The New Matte

There is no denying at this point that, by and large, Revlon does some of the best lip products at the drugstore. Lately though, I feel like I have been very underwhelmed by my budget lip buys... until now.

 

The new Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm are a lovely addition to my matte lip color obsession. The color selection, while very nice, is not exceptionally unique save for (in my opinion) the two colors shown above. ( T: Shameless B: Sultry) 

 

Shameless is a stunning cool purple berry shade that is a lovely, colorful take on a winter vampy lip. Sultry is the far more popular (read: wearable) shade that, swatched, looks like a "your lips but better" color but, in reality, is a soft muted berry tone that is a great daytime alternative to Shameless. You know, if you believe in that sort of thing.

 

A note on the formula here: It could very well be the best matte formula I've tried from a conventional drugstore. I've enjoyed Revlon's matte's in the past but this one is more in line with the bITE beauty and NYX matte lip colors that I love so much. It applies creamily, is light as a feather, and lasts for ages. It also comes equipped with a sweet mint smell that I find to be a lovely addition, although I know scented lip products can be a bit polarizing.

 

As far as the lacquer balms go, I gave them a pass for the time being. They just have SO MUCH shimmer in them and I am not feeling the glossier lip now that the cooler months have set in. Matte is just so much more low maintenance.

 

Have you guys tried these yet? Or have you found anything new at the drugstore lately?

 

Off the Cuff

So it begins. The seemingly sooner and never-ending holiday gift set parade. Don't get me wrong, value sets are my very best beauty friend, but guys we are barely into the double digits for October.

Rant Over.

Now I'm going to profess my love for the new, holiday gift edition, Tarte "Off the Cuff" Amazonian Clay Blush Palette. (Ugh! That name.)

 It gets its name from the little leather cuff with a gold bow charm that it comes packaged with.
I have already passed that on to a more loving home. I don't really do bows.

From Left to Right we have Crave, Dazzled, Darling, Dollface, and the Park Avenue Princess Bronzer. For those of you who missed out on NARS' Danmari palette (and are maybe looking for an alternative to the Nars x Guy Bourdain One Night Stand Palette) I think this is an excellent alternative. I would even go as far to say the Tarte formula is superior (blastphemy! I know) to the NARS. They are silky smooth, intensely pigmented, and while I've not tested the 12 hour claim they easily make it through my workday.

I personally also love the inclusion of a bronzer in the palette because it makes it easier for someone who's not too keen on the sunkissed look (like me) to mix it with the blush shades to manipulate their saturation and warmth.

 I am not, however, saying I won't get the NARS when it's released. Ooops.

Late to the Party

I think the reason I love the Fall so much is because you get a break in the weather (goodbye humidity and 100 degree days, I will not miss you) but you still get to keep all of the perceived "warmth" of summer. If anything the leaves and the sweaters just give me the fuzziest feelings that no summer can replicate.

If there is any product I've found that encapsulates that feeling (because that's normal...) it's the Kevin Aucoin Creamy Glow in Tansoliel.

 As you can see I couldn't wait to dip into this baby. It was a Hautelook purchase and it creates the most beautiful wash of warm, fresh, glowing color on the cheeks. If you are looking for a flattering easy to use quality cream blush I would wholeheartedly encourage you check out the Kevin Aucoin formula. Lovely.

Contouring for Lazy People

Don't get me wrong. When the time is there contouring the face can be an invaluable makeup technique or tool. For big nights out or costumes or if you're having lots of photos taken that day it's a nice extra step that gives you some control over the shape of your face and what features you prefer to highlight. On a daily basis though. there is NO contouring happening on this face. Some days lately its magic if I can make time for under eye concealer (a step I NEVER used to skip).

My little cheat for creating a sculpted face is all about blush color and placement. A nice warm, brown rose shade swept from the ear, along the cheek to below the apples of the cheeks. It is an easy way to create some shape to the face, while adding warmth and color in a single step. Pictured above from R-L.

NARS Sin: Hard Candy Smooth Talker (d/c): Tarte Stellar (d/c): Milani Sunset Beach: NYX Mocha: Laura Gellar Pink Grapefruit

What are some of your favorite morning beauty cheats?

