Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Ibiza

The Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipsticks are not your traditional lipstick.  The formula is not creamy and hydrating like most lipsticks I am familiar with.  Le Metier's lipsticks are a dry formula, which acts like more of a lipstain.  The color is intensely pigmented and settles into the lips.  Although a dry formula, the lipstick itself is not drying like most longwear lipsticks.  Le Metier manages to keep the formula comfortable to wear, while being long lasting.  This may be because the lipstick does contain jojoba, lanolin, and shea butter. The result?  A long wearing lip color that is intensely pigmented and non drying.  


Ibiza is a bright, frosty pink.  In some lights it appears a cool toned pink while in others it seems more neutral with a coral tone.  

A word of caution with this lipstick is that if your lips are dry, the formula will not go on smoothly and evenly.  This works best on exfoliated and well hydrated lips. The trade off is that the formula lasts for hours!  Pairing it with a lip balm underneath may help the color to apply more evenly but will obviously not last as long.  Definitely try this formula out on your lips before purchasing to make sure the texture will suit you. Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick retails for $32.00.  


Thank you again to all my readers, and for all your comments!  Please follow if you haven't had a chance to!

The Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki Brush

I have had the MAC Kabuki brush for years, and mostly it sat in my makeup drawer unused.  I found it difficult to work with, for some reason, as I really don't buff products on to my skin.  I was looking for a brush that could be used for multiple purposes, such as applying setting powder, or blush or bronzer.  I currently have 3 different brushes for each of these uses and in an effort to simplify my makeup routine, I thought what if there was something that could do it all?  Enter the Le Metier de Beaute Kabuki brush.  

Le Metier de Beaute's kabuki brush is small and very lightweight.  It easily fits into your hand and there is no weight in the handle to make the brush feel heavy.  The hairs are incredibly soft.  They consist of pony and goat hairs and go through a three day conditioning process to add to their luxurious feel.  What I love most about this brush, aside from how soft it is, is the density of the hairs.  The hairs are perfectly packed so as not to be too dense and drag on the skin or too light that the product does not apply evenly.  

I use this brush with a light hand to apply my setting powder each morning.  I also use it on its side to apply blush.  It can also be used for bronzer.

The main differences between the MAC kabuki and the Le Metier brush are a few: 
1. The handle is weighted in the MAC brush
2. The hairs in the MAC brush are goat
3. The hairs are more densely packed in the MAC brush and slightly shorter and more dome shaped
4. The cost.  The MAC 182 brush retails for $49.50 while the Le Metier will set you back $85.00.


I think the density and shape of the hairs is why the Le Metier brush can be used for multiple purposes.  The hairs are on the longer side, and the shape allows you to use the brush on it's side or head.  The brush has slightly more give, which allows you to use it for a light dusting of powder products.  

 

The Le Metier brush is costly, but it is money well spent as this is an investment that will last for years to come!  I'm extremely happy with my purchase and plan on checking out some of Le Metier's eye brushes soon!


What are some of your favorite brushes?

The Makeup Mavens Weekly Round Up!

The Makeup Mavens present makeup you may have missed.  This week we got a closer look at some of the fall collections by Chanel, Armani, and Le Metier de Beaute!  Other Maven's continue to show their love for designer cosmetics with Rouge Bunny Rouge, Chanel and By Terry!  

The highly anticipated Tom Ford Cosmetics collection...can't wait!

Lipstick Luvvies shows us the Chanel Fall Nail Colors along with some great dupes.


Interested in Armani's new Fall Collection? Lovesong for my Lipgloss has swatches of the entire lineup! 


Mookie on the Bench has expanded her brush collection with some new eyeliner brushes from Rouge Bunny Rouge. 


Product Doctor is loving her lips dressed in Le Metier de Beaute's Lip Kaleidoscope in Empress.


Raseberry Rouge looks gorgeous in the strawberry red that is Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Monte Carlo. 


The Black Panties' review of the By Terry Seve de Rose Ultra Glow Double Serum was so tempting you'll be running out for your own liquid crack with gelato on top!  

