NP Set Lipstick in Havana

So, I've had my eye on the "high end" cosmetics brands available at Target that they brought in a few years ago for awhile. However, I've been apprehensive to buy cosmetics at department store prices from Target; first off, the packaging always looks jacked, like kids have been tearing it apart. Second, I always wonder how the quality is going to stack up. But, I'd tested Havana awhile ago and I really liked it, and so when I was at Target last week, I picked it up on a whim; I'd been looking for a pale nude-pink for awhile and hadn't had too much luck finding something that wasn't too dark or too brown, so I went for it! 

Am I glad I did? Sure. Will I be snatching up more NP Set lipsticks? Probably not. NP Set is a mid-priced range of products from Australian makeup artist Napoleon Perdis. His regular line is sold in boutiques (I can't go into the one closest to me, it's too cute and makes me want to buy everything) and at Ulta stores. NP Set is a more affordable alternative that is geared towards offering fashion-forward looks for the time-pressed woman. Not sure why these cosmetics are specifically for people who are time pressed- because you can pick them up while you're at Target?- since the products seem standard. At any rate, they are meant to be nourishing (for instance, these lipsticks have shea butter and avocado oil) and they are a 98% paraben free range. The lipsticks are completely paraben free. If you want more information on this line, you can find their website here: http://www.npsetcosmetics.com/. 

Havana is a slightly iridescent pink nude cream. The iridescence is really subtle, but makes the color look glowier and fresher than a lot of nude creams. This also significantly cools down my natural lip color without looking unnatural. The lipsticks feel a little bit greasy on, and fade after a couple of hours, but I do think they moisturize a little bit while they're on. They retail for $15 for a fairly generous .14 ounces of product. These are certainly more expensive than drug store lipsticks, but not quite up to NARS, Urban Decay pricing. 

Lots of pictures! 

The box! 

Requisite cheeky caption!

The ingredients, for those of you with sensitivities! 

NP Set Lipstick; the tube is fairly standard, just white plastic.

NP Set Lipstick in Havana; I like that the color is in the cap. 

Here's NP Set's Havana twisted up. A nice rosey nude pink. 

And a swatch of NP Set's Havana on my wrist...

Here's NP Set's Havana on my lips; it looks significantly cooler on me than it did in the tube or even on a swatch. No Flash.

Close up of NP Set's Havana on my lips, no flash. See what I mean about it being *almost* iridescent? It's gorgeous in person.

NP Set Havana, flash

Havana, flash

Rating: 6 out of 10

I'm not disappointed by this product, but I'm certainly not impressed, either. While I love the color, and it certainly fills a niche in my stash, I'm not blown away by the formula. It's fine, but it doesn't last very long, and while it doesn't feel bad going on, the slightly oily slick feeling isn't my favorite lipstick texture. I'm probably being overly sensitive to this, since greasy lipsticks are a pet peeve of mine (along with tight ones!). However, it's not drying, there is no scent or taste, and it's paraben free. I don't think this is my new go-to formula, but I would purchase another really unique color from this line if I stumbled upon it. I like the formula more than a lot of drugstore lipsticks, but significantly less than a lot of $24 dollar lipsticks, so I guess the price tag is reflective of the formula. But I wonder if I wouldn't rather just spend less and get something a little more annoying but save my ten bucks, or just go ahead and splurge on a lipstick that stays put for a longer time and has a better texture. I think if you are a fan of this color, the lipstick is worth a try; I am thrilled with the color, and it seems to go with a lot of "casual" looks that I just want to tie together with a lip color. I'm looking forward to trying other products from this line, even if I wasn't blown away by the lipstick. I have my eye on some of their bath products, the citrus one smells amazing! 

Sephora Beauty Insider Sale!

Hi All,

You've probably already heard this, but Sephora's Beauty Insider Sale is starting tomorrow, 4/14 for VIB's, 4/15 for everyone else, and goes through 4/21! You get 15% off all regular priced merchandise, so stock up on your favorites or splurge on something you've been waiting for. If you're not already a Beauty Insider, you can still sign up online and take advantage of this at www.sephora.com. If you haven't gotten an email with the coupon, you can go into the Beauty Insider part of the Sephora website and download/ print the coupon; the link is here http://community.sephora.com/t5/VIB/V-I-B-s-Save-the-Date/m-p/131309, although you'll have to be logged in already to get there! You can also use the discount code online; it is CHICWEEK.

What are you guys going to get? I have my eye on a Bobbi Brown foundation stick (it would be nice to throw in my purse!), the Korres mineral foundation, MUFE HD cream blushes and MUFE Aqua Creams, Fairy Drops Mascara, the Kat Von D spring palette (the green and purple one), her purple pigment (I think it's called Ladyhawke), one of the Hourglass lip stains, Urban Decay Urban Glow Highlighter in Sin, a brow gel... And that's just off the top of my head! Haha, don't worry, I'll restrain myself.

