So Sad About Cory Montieth

I know it isn't beauty related but I really love GLEE. So sad about Cory Montieth. R.I.P.

Light and Love to Leah Michele and all the family members.

Jess

Black Radiance Perfect Tone Dual Lip Definer in Vermillion Review

   OK. So I went to Walmart the other day. I needed some things for the home and their cosmetics department always reels me in. I gravitate to it like moths to a flame. I purchased a couple of things including some lipsticks from the Maybelline 16 hour line and also two L'Oreal Le Rouge Lip-colors. I also bought a new L'Oreal lipstick from the regular line; it's part of the new Summer colors. I'll post a review on some of those soon. 
   On to the main event. I was looking for a red lip liner. There weren't any but I came across this one. 

Black Radiance Perfect Tone Dual Lip Definer in Vermillion

   Black Radiance is a sister company of Wet N Wild and is geared toward darker skinned women. Because of that, the products are more pigmented and although my skin is very light I do appreciate that. This product is part lipstick and part lip liner. The lip liner is a creme-stick that twists up. It goes on smoothly and effortlessly. The lip stick is also twist-up and in the exact shade of the liner. It, too, is creamy and shiny. The color is a pinkish blue-based red. The creaminess makes lips look more full and doesn't showcase any imperfections. 

 I had it on for a couple of hours and it didn't bleed or transfer around my mouth like some other inexpensive lipsticks do. After about an hour it did begin to loose the sheen and look more matte. I actually liked that. This was a good buy and for under $4, I would recommend it to anyone. I will return soon to purchase a back-up. 

RUNDOWN

Packaging 3.5 of 5

Texture and Smell 5 of 5

Application 5 of 5

Pigmentation 4.5 of 5

Lasting Power 4 of 5

OVERALL 4.4 of 5  Pretty Good Gals!

Jess

MAC HEAUX Lipstick Review and Pics

As I am sure most of you may know, Rihanna has teamed up with MAC to release a new collection called RIRI hearts MAC. I didn't get in on the first edition of the Summer collection which sold out in three hours but I was able to snag all the lippies second time around. The Summer collection includes three lipsticks: Riri Woo, Heaux and Riri Boy (retail $15 US)

Heaux is a retro matte berry-hued lip color. Retro Matte is one of MAC most popular finishes, or at least most talked about. MAC's most loved red Ruby Woo has a retro matte finish. You either love it or hate it. 

The color is a beautiful berry red and the finish is extremely matte. It almost looks like velvet on your lips. The plus with matte is no bleeding and crazy staying power. Color pay-off lasts hours. I love matte lipstick but keep in mind it will emphasize any unsightly dryness or imperfections. Remember to slather on lip balm prior to application.

The ingredients appear to be comparable to other retro matte formula lipsticks in MAC's line. As a bonus it is paraben free which I love. I'm allergic. 

The packaging is the same as all other MAC lipsticks. The one difference is that Rihanna's signature is carved around the sides of the lipstick.

Here is what it looks like under artificial light and with flash. It is more berry colored than the pics make it appear. I am fair to light skinned for reference.

It is similar to Riri Woo but with more of a purple undertone. My lips were dry so you will be able to notice it in these pics. Below is another pic with natural light on a rainy day.

I have seen other vloggers give some dupes of this lip color. I've heard that MAC Rebel is somewhat comparable but I don't have it, so I can't say. Another comparison I have seen made is with Covergirl Lip Perfection in Euphoria. Euphoria is not a matte lipstick. It has a satin finish and although it is within the same range of color. It isn't a perfect dupe. Euphoria is less opaque than Heaux and it has more of a purple undertone but still it is similar.

Euphoria on the top lip and Heaux on the bottom. 

Another possible look-a-like I have in my stash is Maybelline Color Sensational in Blissful Berry. Again this lippie is less opaque and also less pigmented. Keep in mind, most drug store lip colors are less pigmented than higher end brands. Blissful Berry is has a satin finish and has a cooler more pinkish-purple undertone. 

Blissful Berry on top lip and Heaux on bottom.

Run Down

Packaging   5 of 5

Texture and Smell   4 of 5

Application   4 of 5

Pigmentation   5 of 5

Lasting Power   5 of 5

Overall   4.6 out of 5   Not bad at all...

