Laura Mercier Satin Lip Colour, Lip Glace and Lip Pencil

These three Laura Mercier mini  lip items were part of various GWP events over the last several months. I didn't keep track of what came from where, but it doesn't really matter. We're here to test and discuss the products, after all. As you can see, none are exactly my kind of colors, and looking at the swatches it's pretty obvious why- I think they bring out the yellow undertones in my skin. Nonetheless, the textures and quality are nice and at least in the case of the lipstick and gloss I've been putting them to good use by mixing and layering. I have enough dark lip colors that can be toned down a little for the season.

Duchess Rose is not the first time I've come across Laura Mercier's Satin Lip colour formula. I was in love with Currant but had to pass because the semi-matte texture didn't work for me. This problem is less acute in this much lighter color, and since I have to blend the lipstick with other products anyway, it's even less of an issue. Duchess Rose was more appealing to me in the tube. When applied it's a bit too warm and peachy to look good on me. It's also significantly lighter than my naked lips, which is not a look I'm comfortable wearing.

As you can see, the lip pencil in Natural Lips doesn't match the lipstick. It doesn't match anything else, either, and definitely doesn't look natural. I'm not sure who might have lips in this light brown or why would anyone want to have them. This liner was definitely a dud for me.

The Lip Glace in Bare Beige managed to get me interested in other Laura Mercier lip glosses. While the color is nothing to write home about (I apply it over red), the texture is very pleasant and light, the shimmer is subtle and the shine last after one drink. I see Brownberry in my future.

All these products in full size($19-$22)  are available from lauramercier.com. Most decent department stores stock at least some of them.

Photos by me.

Edward Bess & Chanel Natural Lip Definers

We all know that the secret to a truly polished lipstick application is using a lip liner. The right liner, that is. It's even more crucial now when full coverage lipsticks are back big time, and even light and nude color lipstick have a more grownup and sophisticated finish. The trick is to find good lip liners that will not be obvious or visible. It used to be much harder. For some reason, nude colors were often unnatural looking with too much beige, brown or even orange. I kept a specimen or two of this trend from the mid-nineties until our recent move, and was always amazed to see these colors were ever considered "natural". I don't know about you, but I've never come across a person with a natural orange pigment in their lips.

Thankfully, we've all learned a thing or two since then. I've shown several pink-based favorites in the past, so today I'm tackling two warmer options by Chanel and Edward Bess.

Chanel Precision Lip Definer in Mordore Nude (05) is not really a nude color, even by my darker than most standard. It's more of a muted warm(ish) red. It's a great base and liner for some of the Rouge Coco lipsticks and I use it occasionally with several bold red lipsticks because it is completely invisible under them. But if your lips are naturally pale I'd advise you to be very careful with this color.

Edward Bess Natural Defining Lip Stylo is as universal as such a product can be. There will always be someone whose coloring requires something completely different, but Edward Bess has managed to produce a natural nude with a very wide appeal here. His stylo pencil works with my lip color and I've seen it on two much paler faces, working well with several shades of Bess' own lipsticks. I use it often, especially when I'm rushing to do my makeup. It's a no hassle, no fuss color.

Both lip liners are of great quality. Firm enough to deliver precise results and creamy enough to glide comfortably and not pull the skin. They stay on with no bleeding or migrating, feel comfortable when used to fill the lip surface and provide excellent grab for whatever lip color you use over them.

Chanel Precision Lip Definer in Mordore Nude ($28) is available from chanel.com and some Chanel counters. I got it as GWP late last year. Edward Bess Natural Defining Lip Stylo ($29) is exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman (where I bought it) and edwardbess.com.

All photos are mine.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics- Lipstick, Lip Gloss, Lip Liner

A couple of makeup artists who've done my makeup recently put a lot (and I mean A LOT) of emphasis on my eyes and used lighter shades than what I normally choose for my lips. Some looks worked better than others and I was sold on the suggestion from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics national guru and got the colors you see here. Next week I'll show a couple of other lip gloss colors from this line, as well as the Lip Shine that comes in a compact.

The lipstick in Bliss is a shimmery golden pink and looks full of sunshine. It's a neutral-to-warm color, but without any trace of orange. It glides on nicely, offers medium coverage, feels soft and stays put through a quick drink. The formula is semi-moisturizing, though not as much as what you get from some of the top brands. The same goes for the finish. It looks good, but lacks a bit of dimension.

Toping the lipstick with Youngblood's Mesmerize lip gloss enhances the gold and takes it straight into summer. It has vacation and beach parties written all over this look. The result is very similar to Chanel Amberlight Glossimer from Fall 2008. The gloss itself is more moisturizing than Chanel.

