Project Pan, Fall 2016: Rose Quartz + Serenity-Inspired — Conclusion

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Stacie Wacie

Hi Reader! You might remember that I started a twelve-week beauty challenge where I committed to a handful of products for the whole twelve weeks. I called it a Project Pan, but since I’m not using them until I hit pan or use them up, it’s not the most accurate name for it. I did, however, completely my twelve-week obligation to them, so I’m doing one last update post to talk about what I did use up or hit pan on before I move onto the Winter 2016 challenge. For detailed product information and swatches, please see my first post for this challenge.

The sun has set.

As I mentioned in my first post, the products I chose were based loosely on Pantone’s Colors of the Year for 2016, with some black thrown in for fun. I had a blast with these looks. I left the house with black or blue lipstick on for the first time since middle school. I felt edgy, fashion-forward, and bold. I forgot what I looked like without crazy raccoon eyes. I’m a little sad I’m putting all this stuff away, but I made some progress with these products, and I’m sure they’ll come out of the drawer again someday. For now, I’m happy to be moving on to new things.

Empties: 4
Let me talk first about the things I used up. I didn’t use up any products unique to the challenge, but instead used up some essential products and replaced them. I wrote about the MAC primer and foundations I used up in previous Empties Roundups. I also finally decided it was time to part with the Clarins mascara. I finished my MAC foundation up and went for NARS, I used up a Revlon powder and went back to MAC Studio Fix powder, I used up the MAC primer and went back to Smashbox, and I tossed an old mascara. That’s four empties.

Pans: 3
Honestly, I’m surprised I hit pan on anything. I hit three, though, and I’m pretty proud of myself! Have a look at that NYX eyeshadow trio. The champagne and matte black were my workhorse shadows for this look, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised I hit pan on those. It’s just that I’ve used some shadows for years and I still have yet to pan those, but I can pan these in twelve weeks. Maybe they’re small pans. I’m happy I panned the compact, because that’s a thing I’ve had for years. It’s nice to see progress made!

Notable Mentions
Lipglosses
I didn’t think I used up so much of the glosses, and I almost feel a little bad about it. These are two great colors that I should really think about wearing on their own someday.

The quality is low on these before photos because, foolishly, I didn’t keep the originals, only the edited versions.

Highlighter
Check out the fill lines on the High Beam! I’m surprised I used that much of it. A dab here and there really makes a difference!

Lipsticks
I didn’t put too much of a dent on Saint Germain, but Blue Velvet and MUFE #50 are visibly used. Blue Velvet looks the most worn-down. It seems like every time I went out, I had the blue lip on, and I feel like maybe I did use it more than the others because I was always touching it up. Obviously, when your attention is divided over three lipsticks, you’re not going to wear them down as mucha as if you’d only focused on one. You’ll also remember I had a fourth lipstick in the main post, but since I only used it once (when I saw family), I didn’t include it in the final post.

Lip Primer
Here’s my MAC Prep + Prime Lip, turned all the way up. Yeah, I’ve got to dig in there with the brush now to get to the product. It’ll be time to replace it soon!

The other eyeshadows
I don’t really want to include these, but I made the graphic, so I have to include it. Compared to the NYX shadows, I didn’t really use these at all, and so there’s practically no difference between the befores and afters. No surprise there. I really did think I was going these more when I started.

Facial sprays
While the MAC Fix+ is a relatively new purchase, so it’s not as used-up as the NYX Setting Spray is. You can see the fill line through the clear bottle. The NYX spray, while I can’t tell how full it is, it feels pretty light and, when shaken, it doesn’t sound like much is in there. It’ll be time to replace that soon, too!

I only included the products that show visible use or wear. There were a lot of things I included in the look that weren’t used-looking enough to warrant sharing. Some of the products in this look were being used for the first time and didn’t really show signs of wear. Some of them were only applied once, like blush and eyeliner, and don’t show much use. Some of them, like the Eyetini and Heavy Metal liners, were used all of twice. The most often used products were the ones with the most drastic signs of use, and that’s what I included.

