Pencil-Perfect with Marc Jacobs Sky-liner

It's a bit early for Xmas giftsets.

 Then again, it isn't that early yet. So I have been so nice to do some research into makeupsets and get the Marc Jacobs Sky-liner set; purely for the aforementioned altruistic purpose, ofcourse.

Like last time with the Dreamer palette, I had a back-to-school feeling when opening the box:

 It would be a sandwich-box for one-slice-only people, but as far as I understood bread is sooo non-fashionable?

This lunchbox is more of a feast for the eyes:

It contains 7 pencils in mini sizes: five are from their permanent line and the hottest two are limited editions to this set. Ohhh...

And with names:

Time for swatches; at 1st sight:

Closer:

•  [O]vert is that dark-khaki colour that looks either dark-brown or -grey from a distance. Up close it looks like a moody green that will make hazel eyes appear more green. Also, a soft colour for natural redheads & blondes. It has less sparkle than the others but is still lustruous
• Brown[out] is a vivid & sparkly darker brown with a mix of warm & neutral tones. 

 

• Sunset [LE] is a brick orangy colour that will make blue or green eyes appear either brighter or perhaps a bit rabbity (depends on your natural lightness & whether you tightline). It will bring out a soft glow in brown to darker eyes. It has a metallic formula
•  Midnight in Paris [LE] is a navy colour with a lightblue sparkly overlay.

 

• [Th]ink is a deep blue-based purple with a soft metallic glow (slightly pink-purple). Absolutely gorgeous!
• [Plum]age is a purple with a red base with a fleck-like pink metallic overlay.

As for Blaquer: it's just as matte & velvety as the 1st photo so I will not show different angles of it.

I really love the quality of the pencils, but this is a personal preference. It's a softer formula which makes it easier to blend and apply to more mature eyelids. It stays on me for about 8 hours before I get some wear. It does not flake or merges on my cheeks.

Also, the easy twist-up shape is wonderful for people who don't like to sharpen like every day:

Hence, travel-friendly.

Generally, I really adore my new pencils and I have some brilliant new colours I did not have in my collection. They remind me of Pixi Endless Silky Eyepencils, in both quality as colours. The sizes are quite big for mini-sizes, but small enough to tote around. The glossy overlay over the pencil protects it from denting, hence I have a feel they will stay pretty for longer. It will make a perfect gift for any girl or even an edgy boy-mate: IMO, even the most makeup-shy women seem to wear a bit of pencil every now and then.

CONCLUSION: The sky is not the limit with these adorably beautiful and functional eyeliners.

Available at Sephora for $45.00

Newbies Time...

 Newbies I've gotten this month:

 

The Eyeko eyelash curler is a freebie with Instyle UK of this month

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The Givenchy ActiMine Primer in Mango: I had been eyeing this one up for a while but I hesitated between this slightly older primer or the latest Clarins Eclat Minute Base Illuminatrice de Teint in Rose. I think the opacity of this one is higher and I love the colour-correcting properties of the mango-orangy colour: it's perfect to mask some darker undereye circles and it gives a lovely boost to lacklustre skin. Thus, it's a CC before everyone was all about calling everything a CC.

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I bought a new Bobbi Brown Eyeliner because my older one had become half-empty and slightly dry

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A cute rose-gold necklace from etsyseller DelikatNY

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Finally, the NARS Gaiety. I hesitated for almost a year but have it now. It's wonderful as a highlighter without shimmer but a lot of freshness

Catrice Lace Patch Eyeliners

I had already been quite the pinteresting person and you might notice I have added the sidebar to my beauty-stuff to this blog.

So I noticed something similar to what I found on the beauty-spiration boards (miss beauty eyedeco left) and what is in our loyal drugstores (Catrice box right)

I didn't expected it to be much, under 4EU but it adheres quite well without being irritating:

So another collage with me on the right...Sorry about the lack of eyebrow definition: I'm a closet redhead which can be hidden by some eyebrow pencil/pen/powder, but they're not that defined by themselves:

Gosh, I look like a sad puppy but I love how it can be used without any extra glue. I also removed it from my skin and the glue is still working: multi-appliable it is!

Verdict: a fun and affordable addition for girls & women who like to have that bit of extra eyedeco.

Inglot Eyeliner gel 95

*Cosmetic newbie*

This week I picked up something from Inglot's newer line.

They have these nifty eyeliner pots that I once had in orange: *yes*, really orange...it looks poppin' on green eyes.

