Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored

Let's talk about one of the few Black Friday releases I was drawn to: the Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored ($24, 4ml/0.13fl oz).

Uncensored is a bold and bright red that's striking on her (check out this photo- we're assuming this is Uncensored on her) and also supposed to be a universal red. I think it's incredibly bold on my complexion, to be honest.

Yes, I do have the MAC nail polish from the Brooke Candy collection that's packaged in a similar manner. My nail collection is all over the place, so I won't be sharing that in this post but they are similar. However, the applicator makes all of the difference:

Pro tip: that's not nail polish, and a little brush isn't for the lips. I found the faux confusion a non-issue, to be honest. What I found more difficult, however, was controlling the formula.

I actually wrote this post as I was testing it for the first time so the thoughts are very fresh.

Application: I found this little wand to work well, although I was concerned with the liquidity of the formula. I was able to control it by using a small amount of product. However, it's one of the most difficult formulas I've dealt with to apply. So if you're not used to liquid lipsticks, particularly runny ones, be armed with makeup remover and Q-tips.

Drydown and Comfort: I was really impressed with the drydown. I actually didn't know that it was dry until I looked at a mirror. It's very comfortable. This formula didn't provoke my lips, which is helpful this winter.

Transfer: That said, I was shocked at the transfer everywhere. The color still appeared to be on my lips, but my goodness it was on everything. It fails the kiss test miserably for the recipient- but it does remain on your lips.


This is Uncensored, swatched:

Yes, this is a bold and striking red. It was actually jarring to wear it while I tested it; I was doing a no-makeup day otherwise (I mentioned my knee injury on Sunday, and that's when I wrote most of this post.)

I think it looked pretty good on the lips- even without a ton of prep in advance. It was shockingly red- but it'd look amazing with a hugely glam look. I'm thinking a nude shimmer or glitter on the eyes, a classic wing, and Uncensored on the lips.

Do I like the formula? I like it better than most liquid lipsticks because it didn't destroy my lips. Is it easy to work with? Not really. Does it transfer? Yes, to the point where I'd want to babysit it. It's a shame, since this is a "holiday party" color but I'd be afraid to wear it to one.

I'll be interested to see if this formula is rolled out with other shades. I'd be interested in a MLBB shade. I think it's worthwhile checking out, but just be aware that she's high maintenance.

Fenty Beauty Starlit Hyper-Glitz Lipstick in Sci-Fly for Holiday 2017

Today I have a quick little overview of my lone selection from the Fenty Beauty holiday collection. Before I go any further, I'd like to applaud the brand for bringing out a full holiday collection so soon after launch. Although it's not necessarily all for me, I went into the store and played with it. It's fun- and it will be right for some people. I'm just not one of them.

That said, I picked up one of the Starlit Hyper-Glitz Lipsticks ($19) in Sci-Fly.

This is the darkest of the four lipsticks, and the one that I deemed most wearable for my life. The whole collection is very glittery- which is awesome- but I was looking for a metallic, glittery lipstick that would be flattering on me.

I have to give some serious props to this oil-slick packaging. It reminds me of the Sephora Collection brushes from Holiday 2017.

For that $19, you receive a 1.3g/0.045oz lipstick. The entire package feels a little small, so I decided to compare. The Hourglass Confessions lipsticks (noted for being small) are .9g/0.03oz, MAC Liptensity is 3.6g/0.12oz, LORAC Alter Ego 3.4g/0.12oz, regular MAC lipsticks are 3g/0.1oz.

OK, so they are small. However, I'm not mad at the size because I rarely finish a lipstick and I won't use a glittery red every day.

These are a thin lipstick, which I think give me more precision. I love the FB imprint at the end.

That photo sums up the shade- Sephora calls it a "shimmering garnet," but I call it a deep red that's packed with multiple shades of glitter. There's a lot of blue glitter in particular, which is extremely flattering on the lips.

Here's what I like about this formula- it's sheer but completely buildable. Take a look at these swatches:

See why I felt this would be wearable? I happen to like it built up (that's 2-3 passes).

Here it is, without liner, on my lips:

I love the color. It's going to be perfect for those festive occasions- or nighttime. It's too much for my conservative office, but I can't wait to rock the glittery lips as often as possible. Despite the glitter, it does feel balmy- you'll probably want a liner with this. Wear time is not great but 100% what I expected with the texture. Keep this nearby to reapply every 3ish hours or when you eat or drink.

