Calypso St. Barth Lea

I've been so excited to try Calypso St. Barth Lea.  For those of you who are not familiar, this is a perfume from a small spa in France.  I got mine from a company called LuckyScent in California.  LuckyScent is neat because they have an awesome perfume recommendation service (seriously! this one is detailed and a person makes recommendations for you based on the very detailed and fun questionnaire) and then you can buy sample vials of the perfumes (or any of their perfumes) for $4.

Dior Hypnotic Poison is my signature scent, and I've been looking for a lighter scent that's similar to wear to work or other times when wearing strong perfume isn't appropriate.  I've seen Lea recommended over and over again for anyone who loves Hypnotic Poison, so I've been dying to try it.

I have to say I'm a tiny bit disappointed.  This is a very simple fragrance.  Almond is one of my favorite scents.  I will buy anything with almond scents.  But this one is SO simple.  It's almond without the sweetness or cream, no floral at all to balance.  Just simple almond, musk, and vanilla.  Don't get me wrong.  It's not a bad scent.  It actually does meet my requirement of something lighter and simpler to wear to work.  But it's just ... missing something.  It's definitely not Hypnotic Poison.  I like it, but it just makes me wish I was wearing Hypnotic Poison.  I do not think I'll be buying the full size ... but I wouldn't mind having a bottle to wear to work.  It's just okay.  It is soft and fades relatively quickly.

Calypso St. Barth Lea Available at Luckyscent for $4 for a sample vial or $100 for 100 mL.

SirenPrincessBeauty Rating: B+

Disclaimer:  I purchased a sample size of this product.

L'oreal True Match Lumi Review

L'oreal True Match is my favorite drugstore foundation brand, and my favorite high-end brand is Dolce & Gabanna Perfect Luminous Foundation, so I theoretically should love this product.  So ... how does this product compare?

 

First, I'm very disappointed that the lightest colors of this product are combined with the next higher color, for example W1-2.  The thing I love about True Match is that it offers truly pale, pale colors in choices of warm, neutral, or cool.  When you combine shades, it's not really an exact match anymore.  And for a brand called True Match whose entire branding message is an exact match, I just find this totally unacceptable.  There are girls out there like me who can't really get away with wearing a level 2 color.

That being said, this combo isn't quite as bad as some of the other W1-2 combos in the line I've tried.

It's #1 in the swatches above.  As you can see, it's a little bit darker and yellower than I should wear.  For comparison, the L'oreal True Match liquid in W1 is #3 above, so you can see how this one is darker.  The combo W1-W2 L'oreal True Match cream roll-on is #6.

The foundation itself is nice and thick and moisturizing.  I do like it.  But it doesn't hold up all day like my Dolce & Gabanna Perfect Luminous foundation does.  It's not a bad drugstore alternative, but I'd definitely rather be wearing the Dolce & Gabanna.

SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: C+

Disclaimer:  I purchased this product with my own money, but I do receive a discount on drugstore products through an employee discount (not for a cosmetics company but the drugstore that sells them).

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb

I got an extra free sample in a box from Sephora.  It was Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb.  I am on a fragrance hunt to find the perfect new perfume for me, so I decided to try it.  With a name like Flowerbomb, though, I was pretty nervous to do so because I hate strong floral perfumes.

I was quite surprised to find that I liked the scent of Flowerbomb.  It is very floral, but it does also have a strong sweetness to it too!  I like sweet scents, so I did like the smell of this.

It is very potent stuff with a wide silage and it lasts forever.  It honestly lasted over 24 hours on me until I finally showered it off.

The bad part?  One of the floral components of this scent set off my asthma.  I kept coughing.  I tried to convince myself it wasn't the perfume, but it was.  I left the used container in the bathroom and I coughed myself near to death when I went back in the bathroom.  So if you're sensitive to perfumes, this one is not for you!

But if you like slightly sweet floral scents, this is a very nice, high quality one.

