with the color description as if you were to use MAC's Morange as a bench mark for a orange color lipstick, Scarlet Ibis definitely brings the warm red (almost Ruby Woo-ish) to create a truly unique color. Of my collection of red-orange lipstick's, this one is definitely the brightest, because of the powdery yet moisturizing matte finish.

My only qualm is that it doesn't go on as smooth, I applied to color 2-3x before there was even coverage. 

       

Monday Muse: MAC for Iris Aphel

 

Cheers for MAC for embracing "All Ages", I think they kinda fell off the radar with the ages aspect after the Dame Edna collection in 2008. But to choose Iris Aphel to represent is amazing! Plus, her collaboration for MAC has sold out within hours online, as per a Soho MAC MUA, and Pink Pigeon Lipstick is sold out in all NYC and Brooklyn MAC stores.

The MUA in Soho explained the cult following behind Pink Pigeon. The popularity is attributed Pink Pigeon being similar to Candy Yum Yum-a bright fuchsia pink lipstick that was released with MAC's Quite Cute collection last year. But no need to panic, a perfect dupe is the new Embrace Me lip pencil that was just released with the Iris Aphel collection. Though it is not in a lipstick form, it doesn't mean that you can't create your own...

Review: Lipstick Queen's Jean Queen Lipstick

Jean Queen Lipstick

Jean Queen Lipstick Swatched

Since moving to NYC a little over 3 years ago, I've noticed that jeans (denim) are not much of a wardrobe staple as they are in California. I've also noticed that jeans have a strong connection to leisure (" oh, I'll just throw some jeans on and [insert grungy outdoor activity here]" or they are associated with Back to School as almost any public school student can get away with wearing jeans. Even a number of August issues of magazines are dedicated to denim! But now acid-wash, bootcut, low-rise and pocket-less jean lovers can wear a lipcolor dedicated to coordinate with your closet full of multi-color and fitted Levi's, J Brand, Rock & Republic and Marc Jacobs.

Lipstick Queen created a lovely pink shade that suites all beauties of color called Jean Queen. The hue offsets the blue in denim for a colors that works for all. Jean Queen comes in two formulas, the first being a classic bullet lipstick that is sheer in texture and gradually builds and the second is an opaque gloss. Both are available for $18 at Barneys, Bloomingdales or Lipstickqueen.com

I've had Jean Queen milling about in my makeup drawer for a few months now since I received it from a Barney's event. I started to use it when I went on vacation a few weeks ago and I'm pleased that I can apply 2-3 swipes and am ready where usually with pinks I have to check the mirror both indoor and out to make sure the color doesn't leave my lips looking ashy.

Do you have a favorite lipcolor you like to wear with your denim? 

NARS 413 Bleecker Street Pure Matte Lipstick

NARS Cosmetics just opened its first stand alone stone in Greenwich Village this week.
In honor of the brick and mortar shop comes an exclusive lipcolor- 413 Bleecker!
The muted brick red lipstick is matte in texture and is every bit as exciting as House of Style and Dee-lite (90's favorites!).
While perusing and purchasing in the new store- in walks Francois himself! This has been my second encounter but I was still gushing!
So if you happen to stop into NYC, make sure to check out this space! Classic films available for purchase, biographies on fashion favorites and NARS ' books.
The address:
413 Bleecker Street
Greenwich Village

MAC Soho Wonderwoman Pop-up shop

Just when I thought that nothing great can come of a snowy winter's day drudging along Soho comes MAC's Wonderwoman pop-up shop!
The newly renovated MAC Soho location is currently home of the new Wonderwoman collection as well as the regular line's favorites. Plus this is the only location to have the full Wonderwoman collection about 2 weeks from the official launch on February 10th.
I did manage to pick up the new giant sized lipglass in Wonderwoman, a sheer apple red with shimmer and the re-packaged Russian Red lipstick.
This new collection comes with an increase in pricing as well. According to my receipt the lipglass is $20 and dually noted as " large", the size is .37 oz compared to the standard .17 oz. The lipstick was $15.50 and I'm sure that the special packaging also attributes to the price increase as well.

