Beauty in a tick: Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo in Nude No. 5

Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo

My quest for the perfect muted, everyday lipstick continues. On this particular stop we have Hourglass' Nude Lip Stylo in Nude No. 5, a creamy peach with subtle flecks of gold.

It took me a while to narrow it down to No. 5.  I swatched and re-swatched all six shades on two different occasions -- the determining factor was No. 5's shimmer. 

Nude No. 5

Swatch of Nude No. 5

Nude No. 5 lasts well over four hours on my lips, it even saw me through pancakes and coffee on Sunday morning. 

The Femme Nude Lip Stylos are drama free with their sturdy cap and twist-up/down features. Pencil sharpener not required. 

While I do enjoy Nude No. 5's subtlety, I think all six shades will really shine on a darker complexion. Perhaps, a few weeks in Hawaii will work like a charm in two weeks' time.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo in Nude No. 5:

• $42.00 AUS  / $30.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 7 out of 10 bags — I'm in like with it at the moment.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• I'd love to see how well Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick performs.

Drats, foiled again! Stila's Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow in Metallic Dusty Rose

Stila's Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow

Eyes, let's dance under the disco ball, without the cheese of the Hustle to the boogie woogie beat. 

Stila's Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow dishes out the sparkle, it all depends on you, your base, your shadow and whether you want to sheer it out or wrap your lids in foil.

I opted for both.

Starry eyed duo

Stila's little kit comes with a sample sized Stay All Day Liquid Eye Primer to aid with adhesion, lasting power and for its ability to assist with the foiling process. There's also a mixing tray for the mad scientist in you, but I'd rather see the magic come alive on my lids. 

As for the piece de resistance, Metallic Dusty Rose mesmerises by giving you a wash of sparkle.

Here's how you can go for gold... for a sheer look, gently rub the eyeshadow across your lid with your ring finger atop your preferred primer -- a brush won't do.  For the foiled effect simply dab the eyeshadow on your lids until you've reached the look you desire.

All told I got about six hours of wear before I noticed creasing. Also, while wearing Metallic Dusty Rose I experienced a cooling sensation when the air hit my closed eyes.

Frightened by the removal process? Saturate a cotton pad with water and apply it to your lids. Hold the cotton pad in place for a few seconds, then gently rub the pad away. You'll be amazed by how easily the eyeshadow comes off when exposed to water. To finish, wash your face with your favourite face wash. 

Go forth and flutter your gilded lids!

Swatches of Metallic Dusty Rose sheered out (left) and foiled (right)

Close up of Metallic Dusty Rose on my eyes

If Metallic Dusty Rose isn't daring enough for you, there are 11 additional shades to choose between. Just a warning, Metallic Emerald and Metallic Cobalt are so pigmented they will stain your lids if you don't apply primer. 

Personally, I prefer to have a hint of sparkle mixed with a dash of surprise when I blink my eyes. 

//Edit: Anticipate fallout during/post application.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Stila's Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow in Metallic Dusty Rose:

• $49.00 AUS  / $32.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags — t'was fun, but the price tag might scare some off.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Might have a swatch session with Stila's High Shine Liquid Vinyl Eye Liner.

A glimpse at the lips: Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm in Crystal Berry

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm in Crystal Berry

Berry goodness wrapped in Jell-o, that's what I like to think of it [Crystal Berry] as. 

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm is a twofer, a pigmented centre delivers a shot of colour to your lips while the translucent exterior leaves your lips feeling soft, smooth and well-hydrated. 

Concerned about the blue hue? Don't let it put you off as it glides on clear. To boot, the berry scent is lip-smackingly good. I've found myself removing the cap in order to catch a whiff from time to time. 

Swatch of Crystal Berry

Despite Crystal Berry being a seasonal (summer) offering from Clarins, I'd be inclined to use this cranberry shade year-round. It's effortless, feels comfortable on the lips and smells so darn good.

Three additional colours, Rose, Mandarin and Gold Plum, patiently await your next visit to the Clarins' counter.

Wearing Crystal Berry on my lips

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm in Crystal Berry:

• $30.00 AUS (Hits Aussie shelves this November) / $26.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — Berry addictive ;)

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Karen of MBB thinks Clarins Be Long Mascara has a lot to offer.

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

I've got you covered: Laura Mercier's Smooth Finish Powder Foundation in shade 06

Laura Mercier's Smooth Finish Powder Foundation

Recently, I hit the pan of Jane Iredale's Pressed Mineral Powder, so I took it as a sign to try something new.

At first, it started out rocky -- the finish and coverage was ok at best, appeared powdery and was slightly difficult to blend.  By mid-week we hit our stride, product was laying down easily, my oiliness was visibly reduced and it wasn't clear if I was concealing anything at all. 

Success! 

Shade 06

Swatch of Laura Mercier's Smooth Finish Powder Foundation in shade 06

Laura Mercier's Smooth Finish Powder replaces the much-loved Foundation Powder -- Rabid fans, give her newest foundation time and understanding, things will take a turn for the better, I promise!

Here's what you can expect from the Smooth Finish Foundation Powder.. 

".. offers a natural veil that imparts a color-true finish that lasts up to eight hours. It glides on effortlessly, camouflages, hydrates, and blurs fine lines, never settling into them. Ultra fine micronized pigments flex with skin for coverage that is even and flawless. Use it as a sheer to medium powder or build coverage using it wet."

Normally, I don't like messing with my skin's harmony in fear of poking the beast that is my rosacea. Thankfully, my skin has remained clear, calm and hydrated. 

In terms of appearance, Shade 06 is a "medium beige with yellow undertones." I truly took a punt with selecting this shade, but I feel as though it appears to be a match (made in heaven).

Wearing Shade 06

To apply, I like using my Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush, because I find the bristles do a good job of agitating the product -- this disruption aids with picking up more, I really hate the back and forth (pan>face>pan>face). Once I've finished applying the rest of my makeup, I like to set my look with Avene's Thermal Spring Water.

The only negative thing I can say about Laura Mercier's Smooth FInish Powder Foundation is the size of the pan, it's too small diameter-wise. Although it might be deeper, I would rather trade that depth in for more real estate.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Laura Mercier's Smooth Finish Powder Foundation:

• $59.00 AUS (Hits Aussie shelves this September) / $45.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 9 out of 10 bags — make the pan bigger, please.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Fresh Raspberry looks pretty delectable.

*PR sample provided –  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.