Probably.

Happy shopping, Dolls!

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Hello! 

Waaaaay back in February, Vulcan Butterfly (of http://vulcanbutterfly.blogspot.com/) asked for a review of NARS' Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. Since then, I've been trying to pay extra attention to how it works; I knew I liked it better than other products, but I wanted to be able to give some more details in an "official" review! So, after a little more of a month of wearing shadows with no base, with other bases, and with NARS' base, I feel like I'm ready to let you guys know how NARS' base stacks up!

The verdict? I still love it, although I was surprised to discover that Make Up Forever's Aqua Creams (at least in 16, which is the only color I've been using as a base) work about as well; however, NARS' base is colorless, whereas the MUFE Aqua Creams have color and shimmer. I definitely think that this base works better than Urban Decay's Primer Potion, a cult favorite. UDPP was the first eye shadow primer I ever used, and for awhile I thought it was as good as anything else I could get, since so many people swear by it. But when NARS came out with their Pro Prime line, I decided to try their product out since I am consistently impressed with the quality of their products. Yes, it's more expensive- considerably more expensive, at $24 for .26 ounces, vs UDPP, which will run you $18 for .34 ounces- but it works better. Powder shadows never crease (although particularly tricky cream shadows still do), they stay on my lid all day long (think 12, 14 hour days) and look the same when I take them off as when I put them there, and maximize colors in a way that I simply do not see UDPP doing. I haven't tried every primer out there; I was unimpressed by samples of Smashbox's and Benefit's formulas, though, and I think this works much better than UDPP, which I've had years of experience with. I use MUFE's Aqua Cream in 16 to save time if I know I want a shimmery champagne base anyway, but NARS' base is still my go-to eye shadow primer, since it is colorless and relatively textureless (it smooths my lid and has a satiny texture), and blending on top of this base is easier than on the Aqua Creams. This product is pricey, but so worth it; I am definitely repurchasing when I get through this tube, which I should add, has lasted me close to six months! I haven't used it every single day, but at least a few times a week. It only takes a small dab to cover each lid. I also love the packaging; it's like a lip gloss tube with a doe-foot applicator. Unfortunately, that probably means it will be hard to get every little bit out, but like I said, I'm not even at a point yet where I need to try digging product off the walls of the tube, and I'm sure sitting this in some warm water will help loosen product up and bring it to the bottom. 

I've included pictures of the product, for those of you who may not have a chance to see it in person, but no pictures of me wearing it, since you can't really tell it's there! Go back through any of my posts, and you'll more than likely be looking at its handiwork. :) 

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Part of their Pro-Prime line! 

And here's NARS' Base's applicator

And just a daub of it on my wrist; this is more than enough product to coat one eyelid! Maybe close to enough for both. It's creamy straight out of the tube, but it looks colorless (hah, at least on my pale skin!) once it's on. If anyone with a different skin tone than mine has used this and can comment on how it looks on them, please let us know in the comments here! I'm hoping it works for everyone, and not just people as melanin-deprived as me. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

I love this product! It's my most favorite, most versatile eyeshadow base. I wish it were less expensive, but it's worth it; with the amount I spend on eyeshadow and eye liners, it doesn't make sense not to invest for it to look its best. If you're on the hunt for an eye shadow base, this one has worked marvelously for me; there might be others that work as well, but I'm not willing to risk it and try anything else, this is everything I could ask for in an eyeshadow base. (I say this now; let's see if I'm still using this in two years, or if my wandering eyes have gotten the better of me!) It works great with all brands of eye shadow, in cream, liquid, and powder formulas alike. The only ones that still crease a little are bad cream formulas  that crease TERRIBLY without a primer; I haven't had anything smudge with this, even if I accidentally touch my eyes; however, this won't make things waterproof. Try it out, I highly recommend it! 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Sellout

Hi Dolls!

I love a good champagne eyeshadow, and I have more than a few. A great one that I use as my go-to highlighter is Sellout, by Urban Decay. I really adore Urban Decay; they don't test on animals, and a lot of their products are vegan- unfortunately, Sellout is not, so if you're vegan, beware! They'll run you $17 for .05 ounces of product, and they're available from Urban Decay's website, counters at some Macy's stores, and most Sephoras. These eyeshadows are great; they're soft without being powdery, they're incredibly pigmented, and they blend like nobody's business. If you haven't tried these out, you really should; they make some great palettes, too, which are always a great value.

Sellout is a pink-toned champagne color; it's not as intensely shimmery  as some of their shades (like Sin, for instance), but it has a shiny, pearlized finish. It's pretty all over the lid with a dark cat eye, strong brow, and red lip for a retro look, but I usually use it as a highlighter under my brow bone and in the inner corner of my eye, which is how I am wearing it in the pictures that follow.

Urban Decay's (in)famous Subway Token packaging!

Sellout; you can see that I've made a serious dent in this! 

