NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Belle De Jour

After a recent obsession with NARS' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella (amazing, go get it!), I needed to get more from the range. "Needed to" meant in the compulsive shopaholic sense, not in the actual basic human needs sense, naturally. I started my hoarding with Dragon Girl, a long ago recommending shade from my cousin (thanks Tracey!), and rounded it off with Red Square. Both are vibrant and beautiful reds and I recommend them all the way. Next up, after a late night Sephora browsing sesh, I caved and bought Belle De Jour and Roman Holiday. Roman Holiday.. I'm on the fence about and might return, but Belle De Jour (pictured below with no liner underneath the lipstick) is a current obsession.

It's an incredibly easy to apply, gorgeous nude that looks great with virtually any eye look or outfit. So much so, that it's been my go-to lip look this whole holiday season. I skipped over the bold and the beautiful Lady Danger and Eurydice for this and haven't looked back (this means nothing though -- talk to me in a week and I'll probably be on a hot pink kick again.). I find it fades out somewhat nicely and gives a good few hours of wear before that. My only qualm with Belle De Jour is that, much like Bolero (and any light shade for that matter), it shows lip dryness and can settle a little into the lines of your lips. In you were to moisturize your lips well and find a good liner for underneath, I think this would look flawless. I'm still in the market for one -- and got a little swatch-crazy sidetracked during gift shopping at Sephora, to no avail -- so please let me know if you have found the perfect liner match.

[ NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle De Jour - $24 ]

Final Verdict: All in all, a gorgeous and multipurpose shade from an amazing, high quality range. Get a lip liner and exfoliate/moisturize your lips for optimum results -- like any matte shade, really. I put my stamp on it!

What are your favorite shades from NARS' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Range?

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural - N45

I received this mini tube (correct, your eyes haven't deceived you) of Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N45 as a 100-point perk from Sephora recently. While I typically like to save up my points for 500-point perks, who can resist a baby tube of lipstick?! Not I. 

Since I didn't couldn't tell what type of MUFE lipstick this was in their display, I would hoping it was a Rouge Artist Intense, which is the more bold and opaque style of lipsticks MUFE makes. I was a little disappointed upon application because that is when I saw that it was, in fact, a sheer formula, and not the creamy thick kind I was hoping for. Nevertheless, N45 gives up a nice pinky red glow on the lips and wore really well. It can be sheered out even further for a pink stain on the lips as well. Duh. I had it on for hours and only remembered I was wearing it when I caught my reflection -- it's that weightless. I'm not the biggest fan of sheer lipsticks, so I haven't tried many, but I would say this is one of my favorites that I have tried?

[ make up for ever rouge artist natural in N45 - $19 ]

Have you tried this formula? Love it or hate it?

YSL Glossy Stain #1 - Violet Edition

The Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres (aka Glossy Stains) were a product I heard tons of great things about on blogs and YouTube in the past few months. Everyone was raving about them, waxing on about the interesting texture, uncanny lasting power, and brilliant shine. Now it's my turn. They have a very interesting texture, an uncanny lasting power, and maintain a brilliant shine for HOURS. There. I said it! Now I'm just like everyone else. Just a cog in the machine. Robo Chelsea. Beautybot 2000. Tangent: You ever think about how much those beauty companies are just laughing their way to the bank watching this huge online culture and community of people essentially selling their products for them? It's comical how salespitchy some videos can be for absolutely no reason. If you love it, rave about it. But if not... obviously partnerships and affiliate links exist, but... okay, ya know what? I'm going to shut up because this post is about a glossy fucking lip stain and that's it! Stay shallow, Chelsea. Less thinking. I like to analyze behavior and feel like much of my enjoyment with the YouTube beauty community stems from ethnographic tendencies. Former Sociology major.... sorry. must. perform. qualitative. research. and. analyze. with. theory. Can you tell I'm writing this post at two in the morning?

You might have seen my "haul" video when I bought these (I kind of hate that term but am at a loss for what else to call those videos -- shopping sprees? latest purchases? "help me I have addiction and need an intervention"s? I don't know...). If not, let me sum it up: I was annoyingly excited about getting my first YSL products and smiled a lot. Violet Edition, aka #1, is an deep berry color; which verges on purple with increased application. The great thing about these stains -- besides for the fact they don't budge, smell really nice, and feel really cool on your lips -- is that you can achieve dramatically different effects with intensified application. In the image above, I am wearing about 4-5 layers of product. At first layer, it's a somewhat sheer/somewhat opaque berry gloss (this is visible at the end of the video I linked above). Each additional layer brings the stain to a higher level of opacity and intensity. Knowing me, I added as many layers as it took to get my desired effect -- a bold, opaque lip.

I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend these YSL Glossy Stains. The price ($32) is a little steep for the average Joanne (or fabulous Joe. werrrk.), but look no further if you feel like indulging in a special treat. If you hate shine, and permanently looking like you just finished a juicy piece of fried chicken, look further -- these really aren't for you. Now for the "bad": Beware of dry lips, as the stain can cling to dry patches; and while they are long lasting through eating, they still have some stick to them which can cause food to cling and absorb some of the stain. I speak from specific experience eating spring rolls at dinner. Cute. But that's it for cons. All in all, an awesome product with a great shade range (I own two right now, but have my eye on more). Love em!