And there you have it, twelve weeks of weird blue lips and raccoon eyes is over! Stay tuned for the Winter 2016 Project Pan!

I bought these products myself.

Project Pan, Fall 2016: Rose Quartz + Serenity-Inspired

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Stacie Wacie

Hello hello! Today’s post is a little different from my usual fare. Makeup posts are pretty uncommon here, and I’m hoping this post will be the start of something new and fun. As you know, in the northern hemisphere, the autumn season is now upon us. Last week, I begrudgingly put away my summer clothes, and this week, I put away my summer makeup. I’m sad about summer ending, but I’m excited about digging some new things out of my collection. Warning: this is a pretty pic-heavy post.

This isn’t a Project Pan challenge as much as a challenge to commit to things I’ve never used, or have had a long time. Sure, hitting pan on these products is an ideal outcome, but really I just want to give this stuff some love. There’s a reason I buy everything I buy, and it deserves better to sit around and languish in a drawer, right?

The products I’ve chosen for this season’s challenge were inspired in part by Pantone’s Colors of the Year, Serenity and Rose Quartz. There’s also a lot of black because I read at the beginning of the year black was going to be huge in spring. I don’t know if that panned out (hah) or not, but I loved the idea of pastels and black together, so that’s what this look is about. Typically, I buy the official products from Sephora, but this time I wanted to see if I could pull a look together without having to buy anything new. You’ll also see there’s a ton of stuff here, I guess I should note I don’t plan to wear all of this stuff at once. Let’s get to the products!

Face

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Primer

At the start of every makeup look is a workhorse primer. I bought this primer around the time I bought my foundation, so I’ll likely be running out of it before the challenge ends. I rather like how it works with the foundation, but it’s not my favorite primer ever. I really prefer the ones that feel less like moisturizer and more like a balm.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NW10

I’ve had this bottle for about two years now, I think. I only use it half the year, so it’s lasted me a long time. I’ve not been too fond of it, actually. I bought it because I was so pleased to have found a pale-enough foundation, but I really wish it had more coverage. If I finally run out this fall, I’ll be trying some new options.

MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NW15

I’ve had this concealer as long as the foundation, and I’ve rarely used it. I didn’t like it under my eyes, but I use it occasionally, when I have a nasty zit or something. This is more of a just-in-case item.

Revlon Photoready Powder in Translucent (not pictured)

I was in a tight spot when I bought this powder and I fully expected to hate it, but I actually kinda liked it. I used it a good bit over the summer and it made my BB cream look like smooth foundation. I’m unsure if I’ll buy it again, but I’ve enjoyed using it.

Benefit High Beam Illuminator

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This is a product that’s been in my makeup bag way too long. I never really used it — or any highlighter — because I was afraid of looking too shiny or overdone or what have you. The Marc Jacobs Glowstick post I did some weeks back taught me not to fear the highlighter, and I started using High Beam with my regular routine. I’m not the biggest fan of it; it’s watery and doesn’t blend well into powder, but it’s already halfway gone, I can deal.

MAC Powder Blush in Taupe

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Here’s my contour shade! I feel like it’s a bit dark, but that’s what they gave me at the MAC counter, so here we are. I’m using a light dust around the sides of my nose, my hairline, and my chin. I’m not contouring my cheekbones here because my face lacks the natural cheekbone shape, and I can’t figure out how to contour without just looking like I got dirty.

Korres Zea Mays Blush in 16 Pink

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Now this is something I’ve had for a few years now. I love a pretty pink blush, and I thought pink would be the best color for a look with so many cool tones in it. This is also something I have to use with a light hand.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

I use this year-round actually, and I’ve probably had this one particular tube for longer than I should. The spoolie is still wet and delivers product, so it’s still good to me. I’ll probably use it until the spoolie is dry and crusty and has dingleberries on it.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes in Brunette

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I tend to let my eyebrows go a little in the summer, but in the fall and winter, when I’m putting a little more effort into my look, I actually take the time to fill them in. I don’t use the wax in here too often, and I’m not sure if I’ve ever used the shadows, but the brow powders are pretty great. Sorry about the palette photo, I should have cleaned it up a little before I took it. Even I’m a little grossed out by that one.

