Tag: lip pencil

Urban Decay Cosmetics The Ultimate Pair

Urban Decay Cosmetics The Ultimate Pair

This post is a follow up regarding ULTA‘s twice yearly 21 Days of Beauty ending this weekend. Head out there and shop!

I have been through a whole swath of red lipsticks. And while I prefer a neutral lip, if I do reach for a red Urban Decay F-Bomb would be right there at the top of my list. That’s why I am hoarding this duo despite my occasional bold lip. It is that good.

The full size F-Bomb Revolution Lipstick is paired with a creamy and waterproof liner. They are literally perfect shade matches. The pigment of both is insanely long-wearing. And the blue/cool hue makes your smile bright and white. So if you need an excuse to take advantage of ULTA’s event (more about that below), here is a last chance idea!

Each day through 4/4, ULTA will feature a “Beauty Steal” and a “Beauty Focus Day” – Beauty Steals are special offers on top beauty products & Beauty Focus Days feature demonstrations like customized makeup lessons, expert beauty tips, and one-on-one appointments. 21 Days of Beauty brands include Stila, Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics, Bare Minerals, Benefit, Too Faced and more. This beauty extravaganza is celebrated in all ULTA Beauty stores nationwide with special offers also available here.

To celebrate, I’ve teamed up with ULTA for a huge giveaway! The exclusive ULTA beauty prize pack includes kits from brands like Urban Decay, LORAC, bareMinerals, stila, Becca and more. Enter using the widget below (sorry again international friends, US Only).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Samples and giveaway prize have been generously provided by ULTA. As always, opinions are my own.

NARS ‘Night Caller’ Fall 2014 Color Collection

NARS ‘Night Caller’ Fall 2014 Color Collection on Belle Belle Beauty

I know… I know. We are just in the middle of summer and pre-fall clothing is already on the racks and fall color collections are hitting counters. NARS’ seasonal collection, always a gorgeous treat, launches today and it also includes the launch of Night Series Eyeliners. So even in the sweltering heat, you might want to consider your future fall lip and eye.

So what is the inspiration for this collection? Here is how the NARS team described the products:

“Eyes shine in amethyst and quartz shadows while intense black liners flecked with rich purple, gold, and green pearl provide intriguing depth. Lips smolder in warm reds and cheeks are softened with a wash of glistening pink.”

Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore on Belle Belle BeautyMy picks from the collection include Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore and Night Series Eyeliner in Night Flight. First, is there a better lip shade for fall than a deep cranberry? This cranberry has a bit of a zip (think less brown) that brightens the face and flatters the pout. Plus, the Satin Lip Pencil is one of my favorite formulas with a balance of pigment and moisture. The pencils contain vitamins keeping lips healthy. And the jumbo pencil is super easy to use while still being precise.

Night Series Eyeliner in Night Flight on Belle Belle Beauty

I have a feeling I will love all the Night Series Eyeliners, but I have only gotten my paws on Night Flight. Needless to say, I am sold. The black with cobalt blue pearl is a deep and inky navy that can easily pass for black. But upon closer inspection, you’ll find sophisticated blue shimmer. I am a huge fan of blue-toned eyeliners, but if you prefer something else, there is also black with purple, gold or green undertones. I’ve found both blue and purple can really highlight the green in my hazel/brown eyes. NARS eyeliners have great staying power, lasting both along the lash and in the waterline.

Check out the behind the scenes video of the campaign shoot:

Available today on narscosmetics.com and 8/1 at at Sephora and department stores.

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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo

Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo // Belle Belle Beauty

As I’ve come to know Hourglass Cosmetics, the brand more and more just screams sexy to me. Their packaging, products and luxury send me directly to a sultry place. So I wasn’t surprised to see their newest launch “Notorious Nudes” Femme Nude Lip Stylo is particularly seductive.

This set of six nude lip crayons have a creamy, medium to full-coverage formula and satin finish. The texture is close to lipstick and not unlike the NARS Velvet Lip Pencils. Like other Hourglass products, the packaging is nothing less than ultimate luxury. The heavy metal tube is modern and robust. There is no sharpening this guy – the actual product is retractable making precise application a breeze. Even on my dry lips, the vitamin E packed formula doesn’t cake or flake. It is also paraben, phthalates, fragrance and sulfate free and not tested on animals.

