PRODUCT REVIEW: NARS SHEER LIPSTICK IN DOLCE VITA

Here's an initial review on NARS SHEER LIPSTICK IN DOLCE VITA

PRICE: 1250PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: ESSENCES, RUSTAN'S, MAKATI CITY

OTHER LOCATIONS: ALABANG TOWN CENTER; SHANGRI- LA MALL

THE VERDICT:

This has scored 4.1 out of 5 in Makeupalley's score board. It has been tagged as a "universally flattering shade" and as the "Perfect MLBB" lipstick for those would want to wear but would want invisible coverage.

This lipstick is very creamy and it doesn't give your lips that nasty gloss- like shine. It just gives a lovely sheen on your lips. This was used by a theatre friend, who is hell fair- skinned, as in porcelain skinned by the way and it really looked immaculate on her which goes to show that this could really go well with any skin tone. I had lunch with her one afternoon last week and I can't help but look at her lips and asked what lipstick she was wearing then I found out about Dolce Vita. She told me that she has already emptied 8 tubes of this shade! I told myself "Wow, it must be a really nice color." I was also sold with the reviews in Makeupalley so I got myself one.

It looks heck scary as it appears dark on the tube but once used, the melting shine just comes off the lipstick and it's sheer so don't be afraid of going overboard!

Swatch on my skin

It is indeed, a sheer lipstick. But apply 3- 4 layers to build the colors. I applied 5 on each because I have brownish- pink smoker's lips so the colors are having quite a hard time showing up.

Nars Dolce Vita on my lips

Here's me wearing Dolce Vita. It pays off as a sheer dusty rose lipstick with a slight pink undertone that REALLY looks natural.

Overall, this is a good product. It is INDEED, the PERFECT MLBB color. I ust love how it eradicated my brownish- pink lips due to smoking! It just gave that nice color that looks very natural. Even hubby told me, "Your lips look beautiful with just that hint of shine." Hihi. He doesn't know that I'm wearing lipstick. :D

*HOW ABOUT YOU GUYS? WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY THIS LIPSTICK?

AN ENTRY ABOUT MY NARS BLUSHES :D

Here's an in- depth review and comparison of my Nars Blushes

I have three Nars blushes namely Orgasm, Luster and Madly.

L- R: Luster, Madly, Orgasm

NARS POWDER BLUSH IN LUSTER

Luster is a frosted golden peach color with hints of gold shimmer. It's a warm peach- colored blush that helps in creating a summery vibe on your face.

This is probably the best blush color of the blush line of Nars. It absolutely flatters my morena skin tone! It's a frosted golden- peach colored blush that gives your cheeks a wonderful frost finish that doesn't look too unnatural. It's like being a sun- goddess in a few swipes! Two swipes of the color per cheek can give you a healthy sun- kissed look at any season of the year. For tanned or medium dark- skinned ladies, this will look fabulous on them since peach and coral colors work best on these skin colors. As for fair- skinned ladies, it can give them a slight sun- kissed hue by applying a light amount but going overboard can give them an orange patch on their cheeks, just like sunburn (let's admit it, we love the tan but we hate the burn). 

NARS POWDER BLUSH IN ORGASM

Orgasm is a coral blush with a strong pink undertone and with slight gold frosting and hints of gold shimmer. Some people say that it's a wonderful summer color.

It has been multi- awarded as the best blush color and brand in several magazines worldwide so that's one of the reasons why I was so inclined to having this blush. I had the chance to purchase Orgasm from a friend so I immediately grabbed the chance. Orgasm is my first- ever Nars blush. Admittedly, this blush has a gorgeous color. It just flatters my morena skin tone by giving it a healthy coral flush. But truth be told, I realized that I didn't really find it as an HG product. It was wonderful when I first used it (guess it was just all the hype) but after a month, it became an ok product for me. But nevertheless, it still does give a nice coral flush with hints of gold shimmer. What I don't like about this is it's very sheer so I have to put around 3 swipes of the color per cheek. And if I layer it too much, the pink undertone becomes very visible, making the cute coral color disappear. So for those who have morena or medium- dark skin and would like to try this, be sure to apply around 2- 3 swipes of this blush so you'll take advantage of the coral color that's quite beautiful. Much like the shade in Luster, if you apply this color once or very lightly, it has the tendency to look exactly like Luster, which disappoints me because there seems to be no color identity. I've noticed the same striking resemblance with Sertao and Silvana, two other shades of the Nars blushes that are in the brown- gold shade. 