NYX Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray in Matte Finish (not pictured)

I’d heard a lot of good things about NYX’s setting sprays, so when I finally saw one — when my local Target’s NYX display finally looked like it hadn’t been picked over by wild animals — I picked one up. I love a good setting spray, even if it does seem like a really frivolous product.

Eyes

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly

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This cream eyeshadow is doing double-duty as my eye primer this round. I love this stuff; it doesn’t budge and lasts forever. Nearly everything I put on over it looks amazing and stays on until I take it off.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean

So I said Painterly is a perfect base for nearly everything, right? Black shadow looks fine over it, too, but could still use some help. Black Bean is like a helper primer for this look. When I use this on my lids, I get the blackest smokey eye I could ever want.

ipsy + NYX Neutral Trio

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While this will be a mostly bright and colorful look, I also want some black. I chose this palette for the matte black shadow, but the two lighter neutrals are coming in handy for blending and whole-lid coverage.

Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow Quad in Queen of the Blues

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It was really tough to find a blue in my collection that worked for what I wanted. It’s so hard to believe that, out of like the hundreds of single eyeshadows and dozens of palettes I have, I could not find a light blue that actually showed up on my skin. This was the most Serenity-like blue eyeshadow I had, and I decided just to use the whole palette. The mid-tone blue was the one I like the best, but I can’t pass up that glitterbomb in the lower right.

Stila Collectible Travel Palette in Road to Radiance Across the USA

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Do you remember these? There was a whole collection of these cute little palettes, each based on a different destination. For a whopping ten bucks, you got four shadows and a cream blush/lip product. This is many years old, so I don’t think I’ll be using the cream product, but the shadows will do nicely for my look. I had the same problem choosing pink colors as I did blue; everything I picked out was either too shimmery or too pale.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyed Pencil in Zero

My all-time favorite eyeliner pencil is included in this look, of course. What’s a dramatic makeup look without a black eyeliner?

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion

For my liquid liner needs. Liquid liner doesn’t get better than this stuff. Of course, I haven’t tried the new Razor Sharp liners yet.

Eyetini Swizzle Stick in Blue Hawaiian (not pictured)

Another ipsy bag grab! I only realized I had this when I was digging through a drawer looking for something else, and I saw it was just the right blue to match my lips, I decided to give it a go. I don’t know if I’ll use it that often, but I’ll keep it around.

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Air Guitar

I’ve been buying the Heavy Metal liners for years now. I can’t get enough glitter, and this is my favorite way to add glitter to a dramatic eye. Again, I don’t know that I’ll be using this a whole lot, but if I do, I’ll likely be using it over the Blue Hawaiian liner, because it doesn’t bring enough color on its own. Really, I just like the option.

NYX Big and Loud Lash Primer (not pictured)

Holy cow, you guys. I picked this up on a whim because I was dreading having to buy another expensive Lancôme one. I will never buy that Lancôme one again. I’ve already got pretty long natural lashes, but this one seriously makes my lashes twice as long. I almost want to do a whole post about it, I’m so impressed with it.

Clarins Be Long Mascara in Intense Black

I don’t normally buy high-end mascaras, but a pushy Nordstrom sales lady sent me home with this one. I have to say, it’s not terrible. She assured me that it was going to make my natural lashes even longer, but I never noticed a change. It makes my lashes feathery and long, but doesn’t add a lot of volume or plumpness, so a lash primer is a necessity. I also wore this mascara last winter, which I know is a big no-no, but it was expensive and there was still some in there.

Lips

MAC Prep + Prime Lip Primer (not pictured)

Of course I use a lip primer. I’m not using liquid lipsticks this round like I totally should be, so I need all the help I can get keeping the creamy traditional lipstick on. This is actually my second tube of this.