It wasn't too long ago that I was struggling to find lip liners that looked natural on my lips. The colors that used to pass as "nude" were usually too beige and chalky for me (a review of a couple of much better nudes from Chanel and Edward Bess are coming soon). Youngblood's liner in Plum is an excellent example for a color that blends seamlessly with my natural pigment. Yes, it's plum, but that's exactly what I need. The liner serves to define and anchor the lipstick in place without making its presence known. The texture is a bit dry, so I don't use it to fill the entire lip area without a good moisturizing lip base.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics lipstick ($17),  lip gloss ($21) and liner ($13) are available from Henri Bendel, which was where I bought mine, and on the company's website (ybskin.com).

All photos are mine.

29 Cosmetics Reserves Moisturizing Lipstick (Ripe Rose & Take A Sip)

29 Cosmetics is a small brand from Napa Valley California that doesn't get enough love. Neiman Marcus isn't doing much (=anything) to promote it, and the color swatches they show are even less accurate than their regular unimpressive standard (seriously, Neiman, if you need an e-commerce guru I'm actually married to one). The company's own website is very pretty, but from my experience is also off when it comes to lip colors (the eyeshadow palettes are spot-on).

29's claim to fame is the extensive use of grape seed antioxidant for moisturizing, protection and fighting the good anti-aging battle. It has an SPF 20 which comes in handy on sunny days. Judging only by the look, the formulas and colors aren't quite as innovative as some of the latest and greatest products we've been seeing lately, these Reserves Moisturizing Lipsticks are, indeed, moisturizing, comfortable to wear and offer a somewhat understated but attractive look.

The colors I chose are Take A Sip (a brown-based rose) and Ripe Rosé (shimmery medium rose). Both give medium coverage, moderate shine and are very wearable and flattering. They don't survive the first cup of tea, so reapplication is needed throughout the day, but since supposedly you're slathering your lips in antioxidants it might be a good thing.

The lip liner I got with these two, Malbec, is actually darker than both so I ended up using it with other lipstick colors. It has a lot of pigment, glides on effortlessly and comes with a good sharpener. It's a quality product that I use often.

29 Cosmetics Reserves Moisturizing Lipstick ($25 each) and lip liner ($23) are available online from Neiman Marcus which is where I bought mine, and the company's website.

All photos by me.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick

Everyone likes a good multitasking product and Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick from Bare Escentuals promises to line, color and plump your lips. It's an interesting concept and format, since all of the above is packaged as a thick retractable pencil. I had to give it a try.

The pencil is a bit too thick to really work as a liner for other lip products, unless you're using a color that perfectly matches your lips and is basically nude, which can't be said about any of the current Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick shades. Since I bought Barcelona, a very dramatic deep red, I'd rather not risk it. As a lipstick, the pencil is quite impressive in its coverage, pigment and performance. While normally I'd rather apply a dark lipstick using a brush, after minimal practice I managed to get a solid and precise result (very important for dark reds).

The texture is very light and matte. While it doesn't make the lips feel dry, after about an hour there is some tightening and every line (and in my case scar) is enhanced. Topping the Lip Stick with a clear gloss takes care of the problem, though.

My biggest issue is with the plumping. I don't like the minty-tingly sensation which doesn't go away for more than an hour. I feel that lip plumping by causing irritation to a sensitive tissue is not a good idea. High quality glosses show better results by adding moisture and actually making lips feel good, so that alone is reason enough for me not to buy another Buxom Lip Stick crayon. Also, swatching the pencil on my wrist made my skin itch for a while. Take this into consideration if you're sensitive.

Bottom Line: An overambitious product.

Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick ($18) is a Sephora exclusive. I ordered it online.

All photos are mine.

Guerlain Rouge G Le Brillant B63 Bella (and Crayon Levers 60 Rose Indien)

Despite the over-packaging and waste in using a heavy nonrefillable case, my first Guerlain Rouge G lipstick purchase has proven to be an excellent choice. Gracia is one of those lipsticks that get moved from purse to purse so I always have it with me. Thus, when Rouge G Le Brillant was launched I sighed and immediately reported to the nearest Guerlain counter where I decided Bella (B63) had to come home with me. It's a red based pink, very wearable and daytime friendly. The color is flattering and brightens up the face instantly, so it's a great choice for spring/summer.

The new Rouge G Le Brillant formula is sheer and glossy, while still packing enough pigment to leave a stain on the lips after the first cup of tea. Like the original Rouge G it's creamy, comfortable and moisturizing, making my lips feel soft and hydrated throughout the day. While the color doesn't smear or migrate where no lipstick should ever go, I find that grounding it with a lip liner can improve Le Brillant's performance significantly and make it last a bit longer (though still not as long as a regular Rouge G).  One thing to be said for the double-mirrored case is that it makes reapplying on the go very easy (and is a great conversation piece).

