Swatches + Review: Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipsticks and Burberry Lip Velvet Matte Lipstick

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks (each retails $26 for 0.15oz)

Packaging: Each tube comes in a rubber type packaging and has a secure closure that snaps shut. 

Scent: They have a pleasant fruity citrus scent and taste.

Formula: The formula is packed with 12 nutritious and edible oils. They're slightly more hydrating than the Burberry Lip Velvet Matte lipsticks, but not as hydrating as the YSL Rouge Volupté lipsticks. They're still wearable for someone like me, who has extremely dry, chapped lips, as long as I prep my lips with a good balm. I love how creamy they are without slipping & sliding all over the place and that they don't "sit" on top of my lips. The formula reminds me alot like the MAC Satin lipsticks (review), except the Bite Beauty ones are slightly more hydrating. I also like that they're not too glossy and they do not emphasize my already full sausage lips.

In terms of pigmentation & longevity, they provide buildable, medium to full coverage with at least 4 hours of staying power. Sake, Pepper and Fig wear a little bit longer and leave behind a natural stain, while Meringue & Sugarcane fade away quicker, especially when eating & drinking.

• Meringue is a peachy nude with a satin finish. This is my favorite color of the bunch. It actually pulls more pink when worn on my lips and is the perfect nude for my NC30/35 skin tone. 
• Sugarcane is a pale pink with a satin finish. It's paler than Meringue and darker than YSL's Nude Beige #1. I find that Sugarcane complements lighter beauties better.
• Sake is a dusty mauve with a satin finish. It gives me the "vampy" look with a mauvey twist and is a great color for the night time.
• Pepper is a medium-dark dusty rose with a satin finish. 
• Fig is a nude rose with a satin finish.

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Swatches + Review: Burberry Kisses and Lip Velvet Lipstick Collection

After trying a few shades from Burberry's lipstick line and falling in love with the formula, I decided to purchase more from Saks.

Burberry Kisses Lipstick Hydrating Lip Colour ($33 for 0.11oz/3.3g) - The packaging is very lux and comes with a magnetic closure. The lighter shades provide buildable, sheer to medium coverage, while the darker colors can provide up to full coverage without looking cakey or causing my lips to peel. The formula is very comfortable to wear, feels very hydrating, is fragrance-free & tasteless. They also leave a satin finish without looking too glossy or too matte and don't contain any shimmers. As for longevity, they last about 4 hours on my lips and leave behind a natural looking stain. (I drank through a straw and did not eat while I was wearing the lipstick.) 

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Swatches + Comparisons: Burberry Light Glow Blush in Blossom No.05 (New Formula)

Burberry Light Glow Blush in No.05 Blossom ($42 for 7g/0.24oz)

Packaging: The compact has a magnetic closure and a sizeable mirror. (It's worth noting that the compact does not open all the way.) The product is embossed with the signature check print and although it doesn't go all the way through the pan, the pattern lasts a good amount of uses before fading. (For me, the pattern lasted about a few months with daily use.) 

It also comes with a velvet pouch that protects the case during travel as well as an angled mini brush. The bristles are made of natural hair and feels softer than the original version. In terms of performance, I find that both are too narrow for blush application even after washing, and is more suitable for contouring. (Natural brushes tend to fluff out after the initial wash.) Keep in mind that the brush will suffice and get the job done when you're on the go. I just prefer my full-size brushes in general because they're easier to hold and to work with.  

Scent: As soon as I open the compact and during application, I notice a very strong, but pleasant floral scent. It dissipates after a few seconds. (I've had the original version for more than 5 years and the fragrance is still noticeable.) 

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Swatches + Comparison: Nude and Everyday Lipsticks (Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Dior, Lancome)

Products are not twisted all the way up.

I have full sausage lips that get easily chapped. I've tried countless lip balms and the Burt's Bees one is the best one that I've tried. Other ones either just sit on top of my lips or make my them peel and even more chapped. Full coverage and matte lipsticks tend to exacerbate the problem, while glossy and frosty ones tend to accentuate my lips, making it appear fish-like bigger. Therefore, I prefer sheer to medium coverage lip products that are not too matte or too glossy. Also, since my lips are already pigmented, I tend to gravitate towards shades that are "my lips, but better." 

L'oreal Color Riche Balm; Bathroom Lighting

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Swatches + Review: Burberry Cashmere Foundation + Guerlain Tenue de Perfection Foundation

I bought the Burberry Cashmere Foundation when it launched a couple of weeks ago and decided to see how it compares to the Guerlain Tenue de Perfection since both have similar claims.