The six shades span quite a range, ensuring all skin tones can find their perfect match. I’ve been wearing Nude No 4, a pink beige nude with a touch of deep rose. It looks like a very slightly lighter shade than my natural skin tone with more pink. Other available shades:

  • Nude No 1 – A pale pink nude, the lightest of the collection.
  • Nude No 2 – A honey beige nude with a warm tint.
  • Nude No 3 – A medium rose nude with a hint of pink.
  • Nude No 5 – A golden peach nude with luminosity.
  • Nude No 6 – A mauve nude, the deepest nude of the collection.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Folklore Collection From Laura Mercier

Folklore Collection From Laura Mercier // Belle Belle Beauty

The Spring/Summer collection from Laura Mercier just hit counters. And this collection, inspired by cultures of South and Central America, have definitely been warming me up. Did I mention it was in the 40s here this week? Where are you, Spring? The rich, earthy colors are easy to wear and suit a summer glow perfectly. Or manage to fake one until the sun reappears.

First up is the product that seems to me the one that is getting the most buzz. Laura Mercier Limited Edition Baked Blush Bronzer in Ritual

is one of Laura’s classic formulas but with five shades that blend together. Each tile of bronzer is hand-mixed. When I first applied Ritual, I had a WHOA reaction. It was pretty darn dark. But for my light to medium skin and with a lighter hand, it proved a great option for a more dramatic warming. The natural color stays beautifully. And will transition well into the summer months.

I’m a long time fan of Laura’s Crème Eye Liner and the new Espresso shade offers a softer version of black that works so well in the summer. If you are on the hunt for a long-wear eyeliner, give this waterproof formula a whirl. Could it just be perfect for the beach? I think yes.

And I’ve saved the best for last. These creamy lipsticks hitting counters lately have me swooning. Laura Mercier Limited Edition Lip Crayon in Folklore has that hydrating feeling but great long-wear. And the shocking pink translates to a punch of spring color on the lips. Bonus points for the packaging, allowing great precision application.

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Brand Spotlight: Bite Beauty

Brand Spotlight: Bite Beauty // Belle Belle Beauty

There is something about this brand that immediate caught my eye. Their section in Sephora is like a candy case of lip goodies. The sleek packaging, wearable colors and catchy names made me want to scoop up one of everything. But in the interest of brevity, I am going to highlight three “All Star” products that I am head over heels for from this cool little indie company.

First, major kudos to the brand: all their formulas are infused with food-grade ingredients – makes sense since lots of what goes on your pout goes in your mouth. BITE avoids petroleum by-products and synthetic chemicals and also produces in small batches to preserve the hydrating benefits of organic oils, fruit butters, and bioactives. So cool!

My fellow bloggers were swooning over the BITE Beauty High Pigment Matte Pencil so I gave Corvina, one of their new spring colors, a test drive.  This bright coral pink definitely reminds me of this NARS lipstick. The finish is very matte with rich, opaque color. Shea butter keeps the dense color from looking dry on the lips. And bonus: the formula is packed with as much resveratrol as found in five glasses of red wine, boosting long-term anti-aging properties.

I am loving these buttery “lipsticks” that are everywhere these days. My dry lips need all the help they can get, and BITE Beauty Lush Lip Tint in Lychee might be best of breed. The soft lipstick gives a glossy, hydrated finish and softens lips with argan oil and vitamin E. The center B provides a double dose of resveratrol like in the Matte Pencil, just not quite as much. The initial also contains a soft pearl highlighter giving the finish just a bit of shimmer. Oh, and PS, the color is buildable.

BITE Beauty Honey Lip Lacquer in Ruby is an easy-peezy way to easily wear red lips. The low maintenance gloss applies evenly and wears well without being a mess. I apply from the center of my lips, blending outward, to give just a stain of color. You can layer for a bigger punch of pigment. I adore the way this smells – just a touch of honey thanks to the moisturizing Pure Manuka Honey. Jojoba provides long-term hydration as well. Like the Matte Pencil and Lip Tint, Resveratrol provides an anti-aging benefit. And this stuff won’t budge – the formula is waterproof.

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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

NARS Velvet Gloss and Matte Lip Pencil Decoded

You know a good thing when you see it. But when you see two good things, how do you pick? I love both the Velvet Matte and Velvet Gloss Lipstick Pencils from NARS, but it is good to know the difference.

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil is highly glossy and moisturizing. Hyaluronic spheres nurture lips, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t long wear. This stuff does not budge. And Mexican Rose, below on the top, is a universally flattering, bold pink with a shiny finish. Like the Matte version, the chubby sticks are easy to apply.

NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil applies just like a lipstick. The matte formula isn’t drying and has an opaque, rich color. Dragon Girl, below on the bottom, is is that perfect, cool red. Unique silicones ensures long-lasting, velvety finish. But… don’t believe this is longer wearing just because it is matte. The gloss version was actually harder to remove from the back of my hand.

Which do you prefer? I thought I loved the glossy more, but these days I am all about the matte.