'Palladio Tinted Lip Balm (in Champagne)' Swatch & Review

Palladio cosmetics are something that I recently read about on another beauty blog.  So I decided to first try our their tinted lip balm's since they are so highly regarded by other makeup enthusiasts.

Palladio Tinted Lip Balm in Champagne

Palladio describes these lip balms as:

A unique emollient that contains natural UV filters such as Caprylic/Capric Trigyceride (a liquid derived from Coconut Oil), this exclusive formula protects against the sun while deeply penetrating the lips’ surface with intense conditioning. At less than half the price of department store competitors, these balms are available in a wide variety of sheer colors that are sure to look gorgeous on any skin tone.

Overall, this lip balm is applies very sheer and is comfortable on the lips.  It has just a bit of shimmer to it.  However, you need to be careful not to apply too much or it will get a bit cakey.  The scent is a bit odd but I quickly got used to it.  It's an herbal scent that caught me off guard since I wasn't used to it.  I think these are great lip balms that offer just a hint of color, feel good on the lips, come in a variety of colors and are affordable.

I am definitely going to try out the Berry or Orange colors next.  Check them out and let me know what you think when you do!

Milani Lipstick in Rose Hip

Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in Rose Hip (an intense pink)

This lipstick is exactly what I was looking for.  I am totally impressed with this drugstore brand and I look forward to trying more of their products!  This lipstick is creamy, moisturizing, vibrant, true to color, affordable and lasts a long time with minimal touch-ups needed.  This is probably one of the best feeling lipsticks that I have worn in a long time, it feels so light weight on my lips.  I really like it!

Check out more color options on Milani's website and if you have tried this lipstick, what did you think of it?

MAC 'Viva Glam Gaga' Lipstick Swatch

MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick (Lady Gaga Lipstick)

MAC describes this lipstick as a cool-blue pink shade.  It's great and I think it would be wonderful layered over other lipsticks as well (if it's not opaque enough for you).  At first I thought it might be similar to MAC California Dreamin' but I find this Viva Glam lipstick to be a bit more full coverage (though not totally) and more vibrant, less subdued. 

This is limited edition, get yours while you can and help support the fight against AIDS/HIV.  This shade sold out quick at first, I had to preorder it and then pick it up a few weeks later.  Ah, I am really liking creamy pink lipsticks like this right now.

Lipstick Queen Wine Sinner Lipstick

Sinner Lipstick (Lipstick Queen) is:

All pigment no shimmer or frosting. It is positively naughty to get lipstick this opaque, rich and creamy with a matte yet silky finish. But it doesn't have to be all about your dark side... There are gorgeous pinks, berries, nudes and even a coral to choose from. Lipstick that makes you look so good you can go ahead and be bad!

Lipstick Queen Sinner Lipstick in Rouge

This lipstick is richly pigmented (has 90% pigmentation), feels moist on the lips and  lasts a long time.  Another great product by Lipstick Queen!  I think that this would be great to try in a multitude of different colors (if red is too much for you to wear). 

I think that the Saint and Sinner lipsticks are pretty fantastic!  Each one can be worn to match a different mood.  They are a splurge but not much more so than a MAC lipstick so if you are really into lipstick, definitely check Lipstick Queen out!

If you have tried Lipstick Queen, what do you think?

Disclaimer: product provided by Lipstick Queen for review.

Lipstick Queen Saint Rouge

Saint Lipstick (Lipstick Queen) is:

The sheerest, moistest, most serene lipsticks you have ever tried. Just a hint of beautiful color but enough depth to make an impact whether it be a pink nude or a deep blackberry.  Absolutely no glitter (Saints are far too humble for such audacity).  Soul and style in one little stick.

Lipstick Queen - Saint Lipstick in Rouge

This lipstick is great.  It is moist, easy to apply, slightly pigmented (10% to be exact) and lasts for a long time.  I think that Lipstick Queen did a great job with this sheer formula.  I know I am really liking it for days when I want to wear some color on my lips but don't want to have a super bold look going on.

Disclaimer: product sent to me for review by Lipstick Queen.

Lipstick Queen Black Tie Optional

Lipstick Queen describes this lipstick as:

Total Seduction - think black lace stockings for your lips. This shade was designed to be extremely wearable, Super SHEER and oh so chic.

Sexy on its own, seductive layered over any lip shade for extra incredible depth.
Straight from the Boudoir to you.

I really like the idea of this lipstick but I think the formula needs to be worked out on this one some more.  It feels dry and almost waxy on the lips and it doesn't apply smoothly or evenly.  I think the idea for a 'wearable' black is fantastic but this a Lipstick Queen item I would skip until they adjust the formula of the lipstick.

I am definitely going to try mixing this with other lipsticks to see if it helps change or add dimension in order to make a color different.

Disclaimer: product sent for review by Lipstick Queen.

Lipstick Queen Invisible Lipliner [Product Shot & Review]

Lipstick Queen describes this lipliner as:

This fabulous wind up Mechanical liner (no sharpener needed!) goes on invisible to create a defined lip edge and perfect those little imperfections we all have.
Your best kept secret...Invisible Liner is a must have!

I bought this lipliner as kind of a tester product to see how I felt about Lipstick Queen.  I wanted a lipliner that would help my red lipstick to stay in place throughout the day without having it bleed into everything around my mouth (as red or dark lipsticks tend to do).  I would swatch this but obviously, there is nothing to see, it applies clear and smooth.  I feel that it evens out the feel of my lips and allows my lipstick to apply evenly. 