Obsessive-Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Colour Pencil in Anti-Feathered (not pictured)

This is my favorite clear liner, and I use it for every lipstick I don’t have a matched liner for. It’s already half-used and I’ll probably be done with it by the winter. It’s the best.

MAC Amplified Lipstick in Saint Germain

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Here comes the good stuff. This pink lipstick is creamy, bright, and so pink it kind of hurts to look at. It’s just what I needed.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Blue Velvet

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The first time I saw these, I knew I had to have them, and I ordered all of them. Of course, until now, I’ve not worn any of them. This was the first blue lipstick I’d seen since the ’90s, and it’s both nostalgic and modern to me. I’m really excited and a bit nervous about wearing this out, but at the end of the day, it’s just a color just like pink is.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Intense Artist in 50

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Here comes the black! I gotta be honest, I never dreamed that black lipstick would be sold somewhere other than costume shops around Halloween. Even more, it’s a chic fashion statement. The middle school goth in me isn’t sure if she should be horrified or pleased.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Pink Plum

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I added a fourth lipstick to this look in case, for some reason, ridiculous lipstick is out of the question. I got this out of a Walgreen’s sale bin, and it’s kind of nice. It’s a sheer pink, so it adds color without being too much. Again, I like having the option.

MAC Mineralize Glass Lip Gloss in Beautiful Moves

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I will admit I bought this because I didn’t know when I’d see a blue-green lip gloss again. I love that I’ve found a use for it! As the challenge moves on, I’d like to be able to wear this over both blue and pink lipsticks, ensuring I get both Colors of the Year in one lip look.

MAC Dazzleglass Lip Gloss in Sugarrimmed

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The same for this gloss. I love the pink sparkles over the blue lipstick. It creates a lot of fun dimension.

Here are some quick and dirty hand swatches for all of the above products:

Lipsticks, left to right: Saint Germain, Pink Plush, Blue Velvet, #50

Glosses: Top, Sugarrimmed, Bottom: Beautiful Moves

Blushes: Top, Korres Zea Mays blush, Bottom, MAC powder blush in Taupe

Eyeshadows, Left: Sonia Kashuk Queen of the Blues, Right: ipsy + NYX neutrals palette

Heavy Metal in Air Guitar: alone on left, over Eyetini Blue Hawaiian on right

And, of course, what’s a makeup post like this without a preview of the whole look? I’m actually surprised how subtle this first round was; looking at the variety of products in this list and bright some of the colors are, I expected something pretty costumey, but it’s all really wearable together. Of course, I’m only dipping my toes in; I’m sure it’ll look a little more clownish when I get the blue lips out. I plan to rotate the products and colors in and out, but generally keep the same look.

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Here are the products I used for this particular face:
Face:
MAC Prep + Prime Skin Primer
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NW10
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express Brow Powder in Brunette
Korres Zea Mays blush in Pink
MAC powder blush in Taupe
Benefit High Beam illuminator
NYX Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray in Matte Finish
Eyes:
MAC Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean
ipsy + NYX neutrals trio palette (all shades)
Sonia Kashuk eyeshadow quad in Queen of the Blues (glitter shade, frosty blue shade)
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eyeliner in Zero
NYX Big and Loud lash primer
Clarins Be Long mascara in Intense Black
Lips:
MAC Prep + Prime lip primer
Obsessive-Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Colour pencil in Anti-Feathered
MAC Amplified lipstick in Saint Germain
MAC Mineralizeglass lip gloss in Beautiful Moves

If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much for reading! I plan to post updates with new looks and product progress every month, so you’ll have the chance to see how some of these less conventional products are used. I’m really excited about this look, and I’m so happy to be sharing it. What products are you digging out now that it’s cooler outside? I want to know!

I bought these products myself.