 I've got Sellout from above the crease up to the brow bone, and in the inner corner of my eye in the following pictures:

No flash...

Urban Decay Sellout incorporated into an eye look

Urban Decay Sellout

 And with flash!

Sellout

More sellout! Shiny, but not too crazy... 

 Rating: 9 out of 10

I love this eyeshadow! It's a great formula, and a really versatile color, even if it's nothing exciting. It's been a great, if under-appreciated addition to my makeup arsenal. I like that it catches the light without being shinier than most of my eyeshadow formulas; I hate when a highlighter outshines (literally!) everything else on your eyes, but it still has to do its job and highlight. Sellout delivers! Plus, I feel like it's neither too gold/ yellow or too pink to be really flattering on my skin tone; I think it's a shade that would flatter a lot of different skin tones.

Versatile Blogger Award!

Hi guys!

Sorry I've been on a hiatus, I've been going nuts with school lately... Unfortunately, I don't see it slowing down much for at least 6 weeks or so, but I promise I'll try to be better with keeping up with blogging! I have some exciting news, Vulcan Butterfly tagged me for a Versatile Blogger award! I am so flattered. When I started this, I thought maybe some people would be able to benefit from my experiences with different products, but I find it so rewarding knowing people read this, and I am so grateful for all of my followers! So I'm going to take this opportunity to thank everyone who reads this, especially my followers, and I'd like to extend special thanks to Vulcan Butterfly! You can check out her blog here: http://vulcanbutterfly.blogspot.com/; she features some awesome products, and has an awesome, unique style; the looks she does are so unique, and she has a real talent for putting together eye-catching, bold color combinations!

So. I am supposed to share seven facts about myself? Alright, here goes nothing...

1. I have a B.A. in English literature, I work at a bookstore, and I am working towards an MA in English literature... You might call me a bookworm.

2. I love Star Trek more than any other show. I'm going to the convention in Vegas this summer, and I am SO EXCITED.

3. I love cats; I have two, and my boyfriend has one, so I'm living in a tiny apartment with three cats who hate each other right now. It is totally worth it for all of the fuzzy snuggles.

4. I have been sewing historical and fantasy costumes since I was 12. Please don't think I'm bragging when I say that I'm genuinely surprised at some of the things I can do with fabric! It's been years and years of learning, with loads of help from a dedicated teacher, and honestly, I've made more than my share of mistakes, but now that I can take an idea in my mind and make it into something tangible, it feels like sheer magic. I wish I had more time to do this (hah, so does my dad; mr "you should get a degree in business" is now asking me why I didn't pursue costuming or design!).

Mostly Regency!

Mostly Victorian! There's a bustle back there! (and a corset under there!) My boyfriend puts up with so much!

Renaissance faire! This is total fantasy.

5. I have a huuuuuge interest in the Early Modern period (that's English Renaissance!); it's my focus in school, but I've been interested in it through the lens of costuming and just sheer history since I was a kid; I especially love learning about Henry VIII's 6 wives (Anne Boleyn is my favorite- yay for strong women!) and Queen Elizabeth.

6. This is probably too personal to put up here, but I'm doing it anyway, since I think it's been really important in my life; my mom passed away in December of 2009 after a few years of being very, very ill, and it was the most surprising and formative experience I've ever been through. It's changed me in ways I never expected it to, and dramatically changed all of the other relationships in my life, too. I have so much more respect and compassion for mothers, caretakers, and the terminally ill after this experience, and I just want to take this moment to offer love and solidarity to anyone who's experienced anything similar, and to give many thanks to my mom, a true Southern Belle who taught me my love of makeup!

7. I took a burlesque class a couple of years ago, and seriously considered the possibility of continuing with it and performing with the dance studio! I still secretly want to be a burlesque performer, maybe in another life. Sometimes when I get bored, I think about what my stage name would be...

I'd like to pass the award onto the following bloggers:

Vintage Makeup: She is such a profuse blogger! I love that every time I log in, there's some new pretties to look at, and she does a good job of covering a wide range of products. Check it out! http://vintagemakeup.blogspot.com/

Lauren; full disclosure, she's been my best friend since we were in fourth grade! But she's also doing a great job of featuring green beauty on her blog, http://greenbeautyblog.blogspot.com. It's a beauty blog with a conscience, but she is never preachy! I've learned so much from her posts.

D.L. Blogspot! She does so many great looks and shows so many diverse products on her blog! Check out the great work on her blog, she's got some real talent! http://dewilauren.blogspot.com/

Something Sea Blue: http://somethingseablue.blogspot.com More full disclosure, I've known this very talented woman since I was 12, and she's the one who taught me how to sew! Not only is she a very talented seamstress and artist (with a couple of seriously drool-worthy Etsy shops!), she's one of the kindest, most generous people I know.

Thanks again for all of the support you guys! I love doing this blog, and I love reading all of your blogs, too!