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Blinc and You'll Miss It: Blinc Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Noir Black Review

I am quite picky about eyeliner and always looking for something that won't smudge.  I have oily, hooded eyelids, so that's no easy feat.

I actually had the same meh experience as Renee with Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner (funnily enough, I also tried the Cobalt).

For ultimate staying power, liquid eyeliners work best.  Most recently, I've been impressed with two eyeliner pens by Blinc: the Liquid Eyeliner Pen and the Ultrathin Liquid Eyeliner Pen.  I think both use the same formula: deep jet black, dries slightly shiny, comes off in flakes with water and gentle pressure or regular eye makeup remover, and--yes!--smudgeproof.

Blinc Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Noir Black

 

Blinc is well known for its tubing mascara that only comes off with water and gentle pressure--meaning it's waterproof and oilproof--and it has applied its technology well to eyeliners.  The mascara is actually terrific if you don't need to hold a curl.  It's the only mascara that I can wear alone without smudging (no waterproofing topcoat needed).

I tried Blinc's original (non-pen) eyeliner many years ago and loved the formula but hated the floppy, imprecise brush.  So I had high hopes when I saw the pen versions.  They did not disappoint.  No smudging or fading even after a very hot day by the pool.  After a sweaty, humid spin class, there was some fading on the outer edge of one eye but no smudging and no transfer to under the eye.  And no raccoon eyes even after I fell asleep in my makeup one night (oops).

The key differences between the two pen versions are that the Liquid Eyeliner Pen has a felt tip whereas the Ultrathin version has a brush tip.

Thin line

I prefer brush tips for precision, but the felt tip here can actually draw fine lines and sharp edges.  (The looks in this post were all done with the felt tip.)  The Ultrathin was actually too thin for my tastes.  At 0.00876mm, the brush is purportedly the thinnest in the world.  The thinness means it takes extra time to build up the shape when I'm trying to do a winged look or make it thick enough to be visible with my eyes open.  It's great if you like an ultrathin, ultra natural line.

Medium thick wing

My reservations about these are how long they will last.  I tossed the Ultrathin one after 1-2 months because the brush tip started to splay (something that does not happen with the eyeliner pen I've used for years, the Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum).  I've only been using the regular Liquid Eyeliner Pen for 3 weeks, but after the first week, part of the felt tip frayed and I had to snip the excess.  It's been fine since, but I'm still wary of how long this one will last.  

Overall, if the felt tip holds up, the Blinc Liquid Eyeliner Pen is one of the best eyeliners I've tried.

Thick wing

Thick wing turns into "why do you have lines on just the outside of your eyes?"

Recycle and Rieuse: Dior Addict Fluid Stick in 373 Rieuse

Everything I said about Dior Addict Fluid Sticks last time still holds true.  Hence, recycle and Rieuse.  Haha!  ::awkward side glance::  Moving on . . .

In sunlight

In indirect sunlight

The shade Rieuse (373) is a medium pink coral.  I wish it looked brighter and more pastel on me, but it's still a pretty color, especially for spring and summer.

 Here it is in action.  The pictures taken with flash are more accurate.

In indirect, overcast natural light

In indirect, overcast natural light

Indoors with flash

Indoors with flash

Mi Amore: AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact SPF 50+ Review - 104 Tan Blush

For the second summer in a row, the AmorePacific Color Control Cushion SPF 50 is a staple in my routine.  (The product link goes to QVC, which has a video demonstration and shade guidance.)  In Asia, cushion foundations have been around for several years, but they are just now hitting the U.S.  (It Cosmetics just released one.  Actually my friend told me that Stila and Almay came out with cushion makeup years and years ago and lo and behold my Googling turned up Stila Pivotal Makeup.)

The mirror folds back to 180 degrees.  So well thought out.

I think these will become popular here because of the easy blendability and quick application.  For background, I generally don't like liquid bases (even BB creams and tinted moisturizers) because they don't seem to work with the texture of my skin: big pores, peach fuzz, occasional dry flakes.  Liquid bases just emphasize all of the above and worst of all, as the day goes on, they turn patchy.  Maybe from oil breaking them down (my nose) or perhaps from dry skin soaking them up (ew). 

The cushion is covered by the white plastic lid on which the sponge lays.

Cushion compacts are a very different type of liquid makeup.  They are essentially sponges soaked in a thin, light liquid makeup or BB cream.  Not so thin that it would drip or leak if you turned it upside down, but thin enough that it blends easily into skin.

The color looks way darker in the cushion than it really is.

