Makeup By Kim Porter

Product Swatches

My Skin, but Better: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in ‘Martinique’

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Product purchased with my own money. Affiliate links.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Review
 

When the weather is hot, and the humidity is high, I keep my makeup to the minimum.  That means, no heavy foundation.  How do I get around that? I use a light foundation like MAC Face & Body mixed with some SPF or a tinted moisturizer.  Over the last few months, since purchasing NARS’ Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Martinique, I’ve been using it almost daily. While attending The Makeup Show New York 2014, I stopped by the NARS booth to see what they had, swatch products, and of course shop!  The one thing I picked up was the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, and I only paid $32 (retail $42).  You’re probably thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot, Kim!”  Hmm, but I think it was money well spent, especially due to the compliments I receive when wearing it.

What is NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer helps dehydrated skin with its infusion of “..lush, naturally derived ingredients.”  According to NARS, this tinted moisturizer “…has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in as little as four weeks. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections while SPF 30 adds a translucent veil of protection.”

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Swatches

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is available in 11 shades in varying undertones like neutral pink, neutral yellow, peach, red, golden olive etc. I picked up Martinique, which is described as medium dark with warm, red undertones.  When swatched against my skin (remember ladies, swatch on your jawline or your neck), Martinique was the perfect summer shade for me, while Seychelles is perfect for winter.  You know, your skin color changes from light to dark depending on the season; therefore, it’s important for your makeup shades to change, too.

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, for me, applies well with a fluffy foundation brush. I found that when I used my fingers, the application was a little streaky, and less natural-looking. After I apply it, I apply my Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder shade #7, and spray with Skindinavia’s The Finishing Spray for Oily Skin.

The SPF30 property of the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a plus because you have sun protection for up to 2 hours post application and sun exposure, which means you’d have to re-apply it throughout the day if you are depending on it for that purpose.  Plus, I’ve noticed, that if I didn’t use primer prior to, or powder prior to application (sometimes I do because I get oily) I’m blotting or using blot powder 2-3 hours in.  Unlike other products I’ve used, I don’t end up looking like a grease bucket, it’s more like a glow or dewy effect. This doesn’t mean that the coverage doesn’t last throughout the day because it does.  Plus, a little goes a long way; I only use a pea sized amount to cover my face.

There is a slight, lemony, herbal scent to the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer; however, it dissipates quickly.  Trust me, when I say it’s light, I mean, it’s like a barely there scent.

Why do I like NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

– It has broad spectrum SPF30

– It makes my skin look and feel better.  My skin, but better.

– It gives my skin a natural glow.  I’ve been asked if I’m expecting because of the glow I have.

– It’s lightweight & doesn’t feel heavy.

– It’s oil-free & non-comedogenic.

– Paraben, phthalate, and sulfate-free

What I don’t like about NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

-It has the tendency, without proper skin prep, to become oily, that is if you have oily skin.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a product I will purchase again.  In fact, once fall/winter hits, I’m picking up Seychelles.  This tinted moisturizer is great for someone willing to splurge on a lightweight moisturizer with SPF30, that provides good coverage, and makes your skin look radiantly amazing.  I know $42 is a lot to commit to for a product you’re just trying out, so try picking up a sample at your local Sephora. Found at the following retailers: NARS, Beauty.com, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Ave, Sephora.

 Have you tried the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer? What do you think?

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Product purchased with my own money. Affiliate links.

Swatches & Review of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrate

Disclosure: Product provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest. Affiliate Links.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrate review

 

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is one of my favorite brands, especially when it comes to highly pigmented, colorful products for both lips and eyes, which is exactly what the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrate exhibits. I already love the golden shade ‘Icarus’, which I’ve reviewed here previously.  Now, I bring to you six other shades, which are from the Fall 2013 ‘Modern Craft’ Collection (read post here).

How to use Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrate?

I am not kidding when I say that the uses for the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrate are limitless.  They can be used for the following:

– Eyeshadows

– Lip colors

– Eye liner

– Eyeshadow base to make your eyeshadows “pop”. Try ‘Vice’ under your favorite eyeshadow.

–  ‘Grasshopper’ can be used to correct redness

– ‘Discipline’ is a pretty nude for my lips

What do I like about the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrates?

Besides the fact that the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrate have limitless uses, I love them because the color pay-off is amazing.  With  just a small amount, no primer or any other kind of base, you can see from the swatches below, just how pigmented and opaque the shades are.

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrates are creamy.  If you have oily lids, or lids with lots of folds, the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrate may not work too well for you as a shadow, since it may crease.  Creme Color Concentrates  are non-drying, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free, and, of course, cruelty-free and vegan.

