Lancome Le Lipstique Mauvelle - Swatch and Review

This is another shop my stash discovery. This Lancome lip liner was part of a free gift with purchase that I got quite a while ago. I seriously badly neglected it until one day my daughter was wearing it all over her lips and I asked her "oo this lip color looks nice on you, what are you wearing?" When she told me it was the Lancome lip liner, I was like damn! I need to show it some love! lol.


Packaging

• Thought it's just a pencil, it looks elegant with the gold lettering. 
• The pencil also include a lip brush. I find the brush a little flimsy. It'll work better with something creamier like a lipstick.
•  .04 oz or 1.2 g

Product

• Mauvelle is a matte medium berry mauve. 
• Since I've had it for a while it felt slightly drier than when I first received it. I remembered it being creamier when it was still new. It's still creamy but just not as much. 
• The pigmentation is very good. It is smudge-resistant and long-wearing. You could pair it with a lipstick or wear it alone but I would suggest using a lip balm first since it's not very hydrating. 
• It does a wonderful job at making the lipstick last longer and prevent it from feathering. 

Final Thought

The formula is really nice. One of the best lip liner that I have because it's creamy and pigmented. You definitely can feel the quality if you want to compare this to a drugstore lip liner; however, for the price, it kind of makes me think twice. Lip liners are the least used and most neglected products in my beauty regime, which is why I don't own that many but if it's a must have for you and you don't mind paying a little extra for a good quality lip liner, then I would suggest you give Lancome Le Lipstique a try.

Rating: 9.5/10

Price: $25.00
Availability: Any Lancome counter

Sephora VIB Haul - Part 1 (In-Store Purchase)

The VIB sale started last Thursday and is good till Monday. Although I never received my VIB invite through mail or email (I wonder what went wrong this year), I still went in...Got my discount and my bag.

Although I didn't get everything that I put on my wishlist, I ended up grabbing other things. I spoiled myself rot and with some luck, I got everything that I wanted. I feel complete...and broke. Happy as can be, yet guilty for the over-indulgence.

Anyhooo, these are the new products that I was able to pick up in store.

Sephora Contour Eye Pencil 12 HR Wear Waterproof ($9.00 each). For this haul I only picked up three pencils. Baby Blues was from a previous haul but anyways I took a picture of them together because eventually you will see a review and swatches for them :).

I redeemed 100 points for a deluxe sample of the Marc Jabobs Highliner Gel Crayon and initially, I never thought I was going to get it because of the price but after several use I think I can justify this purchase and especially with the VIB discount. The reason why I love it is because it performs really well for tight lining and on the waterline. You know how hard it is to get a good pencil that works well there and this pencil is one of the best I've tried. I've already done a review and you can read it HERE if you missed it.
The only difference between the sample and the full size liner is that this one comes with a built in sharpener and contains .1 oz. Retails for $25.00.

I redeemed 100 points for the Lancome Energie de Vie moisturizer. On second thought I didn't need it but I just like redeeming my points for something, lol.

The Murad Perfecting lotion ($35) was for my son. He's been using this for a couple years now and has been helping keep his oil under control and his skin has cleared up a lot from using it. He was about to run out so this was the perfect time to get a back up.

I also asked for a sample of the Origins Perfect World serum. This stuff feels like silk and velvet.

Here's how the  free VIB tote looks like. It's cute and pretty roomy. I wish that they would switch to something other than a bag. A couple years ago, we got an umbrella and that was nice. Otherwise, we always get a bag.

I went back again to Sephora yesterday. The main reason for this additional trip was because the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette ($58) was sold out on Thursday. When I checked online, it was sold out as well, and I called the store on Friday evening when I got off work to see if they had any in stock and they told me they sold out again but are expecting to get more on Saturday. So I pretty much got to the Sephora store as soon as they opened and to my delight, I finally got my hand on it. I wanted to squeal with excitement. I can finally move on happily.

As if acquiring the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette wasn't enough already, I roamed in the store once more to see if there was anything else I might have missed. The funny thing is even one of the associate recognized me and said "well hello and welcome back!" lol. I smiled and said hi back to her.

I picked up one more of the Formula X nail polish. This is the one I wanted but put down last time I was there. Aurora ($12.50) is a sheer and milky nail polish with lots of iridescent gold and purple shimmers. It looks whimsical like fairy dusts. I think it would look fantastic as a layering top coat. It is classified under the Lusters category.