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Swatches + Comparison - MAC Hey Sailor! Fleet Fast Blush (Limited Edition)

Left: Burberry Blossom No.05 Blush

Right: MAC Fleet Fast Blush

Packaging: The MAC Fleet Fast blush comes in a nautical blue and white striped box, which is reminiscent of sailor uniforms and summer. The packaging is fun, cute and appropriate given that the Hey Sailor! collection launched in May 2012.

I was hesitant to purchase Fleet Fast because alot of reviewers said that there were gold shimmers in the blush. A few months later, I still saw people talking and raving about it. So, I just had to get it to see what the fuss was all about. (Dillard's still has it in stock!)

The texture of Fleet Fast does not feel as silky as Blossom, but it applies easily with a standard blush brush, such as the Studio Gear #13 (full review) or the Japonesque Professional blush brush (mini review) because the pigmentation is not too sheer or too pigmented. It may look scary and dark in my swatches, but it's actually not once you apply it on your face. Blossom, on the other hand, is extremely pigmented and I always have to use a light hand and a fluffy brush to avoid looking clownish. 

When swatched, Fleet Fast is a reddish coral with a satin finish, while Burberry Blossom 05 is less red and more pinky coral. Both blushers contain tiny shimmers, which are only noticeable under direct sunlight. Don't worry, they are undetectable under artificial lighting. When I applied the blushes onto my cheeks and compared them side-by-side, they both look exactly the same and translate into a pinky coral shade with a hint of a reddish undertone. They both leave a lovely semi-matte finish without looking flat, chalky or shiny. I absolutely adore these blushers because they compliment my NC30/35 skin tone so well! Also, they both last at least 8 hours without fading when worn over liquid foundation + setting powder. 

Blossom contains 7g/0.24oz for $42, while Fleet Fast contains 6g/0.21oz for $21. I'm definitely favoring Fleet Fast more because it's less expensive and easier to apply. You're just paying for the Burberry brand name and packaging with Blossom, which is totally fine because I'm a sucker for gorgeous packaging, too! I totally understand!! ^_^

Ignore the "lightly" notation.

Bottom Line: I highly recommend grabbing Fleet Fast while you still can, especially if you're a fan of coral blushers. It leaves the most sexy flush of color onto your cheeks without looking clownish. I'm so glad I found a less expensive alternative to Burberry Blossom and one with cute packaging, too! 

Note: The MAC Powder Blush in Fleet Fast contains 6g/0.21oz. It is limited edition and still available at Dillard's and Nordstrom for $21.

Did you get anything from the Hey Sailor! Collection?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

OOTD + Maybelline Colossal Waterproof Mascara (Before + After Photos)

I usually don't do Outfit of the Day (OOTD) posts because by the time I get home, 

the sun is already down and my bedroom lighting is horrendous. 

However, due to popular requests, I decided to post one up for you all. =)

Dress: €35.95 at Zara 

(I bought this at a Zara store in Greece. I didn't see it in stock at any Zara store in the US.)

Belt: $8 at Wet Seal

Shoes by Nine West: $39.99 at Marshalls

Burberry Check Satchel pictured for size reference, only

I also received several emails requesting me to post a picture of me wearing 

the Burberry Check Satchel for size reference. 

I am 5'5" with heels and vertically challenged 5'2" when barefoot.

(I received the Burberry handbag a few years ago as a birthday gift. 

Everything else was purchased with my own funds.)

Please excuse the lighting. The picture was taken in the bathroom. So, the colors are not accurately portrayed. 

However, the result of the mascara is accurately portrayed.

Left: bare naked lashes
Right: with 2 coats of mascara

My makeup never looks complete without mascara because I have non-existent short and thin lashes. I have tried over 20 mascaras from various brands and the Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara in Classic Black is one of the better ones that I have tried. 

The wand is not flimsy, which I like because the firmness allows for better control and the bristles are so dense that they easily coat all my lashes. I find that it lengthens and volumizes better than the Maybelline Falsies and L'oreal Voluminous Million Lashes mascara. The formula is also slightly wetter, which I prefer because it's easier to build up the mascara. Also, it holds my curl and doesn't clump or smudge throughout the day. However, after 2 and a half months of opening, it started to clump my lashes. I tried to remedy the situation by separating my lashes with my Royal & Langnickel BC515 metal comb, but the mascara would flake throughout the day. So, I had no choice, but to stop using it after only 2 and half months of opening. Generally, mascaras should be tossed out after 3 months of opening; however, I've used some mascaras longer than the expiration date and I didn't experience any eye infection or anything negative. So, I just wish the Maybelline Colossal mascara would last a little bit longer, but I really don't mind because it's so affordable.