While the collection isn't necessarily for me, I appreciate the glitz and glam- and think plenty will adore it.

October 2017 Favorites

Much like September's favorites, I'm going to try to keep it simple here. I was all over the board in terms of testing new products this month (I hope the diversity of posts- and the frequency- was a tipoff to that.) Consider this the best of the best.

Eyes:

Eyeshadow: Quite unexpectedly, Tarte Clay Play found its way into my heart this month. I find it such a quiet but reliable friend that can rescue most looks gone awry. I also became obsessed once again with putting highlighter on my eyes- in this case, Fenty Beauty Trophy Wife. I've been looking for the perfect gold for years and this is it. I haven't talked about it in this space yet, but my Inglot Eco Palette was a go-to. Marc Jacobs The Lolita continues to be that go-to when I don't know what else to do.

Eyeliner and Mascara: I'll continue to give a written nod to the perfect ABH trio of liners that are the foundation of my work. I continued to enjoy my Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Precision Longwear Eyeliner and the Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara.

Cheeks and Face:

Blush: I got in a rut this month. I think Fiona Stiles Soft Cheek Veil in Valley was on my cheeks all but a few days, and Physicians Formula Butter Blush in Plumrose the other days. It was a neutral month, ok?

Bronzer: I finally finished my Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer this month, and I remembered why I love it. L'Oreal Glam Bronze continues to lurk around.

Highlight: I don't remember what I was wearing before it came into my life, but aside from the days when I was testing something else, MAC Whisper of Gilt has been my BFF. I get it, y'all.

Contour: Kat Von D Shade and Light palette. Enough said.

Primers: I wore quite a few, but nothing's fab enough to shout out. I have a quiet routine, but I'm not going to write the same thing every month.

Concealers and Correctors: I'm trying a new concealer that I'm not yet ready to shout-out... wait for the review.

Foundation: I discovered a new HG foundation this month- Inglot HD Perfect Coverup Foundation. Look for a full review soon. I also rediscovered how much I enjoy MAC Studio Fix Foundation, which is a true classic. An old HG, Chanel Perfection Luminere Velvet, just wouldn't stop jumping into my hands in the morning.

Powders: I rotated through a few powders this month. After taking the sifter off, I rediscovered just how good NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder in Flesh is. I also continued my love affair with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light, RCMA No Color Powder, and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light.



Lips:


I'll be honest, I've been playing with holiday releases for most of this month (for example, all 6 LORAC kits), so I don't have any favorites! I'm looking forward to giving my lips a break in November!

Nails:

I  pulled out some classic shades this month- Chanel Rouge Noir, Chanel Atmosphere, and Chanel Particuliere.

That's it- it's a light October because of all of the testing.  I'm doing something different this month- an entire month-long everyday makeup drawer. Wish me lujck.

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife

I called it in my last review of Fenty Beauty.

It only took calling around twice to land the internet's buzziest highlighter.

Let's talk about Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife ($34, 8g/0.28oz).  I've already brought you the skintone appropriate Metal Moon- this is the glitter that has been calling my name since I put it down in the store back on September 14. The fact that I can cite the date tells you how much I've been dreaming about this product.

OK, back to basics. The Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighters are encased in a hexagonal, pearlized white compact.

The shade name is shown on the bottom- along with the color of the highlighter.

Let's just take a moment to gawk.

She's glittery, glitzy, gilded, and gorgeous.

Trophy Wife is a golden, glittery highlighter that's really targeted for deep skintones- and after watching 10,001 YouTube videos I can confirm that it looks stunning.

Trophy Wife is like an object of art to me- it's just gorgeous.

I could stop and stare at that golden glittery goodness all day long.

Girl, I know I have NO business putting it on my face as highlighter. I don't plan to do so. To my friends with the deep collections, please rock it. You see highlighter, I see the perfect eyeshadow I've been in dogged pursuit of for years.

Let's go to a highlighter swatch:

It's that second photo that should give people ideas. Just imagine that, foiled. If I had lid space to spare right now, I'd do it. However, I'll save it for Steelers game days.

I'm so happy to have Trophy Wife in my life- this is gorgeous.