I purchased Flower Bomb by Viktor & Rolf,  .68 oz eau de parfum ($50), for my daughter because she is obsessed with the scent. I was actually a little disappointed that the shape of the .68 oz bottle didn't resemble a grenade like the other bottles. Flower Bomb has an oriental flowery scent with a bit of sweetness. I usually stay away from sweet scents because they're not really my cup of tea but there is something feminine and sophisticated about this perfume that doesn't scream "girly" and I find the sweetness of the scent mixes beautifully with the floral notes. I wouldn't mind wearing it myself. I think this is a scent that will appeal to both mature and younger women.

I previously purchased the Hourglass Veil Mineral primer, .33 oz ($18), and found out that my daughter occasionally uses it too, lol, so I thought that well perhaps I should get another one. I didn't want to get the full size bottle because it's quite expensive and we don't use it very often.

Lastly, low and behold, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting face palette I have been going nuts trying to get my hands on it. It's been sold out on and off (online and in-store) so my suggestion is call your local Sephora and ask them if they have it in stock, if or when they will be having some more and be there the minute the store is open. This palette is limited edition and you get 3 different Ambient Powders. Two of them are from the permanent line and one is exclusive to this palette.

Each shade from the palette contains 3.3 g or .116 oz. A full size Ambient Powder contains .35 oz and cost $45.00, and currently all of their full size powders are also sold out...WOW! The Ambient Lighting face palette also include a mini .16 oz mineral veil primer. It is really tiny, it's about the size of my pinky finger.

What's the hype about this palette? The ambient lighting powders are finishing powders and their purpose is to blur imperfection and soften the light reflection on your skin to give you that soft focus, glowing, and youthful appearance that you normally get with professional photography. Sounds fantastic, doesn't it?

Dim Light - light peachy pink nude with a satin, almost matte finish.
Incandescent Light (limited edition) - soft shimmery pale pearly light pink
Radiant Light - soft shimmery warm peachy nude


The powders themselves feel extremely smooth, luxurious, and silky. I think the hype and the texture of these powders totally got me sold. The shimmers are very fine and very subtle in Incandescent Light and Radiant Light.

I haven't got a chance to try them on my face to give you a full complete review so this is just my initial impression of the powders. I can see why they are labeled as finishing powders. They feel very light and somewhat translucent so I don't think they will conflict with your natural skin color, which makes it appealing for all skintone but perhaps fair to light medium complexion may notice the difference a little more.

Dim Light, Incandescent Light, Radiant Light

So that is it for my in-store purchase. I did more damage online so you will see part 2 when I receive my products :)

Did you shop the VIB sale? Did you get everything that you wanted?

Lancome Tonique Radiance Toner Review

Why today still feels like a Monday? I can honestly say that a toner is a product I could probably do without. I got this toner as part of my Lancome gift with purchase. It's always exciting to get freebies with a purchase, especially if they are such generous size. It also gives you an opportunity to try other products from the brand.


Packaging

• Clear blue plastic bottle
• I have the GWP trial so this is 4.2 oz. A full size bottle is 6.8 oz

Product

• It smells fresh with a bit of floral scent to it. The problem I have is that the scent of alcohol and fragrance is really strong. Yes, it does contain alcohol. Whenever I apply this on my face, it makes my head spin. So if you have a sensitive nose, you probably won't like the strong alcohol scent.
• Aside from the scent, I didn't find it drying on my normal combination skin. 
• It does a good job a cleansing my skin, minimizing pores, and absorbing oil. 

Final Thought

Works for my skin type (normal/oily) and my skin feels more refined and clean when I use it. The problem I have with it is the strong alcohol scent, which I find too much for me to enjoy. Skip this toner if you are sensitive to strong scents, if you have sensitive skin or dry skin.

Rating: 8/10

Price: $25.00 for 6.8 oz
Available at Lancome

Do you use a toner? Which one is your favorite?

Lancome Visionnaire Serum Review

Hey everyone! Today, I'll be reviewing the Lancome Visionnaire serum. This serum is supposed to correct wrinkles, pores, and uneven skin texture. By the way, if you still haven't gotten a gift for mother's day yet, this may be something to consider if it is within your budget.