 

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrate Swatches
The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Creme Colour Concentrates can be found at Sephora or purchased from the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ website for $20.  The price sounds steep; however, for the amount of product you get, plus the small amount you’d use each application, you’re definitely getting your monies worth.  Try ‘District’ as a lipstick, or use ‘Bauhaus’ to create a smoky eye, either way, have fun with it, and let me know what you think.

 

Disclosure: Product provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest. Affiliate Links.

Review: Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow Trio – Luna Beach {Swatches}

Disclosure: Affiliate links. Product provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow Luna Beach
Vincent Longo Cosmetics is a brand that I’ve heard a lot of great things about thanks to my fellow makeup artists and beauty bloggers.  Ever since reading reviews on Vincent Longo Cosmetics, I’ve wanted to try at least one product from this brand, and luckily for me, waiting in my The Makeup Show Blogger Preview gift bag was a Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow Trio  in shade Luna Beach.

Description: This unique, out-of-this-world formula opens new vistas in eye makeup. Pearl X eyeshadows spread cool to warm tones throughout a sophisticated multi-textured product, to create shades of matte and shine that effortlessly blend and shift as you apply. The galactic multi-textures of matte and pearl encourage a personalized, creative application style (source).

The Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow Trio is unlike any eyeshadow I’ve tried.  It’s a “trio” of three  eyeshadows of varying textures that can be used singularly or together, which means the looks you can create with it are endless.

What I like about the Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow is the versatility of it; I was able to create soft looks, bold looks, and use it as a liner.  Vincent Longo Cosmetics recommends using their #18 brush (I forgot to snap a pic of) to apply the eyeshadow to achieve a soft application. I also like that I was able to mix the colors, which allowed me to get a different look each time.

The Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow are extremely soft; they’re like butter.  I experienced little to no fallout, too. Can you say, AMAZING! It applied well (at least to my liking) when a using a dense, flat shadow brush.

Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow Luna Beach Swatches
The flecks of metallic copper in the Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow in Luna Beach, as you can tell from my photos, was my favorite.  The green and purple were a hit, too.

Just in case you were wondering, the Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow wears well throughout the day, especially with a primer.  This is even on a hot, humid New York City Day.

Overall, I am happy with my first Vincent Longo Cosmetics experience, and can’t wait to explore more items from the brand.

 

Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadow Luna Beach Eyes

The Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadows come in a shiny, sleek black compact with a mirror (a plus) that is embossed with an almost Tiffany blue Vincent Longo logo.   The Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadows can be purchased for $25 on the Vincent Longo website or Nordstrom.com, and are available in four additional shades:Code 6 Pink, Novalei, Destiny Rose, and Etherea.

Have you tried Vincent Longo Pearl X Eyeshadows or anything from the Vincent Longo line? What are your thoughts?

Disclosure: Affiliate links. Product provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Orange is the New Red BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M {Swatches}

Disclosure: Press sample provided by Black|Up Cosmetics for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.

Orange is the new red
Black|Up Cosmetics is a Parisian brand that was created specifically for women like myself who are of brown and darker complexions.  The colors are made to show up true to color, bright and vivid to enhance our already beautiful complexions.

I’ve wanted to try Black|Up Cosmetics for the longest time, but since they are stationed in Paris, they’re hard to get, that is, of course you’re willing to pay the hefty shipping and handling fees.  When I learned Black|Up Cosmetics would be at The Makeup Show New York this year, I became excited because I’d finally be able to test out their products.

One of the products that I was able to get my hands on, thanks to the The Makeup Show’s Blogger Preview, was one of their 30 New Lipstick shades: the BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M lipstick.

The BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M lipstick is a matte red-orange lipstick with an opaque, velvety finish.  It can be a little drying if you fail to properly prep your lips before applying.  Once your lips are exfoliated, primed (I just use a thin layer of Carmex), and lined with a neutral lip pencil (I use ‘Cork’ by MAC), you’re ready to go out sporting a fab orange lip.

What’s great about the BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M lipstick shade is that it’s a statement color.  Most times, it’s the only makeup I wear besides my eyebrows.  It’s also a great color for the summer, too, as it looks great against brown, bronzed skin.  I’m definitely taking it with me when I go away in August.

The BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M Lipstick boasts the ability to last up to 8-hours.  After applying my lipstick in the morning before I leave for work, eating and drinking throughout the day, I can attest that it does last at least 8 hours, which is definitely a plus.  I don’t always have time to re-apply lipstick throughout the day.

The BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M lipstick can be purchased at BlackUpCosmetics.com for $22.

BlackUp Cosmetics RGE34M
 

Pros

– Long-lasting

– Opaque color

Paraban-free

Fragrance-free

Cons

– None

BlackUP cosmetics RGE34M

 

This is actually ‘Morange’ by MAC. I posted this in error, but will keep it up for comparison.

Have you tried Black|Up Cosmetics? What do you think of this color?

Disclosure: Press sample provided by Black|Up Cosmetics for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are honest.