Review: Highlight Cosmetics’s Liquid Lipstick in Broadway Red

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Stacie Wacie

Hello, reader! Ready for another lipstick post? The lovely people at Highlight Cosmetics were kind enough to send us a sample of their liquid lipstick. The shade I’m trying out is Broadway Red.

Broadway Red is a matte red with shimmer that, when dry, creates a metallic look. As is typical of liquid lipsticks, it comes with a doe-foot applicator, which makes for easy and precise application. The product formula is really lovely; it dries super quickly, practically the second I put it on, and the wear time is really good. As long as I’m not putting oily things on my lips, it stayed on and looked perfect; it stands up to liquids pretty well, but not pizza and lip balm. After extended wear, my lips did feel a bit dry, likely after coming into contact with liquids. At the end of the day, I used bi-phase makeup remover to take it off, and it did leave some staining behind; this was gone by morning.

I’m new on the liquid lipstick bandwagon, and I finally see what the fuss is about. It’s so nice to not have a ton of lip color come off on the glass. Because I haven’t previously tried this kind of product, I don’t really have a lot to compare it to. I can’t speak for how well it holds up against other brands. My hope is that all liquid lipsticks wear as well as this one does.

Apart from the impressive wear times and color quality, Highlight also uses some natural ingredients. Turmeric and tea leaf extracts are in here, which are both known for their uses in folk medicine. Safflower oil is included to help moisturize the lips. I didn’t really notice a difference in lip moisture, and I even felt a little dried out at some points, but for such prolonged wear, I don’t mind. Highlight liquid lipsticks are also free of gluten, parabens, are non-toxic, and cruelty-free.

At 25 dollars for 4g/.14oz, Highlight liquid lipsticks are comparable to other lipsticks on the market. They can be purchased on Amazon and from the Highlight Cosmetics website.

Other products I used in this look:
Face:
Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45
Revlon Photoready powder in Translucent
Benefit Dallas bronzer
Benefit High Beam highlighter
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Browl Gel

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
Urban Decay eyeshadows Foxy and Tease, found in the Naked 2 palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero
Maybelline Great Lash waterproof mascara

Highlight Cosmetics sent this product for review. All opinions are my own. Other products mentioned in this post were purchased myself.

National Lipstick Day 2016

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Stacie Wacie

Did you guys know today is National Lipstick Day? I only just found out this morning, but I knew I had to write about it. I love any excuse to dig a lipstick out! For National Lipstick Day 2016, I’m wearing Revlon’s Crushed Velvet Lip Creme in Push-Up Plum. Before I go on any further, I should tell you this is like an eight year old lipstick. I promise I smelled it and looked it over for mold and grossness before I used it. Also, I chose this one by just digging into the lipstick drawer and pulling something out.

This is a lipstick I’ve had languishing in my vanity drawer basically since the day I bought it. I got it on sale after Revlon had discontinued the line and Walgreens was clearing it out. I snapped it up along with a few others. I don’t know why it is I’ve never really worn them. I’ve always loved plum lipsticks, but I’ve just never felt like wearing this. In fact, I nearly put it back a few times, justifying it with “oh, this doesn’t go with what I have on” or “oh, maybe I should go for something more seasonal”. I decided that no, today’s the day. I’m giving this lipstick the love I should have given it eight years ago.

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The texture of the lipstick itself is really creamy and smooth, and while it’s easy to apply, it’s not easy to apply well. There’s some patchiness, and it settles into lines pretty easily. However, from a distance, it’s hard to tell. That close-up photo looks a little scarier than it is. Also, one thing that annoys me about this lipstick, is that the outside of the bullet has this fine silver shimmer over it, but the inside doesn’t. It’s such a letdown!

So there it is, National Lipstick Day 2016! What are you wearing to celebrate?

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
Urban Decay eyeshadows Foxy, Snakebite, and Blackout, found in the Naked 2 palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero
Maybelline Great Lash waterproof mascara

Dress: Modcloth

As this is a very old lipstick, it’s no longer for sale. Other Revlon lipsticks are sold in stores nationwide.

I bought all these products myself.