But between Orgasm and Luster, I say that Luster gives the perfect summer look in terms of cheek color.

NARS POWDER BLUSH IN MADLY

Madly is a sheer beige blush with a slight pink undertone. It has subtle silver shimmers that goes unnoticeable once you put it on your cheeks.

When applied, it goes off as a brown- beige toned blush that gives your face a natural contour. It's just a brown- beige blush. But I like that it doesn't too flat nor too chalky. For reference, I am a morena- skinned gal, with warm yellow skin tone and this does wonders if ever I want to use a natural- looking brown blush. It's also quite pigmented so a light sweep of the brush on the pan can already give you a good color pay- off on your cheeks. Layer the color on your cheeks for the second time to build the color a bit. But since I said that this has a slight pink undertone, layering it too much can make the pink undertone appear on your cheeks, making it lose it's wonderful brown- beige color. For fair- skinned ladies, I think this will effect differently on them but I think a dab of the brush or two can give them a natural brown color if they would like to try this one, but they have to be more cautious since colors show up evidently on their cheeks as compared to tanned or dark- skinned ladies. I can't compare this with the two other blushes that I have since this one is on the brown family of colors.

PROS:

Nars blushes have a unique and beautiful buffet of blush colors

Pans are quite big so you are guaranteed to use them for a long time

Blushes are pigmented. Around 98% of the blush colors are pigmented

Long- staying

There's something about the Nars blushes that makes 'em look unique and very beautiful once applied on the cheeks. It's maybe because of the fusion of the gold and silver flecks, shimmer and frosting on each color

CONS:

It is quite expensive. 1350php per pan

Some colors can disappoint you

Some colors have some striking resemblance with other colors :/

The case is rubberized and it dirties up easily

**HOW ABOUT YOU? DO YOU HAVE NARS BLUSHES? DO YOU LIKE 'EM?

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: NARS POWDER BLUSH IN LUSTER

Here's an initial review on NARS POWDER BLUSH IN LUSTER

PRICE: 1350PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: ESSENCES RUSTANS, ROBINSON'S PLACE MANILA

OTHER LOCATIONS: ESSENCES RUSTANS, MAKATI CITY; RUSTANS SHANGRI- LA MALL (CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK :))

THE VERDICT:

Okay so finally I have this most- sought after blush in Girltalk. :D The shade is called Luster.

Luster is a peach blush with a hint of gold frosting. It's in the shimmer variant.

Here's the swatch on my skin. I applied it twice. It pays off as a lovely golden- peach shade.

It might look too simple on the swatch and in the pan but it does deliver a fantastic color pay- off once it is applied. I applied two swipes of the blush and it just gave me this natural peach glow that really flatters my NC42 skintone. Robbie, the SA in Rustans Makati is right in saying that this shade really flatters morenas. Apply lightly for a "glow from within" effect and build the color a bit to get more of the peach- gold color on your cheeks.

However, if you have a heavy hand and you apply too much of this, you might end up looking sunburned. Well, that doesn't look very appealing so be sure to apply at least two swipes only. The amount to be applied is also different for fair- skinned ladies.

Here's Luster on my cheeks. I do admit that it uber slightly resembles Orgasm when applied lightly. But in person, if you really have a keen eye in differentiating colors, Orgasm has a more pink undertone while this one is peachy perfect. :p

While Orgasm may be blush to beat in Nars' line, I would have to say that it is true that there are things left to be discovered and this is one of those things. Between Orgasm and Luster, I would say that this is my favorite between the two. It just gives you a very natural and beautiful glow. And I uber lalalove it!

Orgasm, well, it's just overrated. But I still love it. Both are lovely in their own unique formulations but honestly, Luster is prettier. 

I'm so glad I was the lucky one to get the last piece of this blush in all the Nars counter in the Philippines. It's all worth the travel and the money! :D

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: NARS LIPSTICK IN NIAGARA

Here's an initial review on NARS LIPSTICK IN NIAGARA

PRICE: 1250PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: ESSENCES RUSTANS, MAKATI CITY

OTHER LOCATIONS: SHANGRI- LA MALL; ALABANG TOWN CENTER

THE VERDICT:

Nars' lipstick in Niagara is a semi- matte lipstick in a pinky- coral shade. I've been lemming for this shade for a month now and I'm more than happy because I got my tube yesterday! :D

The tube is quite compact, which I like so I can slip this in the tightest corner of my bag or in my littlest make- up kit. I really don't like the rubber- like texture of the packaging of Nars because the case get dirty and looks old instantly.