The unveiling is coming up next week where I will have full collection coverage, at the Soho pop-up I found that not all of the collection was in its encasing. Until then, enjoy the photos!

disclaimer: all products photographed were purchased by me

Top 10 Favorite Valentine's Day 2011 Lipcolors

February is next week and now is the time to get your reservation in order for Valentine's day 2011. Before you know it the scramble will be on to prep for an evening out! Whether it be with your girls at Karaoke or a rom com at the theatre, you want your lips to be the focal point of the 14th.
With that, we have gawked, gossiped, tested and sworn by the following lip colors , both lipsticks and lipglosses included to provide a guide to navigating your cupid's bow for the next most anticipated holiday after ringing in the New Year, Valentine's day!

Here are our faves:

10. Clinique Different Lipstick- Tenderheart
This pinky-nude rouge is a Clinique staple and a starter universal shade, the formula glides on for a MLBB look (my lips but better).
Where to wear: On your OK Cupid blind date at the Brooklyn Bowl. Less talk, more strikes.


9. NARS Lipstick- Love Devotion
Sheer guava stains aren't for the faint at heart but more for the expressive, creative soul whose heart thrives on discovery.
Where to wear: Where lipcolor imitates art! A night out at the museum- MOMA, MOCA, Guggenheim , Whitney, whatever your choice, your lips will surely compliment.

8. MAC Lipstick- Desire
Sheer berry lips are vampy not campy and pair well with a bronze shadow (MAC Sable) and muted dusty pink blush (MAC Harmony) for an easily put together look for a casual night on the town.
Where to wear: At a Wine Bar with friends!
7. Hard Candy Painted Lady Manic Lipshine- Cupid
Bright candy apple lips= fun , LOL adventure for Valentine's day evening burst out of the rut of a day of waiting for an evening of tears of joy.
Where to wear: UCB theatre, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, seek out new comedy acts that are sure to get you so happy you will cry.


6. Rimmel Vinyl Lip in Snog
The name says it all! This nude shade has a slight hint of mint, not a bad feature to have if you are out to dinner, plus- no look application as this too is universally flattering.
Where to wear: To a dinner date! the color and formula are sure to make a pleasant conversation post dinner happen.
5. Chanel Rouge Allure- Lover
This stand out Ruby Red will create the statement lip that will sing in your praises- how about "Hey lover, this is more than a crush?"
Where to wear: Singing Karaoke or playing Rock Band with your friends.

4. MAC PRO Long wear Lip cream in Perpetual Flame
Lip color that doesn't budge, check. Poppy pink- cranberry color, check. Now all you need is some chocolate to mellow you out, double check!
Where to wear: Chocolate shop or at a cozy cafe, yes, its still winter but this pop of color is like a sundial countdown clock to Spring freedom.


3. Lancome Color Design lipstick in Lucky Kiss

A plum tone like this deserves a role in Drama. This creamy color is a smooth on the lips and the color is 80% business with the rest being fun.
Where to wear: Watching an Oscar nominated flick or any film for that matter. Get in on your fantasy Academy Award winners and wait to see your results at the awards show.





2. Mary Kay Creme Lipstick- Berry Kiss
Shimmery shouldn't be reserved just for Divas, it can be an everyday wear! This color packs a shimmer berry punch that puts glamour back into your evening routine.
Where to wear: Watching RuPaul's Drag Race with the girls, no wig snatching required.



1. Clarins Joli Rouge- Cupid Red

Bright blue based reds are in need for a musical evening, play coy and meet a stranger or just go with it..
Where to wear: To a concert, check local listings for your favorite nationally touring act or find a local band or group to listen too.

Happy Valentine's day! I hope these lippies and where to wear them will inspire your V-day week and beyond!