September 2017 Favorites

I love doing my monthly favorites... I hope that they're fun for you to read as well. I've been testing so many new products that I've tried to keep my favorites streamlined. Any links are to previous reviews that I've done on the blog for your reference.

Eyes:

Eyeshadow: I really kept reaching for three palettes this month- Natasha Denona Lila Palette, PUR Trolls Palette, and LORAC Mega Pro 1. I'd expect these three to keep popping up from time to time. I'm also still a huge fan of all of the MAC Girls Palettes.

Eyeliner and Mascara: Other than my favorite trio of ABH liners, I also reached for the long-discontinued Chanel Perle de Lune and was thrilled to bring the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Eyeliner back into my life via the Ulta sale. Nothing like keeping it simple.


Cheeks and Face:

Blush: Dose of Colors Blush in StateMint brought me back down the rabbit hole into old habits. Chantecaille Cheek Shade in Bliss found its way back into my drawer, and I purchased a full-sized version of Tarte Paarty. When I wasn't wearing a light pink nudey blush, I was also wearing Natasha Denona Blush Duo #15.

Bronzer: I've been reaching for two bronzers- both from the drugstore- this month. I'm so close to finishing my Physician's Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer in Light Bronze and L'Oreal Glam Bronze 01 is my cool-toned go-to.

Contour: I feel sort of like I'm cheating since I only bought this halfway through the month, but Catrice Prime & Fine Professional Contouring Palette has been my go-to since I purchased it when I want an effortless contour. I've been testing other products, but I love this little guy. Look for a full review soon.

Highlighter: I wasn't very committed to highlighters this month. Fenty Beauty Metal Moon and Becca Prismatic Amethyst probably found their way onto my cheeks the most frequently.


Lips: 

Basics: I continue to worship Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer, as it now allows me to comfortably wear matte liquid lips. I've also been using up my Fiona Stiles Ultra Luxe Nourishing Lip Balm.

Lipstick: I'm still fairly boring when I'm reaching for lipsticks. Hourglass GIRL Stylo in Peacemaker and Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Uber Beige are still my go-tos.

Liquid Lipstick: I discovered how much I like two formulas this month. Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Lipstick in Freshly Baked ruled my daytime looks, whereas I've been playing with Dose of Colors Matte Liquid Lipstick in Berry Me at night. I can't wait for it to cool enough to wear it out during the day.

Lip Gloss: It was all about Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow this month. Period. End stop.


Base Products:

Primers: I've been trying to finish primers this month, so the only constants are my Too Faced Hangover Rx 3-in-1 spray- which is a must, the L'Oreal Magic Base to fill in some fine lines, and the Milk Makeup Blur Stick.

Concealers: Tarte Shape Tape. Any questions?

Foundations: I rediscovered how much I love the Chanel Perfection Luminere Velvet foundation this month. I continue to enjoy La Mer The Foundation (tell me if you'd like my thoughts), It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream and bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Gel Cream.

Powders: I forget why I stopped using Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light under my eyes. It's one of two powders (the other being the NYX one I talked about yesterday) that set my eyes this month). In terms of all-over powder, it's been either the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder or MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural.


Nails:

Color: I'm going back to my roots here. I had one of a few shades on my nails most of the month. Thanks to Glossybox for bringing Morgan Taylor Magician's Assistant into my life. I've also been loving some CVS finds- Pop-Arazzi Pewter Perfect & Staying Up Slate. I also pulled Chanel Alchimie out for the few days it was cool (Side note: whoa, that's digging in the archives to find that post!). I also put China Glaze Pearl Jammin' on my nails as soon as I purchased it (there's something fresh about muted pastels in fall).


Skincare and Bodycare:

Skincare:  I ran out of Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum and my skin showed it almost immediately. I now have a $80 staple in my routine. I also continue to enjoy First Aid Beauty Coconut Smoothie Priming Moisturizer.

Bodycare: I rediscovered my love for L'Occitane's almond line this month. In particular, I've been loving the L'Occitane Almond Milk Lotion. In the shower, I fell in love with Le Petit Marseillais Shower Gel in Mandarin and Lime.


That's it for my beauty favorites- but I'd love to share a few non-beauty items with you as well.