Le Metier de Beaute Radiance Powder Rouge in Rumor

Le Metier de Beaute's Radiance Powder Rouge in Rumor is an ultralight powder which contours and defines the cheek while adding just the right amount of color. The formula allows for adjustable coverage, from a sheer wash to a more intense finish.  It is also shine absorbing, oil free and safe for sensitive skin.  This last point is the main reason why I decided to pick this up as I recently discovered that my Chanel blushes were making me break out!  Rumor is a deep burnished color, almost red.  It is a perfect shade for fall!

I am starting to get a little tired of the summer bronzed look and I think I will be retiring my bronzers until the dead of winter makes me yearn again for summer! This color matches my natural flush, and really lifts my face when I wear it.  The Le Metier de Beaute Radiance Powder Rouge is available in four shades: Fresh, Echo, Whisper and Rumor and retails for $30.00.


What are some of your favorite blushes for fall?

Le Metier de Beaute Kaleidoscope Lip Kit in Empress

Le Metier de Beaute's Kaleidoscope Lip Kit in Empress is the star of the Silk Road Collection for Fall 2011.  I was immediately enamoured upon seeing this lip kit in action.  The colors individually are very wearable and the combinations are endless! This lip kit is perfect for day or night!

Imperial Silk

Silk Road

Empress Delicate

Plum Satin

Swatched from top to bottom:

Imperial Silk: a pale pink

Silk Road: a vibrant, richly pigmented red

Empress Delicate: a sheer mauve

Plum Satin: a deep plum

Layered on top of each other, the result is a berry toned pink.  

I played around and experimented with other combinations.  Plum Satin with Empress Delicate gives a wearable mauve, perfect for day.

Silk Road with Empress Delicate gives a more wearable berry pink.

Finally, Imperial Silk, Silk Road and Empress Delicate give my favorite combination, a soft mauvy pink.

The formula is actually long wearing, as I found it set on my lips and lasted for a good four hours.  Whatever combination you choose, you can just pick up extra product and store it in a retractable lip brush and take that with you for touch ups. This kit is definitely the must have from the Fall Collection!  These colors will look gorgeous as the weather cools, and that red screams holiday!  Get yours fast at your local Le Metier counter, or call the counter at Bergdorf's 212-872-8612 to reserve yours today, $95.00.

Makeup What You Missed With The Makeup Mavens...And What I'm Lemming At The Moment

Le Metier de Beaute's Silk Road Collection for Fall 2011 has me lusting after their eye and lip kaleidoscopes!  I love the collection of deep plums and purples for the eyes and the blend of nudes with sheer red and plum for the lips! I'm planning a stop at Bergdorf's today to check out these lovelies in person!

Le Metier de Beaute Silk Road Kaleidoscope

Le Metier de Beaute Empress Kaleidoscope Lip Kit

Makeup Mavens present makeup you may have missed. This week we've got you covered - from your base, eyes, lips to your nails and with a little bit of luck you may even win a giftcard to spend on beauty products in a well-known online boutique.

The highly anticipated complete Tom Ford makeup line will be coming to the counters this Fall and Jennifer teases us with photos of last year's limited edition nail polish in Black Orchid. Will you be able to resist?

 

Christina of Lovesong For My Lipgloss is hosting her first ever giveaway. And the prize? A Giftcard to Apothica.com so you better run and make sure you enter before 15 September.

Mookie On The Bench falls in love with a gorgeous plum-green duchrome cream eyeshadow by Shiseido. Fans of MAC Club, rights this way.

Product Doctor shares with us a beautiful lipstick from Burberry's new collection. Moisturizing formula? Check! Beautiful packaging? Check! A great choice for all you nude lipstick lovers.

Liz Earle is bringing out a new range of colour cosmetics and Nat tested the Sheer Skin Tint, a lovely tinted moisturizer that will be perfect for those great-skin days.