Jess

Ok sorry guys. I haven't gotten to that Riri <3 MAC Heaux lipstick. I promise I'll do it soon. As for the others, Riri Woo and Riri Boy, I am still waiting for them. MAC or UPS messed up my shipment and I never recieved it. Let me tell you, their customer service in that department is not good. I love MAC, really love MAC, but this is ridiculous. They sent it out twice and I still haven't recieved it. Now they say it will likely take another week to be sent again. Have I mentioned it has already been three weeks. Yeah...not so fun. Customer service makes me feel like it's my fault, not cool MAC. Luckily Riri Boy is a seperate shipment and it should arrive soon; keeping my fingers crossed.
So my question to anyone who is reading this...How has your customer service experience with MACCOSMETICS.COM been and have you ever not recieved a shipment? Write me, post a comment. I'm curious to know.

Jess

It's been a while...

Ok so I only have three posts. Oopsies! The issue was that I really wanted to do a review on some new makeup I ordered from MAC, but it seems fate had other plans. I never recieved my order. After speaking to MAC, they reshipped it. Guess what? I didn't recieve it either. UPS really sucks in Miami, either that or someone stole it. Well whatever it was, here I am still waiting for my stuff. :,-( Just so you know COMING SOON...review on RIRI WOO, RIRI BOY, AND HEAUX lipsticks, all part if the RIRI <3 MAC SUMMER Collection. I already have the Heaux lipstick, which thankfully was backordered and the only thing I recieved in a seperate package. I should be getting RIRI BOY next week and as for the rest,...Who knows. Waiting for a supervisor to do his or her work over there at MAC. The review and swatches for Heauax will be up soon, I promise. And other goodies I ordered as soon as I get them. Keep coming back and thank you for reading, who ever you are.

Muah...Jess

LOREAL TOTAL REPAIR 5 RESTORING SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER, AND DAMAGE ERASING-BALM REVIEW

   Dry and damaged usually goes hand-in-hand with color-treated hair. I have been coloring my hair since I was thirteen years old. I have had every color hair under the sun and although my hair is very resilient, it has been dry lately. This is probably due to the ombre lightening I have been wearing for the last year. Highlights and any bleaching are always drying and my ends will tell you so. 
   I saw commercials for this product for a couple of weeks and I wanted to give it a go. I purchased it at Walmart about a month and a half ago and have been using it since. 
   Does it hold true to its claims? I believe so. Although I haven't seen massive improvement, it has moisturized my hair significantly. It holds my frizziness at bay and my hair is much more tame and soft. I have noticed my hair is much more moisturized and shiny especially at the root. A word of caution to those with oily hair, this product may make your hair more oily. I do not have oily hair and benefited from the extra shine and hydration.

Packaging   

Shampoo   I loved that the bottles were different from traditional cylindrical shampoo and conditioner bottles. The shape is more ergonomic. They are easier to hold and the tops seem more sturdy and less likely to break then other flimsy ones. The shampoo squirts from the top.
Conditioner   The conditioner has the opening at the bottom. The shape of the bottle is the same and the squirt mechanism and closure is also the same. I think this was an attempt to distinguish the shampoo from the conditioner but that didn't work for me. I can never remember which is which. I really liked the bottles' shapes and the only thing that would have made them better is if they had a pump. That really makes it easier in the shower. 
Balm   As for the balm, the packaging is similar to many other hair treatments I have used. It is pretty in its color, standard in shape and has a spin-off top.

0.5 point    

Quantity of Product

Shampoo and Conditioner   So the bottles say 12.6 fluid ounces. To me it didn't seem like a lot of product but frankly I bought it for under $5. At that price, I believe there was plenty inside the bottles. 
Balm   According to container there is 5.1 ounces inside. It is densely packed and it does appear to be the standard amount for a treatment. It costs under $6 and I have paid plenty more for others less effective.

1 point

Consistency and Smell

Shampoo   The consistency is somewhat thinner than other shampoos but it does lather nicely, if you like that. The whole line has a citrus scent with a slight hint of floral. It smells very good. 
Conditioner   It has the thickness of a cream and also has a citrus smell but it has a sweeter hint to it. The smell lasts long Even the next day after having dried and curled it I get compliments on the scent of my hair.
Balm   This product almost feels like a body butter. It is very thick but it spreads into hair with ease. The smell is the same as the others.

1 point 

Immediate Results

Shampoo and Conditioner   After using both products, one after the other, it left my hair more hydrated even without the balm. It felt softer than it had been directly before and somewhat healthier. 
Balm   The balm makes all the difference. I don't use it with every wash but I do use it once to twice a week to prevent my hair from feeling dry. I can dry my hair and it doesn't look frizzy or dehydrated. I don't have split ends so I can't say how those look with this product but I could immediately see more hydrated hair. 

