Maybelline Super Stay "Rogue Reds" Matte Ink Edition: Brick Mask-Proof Lipstick Swatches

Very quick post just to share swatches of the Maybelline Rogue Reds color expansion for their Super Stay Matte Ink line, in case any of you were looking for color-comparisons now that there are no swatch testers in store.

Brick is not only perfect for Fall 2020, but great year-round as well. The combination of reds and browns makes it more forgiving than bright red, and not as dull as brown. But this collection isn't just red-brown. There are some interesting burnt peach, burnt orange and sun-dried tomato tones as well, like 300, 285 and 315.

315 Extraordinary, the soft tomato red, is a particular fave of mine as it looks a little (a lot) like Armani's very pricey Lip Maestro in 405.

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink 315 an Armani Maestro 405 dupe? Not 100% but very close!

ShuUemura just launched 15 shades of #MatteSupreme #liquidlipsticks today and I got all excited cos these are earth-based shades, so even the pinks and oranges have a little brown or neutral undertones in them to make them flattering on the skin. I lip swatch 5 of their star shades and share my thoughts on who I think they'd look great on: PK 02 - medium rose pink BR 01 - warm reddened brown OR 01 - burnt orange RD 03 - brick red WN 03 - black cherry These rouges are designed to go on like weightless liquid inks, and while they are not transfer-proof matte lipsticks, they are still long-wear and I do love how ultra-comfortable they feel. They will kiss of on your glass but still look pretty intact on the lips, although the center of my lips did not survive a full meal. Still, these are super easy to touch up in spots since they don't clump up or dry down with a strange texture.
They do set and go SLIGHTLY more brown than when first applied but don't worry cos they don't go 2-3 shades darker and more grey like some liquid lipstick formulas can.
My unexpected favorites was WN 03, the deep dark black cherry shade. Sneaked it on IG Story yesterday cos I fell in love with how dramatic but flattering it was.

Here is a quick run-through of their shades AND some footage from my first day of wearing!

S/S 2016 Makeup Trends and A Chat with MAC Cosmetics Senior Artist Louise Zizzo

Louise Zizzo, M.A.C. Cosmetics' Senior Artist was in Singapore recently to showcase the Spring/Summer 2016 Makeup trends, and along with taking a look at the runway looks of the season (plus some face-chart fun), I was lucky enough to score a quick interview with her.

M.A.C. Senior Artist Louise Zizzo applying lashes on a model

How would you sum up the key looks for S/S16 in one sentence?

Louise: The key looks for SS16 are deliberate, decisive, playful and have a modern sophistication to them.

What are some of the key trends that you expect to extend throughout the whole of 2016, beyond SS?

Louise: The bold lip trend and no-makeup makeup.

Desigual's S/S16 modern retro look with matte orange-red lips, clean skin and black liner

I often feel a lot of modern makeup we see on social media today is actually 50's makeup transposed onto a different color palette. Strong, defined arched brows, overdrawn lips, strobing and sculpting... as a fan of glamorous retro makeup yourself, why do you think these trends keep coming back?

Louise: You are quite right the makeup we see on social media today is based on old school techniques but I think because it is such a process - it gives a feeling of glamour and it can transform you into a completely different looking person. It's playing dress up but for the face!

What are some of the strongest makeup influences/inspirations for you?
1920's, 70's, 80's decades (especially the 80's - that's when my love affair with makeup really began as a teenager).

Colored winged liner at Moschino S/S16

You said once that makeup should be approached with "intention rather than habit". I love that - but for the benefit of the readers, could you elaborate on it?

Louise: We are creatures of habit by nature and it is very easy to apply let's say highlighter because it's trendy and everyone is doing it or someone told us to do it, but our face tells its own story and we know it best, so ask yourself why am I applying this highlighter, where do I actually need it and what is it doing for my features? Another example is concealer, just apply it where you need it - which isn't necessarily all under the eye - perhaps you just need a little in the corners.

What is in your makeup bag right now?

Louise: Plushglass in "Fulfilled" - my fave! Mineralize Skinfinish Natural and Lip Conditioner.

If you were not a makeup artist you would be.... 

Louise: An interior designer.