Packaging

• Gorgeous and fancy looking. 
• Pump dispenser
• .67 oz or 20 ml. I purchased the smallest size. This serum also comes in larger sizes.

Product

• White gel with some iridescent pink shimmers. 
• Has a nice rosy scent that I don't find too overpowering
• The serum absorb quickly and has a rich, very smooth, and silky texture to it.
• It makes my skin feel very soft and smooth.
• It's very hydrating, perhaps a bit more than I needed since I have normal/combination skin. People with dry skin will certainly benefit from this serum. 

Final Thought

This serum has luxury written all over it, from the packaging to the texture. I've noticed softer, smoother, and more supple skin within a few days of use. It's hard to say how effective this serum is with wrinkles since I don't have any. Overall, it does what I need it to do...improve my skin texture, which also help improve makeup application. 

Rating: 9/10. 

Price: $69.00
Available at Lancome 

Lancome Color Design Lipstick Pretty Burgundy - Swatch and Review

Hello Ladies,

Today, I'll be reviewing a lipstick from Lancome that I got as a gift with purchase. The Color Design lipsticks are available anywhere Lancome is sold and retail for $22.00.

What Lancome says about their Color Design Lipsticks...

If your lips long for full, fade-free color in tempting textures, and a shade selection that would inspire any makeup artist; the search is over. This luxurious lipstick is infused with soothing ingredients, so lips feel soft and comforted all day. Choose from five fabulous finishes: cream, sheen, shimmer, metallic and matte.

Packaging

• GWP packaging looks different than the original packaging. It's more plain & simple.
• .14 oz or 4g

Product

• Pretty Burgundy is a nice plummy red with a cream finish.
• It's probably not the creamiest lipsticks I've tried but it still applies smoothly. It feels slightly moisturizing and quite comfortable. It doesn't slip or slide and even wearing it without a lipliner, I found that it didn't feather either.
• Need to exfoliate and moisturize prior to application as it tend to highlight dry skin. 
• It lasted 4 hours easily and left a stain behind that lasted over 8 hours
• It is unscented, something I really don't mind. 

Final Thought

I love the color. I'm always drawn to berry and plummy reds. The pigmentation was great and color lasted for a very long time. The formula is conditioning enough to keep your lips comfortable for the first 4 hours. I love receiving these lipsticks as a GWP.

Rating: 9.5/10

Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eye Color Base Nude - Review & Swatches

Hello Beauties,

I picked up this Lancome Waterproof eye primer a week ago during their GWP promo at Macy's. I thought that it was interesting that this product claims to be waterproof. I felt like I needed to take it home for a few spins and see if it really delivers. I usually target makeup that have a long-wear capability because I'm one of those ladies who almost never touch up her makeup once it's done. I have more important things to worry about throughout the day than checking out my face and can you imagine my horror when I go to the bathroom and find that I've spend hours passing by or talking to people with my raccoon eyes and they act like they don't see it. I hate these people, lol. Seriously, even if I saw someone with their booger hanging down their nose, I'd tell them. Anyways, the moral of the story is not everyone is cool like me, just kidding!

What Lancome says about this primer...

"Not all eye shadow primers are created equal. But this primer makes promises it can keep—long-lasting shadow wear and vibrancy, with absolutely no creasing. The silky-smooth, waterproof formula holds pigment in place and delivers nude, barely-there color that evens out eyelids and leaves them with a natural, matte finish. Apply with fingertips under your favorite Lancôme shadow. Fragrance-free."

Packaging

• Fancy looking glass pot
• .14 oz or 4g

Product

• The primer has a similar texture to the MAC's paint pot. It may appear like a thick concealer paste yet once your rub it with your finger it feels creamier and applies quite nicely. 
• The color is light on my eyes but on the swatch it looks like a light nude with a slight peach undertone to it. I find it instantly brightens my eyes, which I find nice. 
• It did help making my eyeshadows look more vibrant upon application. However, I'm very disappointed. After 4 hours of wear, I start noticing that the colors are fading. After 8 hours, I noticed more fading and creasing. I had high hopes for this primer and it really let me down. My Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Insurance never let eyeshadows crease on me, even after 8 hours. 

Final Thought

So 2 out of 3 products are going back. I'm pretty bummed. I hate returning products but considering how pricey these are, I definitely need to exchange them with something else. The Lancome Aquatique retails for $25.50. At this point, I don't even care if it is or says to be waterproof because it sure wasn't crease-proof or fade-proof. I read mixed reviews on this product and now I see why. Those who have drier lids might have better luck with this product. 