I wear shade 104 Tan Blush, which the QVC color chart describes as suitable for fair skin with a pink undertone.  I usually think of myself as having yellow undertones, which should align with 204 Tan Gold, but I've swatched that at Sephora and that seems too dark.  Anyway, 104 Tan Blush seems to be the fairest available shade (in the U.S. anyway) and is a good match for my summer color, which is around a MAC NC20.  Despite the description, 104 Tan Blush is a fairly neutral beige as opposed to a pink-beige.  The shade is too dark during other seasons, when I'm MAC NC15.

Rubycell sponge/puff: wash and air dry if it gets gunky.

To apply, just lightly dab the sponge--the unique Rubycell sponge/puff, which doesn't soak up the foundation and applies the lightest layer of liquid--into the cushion and pat onto the face.  Don't rub or buff the product in; simply pat pat pat until all is blended.

Coverage is sheer to medium.  I usually stop at two layers and, as you can see in the photos, this will even out skintone but cannot cover up blemishes and spots.  The finish is a satiny, slightly shiny finish and will crease under the eyes, so I like to powder over it before moving onto the rest of my makeup.  I still use mineral powder foundation on my nose though, because--for all the problems with liquid bases mentioned above--it doesn't work on my nose.

I also love the SPF 50+ although, honestly, the liquid is so thin and you shouldn't be applying foundation like icing on a Funfetti cake, so the effective SPF must be way lower.  So I'll amend my opinion to say that I love the placebo effect of SPF 50+.

BEFORE: Lots of sun spots and old acne marks.  Notice recent acne mark on chin.

BEFORE: Right side.

AFTER one layer: Skintone is evened out and spots are softened but still visible.

AFTER two layers and the rest of my usual spackle: Taken on a different day, but you can see how it looks in the context of my usual face.  I did not use any concealer (undereye or otherwise), but I did apply finishing powder (Hourglass Ambient Powder), blush, highlighter,and bronzer.

AFTER: Another angle.

BEFORE: Left side.

Again, AFTER two layers and my usual spackle:  A slight glow persists.

AFTER: Spots still visible but overall effect is softened and polished.

In the absence of heavy sweating and rubbing and with finishing powder, the coverage lasts a full day (which to me means 12+ hours).

I have to say that the cushion compacts that I have (AmorePacific, Laneige, and HERA) are all fairly similar despite their varying prices so do check out some of the cheaper ones if you just want to dip your toes.  Same Rubycell sponge.  Same packaging (the refills and compacts are all interchangeable!  So buy just the refills on eBay).  All come with a mirrored compact plus two cushions (i.e., one in the compact and one refill; each cushion/refill comes with a new sponge).

The finishes and coverage might vary a little--for example, some might be glowier or more matte, and some might be meant to be sweatproof--but Korean foundation normally utilizes a uniform numbering system across brands, meaning shade 21 in Laneige should correspond with shade 21 in AmorePacific and HERA.  (I have shade 21 in HERA and so I would guess that corresponds to MAC NC15.)  In my experience though, the fairness/depth of a shade is fairly equivalent, but the undertones can still differ so just be aware of that.  
 
I feel a sense of accomplishment with this product because I can actually use it up in one summer.  (For comparison, I've taken 2 years to finish a mineral powder foundation worn daily.)  To some folks, maybe that feels like you're not getting your money's worth.  To stretch the foundation out a leeeetttle bit longer, turn the compact or the cushion upside down or remove the cushion to dab at the bit of foundation that has pooled on the bottom of the compact.

Back to the Fuchsia

So it's Friday night and instead of partying my ass into oblivion, I thought..."I MUST update my new fabulous blog that no one reads." Because I have a commitment to this, see?

One of my favorite finds from last summer is fuchsia lips. Or maybe it was two summers ago. It's now being reincarnated as "orchid" which is a little more purple, but it's the same color family. It's equivalent to the red lipstick of summer. Unlike coral, it cannot be mistaken for red lipstick. It's sophisticated yet daring. Universally appealing yet more updated than red. It's a flash of color on your lips. And you can get away with wearing no other makeup. It's fking poetry!

My lazy ass is too...well, lazy, to do a bunch of crazy pics so you will be the basic three shots. Here are the steps:
1. Line with Revlon Colorstay lip liner in "Neutral"
2. One coat over lips of Mac lip primer

3. Two coats of Smashbox's"Fuchsia Flash. I used the pointy tip of the lipstick to draw the edges of the mouth.(http://www.sephora.com/be-legendary-lipstick-P304704)

4. Add optional makeup. Admire yourself and take selfies. Note in this picture that the color is off from the swatch due to lighting. Regardless, it's a beautiful and bold color to wear for the summer!

 

Pros: It's very flattering on lots of people (I've made my friends try it on). You don't need a lot of other makeup because this stands out on its own. It's the quickest way to have "wow" makeup. It's very highly pigmented.

Cons: it's a bit drying after an hour or two because of the "matte" texture even thought it looks more like a creme texture. It's expensive at  and you can find a few similar cheapies in the drug store.

