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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Butter London Lippy: La Moss Swatches and Review

I love Butter London. Everything from their chic shades of polish to the fun Brit-slang names---it all just screams perfect for my aesthetic. I have always wanted to try one of their Lippy's, and La Moss has been catching my eye for a while.


This is La Moss. A gorgeous shade inspired by the gorgeous Kate Moss (there is a matching lacquer I will be reviewing soon!). This looks like a dark eggplant, brownish-red in the tube, but it swatches as a purple-tinged oxblood. This is the deepest Butter London Lippy. They are quite small, .24 fl oz, and retail for $18. You can find them at Nordstrom or Ulta.

 
The wand is pretty standard, the doe foot applicator. However, the formula is almost dry, not much slip to it, so it takes a few dips into the tube to get enough out to cover lips. That is probably my only issue with this--this wand, which contributes to patchy coverage and long application. The smell of the gloss is heavenly, like the best vanilla ever!
 
 
This isn't complete opaque coverage but it is pretty close. No glitter here, just cream liquid lipstick. This is a really pretty oxblood and even though it may seem a bit dark for the upcoming months, I truly believe a red lip of any kind is always appropriate.
 
 
With a little patience, this is the end result! I really love it. It looks like a stain, but has a nice glossy suppleness to it. This is one thin coat with my lips smushed together, so you can layer the color and get it deeper, but I am sure it would be a pain!
 
Overall, I really am happy I finally got my hands on the La Moss Lippy. I have been lemming for it forever and it is finally mine! This is a classic shade that will never go out of style! Besides the quite terrible applicator, I love everything else about the formula. It really is a shame that the expensive price tag didn't go to a better brush. I normally don't have that much time to spend on a gloss. A true example of how an applicator can ruin a great product.
 
Price: 7/10
Performance: 9.5/10 (Lasts about 5 hours, which is long on me!)
Color/Wearability: 10/10
Packaging: 7/10
Overall Quality: 9/10

Total: 42.5/50 = B = Has Potential to be Panda-rific
 
Do you like the Butter London Lippys? Or will you stick to their polish only?



 
 
 

Butter London Lippy: La Moss Swatches and Review

I love Butter London. Everything from their chic shades of polish to the fun Brit-slang names---it all just screams perfect for my aesthetic. I have always wanted to try one of their Lippy's, and La Moss has been catching my eye for a while.


This is La Moss. A gorgeous shade inspired by the gorgeous Kate Moss (there is a matching lacquer I will be reviewing soon!). This looks like a dark eggplant, brownish-red in the tube, but it swatches as a purple-tinged oxblood. This is the deepest Butter London Lippy. They are quite small, .24 fl oz, and retail for $18. You can find them at Nordstrom or Ulta.

 
The wand is pretty standard, the doe foot applicator. However, the formula is almost dry, not much slip to it, so it takes a few dips into the tube to get enough out to cover lips. That is probably my only issue with this--this wand, which contributes to patchy coverage and long application. The smell of the gloss is heavenly, like the best vanilla ever!
 
 
This isn't complete opaque coverage but it is pretty close. No glitter here, just cream liquid lipstick. This is a really pretty oxblood and even though it may seem a bit dark for the upcoming months, I truly believe a red lip of any kind is always appropriate.
 
 
With a little patience, this is the end result! I really love it. It looks like a stain, but has a nice glossy suppleness to it. This is one thin coat with my lips smushed together, so you can layer the color and get it deeper, but I am sure it would be a pain!
 
Overall, I really am happy I finally got my hands on the La Moss Lippy. I have been lemming for it forever and it is finally mine! This is a classic shade that will never go out of style! Besides the quite terrible applicator, I love everything else about the formula. It really is a shame that the expensive price tag didn't go to a better brush. I normally don't have that much time to spend on a gloss. A true example of how an applicator can ruin a great product.
 
Price: 7/10
Performance: 9.5/10 (Lasts about 5 hours, which is long on me!)
Color/Wearability: 10/10
Packaging: 7/10
Overall Quality: 9/10

Total: 42.5/50 = B = Has Potential to be Panda-rific
 
Do you like the Butter London Lippys? Or will you stick to their polish only?



 
 
 

Monday, April 29, 2013

Julep Paris Jazz Trio for Lips

Julep used to once do tips, and now they also do lips! In May's Julep box, there was an option for a little back of three mini lipsticks along with the polishes. There was a New York option, but I chose the Paris Jazz Trio.

I kinda think Julep was inspired by the upcoming Great Gatsby movie, as everything in the box was very 20's themed, obviously (including the polishes, which are forthcoming!). They did a great job marketing, because the movie comes out on the 10th and this cute little package is already getting me revved up (although they had no association with the Leo-filled movie). Just luck I guess?