BOTB #4 and #5

The past two weeks have been short work weeks, and with the free time I have been rushing to try and find an apartment (yay!) as such my blog, and my lips have taken a backseat. While I don't have the variety I normally feature I have been relying on bright lips to keep my face looking awake.

Week #4

- Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade. This is a nice nude pale pink that I paired with a brown smokey eye. One of the last times this month I used anything but mascara on my eyes.

-NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam. This is a classic neutral red shade that is LONG wearing and dries to an ultra matte finish. An easy classic red but if you aren't fond of a matte finish, obviously avoid this.

-Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Catfight. I mentioned this here, and I am still loving this color. It's like the pink equivalent of a classic red. It also makes your teeth look insanely white.

Week #5

-NYX Matte Lipstick in Merlot and Bloody Mary. NYX's matte formulas are just to die for. They wear well and are so comfortable. This is a lipstick formula (the two colors in particular) that I reach for when I need something pretty and reliable.

-Lancôme Rouge in Love in #340 Rose Boudoir. I nabbed this for $10 at a place in NYC called Cosmetics Market and just fell in love. Goes on creamy dries to a satin finish and wears until you eat. It is my new lip product obsession.

What's been hiding in the bottom of your bag this week? (or two?)

The Fall Mani-cure

Easily the best fall manicure combo ever, I am in love. First up (post base coat) is OPI's Muir Muir on the Wall from their most recent San Francisco collection. I nearly passed this color up but, after wearing it I am so glad I caved. Its like all the hidden shimmer vampy shades that I love for this time of year amped up with a bit of a (very apparent) green bronze shift.

On top of that I applied Orly's Digital Glitter. This one was a surprise on the nails. It looks like a multichrome with glitter in the bottle but in reality it is a sheer pink shimmer base, with  bronze/gold/green small hex glitter. Thrown in for good measure are some holographic squares and some red micro glitter. These two just layer so well together and, while it seems like all the effects would work against one another they just come together to create a beautiful, complex, and harmonious Fall manicure.

If you get anything from the salon brand fall collections this year, make it these two colors.

Wear All the Colors

Sometimes a brand releases something so unique and so beautiful that it just deserves to have its praises sung all by itself.

Last month I Love Nail Polish, a Vegas based indie polish brand debuted their new Ultrachromes. They are just breathtakingly beautiful and unique. The formula is stellar and lacks the inherent sheerness of other duochrome polishes of days past.

Cyngus Loop (far left) is by far the most transformative and unique.  Mutagen is a beautiful twist on the 2013 emerald trend, and Birefringence is a blue heavy version of Cyngus Loop.

Just get them. They are stunning.

BOTB #3

This week in lippies. Clockwise from the top.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Adore is a warm brown red stain that works well both on its own as well as a base for under red lipsticks. (Especially for night out longevity!)

 Lancôme Rouge In Love lipstick in Cocoa Couture is a very deep cool brown red. This formula is just stellar. It glides on smoothly, and dries down to a very comfortable long-wearing finish.

Kat Von D Foiled Love Lipstick in Adora. This color is not for everyone. Its a high shimmer metallic finish that I love in this neutral red shade. In any other color I think it looks a bit dated.

Maybelline Vivid Lipstick in Pop of Cherry. This one was LE but I encourage you to investigate your drugstore. I've seen it around quite a bit still and this is a fun pink red shade in a stellar budget formula.

Jack Black Lip Balm in Lemon & Chamomile. My lips needed a day off and while I love the Nuxe Reve De Miel for nighttime, this is both wallet friendly as well as wonderfully effective. I want the grapefruit one next!

Last up Illamasqua's Magnetism. This is an absolute favorite Fall berry shade. It straddles the line between subtle and bold with absolute perfection and is so unbelievably comfortable and fun to wear. Get it.

What did you wear this week?