NOTD: Le Metier de Beaute Chrome Passion

This week I chose Le Metier de Beaute's Rock 'N Romance Nail Lacquer Set which was released for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for my nails of the day.  The color is Chrome Passion- a beautiful gunmetal gray with multicolored shimmer.  In day light the shimmer is primarily silver but in indoor light there is a multicolored effect to the sparkles! The finish is more matte than other sparkly gunmetal grays such as Chanel Graphite.  This makes it easier to wear for daytime or the work week!

Chanel Graphite for comparison

This color is gorgeous!  Of all my collection of blacks and grays, this is by far my favorite! The polish applies well, with opaque coverage in 2 coats.  I am finally used to the teeny tiny brush and my only gripe is that I don't have a full size of this amazing shade!  

Everyday Essentials: Le Metier de Beaute Brow Bound Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette

My everyday makeup routine is all about ease and simplicity.  How can I get out the door using as few products as possible while still looking and feeling put together and my best?  One of my holy grail finds is the Le Metier de Beaute Brow Bound Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette.  Before I found this pencil I usually skipped my filling in brows since it took too much time and effort. The Le Metier pencil, however, is so smooth and easy to use that I can groom and tame my brows quickly and perfectly.

The pencil has a nice soft, waxy consistency that helps to hold the hairs in place for a natural, polished look.  The color Brunette is perfect for darker hair and blends easily into my natural hair color.  There are 5 shades available. Check out Blushing Noir for a swatch of Fawn, one of the most universally flattering shades. Available where Le Metier de Beaute is sold, $36.00.


What are some of your everyday essentials?  

My New Skincare Routine: Kate Somerville

My skin is quite a challenge for me since it is dry, combination, sensitive and acne prone all at the same time!  For the past few months I have been breaking out more than usual and I desperately tried to find the cause for this but could identify no culprit!  I decided a skincare overhaul was in order.  Now I have tried nearly everything out there from La Mer to Dermatologist lines to prescription products but nothing seems to solve my skin woes. 

I settled on Kate Somerville since I have not only heard great things about the line but I have tried a few items from the line as well and have always been impressed. This combination of products is my Anti-Acne Army!   

The Detox Daily Cleanser ($32.00, 4 oz) is a lightweight, gentle cleanser that removes all traces of makeup and impurities without stripping or overly drying the skin.  Salicylic Acid helps fight acne causing bacteria.  It also contains Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid to gently exfoliate the skin.  Phytic Acid helps fade post acne scars and reduce inflammation.

After cleansing, I treat with the Anti Bac Clearing Lotion ($39.00, 1.7 oz).  This revolutionary product is a must have for troubled skin.  This lotion contains encapsulated 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, one of the most advanced and effective acne fighting ingredients.  The controlled time release formula works around the clock to treat and prevent breakouts without over drying the skin.  

Finally, I moisturize with the Oil Free Moisturizer ($65.00, 1.7 oz).  This lightweight cream protects aging, acne prone skin!  Algae based Pepha Tight tones and hydrates the skin while also working to fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Plant based amino acids encourage collagen production and restore elasticity to the skin.  Because there is no sunscreen in this cream, I can use this to moisturize both morning and night.  I use a separate sunscreen during the day to protect my skin.

After 2 weeks of using this regimen morning and night I have noticed a significant difference in my skin with no new breakouts!  My skin is generally smoother and softer, and while nowhere near perfect, does look better without makeup!  My only complaint with the regimen is that the moisturizer doesn't have sunscreen in it.  I am definitely going to stick with this for a while and see if these results last!  

Burberry Lip Cover in Nude Cashmere (No. 26)

The Burberry Lip Cover in Nude Cashmere (No. 26) was released with the Fall Collection.  Nude Cashmere is a sheer, flesh toned nude shade.  The texture of Burberry's lipsticks is very creamy and silky.  The formula is moisturizing and comfortable to wear.  The packaging features the Burberry plaid and magnetic closure.  The wear time is on par with most lipsticks, at about 4 hours. 

Overall, I really like the formula and texture of the Burberry lipsticks.  I think Nude Cashmere is a unique shade, however it will not suit everyone.  If you like true nudes, you will love this.  Available at select Nordstrom's, $30.00.