The lip liner I chose, Guerlain's Crayon Levres in Rose Indien (60) is an almost nude (on my lips, that is, not so much on my wrist) rose that fits well with Bella as well as with many other colors I wear regularly. The texture is soft enough to draw and define easily, without compromising on what you need from a lip liner- to firmly stay in place through thick and thin while blending with your skin and your lipstick. It comes with a sharpener and a built-in lip brush, which I love. I can never have too many lip brushes.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to have my makeup done by Pamela Morgan, Guerlain's national makeup artists. It was a wonderful experience (the total opposite of the clown face incident) and she gave me a few tips and hints for successful makeup application. One of the best tips she gave me was a subtle way to enhance the top lip without doing the Pamela Anderson thing. You don't need to draw a line outside the lips, just barely over your cupid's bow, so while it erases the bow itself, the upper lip looks fuller. I've tried it with several colors and liners and found that at least in my case, this works exceptionally well when wearing sheer and/or nude lip color. As always, it's the smallest things that make a difference.

Back to Rouge G Le Brillant, the bottom line: Another winner. I wish they'd make refills (like Serge Lutens). It would make a lot of sense.

Guerlain Rouge G Le Brillant ($46) and Crayon Levers ($28) are available from most decent department stores (the lipstick is also at Sephora). I bought them at my local Bloomingdale's.

All photos are mine.

Bésame Cosmetics Voluptuous Lip Colour Set (Red Velvet)

'Tis the season for red lipstick.

I was happily surprised to see that Bésame Cosmetics is back with beautiful new products. Bésame is a small California-based niche makeup company that launched a few years ago with quite a bit of blog hype- we all loved the vintage-inspired packaging, attention to details and superb product quality. Things seemed to have fizzled  in the last couple of years, the line was pulled out of Henri Bendel  and seemed to be forever on clearance online with no new products to liven things up.

However, things are looking up. The website has undergone a serious face-lift and there's finally something new to get excited about: Voluptuous Lip Colour Set. These lip kits feature three items: lipstick, lip liner and a small lip brush. As you can see, the packaging is as gorgeous as ever, with that Old Hollywood touch. These products would look more at home on an Art Deco vanity than in my modern makeup storage system, but a girl has to keep her lipsticks straight, after all. The sets come in three colors: Red Velvet (a true movie star red, on the warm side but not orange. It looks lighter on skin than in the tube, as you can see in the swatch), Rupture Rose (a soft pink) and Champagne (a shimmery beige). The last two seemed too light for me, so I only bought Red Velvet.

The lipstick is creamy, has more moisture than Besmae's Vintage Lipstick line and a satiny finish. It's not a matte, but isn't shiny either. It's a true grownup lipstick with full coverage, the kind you need to take extra care to apply it right, but when you do it rewards you with a flawless, elegant look. That's where the other items in the kit come into play. The retractable lip liner is a perfect match to the lipstick and provides the defining required when wearing red. The tip is thin enough to draw a very exact line and you can also use it under the lipstick for extra staining and a good hold. Not that the lipstick needs much help in this department- it was much longer lasting than I expected, surviving a snack and a drink.

The lip brush looks small and cutesy, but is actually wonderfully designed. It's the perfect size and the handle fits effortlessly between the thumb and index finger. The brush is dense, soft and grabs the right amount of color. Serious red lipsticks always look better when applied with a brush so I'm very happy that these kits provide such a good one. There's a small velvet pouch for the lipstick, but I prefer to keep the brush in it, for neatness sake.

Bottom line: Now I just need the perfect dress.

Bésame Cosmetics Voluptuous Lip Colour Set ($35) is available online from besamecosmetics.com, which is where I bought mine, and at select retailers around the world (there's a store locator on the website).

All photos are mine.

Paul & Joe Lipstick And Lip Liner (Reckless 63, Fig 6)

Between the lovely packaging and the gel-like texture of Reckless, Paul & Joe's limited edition lipstick, there was very little chance I wouldn't like it. Add to it a perfect (for me) day-to-night red and you've got a big, big love.

Not everyone wears red lipstick during the day, but if you have an olive skin and a penchant for darker colors, Reckless just might be your next favorite lipstick. It's not too dramatic and wouldn't get you mistaken for Gwen Stefani, but it's right on trend and looks very flattering. Paler faces would probably keep it to night time, where it's right at home.

It's interesting to note how rich and deep the pigment wears, despite the balmy texture. When I first tested Reckless, I expected it to be almost sheer because it felt like a gel. Yet, the coverage is great and it's a real woman's lipstick.It stays on relatively well and doesn't feather. You'll need to reapply after lunch, which would be a great excuse to pull out the beautiful tube and admire it again. I just love the paisley print on the outside and the embossed flower on the lipstick itself. It's these small touches that make Paul & Joe makeup such a treat (not to mention a great gift).





When I was at Bergdorf I also got a Paul & Joe lip liner. Number 6, Fig, didn't look like a perfect match when I tested it on my arm (as you can see in the swatch). It has more brown than Reckless and I didn't think they'd go together. Apparently, I might be wrong, as the liner looks softer when applied to my lips and the lipstick covers and blends with it nicely. Still, I admit I'd rather pair each one with other lipsticks and liners, because I wouldn't risk the Pamela Anderson look.

Paul & Joe limited edition lipstick in Reckless -63 ($20) and Fig lip liner ($16) are available from Bergdorf Goodman and beautyhabit.com.

Photos by me.