Thank you Louise!

M.A.C. Spring/Summer 2016 Face Charts

Favorite Red Hot lipsticks of the moment

Some of you might have seen me mention on Instagram that I'm a bit obsessed with orange-hued reds at the moment.

They're brightening,  fun, and chirpy like orange, but at the same time they're grown-up looking because they mostly act like a red lipstick. And there are several different textures that I like right now as well.

MAC's Dangerous is a limited edition shade (bad news) which is quite similar to Lady Danger (good news), but slightly more muted. So if you are looking for a classic red-orange in a rich matte texture, Lady Danger is probably the best bet.

Many people are worried about orange-based reds making their teeth look yellow. Actually I don't find that to be the case unless your teeth are badly stained to begin with. It depends on how bright or neon the shade you choose is. If you go with shades that are more red-based (like the ones listed above) they actually aren't bright enough to make your teeth look dull and discolored, which is what some bright oranges and bright pinks do.

You can choose between glossy finishes, sheers, classic cremes, and a perpetual fave of mine - mattes. They all look great.

Orange reds are FAB when layered as well. Pop a glossy shade on top of a matte shade and you will be making a big statement with those lips.

Great orange-red mattes for velvety tomato toned lips:

• MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus 2 - slightly rosier and deeper than Lady Danger.
• Shu Uemura M OR 570 "Gangnum Orange" - this dried tomato red has a brick-toned warmth mixed in with a vivid red orange, in a lightweight comfortable finish that does not feel like typical mattes.

Great orange-red sheers/glossies for a juicier sorbet effect:

• OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss in Meta - almost neon in tone but translucent and jelly-like.
• Dior Fluid Stick 639 Artifice - super glossy but not sheer at all; for those who want a dramatic lacquered finish. Great layered over a matte base shade.
• Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Sheer Shine in S RD 150 - a staple I've been reaching for ever since I got the press kit; the Sheer Shine range launches October 2015, and is filled with bright pop shade in gorgeous colors

Great orange-red cremes/satins where the color stands out more than the finish of the lipstick:

• Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Hot Orange - one of THE best intense orange reds
• Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in Slowburn - this is actually not as "sheer" as you might think considering the name; I consider it more of a creme lipstick than a sheer. This has nice, even color-payoff in a silky texture.
• Peri Pera Cushion Lips in OR01 - this Korean drugstore brand offering is super fun; it's a slightly sheer lip cream in a creamy semi-matte texture, so you get a matte veil of color.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation demo and review

Bobbi Brown's new Intensive Skin Serum comes in a black glass dropper bottle that might remind you of a volatile oil foundation.

But it's not.

Unlike those silicone-y, fast-drying, lightweight liquids, this is a thick luxurious feeling skincare cream foundation more similar to those that come in jars than in dropper bottles. 

Created based on Bobbi Brown's Intensive Skin Serum, this foundation amalgamates skincare and coverage, and contains Cordyceps Mushroom extract, Bamboo Grass, and Lychee extracts for antioxidant, soothing, hydrating, and anti-aging skin benefits. What it aims to do is to provide a plumping and smoothing effect to the skin.

I think the first thing you will notice most about this formula is how hydrating it is compared to typical foundations. The dropper bottle dispenses a single pea-sized amount in a squeeze, which should be sufficient for spreading over most of your face if you want lighter coverage. 

This foundation is buildable, but you need to let the first layer set a bit first. Otherwise the creaminess might end up dissolving and sheering out the first layer. Spread out with fingers or a brush, it acts almost like a tinted moisturizer with higher coverage. The sheen and hydrating texture only adds to that effect.

To build up more coverage, take a bit more product on your hands after letting the first layer set a bit, then dab a bit more where you need coverage and pat - don't rub - the product until it evens out and blends in.

This foundation gives the effect of clean, moisturized skin. It looks so real that I almost look like I have no makeup on in the "After" image. But you can see the little mole on my inner cheek is almost not visible. The little veins around my lower cheeks are also hidden. 

But you WILL need to set this foundation with powder because even if you have dry skin, it can still crease a bit around laugh lines and under the eyes. As mentioned earlier, this feels quite like a traditional cream foundation for normal to dry skins and doesn't set completely, even though it's not oily. The dewy sheen can also emphasize pores around the inner cheek area, so it's always a good idea to powder around those areas.