However, I am supposed to act more mature as I seem to get to a certain age [space with *blahdiblah* how-women-close-to-40-need-to0-change-their-makeup-routine nonsense: why not have fun & be yourself] -> so that's not the real reason: It's just that the office space often is not too enthousiastic about raver-orange (in Holland: QueensKings-day orange or Soccer-orange).

So I picked up some golden hues:

Swatch on goosebumped arm [outside, no sun, really cold]

It is not your warm gold: it is absolutely a cooler gold mixed with some platinum or a tad of green. However, it is vibrant and I love the greenish hue for complementing the green in my eyes. It has a perfect endurance level, and it will only get off when I whip up the eye-remover (the slightly oil based one).

Conclusion:
A gorgeous and original greenish gold that looks office appropriate without being too boring neutral. Or perhaps that perfect bit of colour fun that the maturing sophisticated woman can wear on her eyes without being seen as a neo-hippy. Also good for young 'uns.

"Black is the new black": eyepencils ft Pixi Endless EyePen

Black eyepencils have a simpler reputation than they actually deserve. They are the working-horses of eyepencil-dom: most people can get away with it, and 'people' implies the rocker dude as well.

But I will refer again to my Orwelian "all black eyepencils are created equal, but some are more equal than others". Also, some are better for tightligning, others between the upper lashes (need some waterproof-ness) and others are the perfect alternative to the liquid eyeliner.

I bought another not so standard black after Drivellerkates claim that they are the closest thing to perfection, only brand Three to be a tad better. Also, there was this amazing Pixi set on Asos.com for €13:

Normally, the Endless eyeliner pencil is €13 alone, so I got a bargain with the Pixi Nailpolish and Tinted brilliance pencil in Rosy Red. (not available anymore)

So Drivellerkate adores her Pixi Endless collection: how would I like mine compared to my black faves?

I talked about purpose of the eyepencil. I use my pure blacks predominantly for tightlining between the upper lashes. That means I need something close to waterproof to keep put.

Swatches: (I have to work on my *symmetry* when doing these)

1. Topshop Waterproof Liner in Ebony
A real kohl formula looking slightly like that charcoal matte formula. I love this for tightlining as it is truly waterproof. Compared to Pixi, next to it, it looks slightly brown.
2. Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in BlackNoir
True black colour that has incredible pigmentation over the skin. Velvety exterior. I consider it bleeding a bit when applying as a tightliner along upper eyelashes.
3. Majolica Majorca Sugary Trap (LE)- Cream Pencil Liner in BK999 Bitter Black
*mine dried up a little*. The most powdery formula: it stays put as a tightliner
4. Mac Kohl Power eye pencil in Feline
Wow, look how glossy it looks? I got this from my *unexplored stash* lately and it looks really glossy and black. As a tightliner it bleeds slightly as well, but it never claims it is waterproof in the first place.
5. Pupa True Eyes eyepencil in 01 Extrablack
Marketed as "extra soft for eyes". Similar texture and colour as Majolica Majorca, this slightly powdery. Does an excellent job in staying put as an eyeliner.

Distance swatch photo:

 

I think the difference in my stash is between colour (true blackness or slightly brownish) and finish (powdery or glazed/glossy). The 'wetter' formulas are often less waterproof and I skip them for tightlining: instead, they function as eyeliner/undereye colour. The dryer formulas feel better in the tightline.

Verdict:

I can really see why DrivellerKate likes these pencils. However, I think they are not superwaterproof as a tightliner. So, the finish is gorgeous and I imagine them even more stunning in the coloured versions as the visible part of eyepencil, eg the traced above the upper lashes or framing the bottom lashes (pure black is a tad too stark for my paler complexion/hair/etc for doing that).

Availability:

Pixibeauty.co.uk has all gorgeous shades, but shipping is a bit steep. Asos.com only has 3 colours, but with free shipping.

Palette Swatching Project: Maquillage Alexander Wang BR365

In the category "so many new collections, but what about some of the past?" I'll continue to swatch my precious limited editions for you.

*So I am not going to discuss colours in depth, but more the useful-ness of the palette*

as 'palette-ness' has certain standards of *compatible colours* travel-friendly *nice exterior for showing in public* not-too-messy* etc

Alexander Wang was an upcoming designer when he collaborated with Shiseido Maquillage in 2009. Fastforward to 2013:  Everybody who frequently wants to buy something fashionable knows who this Mr Wang is, as his name has become quite the household name in fashion. Or, that bag with the studs at the bottom.

small letters top-left says "a collaboration with a new talent".