Office Face

Umm, so yeeeaaaahhh, I'm gonna need you to put on some more lipstick . . .

Today I bring you all the pink things in my office.  (And actually, I missed some scissors, tweezers, and lip gloss.)

Above, see them posing seductively next to my hawt pink pens (OK, so the Dr. Grip is really mauve).  Now check out some sizzling swatches.

Closeups:

Wet N Wild 908C Sugar Plum Fairy and Revlon ColorBurst Fuchsia in fluorescent light

Same in natural light

Wet n Wild lipstick in 908C Sugar Plum Fairy looks scary dark in the tube, but is actually a bright medium-deep berry pink that I dab on for a stain of color. Very pigmented. A very nice color in winter.  It can wash me out though because I'm so pale; definitely needs blush.

Revlon ColorBurst lipstick in Fuchsia is exactly fuchsia. Not neon, just a face-brightening fuchsia pink. Also usually dabbed on for a staining effect. Very pigmented.

Beauty Without Cruelty Pomegranate and Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker Light Pink in fluorescent light

Same in natural light

Beauty Without Cruelty Natural Infusion lipstick in Pomegranate is a bright medium coral pink.  Very summer.

Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker lip gloss in Light Pink is one of my favorite hot pink lip products.  It is transparent with tiny tiny silver shimmers, which don't really show up on the lip.  But, like Dior Lip Glow, it turns from clearish/light pink to a deeper pink due to (so the gimmick goes) the pH of your lips.  It is one of the easiest ways to go hot pink ever and the gloss has some tack to it, so it lasts quite a while if you're not eating or drinking.  I have the regular Pink version of this as well, and I can't tell the difference.  Both give a shiny medium hot pink lip.  Can you tell I really like this since I just wrote a personal statement on it?  The downside is that the packaging starts leaking after a while.  I currently keep it in my desk with a napkin under it.

Dior Lip Glow and Chanel Rouge Allure 87 Joyeuse in fluorescent light

Same in natural light

Dior Lip Glow--you know about.

Chanel Rouge Allure in 87 Joyeuse is a creamy peachy pink but not pastel.  Very girly and pretty.  Great for those occasional days when I don't feel like wearing bright pink.

Sorry this is all under fluorescent lighting. I'll update this post later with a pic in natural light.  Post updated 6/14/2014 with swatches in natural light.  But terrible fluorescent lighting is so much more true to life to how they'll look at work, n'est-ce pas?

The Dior Lip Show: Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm

Time for another Dior lip product. 

I've been using Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm ($32) for so long that I remember when it was only $28.  (It goes up a dollar about every year.  ::grumble::)

I stock up on these during Sephora's sales.  It's also currently 10% off at Nordstrom through Tuesday (June 10th) as part of a big beauty and perfume sale (which includes newly released products such as the Dior Addict Fluid Sticks--see my review--and Dior Addict It-Lash mascara and eyeliner).

I love this product.  How much?  It's one of the only lip products that I've ever finished, and it's the only one that I've ever finished multiples of.  I'm probably on my eighth or tenth one and I keep one at work, in my purse, and on my dresser at all times.

It's a light pink emollient balm with SPF 10, but once on the lips, it gradually turns into a pinker, moister, and better version of your lips.  Hence, the color reviver aspect.  For nighttime, I use a heavier lip balm, but during the day, it's my go-to product.

Nekkid, dry, and pale.

5 minutes later.  Notice the glow and color-reviving action.

15 minutes later in sunlight.  In the full-face pic (which you'll never see), my lips look really full and really pink and stand out against my skin--in the most natural way possible.

How to wear it:

• On its own.  It's sheer so it doesn't look like you're wearing any real makeup, but it keeps your lips from falling into corpse territory.
• As a base for other lip products.  Its smooth, thin consistency is great for this purpose (as opposed to something waxy like the Fresh Sugar lip balms, which feel thick and heavy under lipstick).  
• Korean gradient lip.  First apply a bright lip stain to just the inner part of the lips and then apply Dior Lip Glow all over.   I've read about this trick on Korean blogs and apparently Dior Lip Glow is very popular in Korea.
• On top of your lip product when it begins to fade or look dry.  Many moisturizing lip balms can refresh your lip product, but Dior Lip Glow just seems to work better by smoothing out any patches of color and adding color to where lipstick or lip gloss has faded.

So how does this differ from basically one of those cheap-o mood lipsticks?  Erm, it's Dior, duh!  Actually, Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Unique Pink is very similar and quite good (maybe a little less slick) and only $14.  Korean company Secret Key also recently came out with a knockoff, down to the packaging, called Secret Kiss Sweet Glam Tint Glow.

Off to browse the Nordstrom sale now!