Otherwise, if you have oily skin or live in a humid climate, it can start to feel a tiny bit rich on the skin. 

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation after powdered

Though Bobbi Brown states this foundation is suited for all skin types, I still believe every foundation works better on some skins than others. And this is not one that I think oilier skins would enjoy. It might not be oily or comedogenic in formula, but it can still feel a bit heavier compared to other options on the market.

My recommendation is that if you have normal to dry or more mature skin that needs the plumping and smoothing effect, and you like fluffy cream foundations like Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or Clinique's Dermawhite, this would be a nice option to consider.

Base makeup notes:

• Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation 3.5
• Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Concealers in 3 and 4
• Clear Last Face Powder (medicated)
• The Balm Bahama Mama powder for subtle sculpting
• MAC Mineralize Skin Finish powder in Lightscapade on cheekbones

This is pretty much what I do daily for my base routine even though I switch the products in and out. And sometimes I'll keep it simple and just keep the focus on my lips.

Super-nude makeup look with just an intense lacquered red lip

• Givenchy Ombre Couture 1 Blanc Satin on lids - nothing but tiny diamond sparkles
• Physicians Formula Organic Wear mascara - don't like this mascara in the original formula; I'm just using it up!
• L'oreal Color Riche Lipstick in RW512 Bloody Mary - a deep dark cherry-toned red
• Shu Uemura Laque Supreme in RD 02 - cherry-toned cool scarlet gloss stain

7 Great Ruby Red Lipsticks

If you missed my post last week on Dayre, here is a recap of 7 great reds that I'm currently loving.

L'oreal Colour Riche in Bloody Mary

L'oreal Colour Riche in Bloody Mary

L'oreal Colour Riche is a great range for satin-textured, high-coverage lipsticks. And it seems the updated range is also packaged a little better (I haven't experienced any smooshing against the insides of the tube yet, as the older range frequently did). 

Bloody Mary is a very deep scarlet creme lipstick that is a true red. Not too brown, not too blue, not too orange. 

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm 250 Standout

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm 250 Standout

I'm a long-time fan of Revlon's Colorburst Matte Balm range, and one of the very first shades that I grabbed for when they launched was the deep red, 250 Standout. These aren't as intense as the Super Lustrous mattes but they sure do the best job of marrying matte intensity with hydrating comfort.

Revlon Super Lustrous Matte in Revlon Retro Red

Revlon Super Lustrous Matte in Revlon Retro Red

You can't mention drugstore mattes without mentioning Revlon Super Lustrous Matte lipsticks. And while the darling for the last few years is the classic Really Red, my personal fave is actually the newer shade, Retro Red.

This is a deeper blue-based red which is much more intense and creamy than Really Red, which is a waxier, thinner, older formula that actually doesn't build up very well. Retro Red is less brown-toned, opaque enough to stay truer on dark or brown-pigmented lips, and and will not look orange on darker skins.

Laneige Serum Intense Lipstick in R17 Red Flame

Laneige Serum Intense Lipstick in R17 Red Flame

Laneige is better known outside Asia for their skincare items, but if you ever get the chance to try out their Serum Intense lipstick range, make sure you check them out because they are the most gorgeously glossy and hydrating lipsticks. And the best thing is they don't go on all sheer. The color actually builds up to a good intensity.

MAC Russian Red

MAC Russian Red

No lover of deep matte reds can be unfamiliar with the queen of deep reds for long. Russian Red was created in the 90s by MAC founder Frank Toskan for the Material Girl herself. Madonna wore Russian Red throughout her Blonde Ambition tour and that helped kickstart MAC's journey from a little-known artists' brand into the mega-brand it is today.

This is one of those deep reds that never looks garish and bright. It's just a touch darker than crimson, and there's a certain regal beauty to it. Whether you have dark skin, dark hair, red hair, or are as platinum as Mads herself, this is a shade that will probably look good on you.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture 55 Rouge Anonyme

YSL Rouge Pur Couture 55 Rouge Anonyme

On the slightly lighter and brighter side of things, there's Yves Saint Laurent's Rouge Pur Couture No 55 Rouge Anonyme. This shimmery red has both warm AND cool undertones, so it manages to be vibrant and neutral at the same time.