Good Grease

Ah the ultimate skincare counter intuition. Oil? On my face? Are you crazy? No, no I am not crazy and as soon as you man up and try it you will never be the same.  Now I realize if you have oily skin the idea of putting more grease on your face will leave you with the squirmy, gross nails on a chalkboard sensation but, if you can move past it to try this JUST ONCE you will see results like you cannot believe.

1. Oil is so much more effective at breaking down makeup products and dirt because these are all trapped in your natural face oils as a result of all day wear. Fats are so much better and breaking themselves down than water alone.

2. They are far more nourishing than traditional soap cleansers. I prefer mine to include an emulsifier (the cleanser goes milky when it meets water) as I like my wash to rinse cleanly, but if you have a drier complexion you can pass on that ingredient. (Sorbeth, and Sorbate are common ingredient components of emulsifiers.)

3. Enhancing your moisturizer with oils is a great way to up your skincare game in the (rapidly approaching) cooler months, as well as customizing your skincare to your skins in the moment needs. (More on this in a minute.)

4. A few drops in the ends of your hair or on dry patches of skin can produce instant comfort and results.

The DHC Cleansing Oil is an oft repurchased fixture in my routine. Olive oil based this is a really lovely and simple (albeit very synthetic) oil cleanser that my skin personally responds well to. It removes all walks of makeup quickly with minimal rubbing or tugging of the skin.

The NUDE Pro-Genius is my go to treatment oil. It has a long list of components but it works wonders for evening out tone and brightening the complexion. If my skin is feeling a bit dehydrated the Tarte Maracuja is a life saver. It is the most moisturizing and simple looking and feeling of all the oils, but it packs a big punch in the hydration department. When I have over done it with my skin (exfoliating, makeup, picking) I reach for the Weleda Wild Rose oil. Rose is insanely calming, redness reducing, and soothing. It will revert almost any irritation over night. Rose Hip oil is a good alternative and likely what I will repurchase after this sample is gone.

The Caudalie Divine Oil is a beautiful multi-purpose product. I much prefer it for my body and hair over my face as it just leaves the nicest dry oil finish on the skin. It sinks in quickly and leaves a lingering musky smell behind. An expensive option, but a lovely treat if you are in the market for pampering.

The Autumn Edit

I love Fall. Love. It. Everything about it but, most of all the makeup. Oh the makeup. Now I'm all for wear whatever you want whenever you want but, something about the autumn especially makes me feel very seasonal.

Starting with the base I will 100% be returning to Jouer's Matte Moisture Tint in Linen. Purchased back in April, it very quickly became too light but, as soon as my minimal tan fades this is coming back to my makeup bag. The new addition is Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer in 15 Fair. With my Bobbi Brown corrector nearly extinct this is the first in line as a potential replacement. The jury's still out but I like it so far. NARS Sin is up to bat for blush duty as it leaves a soft flush of color while also shaping the face a bit. Perfect for in-transit application.

For versatility sake I love a good MAC quad. This starting lineup includes (Clockwise from top left) Kid, Typographic, Patina, and Cut to Fit (LE but Antiqued is almost identical). It gives me my ever so favorite copper smokey eye (who doesn't want to look like an Olsen sometimes) as well as some more natural options for lazy days. My new addition is the Lancôme Hypnose Drama mascara, which I am so far loving.

Purchased in tandem with the aforementioned mascara, Lancôme's Rouge in Love in Cocoa Couture. I love this formula and this color is the perfet brown-red for fall. Joined by an old favorite, Revlon's Lip Butter in Crème Brulee for the ultimate sheer Fall nude shade.

Does the change of season compel you to opt for new makeup bag go-to's? What are they? OR what do you rely on regardless of season?

Reporting for Beauty



Me, I love a good bargain hunt. I think that's why my selection of products is a 50/50 high low split. This palette from Wet n' Wild is a stellar drugstore find, especially if you are looking for a basic everyday eye palette that will transition you easily into nighttime.

Here I have the satin finish, golden taupe (eyelid) all over the lid, the deep matte brown (liner) in the outer corner, and the beautiful matte peach-brown (browbone) as my transition color. Swap the taupe for the deep brown and the peach brown for the taupe et voilà instant smokey eyes.