Flowerbomb is available from Sephora at $80 for an ounce, $50 for 0.68 oz, or $29 for a rollerball.

SirenPrincessBeauty Rating C (the silage and irritant qualities could be a problem to wear this at work or in public, but if you want a long-acting floral perfume, this is for you)

Disclaimer--This product was a free sample with a purchase.

Bobbi Brown Lip Glosses

I LOVE lip gloss.  I love Bobbi Brown.  I love Bobbi Brown lip glosses!  Let's take a look at the ones I have:

1. Rose Gold Lip Gloss
2. Naked Plum High Shimmer Lip Gloss
3. Pink Seashell Lip Gloss
4. Sailor Lip Gloss
5. Lilac Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss
6. Nude Glitter Lip Gloss (discontinued)
7. Bellini High Shimmer Lip Gloss
8. Rose Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss

And swatched on my pale skin (I wear Bobbi Brown Alabaster):

All of Bobbi's lip glosses have a beautiful shimmer.  They are supposed to go in order of shimmer from lip gloss to shimmer lip gloss to high shimmer lip gloss, but I haven't found a bit difference in the shimmer factor.  One thing I highly dislike, though, is that the high shimmer lip glosses have some sort of mint in them.  The scent is fabulous, but mint is an irritant to lips.  It will make them plumper, but also makes them tingle and can overly dry them.  I still love all of my Bobbi glosses, but I try not to wear the high shimmer every day for that reason.

You really can't go wrong with any of the colors.  It just depends upon how warm or cool and how dark or light you want to go.

My all time favorite lip gloss of any brand ever is Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Gloss in Nude.  It's now discontinued *sob*.  If anyone knows anywhere that's still selling them, let me know.  That's actually one of the things I hate most about Bobbi Brown.  Things are constantly being discontinued.  As soon as you love something, it's gone.  This product doesn't look like much swatched on my arm, but over my pinky-blue lips, it's just amazing.

All of the others I've purchased in an attempt to find something close to the glitter gloss, but none of them are quite right.  They're all still great, but all a little different.

1. Rose Gold Lip Gloss--Rose Gold is a very on trend color right now.  I really like this one, but it does go a bit 'brown' on my lips.  Purchased by me at Saks.  SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: A-

2. Naked Plum High Shimmer Lip Gloss--This is my favorite new Bobbi Brown lip gloss.  It's a pinky rose color on me.  The only thing stopping it from being my favorite lip gloss is the darn mint in it.  Purchased by me at Bergdorf Goodman.  SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: A-

3. Pink Seashell Lip Gloss--This one was recommended by the Bobbi Brown online ask an artist.  You can upload a picture of yourself if you want IM with a makeup artist.  This is what they suggested as a replacement for the glitter gloss.  It's much pinker and paler and less brown, and there's slightly less shimmer.  Not my favorite.  Purchased by me from BobbiBrown.com.  SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: C+

4. Sailor Lip Gloss--This one sure looks weird in the tube, but it looks good on lips.  It's a sheer wash of rose color with sparkle.  This is also great for layering over lipstick for a pop of gloss.  This was a GWP at Bergdorf Goodman.  SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: B

5. Lilac Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss--This is by far the coolest Bobbi Brown lip gloss.  I wouldn't wear it by itself as it's so lavender.  But here's a tip that makes this lip gloss very useful.  If you have a lipstick that is a little too warm or peachy on you, layer this lip gloss over the top and it will cool it down and give you that perfect rose color you wanted.  Purchased by me at Cosmetics Company Outlet Store.  SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: A- (for use over lipstick) B- as a stand alone

6. Nude Glitter Lip Gloss (discontinued)--My discontinued HG. Purchased by me a Barney's.  SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: A+

7. Bellini High Shimmer Lip Gloss--This one is a bit too pale, but the shimmer is nice.  This was a GWP at BobbiBrown.com.  SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: B-

8. Rose Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss--This one is a bit too dark for this pale girl.  It might be good if you're a bit darker or have more pigmented lips.  This was a GWP at BobbiBrown.com.  SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: B-

These are all available (except my beloved Glitter Gloss) from the Bobbi Brown website for $24 each.