 
Is this not the most adorable thing ever? I mean, come on, it is like a vintage cigarette box or something. The lipsticks are very very small, but cute! These were basically an extra in the box anyway as I received two full-sized polishes and some sweet hair clips, so I am not complaining!
 
 
From Left to Right: Lady in Red (a matte red cream), Sweet Lorraine (a sheer light pink) and Charleston (a sheer red).
 
 
They are shown in the same order as listed. Lady in Red is so pretty, the perfect blue-based red that is very flattering. The pink is okay, but is more of a lip-sheer on me, and Charleston gives a nice red tint. Overall, a cute little trio. They have no distinct smell or taste and wear nicely. Not the world's best lipstick, but if they do make Lady in Red in a full size, I will consider getting it!
 
If you are a Julep Maven and got your box this month, did you like the lippies? Looking forward to the Gatsby movie? Do tell!
 
 
 
 

Julep Paris Jazz Trio for Lips

Julep used to once do tips, and now they also do lips! In May's Julep box, there was an option for a little back of three mini lipsticks along with the polishes. There was a New York option, but I chose the Paris Jazz Trio.

I kinda think Julep was inspired by the upcoming Great Gatsby movie, as everything in the box was very 20's themed, obviously (including the polishes, which are forthcoming!). They did a great job marketing, because the movie comes out on the 10th and this cute little package is already getting me revved up (although they had no association with the Leo-filled movie). Just luck I guess?

 
Is this not the most adorable thing ever? I mean, come on, it is like a vintage cigarette box or something. The lipsticks are very very small, but cute! These were basically an extra in the box anyway as I received two full-sized polishes and some sweet hair clips, so I am not complaining!
 
 
From Left to Right: Lady in Red (a matte red cream), Sweet Lorraine (a sheer light pink) and Charleston (a sheer red).
 
 
They are shown in the same order as listed. Lady in Red is so pretty, the perfect blue-based red that is very flattering. The pink is okay, but is more of a lip-sheer on me, and Charleston gives a nice red tint. Overall, a cute little trio. They have no distinct smell or taste and wear nicely. Not the world's best lipstick, but if they do make Lady in Red in a full size, I will consider getting it!
 
If you are a Julep Maven and got your box this month, did you like the lippies? Looking forward to the Gatsby movie? Do tell!
 
 
 
 

Sunday, April 28, 2013

My Mascara of the Moment: Physicians Formula Organic Wear FakeOut Mascara

Here I am with another mascara, and you guys, I think this may be the one.
 
I actually yelled "I think it's the ONE!" to my mother when applying this for the first time.

 
 
This the Physicians Formula Organic Wear FakeOut mascara in Black. It comes in a metallic pink curvy tube, which at first bothered me, and looks like a pink leaf, but it makes it actually easier to hold. This is rather expensive for drugstore mascara, at about $11. But worth it!

 
I have found some really awesome mascaras lately, but the reason I switched to this is because I have major allergies, and other mascaras were starting to bother me. It may be the crazy weather California has been experiencing lately, but my eyes have been so itchy. I have zero problems with my eyes when wearing this, so this I would recommend for anyone with eye allergies, or anyone looking for something natural and organic.

 
Here is the dreaded "Before" picture. Bare lashes.
 
 
And "After"! This is one coat. The black color is perfect. This gives me some volume, some length, and a little curl. You can build this easily to get more drama, but I like one quick coat for everyday.
 
 
The only downside to this mascara is that if you are prone to napping in the middle of the day or have watery eyes, this will budge. But, I think they may have a waterproof formula. Other than that, I am in love with this mascara!
 
Panda Approved!
 
I am having a great run with great products lately! So happy!
 
Do you like Physicians Formula?
 
 
 
 

 

 

My Mascara of the Moment: Physicians Formula Organic Wear FakeOut Mascara

Here I am with another mascara, and you guys, I think this may be the one.
 
I actually yelled "I think it's the ONE!" to my mother when applying this for the first time.

 
 
This the Physicians Formula Organic Wear FakeOut mascara in Black. It comes in a metallic pink curvy tube, which at first bothered me, and looks like a pink leaf, but it makes it actually easier to hold. This is rather expensive for drugstore mascara, at about $11. But worth it!

 
I have found some really awesome mascaras lately, but the reason I switched to this is because I have major allergies, and other mascaras were starting to bother me. It may be the crazy weather California has been experiencing lately, but my eyes have been so itchy. I have zero problems with my eyes when wearing this, so this I would recommend for anyone with eye allergies, or anyone looking for something natural and organic.

 
Here is the dreaded "Before" picture. Bare lashes.
 
