Red on red

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Wearing Nars Flamenco from the Steven Klein Magnificent Obsession Lip Set

Wearing Nars Flamenco from the Steven Klein Magnificent Obsession Lip Set

Easy reds. What is that? It's a red lippie which:

  • Never makes you break a sweat when applying it
  • Reinforcements, who needs em'? Read: Q-tips, tissues, and a bottle of micellar water
  • And, one that receives the most compliments, and is quite possibly the most universally flattering shade of red.

Why Francois ever decided to permanently pull Flamenco (a sheer, candy apple red) from the shelves, it honestly alludes me to this day. But if you're in a Sephora this particular weekend, and you happen to spy this gift set leftover from the holidays on the shelf, please buy it for your BFF. She will thank you, and maybe even offer to let you borrow it from time to time. I've even been told Flamenco is their "power red," and she's a lawyer.

Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (bottom), Flamenco (middle), and Misdemeanor Lip Liner (top)

Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (bottom), Flamenco (middle), and Misdemeanor Lip Liner (top)

Swatches of Misdemeanor Lip Liner (left), Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (centre), and Flamenco (right)

Swatches of Misdemeanor Lip Liner (left), Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (centre), and Flamenco (right)

How to apply Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

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Stumped on how to apply Nars' All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation? I certainly was!

Despite my tireless pursuit to learn how to make this persnickety foundation work for me, I've officially thrown in the towel. In other words, I'll be returning this bottle ASAP.

Fret not normal skinned people, Nars' All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation might just be the foundation for you. For oily/combination gals, be sure to check out Kitsch Snitch's review.

Other products used and/or mentioned in this tutorial:

*Edit* I suffered some sort of reaction to Cosmedics Antioxidant Hydra-Mist shortly after filming this video. If you have sensitive skin, please do not use this product.

And on closer inspection, here I'm wearing Shade Light 4 in Deauville a few weeks ago

And on closer inspection, here I'm wearing Shade Light 4 in Deauville a few weeks ago

Swatch of deauville slightly blended out

Swatch of deauville slightly blended out

Swatch of Deauville fully blended out

Swatch of Deauville fully blended out

What's in my makeup bag: Hawaiian edition

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Some of the items in my makeup bag

Some of the items in my makeup bag

In the weeks leading up to our holiday Hawaii-vention Scott teasingly asked me to start packing; being the makeup addict that I am, I of course started with selecting my makeup first. In an attempt to spend less time in front of the mirror, I reached for things that could A.) be applied with my fingers, and would B.) enhance/fake a bronze-y glow.

Taking inspiration from the sand and the sea, here are my picks.. 

Giorgio Armani's Acqua Di Gioia, $21.00 USD for .34 oz. - Peace of mind and convenience rings true for this travel-friendly, small-ish rollerball. Aramni's 'water of joy' delivers a crisp, light scent for those moments when you need to getaway, but can't. Top notes: warmed brown sugar, lemon, and mint.

Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Golden Pink, $30.00 USD (full length review here)* - Brushes not required. This multi-tasking stick gilds the lids, highlights the cheekbones, and illuminates my Cupid's bow. Wipe on, blend like a fiend, and sparkle like the sea.

NARS' Blush in Luster, $30.00 USD (full length review here)  - Skip the bronzer and gently dust Luster on your cheeks for a sun-kissed, and natural looking glow. Dani and Angie both know what's up.

NARS' Lip Gloss in Greek Holiday, $26.00 USD - Translucent, tanned pink gloss infused with golden micro glitter delicately dances across the lips. Wear it alone or layer Greek Holiday over another lippie for something a tad more dynamic.

Becca's Beach Tint in Watermelon, $25.00 USD (full length review here)* - On the days I don't want to look like a bronzed goddess (I use that term loosely), I'll reach for something a bit cherub-like. Fingers will most certainly do - simply dab, tap, and buff with the pads of your fingers.

It goes with out saying, but I'll be toting around my SPF and will certainly reapply it on the regular in an effort to stay sun safe, and sunburn-free.

 

*PR samples provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

A glimpse at the lips: NARS Gipsy

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NARS Gipsy

NARS Gipsy

Always hunting for the next best lipstick to brighten my day, NARS Gipsy floated into my periphery. With its jangling and come hither smile, I saw something promising.

Swatch of Gipsy

Swatch of Gipsy

Gipsy applied with a lip brush

Gipsy applied with a lip brush

Gipsy applied directly from the tube

Gipsy applied directly from the tube

The great thing about Gipsy is that you can go from everyday gal to red hot tamale in five seconds flat. Trust me.

NARS lipstick, especially the sheer formula, is one of my personal favourites! No fuss, easy to apply, sticks around and feels great on my lips. Here's hoping Francois will release Schiap in another formula.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for NARS Sheer Lipstick in Gypsy:

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

  • 9 out of 10 bags — Solid.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?: