Swatches + Comparisons - Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick

Pure ~ Inspired ~ Enlightened

I received the Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick in Fierce in my January 2013 GlossyBox and loved it so much that I purchased 3 other shades.

Pure ~ Inspired ~ Enlightened

Pure ~ Inspired ~ Enlightened

Pure (2g/0.07oz for $26) - The swatches are quite deceiving because it looks like a gorgeous light rosy shade on my arm, but when applied onto my naturally pigmented lips, it looks too nude and corpse-like. Also, the formula is very drying, it emphasizes my extremely chapped lips, and it fades within 15 minutes of application, which is weird because I did not have any issues with Fierce. 

Inspired (2g/0.07oz for $26) - It has a more pinky undertone, but the formula is similar to Pure. Also, it looks too pale when applied onto my lips. 

Enlightened (3.7g/0.13oz for $26) - It translates into a nudish peachy brown shade on my lips and I find it to be very similar to the L'oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm in Caramel Comfort, but Enlightened is more pigmented, lasts longer and is matte, which makes it more versatile because I can put a gloss over it for a shiny finish. I am in love with this color because it's a "my lips but better" shade and it's very office-safe.

It lasts at least 4 hours on my lips without fading even after eating and drinking. This is the best formula that I've experienced. Other lipsticks make my lips peel and fade within minutes of application. (Keep in mind that it's very difficult for me to find a lipstick that works well with my extremely chapped lips.) This one applies like butter and feels hydrating!

Note: The Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipsticks are available at Ulta, Tarte, and Sephora for $26 each.

Did you experience the lack of consistency with the formula of the Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipsticks?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Swatches + Review - Too Faced Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer

Left: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil

Right: Too Faced Endless Summer

Packaging: I don't really care for the packaging. It's not ugly, but it's definitely not something that I'm excited about. I prefer the Chocolate Soleil packaging more.

Endless Summer is lighter, has a more brown undertone, leaves a satin finish to the skin, and is fragrance-free compared to Chocolate Soleil, which is slightly darker, completely matte and smells like cocoa. I'm glad to report that neither are orange! 

Endless Summer works well on most complexions. I have a medium NC30/35 skin tone and I use it as a bronzer to warm up my face. It has regular pigmentation (not too sheer or too pigmented) and applies the right amount of product with the Sonia Kashuk Domed Blusher brush. Be careful though because the formula is easily buildable and can leave a muddy finish if you apply too many layers. Also, I do notice tiny shimmers in the pan and under direct sunlight, but when applied on my cheeks, they are barely noticeable, especially under artificial lighting. 

Chocolate Soleil is more suitable for medium to deep complexions and for contouring (nose, cheekbones, forehead and anywhere else that you want to appear smaller/slimmer/defined) since it leaves a matte finish and creates a more natural effect.

As for the wear time, Endless Summer lasts at least 10 hours without fading when worn over liquid foundation and setting powder (I haven't tried it for 16 hours straight yet, but will update when I do), while Chocolate Soleil fades within 8 hours of application. 

(Natural Lighting)

(Direct Sunlight)

(Natural Lighting)

Bottom Line: Endless Summer is a must-have for those that want to add warmth to skin without looking orange or ridiculously shiny. 

Note: The Endless Summer 16 Hour Long-Wear Bronzer contains 7g/0.25oz of product. It is limited edition and is available at Ulta, TooFaced.com, Beauty.com, and Sephora for $30.

Which bronzer will you be wearing for Summer 2013?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Swatches: Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Crease-Control Concealer + Coupon Code 2013

I recently placed a Sephora order and received a free sample of the Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Crease-Control Concealer in all 3 shades. For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35 all over my face, but prefer to use a concealer that's a shade lighter than my skintone because it brightens up my under eye area. I currently mix my MAC Pro Longwear concealer in shades NW20 and NW25 to get a perfect shade for underneath my eyes. I find that the Benefit Fakeup concealer in Medium works perfectly with my skintone. It's not too dark or too light and still brightens up my under eye area. The consistency is thick, but not as thick as the MAC one and it does not feel heavy at all. When I use my Royal & Langnickel BX-45 brush in a tapping motion, it applies the product smoothly and blends effortlessly. Also, the Benefit concealer is so much more moisturizing and doesn't leave a cakey finish. I have very dark circles and I'm glad to report that it covered them up very well. I just bought the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder (review coming up soon) and used it to set the Benefit concealer. It faded within 4 hours, but I'm not sure if it's due to the formula of the concealer or the setting powder that I used. Whenever I use my MAC concealer, I set it with my MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder and it lasts all day.

By the way, Benefit is offering free shipping + a FULL-SIZE Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in your choice of color when you spend $60. Enter coupon code NOCREASE at checkout. Offer expires April 30, 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific. 

Have you tried the Benefit Fakeup Concealer, yet?

*This post contains affiliate links. Like I mentioned above, the Benefit concealer was a free sample that Sephora provided when I placed an online order with them, using my own funds.