I don't have a lippie obsession at all.  Oh no.

Wantable October 2013

My October Wantable box arrived today!  Here's my review:

 

I received Besame Classic Color Lipstick in Champagne, Darla Makeup Peepers Eyeshadow in Baby Dot, Cailyn Cosmetics Idefine Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Black, Manna Kadar Lip Glaze in Patty Cakes, Kikerland Glam Girl Tweezers, and Skiin Instant Skin Tightner and Line Filler Sample.

I think when reviewing a box, it helps to know what the person receiving it likes and doesn't like.  Wantable is highly, highly customizable, which is my favorite thing about it!  I have that I "love" eyeshadow, blush, lip products, and tools and that I "like" eyeliner and brows and "dislike" nails, highlighters, bronzers, and mascara.  I also have mine set for more natural colors like I like.

I am really happy with this box!  I love that I get products that I like and no products that I don't like.  Most subscription boxes don't give you enough customization options.  I did not receive a single thing I don't like.  In fact, I love and would buy every single item in my box.

As far as value, it's hard to say for sure since they're all brands I'm unfamiliar with.  That is the one downside to Wantable.  But I like to consider what I would pay for that item without knowing anything about it other than just how I like it.  The Cailyn liquid eyeliner is very similar to my favorite Stila liquid eyeliner, that I pay $20 for.  Lipstick and lipglosses range $10-$30, depending upon brand, so I'd call those worth $20 for the two of them.  That eyeshadow is easily worth $10.  So ... I'm at at least $50 in value.  Wantable boxes cost $36/month if you're on subscription.  I actually got mine for $26 because I referred a friend.  My refer link is here if you'd like to subscribe yourself!  Note that trying to refer people is not affecting my review.  I got what I got.  You can see it for yourself.  I like that you can customize it; I don't like that the brands are unknown names.  Up to you if you'd like that or not then!

The Besame lipstick in Champagne is a nude-colored shimmer lipstick.  I'd like a bit more rose in it to make it more natural on my lips, but I do like it.

I LOVE the Darla Makeup eyeshadow in Baby Dot.  It's bronze colored and shimmer.  I might not have immediately picked that color on my own.  I do love brown eyeshadows.  I buy a ton, but always want more!  But bronze???  It looks great on my eyes, though!  I can actually just pat my finger on this, rub it on my eyelid a bit, and have perfect eyeshadow in less than a minute.  This would be a great travel product or a great busy morning product.  I'm very impressed with the quality and would like to see more buy this brand.  According to the packaging, Darla Makeup is free of talc, parabens, fragrance, carcinogens, petroleum, FD&C colors, & gluten. Vegan and cruelty free.  Made in the USA.

I have not had a chance to try the Cailyn liquid eyeliner, but I think I will like it.  It looks very similar to the Stila one that is my favorite.  As long as it's black or brown, liquid, and a large size felt tip, I'll like it.  This seems to meet all those criteria.

The Manna Kadar lip glaze in Patty Cakes is a peachy sheer shimmer.  It will be great to toss over other lipsticks to add the glossy look I like.

I'm excited to try the Skiin Instant Skiin Tightner and Line Filler sample.  I don't know if it will work, but I have a few areas I'd really like to have this kind of product for.  If it works, I'd buy it.  Very happy to get the opportunity to try.

And finally the tweezers.  Well, they're tweezers.  It seems to be an added in bonus fifth item for me.  A girl can't have too many pairs of tweezers, so I'm happy to have them.

All in all, a great box for me.  I'm still happy with Wantable.  I love the surprise and excitement.  I had a great time unboxing this with my best friend over the phone.  She gets her box next week or so.  So excited to see what she gets!