If you can nab this palette while the display is still floating around I highly recommend picking it up. If you like warmer hues Spoiled Army Brat is a beautiful mauve/peach trio that is equally beautiful if maybe a little less versatile.

Found anything good for a bargain lately?

BOTB #2

Lets go week 2!

Clockwise from the top.

Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer (or Apocolips) in the color Luna. A very user friendly peachy-pink shade VERY reminiscent of MAC's Ever Hip if ever so slightly more warm toned. It pairs very well with subtle and dramatic makeup alike, and as much as I like this lip formula I think (for me) its far more forgiving in a softer color like Luna.

YSL Glossy Stain in #2 Brun Glace. Recently revisited in my autumnally appropriate vampy lips post and may very well be a fixture in the feature for the next month or so. It gives you great control over the level of color you wear, as well as being phenomenally long lasting and glossy.

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Nude Crème. This is a very easy no brainer nude lip. Similar to MAC's Crème Cup (coincidence?) its a pink-nude only slightly lighter than my natural lipcolor. I can see myself actually finishing this color but be warned there is a strong synthetic fruity odor in this formula that not everyone will like.

Finally L'Oreal Caresse Shine Stain in Berry Persistent. The much more affordable dupe to the aforementioned YSL Glossy Stain. As L'Oreal owns YSL it's no surprise the formulas are identical (I honestly have experienced no difference.) I've always longed for deep glossy lips but as I have problems with colors bleeding it was something that was very high maintenance for me. Products like these have made that a possibility for me, and one that I will continue to take advantage of. Word to the wise though: The darker colors perform much better across both brands.

What have you been wearing this week?

Le Meh

 I was so excited when I finally caught the new L'Oreal display I was SO excited, and I was most certainly NOT alone. I even paid full price at the drugstore for both of them, (which I never do) and ultimately they went back.

If you own many lipsticks nothing about the color selection here is something you don't already own, potentially in a better formula. I had the highest hopes for the Le Matte formula, as I prefer a matte finish, but I found them to be sheer, patchy, and a bit dry. The NYX Matte Lipstick formula is infinitely better and a much better value.

The Le Laque is by far a more unique a formula. It is absolutely a vinyl finish on the lips, that after a very short while begins to hemorrhage outside my lip line. If you don't have a problem with bleeding this could be a nice addition to any collection but overall I though the whole release was just kind of meh.

Have you guys come across this display yet? Any thoughts?

#BOTB 1

Bottom of the bag week number 1! I thought this would be a good weekly post that would a. encourage me to wear all of my lip products and 2. encourage me to clean out the lip products in my bag at the end of every week.  So without further ado.

Clockwise from the top,
-Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Shame
-MAC Candy Yum Yum
-MAC Shy Girl
-MAC Ronnie Red (LE)
-Bite Beauty in Pastille Violet
-Maybelline Baby Lips Electro in Strike A Rose
-NYX Matte Lipstick in Indie Flick

Show me what's at the bottom of your bag! Use the #botb on Instagram!

 Find me @blkmagicwoman21

How Do You Vamp?



Or do you vamp I guess is the better question? If you don't, you should. (IMHO) There is nothing I love more when the cooler weather rolls around than playing Snow White. With my transparent complexion a nice deep pout makes me fee like the yummiest of sexpots. Yay! (Isn't that what all this makeup business is about anyway)

 

Now I realize for most people this is well afield of your comfort zone. Trust me, I've got you covered too.

 

 Milani Color Statement in Chilled Brandy. Now this one is a hair frosty, but in a deep shade I think it looks amazingly reflective, festive, and very high fashion. My love of all things foiled was well documented last year.

 If you are feeling really and truly bold, Urban Decay's Revolution Lipstick in Shame is for you. I. Love. This. The formula is stellar. Long-wearing, pigmented and bleed resistant. If you're willing to commit to the vampy lip this is the formula to go with.

On the fence? Opt for the Revlon Super Lustrous in Raisin Rage. It's a bit more on the brownish red side of vampy, so it gives you the comfort of neutrality. It's still dark, but it's more like a My So Called Life lip and less like an Elvira lip. (Shut up. I love Elvira.)

