Swatches + Review: MAC Good Luck Trolls Glow Rida, I'm Into It Eyeshadow, Cremesheen Lipsticks + Pro Longwear Lip Pencils

MAC Good Luck Trolls Beauty Powder in Glow Rida
(Limited Edition, $28 for 10g/0.35oz)

Color: It's a warm peachy beige that leaves a subtle glow to the skin. 

Formula + Application: The pigmentation is very sheer and works best as a highlighter for my NC30/35 skin tone. I recommend using a dense natural brush, such as the Sonia Kashuk #17 (comparison pictures), because dense natural hair tends to pick up and pack on powder products much easier.

I love pairing Glow Rida with matte blushes when I want a subtle sheen on my cheeks. It gives me just enough luminosity without looking too dewy or frosty for day-time office wear. 

Longevity: It lasts at least 8 hours without fading when worn over foundation + setting powder. (I don't have issues with products lasting on my cheeks in general. I also have cheeks that are neither dry nor oily.)

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Swatches + Comparisons: Guerlain, Lancome and Illamasqua Lip Liners

Packaging: The Guerlain Lasting Color High Precision lip liners have a built-in sharpener that's removable and is handy for those who want a super sharp point every time. However, all of the lip liners mentioned in this post, including the Guerlain one, the Lancome Le Crayon Lip Contour, and the Illamasqua Lip Slick Stick, do not require a sharpener because they all twist up and have a tip that's small enough for lining the lips with precision. It's also important to mention that the caps on these are all very secure and prevent product from drying out as quickly. They also require some muscle strength to pop open!

Guerlain Lasting Color High Precision Lip Liner ($32 for 0.35g/0.01oz) - The formula is very creamy, pigmented and glides onto the lips easily. It can last all day if I drink through a straw and don't eat. (Ha, like that's going to happen!). Once I start stuffing my face with food, the lip liner fades. 

• Bois De Santal 44 is a mauvey rose with a satin finish. It looks really pretty when paired with Burberry's English Rose lipstick (review). 
• Rose De Mai 63 is a warm rose with a satin finish. (It's mislabeled as Rose De Bulgarie on other retailers' websites.) I love pairing this one with Burberry's Tulip Pink. Under direct lighting, I can tell that there are some shimmers in both lip liners, but when applied onto my lips, they look nearly matte. 

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Swatches + Review: Nars Long Hot Summer Eyeshadow Palette, Orgasm Blush, Audacious Lipsticks and Velvet Lip Liners

(Direct Sunlight)

Nars Long Hot Summer Eyeshadow Palette ($45, Limited Edition) - The palette is about three-fourth the size of my hand and measures approximately 3.80 inches x 0.25 inches x 2.20 inches. It's very sleek and travel-friendly. Each shade contains 0.03oz/1g of product. Nars' individual eyeshadows retail $25 (with compact) for 0.07oz/2.2g and $18 in pan form.

• Long Hot Summer I is a shimmering cream.
• Long Hot Summer II is a bronze taupe with a shimmery finish.
• Bellissima II is a matte gray-brown. This shade is also available in the duo compact. 
• Long Hot Summer III is a shimmering copper.
• Long Hot Summer IV is a shimmering warm brown.
• Bengali is a matte rich chocolate brown. Out of all the shades in this palette, Bengali is the only one that's available individually. 

Formula: The eyeshadows have great pigmentation, layer well and blend easily. Just make sure to tap off any excess before applying so you don't experience major fallout. I usually apply my eye makeup before foundation so I can easily wipe away any shimmers that have fallen down my cheeks or underneath my eyes. 

Longevity: They last at least 8 hours without fading or creasing. (For reference, I have extremely oily lids and always wear a primer underneath as a base.)

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