SWATCH ON MY LIPS

The consistency of the formula is semi- creamy. It glides on smoothly on my lips and it leaves a velvet- smooth semi- matte finish. It has a slight sheen but it dries off to a matte finish.

The scent of this lipstick is similar to Versace's lipstick scent. It just reminded me of my Versace make- ups! Now I'm lemming for a Versace lipstick! :D

Niagara on me

I've just found my HG pink lipstick because I've been wanting a pink lipstick that looks natural and a shade that will make you look fresh, and this color is it. I chose this between Frisky Summer because I'm such a lipstick person. But I'm sure to buy Frisky Summer too. :D

Anyhoo, color pay- off is awesome and staying power is great so you really get your money's worth if you buy a Nars lipstick. :D

Now I'm inclined to trying their lipstick line! It's 100php cheaper than Bobbi Brown, but I hate that the actual lipstick is quite short, so this baby will be used up by me in a short span of time because I'm so loving the color!

PRODUCT: SPOTLIGHT: NARS POWDER BLUSH IN MADLY

Here's an initial review on NARS POWDER BLUSH IN MADLY.

PRICE: 1350PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: NARS, ESSENCES RUSTANS, MAKATI CITY

OTHER LOCATIONS: RUSTANS, ALABANG TOWN CENTER; AYALA CEBU

I bought this because I am i need of a good brown blush. I don't wanna try MAC anymore because their blushes didn't impress me that much. As of the moment, I'm kinda' inclined to Nars' powder blushes. The colors are so unique and the formulation is great! It just helps blending seem easier because of it's lovely texture.

Lelila also inspired me to give this blush a try. Glad she suggested and glad I did try to discover.

 

So here's as closer to the shade as I can get with this shot.

Madly is a beige blush with a brown undertone with silver glimmers in it. What I love about this is it feels so buttery so you'll have a nice and easy time blending this on your cheeks.

I could attest that this will look really good on morena skin tones. It's a blush/ contour in one. It contours because of the brown nature of the blush and the glimmers compliment the brown by adding a bit of glow, making it look like a natural- looking blush.

Shade on my skin

As you can see, it may seem light for the cheeks but don't be fooled by this blush. It goes off as a sheer glimmery beige blush but a second swipe can be enough because it really does give off a dash of brown color which becomes very evident when you're on the outdoors.

As always, Nars' blushes are uber pigmented and have great staying power so this is really a good buy. Also, the pan is kinda' big so you get a lot of the product. 

Closer look at the shade

Here's Madly on my cheeks. It just looks like a natural blush. In actual. there are hints of silver glimmer that makes your cheeks glow. I simply love the color because it compliments my skin tone so much. And it just gives me a lovely contour and a natural looking blush. This will really compliment my tan! :D

Here's me wearing the blush. :D

Yay! I have two Nars blushes! I think I'll be adding two more namely Luster and Crazed! DARN! I can't stop shopping! :D

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: NARS POWDER BLUSH IN ORGASM

Let's look at NARS POWDER BLUSH IN ORGASM.

This blush color is an award- winning shade from Nars' collection and is quoted as one of the best blushes ever created.

I got mine from a pabili from a friend in the USA

THE VERDICT:

Let's start with the case. The blush looks really expensive and classy because of the rubberized packaging. Although it looks very nice, I hate how it gets dirty easily. I just put it in my make- up kit this morning and when I'm about to retouch, I see powder spills and scratches on the rubber casing, which makes it look very used, though I just got this yesterday. What's worse, it's really hard to take the stains off of the case. I hate it but seems like the scratches will be there forever.

The compact has a mirror, which makes it convenient, but I just hope they include a brush. As you can see, the color is a peach- pink shade with hints of gold shimmer.

Here's a swatch. This blush is absolutely pigmented and I love the shimmer that it gives to my cheeks. The shimmer is not overpowering and it gives your cheeks a summer glow. Layer it for maximum color pay- off and 1- 2 swipes is enough to give you a pink- peach- bronze glow. I'm an NC42 and it really looks fab on morenas because it enhances a tan skin (ala sun goddess :D). I also think that this will be a pretty peach choice of blush for fair skinned ladies, which will give their cheeks a summer glow.

Will I buy this again? It's a yes and a no. Yes, if I have the budget and No, because I really love pink blushes. I might buy another Nars blush, but I'll try their pink shades.