 
And "After"! This is one coat. The black color is perfect. This gives me some volume, some length, and a little curl. You can build this easily to get more drama, but I like one quick coat for everyday.
 
 
The only downside to this mascara is that if you are prone to napping in the middle of the day or have watery eyes, this will budge. But, I think they may have a waterproof formula. Other than that, I am in love with this mascara!
 
Panda Approved!
 
I am having a great run with great products lately! So happy!
 
Do you like Physicians Formula?
 
 
 
 

 

 

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Khroma Beauty Honey Infused Lip Gloss in BlackBerry Honey

Okay, Kardashian sisters, I am forgiving you for your recent mishaps when it comes to your Khroma line.
 
Your Honey Infused Lip Gloss is your saving grace.

 
This is the Khroma Beauty Honey Infused Lip Gloss in BlackBerry Honey which is a dark berry shade. It retails for $8.99 at Ulta and comes in a very thin tube with a rose gold colored cap. The packing is decorated with honeycomb designs and is really cute.
 
 
This color is gorgeous, no shimmer, just creamy glossy raspberry color. And the scent, holy cow! This smells amazing, like fresh honey. Nothing artificial about this at all. The formula is nice, not overly moisturizing but lasts a good few hours and lightly stains.
 
 
This is so lovely and I can see myself making this my every day gloss. My only issue is with the packaging. The tube is so long that the brush is hard to wield, and the brush head is so small that it takes about three pulls to get enough product to cover your lips. So, it is a little finicky. But the color, formula, and scent make up for this.
 
Nice job Kardashians.
 
Price: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Color/Wearability: 10/10
Packaging: 7/10
Overall Quality: 9/10

Total: 43/50 = B+ = Happy Panda
 
Although the packaging needs improvement, I think I will be picking up at least one more. Have you tried this? Do you like honey flavored things?

 
 
 

Khroma Beauty Honey Infused Lip Gloss in BlackBerry Honey

Okay, Kardashian sisters, I am forgiving you for your recent mishaps when it comes to your Khroma line.
 
Your Honey Infused Lip Gloss is your saving grace.

 
This is the Khroma Beauty Honey Infused Lip Gloss in BlackBerry Honey which is a dark berry shade. It retails for $8.99 at Ulta and comes in a very thin tube with a rose gold colored cap. The packing is decorated with honeycomb designs and is really cute.
 
 
This color is gorgeous, no shimmer, just creamy glossy raspberry color. And the scent, holy cow! This smells amazing, like fresh honey. Nothing artificial about this at all. The formula is nice, not overly moisturizing but lasts a good few hours and lightly stains.
 
 
This is so lovely and I can see myself making this my every day gloss. My only issue is with the packaging. The tube is so long that the brush is hard to wield, and the brush head is so small that it takes about three pulls to get enough product to cover your lips. So, it is a little finicky. But the color, formula, and scent make up for this.
 
Nice job Kardashians.
 
Price: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Color/Wearability: 10/10
Packaging: 7/10
Overall Quality: 9/10

Total: 43/50 = B+ = Happy Panda
 
Although the packaging needs improvement, I think I will be picking up at least one more. Have you tried this? Do you like honey flavored things?

 
 
 

Friday, April 26, 2013

Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

Hey Pandas!
 
Summer is fast approaching and I know all of us are looking for summer staples as far as cosmetics go to get us through hot days and fun summer nights. After testing out a perfect nude Color Tattoo shade, I have to say that this will follow me to my upcoming trip to Hawaii and beyond.


 
This is Maybelline's Color Tattoo Metal 24 hour eyeshadow in Barely Branded. This is a warm, nude shade with a metallic finish. You can find them at Ulta and drugstores for $6.99.
 
 
This shadow is for anyone that wants a cheaper dupe for a MAC paint pot, a stay all day nude shadow, or a nude base for other shadows. With a good primer and proper application, this lasts about 10 hours on my lids alone. Some minor creasing happens but with some smoothing, it is fine again. When used as a base and set with other shadow, this lasted about 17 hours on me...and through a crazy, sweaty Franz Ferdinand concert (which was amazing btw, do any of you listen to them?). I have to say, concerts are a true test for wear for me, as I dance like crazy!
 
 
This does have a very strong metallic finish if you apply it heavily. This particular Color Tattoo has a lot of slip and is very emollient, which makes it easy to apply. It can be applied in a sheerer wash of color which I think is easier and more flattering (bottom swatch).
 
 
Excuse my no make-up otherwise eyes, but this is a sheer wash of the shadow on my bare lid. It is easy and gives you a pretty, awake look that is fresh for summer. Seriously, this is no fuss. Apply with a finger or a cream shadow brush and you are out the door! Love it!
 
Panda Approved!!
 
Have you tried this shade? What are your feelings about the Color Tattoos in general?