Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Double Dare - Review

Time to review another of my favorite liquid lipsticks - Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Double Dare! This is one of the new range of sixteen shades that was released earlier in July.

Double Dare is described as a "cocoa blush." The shade is a warm leaning pink, almost coral but not quite, with a splash of a nude shade mixed in. On me, it's a little bit more than a "my lips but better" shade - not too bold, but it definitely looks like I'm wearing lipstick. The formula is more creamy than a true liquid, but it isn't exactly a mushed up lipstick. The lipstick comes with a doefoot applicator that allows for smooth application. The lipstick has no discernible scent. The lipstick was opaque on one swipe. This formula takes about a minute or two to set, allowing for correction of mistakes and layering on more product. As it sets, it goes from being a liquid, to tacky, to a dry matte finish. 

I find this formula very comfortable to wear. After it sets, it does not budge. I experienced very little transfer, and after eating, the majority of the lipstick was still intact (only had to reapply a small amount on the inner lip.) There was no bleeding or feathering. I wore this with a lip primer, as matte liquid formulas can be quite drying. I did not experience any drying, but it was not hydrating. 

Another great shade from the Kat von D line, they really are my favorite liquid lipsticks!

Pros:

• Pigmented, opaque on one swipe
• Smooth application
• No scent
• No bleeding or feathering
• Very little transfer

Cons:

• May be drying without the use of a primer

Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Double Dare - $20.00 for 0.22 oz

Review - 5/5

Arcana Apples Crave Apples perfume oil - Review

Apples Crave Apples came out near the end of the spring/beginning of the summer as an add on to the Peaches Crave and Strawberries Crave collections from Arcana. I missed out on this initially, but was very excited to pick it up from a destash! I had been wanting a fresh apple scent to add to my collection, and this sounded perfect.

Apples Crave Apples has notes of golden apple, green apple, Winesap, Fuji, fresh apple, baked apple, spiced apple, apple cider, and a hint of apple. In the bottle, the first scent is apple cinnamon - think an apple cinnamon candle from AC Moore or Michael's. I had gotten that scent initially when I first received the bottle, and I let it sit for a few weeks hoping the cinnamon scent would deter enough to get more of a fresh apple note. Unfortunately, that never happened. On the skin, I can still only get that apple cinnamon note, I'm going to go with the "spiced apple" from the description. I couldn't think of anything else but cheap apple cinnamon candle the entire time I wore this, it was really disappointing.

The longevity was great on this (of course!) and I could still smell it with no issues at the 8 hour mark. There was a good throw on this too, my car smelled like apple cinnamon candle, and I smelled it all day at my desk, even without moving my arms around. So if you're looking for something with longevity and throw - this is your oil!

I'm disappointed that I didn't get any of the fresh apple notes I was looking for. Hopefully others that picked this up have better luck than i did. Thankfully, I was able to rehome this scent, so it doesn't waste away in my "perfume cellar."

Pros:

• Spiced apple note, can't deny it!
• Long lasting
• Good throw

Cons:

• Couldn't get any other note other than spiced apple
• Smelled like a cheap candle on me

Review - 1/5 (I give credit to the longevity and throw for the one point.)

Perfume oils work differently for different people due to skin chemistry. This is my experience with this perfume oil, which may differ for you!

August 2015 Favorites!

This past month I've really been trying to focus on my skin, and the products I've been reaching for a lot reflect that. Since it's been so humid out, I figured I might as well roll with dewy skin - no way I was staying matte!

1. YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation - I love this foundation for many reasons. It applies beautifully, smells so nice, and looks like skin! The downside is that it isn't cheap. ($57 for 1 oz.) The coverage is sheer, but can be built up a little bit for more coverage and still not look cakey. For reference, I use two pumps of shade B20 mixed with a pump of B10.
2. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid in Moonstone - Can I just say that I love the smaller size squeezy tube? Becca also offers this in a pump bottle that's about the size of a foundation. Moonstone is a wonderful pale gold that is the right mix of glow and sparkle. It isn't full on GLITTER, and is great for the cheekbones, cupids bow, and brow highlight. I like to apply this right on top of my foundation for the most natural effect.
3. Becca Beach Tint in Fig - I have this in a mini version from a Beach Tint duo I picked up a while ago, but I will end up buying the full size when this is out. The Beach Tints have a nice scent, and can be applied over foundation to give a subtle wash of color, or can be built up for a more defined cheek. I like to use a light wash of color to achieve a natural shade that sinks into the skin.
4. MAC Eyeshadow in Shroom - I've had this eyeshadow for ages, and it's lasted so long because I really only use it as an inner corner or brow highlight. This shadow is great to add a subtle wash of shimmer that doesn't scream HIGHLIGHT!
5. Kat von D Tattoo Liner in Mad Max Brown - I've been loving brown liner lately, and I love the KvD Tattoo Liners! I've used this for wings, or just to get a close line by the lashline to emphasize my eyes a bit. This liner is great for summer humidity because it just doesn't budge. I also like the fact that brown is a little more natural on me than a black liner, so it isn't as harsh.

Now that fall is coming, I can't wear to break out my darker lipsticks and dramatic eye products. Can't wait to see what I'll reaching for in September!