Review: Bite Beauty’s Amuse Bouche Lipsticks

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Stacie Wacie

Today’s post is a huge departure from the usual wacie.com fare. I’ve never written about makeup on this blog, and I’ve never posted my face here, though I’m sure by now you know what I look like. I’m both excited and nervous to share it with you. Please do note that these are press samples, I received them for free from Bite Beauty and Influenster, and I wasn’t compensated for this post. All opinions contained herein are my own and were not influenced in any way.

A little while ago, I was notified by Influenster that I would be receiving an Amuse Bouche Voxbox from Bite Beauty. Of course, I was ecstatic, because who doesn’t love lipstick? I am a huge fan of lip products, and though I own upwards of a hundred lipsticks, I don’t own any from Bite. I’ve heard great things from the makeup community, of course; I’ve had Sephora employees tell me about the great list of natural ingredients they use, and I’ve read about the custom lipstick creation process at the Bite Beauty Lip Lab, so I’m finally excited to try them out for myself.

These lipsticks made a great first impression on me, and I’m not exaggerating (much) when I say it was love at first swipe. The product just glides on effortlessly with tons of color and creamy, dewy shine. It has a very lightweight feel, so light I even forgot I was wearing it. The one concern I did have at first was the appearance of the lipstick bullet; in the photos below, you’ll see they have a bumpy and/or greasy look to them. They didn’t smell off — the scent was actually a pleasant citrus — so I just figured it was just sweaty from being in a mailbox in Florida. The product itself didn’t seem altered by it in any way.

The photo below shows each shade at one swipe, as well as an attempt at removal with makeup remover — Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, in this case — and as you can see, it left quite a lot of color behind. This may be remedied with a lip color primer underneath the color.

From top to bottom: Pepper, Gazpacho, Beetroot

This first shade is called Pepper. This is probably the most universally flattering shade of the three I received, as well as the most suited for everyday wear. I also think it’s the most flattering one for my skintone. Sephora’s website calls Pepper a dusty rose; for me, it’s a neutral my-lips-but-better shade.

Next is Beetroot, which is a deep, bold berry. I feel like this one is a bit harsh on me, but I like how it looks anyway. I think I’d like it better paired with a dramatic smoky eye.

I saved my favorite for last! I write about how much I love red on the blog all the time; it’s my favorite color for lips as well as nails. It makes my eyes look their greenest. Gazpacho is a true blue-red, and it’s probably the one of the three I’ll be reaching for the most.

I have to say, I love these lipsticks. The color payoff and product formula are just unbeatable. If you’re someone looking for an all-natural lipstick made with natural and organic ingredients that has excellent color and wear, Amuse Bouche is going to be your new best friend. This lipstick really is the whole package, but with one caveat: the price. Amuse Bouche retails for $26 each at Sephora, and I’m a bit conflicted. I love the product formula, but color is the biggest factor in whether I buy a lipstick, and I don’t feel like these colors are unique enough to warrant a $26 purchase; I’m more likely to get similar colors and finishes from MAC.

As I mentioned, Amuse Bouche and other Bite Beauty products are available at Sephora.

These products were press samples and were sent by Influenster on behalf of Bite Beauty. I wasn’t compensated for this post. All opinions contained herein are my own and were not influenced in any way.

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Tag Archives: lipstick

Project Pan, Fall 2016: Rose Quartz + Serenity-Inspired — Conclusion

I bought these products myself.

Project Pan, Fall 2016: Rose Quartz + Serenity-Inspired

I bought these products myself.

Review: Highlight Cosmetics’s Liquid Lipstick in Broadway Red

Highlight Cosmetics sent this product for review. All opinions are my own. Other products mentioned in this post were purchased myself.

National Lipstick Day 2016

I bought all these products myself.

Review: Bite Beauty’s Amuse Bouche Lipsticks

These products were press samples and were sent by Influenster on behalf of Bite Beauty. I wasn’t compensated for this post. All opinions contained herein are my own and were not influenced in any way.