I see why people rave about this product so much because without a doubt, it's really a lovely color. It's versatility in giving fair and dark skin tones a lovely flush makes this a winner. There are some peach blushes that look orange on fair skin tones and look terracotta and sheer on dark skin tones. So I must say, it's really worth owning an Orgasm.

FINALLY, MY NARS 16 PC. BRUSH SET! I'M LIKE IN CLOUD 9!!!:)

CAN I SAY...

YIIIIIIPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The long wait is over. i finally have my Nars 16 pc. brush set in my hands. Check out this letter from my tweeney Lia (that's what I call my best friend for we have a lot of things in common so we decided to call ourselves "Tweeney" which is a girly spelling of twin. haha). Tweeney will go shopping and touring for the next two weeks in China so she sent me the brushes via EMS. She wouldn't be able to watch my show. But at least her brushes will get me through the preparation process. 

I SO LOVE YOU LIA!!! :)

Oooh... My sleepiness was gone in a snap when I saw the package lying on my bed.

Well, due to shipping and handling, the package was quite malformed. Good thing the brushes weren't damaged.

When I opened the set, it felt like i have gold. at last, I already have a signature brush set. I COULDN'T BE ANY HAPPIER! This is my ultimate birthday gift for myself. :)

This is the bronzer brush. The name speaks for its purpose but this could double as a loose powder. It's a fat, cute brush that's definitely good enough to distribute powder all over your face or body. :)

This is one of the artisan brushes. It's the Ita Artisan Brush #28. It's perfect for applying powder on your decolletage. It's recommendable for contouring because of it's fine lined bristles and wide shape that's sure to accentuate the natural lines on your face. :)

LEMME SHOW YOU WHAT CONSISTS OF THIS 16 PC. BRUSH SET.

POWDER BRUSHES TOP TO BOTTOM: SMALL POWDER BRUSH, SMALL ANGLED BLUSH BRUSH, BIG POWDER BRUSH

CONCEALER BRUSHES TOP TO BOTTOM: UNDER EYE CONCEALER BRUSH, POINT CONCEALER BRUSH, MINI CONCEALER BRUSH

EYEBROW SHADERS TOP TO BOTTOM: CAKE EYELINER BRUSH, ???, ????

EYE SHADERS TOP TO BOTTOM: DOMED E/S BRUSH, CREASE BRUSH, SMUDGE BRUSH, EYESHADOW BRUSH

RETRACTABLE LIP BRUSH

Here are the serial numbers carved on the steel ferrule. I was told that these would indicate that a Nars brush is authentic so I thought of taking sample pics of the SNs for future reference. :)

Check out the handle. oops...a little chip over there at the top of the NARS word. Factory bought kasi haha.

Check out the bronzer brush's thick and fluffy hair :) This will be perfect in dispensing a good amount of loose powder, bronzer, etc. :)

And I found this baby in my brother's room. It's his new baby, Michel.

EOTD AND FOTD GALORE! I NOW HAVE MY TOOLS SO EXPECT TO SEE MY FACE FROM TIME TO TIME IN EVERY BLOG ENTRY. I'LL ALSO REVIEW THESE BRUSHES SOON AFTER I WASH THEM AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO THESE BABIES. :)

TATA FOR NOW! I GOTTA SLEEP! I HAVE A MATH CLASS FIRST THING IN THE MORNING! :)

BIRTHDAY GOODIES TO COME: MAC AND NARS

BY THE END OF JUNE, SIS GRACE, THE SOLE DEALER OF CHEAP MAC COSMETICS HAS GIVEN ME A FAVOR BY BUYING ME MAC COSMETICS FROM THE STATES! AND JUNE IS MY MONTH BECAUSE IT'S THE MONTH OF MY BIRTHDAY!

MAC EYESHADOW IN RICEPAPER

-I'VE READ GOOD REVIEWS ABOUT THIS. THIS IS PERFECT FOR HIGHLIGHTING THE BROW BONE AND FOR HIGHLIGHTING THE INNER LID

MAC EYESHADOW IN CHROME YELLOW

- I'VE BEEN DYING TO BUY A VERY NICE YELLOW EYESHADOW

NARS BLUSH IN ORGASM

-I'VE BEEN DYING TO OWN ONE! I'LL BE ABLE TO GET ONE FOR 1300PHP ONLY!

MAC LIPSTICK IN CYBER

-DARK LIPSTICK FOR THE GOTH CHICK. I NEED THIS FOR AN UPCOMING PLAY IN MY HOME THEATRE COMPANY

JUNE 10!!! DUMATING KA NA!!! :)