It's not as opaque as many Rouge Pur Coutures but it is a great, creamy, easy-to-wear shade for those who don't like things too deep and serious.

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte

One of my absolute favorites this year has been NARS' Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte. Actually there are LOTS of shades I love in the Audacious range. But for Fall/Winter, Charlotte is it.

This dark cherry-oxblood shade is so chic. And when reds go deep, they actually work like neutrals and go with most hair and skin colors. I love wearing these with soft shimmery taupes and soft greys on the lids.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys in Leonardo

Tom Ford Lips & Boys in Leonardo

The last shade I've been loving recently is Tom Ford's Lips and Boys lipstick in Leonardo, which is a re-release of Smoked Red, a subtly shimmery deep cherry red. It's not as intense or opaque as Nars Charlotte but it's a gorgeous cool-toned red that looks very sultry and makes the teeth look white.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys Collection Swatches

I'm going to try and keep my blogspot going because honestly - I'm tired of not being able to reply directly to comments on Tumblr.

So to mark my return to blogspot after a long hiatus, here are swatches of the Tom Ford Lips and Boys collection which launches Jan 2 in Singapore and will be on sale for just 8 weeks. Come March, these will no longer be available.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys boxed trio

Firstly, there are 50 shades in total, and these come in smaller "clutch-sized" tubes, like petite version of the regular lipsticks. So if you can't commit to a full-size at a full-prize, you might be able to indulge in 2 or 3 different shades of the Lips & Boys lipsticks.

I've marked out all shades by name, and included their original names (for the 14 re-releases).

Tom Ford Lips & Boys swatches part 1: browns, nudes, violets, bronzes/coppers, and warm beiges. My favorites here include Beau (formerly Blush Nude), Peter, William, Addison (formerly Pink Dusk).

All the lipsticks are named after a man Tom Ford knows, loves, or admires. The tongue-in-cheek idea being that we always want more than one - be it lipsticks or men.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys swatches Part 2: Pinks! My fave here is Cooper (Pure Pink). 

Tom Ford Lips & Boys swatches Part 3: I love a lot of the warm pinks and corals, but my absolute fave of the bunch are the reds. Adriano (True Coral), Rafael, Alejandro (Slander), Luciano, and Leonardo (Smoked Red) are my faves.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys Swatches Part 4: mauves and plums. I particularly love Collin (Indian Rose).

For purposes of review, I swatched all 50 shades (I was there for almost 2 hours), and picked out 3 of my faves to bring home.

Lemme tell ya, picking 3 was harder than swatching all 50. After hemming and hawing for a bit, I eventually picked out the below 3 shades as my personal must-haves.

Tom Ford Addison (Pink Dusk)

Tom Ford Cooper (Pure Pink)

Tom Ford Leonardo (Smoked Red)

I figure for a little capsule trio, I had to pick 3 shades that reflected different styles so I could get maximum versatility. Kittenish (Addison), Fun (Cooper), and Sultry (Leonardo).

What shades are your faves?

Holiday Look #2: Neo-Pinup Tutorial (purple-taupe eyes and metallic red lips)!

The 50s look features full and arched brows. Here I emphasized the arched shape but kept the color quite soft instead of using a typical black-brown.

Polished skin was a big thing for pinups and it’s no different here. I used a dewy finish foundation and a radiant setting powder so there would be a soft-focus glow.

• The pinup eye features a very clean eye lid and some matte shading along the socket line, but I kept things smoky and luminous with a soft taupe shadow over the entire lid.
• Kitten liner is a must. But instead of hard black, I used a soft metallic taupe brown to keep the eye area very luminous and soft. (A grey or brown would work too.)
• To add dimension I used a metallic red lipstick instead of a regular creme or matte texture. But you still want to emphasize a slightly rounded upper lip by exaggerating the outer sides of the cupid’s bow just a little with red liner. (Not too much or it will look extremely unnatural.)