Nails of the Day - 09.03.15

I've been having some trouble with my nails - breakage, peeling, just all around unpleasantness. Due to that, it's been a while since I've done my nails! Here's my latest mani, which is a bit worse for wear since I didn't photograph it right away!

Products Used:

• OPI Nail Envy
• Deborah Lippmann creme nail polish in You've Got A Friend
• Deborah Lippmann glitter nail polish in Some Enchanted Evening
• Seche Vite

I actually didn't use a makeup sponge for the glitter tips, I used the brush that came with the polish, and it came out quite nicely!

3B Box - August 2015

The 3B Box (Beauty Beyond Borders - three B, get it?!) is a new(er) beauty subscription that sends out a curated selection of Asian brands every month. I originally saw this box on After the 9 to 5 and was intrigued, so I signed up for the waitlist. I managed to get in on the fun and received my first box!

The 3B box is $12 per month. With subscription boxes, you usually receive minis or deluxe samples. I was pleased to get a full sized mascara and eye cream in my first box! I have tried to give some of the products a few tries before writing this up, but here's everything that came in the box.

• Missha Pure Source Cell Sheet Mask in Mango - I love sheet masks! I've never tried these Missha masks before, so I happily gave it a try. The mask smelled just like a fresh, ripe mango. The fit on the mask was nice too, not overly wide or long. However, the mask didn't do much besides give my face some extra moisture. But the fresh mango scent was very, very nice. This mask is currently listed on RoseRoseShop for 70 cents.
• RiRe Luxe Long & Curl Mascara - I have trouble with mascara simply because I have short, thin lashes. No mascara gives me the amount of length I need to look like I have a nice set of lashes, which is why I opt to wear false lashes a lot of the time. This mascara gives me a decent amount of length, though not much volume. The wand is weirdly shaped, it's more of a short, round loop instead of a long brush like other mascaras I've tried. I'll keep using it, but I don't think I'd repurchase this on my own. The full size mascara is on RoseRoseShop for $4.67.
• Secret Key Starting Treatment Eye Cream - I'm currently finishing up a tub of eye cream, maybe I'll try this one next! I feel like I never have to buy an eye cream, since I always get samples from online orders, or items in boxes like this. This is a full sized product, which is really nice. RoseRoseShop has the full size for $7.07.
• TonyMoly Delight Tony Tint - I'm not super big into lip tints, so it's nice to get a mini of one to try! I haven't given this a whirl yet, but I'm excited to in the future. These tints are supposed to be good for doing a gradient lip effect that is pretty popular. This mini is valued at about $4.00.

The total estimated value of the box I received is $16.44 - not bad! I paid $12 so I got my money's worth. I am excited to see what the next 3B box contains!

Kismet Cosmetics Liquid Lipsticks in Elope and On Point - Review

I'm happy to be reviewing a new product, and from a new company (to me, at least!) The team at Kismet Cosmetics were super kind and provided me with two of their new liquid lipsticks to review!

I received two liquid lipstick shades - Elope and On Point. Liquid lipsticks are the "in" item right now in terms of lip products, but you normally find liquid to matte formulas. Kismet's formula is different - the finish isn't matte, but ends up as a regular lipstick finish. It can be glossy or more satin, depending on how you blot it. 

Elope is described as a "nude." The shade is a pink leaning nude, somewhat tawny. It wasn't the type of nude that washes you out, and on the lips it definitely looked more pink (on me, at least.)

On Point is a "classic pink shade with hints of orchid and nude undertones." It is a creamy, bright pink with hints of coral. 

The applicator for these lipsticks is an elongated, slim doe foot, with a rounded end. The doe foot is much bigger than what I'm used to (think the doe foot on Kat von D's liquid lipsticks.) However, the larger doe foot did not create issues with application. The texture of these lipsticks surprised me - it was more like a thick gloss than a lipstick. Unlike Fyrinnae's Lip Lustres, which are definitely like a mushed up "regular" lipstick in a tube with a doe foot, these have the creaminess of a lipstick with the feel of a gloss. 

I didn't notice any difference in texture or formula between the two shades. There was no added scent that I could detect. Pigmentation was good for each - one swipe covered the lips well, but the formula can be built up for more intensity if you so desired. Because they are not a liquid to matte formula, they never really "set," meaning you can touch up without issue, or add another layer and not have to rush. Application was smooth due to the gloss-like texture. The formula was non sticky, which was nice considering its consistency. I usually wore two layers and then blotted the product for a less shiny, more satin finish.

Since these don't dry, there was some transfer when it came to cups and eating. I experienced no bleeding or feathering. They did not stand up to a full meal, and needed reapplication. Reapplication was smooth due to the non matte formula. I wore these with a lip primer, as always, and they did not dry out my lips. As the day wore on, the lipstick faded evenly.

I wanted to note that these lipsticks are both vegan and cruelty free, as well as gluten free. (I'm not a connoisseur of items with those qualities, but it's always good to note. I'm also hunting for GF items for a friend, and it's great that it's clearly listed!)

Pros:

• Non drying
• No bleeding or feathering
• No scent
• Non sticky
• Pigmented

Cons:

• Prone to transfer
• Larger doe foot may be tricky for some
• Needs to be reapplied due to no "dry down" of the formula

Kismet Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick - $22.00 each
Review - 4/5

These products were provided as press samples for review. Reviews on these items are honest opinions, and were not solicited.