Overall SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: A-

Disclaimer--I purchased this box with my own money.

Finally, wanted to share a couple of promo codes if anyone is interested:

Darla Makeup 25% of your next purchase at darlamakeup.com Code: SAVE25

Dr Brandt 15% off your entire purchase at drbrandtskincare.com Code: DRBGOODIES15 Expires Oct 31, 2013.

Marc Jacobs Lola

Last week, I explained my new search for a perfume.  If you recall, I really enjoyed Marc Jacobs Honey.  This week, we'll be exploring Marc Jacobs Lola.

Lola is a floral scent.  I don't care much for floral scents in general, but this one is oddly pretty good!  It smells a lot like Estee Lauder Pleasures to me.  I used to wear Pleasures about 10 years ago.  It's a floral scent that's soft and makes you want to smell more instead of wanting to get it off your skin immediately.  If you like floral scents, you'll love this one.  Even thought I don't like floral scents, I like this one and would wear it.  It is not overpowering (a good thing), but it unfortunately doesn't last very long at all.

Lola available from Sephora for $68 for 1.7 oz.

SirenPrincess Beauty Rating: B

Disclaimer:  A free sample of this product was provided by COTY per my request.

Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Eye Palette

We all have one beauty product we're obsessed with buying.  Maybe yours is nail polish or blush or hair products.  Mine is definitely eyeshadow palettes.  It's the one beauty area I really let myself play.  And each palette is a little bit different and that makes me want them all!

By far and away, my favorite palettes are Bobbi Brown palettes, and this is my new favorite Bobbi Brown palette.  It's the Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Eye Palette.

I should say that browns and neutrals are my favorite type of eyeshadow.  I was a little worried at first, though, that this palette might be a little bit dark for me.  It's not!  I also wasn't going to let myself buy it because I do have so many Bobbi Brown palettes, and I even have palettes with duplicates of some of these colors.  But I have to say that I am so happy that I bought it!

The shadows from left to right:

• Bone (Matte)--This slightly yellowy skintoned color is my favorite of the Bobbi Brown light ivory/skintone colors.  It's a little bit warmer and more yellow than Ivory.  It's the perfect nude blending color for my eyes.
• Stone (Matte)--This is my favorite darkish brown lid color of all the Bobbi Brown shades.
• Frappe (Matte)--This is a yellowy brown.
• Caramel (Sparkle)--This is a sheer brown sparkle. It's great for laying to add sparkle, but it's hard to get any color payout.
• Champagne Truffle (Shimmer)--A brassy sparkle color.
• Cocoa (Matte)--Another nice darkish brown. A good slightly darker alternative to Stone.
• Rich Chocolate (Matte)--I use this for eyeliner. It's got just enough warmth to it to clearly be brown instead of black.  It's warmer and browner than Espresso.

I absolutely love everything about this palette.  It has my two favorite Bobbi Brown eyeshadows--Bone and Stone.  It has a lot of matte choices (yay!).  It has an eyeliner color that I can actually tell isn't black.  It does give one sparkle and one shimmer choice.  It's just fabulous with my blue eyes.

I think this is a terrific palette for darker browns for pale girls.  But I also think this is a good palette for medium and darker skintones too.  The eyeshadows will just not be as dark, but the subtle color differences will be more obvious.

I did answer a question from someone comparing this palette to the Bobbi Brown Smokey Warm Eye Palette.  In my opinion, this is the better choice.  You get more eyeshadows (and it looks like more of them too).  I prefer the warmer Bone over Ivory (which is slightly whiter).  I prefer the browner Rich Chocolate over Espresso.  I like that you get more mattes in this palette (and Bobbi Brown mattes are her best).  The Smokey Warm Eye Palette does have Blonde, which I do want, but I still think this one is the better choice.

Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Eye Palette available at BobbiBrown.com for $52.


SirenPrincessBeauty Rating: A+
Great for everyone!



Disclaimer--I purchased this product myself.