Note: The Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara in Classic Black is available at Ulta, Target, and drugstore.com for around $6.99. 

*This post contains affiliate links.

Have you tried the Maybelline Colossal mascara?

Review + Comparison: Setting Powders (Burberry, Dior, Becca, and MAC)

Burberry No.01, MAC NC30, Dior 002 Medium, Becca Cardamon

Setting powders prolong the wear of your foundation by mattifying and absorbing oil without adding coverage. In general, they help prevent your skin's natural oils from breaking down your makeup as quickly. Therefore, those with oily skin should not skip this step in their makeup routine. 

I have an oily t-zone and normal skin on the rest of my face. I've tried the Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder, Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder and MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder and they all mattified my skin and reduced any shine that I had on my face; however, they all broke me out. Regardless, I would still recommend these 3 powders because they all work well for lengthening the wear of your makeup and just because they broke me out, it doesn't mean they will break you out too. 

To apply, use a large fluffy brush, such as the Chanel #1 (review) or Posh Retractable Kabuki brush (review). Swirl or dip your brush into the product, tap off any excess and buff onto your face, concentrating on areas where you are most oily. (Do not use a dense brush or else it'll pick up too much product and your makeup will end up looking powdery and unnatural.)

Currently, I have 4 setting powders in my collection. Read on to see how they differ from one another. =)

Dior DiorSkin Forever Wear-Extending Invisible Retouch Powder ($42 for 12g): The compact comes in a velvet pouch with a thin sponge and a full-size mirror inside.  I'm not a fan of sponge applicators in general because I find them to be unsanitary. If I need to touch-up throughout the day, I just carry a retractable brush with me. However, I do appreciate the large mirror, which is very handy when you're applying your makeup on the go.

I bought it in shade 002 Transparent Medium and it looks pinkier and more cool toned than my other setting powders. Also, it looks chalky when swatched on my fingers and arms. However, when I apply it onto my face, it's translucent and doesn't change the color or the undertone of my foundation. Also, it's very sheer and it feels lightweight on my skin.

I've tried applying it over my Dior Forever foundation, but the finish ended up looking too matte and unnatural. The foundation already has a matte finish, so when you use a setting powder that's very mattifying, it's just overkill. I prefer to use the Dior setting powder over my MUFE HD foundation, which has a natural finish. It mattifies my skin without creating a mask-like effect and it lengthens the wear of my foundation.

According to the ingredients list, the Dior setting powder "may contain" Bismuth Oxychloride; however, it's a relief to know that it has not given me a horrible skin reaction. (I usually get an itchy rash and tiny bumps all over my face if Bismuth Oxychloride is one of the product's main ingredients.)

Active Ingredient: Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) 5%

Other Ingredients: Talc, Polyethylene, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Isopropyl Isostearate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Aqua (Water), BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid

[+/-(May Contain): Cl 77007 (Ultramarines), Cl 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), Cl 77491, 77492, 77499 (Iron Oxides), Cl 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)]

Burberry Sheer Luminous Pressed Powder ($45 for 10g): The compact comes in a velvet pouch with a full-size mirror inside and Burberry's signature check pattern embossed on the powder. It has a magnetic closure and it's slightly heavier than the Dior and MAC compact, which makes it feel more luxurious. It also comes with a mini brush that fits in the outer pocket of the velvet pouch. The brush is soft, narrow, and dense; however, it is not ideal for applying setting powder because it picks up too much product, does not distribute evenly and creates a sharp line. It's more appropriate for contouring, since it offers precision and fits into the contours of the face really well. 

I bought it in shade No. 01 because it has a yellow undertone. (Shade No. 02 is for those with a pink undertone.) The product is translucent and doesn't add any color or coverage to my skin. It feels so silky smooth and lightweight on my skin. Also, it has a strong, but lovely scent. Others may find it overpowering, but I assure you that the scent dissipates within minutes of application. 

When I use the Burberry powder to set my MUFE HD foundation, it doesn't control my natural oils from breaking through as well as the Dior setting powder. However, I love using the Burberry powder to set my Dior Forever foundation because it takes the shine away without making me look powdery or too matte (like the Dior setting powder does) and it just leaves a natural finish to my skin.