My NYX Lipstick Collection

In a previous post on NYX Matte Lipstick in Pure Red, I gushed about my love for the NYX Matte Lipstick formula and included swatches of my (then) entire NYX Collection. Since then, I've acquired the stunning Hippie Chic and made a video showcasing all three formulas (Matte, Regular, and Soft Matte Lip Cremes) and their gorgeous shades. Hope you enjoy it!

 

Products Mentioned (in no particular order):

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cremes: 
• Monte Carlo, San Paulo, Amsterdam, and Addis Adaba
• NYX Round Lipstick: 
• Chic Red and Pink Lyric
• NYX Matte Lipstick: 
• Alabama, Merlot, Pure Red, Indie Flick, Hippie Chic, Shocking Pink, Bloody Mary, Sweet Pink, and Summer Breeze

As I said in the previous post (mixed with some new info)...

These highly pigmented NYX Matte lipsticks are a great value for money (they will only set you back about $5.99 for 4.5 grams of product) and, in my opinion, are quite comparable to MAC lipsticks ($14.50 for 3 grams). If you're an animal lover, you'll be happy to hear that NYX is a cruelty-free brand -- Dexter is quite pleased with that.

I haven't had a lot of experience with the regular lipstick range (worn the two I own very rarely), but I've heard good things. The Soft Matte Lip Cremes are really nice, I love the finish and look of them. They wear for quite a long time too, surprisingly. Addis Adaba, the bright pink, is definitely one of my favorites. The Mattes wear well, with a great matte finish -- duh -- but... if you're not a fan of matte lipsticks then you'll probably want to either avoid em and check NYX's regular lipstick range, which has about 70 shades, or simply apply gloss over the top. However, I love a matte finish and rarely ever use gloss or products on top of my lipstick. All of the shades (minus Hippie Chic -- which required a liner for an opaque look) I've tried were remarkably forgiving for a matte, not really that drying, wore very well on my lips with no liner, lasted for hours, and did not feather or bleed into my skin when wearing a liner -- without a liner underneath, very little occurs anyways.

If you are a packaging junkie, note that the packaging does feel a little cheap, as it's a very light plastic. Nevertheless, I have transported it around in bags and never had a problem with the top coming off or cracks in the plastic. Obviously it's not the most sleek or sophisticated packaging out there; but for a great quality lipstick for just under $6, can you REALLY complain that much?

 I highly, highly recommend you try the Matte formula out -- there is a large range (22+) of reds, cranberries, pinks, nudes, peaches, and orangier (Is that a word? Well, now it is.) shades to choose from.

FYI: The Matte shades that really stand above the rest for me are Indie Flick, Pure Red, Shocking Pink, Alabama, and Hippie Chic.

 Do you own any of these? Love em? Hate em? Let me know!

MAC - Vegas Volt

When I bought MAC Vegas Volt, I remember thinking I was buying the craziest, brightest color ever. This was obviously back in the days when my lipstick collection was teeeeeny weeeeeny. Oh, how naive I was. I won't comment on how big this "collection" of mine is now, because... well... it would just take too damn long to count it. Now that I've got gorgeous, out there shades like MAC Reel Sexy and Morange, I hardly consider Vegas Volt to be a wacky shade! Each time I wear it now, I am continuously surprised by the color never being as bright as I remember it to be. Sigh, I guess you never forget your first. ;)

Vegas Volt is an amplified finish, which is my favorite MAC formula BY FAR. It wears well on my lips without scrubbing or buffing and sans lip pencil. That's the beauty of the amplified finish -- long, easy wear with a crazily pigmented color. When I actually take the proper steps to ensure long lasting wear, it lasts for hours and hours. I like this shade a lot, though it is not one of my all-time favorites. It will always be a fun color to have in my arsenal, so I would definitely repurchase it if I made my way down to the dredges of the bullet. In my life, I have yet to ever finish a lipstick. I have so many and wear all different shades all the time -- I hardly make dents in even my most favorite shades! I think my most worn down shades are Hue, Girl About Town, and Lady Danger? Hue will probably be the first lipstick I finish since it's such an easy everyday color that I throw in my bag on the regular for touch ups. But, enough about Hue... I'll talk about that one on a later date.

MAC - Rebel

MAC Rebel lipstick definitely holds a spot on my "top 10 lipsticks" list, a list I have yet to truly finalize. It's a gorgeous berry color (one I don't just reserve for fall and winter months, like many of my other berry toned lipsticks) with a satin finish, which I find to be an overall incredibly long lasting and easy finish to wear -- no feathering or drying feeling. It's buildable for an even bolder lip, but also acts as an excellent stain if you are little cautious of said bold lip (It's okay, we can still be friends). I think this color looks beautiful with so many skin tones and clothing combinations -- predominately teal/turquoise (I never wear this shirt without wearing Rebel too).

For more pictures of me wearing this lipstick, click here -- to see it in motion, click here for a video.