I think this lipliner helps my lipstick bleed less but I definitely do not think that it completely stops my lipstick from bleeding.  If it did completely stop the bleeding of lipstick, it would totally be the perfect lipliner.

More about Lipstick Queen and my feelings about it in the near future!

Clinique 'Different Lipstick' in 'Tenderheart' Swatch

Clinique describes this lipstick as:

Different because of its smooth, comfortable feel. One of the best, from our wide range of shades. Sheer, glossy, smile-rewarding lipstick.

Coverage: Moderate

Benefits: Wearable Colour

Tenderheart is described as:

A midtone blushing nude brown.

Finish: Soft Shine
Colour: Group: Nudes

Nyx Cosmetics 'Circe' Lipstick Swatch

Nyx Cosmetics/'Circe' Lipstick swatch

Available on the Nyx Cosmetics website or Cherry Culture (watch for sales).

I gave this lipstick away, I felt it didn't work for my skintone, as it made me look deathly ill and sickly (and not in a cool way). 

MAC 'California Dreamin' Lipstick Swatch

MAC 'California Dreamin' Lipstick

(LOVE IT!)

Sephora Lipservice Deluxe Sampler - Swatches & Review

I bought the Sephora Lipservice Deluxe Sampler over the holiday break for myself.  I think this set is hit or miss on most of the shades.  Swatches first:

0.12 oz Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Crystal (Clear)

0.086 oz NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Roman Holiday (vibrant pink sheen, frosty looking)

0.8 oz Tarte Vitamin Infused Lipstick in Hatha (shimmering berry rose)

0.14 oz CARGO Plantlove Botanical Lipstick in Muir Woods (sheer spiced mauve)

0.04 oz Laura Mercier Lip Coulour-Crème in Pink Champagne (cool rose)

0.02 oz Sephora Nano Lip Liner in Radiant Rosy 14

0.06 oz Korres Guava Lipstick in Wine Red (burgundy wine)

0.05 oz DuWop Private Red

As you can see, most of the shades of lipstick are nude and neutral colored.  I think that these colors are nice but I wish there could have been more variety in a kit like this.  I liked the deeper reds and more vibrant colors a lot more than I liked the neutral colors.  I felt that not only was the application better on the deeper colors but that they were also more moisturizing, lasted longer, etc.

The two lipsticks that I am least impressed with are the CARGO one and the NARS lip pencil.  The CARGO lipstick feels really dry on my lips and is hard to apply.  The NARS lip pencil applies very lightly and with a frosty finish.  I want it to be more true to color than the light, frosty look that happens when I put it on my lips.

Mainly, I bought this kit for the DuWop 'Private Red' lipstick sample.  One tube of that lipstick costs nearly as much as this whole sampler set cost me!  So, it was great to be able to try it.  Overall, I am impressed with DuWop and their lipstick.  It applies a rich, deep red to my lips and I feel it works well with my skintone.  I am not sure if I believe it changes color depending on your own chemistry but everyone can believe what they want to.  I have yet to determine if I would ever by the full-size version of this.

Overall, definitely get this kit if you want to try a variety of brands and are a wearer of neutral colors (with some space for some pops of red every now and then).  It is definitely worth the money and you get some full-sized and some deluxe-sized samples of products.  I know it sells out fast so if you are even thinking about it, definitely go for it when you see it!

If you have any questions about this sampler set, please let me know!

Lime Crime Lipsticks, 'D'Lilac' & 'My Beautiful Rocket' Swatches & Review

I got my package of two lipsticks that I ordered from Lime Crime Makeup yesterday!  I preordered these and they arrived just in time to be used for Halloween and also for all of the upcoming festivities that I have!

As you can see the packing is super cute, holographic unicorns on each tube of lipstick make for a 'gleeful' time when re-applying.  Doe Deere is a strong believer that when you apply lipstick, it should be an artful process, not something that should be done hidden in the depths of a bathroom.  I definitely would not be ashamed to take of this lipstick and apply it in front of everyone, what a conversation starter it would be!

Above: This is what D'Lilac looks like on my lips.  I have really been in love with lilac colors as of late, I think it exudes a sort of Cyberpunk sort of look and I am really smitten with this lipstick.  In fact, I am wearing it today to work!  I love the way it mutes out the natural color of lips and really speaks for itself!

Above: This is what My Beautiful Rocket looks like on my lips.  A beautiful, pure orange without any red undertones.  Exactly what I have been looking for in an orange lipstick!

I would definitely recommend applying these lipsticks with a lipbrush for precise application or I would advise applying slowly to make sure you get a nice crisp line (especially on the lower lip).

Pros - a multitude of colors you won't find any where else, lasts on the lips for quite awhile before reapplying is needed, fast shipping/packaged well, pure glee every time you put it on!

Cons - kind of expensive ($16 for one lipstick), a bit dry when you first put it on (I would apply a bit of chapstick/Carmex to prep the lips before applying), bright colors make for a statement so try to apply it as best as you can (watch for messiness!).

Overall, I have to say that I am in love with Lime Crime Makeup and what Doe Deere has to offer.  She gives you a multitude of colors (both with these new lipsticks and the existing eyeshadows that are sold) that you cannot find anywhere else.  I am impressed with Doe Deere's ability to be both inspiring as well as a teacher through her work with her cosmetics line and I am sure she will continue to revolutionize what it means to wear makeup and how you make a statement with it!  If anything, I would buy one color just to be part of the experience!  I am sure at some point in the future, I will be buying myself another color from the site!

Check out the lipstick shades that are offered by Lime Crime Makeup by clicking here!