Ingredients: Talc, Zea Mays (corn) Starch, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Zinc Stearate, Calcium Carbonate, Zeolite, Sorbic Acid, Methylparaben, Polyperfluoroethoxymethoxy Difluoroethyl Peg Phosphate, Propylparaben, Tetrasodium Edta, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum (fragrance), Butylparaben, Alpha-isomethyl Ionone, Bht, Panthenol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxycitronellal

[+/- (May Contain): Mica (Cl 77019) , Titanium Dioxide (Cl 77891), Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499), Ultramarines (Cl 77007)]

MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder ($23 for 12g): I usually get this at the Estee Lauder Company Store for around $16. It doesn't come in fancy packaging like the other 3 setting powders do, but it is the most affordable of the bunch. Like many other setting powders in the market, it comes with a thin sponge applicator and a small mirror inside. Although the mirror is small compared to the other ones, I don't find it to be an issue because it's still big enough to apply makeup on the go.

I'm an NC30/35 in MAC foundations, W4 in L'oreal True Match, 127 in MUFE HD and 031 mixed with 021 in Dior Forever. I use the MAC powder in NC25 to set my foundations because it doesn't change the color of my skin tone. The MAC powder in NC30 oxidizes throughout the day and makes me look orange. However, since my Dior Forever foundation in 021 is too light for me, I use the MAC NC30 powder over it to darken it. Using MAC's Select Sheer powder is a more affordable option to adjust your skin tone, instead of buying different shades of high-end foundations to match your Winter color and Summer tan. 

The MAC powder does look slightly powdery when I see myself upclose in the mirror. (I never really noticed this until I compared it to my other setting powders.) However, it's not really an issue because it's barely noticeable, especially from someone else's view. 

It keeps my natural oils at bay for at least 4 hours, which is what most powders do. Although it doesn't feel as lightweight and it doesn't lengthen the wear of my foundation as well as the Dior powder, I still keep repurchasing it because it does a good enough job for me and the price is reasonable.

Ingredients: Talc, Silica, Octyldodecyl Lactate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Nylon-12, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmiatate, Lecithin, Aluminum Sulphate, Zeolite, Zein, Perfluoropolymethylisopropyl Ether, BHT, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sorbic Acid, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben

[+/- (May Contain): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Cl 77891), Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, Cl77492, Cl77499), Chromium Oxide Greens (Cl77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Cl77510), Ultramarines (Cl77007), Red 6 Lake (Cl15850), Red 7 Lake (Cl15850), Red 30 Lake (Cl73360), Yellow 5 Lake (Cl19140)] 

Becca Fine Pressed Powder ($42 for 10g): The compact comes in a zippered nylon pouch with a full-size mirror inside and a cute powder puff that feels more durable than the thin sponge applicators. The exterior is made of rubber and it's similar to NARS packaging, but it also has a metal center, which gives it weight. It's actually the heaviest compact of the bunch.

I bought this in shade Cardamon, but it's too dark for my NC30/35 skin tone and too light to use for contouring. Wheat or Mocha would have been a better color choice, but was out of stock.

The powder feels silky, though not as silky as the Burberry powder. Also, it has a strong scent that's not pleasant, but it quickly dissipates within minutes of application. (It is important to mention that other people have smelled it and loved the scent.) 

The main issue that I have with this is that it does not keep the shine away on my oily t-zone. My natural oils start breaking through around my nose area within an hour of application. It actually feels too "hydrating" on my skin. Therefore, those with dry skin will benefit more from this powder because it doesn't dry out the skin any further or make it look flaky.

Ingredients: Talc, Dimethylimidazolidinone Rice Starch, Mica, Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol, Magnesium Myristate, Octyldodecanol, Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-150, Ricinus Communis (Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil), Cetearyl Alcohol, Quaternium-26, Silica, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax), Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Stearic Acid, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Parfum (Fragrance)

[+/- (May Contain): Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Ultramarines CI 77007, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140, Yellow 6 Lake CI 15985]

Bottom Line: If you want a good setting powder that's affordable, then the MAC Select Sheer powder is for you. If you have a bigger budget, then I recommend getting the Dior setting powder, which is the most mattifying powder of the bunch. It works especially well with foundations that have a natural finish because it keeps the oils at bay, while still maintaining a natural look. The Burberry Sheer powder is more ideal for setting matte foundations because it's not overly mattifying to the point that it would dry out your face. It just takes the shine away and leaves a soft, natural finish to the skin. Those with dry skin will find the Becca powder to be a more suitable option since it won't accentuate dry patches or dry out the skin even further.

Note: The Dior and Burberry setting powder are available at Sephora and at Nordstrom. The MAC setting powder is available at Nordstrom. The Becca setting powder is available at Sephora.

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

What do you use to set your makeup?