NYX - Matte Pure Red

One of my favorite bold, bright reds is NYX Matte Lipstick in "Pure Red." These highly pigmented NYX Matte lipsticks are a great value for money (they will only set you back about $5.99 for 4.5 grams of product) and quite comparable to MAC lipsticks ($14.50 for 3 grams), in my opinion. All this gram talk makes me sound like a drug dealer... you'll have to excuse me, I'm currently immersed in a Breaking Bad marathon! But hey, lipsticks ARE my drug of choice. ;) If you're an animal lover, you'll be happy to hear that NYX is a cruelty-free brand -- Dexter is quite pleased with that.

It wears well, with a great matte finish -- if you're not a fan of matte lipsticks then you'll probably want to either avoid the noid (check NYX's regular lipstick range, which has about 70 shades) or simply apply gloss over the top. However, I love a matte finish and rarely ever use gloss or products on top of my lipstick. This shade wore very well on my lips with no liner, lasted for hours, and did not feather or bleed into my skin at all. Next to MAC's Lady Danger, I dare say this is one of my favorite reds! It's quite similar to that shade, but less orange. It's much brighter and more orange than MAC's Russian Red. I'd say that the closest I have to it from my own lipsticks is MAC's Scarlett Ibis (a sought after limited edition color from the Iris Apfel collection), but it is just the tiniest bit brighter. So if you missed out on Scarlett Ibis, scoop this up!!  If you are a packaging junkie, note that the packaging does feel a little cheap, as it's a very light plastic. Nevertheless, I have transported it around in bags and never had a problem with the top coming off or cracks in the plastic. Obviously it's not the most sleek or sophisticated packaging out there; but for a great quality lipstick for just under $6, can you REALLY complain that much?

I recently purchased more of these lipsticks because I was so impressed during my first encounter with "Pure Red," so I will be sure to let you know what I think of those as well in an upcoming video featuring my whole NYX lipstick "collection." I highly, highly recommend you try this formula out -- there is a large range (22+) of reds, cranberries, pinks, nudes, peaches, and orangier (Is that a word? Well, now it is.) shades to choose from. FYI: other shades that really stand above the rest for me are Indie Flick, Shocking Pink, Alabama, and Hippie Chic (not shown below).

[ all of the larger swatches on the left half of my arm are the Matte Lipsticks ]

[ the two in middle are from the Lipstick line ]

 [ the glossier looking shades on the right are Soft Matte Lip Creams ]

My NARS Lipstick Collection

Many of my YouTube viewers have been asking for a video outlining my lipstick collection, so of course I had to deliver. The only problem is... I HAVE SO MANY LIPSTICKS! You know how long that video would be?! Intimidatingly long. Make sure you go to the bathroom before you start it long. I'd rather watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy because it's shorter long. So, today I offer you Part 1: My NARS Lipstick Collection. Enjoy!

Velvet Matte Lip Pencils

Bolero

Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils

Baroque

Pure Matte Lipsticks

Mascate, Terre De Feu, Valparasio, Vesuvio, Carthage, + Bangkok

Semi-Matte Lipsticks

Schiap, Scarlet Empress, Red Lizard, Heat Wave, + Morocco

Sheer Lipsticks

Barbarella, Fast Ride, Cruising, + Dolce Vita

Satin Lipsticks

Afghan Red

For more of my lipstick picks, check out My Beauty Favorites.

MAC - Naughty Sauté

Naughty Sauté, a cremesheen lipstick from the Shop MAC Cook MAC collection, is one of my all-time favorite pinks. It's a bright, blue-based pink that wears incredibly well -- 3+ hours on me. I love to pair this lip with muted makeup and black clothes, allowing for its in your face, Pepto Bismol brightness to be the main focus of the outfit. Laugh at me all you want, but this color makes me look feel tan. One thing to note that never seems to be visible in any pictures online is that up close there are some very fine sparkles visible. However, in my opinion, they are not very apparent and shouldn't be of much concern if you are a glitterphobe (like me!).

It's not a color for everyone, as I've been told by many while wearing it, but I love it so much I ebay-ed for a backup after only having it a week. Don't worry, I only paid a few dollars over retail -- I'm not crazy! This product was limited edition, so unless you're willing to purchase from ebay or swap on MakeupAlley, you're just going to have to wait until it is re-promoted in a future collection.

Read My Lips: Illamasqua Obey + Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pop

After I saw Lisa Eldridge use Illamasqua "Obey" in her video documenting a "modern take on 60's peachy makeup" I. had. to. have. it. If you don't watch Lisa's videos, you're missing out on so many amazing, insightful tutorials from a very successful veteran makeup artist. I could sit and watch her videos for hours, and so what if I do!?! This is a judgement free zone, Mom! Seesh. I applied it very lightly and made it a little more wearable with a thin layer of Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in "Pop." This gloss is one of my favorites -- despite the fact that I, personally, am not a true lip gloss fan. Gotta give credit where credit is due!



In the flesh I'd say that this lip appears a little more chalky and bright, but barely. It really depends on your application with this lipstick, as it can be used in a variety of ways for different effects.

MAC - Peachstock