My rating: 5/10

Lancome Color Design Infinite Eyeshadow Absolute Jade - Swatch, Review, Dupe, and Eye Makeup

Hello ladies,

Today, I'll be delivering you the review and swatches of Lancome Color Design Infinite Eyeshadow Absolute Jade that I purchased at Macy's during their GWP promo. If you missed out on the haul, you can click HERE to view what else I got and the freebies.

Packaging

• Plastic jar container with additional plastic top cover underneath the cap. I'm rather surprised the container was plastic. It gives it a bit of a cheap feeling to it.
• .12 oz or 3.5 g

• Absolute Jade is a medium shimmery sage color with a bit of gold sheen to it.

Product

• Creamy pressed powder that feel and looks just like the L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows or the Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense eyeshadows.
• Excellent pigmentation, easy to blend, gorgeous color.
• Now, here's the kicker for me. When I got home, I pulled out the L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in the shade Golden Sage and swatched them both side by side and it was a spot on dupe! Texture, look, and feel exactly the same! I was crushed because it really do me no good to have two of the same product. Granted one of them was almost $25.00.
• So now that I've found a dupe for it, I decided to test them out to see if they performed differently.
• Day 1, I wore them with no primer, one on each eyes. Both started fading within 2 hours. By the 3 rd hour, I could see some creasing.  
• Day 2, I wore both of them with a primer. They held up pretty well without creasing. However, halfway through the day, I did notice that Absolute Jade was a little more faded. 

On the left L'Oreal Infallible Golden Sage and on the right Lancome Color Design Absolute Jade

• Can you see the shocking resemblance?  Ok one thing I didn't know but now know, it turns out that Lancome is owned by L'Oreal. As a matter of fact, L'Oreal is one of the biggest beauty company out there. Click HERE to view all the brands that L'Oreal owns. Also check out this article, to read interesting facts about some of the popular beauty brands.

Final Thought
Absolute Jade definitely needs a primer in order to make it through the day. There is some minor fading after 4 hours but no creasing when paired with a primer. The texture and pigmentation is excellent, applies buttery soft, and easily blendable. My only grip is that its less expensive twin actually performed a little better on my test wear. Overall, it's good but not that great. The fact that I have the same exact color that perform a little better compels me to exchange it with something else. Any suggestions on which Lancome product I should exchange it with?

My rating: 8/10.


And just so you get an idea on how it looks on my eyes. I did a quick look featuring Absolute Jade.

Product used for this look

• Lancome Color Design Infinite Eyeshadow Absolute Jade on lid
• Orange brick color from Wet N Wild Sparkle Til Morning palette on the crease
• Dark brown definer from Sparkle Til Morning on the outer V and smudged on the lower lash line
• Physicians Formula Eye Booster Ultra Black on upper lash line
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil in Mildew on lower lash line and waterline.

Lancome Haul + Gift With Purchase

I got an email the other day from Macy's notifying me that they are having a GWP promotion with Lancome. I don't know how long the promo is going for but if you've been wanting to try or purchase some Lancome products, it's always nice to get some freebies with it. The freebies they include are pretty generous sample size. I think the only full size freebie is the lipstick.

What I purchased

• Bi-Facial makeup remover, $28.00. One of the best makeup remover out there. It hurts me to pay this price but the GWP makes up for it.
• Color Design Infinite Eyeshadow Absolute Jade, $24.50. Texture is very similar to the Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense eyeshadows.
• Aquatique waterproof eyecolor base, $25.50. Wasn't sure if I should get this but I think they kinda sold me with the word waterproof in it, lol.

What I got as gift with a $35 purchase:

• Hypnose Star mascara
• Color Design Pretty Burgundy lipstick (there's 3 colors for you to choose from)
• Bi-Facil makeup remover (Yay! You can never have too much of this)
• Renergie Lift Multi-Action, day and night cream duo (3 sets to choose from)
• Hydra Fraichelle body moisturizer (3 to choose from)
• A makeup bag (2 to choose from)

If you spend $70 and more you get to choose more sample so I went with the Creme Radiance cleanser and Tonique Radiance toner.

Do you use Lancome product? If so what is your favorite?