Review + Comparison: Tapered Crease Blending Brushes

1. Inglot 4SS Brush

2. Sonia Kashuk Small Multipurpose Powder Brush

3. Studio Gear #34 Crease Brush

4. Inglot 6SS Brush

5. Burberry No.9 Socket Line Brush

Most of the brushes that are marketed as a blending tool, such as the ones pictured above, are too flimsy and take too much time and effort to blend out dark harsh lines. However, they work well for blending light colors and for apply setting powder under the eye area and around the small crevices of the nose. Read on to find out which one is the "best" and how they differ from one another. 

1. Inglot 4SS Brush $22 (full review) - The bristles are made from natural hair and feel very soft. It is the densest and largest out of the bunch, which makes it most suitable for face application. I love using it to highlight my face because it fits perfectly on top of my cheekbones. I also like using it to apply setting powder under my eye area & around the small crevices of my nose. It's not too flimsy or too firm, but it is definitely too big for any type of eye application. (The brush measures 7.25 inches in total length.)

2. Sonia Kashuk Small Multipurpose Powder Brush $10.79 (full review) - The bristles are made from natural goat hair and feel softer than all the other brushes, except for the Studio Gear #34. The brush is tapered at the tip and is not as flimsy as the Studio Gear, Inglot 6SS or Burberry brush. It's suitable for blending light colors and for crease work, if you have a big eye shape. However, it's too big for me to use to define my crease. I mainly use it to apply setting powder under my eye area & around the small crevices of my nose. Because the bristles are slightly more densely packed and the brush is smaller than the Inglot 4SS, it applies a more concentrated amount of product, which is great when I want more coverage. (The brush measures 7.2 inches in total length.)

3. Studio Gear #34 Crease Brush $23 - The bristles are made from natural squirrel hair and are the softest out of the bunch, along with the Sonia Kashuk Small Multipurpose Powder brush. The Studio Gear #34 is not as firm and not as tapered as the the Sonia Kashuk one, but it does blend out light colors and define the crease, if you have a big eye shape; however, the Sonia Kashuk version works better because it offers more control. I personally use the Studio Gear #34 to apply setting powder under my eye area & around the small crevices of my nose when I want a light coverage. (The brush measures 7.5 inches in total length.)

4. Inglot 6SS Brush $19 - The bristles are made from natural hair and feel just as soft as the Inglot 4SS brush. It is slightly smaller than the Studio Gear #34 brush and offers more control when defining the crease, but the Sonia Kashuk version still works better because it's more tapered at the tip and is firmer. (The Inglot 6SS brush measures 7 inches in total length.)

5. Burberry No.9 Socket Line Brush $38 - The bristles are made from natural goat hair and feel the least softest out of the bunch, but it is by no means scratchy. It is also the flimsiest; therefore, it doesn't work as well as the other "blending" brushes for eye application. The bristles are also slightly longer and narrower at the base compared to the Sonia Kashuk, Studio Gear and Inglot 6SS brush. Thus, it doesn't offer as much control. However, if you want a light dusting of powder to set your under eye concealer, then this brush would be ideal because it doesn't pack on too much product. (The brush measures 6.6 inches in total length.)

Bottom Line: I find that the Inglot 4SS and the Sonia Kashuk Small Multipurpose Powder brush work the best out of the bunch because of their size and density. The Studio Gear, Inglot 6SS and Burberry brush are flimsier and the bristles are not as full. If you are in the market for a brush to highlight your face and to apply setting powder under your eye area and around the cervices of your nose, then the Inglot 4SS is your best tool because it is the perfect size and density. If you have a big eye shape and you're looking for an eyeshadow brush to blend out light colors and for crease work, then the Sonia Kashuk brush is the best option out of the bunch because it offers the most control. Those with a smaller eye shape would find smaller brushes, such as the Japonesque Pro Crease brush & Ulta Tapered Crease brush, to be more appropriate for crease work. Keep in mind, none of these brushes will get the job done if you are looking for an eyeshadow brush to blend out dark harsh lines because they are all just too flimsy. For this purpose, I highly recommend the Sonia Kashuk Large Crease brush, which costs $5.99. (It blends out all harsh lines and dark pigmented eyeshadows effortlessly because the bristles are dense and firm.)

Note: The Inglot 4SS and 6SS brush are available at Inglot stores and at limited counters in Macy's. The Sonia Kashuk brush is available at Target. The Studio Gear brush is available at their online store. The Burberry brush is available at their online store and at Nordstrom.

What brush do you use to blend out dark harsh lines?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.