Blog | Page 54 of 225 | Makeup By Kim Porter

Fragrance Friday: Valentina Assoluto – Your New Summer Fragrance?

June 28, 2013 by Kim S. / Fragrance Friday, Reviews / 2 Comments

Disclosure: Product was provided to me for free for review consideration by the company or their PR. All opinions are my own and are 100% honest. I was not compensated for this post.

I’m always on the lookout for a new fragrance, so when Valentino released Valentina Assoluto, I couldn’t wait to give it a go. Valentina Assoluto launched April 1^st of this year as an accompanying fragrance to the Valentina Eau de Parfum which debuted the fall of 2011.

Valentino describes the latest perfume by stating “…from the sensual grace and majestic femininity of Valentina, master perfumer Olivier Cresp has recreated the quintessence of Valentina by giving it an intense fragrance, adorned with a new, chypre signature. Creating a magical formula that comes to life on the skin and transforms it into an unmistakable and necessary final touch: a designer fragrance.”

I wasn’t familiar with chypre’s, so I looked it up. If I didn’t know what chypre was, I now know. If you didn’t know, a chypre is “This olfactive group was named after perfume Coty Chypre created in 1917. Chypre means Cyprus in French. This sharp scent is based on harmony of oak moss, labdanum, patchouli and bergamot. (Source: Fragrantica.com)”

Now, do I like chypre fragrances? If Valentina Assoluto is what a typical chypre fragrance is like, then, no, I do not care for them. Even though I am a fan of patchouli and bergamot, Valentina Assoluto is much too sweet and candy-like for me. It seems like something for a teenager since it is just that syrupy sweet. Valentino describes Valentina Assoluto as “intense”, which I agree it is. It’s a bit too intense for my liking, especially for a summer fragrance.

Valentina Assoluto is described as:

The alluring fruitiness of a sensual smeggia peach enhanced with white Alba truffle.

The magnetism of a precious white flower bouquet, touched by delicate vanilla.

The mystery of a voluptuous chypre signature, fusion of patchouli, oakmoss and vibrant cedar wood.

I do love the packaging; the round glass bottle adorned with a nude pink flower, is just beautiful. Valentina Assoluto is a great and aesthetically pleasing piece to add to my vanity. I also love the spray nozzle, which is a round black ball topped with a gold medallion a little smaller than a dime, which mists out the fragrance smoothly and evenly.

Would I recommend Valentina Assoluto?

I think if you love sweet florals like Viktor & Rolf FlowerBomb (I love SpiceBomb), then Valentina Assoluto is the perfect summer fragrance for you.

Valentina Assoluto

Have you tried Valentina Assoluto?

What are your thoughts on it?

Review: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Crème Colour Concentrate ‘Icarus’

June 27, 2013 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 4 Comments

Disclosure: Product was provided to me for free by the company or its PR for review consideration. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own and are 100% honest.

Just in time for summer, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics delivers six brand-new shades of its latest beauty innovation, Crème Colour Concentrate.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics describes the Crème Colour Concentrate as “A smooth, blendable, buildable crème coverage product for the eyes, lips, cheeks and beyond!”

Loaded with emollients and humectants including aloe leaf extract, cocoa extract, and vitamin E, Crème Colour Concentrate goes on smooth and wears like a dream with a beautiful satin finish.

Now available in six bold new shades and textures:

PLEASURE MODEL (Pearlescent Pink)
NEWT (Pale peach)
ICARUS (True gold)
MERCURY (True silver)
BEHOLDER (True Teal)
DARK MATTER (Dark green grey)

My thoughts:

If you follow me on instagram (MakeupbyKimPorter), you’ve seen my post where I’m wearing the Crème Colour Concentrate ‘ICARUS’, which I believe is the perfect gold for brown skin.

Although Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics states that the Crème Colour Concentrate can be used on the eyes, I wouldn’t recommend it, especially if you have oily lids like me. Even with a primer, and setting it with a translucent powder, the Crème Colour Concentrate just didn’t hold up well; it was crease city! There’s nothing cute, sexy or fun about creasy eye makeup.

I do love this product as a highlighter. It looks absolutely AMAZING, seriously! It works well on the lips, too! You can use it alone or even with your favorite lip product. The Crème Colour Concentrate ‘ICARUS’ also works well when applied to your -.:wait while I check my spelling:.- décolletage. You can also try using it with body oil for an all over glow. The possibilities are endless.

I would recommend purchasing the Crème Colour Concentrate, especially since there are so many things you can do with them. Crème Colour Concentrates can be purchased on occmakeup.com or sephora.com for $20.00.

Have you tried the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Crème Colour Concentrate? What are your thoughts?

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Crème Colour Concentrate

Review: You Need Nurturing Force Blot out Offensive Cream this summer!

June 26, 2013 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 1 Comment

Disclosure: This product was provided to me for free for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are 100% honest. I was not compensated for this review.

I’ve heard plenty great things about Nurturing Force products from fellow makeup artists either through the grapevine or from assisting. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to try out their products. Nurturing Force always has a booth at The Makeup Show, and this year they provided beauty bloggers, like myself a sample of the Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive Cream.

About Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive Cream

Blot Out Offensive™ instant matte cream primer, with antioxidants + anti-aging naturally, was originally developed for the Professional Make-Up Artists working in the HDTV, Stage & Film Industries. Make-Up Artists mentioned their problems with controlling oil secretion throughout the day, their problems of makeup lasting & adhering on Brides going through hormonal changes, their problems with skin impacted & damaged by harsh working environments, with extreme temperatures, stressful long hours plus lack of rest. With the High Definition Cameras, Digital Cameras & HDTV you are able to see these results, every minute detail of your skin. Nurturing Force® listened to their needs & developed Blot Out Offensive™ for sensitive, over worked skin. By solving their problems, we met the needs of women, men & teen consumers with our soothing, non-oily, without alcohol or harsh ingredients skincare.
The Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive Cream is an HD primer, shine and oil control cream, and moisture barrier cream in one. This product can be used with all types of makeup, from airbrush, cream, liquid, powders and mineral makeup. It can even be worn alone to mattify oily skin. Since the Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive Cream doesn’t contain alcohol, it isn’t drying to the skin, and is moisturizing; therefore decreasing the need to use an additional moisturizer prior to application. Making one less step in your beauty routine.

My Thoughts

As I mentioned previously, I’ve heard great things about the Nurturing Force Blot out Offensive Cream. I used to hate wearing makeup when it’s warm or just blazing hot out in fear of it melting away. I’ve tried other primers, and I’ve even used milk of magnesia, which does work by the way. The only thing with using milk of magnesia on your skin for long periods can make you break out more or dry it out. Plus, it can get a little messy. The Nurturing Force Blot out Offensive Cream lives up to its claims, and allows my makeup to stay all day in the hot & humid weather, and keeps oil and shine away. It also doesn’t break down my makeup. For added security, I’ve even tried using it under milk of magnesia along with my Model in A Bottle setting spray – talk about staying power! OMG, the day the weather was over 90 degrees and humid, I was surprised my face was still on, and looked just as good as when I first applied it.

The Nurturing Force Blot out Offensive Cream is easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. Since it is fast absorbing, and I do mean fast, you must work with it quickly. I’ve applied it with my fingers, a foundation brush, and even a sponge. I find that using my fingers works best. The great thing about this product is that it works well with all makeup types, so you don’t have to worry if something in it will breakdown your foundation in a few hours. Although the Nurturing Force Blot out Offensive Cream claims it can be used with all skin types, I must caution you that if you do have dry skin patches, this product will accentuate that.

I’ve also used the Nurturing Force Blot out Offensive Cream on my eyelids which tend to get oily, and it works well there, too!

The Nurturing Force Blot out Offensive Cream 0.5 oz jar costs $24 and can be purchased from the Nurturing Force website. I would definitely recommend purchasing this product, especially if you tend to have oily skin. I love this product so much, I even purchased an additional one to use on clients for my kit. I can’t wait to try other Nurturing Force products.

What do you currently use to control oil and shine? Do you wear makeup in the summer?

Review: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss ‘New Wave’ {Photos}

June 26, 2013 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 2 Comments

Hey ladies & gents!

I’m back with a review of the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss ‘New Wave’. First, if you’ve been a fan of my blog for a while now, you will know that Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar is one of my favorite lip products to use because of the color range, and versatility. I shamelessly own a large quantity of them, too! When I heard about the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss, I was overly hype.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss?

The Lip Tar Stained Gloss is literally the best of both worlds; it’s Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic’s newest texture option from the Lip Tar™ range, combining the hyper-opacity of Lip Tar™ with a casual glossy finish that’s ready-to-wear from its first slick application to the high impact stain it leaves behind. The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss leaves my lips looking juicy and enticing. I swear I can’t walk down the street while wearing Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss ‘New Wave’ without someone trying to “bag” me. Excuse me? I’m married! Carry on!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss ‘New Wave’ is described as a glassy, neon pink. If you’re a fan of ‘Anime’, you will love this shade. It’s perfect for the summer. It brightens up your face even with minimal makeup. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss ‘New Wave’ looks beautiful on my brown skin. This shade makes my lips just ooze sexiness… Oww!

I love that even though it is a gloss, the color intensity is the same as with any other lip tar. Just like its lip tar mommy, it is just as versatile; it can be worn alone or layered over your favorite existing shades for added depth, dimension and a glossy finish that lasts. It isn’t sticky, which I love. I hate when a gloss is sticky and everything sticks to it. The color lasts a few hours, even after eating and drinking, which is a plus. A lot of glosses do not live passed an hour let alone through eating and drinking.

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Stained Gloss comes in 6 shades: Voyeur, Androgyne, New Wave, Meta, Jealous, and Rhythm Box. While all of the shades look amazing, the ones I want next are Androgyne since it reminds me of one of my favorites, ‘Safety Orange’ and ‘Rhythm Box’. If I had the money, I would definitely pick up all 6 shades because they’re all beautiful.

Cost: $18.00 USD | .33 FL OZ

Where to purchase: Sephora or Sephora.com