The real safe bet? YSL Glossy Stain in #2 Brun Glace. Insanely buildable, a true long-wearing and pout staining product. It gives you the freedom to do one layer for a light, deep glassy look, or 3+ layers for a sexy glossy full on lip look. (The swatch above is in between with 2 coats.)

How about you? Will you be channeling your inner vamp this fall?

Crystal Clear

I am not really the kind of girl who looks for a lot of sparkle in my accessories. I like naturally occurring metals and earthy looking stones. I was desperate for a raw quartz necklace but, like always, was unwilling to pay the price for the pieces I found. These are the times when I'm thankful to live in a place with abundant resources and for a "do it yourself" spirit.

It was so simple. 15$ in raw quartz pieces, an upcycled necklace chain, earring backs, and some super glue and I was in business.

I simply wrapped the silver wire through the pre drilled hole in the larger "pendant" piece, creating a loop in the process, and voilà instant necklace. The earrings are easier still. Superglue back to "flattest" side of crystal chunk. That's it.

I love them. Super simple and incredibly statement making. I have not stopped wearing them since I made them.

DIY next up, this super cool new Celine choker for Fall'13.

Koh Gen Don't

I was so excited to see Koh Gen Do pop up on HauteLook this past month. I've seen their products a handful of times but had never really investigated anything too seriously. I know they're famous for their base products, but none of the formulas that were available really spoke to me.

Instead I opted for the Maifanshi Mineral Eyeshadow quad in #302. After a quick Google  I saw that it had been featured as an autumn must have (last year) on Into the Gloss (Love!) so I decided to pull the trigger and add it to the cart.

Unfortunately, I really don't think this lives up to it's 60$ pricetag. (I paid $30 on HauteLook) It's supposed to be "undetectable, cinema quality" makeup but it really just doesn't show up. These swatches required a lot of building and were even more difficult on the eyes. Discount or not I say pass on the eyeshadows from Koh Gen Do.

Have you had any luxury disappointments lately?

Quick on the Draw

For the longest time I only ever had one NARS blush. I bought Orgasm for my 16th Birthday and wore a very generous hole in the middle. Even after a longstanding and loving flushed relationship, I never went back for more. Then last Christmas I got Sin and lo-and-behold the to-buy blush list was born.

First up, Outlaw, made permanent after last year's Fall re-release (it was previously a permanent fixture from NARS) it's a stunning addition to the line. I have seen some pretty unforgiving reviews of this color, but I have nothing but good things to say here.

 It's a warm brick rose type color with an evident gold sheen. I like to think of this as my adult version of Orgasm. (hm...) It's more flattering to my skin-tone and does that snow white flush thing that I love so much. It has a smooth texture, applies well, and wears all day.

Do you have a go to blush? Change it up with the day, season... tide??

Making Your Marc

I am not typically a "luxury" makeup kind of person. I have a few designer beauty treats I've acquired over the years but they typically happen at Christmas time or after long, careful, consideration. They also generally are acquired alone, as a one off purchase to ease the financial blow.

That is not how this purchase happened...

I knew when these came out that I had to have this palette. It was the first collection review I saw for Marc Jacobs Beauty and it was just meant to be. I am particularly enamored with two of the center shades, the copper and the gold, which are beautifully suited to the incoming autumn. ( I told you, I'm excited. I may have bought a few other Fall 'beauts on this trip, watch this space.)

This look however is the first I tried with the palette, and I love if for day to day wear.

Have you guys thought about any of the new Marc Jacobs items? What's on the top of your wishlist?

The Next Generation

In beauty sometimes you really do get what you pay for. Sometimes that $22 lipstick outshines anything  else you've tried and you will dutifully hand over your card for your next favorite shade. Sometimes though, the drugstore brings out something that is a quality surprise at a quantity price tag.

 This next generation version of the budget eyeshadow pencil has very quickly weaseled it's way into my daily makeup bag.  In order of appearance...

1. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eyeshadow Crayon in Bad Girl Bronze is the newest to my arsenal and the most autumnal. (i'm already anxiously awaiting Fall, can you tell?) A beautiful warm brown shot through with a copper gold shimmer. This is ideal for an allover smokey, but still daytime appropriate look.

2. Milani Shadow Eyez 12 Hour Wear Shadow Pencil in Sand Dunes was one of the first of the new budget offerings I meticulously hunted down. This puppy is straight up sparkly. It doesn't apply perfectly and has a tendency to go patchy but, I love this layered under a matte nude shadow. It's just enough shimmer to wake up the eye but no so shimmery it's childish.

3. Jordana Made to Last 12 Hour Shadow Pencil in Continuous Almond. This offering from Jordana (owned by the same folk as the Milani above) is a beautiful long wearing matte nude shadow. If you pay attention to the beauty world you know Milani released a very similar shade by the name of Almond Cream, but this one is more affordable and more easily accessible. Such a good basic, it seamlessly evens out the lid and provides a beautiful base for other shadows.

Have you tried any of the new shades at the drugstore?
If not I highly suggest you consider it the next time you pop in for teepee.

Hip To Be Square

I shop a lot. I realize this is not a revelation but it's worth saying out loud (or in writing) sometimes. Often I'll shop without buying anything at all. My favorite thing though, about being a casual shopper, is finding that unexpected (better still; affordable) gem in an unlikely place.

This time the place happened to be Old Navy.

These little cube studs give just the right amount of edge to a newly minted office professional (semi-professional) such as myself. I love that they are not girly but not pyramid studs either. It's the ultimate office balance. At $6.95 it's a hard item to walk away from.

Unfortunately Old Navy does not feature their jewelry bits on the website yet but it wouldn't be a bad idea to poke around your local store for these.

Any other work apropos items out there I should look into?
 Give this semi-pro a heads up.

Back in the Habit (and the World's Greatest Lipstick)

Well it has certainly been a while. Lets do this bit quickly.

1. No income to buy beauty

2. Unhappiness over persistent unemployment.

3.New Job!

4. Constant exhaustion from said new job.

All better?
Good!

After months of silence it's time to talk about all of the things we here at the Unanimous Molly would rather talk about above all other things; and we're gonna start with the best one.

Lipstick!

Ah, the new Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks. A revolution indeed. I opted for the neutral, medium pink shade call "Catfight" and I could not be more impressed. Comfortable to wear, albeit thick feeling on the lips, seamless color coverage, and staying power to make superglue weep. Run, do not walk, and test some of these bad boys out!

The brand's previous delve into lipstick was pretty unremarkable, but this launch is a reminder that Urban Decay is a brand that consistently knocks innovative beauty launches out of the park.

What color will you be trying first?

Instagram Nails #36

A Very Late Instagram Nails #35

Instagram Nails #34

Instant Smokes

I have fallen in love. I'm sure this is not the first time I've uttered a statement like that here at The Unanimous Molly. This time though, I mean it. (I meant it last time too I swear...) I have come up with the recipie for the worlds easiest five minute, five product smokey eye! The best part? This is the perfect day to night eye look!

1. Highlight inner corner and browbone(if you want) with a shimmery flesh toned cream shadow or liner. (I used Urban Decay's 24Hr Shadow Pencil in Sin.

 

2. Apply a warm brown cream shadow to your lid and blend up into the crease. (I used MAC's Quite Natural Paint Pot. I am OBSESSED with this, more on that later...)

 

3. Smudge a bit of black liner right up against your lashes all along the upper lash line and about halfway along the waterline. (Stila's Smudgestick in Stingray here.)

 

4. Blend out your liner with a matte deep brown eyeshadow. (Joe Fresh in Espresso)

 

5. Lots of Mascara! (Jordana Best Lash Extreme in Black)

 

The star of the show here is really the Paint Pot in Quite Natural. I think it is the neccesary component to this look. It makes this the express route to sultry, smokey, five minute heaven. If you don't already have this (or something like it) in your makeup rotation you need to. It can even be used in place of a liner for super easy makeup days...

 

xoxo

Molly