The line consisted of their gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and some lipsticks too. In the line of Maquillage the colours are neutrals and this particular Br365 consists of a beautiful collection of taupes, mushroom beige and the red-flecked black eyeliner.

I bought this palette in 2009 more as being incredibly into everything that Maquillage released. Somehow, I forgot to swatch it for the blog, so I am truly late :

In Maquillage's mode, the instructions are in Japanese on the rear of the palette:

Swatches: warm light: 

• the three on the left are powders of the top row in same order (no 2,3,4)
• the two on the right (1 & 5) are cream formulas placed in the bottom of the palette
• the consistency of all powder e/s are buttery and smooth (no dud texture/shade)
• the creams can be used as either an eyeliner as an eyeliner base
• The black on the right has reddish flecks in it, quite beautiful (best seen in upper swatch)
• the cream swatches are good and pigmented.

Swatches in cold daylight:

The palette is really on the go perfect. When I look at Alexander Wang's contemporary designs, they still match his aesthetic of neutral colours with a dash of daring.

All textures are high quality: even that weird white colour that is frequently featured with Japanese e/s palettes. Not that the colour white is weird but often the featured white comes with too much glitter, chalky or hardly any colour-payoff: this is a useful whitish base with a tinge of silver/mushroom beige inside.

As the aesthetics: it's a minimalistic, matte black exterior with a matte & glossy look enhancing the sleek monochomatic M. This totally fits Alexander Wang's fashion aesthetic combined with Maquillage mature feel. Or, perfect for showing off when topping up your eyemakup during the day (not that you would really need it, as the pigmentation and hold of the eyeshadows is really good).

The only complaint about the palette is the messiness:

A palette who has both powder & cream units have the danger of transferring them into each other. This happened to my palette as well.

Still, I have it for 3 years now and it is not that messy yet, so the design and the borders between the separate units are quite good.

Overall, I really like this palette and am glad I found it in my stash again. Why did I forget about it in the first place?

Xmas Tingies

Some Chrismas presents update and other tingies...

1. My little golden Seahorse:

I love underwater life even though I haven't been diving for ages. When I was 16 I did my Padi course on holidays, and I saw a seahorse for the first time: 

Magical! 

Did you know that seahorses are really feminist? The males are the ones getting pregnant and delivering their babies. 

Some other new babies: 

2. Laura Mercier Eyeliner Set

This year I was quite underwhelmed by most Christmas sets, or perhaps I have bought too many Lunasol and other sets in the years before because I wasn't really tempted.

I went for the Laura Mercier kohlliner's set after seeing some excellent swatches on makeupguru Karen: she tries out a lot so if she likes a kohlliner it must be something. Also, her cat approves...so, in her words "how cool is that?".

Some Used ups

I finally got the cultstatus SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C and finished it. I really like it for it's neutral value and I think I'll repurchase.
Phytospecific Night cream for hair: Meh...


Japanese Liese Hairdesigning jelly in I: I actually like this for keeping my do less frizzy. My hair is straight but with some broken strands that can frizz up during winter. This one tames them a bit.
Madara Deep Moisture cream: Yummy for daytime in winter and not that greasy-feeling for a Deep Moisture cream, quite light. Perhaps a repurchase too but I'll try the products in the winter set first.

Summer Makeup wishlist

1. Jill Stuart Fig Tart blush from the Summer Patisserie Collection

First spotted by reading Rougedeluxe's blog. I love this one because it is a lot brighter and more reddish/pink than the usual collection of blush that Jill Stuart has. And as a food lover, I am smitten by the name :-)

I have seen it online but I still haven't ordered it yet. Probably because this one isn't cheap and I am not too certain about the people selling it.

2. Kose Addiction Lady of the Lake eyeliner pencils (or the lacquer)

screenprint from their video

I think it was the challenge that Yumeko from Bittenbefore gave other beautybloggers to show their collection in colour schemes. Some of the bloggers had trouble finding enough whites but I actually love white eyeliners, and saw that the Lady of the Lake collection has an awesome white pencil called Moonwalk:

Now I know Kose Addiction doesn't come cheap but they often excel in what they do in makeup.

I like the eyelacquers too, but I  am not really into high-makeup when going into the water (pool or sea) but a good pencil often gives out some definition or extra zest to the eyes.

Any specific makeup items you have been eyeing up?