Non-Beauty:

Style-wise, I've been loving the combination of my Sam Edelman Felicia Flats, and will be picking up other colors. These come in wide, which is wonderful. I've also been wearing my Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote on a daily basis.  This might be TMI, but I've discovered how lovely the Delimira Womens' Plus Size Maternity Bras are. I'm not pregnant, nor have I had a baby recently. However, I am a thirty-something who is naturally "blessed". Those bras give me nighttime support and actually help ease some of my back pain.

What have you been loving this month?

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Metal Moon & Universal Gloss in Fenty Glow

Today I'm happy to share my initial purchases- and thoughts- about Fenty Beauty. This was clearly the largest, most buzzed-about line to launch in 2017. I found myself walking after work to the nearest Sephora to check it out. At that time, I picked up one item. Several days later, I came back for a second. I'll be back for more.

I picked up two items from this first launch- the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Metal Moon and the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. If you're curious, the gloss came first.

Let's start with the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter.

Highlighters are one of the key products in the line. I have one of the two single-pan highlighters- Metal Moon.

It's almost impossible to capture in a photo, but the hexagonal packaging has a blue pearl. It's truly beautiful.

For $34, you get 8g/0.28oz of product. It's about the same as a Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, but for $4 less.

Metal Moon is described as "mega fine white gold." In the pan, it looks straight up white.

This shade hasn't gotten the best reviews, but I think this shade was meant for me. It's suited best for someone who is very fair, and who prefers a subtle highlight. It's the anti-Trophy Wife.  Know anyone that meets that description? Yeah, I thought so too.

Here's a swatch of Metal Moon- with the lights turned down so that the natural sheen is visible.

I love it. I know I've mentioned working in a conservative workplace; I can use this safely for work. There aren't that many recent releases I can say that about!

Here's an iphone photo of my highlighter popping. Sorry for the side eye (literally).

See how it glistens? Now, let's deal with that texture. That's 100% the foundation and not the highlighter.

This won't be my last highlighter purchase from the line. Gloriously golden Trophy Wife continues to haunt me. I went back and forth when I picked up Metal Moon. Don't think that I have any intentions on wearing it as a highlighter- it has no business on my fair skin. However, it needs to get on my eyes. Now. (But I did find an Inglot shadow that helped to curb that lemming right now.)  I also want to grab one of the duos eventually.


Now, onto the Gloss Bomb.

There's only one lip product at the moment- a $18, 9ml Gloss that's touted to be a universal shade.

This was actually the first thing that caught my eye from the collection. The applicator's actually interesting as well, It's a hexagonal tube with an oversized wand:

I'm not the only one to make this comparison, but it does remind me of Shape Tape.

Let's go to the swatch:

I tried to show this on my lips, but have had mishaps the five times I've reshot. So let's just talk about this instead. It's a hydrating formula that rides comfortably all day on my lips. It's gorgeously natural- but you feel it on your lips for sure. I'm so happy to have this in my collection and actually recommend it above all other products.


As a bonus, here's my $0.02 on the primer and foundation. I got a sample from Sephora of each because I can't justify purchasing another foundation right now- but I was curious. I got samples of the two lightest cool-undertoned shades (110 &170). I made sure my face was extra moisturized in advance, having watched various reviews on YouTube.

I really, really love the primer. So much that I kind of want to purchase it during the VIB sale in November. I'm honestly hammering on the size of my primer collection right now so I don't want to compound what I perceive to be an issue. But this felt like a hydrating moisturizer. It didn't feel sticky but I know it did good things for me because I didn't look overly dried out with the foundation.

Ah, the foundation. I didn't have to set it because it self-set (love that), but I just wasn't in love with how my skin looked. The oddest thing happened during the day. I felt oily in my T-Zone, but didn't look it when I checked. I was really wierded out by that. I think it's a nice foundation that photographs well, but it's not something I feel the need to race out and purchase to replace one of my overflowing drawer's staples.

Extra bonus: I won't be purchasing any of the Match Stix ever. I think they're nicely pigmented and blend well, but I don't use cream contour or highlight. If you're fair, avoid the pre-made trios. I'm NW13-15 and need the lightest "conceal" shade. At my age (mid-30s), stick concealers have no business anywhere near my eye area. I'll leave that to you 20-somethings. In short- they're nice and appear to be great quality for what they are, but it's not a product that works in my life.