Products used:

1. Skin: MAC Face & Body foundation C2
2. Concealer: MAC Studiofinish concealer NW20
3. Setting powder: Bourjois Poudre de Riz de Java
4. Blush: TheBalm Hot Mama
5. Brows: Shu Uemura Hard Formula 9 pencil in Seal Brown
6. Brown liner: (used as eyeshadow base) Bourjois Regard Effet Metallise in 52 Brun Inoxydable
7. Eyeshadow: Givenchy Le Prisme Yeux Mono #14 Elegant Taupe
8. Liner: Lancôme Hypnse Star Eyes cream shadow in ST 211 Quartz Taupe
9. Mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse mascara 
10. Lip liner: MAC Cherry lip liner (to fill in and shape the cupid’s bow)
11. Lipstick: Kat von D Foiled Love 
12. Gloss: Any clear gloss

[Requested] Shu Uemura Sweet Red Collection Swatches

There was a request to do lip swatches for the Fall 2013 Sweet Red collection by Shu Uemura, especially for those of you who can’t swatch it in-store. All shades above are done without liner or primer so you can see the textures!

Shu Uemura Sweet Reds limited edition lipsticks

What you need to know is this collection of 6 jelly-like shades departs from typical opaque fiery reds. Though they feel smooth and slick like balm-lipsticks, they go on evenly without that annoying streakiness and patchiness. There’s also a lot more sheen.

Aside from Lacquer Red which is a true red, 3 of these go on coral-toned and 2 a slightly rosy-tone. They can be worn sheer or built up in 2-3 coats, which is how you’ll get the best “jelly” sheen.

Shu Uemura Sweet Red lipstick swatches (from left) Dolly Red Lucid, Sweet Devil Rouge, Baby Flame, Mon Shu Red Pure, Lacquer Red, and Spiky Rose

1. Dolly Red Lucid (creme) - the softest and most translucent shade in the collection, this is a soft pink-toned coral.
2. Sweet Devil Rouge (creme) - a true semi-sheer warm-toned coral.
3. Baby Flame (shimmer) - jelly-like coral with a rosy-pink shimmer. Probably the most unique shade of the bunch.
4. Mon Shu Red Pure (shimmer) - a cooler-toned, rosier version of Baby Flame, with paler shimmer.
5. Lacquer Red (Creme) - the truest red of the bunch, this layers up to a more intense finish than the rest of the shades. If you like red but find opaque ones too scary, try this glossy one.
6. Spiky Rose (Creme) - the “blue”-toned red of the bunch, this is a beautiful rosy shade that can be worn like a stain, or layered to an almost-red.

Tips for wearing these:

• Sweet Red lipsticks are sheer and glossy, so they are great if you have dry or thin lips, and it’s not necessary to wear a balm under them, as that would just make them slide around.
• The glossiness means these won’t last as well as typical lipsticks which have more pigment. To make sure they stay on longer, and don’t bleed into fine lines, coat your lips with nude lip liner first.
• I’d also say they are quite skin-tone flattering because there are a lot of soft undertones in these reds and a conditioning texture so if typical reds tend to look too severe and aging on you or you want a more youthful sheen to the lips, check these out.
• Sweet Reds are out in the US already and should also already be available everywhere Shu is sold by October!

Shu Uemura Sweet Red lipstick in "Lacquer Red", the true red of the bunch.

To see all 6 lip swatches, click here!

Marc Jacobs F/W 2013 Lacquered Red Lip (An Intro to Shiseido's F/W 2013 Makeup!)

To my mind, Shiseido is more known for their top-notch skincare and those incredible sunblocks. (To my knowledge, they put the "lightweight" in sunblocks long before the rest of the world did.)

Only during 2 periods did the brand seem to cast more of a spotlight on "color", and that was during Serge Lutens' time (1980s), and now with Dick Page at the helm. 

Dick Page applying Lacquer Rouge in Sanguine, backstage at Marc Jacobs' F/W 2013 show.

They brought out those incredible Lacquer Rouges a while back, and this season they're bringing out 6 new colors. I'm really into a red lip right now, so my pick of the lot HAD to be that warm red RD413 "Sanguine", which was used at the Marc Jacobs show this season. 

The Red Runway Lip