1 point

Long-Term Results

Shampoo, Conditioner, and Balm   The results were good immediately so I guess it has maintained the same throughout. I have noticed that my hair is less frizzy and softer in general since using this set. It is a good product and I recommend it. If your hair is dry, coarse or frizzy this product will work for you without working against your wallet.

0.5 point


4 points out of 5

Summer 2013 Lipstick Trends

Summer can really bring the heat, especially here in Miami, so it comes as no surprise that lipstick trends for this summer are as bright as the sundhine. Spring/Summer 13 runway makeup was packed full of colorful, bold and neon hues. Don't be afraid of color. It can really make your look whole and chic. If you still can't stomach the thought of a neon or bright lip try a sheer variation of the color and build yourself up. Always remember to tone down the rest of your makeup when wearing a bold lip, especially for day. Night looks can be more daring, i.e. smokey eye and bright red lips a la Selena Gomez in the "Come and Get It" video.

Here are some of the most popular looks.


REDS

Red is always a classic. It is one of the most sophisticated colors and you can wear it all year round. That means you can reuse them for winter.

This is a cooler blue-based red and it is bright in intensity. It is suitable for most skin tones and it will make teeth look whiter, great for me in particular. For this look: HIGH END... MAC Ruby Woo. matte. Nars Jungle Red, semi-matte.

LOW END...Revlon Certainly Red for $5-6. I use it and love it. Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish #010. Loreal Paris True Red. Maybelline Color Sensational Very Cherry. Milani Ruby Valentine #08.

This too is a blue-based red but a bit less intense. HIGH END: MAC Russian Red, a matte color. MAC Red, a satin creme. LOW END: Revlon Really Red, matte dupe for Russian Red. Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate Matte Collection #111. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Very Cherry. Milani Best Red #07. Lasting Finish Kate #09. All retail for $5-6.

This look is slightly warmer. For a look like this, HIGH END: Illamasqua Liable, matte finish. Chanel Rouge Allure in Audace. MAC Ruffian Red. LOW END: Covergirl Lip Perfection in Hot. Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Lipstick #111. NYX Eros. Loreal Colour Riche True Red. Milani High Voltage #04.

Warm Coral Red looks great on many women including those with darker skintones.

HIGH END: Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon. Shiseido Perfect Rouge in Lily. Nars Heatwave. MAC Lady Danger, matte. LOW END: Maybelline Neon Red from the Vivids Collection. Maybelline Are You Red-dy #625. Revlon Fire and Ice #720. Loreal Colour Riche British Red.

ORANGES

Corals and oranges are always popular for summer. They are very versatile in that they match a wide array of colors.

Pastel Orange leaning on peach. HIGH END: MAC Vegas Volt. MAC Sweet and Sour. MAC Sushi Kiss. 

LOW END: Maybelline Color Sensational Coral Crush #515

Dark Bright Orange HIGH END: MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme Good To Go. MAC Morange. MAC So Chaud. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square. LOW END: Revlon Hot Coral. Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Matte #109. Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate #12. Loreal Infallible Coral Seduction. Wet N Wild #909D.

True Neon Orange. HIGH END: Illamasqua Flare. MAC Neon Orange. MAC Sounds Like Noise. LOW END: Revlon Siren. Milani Flamingo Pose #12. Milani Sweet Nectar #01.

PINKS

Pinks are practical and usually look good on anyone. But the Pinks that are in season for this Summer are not the run-of-the-mill pinks but more on the bright side. Look for a daring pink this season and only when you think it's too out-there is it perfect.

Bright Fuschia Pink. Looks great on most skin colors. HIGH END: Nars Schiap, a semi-matte. MAC Candy Yum-Yum, a matte. LOW END: Maybelline Fuschia Fever.  

Opaque Hot Pink. HIGH END: MAC Girl About Town, creamsheen.  MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme Love Forever. LOW END: NYX Shocking Pink. NYX Sweet Pink, matte. Milani Rose Hip. Covergirl Lip Perfection Spellbound. Revlon Fuschia. Milani Hot Pink Rage#15.

Hot pink with a little red in it. HIGH END: Nars Carthage, pure matte. MAC Impassioned. MAC Pink Pigeon. LOW END: Maybelline Color Sensational Fifth Avenue Fuchsia #160. Maybelline 14 hour Lipstick Eternal Rose. Revlon Fuchsia Fushion.

Puplish-Pink.

This bubblegum pink is a little daring but it looks beautiful and very youthful. HIGH END: MAC Viva Glam Nicki II. MAC Melrose Mood. Mac Raspberry Swirl.  LOW END: Covergirl Lip Perfection in Temptress. Rimmel Pink Blush. Wet N Wild Megalast Pinkerbell 968.