Eye Love 3

Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Eyeliner

I don't know if it's really the best but I reach for it a lot: the liner is thin but not too thin and the colour stays put for a long time.

Something old, something new, something finished...

Reading about the new upsurge of Asian skincare & makeup on the market makes me a bit nostalgic about my beginning days of the blog. Ok, it also has a bit of "been there, already tried that/have the product" when I read the articles about the 'newest' essences, fibre mascaras, etc. But let's not be snobby and look at an old favourite that is one of my first ventures on the Asian cosmetic market!

1. Something Old: The Majolica Majorca Automatic Eyeliner pen in BL 777.

Ofcourse, I found the recommendation of this gem on makeupalley by one of the first Europe girl in the field Fleckenschnitte (from Lotuspalace blog)! You can see her review over here!

 

I know there is some rule to chuck away your makeup after a couple of years but I haven't been using it a lot lately and I wanted to try out how good the texture would still hold. It's a close up so don't be fooled but it's still reasonable! Ok, we are used to more advanced textures these days but I still loooooove the multidimention-ness of the colour.

2. Something new: Tom Ford Lipstick in 17 Violet Fatale

 
I have been reading various reviews and noticed that it's not the most perfect texture for it's price. I still ordered it from Belgian niche-shop Parfuma because I was simply smitten by the beautiful pink/purple colour.

And yes, I managed to open its packaging! It is even featured on the non-chosen banner as you can see partly over here:

It's a bit dryer than some lipsticks but I adore the colour.

3. Something finished: Vichy Solucion Micellaire

 This was the last bit left, which I already used up.

Similar to the likes of cleansing waters such as Bioderma & NARS I found this one to be really effective and refreshing. My only dislike was a bit of a chemical smell after using it. Something easily removed by another tone. It doesn't remove sturdy eyemakeup that well, but most people reading this blog know what Asian mascaras can be like.

Newly Arrived: Illamasqua Art of Darkness 4-Colour Liquid Metal Palette 02

It's alter ego time

Yes, I have been indulging modestly in some of the collections released for this autumn. The modesty part has not been too easy,  however, I decided to pick out some newer things from the fall items released instead of constantly repeating buying similar products and colours.

Well, Illamasqua often has a way of making novelty colours and items.There has always been an element in their brand that I found to be quite innovating and attractive. The whole idea of linking to that dramatic 1930s era of decadence and drama. The idea of skipping the whole 'natural-but-not-really-natural' makeup look, which I often like for daytime purposes (and many people with me), but actually can be quite uninspiring when you really want to dazzle.

Weirdly, I had been skipping their Autumn 2009 release based on their name: Distopia. I kind of like my utopias, even if they would stay only a dream of bliss. Unlike that, I was quite drawn to the 2010  'Art of Darkness' description...Darkness is alluring...a tad dangerous but also a period of new interpretation of things. 

Further on, I really like the colour scheme that Illamasqua composed for their Art of Darkness collection.

One of the products that was top on my lust-have list was the 4-colour Liquid Metal Palette in 02. It was not directly released with the other items from the collection, so I had to wait eagerly for a couple of days before ordering it.

When it arrived I was slightly amused by the black, curly snippets in the box. It resembled a bird nest of a bird of prey, or a kind of prehistorical/sci-fi future birdlike figure that flies around in the art of darkness.  So, my first picture I wanted to place the palette in that birdness as a sort of egg...

Illamasqua Art of Darkness in its nest

 I love the packaging because of its green overglow on the black packaging. I do not want to throw it away, even though it has no use in storing it.

Backside has the fantastical description behind Art of Darkness. Oh, I see that they discuss the mythical things (ha ha, there are those bird-like figures I mentioned) and Elixir of Life....Ohh, Elixir of Life...

Illamasqua Art of Darkness 4-colour liquid palette: "do not use on lips"

 So, what has come out of the eggs?

These are absolutely the type of metals that appeal to me. It has a darkened teal, a rusty gold, a beautiful maroon and a cobalt-blue shade.

Illamasqua Art of Darkness 4-Colour Liquid Metal Palette 02: inside

Up close my still virgin-like palette
.
The cobalt-blue:

 The rusty gold:

 The reddish maroon:

 My favourite one: the darkened teal

 The swatches:

swatches

I have no review to write about the palette yet, as it has just arrived and I haven't been able to test its endurance (etc).

Illamasqua 4-colour liquid Metal Palette 02 is available on their website, and it will probably be released at the other distributors such as ASOS.com and beautybay.com soon.